COUNCIL
AGENDA
Date: Tuesday, 30th September, 2014
Time: 7.00 pm
Venue: Assembly Room, Guildhall
1 COUNCIL Members of the Council:- Chairman: The Mayor
Councillor Patricia Agar (L) Councillor Matt Lacey (C) Councillor Alan Amos (I) Councillor Matthew Lamb (L) Councillor Marc Bayliss (C) Councillor Neil Laurenson (G) Councillor Roger Berry (L) Councillor Steve Mackay (C) Councillor Richard Boorn (L) Councillor Chris Mitchell (C) Councillor Chris Cawthorne (L) Councillor Derek Prodger M.B.E. (C) Councillor Simon Cronin (L) Councillor Jabba Riaz (L) Councillor Lynn Denham (L) Councillor Andy Roberts (C) Councillor Paul Denham (L) Councillor Robert Rowden (C) Councillor Allah Ditta (C) Councillor Mrs Liz Smith (LD) Councillor Simon Geraghty (C) Councillor George Squires (L) Councillor Adrian Gregson (L) Councillor Joy Squires (L) Councillor Jo Hodges (L) Councillor Richard Udall (L) Councillor Mrs Lucy Hodgson (C) Councillor Mike Whitehouse (C) Councillor Stephen Hodgson (C) Councillor David Wilkinson (C) Councillor Mike Johnson (C) Councillor Douglas Wilkinson (C) Councillor Gareth Jones (C) Councillor Geoff Williams (L) Councillor Roger Knight (C) C = Conservative I = Independent L = Labour LD = Liberal Democrat G = Green Information for Members of the Public Access to the Guildhall is via the front entrance in the High Street. The nearest car park is Copenhagen Street (pay and display). If you are a wheelchair user or have restricted mobility, access to the Guildhall can be gained either through the door on the right side of the forecourt as you face the Guildhall, or through the sliding doors at the rear of the Guildhall. There is dedicated disabled parking space at the rear (access via Copenhagen Street). Most meetings are held on the ground floor, which can be reached by using a lift. If you are a wheelchair user or have restricted mobility and you wish to attend a meeting, please telephone or email the officer mentioned below in advance and we will make any necessary arrangements to assist your visit. Part I of the Agenda includes items for discussion in public. You have the right to inspect copies of minutes and reports on this part of the Agenda as well as background documents used in the preparation of these reports. Details of the background papers appear at the foot of each report. Part II of the Agenda (if applicable) deals with items of 'Exempt or Confidential Information' for which the public are excluded from the meeting and neither reports nor background papers are open to public inspection.
At the start of the meeting under the item ‘Public Participation’ up to fifteen minutes in total is allowed for members of the public to present a petition, ask a question or comment on any matter on the Agenda or within the remit of the Council in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10. Participants need to indicate that they wish to speak by 4.30 p.m. on the working day before the meeting by writing, faxing or telephoning the officer mentioned below. If you have any queries about this Agenda or to discuss the arrangements for the taking of photographs, film, video or sound recording please contact Claire Chaplin, Democratic Services Manager, Democratic Services, Guildhall, Worcester. WR1 2EY Telephone: 01905 722005 (direct line); fax 01905 721120; Typetalk: 18001 01905 722233. E-Mail Address: [email protected] This agenda can be made available in large print, braille, on PC disk, tape or in a number of ethnic minority languages. Please contact the above named officer for further information. Agendas and minutes relating to all City Council Committees, Cabinet and Council Meetings are also available electronically, click on the option “Committee Minutes and Documents”, Website Address: worcester.gov.uk
2 Council Tuesday, 30 September 2014
You are hereby summoned to attend the meeting of the Worcester City Council to be held at the Assembly Room, Guildhall on Tuesday, 30th September, 2014 at 7.00 pm at which meeting the following business is proposed to be transacted.
AGENDA
Part 1 (ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AND DECISION IN PUBLIC)
1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE To receive any apologies for Absence.
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST To receive any declarations of interest.
3. MINUTES Of the meeting held on 2nd July 2014 to be Page(s): 1 - 20 approved and signed.
4. MAYOR'S COMMUNICATIONS To receive any communications the Mayor may wish to make.
5. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Up to a total of fifteen minutes can be allowed, each speaker being allocated a maximum of five minutes, for members of the public to present a petition, ask a question or comment on any matter on the Agenda or within the remit of the Council in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.
6. QUESTIONS To take any questions that may be submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 9.
3 8. SOUTH WORCESTERSHIRE For Council to receive an update regarding DEVELOPMENT PLAN progress with the South Worcestershire Page(s): 21 - 264 Development Plan, and approve Ward(s): All Wards recommended proposed modifications to Contact Officer: David Blake, the submitted South Worcestershire Economic Development Plan. Development and Planning Policy Manager
9. LOCAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME For Council to approve the Local Page(s): 265 - 304 Development Scheme 2014-17 as set Ward(s): All Wards out in Appendix 1 to the report. Contact Officer: Ann Cooper, Planning Policy Team Leader
10. STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY For Council to adopt the revised INVOLVEMENT Statement of Community Involvement Page(s): 305 - 398 (2014). Ward(s): All Wards Contact Officer: Adrian Becker
11. REPORT FROM THE LEADER OF To receive reports on matters which by law THE COUNCIL, CHAIRMAN OF or in accordance with the Constitution are RELEVANT COMMITTEE OR referred to Council for decision. COMMITTEE MEMBER ON MATTERS WHICH ARE REFERRED (1) Perdiswell Swimming Pool and TO COUNCIL FOR DECISION Leisure Centre Page(s): 399 - 586 For Council to agree Option C, (8 lane pool) which is in line with Council's original aspirations in March 2013.
Contact Officer: Duncan Sharkey Managing Director Tel: 01905 722200
(2) Reduction in Car Park Charges For Council to agree amendments to the Council’s car park tariffs as set out in the report.
Contact Officer: David Sutton Cleaner and Greener City Services Manager Tel: 01905 722302
4 (3) Statement of Accounts 2013/14 For Council to approve the formal adoption of the Statement of Accounts 2013/14.
Contact Officer: Lesley Meagher Corporate Director – Resources Tel: 01905 722029
(4) Treasury Management Annual Report For Council to note the Treasury Management Annual Report for 2013/14.
Contact Officer: Lesley Meagher Corporate Director – Resources Tel: 01905 722029
(5) Worcestershire Regulatory Services Shared Services Joint Committee – Business Model For Council to approve the changes to the Worcestershire Shared Services Partnership Agreement as set out in the Appendix to the report.
Contact Officer: Ruth Mullen Corporate Director – Service Delivery Tel: 01905 722029
(6) Delegate Authority to Officers to Suspend a Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Vehicle Driver’s Licence For Council to amend the Constitution to delegate authority to the Head of Worcestershire Regulatory Services to suspend a hackney carriage/private hire vehicle driver’s licence.
Contact Officer: Niall McMenamin Senior Licensing Practitioner Tel: 01527 548282
12. REPORT FROM THE LEADER OF At Cabinet Meetings on: THE COUNCIL OF DECISIONS TAKEN BY CABINET 29th July 2014 Page(s): 587 - 594 16th September 2014 5 13. REPORT FROM THE LEADER OF To receive a report, if necessary. THE COUNCIL ON ANY MATTERS WHICH HE IS OF THE OPINION REQUIRE URGENT CONSIDERATION BY THE COUNCIL
14. REVIEW OF SCRUTINY For Council to approve that the Audit ARRANGEMENTS Committee should be a Committee of Page(s): 595 - 606 the Council and changes to the Ward(s): All Wards Council’s scrutiny procedures, as set Contact Officer: Timothy O'Gara, out in the report. Legal Services Manager
15. CREATION OF LICENSING SUB- For Council to create a Licensing Sub- COMMITTEE (SEX committee which is responsible for the ESTABLISHMENTS) determination of applications for Page(s): 607 - 608 licences for Sex Establishments. Ward(s): All Wards Contact Officer: Timothy O'Gara, Legal Services Manager
16. APPOINTMENT OF MONITORING For Council to appoint Tim O’Gara, the OFFICER Council's Solicitor as Worcester City Page(s): 609 - 610 Council's Monitoring Officer with Ward(s): All Wards immediate effect. Contact Officer: Duncan Sharkey, Managing Director Tel: 01905 722203
17. REPORT FROM STANDARDS To receive a verbal report and to ask COMMITTEE questions arising there from.
18. REPORTS FROM OVERVIEW AND To receive verbal reports and to ask SCRUTINY COMMITTEES questions arising there from.
19. ITEMS INVOLVING THE The Committee is invited to pass the DISCLOSURE OF EXEMPT following resolution:- INFORMATION That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of information as defined in Schedule 12A of the said Act.
6 PART II (ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AND DECISION IN PRIVATE)
20. ANY EXEMPT ISSUES To consider any exempt matters which might arise.
Managing Director Guildhall Worcester. WR1 2EY
Date: 22nd September 2014
7 This page is intentionally left blank Page 1 Agenda Item 3
COUNCIL
2nd July 2014
Present : The Mayor in the Chair
Councillors Agar, Amos, Bayliss, Berry, Boorn, Cawthorne, Cronin, L. Denham, P. Denham, Ditta, Geraghty, Gregson, Hodges, Mrs L. Hodgson, S. Hodgson, Johnson, Jones, Knight, Lacey, Lamb, Laurenson, Mackay, Mitchell, Prodger, Riaz, Roberts, Rowden, Mrs L. Smith, G. Squires, J. Squires, Udall, Whitehouse, David Wilkinson, Douglas Wilkinson and Williams
The Mayor’s Chaplain, Rev. Dr Christopher Stuart Offered prayers prior to the opening of the Council Meeting
5 Declarations of Interest
The following declarations of interest were made:
Opposition Priority Business – Park and Ride Services (Minute No. 10)
Councillors Agar, Bayliss, Geraghty, Mrs L. Hodgson, Roberts and Udall - As Members of Worcestershire County Council
6 Minutes
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 3 rd June 2014 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.
7 Mayor's Communications
1. Mayor’s Charities
The Mayor informed Members that final arrangements were currently being made with his chosen charities and full details of those charities which he would be supporting would be available in the next few days.
2. Mayor’s Events
The Mayor announced that he would be promoting the Council and the Civic Office by giving tours of the Parlour and the Guildhall to parties of primary and secondary school children.
Page 2 2nd July 2014 2
3. Mayor’s Inaugural Banquet and Charity Dinner
The Mayor announced that whilst certainly maintaining all the good traditions, he had spent some time undertaking a review of various functions of the Mayoralty, in particular the Inaugural Banquet and the Mayor's Charity Dinner, in order to modernize those key events and make them both more relevant for ordinary people. Dates and further information would be announced in the near future.
8 Public Participation
None.
9 Questions
Question No. 1 Question From: Councillor Stephen Hodgson Question To: Councillor Lucy Hodgson, Cabinet Member for Customer Service and Communications Question: According to the British Heart Foundation acting quickly when someone is in cardiac arrest and fighting for their life is crucially important. There are around 60,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the UK every year. The use of a defibrillator can save lives. Are there any plans to install a defibrillator in the Guildhall?
Response: Thank you for this. This was brought home to me very sadly a couple of weeks ago, when a dear colleague of mine at Malvern Hills District Council was taking part in a Planning meeting, collapsed and later died in that meeting. They had to go down to the local swimming pool to get a defibrillator which sadly was used on him but it wasn’t able to save him and it made me think, what’s in this building, what do we have? We have defibrillators in all our leisure centres but at the moment they haven’t rolled out their use any wider than this and I’ve already asked Officers to start looking at this as part of my Health and Safety role.
Statistically the chances of survival are greatly enhanced by this early intervention and according to the British Heart Foundation, when somebody goes into cardiac arrest, every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces the chances of survival by 10%.
The cost of the machines is going down almost daily and they are becoming more and more easy to use. I understand that somebody can walk in off the street if there was a need or somebody collapsed in the street, and the machine would actually tell them what to do, and I would like to think that we could look at the cost of having a machine. I understand they’re about £1,000 at the moment and we would also have to consider how staff are trained and how we keep their training up to date. Page 3 2nd July 2014 3
It may be a possibility that some of us Members are also trained as well.
The Guildhall is a central location and I’ve also asked Officers to see whether having a defibrillator here can also be promoted to a much wider audience, for example the High Street businesses, and then many more local people could benefit.
As I mentioned earlier 2 or 3 minutes on the defibrillator before an ambulance arrives could make the difference between whether a person lives or dies, so I really want to pursue this and I want to be sure that something is installed in this Guildhall.
Supplementary I did but I think she’s answered very, very well in terms of Question : the actions that can be taken. In terms of a decision, modern defibrillators are very user friendly, can we have a decision sooner rather than later, will she push that forward please?
Response: I did say that Councillor Hodgson, so yes.
Question No. 2 Question From: Councillor Paul Denham Question To: Councillor Ditta, Chairman of Licensing and Environmental Health Committee Question: As the new chair of the Licensing & Environmental Health Committee, can Councillor Ditta explain to us which environmental health issues he thinks are the most important to the people of Worcester and how he intends to do to progress them over the coming year?
Response: May I thank the previous Chair of Licensing & Environmental Health Committee for this question. There are a number of Environmental Health issues which are very important to the residents of Worcester, such as food standards, air quality, pest control, and noise issues, and I look forward to developing a formal programme for the Committee and of course with the support of Members, of Officers and with the Vice-Chair of Licensing’s help.
Supplementary Yes, I’m aware that there are two residential areas in his Question: Ward, the area around Newport House and Lowesmoor which are Air Quality Action zones. Now people living there are breathing in dangerous levels of noxious, health threatening fumes from vehicle exhausts. There was a meeting in this building on 18 th June, just a couple of weeks ago, led by Environmental Health officers, which considered these matters and to which all Councillors were invited. Why wasn’t he there and what does he intend to do on behalf of these residents in his Ward whose health seems to be at risk?
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Response: Thank you Mr Mayor. Thank you for that supplementary question. I am sure that he is well aware that I’m constantly with other things as well as he is with certain dates. With those dates they were difficult to meet. Actually he has had the answer, nevertheless I take his question on board and I will report back to you and the rest of the Council with the Officers and look forward to seeing the results along with the residents as well.
Question No. 3 Question From: Councillor Matthew Lamb Question To: Councillor Andy Roberts, Cabinet Member for Cleaner and Greener City Question: Can the Cabinet Member for Cleaner and Greener set out the criteria that he will use to determine the viability of Worcester's play areas? Will he continue to use those set out in the 'Knight review' which delegated decision making to Officers?
Response: Thank you Mr Mayor, I love the pace you’re going at Mr Mayor, but I do need to give you a bit of the background on this.
There are two questions in here really. The one is how will the viability of play areas be determined? Then there is this one about delegating powers to Officers. Then there is a reference to the ‘Knight Review’ I need to clarify that. There was a review which Roger chaired with Members Councillor Paul Denham, Councillor Liz Smith and Mike Layland, the Sports Development Officer, technical officers and senior management. Is that the report that we’re referring to as that’s very useful? An extremely well written and useful report, in fact so well written that coming out of it there was £100,000 put into play areas; and to give Roger the total credit is very touching.
The outcome of the report is directly summarised in a paragraph. It says ‘if any play areas were removed then the public open space could still have great value to the community as public open space and would retain the potential for play facilities to be reinstated in future years. Therefore there should not be an assumption that the land would be disposed of and each case should be considered individually’.
That was the guts of the whole thing which has been referred to, I won’t read it all, though if anybody wants I am very pleased to. It includes things like location, accessibility, uses, popularity all these sorts of things, a cracking list, which wasn’t rated by the way.
There is a thought that it never got to the stage where it was adopted or anything like that, but that being said, I still think Page 5 2nd July 2014 5
it was a useful thing. Although I would say I have some concerns about it. For instance there are two items here. One is ‘protecting the site for future use’, which I’m very much in favour of, and then the other one is ‘disposal opportunities’, which I am extremely nervous about.
I understand, and you will be able to tell me rather than me telling you, that the park that was destroyed in Howcroft Green was with a vision of building houses, which I find a very bad excuse. I thought that certain people there were told that would never be the case.
So these general criteria are the ones I am pleased with and I’m happy with except I will not be adopting your plans for building on parks where possible.
The second question was about delegation. I think he needs to read that a bit more carefully. What it’s trying to do is say is when you select a site then you do that on a ‘professional basis’. You don’t do it through an arm wrestle of the politicians, trying to do the best for their residents, because you never get anywhere. You do it through Officers using their expertise and on the result of that you consult with local people; you consult with local councillors and you consult if necessary with the parish council.
Perhaps that’s where you went wrong with Howcroft Green, you didn’t consult with anyone and just ripped it out, which became rather embarrassing because one of the people who complained to me, one of the neighbours who lived in that area turned out to be one of your candidates for the local council. So I think there’s some of your answer and I will be pleased to answer any supplementaries.
Supplementary Thank you very much for that very comprehensive response. Question: If we summarise what I read in the Worcester News, the headline “Big Cash Boost for Worcester’s Playgrounds,” and on closer examination a number of improvements in St John’s which the Tory administration is trying to take the credit for, had already been secured between Labour’s three St John’s Councillors and the previous Labour administration. Can I ask the Cabinet Member for Cleaner and Greener to tell me exactly how many of these projects and how much of the £100,000 is new rather than being inherited from Labour?
Response: Do you know that’s an extraordinary question? I haven’t got a clue what it’s about. As I understand it you under-spent by £300,000 and that resulted in things being slowed down; things being locked up. In fact the only sort of growth we’ve had in the last year is in the number of complaints.
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Having said that, if the members for St John’s, some of whom I’ve got some respect for have done good work in getting parks done, and if the one in Dines Green is going to be a success and you’ve done that, then good luck to you. I’ll do whatever I can to assist you and I’ll give you all the credit you deserve for doing it. Question No. 4 Question From: Councillor Richard Boorn Question To: Councillor Chris Mitchell, Cabinet Member for Delivering Value for Money Question: Can I ask Councillor Chris Mitchell your Cabinet Member for Delivering Value for Money, how will the new administration allocate the surpluses generated from the budget and business rates pool?
Response: Thank you Councillor Boorn. I’m a little bit surprised by the question considering you were at the Cabinet meeting where the Cabinet made a full announcement on this. It makes me wonder, if I had been there I would probably have been listening. Anyway, of the operational surplus of £367,000, £55,000 is to be invested in Cleaner & Greener in order to raise the standards of service back to that previously delivered by this Council and expected by the residents. Of this £55,000, £45,000 will be allocated to road sweeping in Cleaner and Greener, £10,000 to play areas, £100,000 to a Service Improvement earmarked reserve for one-off investment in service improvements, and the remaining £212,000 will be allocated to a Change Programme reserve fund to fund the Council’s ‘change’ agenda for future years . The appropriation of the Business Rates surplus income of £578,000 will be earmarked to a new reserve for Business Rates, pending a review of which elements of that service are recurring and which are one-off benefits.
Supplementary Thank yo u. Our administration has been very clear on Question: reduction in parking charges, freezing the council tax and as you replied allocating more money to street cleaning in favour of the present arrangements. So can I help but be concerned that once again the City has to put up with the Conservatives’ short term financial plans. The last administration identified the true extent of the savings faced by this Council over the coming years. That challenge still remains. Please can you explain how the deficit will be addressed remembering that there is still £1m in savings to be identified and we have a Conservative policy commitment, you have opened the hole by at least another £1m? As yet you have no decision on the swimming pool. If our plan is not followed it will add another £500,000 over the term of MTFS So I am looking for an answer as to how you will address the £2.5m deficit? Secondly can you give the Council an assurance that the administration will not use the New Homes Bonus as an income stream?
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Res ponse: This Party has a proven track record on managing the Council’s finances, it has done so very successfully over the last decade. A year ago we left the Council in a strong financial position of which the Labour administration was the beneficiary. I didn’t interrupt you while you were speaking, I have some manners so if you could do that on the other side, I’d really appreciate it.
That said, you still felt you needed to raise Council Taxes for the first time in 3 years and increase parking charges across the city, both very unpopular rises which this party fought against and which we have proven to be unnecessary given the surpluses which I’ve just reported.
I can assure the Councillor opposite that we intend to continue to run the finances of this Council with efficiency, imagination and vision and won’t be raising taxes unnecessary or making cuts unnecessary. As we have already shown in our first few weeks back in power we are able to back resources to services and make improvements to their outputs. This is the model which we intend to continue to follow.
Question No. 5 Question From: Councillor Roger Berry Question To: Councillor David Wilkinson, Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities Question: Can you confirm whether you suppo rt the six lane option for the new swimming pool or the eight lane option which the city MP appears to be promoting? Response: We need to be absolutely sure that we are providing the best solution for the people of Worcester, so I informed our Cabinet Meeting of 18 th June that I am minded to ensure that the detailed business case for the six lane pool which you initiated in April includes analysis of a broader range of options. I will therefore be recommending to the July Cabinet that we ask our professional team to undertake and complete this additional work for the September Cabinet. We will then take a balanced and informed view of the size and layout of the facilities to be provided, based on all the available evidence. Until then we are not ruling any options in or out.
Supplementary Thank you for that reply. Whilst I understand you wish for a Question: review clearly you have to make a decision at some stage and clearly there is a deadline. A commitment has been made about the pool actually being open. Can I seek an assurance that you will raise the need for the City’s MP’s intervention in Parliament to ensure the city’s finances are not subject to another 15% cutback next year on top of the already £5m cuts we’ve had throughout the duration of the coalition government? The only way the city is going to be able to fund the swimming pool is by this government making additional revenue available to a local authority.
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Response: I think that the general principle of seeking funding from whatever source we can is accepted. As for raising it in Parliament, well, clearly there’s nothing personally I can do. I’m more than happy to speak to our MP to see if he’s got any thoughts on the matter or if he can raise the issue.
If I could just add some general comments. I think there is a general acceptance that Worcester does deserve a proper municipal swimming pool and facilities. Swimming pools typically have a life of about 40 years. The inevitable result of that is that once every 40 years the Council does have to make a significant investment. What also flows from that is once every 40 years we do have the opportunity to make sure that we do actually arrive at the correct solution. That’s what I want to ensure we do. I think the basic point about seeking funding is yes, we’ll have to look at funding from wherever we can do.
Question No. 6 Question From: Councillor Lynn Denham Question To: Councillor Lucy Hodgson, Cabinet Member for Customer Service and Communications Question: I would like to ask the Portfolio Holder for Customer Services and Communication why is she expecting her colleague, who is responsible for Cleaner and Greener, to represent the City on the Shared Services Committee which oversees Regulatory Services?
Response from Thank you Mr Mayor. I am entirely comfortable to answer this the Leader of as I don’t think in all fairness it is one for this particular the Council, Cabinet member and because it was a decision of full Council. Councillor I’m happy to confirm the appointments that were agreed at Geraghty: the last Council on 3 rd June with the Members present opposite. Councillor David Wilkinson is the Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger and as you know, the portfolio holder for Regulatory Services. He is one of our appoi ntments. Council is aware that there are two places on the Worcestershire Shared Services Joint Committee and Council appointed our second representative as Andy Roberts. Members will be aware that Andy has a Cleaner and Greener Portfolio, there being clear connections obviously between Regulatory Services and the Cleaner and Greener services of the City Council, rubbish accumulations, litter, some of the issues that Andy’s mentioned we are dealing with today, enforcement activities. So I see no conflict at all in those appointments and indeed they were made by this body.
Supplementary The decision of the Council was made on the Question: recommendations of Councillor Geraghty and I wonder, it seems to me perhaps I can ask for the reason that he recommended the Portfolio Holder for Cleaner and Greener rather than the Portfolio Holder for Customer Services and Communications? Page 9 2nd July 2014 9
Maybe because that individual, the Portfolio Holder for Worcester City Customer Services and Communication, is also the County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for Localism and Communities, and wearing that hat she already sits on the Shared Services Committee and wearing the County Council hat is seeking to take £1.3m from the Regulatory Services budget, which is a 90% cut in Council funding and this will potentially, almost certainly, destabilise Worcestershire Regulatory Services. It would have been helpful if the question had been answered by the person I expected to. How can this Leader say they’re standing up for customer services and consumer rights for the City whilst at the same time the County Council are undermining services?
Response: Thankfully, there’s a question there but just in case they weren’t listening I did say that the two relevant Cabinet Members, in this case the one overseeing Regulatory Services and the other Cleaner and Greener, are the Members appointed by this Council at the last meeting.
I don’t remember, although it was an icy meeting, there being any issues raised about this point at the time, so I see no conflict between what this Council is doing. I can’t comment on any other body and their appointments, that would be wrong to do. We’re here today to deal with City Council matters and I explained very clearly the rationale for those appointments which were made by the full Council.
Question No. 7 Question From: Councillor Adrian Gregson Question To: Councillor Simon Geraghty, Leader of the Council Question: Does the Leader believe in principle 3.1 of the Local Code of Corporate Governance which states 'Ensuring Council Members and Officers exercise leadership by behaving in ways that exemplify high standards of conduct and effective governance' which is achieved by 'the Council fosters a culture of behaviour based on shared values, high ethical principles and good conduct'?
Response: Can I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question, yes of course I do agree we must all work to uphold those values.
Supplementary Would he not agree then with the countless lett ers to the Question: paper, the comments of the full range of political and social communities in the city and county, by the behaviour of the Mayor elect and subsequently the Mayor, has breached this code and would he join with me in seeking a meeting with the Mayor to insist on his resignation or else support a reference to the Standards Committee?
Response: I would absolutely not do that.
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I have full confidence in our Standards Committee, and I am sure all Members have to deal with any matters that are bought to their attention. If a Member feels that there is an allegation of wrong doing and there’s evidence of that they should bring that to the relevant Officer’s attention and that would be investigated. But I would absolutely not do that. I do have absolute confidence in our proper process for such matters.
Question No. 8 Question From: Councillor Adrian Gregson Question To: Councillor Simon Geraghty, Leader of the Council Question: Can the Leader confirm that when he says he is cool about the city of culture he does not mean fashionable?
Response: Thank you Mr Mayor. I love these humorous ones. I am entirely relaxed, chilled, cool, call it what you want, with the previous Cabinet’s decision, the Labour Cabinet’s decision, to explore the options to submit a bid for the City of Culture 2021. However as everyone would expect a final decision, and this was referred to in the paper that I picked up would obviously be made once we know the full costs and likely benefits. That would be sensible and that’s exactly what we will be doing.
Supplementary I’m concerned that in deciding to go publically cool on the City Question: of Culture, despite a statement in City Life which says Worcester will bid to be a City of Culture 2021, and therefore Councillor Geraghty’s indication that we will not proceed. Has he had any consultation or discussions with the list of people who have already been supportive and committed to the project, including the County Council, Museums Worcestershire, Worcestershire Arts Partnership, Worcester Heritage Partnership, Malvern Hills District Council, the Museum of Royal Worcester, the University of Worcester, Dancefest, Worcester Cathedral, Destination Worcestershire, Chamber of Commerce, the LEP, allegedly it was their idea, BID, Robin Walker MP, Elgar Birthplace Museums, Worcester Live, Worcester News, Visit England and the Foundation in Worcestershire, and what is his process going to be to establish whether or not this project gets the go ahead from his Cabinet?
Respons e: Thank you Mr Mayor. Well we seem to have created an impression that this is proving to be problematic by me not responding to the question. If the Member would listen to my answer, I’ve said I am entirely comfortable, entirely comfortable, chilled, relaxed, cool, with the previous Cabinet’s decision to proceed to explore the opportunities. That’s exactly what they decided to do, explore the opportunities in relation to the bid. I believe it was left with the relevant Director in consultation with the Cabinet, with the Leader. Page 11 2nd July 2014 11
I’m moving this forward but I would say that no prudent administration, neither his nor mine, would give an absolute blank cheque, a binding commitment in terms of any project. Clearly we need to develop it with partners, so we will be proceeding as I have made the Cabinet known and the other forum. All our Cabinet discussions will continue, they are the decisions of Cabinet or Council until such stage as anything changes. So, we are not intending to change anything, we are obviously proceeding with those and at the relevant stages then a decision will be made in accordance with the paper sent out by his own Cabinet.
Question No. 9 Question From: Councillor Simon Cronin Question To: Councillor Simon Geraghty, Leader of t he Council Question: Would the Leader of The Council please give an assurance that his administration will commit itself to addressing the issues highlighted by the recommendations of the City Centre Scrutiny report which was published earlier this year?
Response: Thank you Mr Mayor. May I thank Simon for this question, I think it’s a very good question, certainly in terms of the new Cabinet’s approach, and hope it will demonstrate our way forward. Certainly we will be giving this very careful consideration. I’ve already started in terms of having looked at some of the recommendations that came forward and indeed obviously I sat in on the meeting that looked at that, although I did not actually participate in the recommendations but sat in and heard some of the issues. Certainly there are a whole range of issues in terms of the vibrancy, economic activity around the city centre, that were covered. I think they need some detailed consideration.
Obviously we work with colleagues and make sure that we do touch base with our sub-committee about the issues that were raised before final recommendations come forward. I think its something that did get extensive coverage and widespread support for many of the recommendations coming forward, so clearly we would want to work him and with Members to ensure what was put forward is brought forward.
Supplementary I’m grateful for that response and recognise and appreciate Question: the cross party support for the review. Obviously some of the recommendations are more long term than others but I wonder if the immediate attention could be focused on the proliferation of rubbish bags left in the High Street at 6 o’clock every evening for collection the following morning? Most of us would have seen tonight bags outside the shoe shop opposite the Guildhall plus a further 14 outside a clothes shop opposite the top of the Pump Street, plenty more elsewhere I am sure. We did recommend asking businesses to stop doing it but I think this recommendation needs to be given urgent priority.
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Response: Thank you Mr Mayor, I think the Member raises a very important issue. Certainly my colleague, the Deputy Leader, was about earlier the other evening and noticed precisely the kind of issues that he was talking about. It is clear in terms of seagulls and other issues in the city that when you get those sort of things it obviously doesn’t make an attractive environment for the city, for visitors coming in, for the restaurant and bars, and it is something we need to address and I will make sure I do pick it up with my colleague in Cleaner and Greener and that we move forward with some pace in relation to that matter.
Question No. 10 Question From: Councillor Neil Laurenson Question To: Councillor Andy Roberts, Cabinet Mem ber for Cleaner and Greener City Question: Do you still intend to privatise Cleaner and Greener services?
Response: Thank you Mr Mayor, this is one of those leading questions a bit like ‘when you stop beating your wife?’
I never heard that they were going to be privatised; I don’t know if we’ve ever suggested privatising Cleaner and Greener as a portfolio, though I’ve been involved in these initiatives, we did it with Revs and Bens. It eventually became outside the organisation and I certainly advocate getting the best value for money.
When considering this question I did what you would have done Neil. I looked the subject up in Wikipedia. I tried to find out what ‘privatisation’ is about compared with what I understand is ‘commissioning’. Privatisation is the transfer of ownership, whereas commissioning is an engineering process actually. It includes design, procurement, construction and assembly, Julie Slatter did an excellent talk on this and how commissioning works.
So I suppose privatisation is like a sell-on and I’m trying to think where that’s happened. I suppose the housing stock is an example. As it happens I voted against that, but that was a case of privatisation.
I’m more interested in other methods. I suppose a better question you might have put is ‘Would I consider commissioning any Cleaner and Greener services?’ but you didn’t put that question.
Supplementary Let’s assume that commissioning is very, very, very, very Question: similar to privatisation, let’s assume. I’ll stick to the supplementary question. I’ve got a quote from yesterday’s Worcester News:
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“Although commissioning would lead to in -house job losses the Conservative administration believes that it would be acceptable by the public as a way of protecting services.”
How many job losses do you anticipate commissioning/privatisation leading to and which services would be protected by this commissioning/privatisation?
Response: I didn’t see the article, so that’s got me beat a bit, I’ve only just found it now and I haven’t read it.
So, ‘if we say that privatisation is the same as commissioning’; well we just can’t say that can we? Commissioning is a means of getting work done, where, if that person doing that work doesn’t come up to standard, you change the supplier. Privatisation, you just lose that control.
If you look at the corporate principles, our corporate principles, number one is ‘focussing on the Council’s purpose and outcomes’ and that’s what we will do. Now if we’ve got a good service that’s in-house, is cost effective and is popular with the public then why change? Not for any ideological reasons for sure, What we will do is pursue what’s best for the people of the City of Worcester and in doing that, if it has an effect on our employees, we will take every precaution to make sure that they’re protected in a proper way.
Question No. 11 Question From: Councillor Neil Laurenson Question To: Councillor Simon Geraghty, Leader of the Council Question: In June 2013, the previous administra tion and Worcestershire Regulatory Services agreed a pilot scheme that involved directing people to self-help pages on Worcester City Council’s website. This did not achieve the anticipated savings, therefore what will the new administration do about this?
Response: Thank you Mr Mayor. Can I firstly thank Neil for his question as once again it is a very useful question for the Council. I am told that the pilot did achieve some efficiency savings, in the order of about £7,000 out of £40,000 which was planned for this through supporting Worcestershire Shared Service Joint Committee as mentioned earlier in the meeting. But as a new administration I do take feedback from Members very seriously.
Therefore I would be quite happy to recommend a Member to look at this or indeed me. It’s a function of Scrutiny or PMBS with special admin and a relevant body and to actually have a look at the detail of this because when things don’t achieve their desired outcome or they fall short or they need slight modification, we need to say ok, we will look at that.
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Supplementary No, that’s a sensible suggestion to take it to Scrutiny. Question: Question No. 12 Question From: Councillor Neil Laurenson Question To: Councillor Simon Geraghty, Leader of the Council Question: What is your view on the planned strike by local government workers on 10th July?
Response: Thank you Mr Mayor. Again Neil for his great question. The authority recognises obviously employees have a legal right to strike, obviously they do. However I do personally find it disappointing that nationally the Unions are continuing to ask for pay settlements in the face of the considerable financial pressure facing the public sector and particularly local authorities. We all know across all parties there is pressure on local authorities at the moment. Council employees have benefited recently from a small pay rise, it’s a small one I admit. I do not believe there is a legitimate cause for this particular strike, and I would urge those people to consider the impact on residents, businesses, tax payers, of their action. However, I would want to this being a national rather than a local issue, I think we’ve got good relations with staff at the moment and I would hope that would be maintained in the future.
Supplementary Thank you. Well it’s a local and national issue. I would like to Question: draw everyones attention to a quote from Councillor Geraghty in the 8 th February Worcester Standard, 8 th February 2013, in which he said it would be wrong to increase the burden on hard pressed households when family budgets are already going to feel pressure. Admittedly that was in relation to the Council Tax which he then voted for 12 months later at the County Council. Unite the union have stated that local government workers suffered a 20% decrease in their take home wages since the coalition came into power so therefore I’d urge people in Council to express more solidarity and understanding for local government workers given that they have suffered a 20% decrease in their earnings since the coalition came into power. Thank you.
Response: Yes I do understand obviously in terms of the pressure and that’s why this Council has to balance this, people across the country have to balance in terms of pay and conditions and resources, with obviously delivering the best quality services at the most affordable price. I don’t particularly think this, at this point in time when actually we’re seeing small pay rises coming through, is necessary the time to strike and ultimately the public will decide whether that’s in their view the right thing to do, and individuals will make their choices in the future.
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Question No. 13 Question From: Councillor Geoff Williams Question To: Councillor Andy Roberts, Cabinet Me mber for Cleaner and Greener City Question: Question to the Portfolio Holder for Cleaner and Greener confirm that the recent issue with long grass in parts of Astwood Cemetery were due to wet and warm weather together with two vacancies arising from staff turnover and that the situation has now improved by deploying additional temporary resources from existing budgets?
Response: Thank you Mr Mayor. First of all, I’m glad Geoff recognises there is a problem because I heard him say the other day that there was no problem. The other thing is I’m afraid, do you know we should be working together on this, we really should, it’s a daft question. It isn’t just about grass, that’s the point. There were umpteen other things that meant that the cemetery is an undignified place to bury our loved ones.
A tour round showed grass was too long, that was a factor but there were other things. When you came in from the chapel the flowers in the reception area were dead. When you looked out at the Garden of Solace it had weeds and, there were worse things, which I can tell you about if you want in a supplementary.
Bearing in mind I didn’t know I was going to be Cleaner and Greener, that came afterwards, this problem was discovered when I went to a funeral.
It was when I heard somebody who worked there say, “This wouldn’t do for Roger Knight.” Then I knew there were real problems.
So what were those problems? Sure, grass grows faster when it’s warm, when it’s wet, no two ways about that but there was more to it than that. Staff were under-resourced. I’ve got the names of people who are on the ground getting their finger nails dirty and doing the grass cutting. They were under-resourced and they weren’t properly supported. But more important than that they weren’t appreciated. Nobody could see the value any more in the job they did. Neither could they see the value in those supporting them. So you’ve got the Friends of Astwood Cemetery, who are a very dear group, who needed help including with the Garden of Solace. They gave in, they stopped coming, and they are a fantastic group. They’re the ones who commemorated the grave of baby John Wyatt, the first person buried in the cemetery. 150 years after the day they provided a headstone and had the grave blessed, this is a fantastic organisation and they moved away because they weren’t appreciated anymore.
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Since we’ve started doing the work, which I’m sure would have been done by others anyway, people have noticed how valued it is. I’ve had a phone call from Pam Hinks, who’s the Chairman of the Friends of Astwood Cemetery, and I’m pleased to say they are coming back and I think that’s the point. It isn’t just about grass, if you think that’s what it is you’ve missed the point. It’s about recognising that when you walk through there with someone like me or Mike Layland, we aren’t looking at graves, we look at neighbours, we look at the people we know, and when it’s undignified it really hurts.
Supplementary Yes, it’s an interesting answer from Andy, whic h fleshed out Question: some of the issues there, which leaves me to change my supplementary now and that is, is he now ashamed that both him and his former colleague concentrated entirely on the length of the grass at the cemetery?
Response: I’ve been asked some pretty stupid questions in the past but that one takes the biscuit. Let me tell you of a little conversation I had with the local press over this issue. I said the reason I want to talk to you and the one thing I don’t want to do is beat up the Labour group for political advantage, because there’s not many points in that, is to let people know; for them to be aware of the situation; to know that we will tackle it. It’s being tackled anyway but we’re accelerating it and it matters to us. The other thing I wanted them to know was the more modern part, if that’s the right word of the cemetery was still well kept, to give reassurance to those who regularly attend graves.
That’s what I asked, and the newspapers were true to that.
What will I change? I’ll tell you what I would change, as I said I’d raise it if you wanted in a supplementary. When I went round I saw the dad and mum of James, who’s in a grave there. He called me over and he said ‘look this grass, it’s not very good, one of us is doing it.’
That’s fine, volunteers doing work is great, but he then said you’ve got to look at this, and he wouldn’t mind you being told this. I was taken over and there was a grave and through neglect because they are so overworked the soil had dropped about 3 feet, so it was quite a macabre sight. What I was ashamed of is that I knew the lady in that grave and I was determined then to get things put right.
I’ve been there today and things are getting put right and I have spoken to the people and congratulated them on the work they are doing.
Question No. 14 Question From: Councillor Steve Mackay Question To: Councillor Simon Geraghty, Leader of the Council Page 17 2nd July 2014 17
Question: Would the Leader of the Council agree with me that all should be done to prevent the closure of St. Mary's School in Battenhall?
Response: Thank you Mr Mayor, can I thank Steve for his question. I was surprised and saddened to hear the announcement of the closure of the school and I was also deeply shocked to read some comments that were published by an individual in the newspaper. I thought it was completely out of place actually and I’m sure has been roundly condemned. I am concerned about the impact on all pupils and staff at the school as well. Whilst the provision of school places if the responsibility of the County Council what’s this got to do with the City Council? Well, we are a place-shaping authority as well. Primarily it’s an issue for the County Council, they deal with the provision of school places. The City Council is willing to help parents and groups to explore options for a viable way forward. I have heard propositions being put forward by some people and we’re willing to work with them if that is the case.
Supplementary Thank you Mr Mayor. Will you also agre e to encourage the Question: newly formed parents’ action group with all their efforts to review finances and try to come up with a business plan to save the school?
Response: Yes, I certainly encourage those parents and I am sure that we can seek to do what we can. Obviously we’re a City Council, we’re not the County Council, we’re not responsible for school places. That’s their job. But equally if we’re going to play a place-shaping role then I’m sure some Members are interested in County matters and would be interested in others matters that affect the City, and so it should be.
10 Opposition Priority Business
The following Notice of Motion, accompanied by a request that it be treated as Opposition Priority Business submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 8, was proposed by Councillor P. Denham and seconded by Councillor J. Squires:
Park and Ride Services
Worcester City Council is extremely concerned about the decision of Worcestershire County Council to terminate the Park & Ride Services from Perdiswell and Six Ways in September. In particular, the City Council is fearful that increased congestion will occur in Worcester's already heavily congested streets. We believe that the impact on the city's employers, employees, local residents, hospital workers, school children, students, users of health services, shoppers, potential tourists and other visitors will be harmful to both the City and County economies.
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Worcester City Council further notes with serious concern the decision of Worcestershire County Council to remove subsidy to bus routes in the city, believing that the impact of these service cuts on those dependent on public transport has been underestimated.
Council requests the Managing Director to write to the Chief Executive of Worcestershire County Council to request an urgent joint scrutiny review of this decision.
Members debated the Notice of Motion where support and opposition for the Motion were expressed.
It was then proposed by Councillor Gregson and supported by four other Members that a named vote take place in accordance with the Council’s Constitution and on being put to the vote the Motion was declared lost.
Record of Voting
For: Against:
Agar, Berry, Boorn, Cawthorne, Amos, Bayliss, Ditta, Geraghty, Cronin, L. Denham, P. Denham, Mrs L. Hodgson, S. Hodgson, Gregson, Hodges, Lamb, Johnson, Jones, Knight, Lacey, Laurenson, Riaz, Mrs L. Smith, Mackay, Mitchell, Prodger, G. Squires, J. Squires, Udall, Roberts, Rowden, Whitehouse, Williams David Wilkinson, Douglas Wilkinson
Total: 17 Votes Total 18 Votes
11 Report from the Leader of the Council on Matters which are Referred to Council for Decision
Delegation to Officers to Suspend Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Vehicle Driver’s Licence
The Council received a report which sought Members’ approval to amend the Constitution to delegate authority to the Head of Worcestershire Regulatory Services to suspend a hackney carriage/private hire vehicle driver’s licence with immediate effect under section 61 (2B) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 in consultation with the Chairman of the Licensing Committee or his deputy subject to a Licensing Sub-Committee (Taxis) being convened if the circumstances of the case change in such a way as to require it.
Members entered into a short debate whereby concern was raised that the Taxi Trade may not be fully aware of the meaning of the proposal for the way forward. It was then proposed by Councillor J. Squires and seconded by Councillor Gregson that the item be deferred to the September meeting of the Council in order to allow sufficient time for the proposal to be communicated to the Taxi Trade.
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The Corporate Director for Service Delivery clarified to Members that the recommendation as detailed in the report was seeking Council’s approval for the Constitution to be amended to ensure its accuracy in accordance with recommendation made by the Licensing and Environmental Health Committee. The Corporate Director further clarified that if the item were to be deferred, the reason for deferring would not be to further consult with the Taxi Trade.
Councillor Geraghty then proposed a short adjournment to consider the item further which was seconded by Councillor Bayliss.
The Mayor in accordance with the rules of debate for Council meetings as set out in the Council’s Constitution agreed for the meeting to be adjoined and to reconvene in 5 minutes.
The meeting reconvened at 8.45pm. A number of Members stated that they considered it prudent to defer the item until the September Council in order to allow time for further consideration by Members and to communicate the proposal to the Taxi Trade.
It was proposed by Councillor J. Squires and seconded by Councillor Geraghty and on being put to the vote it was agreed and
RESOLVED: That the Council agree to defer the item for consideration by the Council at its meeting on 30 th September 2014.
Cumulative Impact Policy Review – Licensing Act 2003
The Council received a report which sought Members’ approval to amend the current Statement of Licensing Policy 2014 – 2019 by extending the existing area covered by the Cumulative Impact policy as a means to promote the Licensing Objectives by the addition of the streets as identified in the report.
It was proposed by Councillor Geraghty and seconded by Councillor Denham and on being put to the vote it was agreed and
RESOLVED: That the Council agree to amend the current Statement of Licensing Policy 2014 – 2019 by extending the existing area covered by the Cumulative Impact policy as a means to promote the Licensing Objectives by the addition of the following streets: Queen Street / Angel Row / Crown Passage / Trinity Passage / The Avenue / St Swithin’s Street / Mealcheapen Street / Reindeer Court / Church Street / Bank Street
12 Report from the Leader of the Council of Decisions Taken by Cabinet
The Council received a report on decisions taken by the Cabinet at its meetings on 15 th April and 18 th June 2014. The Council noted the report.
13 Report from the Leader of the Council on any matters which he is of the opinion require urgent consideration by The Council
None.
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14 Reports from Overview and Scrutiny Committees
The Chairs of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees provided Members with a summary of the items that had been considered at their respective meetings held since the date of the last Council Meeting.
15 Items Involving the Disclosure of Exempt Information
None.
16 Any Exempt Issues
None.
Duration of the meeting: 7.00 pm to 9.15 pm
Chairman at the meeting on 30th September 2014 Page 21 Agenda Item 8
Report to: Council, 30 September 2014
Report of: Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Prosperity ______
Subject: SOUTH WORCESTERSHIRE DEVELOPMENT PLAN: PROPOSED MODIFICATIONS FOR CONSULTATION PURPOSES
1. Purpose of Report
1.1 The purpose of this report is to:
• Update members regarding progress with the South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP) and the Inspector’s conclusions arising from Stage 1 of the SWDP Examination process.
• Advise members about the work undertaken to address the conclusions and recommendations of the Local Plan Inspector regarding the submitted SWDP.
• Seek approval of recommended proposed modifications to the submitted SWDP for the purposes of undertaking formal public consultation into Post-Submission Proposed Modifications to the SWDP.
• Advise Council of the next steps in the SWDP process, including arrangements for consultation about the proposed modifications.
• To identify key evidence and supporting documents which are related to the recommended Proposed Modifications.
• To advise Council of the recommendations of the South Worcestershire Joint Advisory Panel, including its recommendation that, subject to the approval of the Proposed Modifications, the SWCs write to the Planning Minister seeking support for substantial weight to be afforded the emerging SWDP in Development Management decisions and any associated appeals as the Plan progresses.
1.2 Council should note that supporting evidence, Background Papers, Maps associated with the Proposed Modifications are available electronically either from the Council’s own website or the SWDP website www.swdevelopmentplan.org
It is recommended that:
(I) The recommended proposed main modifications to the submitted SWDP as set out in Appendix 1 to this report (including proposed modifications to the Policies Map and Key Diagram) and the associated Sustainability Appraisal are approved for the purposes of formal public consultation;
(II) Delegated approval is given to the Service Manager for Economic Development & Planning Policy in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Economic Prosperity to make minor changes to the proposed
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modifications in terms of formatting, presentation and accuracy, including any minor changes arising from the consideration of the proposed modifications by the other South Worcestershire Councils, prior to publication for consultation purposes; and
(III) The South Worcestershire Councils write to the Planning Minister seeking support for substantial weight to be afforded the emerging SWDP in current and future Development Management decisions and any associated appeals as the Plan progresses.
2. Background
2.1 On 10 th December 2012 the three South Worcestershire Councils approved the pre- submission version of the SWDP for formal submission to the Secretary of State. This was following consideration of responses to consultation undertaken in August and September 2012 into proposed Significant Changes to the plan. Following public consultation on the Pre-Submission Document and consideration of representations received the SWDP was formally submitted to the Secretary of State for the purposes of examination in accordance with Regulation 22 on 28 th May 2012.
2.2 The submission of the SWDP triggered the start of the Examination of the SWDP and the appointment of Mr Roger Clews BA MSc DipEd Dip TP MRTPI by the Secretary of State to conduct the Examination.
2.3 The Inspector indicated to the South Worcestershire Councils his intention to hold the Examination in two distinct Stages. Stage 1 was confined to the consideration of the soundness of the proposed levels of employment, housing and retail provision set out in policy SWDP3, and whether or not the requirements of section 33A of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 in respect of the duty to co-operate were met in the preparation of the Plan. The first Stage 1 hearing was held between 1st and 3 rd October 2013.
2.4 The Inspector subsequently wrote to the South Worcestershire Councils on 28 th October setting out his Interim Conclusions in respect to Stage 1.
2.5 In his first set of Conclusions the Inspector concluded, amongst other things:
• The South Worcestershire Councils had complied with the legal requirement under the Duty to Co-operate.
• The Employment Land requirements were broadly acceptable but should not be treated as maximum requirements.
• Further work around retail needs should be undertaken.
• The Worcestershire Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) 2012 could not be treated as a reliable basis for identifying housing need in the Plan area up to 2030. Therefore further work would be required in relation to the housing requirement of 23,200 dwellings (2006 – 2030) set out in the Submitted SWDP.
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The Inspector noted that this issue went to the soundness of the plan and it could not be rectified without further work.
2.6 The South Worcestershire Councils agreed a timetable with the Inspector for the recommended additional work around housing need and commissioned consultants to look further at elements of the household projections and economic forecasts for South Worcestershire given the objective of the plan to be economic development led.
2.7 Technical evidence including an updated Objectively Assessed Housing Need (OAHN) was submitted to the Inspector on 31 st January 2014.
2.8 In the light of this additional technical work the South Worcestershire Councils suggested in evidence to the Examination that the overall housing need for South Worcestershire should be between 26,700 dwellings and 27,343 dwellings (using the average and mid-point of a jobs-led sensitivity scenario based on three employment forecasts in the updated SHMA evidence).
2.9 A re-convened session of Stage 1 of the Examination was held between13th and 14 th March 2014. In terms of housing need, the Inspector subsequently recommended (Inspector’s letter of 31 st March 2014 refers) taking a mid point between two Sensitivity Tests based on jobs led scenario ‘average’ case forecasts within the submitted evidence. He concluded that this represents the full, objectively assessed level of need (OAHN) over the plan period. This increased the requirement for South Worcestershire to 28,370 dwellings, which is distributed as follows:
Table 1
South Worcestershire OAHN 2006 – 2030 as recomm ended by the Local Plan Inspector Malvern Hills District 8,590 dwellings Worcester City 9,830 dwellings Wychavon District 9,950 dwellings South Worcestershire Total 28,370 dwellings
2.10 The South Worcestershire Councils wrote to the Inspector on 7 th April 2014 stating their intention to proceed as quickly as possible with the preparatory work required for the next stage of the examination whilst endeavouring to ensure that the resultant plan is sound and the process legally compliant. This work would include addressing the recommended increase in housing need. The SWCs advised, at that time that recommended proposed modifications would be prepared for consideration by the three Councils in June 2014 with consultation to follow in July and August 2014. In reality the high volume of responses to the ‘call for sites’ and the scale of the work required to bring forward robust recommended proposed modifications to the three Councils has resulted in this timetable slipping to September for consideration of the recommended proposed modifications and consultation in
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October and November 2014. The plan timetable is discussed in more detail in Section 7 of this report.
2.11 This is the first formal occasion that the Inspector’s Conclusions in relation to Stage1 of the SWDP Examination process have been considered by the SWCs. However, the Inspector’s Conclusions have been previously presented to the South Worcester Leaders and South Worcestershire Joint Advisory Panel, and district councillor briefings have been held.
3. Recommended Proposed Modifications
3.1 Scope of the Recommended Proposed Modifications
3.2 It should be noted that modifications to the Local Plan fall into two broad categories these are Main and Minor Modifications. The Local Plan Inspector will wish to be advised of both types of modifications and schedules of intended modifications and a track change version of the SWDP have already been submitted to the SWDP Examination library (and can be viewed on the SWDP Website). However, it is only Main modifications which significantly modify the content of policies or proposals or their interpretation which are required to be subject to formal public consultation before they can incorporated into the plan as submitted. This report is only concerned with Main Modifications to the SWDP and therefore all references to Proposed Modifications throughout this report should be treated as reference to Post Submission Proposed Main Modifications.
3.3 The recommended Proposed Modifications set out in Appendix 1 to this report are Post-Submission Proposed Modifications to the submitted SWDP. If approved for consultation purposes and submission to the SWDP Examination they will have the effect of replacing the content of the submitted SWDP. The consultation arrangements associated with the recommended Proposed Modifications are discussed below. However, members may wish to note that the subsequent consultation responses to the changes to the SWDP will be reported directly to the Inspector and not back to the SWCs. There is a direct parallel with the pre- submission stage in December 2012 when the three SWCs approved the pre- submission version of the SWDP for consultation and submission to the Secretary of State. At that stage consultation responses were passed directly to the appointed Inspector and not formally considered by the SWCs.
3.4 The Stage 1 Examination process and on-going work on the SWDP has already identified a number of potential main and minor modifications to the submitted SWDP. The Inspector has already been advised of the SWCs likely acceptance of these changes which range across various sections of the SWDP. It is inevitable that the Stage 2 element of the Examination will also generate the need for consideration to be given to further main and minor modifications to the submitted SWDP.
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3.5 It will therefore be necessary for a package of proposed modifications to be consulted upon after the completion of Stage 2 of the Examination prior to the receipt of the Inspectors full report into the SWDP.
3.6 However, the current package of recommended Proposed Modifications are confined, in the main, to changes to the plan which are required to address the Inspector’s recommended uplift in the OAHN requirement up to 2030. This approach has been agreed with the Inspector and enables the SWDP to move forwards to Stage 2 of the Examination as quickly as possible.
3.7 This means the bulk of the changes set out in Appendix 1 of this report are related to:
• Incorporating the recommended OAHN requirement (28,370 dwellings) into the SWDP and the associated district distribution;
• Establishing sub-area targets for the plan which address the full OAHN requirement;
• Identifying the supply of new or amended housing allocations required to address the recommended uplift in the OAHN (note this also includes the deletion of sites which are no longer considered deliverable); and
• Amending or introducing the SWDP policies required to guide the implementation of recommended housing allocations.
3.8 This approach has been accepted by the Inspector as an appropriate way forward and it enables the Stage 2 Examination to proceed and consider a proposed housing supply which addresses the full OAHN. Furthermore, the changes to the proposed housing requirements and associated supply will have been subject to consultation and testing on the same basis as the submitted SWDP.
3.9 If the recommended uplift in the OAHN requirement is not addressed as set out above and subject to formal consultation, given the Inspector’s comments about the unsoundness of the submitted housing requirement, in the opinion of the Heads of Planning for all three SWCs, it would be extremely unlikely that the inspector would allow the Examination to continue and the SWCs would be invited by the Inspector to withdraw the submitted plan.
3.10 The recommended Proposed Modifications set out in Appendix 1 do however include other changes to the SWDP. These are:
• A revised Annex I which provides an updated schedule of Infrastructure requirements. This is considered essential as it has been necessary to fully review infrastructure requirements in the light of the recommended housing uplift, both in terms of the quantum of housing and its recommended location;
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• A revised Policy SWDP 17: Travellers and Travelling Show people. This has been introduced given the publication of the new Worcestershire Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA) (2014) which represents a major new piece of evidence underpinning the SWDP and which has implications for Gypsy and Traveller provision as an element of housing need and specific site allocations. The Inspector has indicated that he is content for the SWCs to decide whether to deal with revisions to Policy SWDP17 now or following Stage 2.
• The recommended Proposed Modification to SWDP Policy 3 also includes updated figures for retail development as a result of the Local Plan Inspector’s conclusions arising from Stage 1 of the Examination.
3.11 Further main modifications to the SWDP will inevitably be discussed during Stage 2 of the Examination. If they are to be incorporated into the SWDP they will have to be formally reported to the SWCs for approval and subject to further public consultation, before the SWDP could be formally adopted.
3.12 Addressing the uplift in the OAHN: Strategy Issues
3.13 The SWDP is based upon a vision and approach for the area which is:
• Economic prosperity-led with a focus on jobs and investment;
• Predicated on the future growth of the city of Worcester needing to take place around the city in the adjacent areas of Wychavon and Malvern Hills through the development of urban extensions and promoting the sub-regional role of the City;
• Focussed on housing need requirements based on the OAHN (as now updated) and locating growth in accordance with a hierarchy of sustainable settlements;
• Supported by an overarching Infrastructure Delivery Plan, which sets out where new infrastructure needs to be provided, when its needs to be provided, how much it will cost and who is responsible for delivering it.
• Supported by investment in strategic transportation within and around Worcester and the A46.
• Based upon thorough review of the Integrated Assessment (which includes the Sustainability Assessment).
3.14 At a basic level the task of addressing the uplift in the OAHN requires the SWCs to incorporate the new OAHN into the SWDP and identify sufficient additional housing land supply to bridge the gap between the housing supply identified in the submitted SWDP (23,425 dwellings – as subsequently amended downwards by the Inspector’s recommendations ) and the increased requirement of 28,370 dwellings (2006-2030).
3.15 However, in order that the SWDP can continue through the Examination process it is critical that the response to the uplift in the OAHN can be brought forward in a way which is consistent with and supports the vision, objectives and spatial strategy
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underpinning the submitted SWDP. If this were not possible or the preferred way forward for the SWCs was significantly different, there is a major risk that the plan could be re-directed back to an earlier stage of preparation so that an alternative or modified strategy can be consulted upon and tested. This would mean a major delay in the process of adopting the SWDP with the inherent risks associated with none of the SWCS having an up-to-date Local Plan and means of establishing policy on housing requirements and an associated housing land supply.
3.16 The SWDP was prepared within the context of National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and was guided by the vision and objectives of the Plan, all of which had been the subject of extensive public consultation. The strategic policies of the SWDP are set out in policies SWDP 1 - SWDP 7 and those policies and in particular SWDP2 (Development Strategy and Settlement Hierarchy) were the main drivers of the allocation of sites in the submitted SWDP.
3.17 The SWDP development strategy has yet to be tested but the Inspector. However, in his Interim Conclusions of 28/10/13 he made some important statements about the meeting of housing need. In particular:
• Para 82: An important factor in the decision of the three SWCs to prepare the SWDP jointly is that Worcester City’s built-up area is tightly constrained inside its boundaries. There is insufficient space in the City’s administrative area to meet all its needs for development, especially housing.
• Para 83: Hence the Plan proposes that a share of Worcester’s housing need should be met on sites just outside and abutting its boundary, in both Malvern Hills and Wychavon (policy SWDP3 H). The Worcester City administrative area together with the urban extension sites directly abutting it are referred to in the reasoned justification to policy SWDP3 as the Wider Worcester Area (WWA).
• Para 84: Because of natural and environmental constraints, Malvern Hills district is also seen by the Councils as having limited ability to accept new development. The Plan therefore proposes that part of its housing need be met in the WWA and part in Wychavon.
• Para 85: These arrangements are entirely in line with the approach suggested in NPPF paragraph 179 to deal with situations where development requirements cannot wholly be met within an LPA’s own area. Accordingly, policy SWDP3D and Table 4b of the plan contain separate housing apportionments for the WWA, Malvern Hills excluding the WWA, and Wychavon excluding the WWA. The policy specifies that the apportionments are non-transferable between these three areas.” (Extract from the Inspector’s letter dated 28.10.13)
3.18 The recommended Proposed Modifications set out in Appendix 1 are considered to address the housing uplift in accordance with the vision, objectives and strategy of the SWDP. It is considered that the strategy is sufficiently robust and can accommodate the necessary housing uplift and the recommended Proposed Modifications. This is achieved in accordance with the SWDP strategy and particularly
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the policies SWDP1-7, and especially policy SWDP 2. The approach is consistent across the plan area and delivers sustainable growth in the following respects:
• Continuing to seek to reduce the need to travel;
• Making sure that the distribution of housing and employment is in balance; and
• Making the most effective use of available or readily provided infrastructure.
3.19 The following represent key principles / factors that have also guided the recommended response to the housing uplift:
a) Provide for sufficient housing across South Worcestershire to meet the OAHN and, subject to constraints, address housing need where it arises;
b) Focus most housing need in the urban areas (this follows the settlement hierarchy set out in policy SWDP 2) , where housing needs, employment opportunities and access to infrastructure are greatest and where the cost of public service delivery is relatively lower;
c) Maintain the openness of the Green Belt. This supported by guidance in the NPPF and it is set out in Policy SWDP 2 A v). Furthermore, the submitted SWDP was supported by a comprehensive Green Belt review (2010) which concluded that the existing South Worcestershire Green Belt continues to serve nationally identified Green Belt purposes. Officers are also concerned that the allocation of Green Belt for development could be only done after a further Green Belt Review which would trigger a fundamental review of the SWDP which could lead to the withdrawal of the SWDP. There is sufficient suitable and non Green Belt land to deal with the uplift without a further Green Belt Review;
d) Safeguard the open countryside. The open countryside is defined in SWDP 2 B (as proposed in the track change document) as “land beyond any development boundary or land beyond the Worcester City administrative boundary. In these areas development will be strictly controlled, especially in designated areas such as the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty”;
e) Maintain the openness of Significant Gaps. As stated in SWDP 2 C, “any development proposals should retain the open character of the Significant Gaps”. However, it is acknowledged that Significant Gap status is not an absolute constraint to strategic plan led growth where the purpose of a particular Significant Gap can be maintained; and
f) Development should be of an appropriate scale and type. As stated in Policy SWDP 2E (as proposed in the track change document), “ with regard to development proposals, the scale must be proportionate to the needs and size of settlement, local landscape character and /or location as well as the availability of community service infrastructure to accommodate it in a
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sustainable manner”. SWDP 2F also provides guidance: “Within development boundaries and within the Worcester City administrative area, preference is given to the redevelopment of brownfield sites before bringing forward greenfield land. In the open countryside the preference will also be to redevelop brownfield sites in the first instance although the availability of infrastructure and accessibility to local services will be material considerations…”
3.20 In addition it is clearly essential that sites recommended for housing allocation are deliverable and free from overriding technical or environmental constraints and that any other constraints which it may be evident cannot be overcome.
3.21 The package of allocations and changes to existing allocations for housing development set out in Appendix 1 have also been submitted for assessment in the context of the Sustainability Appraisal prepared to test the strategy and associated policies in the SWDP.
3.22 Addressing the uplift in the OAHN: Distribution of housing requirements
3.23 As stated in paragraph 3.19 the SWDP seeks to address the OAHN across South Worcestershire. It also establishes the strategy of achieving urban concentration at Worcester. This objective is delivered through SWDP policy in the form of the Wider Worcester Area 1 (WWA) described in SWDP 3 para 29.
3.24 The proposed distribution of housing need set out in the recommended modification to Policy SWDP 3 reflects the available and deliverable capacity in each of the thee South Worcestershire Districts which accords with the strategy of the SWDP. Unmet housing need is directed to policy sub-areas which reflect the objectives and locational strategy of the plan. Its is the lack of capacity within Malvern Hills and Worcester City that has driven the need for cross boundary co-operation over plan- making so that unmet housing need can be met in a strategic and logical way across South Worcestershire.
3.25 It has been necessary to revisit the overall extent of the WWA as a means of addressing the uplift in the OAHN but it considered that the objective is robust and continues to be deliverable in line with the original principles set out in the version of the plan submitted to the Secretary of State in May 2013. The current text needs to be amended to take account of the new land supply which has been identified in this area and its enhanced capacity to deliver urban concentration and meet additional housing needs of Malvern Hills and Worcester City. Additional text is also required to set out how this approach supports a number of strategic objectives within the SWDP and that a significant change in circumstances would require a review of how the objective of meeting Worcester’s needs and unmet needs from Malvern Hills in the WWA would be implemented in detail.
1 Wider Worcester Area (WWA) is defined as the City of Worcester and the Urban Extensions immediately adjoining the city boundary in Malvern Hills and Wychavon Districts.
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3.26 In the light of the additional capacity identified in the review it is recommended that all of Worcester City’s revised OAHN could be met within the Wider Worcester Area. Malvern Hills’ need that cannot be met in its towns and villages should be directed in the first instance to the WWA and only need that cannot be met in the WWA should then be directed to the Wychavon sub-area. Currently available information suggests around 2441 dwellings from Malvern Hills revised OAHN can also be accommodated within the Urban Extensions in the Wider Worcester Area situated within Malvern Hills District.
3.27 Table 2 below provides a summary of the distribution of OAHN and the recommended housing requirements for the policy sub-areas established under Policy SWDP3. Table 3 provides the comparable figures for the submitted version of the SWDP. Figure 1 below shows the recommended flows of housing growth within the SWDP sub-areas under SWDP Policy 3.
Table 2: Recommended proposed modifications
SWDP Inspector’s Supply SUBAREA/Area SWDP 3 Target recommended Recommended in OAHN (districts) Appendix 1 Malvern 8,590 5,913 Malvern Hills 5,900 (Ex WWA) Sub Area
Worcester 9,830 6,784 WWA 6,750 (Supply includes (Worcester City) 80 at Worcester South SUE)
Worcester urban N/A 5,471 WWA 5,450 extns (Malvern Hills and (supply excludes Wychavon ) 80 dws in
Worcester) Wychavon 9,950 10,768 Wychavon 10,300 (Ex WWA) Sub Area TOTAL 28,370 28,936 South Worcs 28,400
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Table 3 Submitted SWDP as set out in Policy SWDP 3
2012 Strategic Supply SUBAREA/Area SWDP 3 Target in Housing Market submitted SWDP Assessment (SHMA) (districts) Malvern 7,520 4,768 Malvern Hills 4,900 (Ex WWA) Sub Area Worcester 8,150 5,690 WWA 9,400 City (Worcester City) (of which the City target was Worcester 3,925 Within WWA 5,500) Urban Extensions Wychavon 7,500 9,042 Wychavon 8,900 (Ex WWA) Sub Area TOTAL 23,170 23,425 South Worcs 23,200
Figure 1: Diagram showing housing flows across the SWDP as recommended under Proposed Modification to SWDP Policy 3.
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3.28 The recommended housing targets set out in Table 1 of this report (and SWDP 3 in Appendix 1 ) meet the full OAHN for South Worcestershire up to 2030. The recommended distribution is within, and supportive of, the vision, objectives and spatial strategy of the Plan. The overall distribution of proposed housing growth within the SWDP (as recommended for modification) continues to ensure that growth is focussed on existing urban areas with greater levels of growth directed to the higher order settlements within the proposed settlement hierarchy. There is a significant increase in the level of growth proposed in the WWA and specifically the urban extensions This reflects the sub-regional role of Worcester City. A response to the recommended housing uplift that did not first consider options for further growth at Worcester would be unlikely to be found sound.
3.29 Addressing the uplift in the OAHN: Housing Supply identification
3.30 The primary focus for the site identification process has been to identify sufficient land for housing to address the Inspector’s recommended OAHN. It has also been necessary to find additional sites to address the Inspector’s Initial Conclusions at Stage 1 of the Examination with respect to the proposed housing supply. In his Conclusions the Inspector made recommendations which reduced the housing supply in the submitted plan by around 1,200 dwellings. Therefore, the South Worcestershire Councils have undertaken work to identify sites for around 6,700 additional dwellings. This includes intensification on submission allocations as well new allocations, plus additional supply from completions 2012 to 2014 and commitments at 2014, including recent appeals.
3.31 In order to propose an increased housing supply the SWCs have had regard to the following potential sources:
• Extension and / or intensification of existing SWDP allocation sites;
• Omission sites put forward by developers but not currently allocated in the SWDP;
• Current planning housing applications and paid pre-application advice sites (including sites approved but subject to completion of s.106 agreements);
• Planning permissions on sites post submission of the SWDP, including those allowed on appeal;
• Sites submitted to the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) for evaluation since its last publication (December 2012);
• Other sites identified recently by the three South Worcestershire Councils, including surplus public sector sites, vacant and derelict land and buildings and local authority property; and
• Sites submitted under the Call for Sites carried out after the Stage 1 Examination (March / April 2014).
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3.32 The South Worcestershire Councils considered that data already held in relation to the above points one to six provided a comprehensive database from which to formulate proposed modifications. However, given the publication of National Planning Practice Guidance in March this year, which promotes the importance of up to date consultation on housing availability it was agreed to undertake a comprehensive ‘call for sites’ exercise across South Worcestershire.
3.33 Around 550 suggested sites were submitted to the South Worcestershire Councils in response to the ‘Call for Sites’ consultation. The bulk of suggested sites came forward in Wychavon and Malvern Hills Districts.
3.34 An initial screening of possible additional sites was undertaken to identify those sites most suitable to address the housing uplift. This screening process included criteria associated with compatibility with the SWDP strategy and significant site or locational constraints. Those sites carried forward as potential allocations have been subject to more detailed assessment and consultation, including transportation modelling and Sustainability Appraisal.
3.35 Those sites now recommended for inclusion in the SWDP housing supply are identified in Appendix 1 . Those sites which have not been carried forward from the ‘Call for Sites’ exercise are listed in Appendix 2 to this report (a hyper link is provided from Appendix 2 to the relevant location maps). The principal reasons for a site not being selected are set out in Appendix 2 . The reasons stated represent a high level statement and do not necessarily reflect all site-specific constraints that may exist.
3.36 Council should be aware that the housing uplift set out in Appendix 1 includes all sites granted consent, either directly by the local planning authority or on appeal, including sites where s.106 agreements are still to be signed and issued. It is accepted that some of these sites do not sit comfortably with SWDP strategy either in terms of their location or the level of growth established in a particular location. However, it is considered inappropriate to ignore the existence of these sites as this would simply require the SWDP to allocate more sites than currently set out in Appendix 1 and for the SWDP to exceed the OAHN.
3.37 The submission of such a high number of sites under the ‘Call for Sites’ exercise that has led to the slippage in the Proposed Modifications timetable as it has been essential to ensure that potential allocations are assessed on a detailed basis and a level comparable with those sites allocated under the submitted SWDP. In addition it has been necessary to assess the impact of all potential allocations which passed the initial screening and the detailed assessment with respect to the Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) and the Sustainability Appraisal.
3.38 The housing land supply information (commitments) set out in the recommended Proposed Modifications has been updated to 1 st April 2014, and includes associated updating of small sites windfall dwellings allowances and completions/commitments. It also includes recent appeal decisions.
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3.39 Council will note that the housing supply for South Worcestershire is 28,936 against the recommended SWDP target of 28,400 (which rounds upwards the 28,370 dwellings recommended by the Inspector) . The recommended housing supply provides some overall flexibility associated with deliverability of sites over the plan period. It is not a deliberate approach to establish ‘headroom’ around the OAHN as the South Worcestershire Councils firmly believe the Inspector’s recommended approach has addressed any perceived uncertainty around the level of the OAHN and the OAHN has been fully addressed by the recommended Proposed Modifications.
3.40 Addressing the uplift: Key Elements of Worcester City
3.41 The potential to increase the level of housing growth within Worcester City has been considered as part of the proposed modifications process. It is part of the strategy of urban concentration at Worcester. As well as supply taking account of the evidence from monitoring of housing development (commitments and completions), the recommended modifications set out in Appendix 1 to this report propose additional housing supply in the city through the intensification of sites allocated in the SWDP as submitted in May 2013, and additional sites to be proposed to be allocated. Total supply in the City is about 6,784 dwellings including these proposed changes, a rise of about 1,100 compared to the submitted plan. The City supply of 6,784 excludes the Worcester urban extensions, except for an indicative 80 dwellings now recommended to be developed on land in the City in the SWDP 45/1 Worcester South urban extension, adjacent to the Ketch roundabout .
3.42 Total supply capacity from the submitted plan allocations and the recommended additional site allocations would amount to 2,689 dwellings, a rise of about 1,235 compared to the submitted SWDP. The 2,689 are part of the overall 6,784 supply. 24 of the 2,689 have been built, 699 have been granted planning permission and 558 have been approved subject to completion of a Section 106 Agreement. 1,408 have not yet been permitted, including 80 situated in the city within the Worcester South urban extension.
3.43 The proposed modifications recommended in Appendix 1 would result in the overall capacity on sites allocated in the submitted SWDP rising by 372 to 1,827 dwellings. This is due to intensification, notably at the SWDP44/4 Shrub Hill Opportunity Zone, reflecting the development east of the railway approved subject to s.106 and the need for housing development to the west of the railway to assist the mix of uses and viability of regeneration of this area. The rise also takes account of close care and extra care apartments permitted at SWDP43/18 (Grove Farm – now ‘branded’ as University Park (100 units, now under construction) and the SWDP43/25 College of Art and Design, Barbourne where demolition works are underway. Previously those sites were solely for C2 care homes. Recommended site allocation boundary changes are proposed at: SWDP 43/4 Old Northwick Farm to take account of new evidence about flood risk; at the College of Art and Design, reflecting the permitted area; and at SWDP43/7 Sansome Walk, taking account of site access and property boundaries .
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3.44 Twenty-nine additional sites totalling 858 dwellings are recommended for allocation across the city as set out in Appendix 1 , with over 80% of these being brownfield. Seven have been granted planning permission but not yet started, two are approved subject to S106, and 20 are not yet the subject of planning applications. In particular, the site capacity of these sites takes appropriate account of local green network mitigation, the historic environment, avoidance and management of flood risk, and the impact of neighbouring uses. A series of footnotes to the relevant site policies provides the necessary guidance for those sites’ development. The largest proposals are the former Crown Packaging site at Perry Wood Walk (totalling 240 dwellings) and mixed redevelopment at Lowesmoor Wharf (including 100 dwellings).
3.45 Addressing the Uplift: Key Elements of the Wider Worcester Area (Urban Extensions)
3.46 The potential to increase the level of housing growth located at Worcester in accordance with the SWDP’s strategy has been considered as part of the proposed modifications process. The recommended modifications set out in Appendix 1 to this report propose that the two largest urban extension allocations (SWDP 45/1 and 45/2) are modified and a wholly new urban extension Land at Swinesherd Way is allocated for 300 dwellings.
3.47 With respect to Site SWDP45/1 (Broomhall Community and Norton Barracks Community) to the south of Worcester City it is recommended that the allocation is increased by 150 dwellings to 2,600 dwellings. No modification of the existing allocation site boundary or the amount of employment land to be provided is proposed.
3.48 The recommended increase of 150 dwellings is considered achievable on the basis of on-going master planning work with prospective developers and the evidence provided through the submission of planning applications across this allocation. Other text changes are proposed the SWDP 45/1 to reflect progress with master planning work and infrastructure discussions.
3.49 Council will note that under SWDP 3 reference is now made to 80 dwellings on this urban extension falling within the administrative boundary of Worcester City. This change reflects the alignment of the City boundary within the proposed allocation. However, it remains the position that the allocation will be brought forward comprehensively having regard to the fact that the allocation sits, in part, in the administrative areas for all three South Worcestershire Councils.
3.50 With respect to SWDP Site 45/2 (Temple Laugherne) to the west of the city it is recommended that the allocation is increased by 1,175 dwellings from 975 dwellings to 2,150 dwellings. No changes with respect to the amount of employment land are proposed.
3.51 The increase is achieved by extending the proposed allocation under the submitted SWDP slightly further westwards and further north towards the Martley Road
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(B4204). The policy associated with the allocation now proposes that the development is served by a spine road connecting the A44 in the south to the Martley Road in the north. This requirement reflects the output of the transportation modelling undertaken by WCC associated with the Worcester Transport Strategy. The diagram accompanying the allocation proposes that the recommended spine road forms the outer edge of the proposed development (subject to detailed design and assessment). This could have urban design benefits with respect to promoting cycling and walking in to the city from the development. It would also offer the possibility that the capacity of the spine road could potentially be increased should long terms aspirations for a NWLR (in whole or part) come forward. Paragraphs 3.78 and 3.80 below however, make clear that there is no current requirement under the SWDP as recommended for modification for the building of a NWLR (in whole or part) or the protection of an alignment for its longer term construction.
3.52 Further changes are recommended to the allocation policy SWDP 45/2 to reflect increased size of the allocation, including increasing the size of the proposed local centre.
3.53 Clearly there is a disparity between the two largest urban extensions with respect to how advanced they are with Master Planning work. In the case of Site SWDP45/1 (Broomhall Community and Norton Barracks Community) most of the proposed allocation area is subject to planning applications and discussions have been on- going regarding master planning issues. The indicative diagram accompanying this site reflects the developing work under taken so far.
3.54 Whilst part of the area under the enlarged allocation at SWDP Site 45/2 (Temple Laugherne) to the west of the city is the subject of current planning applications these are broadly related to the earlier allocation made under the submitted version of the SWDP for 975 dwellings. Given the quick turnaround required for Proposed Modifications to the SWDP to address the housing uplift it is inevitable that Master Planning associated with the enlarged allocation is not yet advanced. The policy wording associated with SWDP 45/2 as proposed for modification makes clear that the disposition of proposed uses within the allocation boundary will require, and be subject to, further intensive Master Planning to ensure the comprehensive development of the amended allocation as a whole and provide an integrated and cohesive urban design and movements within the site and to / from the city.
3.55 A wholly new urban extension is recommended for allocation at Land at Swinesherd Way for 300 dwellings. This urban extension is within Wychavon District adjacent to the eastern edge of the City. It is located between the A4440 and the M5. The recommended proposed modifications introduce a specific allocation policy for this site which, amongst other matters, addresses the need for a comprehensive landscaping scheme to address noise issues from the A4440 and the M5, as well as avoidance of areas within the allocation boundary subject to surface water flooding.
3.56 No changes are proposed with respect to SWDP45/3 Kilbury Drive and SWDP 45/4 Gwillam’s Farm as both of these sites already have the benefit of planning approval. No changes are proposed to SWDP 45/5 Worcester Technology Park as the urban
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extension is for employment uses only and is therefore unaffected by the uplift in the OAHN.
3.57 Addressing the uplift: Key Elements of Malvern Hills District (Ex WWA)
3.58 The SWDP housing allocations, as amended by the recommended Proposed Modifications, continue to maintain the strategy objective of focussing development in the towns and higher order settlements across the District.
3.59 Excluding the WWA, the allocations within Malvern Hills District, total 3093 dwellings of these 1295 dwellings (42%) already have planning approval, with a further 35 dwellings subject to current planning applications.
3.60 In total 1982 dwellings are allocated in or adjacent to the main towns across the district.
3.61 The total allocation to the district’s villages is 1,110 dwellings of which 756 dwellings are in Category 1 villages (of which 633 (84%) have planning permission), 340 dwellings in Category 2 villages (of which 188 (55%) have planning permission) and 14 in Category 3 villages (all of which have planning permission). Overall this means around three quarters of the rural allocations set out in the SWDP (which includes both allocations in the submitted plan and proposed for modification) already have the benefit of planning approval.
3.62 Only two additional allocations are recommended (see Appendix 1 ) in the rural areas on sites which currently do not have the benefit of planning permission. These are:
• Land south of Greenhill Farm, Hallow (30 dwellings); and
• Land off Bransford Road, Rushwick (50 dwellings).
3.63 In overall terms addressing the uplift across Malvern Hills District (ex. WWA) has been assisted by the additional housing supply generated by planning approvals granted recently (including appeal decisions) on five-year housing land supply grounds.
3.64 The main changes for Malvern set out in Appendix 1 are as follows:
• Land at North East Malvern (Policy SWDP 56) is recommended to increase by 100 dwellings to 800 dwellings (with no recommended change to the allocation site boundary);
• The proposed redevelopment of former QinetiQ land (Policy SWDP 53) is recommended to increase by 50 dwellings to 300 dwellings (with no recommended change to the allocation site boundary). The employment land requirement remains unchanged; and
• Six new are recommended for allocation:
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o Victoria Road Car Park (21 dwellings);
o Broadlands Drive (33 dwellings);
o Brook Farm Drive (77 dwellings);
o Lower Howsell Road former Allotments (81 dwellings); and
o Two other sites which have recently received planning permission are allocated – these are Pickersleigh Grove (44 dwellings) and Mill Lane, Poolbrook (62 dwellings).
3.65 At Tenbury 3 additional allocations are recommended. These include two sites recently granted planning approval on appeal which are Land at Mistletoe Row (44 dwellings) and Land opposite Morningside (43 dwellings). The only wholly new site allocated at Tenbury is Land south of the Oaklands (35 dwellings).
3.66 Since the submission of the SWDP in May 2013, Upton-upon- Severn has had two additional housing sites outside of the SWDP granted approval that are now incorporated into the SWDP. These are Upton Marina (70 dwellings – granted on appeal) and Welland Road, Tunnel Hill (43 dwellings). The SWDP submission allocation at Sunny Bank Meadow (Site SWDP 58/1) has also been granted planning approval (25 dwellings). In combination these sites will achieve more than the level of housing growth recommended under Policy SWDP 58, which under SWDP 58 (C) made a non site-specific allocation to Upton-upon-Severn of 75 dwellings to be brought forward in the area via Neighbourhood Planning.
3.67 The proposed modifications in Appendix 1 now recommend that the non site- specific allocation of 75 dwellings at Upton-upon-Severn is deleted. However, this change would not preclude a neighbourhood plan (s) bringing forward additional housing allocations if unconstrained sites could be identified and were in line with local housing need requirements.
3.68 Addressing the uplift: Key Elements of Wychavon District
3.69 Wychavon, along with Malvern Hills and Worcester City, engaged positively in respect of identifying additional housing supply in order to meet the SWDP examination inspector’s recommended increase in the Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Over 260 representations were received following the “call for sites”. Many of these had previously been submitted to the Strategic Housing Land Availability studies or were amendments to allocations already proposed in the SWDP. In the meantime the Council continued to approve a number of major housing proposals and together with a number of significant housing appeals which went in favour of the developer, the need for additional new allocations rapidly receded. Indeed the only new proposed housing allocations are those which already have planning permission or at least a resolution to grant planning permission subject to a s.106 legal agreement and which are supportive of the proposed SWDP development strategy. In summary the proposed main modifications would result in a total of 79
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SWDP housing allocations of which only 36 do not have a planning permission or resolution to grant permission. The total housing supply for Wychavon District now stands at 10,768 dwellings which is 468 dwelling more than the proposed “policy on “housing requirement of 10,300 dwellings. Compared with the SWDP as submitted in May 2013 the balance of rural development versus urban development has moved slightly in favour of the former albeit that has been driven by the planning applications approved including appeal sites. Overall the majority of the development will continue to be met at the relatively more sustainable locations i.e. Droitwich Spa, Evesham and Pershore as advocated in the SWDP development strategy (SWDP2).
3.70 Addressing the uplift in the OAHN: Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) and consideration of the North West Link Road at Worcester
3.71 The purpose of the Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) is to identify the key infrastructure to support future housing and employment growth proposed by the SWDP up to 2030. National planning policy provides the framework for this. The IDP seeks to assess the current physical, social and green infrastructure provision across South Worcestershire along with what investment and improvement schemes are planned and programed in the plan period.
3.72 A new SWDP policy (SWDP Policy 7) was introduced into the SWDP at the earlier suggested changes stage and provides the link to the IDP. No changes are proposed to SWDP Policy 7 but the schedule of infrastructure requirements reproduced as Annex I to the SWDP has been updated (see Appendix 1 to this report). The updating process reflects consultation with all essential infrastructure providers and includes the results of transport modelling undertaken by WCC and the Highways Agency.
3.73 The May 2013 version of the SWIDP estimated a total infrastructure capital cost for the SWDP proposals of over £500m. The September 2014 SWIDP shows that these capital costs for the September 2014 proposals will increase by at least an additional £50m. There has been full consultation with all infrastructure stakeholders dealing with all forms of physical, social and green infrastructure and this feedback is all saying that there are no “show stoppers” to prevent proposed development coming forward in the plan period.
3.74 The key infrastructure elements are Transport and Education:
3.75 Transport: Estimates show the total capital cost rising from the original figure of about £204m to now around £226m. This is a significant increase but not in percentage terms which suggests a positive correlation between the development strategy and the transport strategy.
3.76 Education: Latest estimates show the total capital cost rising from about £66m to now about £94m. This is because in some cases a threshold has been crossed in terms of school capacity although in other instances new housing development will help boost the intake of schools with spare capacity.
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3.77 Full information on this and other forms of infrastructure can be found in the SWIDP (see Annex I as recommended for modification in Appendix 1 to this report).
3.78 North West Link Road at Worcester: In order to update the IDP and bring forward proposals for additional growth at Worcester, consideration has been given to the need for a North West Link Road (NWLR) which could potentially connect the A4440 / A44 at Grove Farm to the A449 north of Worcester.
3.79 The views of Worcestershire Council have been sought on this matter and the impact of proposed housing growth on the A 4440 southern link road and motor way junctions has been fully taken into account.
3.80 The current position can be summarised as follows:
• The level of growth proposed at Worcester and specifically the recommended major urban extension to the west of the City (2,150 dwellings) does not require the building of a NWLR in either whole or part during the plan period (i.e. up to the year 2030);
• The advice of the Highway Authority is that it is unlikely that a significantly larger major urban extension to the west of the City ( i.e. larger than the recommended modification set out in Appendix 1 to this report ) could be served using the existing road network, including the A4440 southern link road, even with major improvement, and a NWLR in whole or part would be required. Further, technical work and transport modelling would be required however, to determine a general tipping point where a NWLR would be required;
• The building of a NWLR remains a long term aspiration in the Worcestershire Local Transport Plan No.3. However, there is no approved scheme, no approved detailed alignment or current design proposal and no funding identified for the building of a NWLR. Furthermore, there is no long term commitment to further growth to the west of the City beyond 2030 which may result in the need for a NWLR. This aspiration therefore does not currently provide a basis for protecting a particular alignment or space for a potential NWLR in the SWDP or the associated IDP;
• SWDP Policy 45 (2) deals with the major urban extension to the west of the City. The policy and the associated IDP require a spine road connection between the A4440 / A44 to the south of the allocation to the Martley Road (B4204) in the north. This requirement reflects the detailed outputs of the Worcester Transport Model as recently updated; and
• Good planning would suggest that notwithstanding the advice above regarding the current absence of a case for a NWLR the implementation of SWDP Policy 45 (2) should not preclude the possible completion of a NWLR at some later stage. SWDP Policy 45 (2) envisages that the spine road connection between the A4440 / A44 in the south and the Martley Road (B4204) in the north will form the outer western boundary of the proposed development. It is suggested that the
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proposed road’s overall alignment and its connections with existing roads to the south and north could be designed so as to enable the proposed spine road to be uprated to form part of a potential NWLR in the longer term. However, this will currently have to be achieved through discussion and negotiation with the prospective developers of the major urban extension to the west of the City.
3.81 Addressing the uplift in the OAHN: SWDP Viability
3.82 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) formalises the requirement for Councils to ensure that the Local Plan is deliverable and viable. Accordingly consultants were commissioned to undertake an independent assessment of the overall viability of the Plan. Their findings on the submitted SWDP formed part of the evidence base for the Plan.
3.83 At the pre-submission stage the key conclusion of the consultants work was that the policies set out in the SWDP would not put the implementation of the Plan at serious risk.
3.84 Given that additional housing supply has had to be identified to address the increase in the OAHN requirement and additional infrastructure requirements have been identified through the updating of the IDP it has been necessary to commission a further assessment of the SWDP’s overall viability.
3.85 The consultants have identified that in overall terms the Policies of the SWDP are placing increased pressures on overall viability. This is particularly important with respect to brownfield sites across the Plan area, but which are concentrated in Worcester City, where sites may be potentially unviable or marginal in the face of all full policy compliance and infrastructure requirements. The consultants advise that affordable housing provision is potentially one of the most significant factors that impacts on the viability of brownfield sites and particularly those in Worcester city. This has led to a recommendation that consideration is given to a reduction in the affordable housing requirement in Worcester City on Brownfield Sites and that further detailed assessment is undertaken regarding the viability of the proposed Major Urban Extensions.
3.86 This recommendation is discussed in the following section of this report. However, it should be noted that whilst viability issues with Worcester City have previously impacted on the delivery of affordable housing, where some developments do not achieve 40% affordable housing, the picture is not the same across South Worcestershire as a whole. Recent decisions in both Wychavon and Malvern Hills indicate that housing schemes in these locations can include and deliver 40% affordable housing without adversely impacting on viability of the delivery of other essential infrastructure or mitigation measures.
3.87 The consultants remain of the view that, subject to consideration being given to amending the affordable housing requirements set out under SWDP Policy 15: (Meeting Affordable Housing Needs) the SWDP policies in overall terms would not
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put the implementation of the Plan at serious risk. The updated viability assessment report can be viewed at www.swdevelopmentplan.org
3.88 Addressing the uplift in the OAHN: Affordable Housing Supply
3.89 The Submitted SWDP had regard to the need for 8,250 affordable dwellings between 2006 and 2030. Evidence submitted by the South Worcestershire Councils to the Stage 1 of Examination into the SWDP stated that the forecast affordable housing supply for the plan period, at that time, would be around 6,100 dwellings. The Local Plan inspector in his findings noted the mismatch between the overall requirement for affordable housing and the forecast supply but he did not recommend to the Councils any particular actions to address the shortfall.
3.90 As part of the work undertaken to address the recommended uplift in the OAHN for South Worcestershire, consideration has been given to the likely supply of affordable housing that will be delivered in the context of the increased housing supply now proposed through the recommended Proposed Modifications. This work has had regard to the recommended proposed modification to SWDP Policy 15: (Meeting Affordable Housing Needs) which proposes a reduced contribution towards affordable housing grounds on brownfield sites within Worcester City on viability grounds (see 3.85 above).
3.91 The updated need total is 8,140 affordable dwellings. The current forecast is that even with the Proposed Modification to SWDP Policy 15 a total of 8,903 dwellings will be provided across South Worcestershire between 2006 and 2030. This demonstrates that with the recommended uplift in the OAHN requirement there is an opportunity to provide a closer match between affordable housing need and supply over the plan period. However, this will be subject to on-going assessment of viability and specifically viability and deliverability for major sites.
3.92 Whilst the projected supply of 8,903 affordable dwellings suggests a modest surplus of affordable housing against need, this belies internal variation in supply against affordable housing need across South Worcestershire. With respect to Worcester City’s affordable housing need there remains a potential shortfall of around 800 dwellings up to 2030. This would point towards a joint strategy to be adopted by the South Worcestershire Councils to ensure that housing development within the WWA maximises its potential contribution towards meeting the City’s affordable housing needs. This could be achieved through a memorandum of understanding or a joint allocations policy. However, this is not a planning policy matter and does not feature in the recommended Proposed Modifications.
3.93 Addressing the uplift in the OAHN: Integrated Assessment
3.94 The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 requires a Sustainability Appraisal (SA) of the Strategy and Policies in the Local Development Framework. The SA is intended to assess the impact of the plan from an environmental, economic and social perspective. It is intended to test the performance of a plan against the
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objectives of sustainable development and thereby provide the basis for its improvement. The SA is an on-going assessment of the South Worcestershire Development.
3.95 A Sustainability Framework has been developed and all emerging options and policies have been tested against this at each step in the Plans preparation. The Integrated Assessment also includes the Habitats Regulations Assessment which is required under the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive.
3.96 It has therefore been essential to test the impact of changes arising from meeting the uplift of the OAHN through the Integrated Assessment process. This includes considering the impact of the Proposed Modifications both individually and cumulatively with the submitted SWDP.
3.97 The SA broadly indicates that the recommended Proposed Modifications are positive in improving the required mitigation of the effects of proposed development and importantly the recommended Proposed Modifications are consistent with, and supportive of, the SWDP vision, objectives and strategy for sustainable development. The updated Integrated Assessment can be viewed at www.swdevelopmentplan.org
4. SWDP Policy 17: Travellers and Travelling Show people / Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment.
4.1 The six district councils across Worcestershire, along with Worcestershire County Council have co-operated over the updating of the Worcestershire Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA) (February 2008) which was originally used to develop and justify the submitted SWDP Policy 17. The SWCs considered that the 2008 GTAA was in need of both review and updating. Furthermore, it was considered that a thorough review of the GTAA methodology was required.
4.2 The 2014 update of the Worcestershire GTAA is based upon a comprehensive survey of existing sites and assessment of future needs. The assessment work was completed in early 2014. Whilst the full report is still to be released (expected October 2014) the Executive Summary has been published on the basis that its findings have been accepted by the Worcestershire Councils and finalisation of the background report is unlikely to result in any changes to the conclusions reached by the Assessment or the estimates of forecast need.
4.3 The GTAA is considered to represent a major element of the SWDP evidence base and it is related to understanding and responding to overall housing needs within South Worcestershire. As the results of the 2014 Assessment are so markedly different from the 2008 Assessment it is considered important that proposed modifications are brought forward at this stage rather than post Stage 2 Examination. Furthermore, the reduced level of need for Gypsy pitches identified by the updated Assessment has a direct bearing for policies associated with the major urban extensions. It will be noted that the recommended Proposed Modifications propose that the two potential Gypsy and Traveller sites at Site SWDP45/1 (Broomhall Community and Norton Barracks Community) are reduced to one.
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Furthermore, in the absence of immediate 5 year requirements for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation in Malvern Hills District and Worcester City any future allocation of sites will be dependent upon the outcome of a future review of the GTAA. This position is reflected in the recommended update of the Local Development Scheme with respect to the timing of the proposed Gypsy and Traveller Site Allocations DPD.
5. Duty to Co-operate
5.1 Section 100 (3) of the Localism Act amends Section 20(5) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (PCPA 2004) by requiring the Local Plan Inspector to consider (alongside legal compliance and soundness) whether the local authority has complied with any duty imposed on the SWCs by Section 33 A in relation to the preparation of the plan.
5.2 As stated above the Local Plan Inspector has found, on the basis of Stage 1 of the Examination that the South Worcestershire Councils have complied with the legal duty.
5.3 The South Worcestershire Councils recognise that duty is on-going and therefore they have not simply rested on the Inspector’s Conclusions at Stage 1.
5.4 The production of additional evidence regarding OAHN involved the participation of the north Worcestershire districts in recognition that the Worcestershire Strategic Housing Market Assessment had been a joint project with the additional work giving rise to potential implications for their plan making work. In addition those authorities previously contacted under the duty to co-operate prior to the submission of the SWDP have been contacted again to determine whether the recommended SWDP response to the uplift in the OAHN requirement gives rise to any new strategic cross boundary issues. None have been raised with the South Worcestershire Councils. Similarly the on-going plan making work of neighbouring and near neighbour authorities has not raised any new issues for the SWDP to address at this time. An update to the Duty to Co-operate background Paper will be submitted to Stage 2 of the SWDP examination.
6. Proposed Consultation Arrangements
6.1 If approved by the three South Worcestershire Councils it will be necessary to publish the Post Submission Proposed Modifications for formal consultation purposes in accordance with Regulation 24. This will ensure that the Stage 2 Examination has the opportunity to consider the submitted plan and the proposed modifications on a like-for-like basis with respect to providing the public with the opportunity to comment on the changes and whether they are considered sound or not.
6.2 If approved the Post Submission Proposed Modifications will be published for consultation for six weeks between the 6 th October and 14 th November 2014.
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6.3 The consultation material will make clear that responses are only being sought in relation to the Post Submission Proposed Modifications and not other elements of the Submitted SWDP which are not proposed for change.
6.4 Appendix 3 to this report sets out the proposed consultation programme which replicates that undertaken at the Pre-submission consultation stage. As with the Pre- submission consultation responses will be invited as to whether the Proposed Modifications are sound and if not, how could they be made sound?
7. Next Steps / SWDP timetable: Local Development Scheme (LDS)
7.1 The recommended updating of the Local Development Scheme for each of the South Worcestershire Councils is addressed in detail by a separate report on this agenda.
7.2 The Local Plan Inspector at Stage 2 of the Examination will be required to determine whether the SWDP (as recommended for modification) has been prepared in accordance with the LDS. The updated LDS recommended for approval reflects the changes to the SWDP timetable that have occurred since the current version was approved. It also updates the plan making intentions of the three South Worcestershire Councils.
7.3 The production of a Local Development Scheme is a statutory requirement for every Local Planning Authority as prescribed under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. Best practice also indicates that regular updates to the Project Plan should be provided on the Council’s website, as has been the case to-date with amendments to the timetable for the SWDP. Changes in legislation since the LDS production have reduced the regulations guiding the production of an LDS.
7.4 The Local Development Scheme itself does not establish policy, but simply outlines plans to be produced, the timetables for their production and the resources that will be necessary to deliver them. It does however set out forthcoming policy documents and their likely content.
7.5 Appendix A to the LDS report on this agenda sets out the detailed timeline for the SWDP which anticipates resumption of the Examination process early in 2015, further proposed modifications and consultation over the summer 2015 and formal adoption by December 2015.
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8. Five Year Housing Land Supply Considerations
8.1 The Inspector’s recommended OAHN requirement and its distribution (see Table 1 above) is significant in that it provides the most up-to-date and robust assessment of housing need against which to establish 5 year housing land requirements and measure the housing land supply against for development management purposes. This is particularly important as there has been considerable debate and uncertainty recently during planning appeals across South Worcestershire as to what figures should be used to establish housing need requirements (i.e. the 5-year land supply target) in the absence of up to date Local Plans.
8.2 However, without the ‘policy on’ approach proposed by the recommended Proposed Modifications to SWDP Policy 3 which establishes a distribution for the OAHN to planning policy sub areas, the requirements associated with the OAHN will applied bluntly on a ‘policy off’ basis at a district by district level.
8.3 It should be noted that the SWDP seeks to establish the ‘policy on’ sub areas under Policy SWDP3 as areas where housing need will be met on a non transferable basis. This, in policy terms, seeks to ensure that any shortfall in deliverable supply in one sub-area does not result in compensatory releases, justified on 5-year housing land supply grounds, being made in another sub-area.
8.4 As a working example, in the absence of the approval of the Proposed Modifications, this would mean that appeals on housing land supply across Malvern Hills District as a whole would be measured against the OAHN requirement of 8,590 dwellings up to the year 2030 and not reflect the establishment of the separate Malvern Hills (Ex WWA) sub area set out in Table 5A for 5,900 dwellings. It can be seen from Table 4 below that the ‘policy off’ position is considerably worse for Malvern Hills District as a whole. This potentially runs the risk that housing growth that, under the plan strategy, would be directed towards Worcester would be released on appeal in less sustainable locations across the wider Malvern Hills District. Clearly such releases would not be supportive of the overall SWDP strategy or its related objectives, but in the absence of an emerging Local Plan, that can be afforded some weight, such considerations are unlikely to have a significant bearing in the minds of planning inspectors.
8.5 It will be noted that for Wychavon (ex WWA) the sub area requirement is larger than the OAHN requirement. Therefore, the imposition of a ‘policy on’ requirement has a negative impact on the 5 year housing land supply. However, as can be seen from Table 5 below, the sub area can still maintain a 5.57 year supply.
8.6 The shortfall in housing land supply within that part of the WWA which falls within Malvern Hills District inevitably reflects the lead in time for the construction of the greater part of the two very large urban extensions to the south and west of the City. It is also unsurprising given that the 5-year housing requirement is driven in part by housing requirements which are yet to be approved as Proposed Modifications to the SWDP.
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Table 4: Indicative 5 year housing land supply against district level OAHN requirements. District OAHN Indicative 5 year housing land requirement supply Malvern Hills 8590 3.51 Worcester City 9830 2.37 Wychavon 9950 5.95 South 28370 N/A Worcestershire Table 5: Indicative 5 housing land supply against SWDP Policy 3 sub area requirements (as proposed for modification). SWDP Sub Area Sub Area target Indicative 5 year housing land supply Malvern Hills 5900 4.93 (excluding WWA) Worcester City 6750 6.09 Wider Worcester 5450 See below Area – urban extensions only Wider Worcester 4550 3.0 Area within Malvern Hills District Wider Worcester 900 6.1 Area within Wychavon District Wychavon 10,300 5.57 (excluding WWA) South 28,400 N/A Worcestershire
8.7 The housing land supply estimates provided in Tables 4 and 5 are indicative for the purposes of illustrating the significance of the progressing the SWDP with respect to future development management decisions. They do not however, represent detailed statements of current 5-year housing land supply for development management purposes which will be produced by each of the South Worcestershire Councils in due course. Neither do the estimates above represent rolling 5-year housing land supply estimates for plan-making purposes.
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9. Consideration of the recommended Proposed Modifications by the South Worcestershire Joint Advisory Panel (SWJAP)
9.1 The South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP) Joint Advisory Panel (JAP) was set up to oversee the development of the SWDP and its predecessor the South Worcestershire Joint Core Strategy.
9.2 The JAP consists of 5 elected members from each of the South Worcestershire Councils and a representative from Worcestershire County Council. JAP is responsible for advising on the SWDP, making recommendations to the three Councils and to “report on and aim to promote and recommend the Panel’s recommendations to their respective District Council decision making bodies”.
9.3 The JAP has no executive powers and therefore can only make recommendations back to each of the three councils.
9.4 Following the submission of the the SWDP to the Secretary of State on 28 May 2013 JAP has continued with its focus shifting to steering the plan through the examination process.
9.5 Following the receipt of the Inspector’s Conclusions into Stage 1 of the Examination, JAP has been briefed regarding on-going work to address the uplift in the OAHN and associated work on infrastructure requirements and viability.
9.6 The Panel considered the recommended Proposed Modifications and related supporting work / evidence on 2 nd and 12 th September 2014.
9.7 The SWJAP specifically considered:
• The Post Submission Proposed Modifications to the submitted SWDP (as set out in Appendix 1 to this report) as being sound and deliverable;
• The recommended changes to the Infrastructure Delivery Plan (as Proposed for Modification - Annex I to the SWDP);
• The Panel noted the findings of the updated Viability Study and endorses it for the purposes of informing the recommended Proposed Modifications and specifically the recommended main modifications to SWDP Policy 17 regarding affordable housing;
• The proposed consultation programme (set in Appendix 3 to this report);
• The preparation of updated and revised Statements of Community Involvement for the three SWCs; and
• Proposed updating and review of Local Development Schemes for South Worcestershire.
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9.8 The recommendations of the Joint Advisory Panel to the South Worcestershire Councils are as follows:
(I) The recommended proposed main modifications to the submitted SWDP as set out in Appendix 1 to this report (including proposed modifications to the Policies Map and Key Diagram) and the associated Sustainability Appraisal are approved for the purposes of formal public consultation.
(II) Delegated approval is given to the relevant Head of Service in consultation with the Planning Portfolio Holder to make minor changes to the proposed modifications in terms of formatting, presentation and accuracy, including any minor changes arising from the consideration of the proposed modifications by the other South Worcestershire Councils, prior to publication for consultation purposes.
(III) The South Worcestershire Councils write to the Planning Minister seeking support for substantial weight to be afforded the emerging SWDP in current and future Development Management decisions and any associated appeals as the Plan progresses.
(IV) The Councils accept the proposed updated and revised Statement of Community Involvement and agree to its immediate adoption (effective 1 October 2014).
(V) The Councils: • approve their Local Development Scheme (LDS) 2014-17;
• note the revised Schedule detailing the timetable revisions consequent to the Inspector’s Interim and Further Interim Conclusions;
• agree to its immediate implementation (effective 1 October 2014);
• agree to its immediate publication via the SWDP website; and
• delegate authority to the relevant Heads of Service in consultation with the Portfolio Holders to make minor amendments to the text of the LDS in order to correct any minor errors that may be identified, subject to the agreement of all three South Worcestershire Councils where minor amendments relate to joint documents.
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9.9 With respect to the paragraph 9.8 (iii) above the Panel was concerned that recent planning appeal decisions, including appeal decisions issued by the Secretary of State, have placed very limited, if any, weight on the emerging SWDP. The reason for taking such a course of action has been cited as the on-going uncertainty about the OAHN requirement addressed by the SWDP, the absence of proposals from the SWCs about how the uplift in the OAHN would be addressed and the level of objection to proposed housing objections.
9.10 The Panel considers that by recommending Post Submission Proposed Modifications which address the Inspector’s recommended full OAHN and proposing additional housing supply to address that housing requirement, the SWCs have gone a long way towards removing the perceived level of uncertainty. Furthermore, by publishing the recommended Post Submission Proposed Modifications for consultation purposes the SWCs will have returned the SWDP to a stage comparable with the submission stage, with the major added benefit that the OAHN requirement for the plan has already been considered and accepted by the Local Plan Inspector, together with the broad approach towards sub-areas and redistribution as the means of meeting that need.
9.11 The Panel also believes that failure by the Planning Inspectorate and the Secretary of State to place increasing weight on the emerging plan, as proposed for modification, would not reflect the Government’s own national planning policy advice and not accord with informal advice offered to the SWCs by the previous planning minister.
9.12 The recommendation set out in Paragraph 9.8 (iii) above is based upon the view of the Panel that the planning minister should be advised that the South Worcestershire Councils have taken major steps to remove any perceived uncertainty around the content of the SWDP and the OAHN and how it will be addressed. Furthermore, placing increasing weight on the emerging plan accords with the Government’s own policy advice and failure to place weight on the emerging strategy and policies would undermine delivery of the strategy and local public confidence in the merits and advantages of a plan led system.
9.13 Council will note that the recommendations set out in Paragraphs 9.8 (iv) and (v) are addressed under separate reports on this agenda.
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10. Equalities, Financial, Health and Safety, HR, Legal and Policy Implications
Each of the Worcestershire Councils has made provision within its What will this own budgets to meet their equal contributions towards the cost? production of the SWDP. Collaboration on a single Local Plan has (Identify Financial, enabled savings at key steps in the plan production process, Legal, Property and where duplication can be removed. Personnel issues) Progressing a single Local Plan for South Worcestershire represents a major logistical task. It has benefited from combining and sharing the skills within each of the authorities involved, although it has been necessary to reduce capacity and commitments in other areas of work. The SWDP programme has had to accommodate several additional stages in its preparation which were not envisaged in the original project timetable. This has included an additional Preferred Options stage, suggested changes consultation and more recently the preparation of recommended proposed modifications during the Examination process. This has required significant elements of the SWDP evidence base to be updated. The costs associated with this work are currently being absorbed within the overall project budget across the three SWCs. Further, examination of project costs arising from the extended timetable set out in the updated LDS will be needed and requires close monitoring. In the event of a decision of one or more of the SWCs were to bring about the production of separate Local Plans for the districts across South Worcestershire this would result in very significant resource implications for each authority in terms of direct costs, delay and access to adequate officer support and expertise. It would also significant increase the resource and risk demands associated with not having an up to date Local Plan in place for each of the authorities. Failure to progress on a joint plan basis would be likely to require the individual authorities to take several steps backwards in the plan making process and come forward with individual documents, undertake separate consultation programmes, separate examinations (at which all three councils would need to be represented) and receive three separate inspector’s reports. The emerging SWDP provides a comprehensive basis for How does this reviewing existing land use, transportation, social, economic and meet our environmental policy covering the district. priorities? In accordance with national planning policy the SWDP seeks to (Show how this deliver sustainable development having regard to social, proposal meets one economic and environmental objectives. of the Council’s The strategy provides a strong economic development vision for priorities and the area which has shaped the policies of the plan. explain how it also The strategic nature of the document establishes the Councils meets its land use priorities. underpinning principles of “Enterprise” and “Partnership” )
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Relevant stakeholders and consultees have b een consulted over Have you the formulation of the recommended proposed modifications. consulted? Formal public consultation as set out in Appendix 3 to this (What public or report will be carried out into the recommended Proposed other consultation Modifications in accordance with Development Plan Regulations. has been undertaken in relation to this matter?)
The South Worcestershire Development Plan addresses a wide Is there an range of social, environmental and economic issues which include Equalities identifying groups within the community whose needs can be impact? addressed through the plan making process. The provision of Has an Equality Impact Assessment strategic infrastructure, affordable housing, improved Screening Report accessibility and access to employment are covered by the joint been completed plan, as are the needs of the aging population across South Yes/No? If not, Worcestershire. The submitted version of the SWDP and the this report cannot recommended proposed modifications are subject to a be taken to comprehensive Integrated Assessment which includes equalities Committee unless impact. The adequacy of the Integrated Assessment will be justified? examined as part of the plan making process. See above. Has a Full Equalities Impact Assessment been completed? Yes/No? If not, why not?
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11. Risk Management
11.1 Any slippage in the current plan timetable (as set out in the revised Local Development Scheme) would make it extremely difficult to meet key milestones. In the short term this could result in the Local Plan Inspector advising the SWCs that he is unable to programme Stage 2 of the Examination and can not keep the Examination ‘open’ indefinitely. This could lead to a request that the plan is withdrawn.
11.2 Slippage in the plan timetable will further extend the period to when the plan can be adopted and full weight placed on it for development management purposes. Any considerable delay or reversion to an earlier stage would result in an extended period of risk associated with planning by appeal, which may fail to deliver the full range of supporting infrastructure. Council may wish to note that putting in place a full 5-year supply of deliverable sites without progressing the SWDP would still result in existing adopted Local Plan policies which manage the release of housing continuing to be deemed out of date in accordance with NPPF requirements.
11.3 Given the plan making and associated development management risks, further delay with progressing the SWDP should avoided, particularly given the progress made with formulation of the OAHN through the Stage 1 Examination process.
11.4 The SWDP Project Manager is responsible for updating the Soundness and Legal Compliance tool kits at each stage in the Development Plan process as recommended by the Planning Inspectorate. An updated tool kit response will be provided for the Stage 2 Examination.
Risk Identified Inherent Proposed measures Residual Risk Risk Evaluation Evaluation Failure to strategically Risk Score 8 Progress the Risk Score 5 and development of the comprehensively South Worcestershire address Local Plan as a basis for the needs of South developing and Worcestershire and implementing common specifically the cross policies and addressing boundary implications specific sub-regional of issues by the publication growth associated of the Preferred Options with the Paper, as recommended City of Worcester by the Joint Advisory could lead Panel to inappropriate and incremental development which does not maximise community benefits
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and incurs adverse environmental consequences. Failure of the three Risk Score 8 Update and approve a Risk Score 5 Councils Revised LDS to agree the content of a South Worcestershire Joint Development Joint Advisory Panel and Plan and District adhere to the LDS Councils to receive timetable regular progress reports could lead to delays with respect to LDS and commitments / even possible failure milestones and of the undertake corrective tests for soundness. action whenever This could further lead necessary. to increased costs and Briefings provided to leave SWJAP and all Council South Worcestershire members in all 3 Councils without an appropriate at relevant stages of the and Plan regarding key policy up to date spatial development issues/ strategy decisions. with the associated risk of Regular monitoring and inappropriate management of the development. SWDP costs and identification of potential Note: Assessed as overspend at an early High Impact stage in order for due to Financial Risk appropriate action to be to taken by the 3 partner combined LPA councils resources dedicated to Local Ensure that all Plan documentation and production and the evidence for the Plan is potential accessible and a effects of having to handover period is built revert to into any key member of individual Local Plan staff leaving. production or a Joint Local Plan being found Regular meetings with to be unsound. Team Leaders to monitor workloads and address Loss of key staff or capacity issues. insufficient resource to ensure that development of the SWLP is not delayed.
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Failure to prepare Risk Score 8 Advise SWDP programme Risk Scor e 5 sound proposed officer / Local Plan modifications to the Inspector of SWCs submitted SWDP in timetable for addressing timely fashion to the Inspector’s enable SWDP (stage recommended uplift in the 2) to be re-opened. OAHN for South Worcestershire and any essential adjustments. Update evidence base / key reports required to the development of proposed modifications – using external resources where necessary. Reporting of recommended Proposed Modifications to the SWCs at the earliest possible opportunity. Undertake informal consultation regarding formulation of proposed modifications. Undertake formal modifications consultation into proposed modifications. Submit consultation responses to the Local Plan Inspector in accordance with agreed timetable.
12. Comments of the Service Manager for Economic Development and Planning Policy
12.1 In order to progress the South Worcestershire Development further it is essential that the South Worcestershire Councils respond positively and quickly to the Local Plan Inspector’s recommended changes to the emerging plan. Otherwise the Local Plan Inspector has already indicated that he would find that the Plan is unsound. This is because he does not consider that the submitted SWDP addressed the full OAHN for South Worcestershire up to the year 2030 and therefore the proposed housing supply is insufficient to address housing need.
12.2 The recommended response set out in Appendix 1 to this report has been tested against, and is consistent with, the Vision, objectives and spatial strategy underpinning the submitted plan and can be reasonably presented to the Examination as main modifications to the submitted Plan and not a departure from these key elements of the SWDP.
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12.3 The sites recommended for allocation for housing are drawn from a comprehensive search for potential sites, which has included a ‘call for sites’ exercise in line with NPPG guidelines. Sites recommended for allocation or amendment, have been appropriately assessed for their suitability and associated infrastructure requirements and viability. Their recommendation for allocation is supported by the updated SWDP evidence base. The package of recommended proposed modifications has been satisfactorily assessed against the Sustainability Appraisal supporting the SWDP.
12.4 Failure to respond to the Inspector’s recommended changes to the emerging SWDP in a positive manner or to respond with proposed modifications that are not consistent with the submitted Plan’s vision, objectives and spatial strategy is likely to result in the Local Plan Inspector inviting the SWCs to withdraw the SWDP or the Inspector finding it unsound. This would result in significant delay in the plan making process with major risks for all three authorities from a development management perspective due to the absence of up to date development plan coverage.
13. THE DEPUTY LEADER AND PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR ECONOMIC PROSPERITY, COUNCILLOR MARC BAYLISS, RECOMMENDS THAT:
(I) The recommended proposed main modifications to the submitted SWDP as set out in Appendix 1 to this report (including proposed modifications to the Policies Map and Key Diagram) and the associated Sustainability Appraisal are approved for the purposes of formal public consultation;
(II) Delegated approval is given the Service Manager for Economic Development & Planning Policy in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Economic Prosperity to make minor changes to the proposed modifications in terms of formatting, presentation and accuracy, including any minor changes arising from the consideration of the proposed modifications by the other South Worcestershire Councils, prior to publication for consultation purposes; and (III) The South Worcestershire Councils write to the Planning Minister seeking support for substantial weight to be afforded the emerging SWDP in current and future Development Management decisions and any associated appeals as the Plan progresses.
Ward(s): All Officer: David Blake Service Manager Economic Development & Planning Policy Tel: 01905 722536 Email: [email protected]
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Appendices: Appendix 1: First Schedule of Proposed Modifications (October 2014) Appendix 2 – Sites details re sites not carried forward as Proposed Modifications. Appendix 3: Proposed Consultation Programme. Related The following SWDP evidence documents can be viewed on the Information: SWDP website www.swdevelopmentplan.org Amion Report (January 2014) Integrated Assessment (SA / HRA / SEA) 2014 update Viability Assessment (2014) Water Cycle Study (2014) Worcestershire GTAA (Executive Summary) (2014) South Worcestershire Infrastructure Delivery Plan update (2014) Portfolio of Maps of new sites or those with amended boundaries – as set out in the Post Submission Proposed Main Modifications (September 2014) References: This matter is also being reported to Wychavon District and (To or from other Malvern Hills District Council on 30 th September 2014. The report Committees) and recommendations presented to the South Worcestershire Councils shares the same content and recommendations. Council reports dated 10 th December 2012 (Special Councils) addressed approval of the submission version of the SWDP. The decisions of the three South Worcestershire Councils at that time put in place various delegations and approvals which continue in operation whilst the SWDP remains at Examination (minute 60 refers).
Appendix 1 South Worcestershire Development Plan Examination:
Schedule of Proposed Modifications following Stage 1 of the Examination, arising from the Objective Assessment of Housing Need and Inspector’s Further Interim Conclusions, March 2014
South Worcestershire Councils
Version considered by South Worcestershire Councils on 30 th September 2014 Consultation runs from 6 th October – 14 th November 2014 (ends at 5.00pm)
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NB/ all text shown as amended and policy numbers / table references etc. are taken from the original submission document (May 2013). Modifications not directly related to the uplift are not shown in this schedule for reasons of clarity. A further set of main modifications, including any identified through previous consultations, will be consulted upon at a later stage of the examination process. Any former modification relating to a policy or reasoned justification specifically referred to in this schedule is now effectively superseded.
1
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map A New Plan for South Worcestershire – Table 1
PM1 Reasoned AMEND the last two sentences of paragraph 97 after Table 1 as follows To respond to the recommendation in Justification The implications of this new evidence have been considered and analysed in the Housing Background paragraph 61 of the Further Interim after Table 1 Paper. In summary, it has not been necessary to amend policy on housing provision. Conclusions and the total projected paragraph dwelling requirement figures for 2006- 97 30 as set out in paragraph 57 of the The implications of this new evidence and the conclusions and recommendations of the SWDP Further Interim Conclusions. Inspector in the Further Interim Conclusions (notably paragraphs57 and 61) were considered and analysed in the Housing Background Paper 2012 and the Addendum 2014. As a result the scale of To respond to evidence relating to the objectively assessed housing need for the plan period in South Worcestershire rose to 28,370. The Objective Assessment of housing need. Page 59 housing provision target in SWDP 3 rose to 28,400 to match this need. There is no evidence of To be consistent with proposed additional unmet housing need from outside South Worcestershire that must be accommodated in changes to SWDP 3. the plan area to add to the South Worcestershire need.
SWDP 2 – Development Strategy and Settlement Hierarchy
PM2 SWDP 2 A REPLACE SWDP 2A ii. with the following To be consistent with the Proposed ii. Phase development to maintain a rolling 5-year housing land supply to 2030; Change to SWDP 2Aii which responds ii Provide for and facilitate the delivery of sufficient housing to meet objectively to the recommendation at paragraph 91 assessed needs to 2030; of the Inspector’s Interim Conclusions on the Stage 1 Matters to delete the reference to phasing in SWDP 3 E (i.e. by deleting the SWDP2 A ii. reference to “phase development.) To remove the unnecessary duplication of policy set out inSWDP3 I by deleting 2 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map the reference to ‘maintaining the 5 year housing land supply’. The replacement clause provides certainty about the strategic focus for delivering sufficient housing plus the emphasis on meeting objectively assessed needs, and is subsequently expanded on in SWDP 3. PM3 SWDP 2Avii vii. With respect to scale and type, development will need to be commensurate with and appropriate The proposed revised policy was used to the size and characteristics of the host settlement. A location’s capacity to assimilate change will be in the assessment of new sites needed taken into account . Development should be of an appropriate scale and type (see part E below) and to meet the uplift in the OAHN. Page 60 be informed by the Settlement Hierarchy set out below.. PM4 SWDP 2C The open countryside is defined as land beyond any development boundary 1 and the built form of the The proposed revised policy was used urban area, or land beyond the Worcester City administrative boundary 2. … in the assessment of new sites needed to meet the uplift in the OAHN. PM5 SWDP 2F With regard to development proposals, the scale must be proportionate to the needs and size of the The proposed revised policy was used settlement, local landscape character and / or location as well as the availability of community service in the assessment of new sites needed infrastructure to accommodate it in a sustainable manner. The scale of development proposals must also to meet the uplift in the OAHN. enhance the local landscape character, PM6 SWDP 2 AMEND SWDP 2 by inserting the following after Part I To provide certainty about the status of the three Sub-Areas within the J. The following three Sub Areas are identified to support the implementation of SWDP2, development strategy policy by naming including policy set out in SWDP 3: them in SWDP 2. This confirms the
1 Most allocations extend beyond the development boundaries, which have been carried forward from the former Malvern Hills and Wychavon Local Plans. Once detailed schemes for these allocations have been approved and work commenced, these will be treated as being within the development boundary for the purpose of this definition. The associated green infrastructure will then be treated as Local Green Network under SWDP 38. 2 The allocated Worcester urban extensions are part of the open countryside until planning permission has been granted and development has commenced in accordance with SWDP45/1, SWDP45/2, SWDP45/3, SWDP45/4 and SWDP45/5, when they will be considered to form part of the urban area and therefore will no longer be considered to form part of the open countryside. 3 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map • Wider Worcester Area context for the Sub Areas concept • Malvern Hills (excluding Wider Worcester Area) Sub Area applied in strategic SWDP 3, consistent with the reference to Sub Areas set out • Wychavon (excluding Wider Worcester Area) Sub Area. in the Reasoned Justification to SWDP
3, and the Housing Background Paper (and Addendum) evidence, as noted in paragraph 83 of the Inspector’s Interim Conclusions on the Stage 1 Matters. PM7 SWDP 2 - AMEND by inserting the following after paragraph 5 of SWDP 2 To provide the reasoned justification Reasoned relating from the proposed change
Justification 6. As a spatial plan, the SWDP sets out strategic policy that relates to places, unconstrained inserting SWDP 2J. This expresses the Page 61 following by administrative boundaries, SWDP 2 therefore identifies three separate Sub Areas that definition of the Sub Areas, and reflects Paragraph 5 are mutually exclusive and together they cover the whole plan area. The Sub Areas are: the conclusions set out in both the evidence in the Housing Background • the Wider Worcester Area (WWA)– comprising Worcester City plus the urban Paper (and Addendum) and as extensions directly abutting the administrative area of the City summarised in paragraphs 82 to 85 of • the Malvern Hills (Excluding WWA) Sub Area – comprising that part of Malvern the Inspector’s Interim Conclusions on Hills district outside of the Wider Worcester Area the Stage 1 Matters. • the Wychavon (Excluding WWA) Sub Area – comprising that part of Wychavon district outside of the Wider Worcester Area.
7. The Sub Areas are the SWDP response to two strategic issues:
a. Worcester City’s built-up area is tightly constrained inside its boundaries. There is insufficient space in the City’s administrative area to meet all its needs for development, especially housing. This is the driver for the concept of the Wider Worcester Area (WWA) enabling Worcester as a sub regional centre to grow beyond the City boundary, A share of Worcester’s housing and employment need
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map is redirected to the Worcester urban extensions so that need is met on sites just outside and abutting its boundary, in both Malvern Hills and Wychavon.
b. Because of natural and environmental constraints, Malvern Hills district has limited ability to accept new development. The Plan therefore proposes that that part of its housing need which cannot be met in the Malvern Hills (Excluding WWA) Sub Area be redirected in the first instance to the Wider Worcester Area (Malvern Hills) area.
8. As concluded by the Inspector for the SWDP examination, these arrangements are entirely
in line with the approach suggested in Framework paragraph 179 to deal with situations Page 62 where development requirements cannot wholly be met within an LPA’s own area. SWDP 3 sets out further policy to implement this approach.
SWDP 3 – Employment, Housing and Retail Provision Requirement and Delivery
PM8 SWDP 3D REPLACE the existing overall housing target for South Worcestershire with the following: As recommended at paragraph 86 of the Further Interim Conclusions, Table Housing provision will be made for about 23,200 28,400 dwellings (net).... 4b has been revised such that the South Worcestershire housing provision target is based on the recommendation in paragraph 61 of the Further Interim Conclusions and the total projected dwelling requirement figures for 2006-30 as set out in paragraph 57 of the Further Interim Conclusions.
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map PM9 SWDP 3 REPLACE existing Table 4b with the following: As recommended at paragraph 61 of Table 4b Table 4b: HOUSING SUB-AREA Market Affordable the Further Interim Conclusions, Table 12 4b has been revised such that the PROVISION 2006-2030 SUBTOTALS Housing Housing housing provision targets are based on Wider Worcester Area (WWA) 9,400 6,900 2,500 the projected dwelling requirement Malvern Hills (excluding WWA) 4,900 3,600 1,300 figures for 2006-30 set at paragraph 57 Wychavon (excluding WWA) 8,900 6,600 2,300 of the Further Interim Conclusions. South Worcestershire Total 23,200 17,100 6,100 The amended housing trajectories in (of which Worcester City) 5,500 4,600 900 Appendix 4 (PM240) illustrate these revised targets. Page 63 Table 4b: HOUSING PROVISION 2006-2030 SUB AREA AREA AREA Market Affordable The structure of Table 4b has been 12 SUBTOTAL Housing Housing revised in response to paragraph 86 of Wider Worcester Wider Worcester Area the Interim Conclusions on the Stage 1 6,750 5,250 1,500 Area (WWA) (Worcester City*) Matters. Wider Worcester Area 5,450 3,200 2,250 (Malvern Hills and Wychavon*#) Malvern Hills Malvern Hills 5,900 4,100 1,800 (excluding WWA) (excluding WWA) Wychavon Wychavon 10,300 6,950 3,350 (excluding WWA) (excluding WWA) South Worcestershire 28,400 19,500 8,900 Total Note* Located within the district of # For monitoring purposes the target (market housing and affordable housing) for that part of WWA 6 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map within Malvern Hills District is 4,550 and the target for that part of WWA within Wychavon District is 900
PM10 SWDP 3E DELETE SWDP 3E and Table 4c: As recommended in paragraph 91 of and the Inspector’s Interim Conclusions on Table 4c E. The overall provision for both market and affordable housing to be sought from the Stage 1 Matters, SWDP 3E and Table 4c have been deleted, which development will be located and phased in accordance with the subtotals set out in Table 4c. thereby also removes the potential
inconsistency with revised Table 4b. Table 4c HOUSING PROVISION SUB-AREA Phasing Phasing Phasing
2006-2030 TOTALS 2006 - 2013 2013 - 2019 after 2019 Page 64 Wider Worcester Area (WWA)* 9,400 3,100 2,700 3,700 Malvern Hills (excluding WWA) 4,900 2,000 1,100 1,800 Wychavon (excluding WWA) 8,900 3,500 2,000 3,400 South Worcestershire TOTAL* 23,200 8,600 5,800 8,900 *of which Worcester City 5,500 3,100 1,000 1,500
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map PM11 SWDP 3 F REPLACE existing Table 4d with the following: As advocated at paragraph 66 of the
Table 4d Further Interim Conclusions, Table 4d Table 4d RETAIL PROVISION 2006- AREA SUBTOTALS has been revised to show the total 2030 (net floorspace sq.m.) retail floorspace to be provided for the Wider Worcester Area (WWA)* 30,000 plan period to 2030. Table 4d Malvern Hills (excluding WWA) 7,500 consequently is now consistent with Tables 4a and 4b. Wychavon (excluding WWA) 12,500 TOTAL* 50,000 *of which Worcester City 28,000 Page 65
Table 4d Retail requirements 20013 – 2031 (net floorspace sq. m. rounded to nearest 100sq.m.) Convenience Comparison Total Wider Worcester Area 0 30,726 30,726 Malvern Hills 669 6,786 7,455 Wychavon 0 1,326 1,326 Total 669 38,838 39,507
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map PM12 SWDP 3G REPLACE Table 4e with the following: To accommodate additional housing Table 4e TABLE 4e TOTAL OVERALL Employment Homes M Retail (sq. m) and retail provision in accordance with PROVISION 2006-2030 ha proposed uplift in numbers arising from the Proposed Modifications to Tables SUPPLY COMPONENTS 4b and 4d. Wider Worcester Area Food Non- Food The supply categories of empty homes A Completions (to 31/03/13) 9 2,184 2,644 2,600 10,085 in use and extra-care housing release 5,111 are deleted in response to paragraphs Commitments B (at 01/04/13) 35.4 940 1,958 10,000 6,000 71 and 77 of the Inspector’s Interim Page 66 1,273 8,197 Conclusions on the Stage 1 Matters. Empty Homes in Use N/A 150 N/A N/A Extra care housing release N/A 100 N/A N/A Windfall Allowance C N/A 847 717 N/A N/A Urban Capacity Allocations D 32 1,455 1,886 0 10,000 (SWDP 43, 44) 22,000 Urban Extensions E, F 41 3,925 2000 500 1,500 Urban Extensions (Worcester 80 City) E, F Urban Extensions 4,585 (Malvern Hills District) E, F Urban Extensions (Wychavon 385 District) E, F SUPPLY Subtotal 117.4 9,615 12,255 30,600 40,782 7,884 9 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map
Malvern Hills (excluding WWA) Completions A 10.84 1,326 1,686 1,248 0 536 0 Commitments B 10.76 709 1,232 400 880 0 88 Empty Homes in Use N/A 150 N/A N/A Extra care housing release N/A 200 N/A N/A Windfall Allowance C N/A 562 419 N/A N/A Urban Capacity Allocations 9 397 806 1,011 3,724 Urban Extensions 10 700 800 0 0 Page 67 Village Allocations H 0 554 827 0 0 Tenbury Wells Allocations 0 70 75 18 (0) 302 0 Upton-upon-Severn Allocations 0 100 68 17 0 214 0 SUPPLY Subtotal 40.6 4,768 5,913 7,470 3,812 1,891
Wychavon (excluding WWA) Completions A 32.38 1,399 2,749 0 2,616 7,142 4,212 Commitments B, G, H, I, J 52.88 2,136 0 2,468 4,200 4,867 3,338 Empty Homes in Use N/A 250 N/A N/A Extra care housing release N/A 200 N/A N/A Windfall Allowance C N/A 963 N/A N/A
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map 958 Urban Capacity Allocations 0 781 500 750 711 Urban Extensions 33.5 2,140 0 0 835 Village Allocations F 0 1,173 0 0 648 Major Rural Employment 14.45 N/A N/A N/A Allocations (Throckmorton Page 68 Airfield 3 and Interbrook, Pinvin 4) Major Development Area 6 N/A N/A N/A intensification (land equivalent) SUPPLY Subtotal 139.21 9,042 12.592 8,300 10,768 5,584
South Worcestershire 297.21 23,425 50,662 52,894 TOTAL SUPPLY 28,936 15,359
PM13 SWDP 3G DELETE footnotes 13 and 14 and AMEND Notes A to J as follows To accommodate additional housing Table 4e - and retail provision in accordance with footnotes 13 map reference SWDP3/1. outcome of Phase 1 hearing, informed by the latest monitoring evidence, and 14 Proposals map reference SWDP3/2. specifically.
3 Proposals map reference SWDP3/1. 4 Proposals map reference SWDP3/2. 11 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map To respond to the conclusion in Notes: paragraph 80 of the Inspector’s Interim A. Total number of dwellings (net) completed 1 April 2006 - 31 March 2012 2014 ..... Conclusions on the Stage 1 Matters (amendment of the discount of planning Total amount of employment space completed 1 April 2006 - 31 March 2011. permissions not implemented to 5%). Total amount of retail floorspace (net) completed 1 April 2006 - 31 March 2011. 2010 To respond to the recommendation in B. Total number / amount of homes / employment space with planning permission. Includes 166 park paragraph 63 of the Further Interim homes at Leedons caravan park, Broadway. A discount of 4 5% for planning permissions not being Conclusions (amendments to the implemented has been applied to all outstanding commitments (excluding dwellings under construction). windfall allowance (small site [non- Retail commitments are as of 31/03/10 plus those between 01/04/10 – 31/03/13. garden land]). C. Windfall is unallocated housing development. The annual windfall rate allowances for 2016 2017 - 2026 and for 2026 -2030 respectively are: Page 69 • Worcester 69 and 46 63 and 42 . • Malvern Hills 45 and 30 35 and 23 . • Wychavon 82 and 55. To avoid double counting with the completion of small windfall commitments existing at 2012 2014 , the allowance for small, non-garden windfall completions is for the period 2016 -17 2017 /18 to 2029 /2030. In addition, this allowance is reduced further by discounting the supply of small site allocations (5 to 9 dwellings) that could otherwise be windfalls forecast for completion 2016 /17 2017/2018 to 2030. D. These allocations are all within the Worcester City administrative area and are set out in policies SWDP 43 - 44. E. These allocations are beyond the Worcester City administrative area, except for approximately 80 dwellings on Site SWDP45/1 . The Urban Extensions are set out in SWDP 45. F. The retail floorspace for Worcester urban extensions excludes small shops proposed in SWDP45/2 and SWDP45/4 G. Village allocations are set out in policies SWDP 59 - 61. H Includes 39 dwellings on Land at Stonebow Road, Drakes Broughton, allowed on appeal after
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map April 2014 I H. The supply in Wychavon includes the large site at Long Marston for 380 dwellings allowed on appeal after April 2014 In order to meet the 5 -year housing land supply, Wychavon District Council has granted planning permission or had appeals allowed for 6 major housing proposals which are departures from the adopted Wychavon District Local Plan. These housing schemes are: • Allesborough Hill, Pershore (45). • north of Broadway Road, Evesham (34). • between Dudley Road and Station Road Honeybourne (71).
• off Station Road, Honeybourne (44). Page 70 • rear of Sunnyfield House, Wychbold (39). Crown Lane, Wychbold (60). The sixth, at Crown Lane, Wychbold (60) is an allocation. Thornleigh Nurseries, Drakes Broughton (11) was also included (this was an exception site). J Includes 765 dwellings allowed on appeal after March 2014 at Yew Tree Hill, Droitwich K Policies Map reference SWDP3/1. L Policies Map reference SWDP3/2. M The completions and commitments supply totals include dwellings on SWDP site allocations that were completed by end March 2014 or committed. To avoid double counting, the totals in the allocation supply categories exclude those completions and commitments on SWDP allocations PM14 SWDP 3 I AMEND SWDP 3 I as follows : To ensure consistency with national planning policy and to respond to I. The availability of housing land will be kept under review, maintaining a continuous supply paragraph 86 of the Inspector’s Interim Conclusions on the Stage 1 Matters, of suitable sites to deliver the overall south Worcestershire housing target and to maintain a rolling five and paragraph 64 of the Further Interim year supply of deliverable housing land consistent with the area sub-totals set out in SWDP 3D Conclusions guidance advice. Table 4b . New housing sites identified in the SWDP will be released for development consistent with 13 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map Table 4e, having regard to i. The need to maintain a 5 year supply of housing land. ii. SWDP 13 on making effective use of land. iii. The contribution that will be made towards improved infrastructure provision, including affordable housing. PM15 SWDP 3 Delete paragraph 2 To provide consistency with the Reasoned Proposed Changes to SWDP 3 made justification The SWDP’s locally derived total housing provision target in SWDP 3 is based on the Worcestershire in response to the uplift in the housing paragraph 2 Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) 2012. The SHMA is the latest assessment of the full need and the Further Interim housing needs of the SWDP area. It provides robust, credible evidence on which to base the planned Conclusions paragraphs 61 and 57. Page 71 scale of growth in south Worcestershire. The SHMA developed scenarios of housing growth identifying the And to reflect the evidence, set out in scale and mix of housing and the range of tenures that the local population is likely to need over the plan the OAHN and the Housing period that meet household and population projections. These were informed by national demographic Background Paper Addendum 2014. and household projections, evidence on job growth and information about the local housing market. There is a difference between households and housing, which SHMA and the plan fully recognise. The housing provision calculations have taken vacancies, second homes and non-delivery into account.
PM16 SWDP 3 Delete paragraph 5 To provide consistency with the Reasoned The Housing Background Paper (2012) sets out the detailed justification of the planned scale and Proposed Changes to SWDP 3 made justification distribution of housing development, including an improvement to the alignment of housing, jobs and the in response to the uplift in the housing paragraph 5 labour force. need and the Further Interim Conclusions paragraphs 61 and 57. And to reflect the evidence, set out in the OAHN and the Housing Background Paper Addendum 2014.
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map PM17 SWDP 3 REPLACE paragraphs 2 and 5 with the following: To provide consistency with the Reasoned Proposed Changes to SWDP 3 made justification The SWDP’s locally derived total housing provision targets in SWDP 3 Table 4b are based on the in response to the uplift in the housing paragraph 2, evidence in the ‘SWDP Objective Assessment of Housing Need’ January 2014 and subsequent need and the Further Interim 5 recommendations of the Inspector for the SWDP Examination on the objective assessment of Conclusions paragraphs 61 and 57. housing need (OAHN). The latter identified the scale of the need for housing over the plan period. And to reflect the evidence, set out in That replaced the 2012 SHMA as the latest assessment of the full housing needs of the SWDP area. the OAHN and the Housing It provided robust, credible evidence on which to base the planned scale of growth in south Background Paper Addendum 2014. Worcestershire. The Addendum to the Housing Background Paper (2014) sets out the evidence providing the detailed justification of the planned scale and distribution of housing development, Page 72 alignment of housing, jobs and the labour force. PM18 SWDP 3 - Delete paragraph 3 and replace with the following To provide consistency with the Reasoned SWDP 3 plans for growth of about 23,200 dwellings for 2006 - 2030, which reflects the overall scale of Proposed Changes to SWDP 3 and Justification housing growth associated with SHMA Sensitivity Scenario 2 (23,157 dwellings). This policy target is in respond to the uplift in the housing paragraph 3 line with the SHMA evidence, which states that this scenario represents an upper limit for the partner need and the Further Interim authorities to consider when setting a housing target. Conclusions paragraphs 61 and 57
SWDP 3 plans for growth of about 28,400 dwellings in South Worcestershire for the plan period 2006 to 2030. This policy target is in line with the conclusions and recommendations of the Inspector for the SWDP Examination. The rounded South Worcestershire housing provision target of about 28,400 reflects the OAHN’s overall scale of housing need of 28,370 dwellings. PM19 SWDP 3 - AMEND by inserting the following after paragraph 3: To provide consistency with the Reasoned Proposed Changes to SWDP 3, to Justification The OAHN is based on the evidence, being the mid point between the average of housing growth respond to the conclusions and paragraph 3 forecasts from two suites of jobs-led sensitivity scenarios (SENS2 and SENS3). These use a trend- recommendation in paragraphs 57 and (additional based demographic growth scenario modified to take account of additional in-migration resulting 61 of the Further Interim Conclusions paragraph) from forecast employment growth. The scenarios of housing growth identified the scale of and to reflect the evidence, set out in 15 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map housing that the population is likely to need over the plan period. The housing growth forecasts the Housing Background Paper underpinning those scenarios were informed by up to date national household and population Addendum 2014. projections. Taking full account of a range of up to date and representative job forecasts, the jobs led scenarios forecast population, household and housing growth consistent with delivering sufficient labour force to meet jobs growth, allowing for unemployment and commuting The housing growth forecasts also took vacancies and second homes into account. The OAHN had regard to information about the local housing market. and other market signals, PM20 SWDP 3 - Delete paragraphs 4, 8 and 9 and replace with the following To provide consistency with the Reasoned Identifying sources of housing supply to meet this scenario has enabled the partner authorities to plan to Proposed Changes to SWDP 3, to Justification meet the full, objectively assessed needs for market and affordable housing in the housing market area, respond to the conclusions and
paragraphs as far as is consistent with the policies set out in the NPPF. The sources of supply identified in Table 4e recommendation in paragraphs 57 and Page 73 4, 8 and 9 exceed the total provision requirement target. On this basis there is no unmet need to address 61 of the Further Interim Conclusions and to reflect the evidence, set out in the Housing Background Paper Unmet need from other areas outside South Worcestershire Addendum 2014. Neighbouring local planning authorities have provided no evidence of unmet housing need in their areas that needs to be met in south Worcestershire. No evidence has yet been provided that indicates forthcoming plan-making in those areas cannot accommodate their own needs or would result in unmet need that has to be provided for in the SWDP area. From an objective assessment of development requirements, the partner authorities conclude that the SWDP meets an appropriate level of unmet housing requirement to 2030 arising from more distant areas outside south Worcestershire (such as the West Midlands), which it is reasonable to accommodate within this plan area. South Worcestershire will continue to provide housing to accommodate substantial in- migration, but at levels consistent with sustainable development and an economic prosperity-led plan.
Unmet need from other areas outside South Worcestershire The housing provision targets in Table 4b relate to South Worcestershire needs. Those needs include substantial net in-migration forecast to 2030, including in-migration to achieve the
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map necessary uplift in labour force in the plan area. The targets do not make further provision for external need over and above the forecast migration taken into account in the population forecasts underpinning the OAHN. The partner authorities had no evidence of additional unmet housing need from outside this plan area that must be met in the SWDP area. Moreover, it has not been clearly established through any other LPA’s Local Plan process that external unmet needs from outside South Worcestershire must be met through provision in the SWDP area. PM21 SWDP 3 - AMEND Reasoned Justification - After paragraph 5 and the heading ‘Sub-area housing provision To provide consistency with the Reasoned targets’ and before paragraph 6, insert the following additional paragraphs Proposed Changes to SWDP 3, to
Justification respond to the conclusions and Page 74 paragraph 5 SWDP 3 sets out spatial Sub Area and Area policies for housing targets and supply. Table 4b recommendation in paragraphs 57 and (additional provides housing provision targets based on Sub Areas and Areas. The ‘geography’ of those areas 61 of the Further Interim Conclusions paragraph) is defined in SWDP 2. The matching policy towards Sub Area housing supply is set out in SWDP3 and to reflect the evidence, set out in Table 4e. the Housing Background Paper Addendum 2014. Whilst the South Worcestershire OAHN housing need matches the SWDP3 Table 4b total housing requirement target, the Sub Area and Area targets in Table 4b differ from the individual district To provide consistency with the need figures provided by the OAHN 5. The SWDP is a joint plan that has been positively prepared. Proposed Changes to SWDP 2, reflect Through joint working and co-operation the Plan has redirected unmet need within the parts of the the updated evidence on housing plan area and so addressed ‘larger than local’ cross-boundary issues relating to the following: supply, including the Housing Background Paper Addendum 2014, a) Worcester City’s built up area is tightly constrained inside its boundaries. There is insufficient and respond to the Interim Conclusions space in the City’s administrative area to meet all the district need for development, paragraph 82. especially housing. The target of 6,750 dwellings is based on the forecast supply of housing including future deliverable and developable sites to 2030. At 6.750 the Wider Worcester Area (Worcester City) Area target is below the 9,830 dwellings Worcester City need identified in the OAHN. b) Because of natural and environmental constraints, Malvern Hills (Excluding WWA) Sub Area)
5 The Housing Background Paper Addendum 2014 provides justification and analysis of the Sub Areas’ provision and supply. 17 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map has limited ability to accept new development. The target of 5,900 is based on the forecast supply of housing including future deliverable and developable sites to 2030 that have been identified within the Sub Area. At 5,900 dwellings, the policy provision target for the Sub Area is below the 8,590 dwellings Malvern Hills District stated in the OAHN. The SWDP relies on the SWDP 2 policy designation of the Wider Worcester Area (WWA) as the means to resolve both cross-boundary issues. The policy accords with the approach set out Framework paragraph 179 to deal with situations where development requirements cannot wholly be met within an LPA’s own area. The Wider Worcester Area enables Worcester as a sub regional centre to grow beyond the City boundary, The scale of supply identified within the City (about 6,780 dwellings) comes from completions, commitments, future small windfalls and allocations, Identification of the latter took Page 75 account of site availability, the viability of delivering affordable housing and infrastructure, and material considerations such as the Green Belt, flood risk, heritage assets, the Local Green Network, and the need for employment land. The share of Worcester’s need for housing that is unmet in the City (about 3,100 dwellings) and part of the need for employment land (about 25ha) is redirected to the Worcester urban extensions so that need is met in the WWA on sites just outside the administrative boundary, in both Malvern Hills and Wychavon (policy SWDP 3H). PM22 SWDP 3 - Replace paragraphs 6 and 7 with the following To provide consistency with the Reasoned The sub-area targets in Table 4e differ from the district figures in SHMA Sensitivity Scenario 2 6. At 4,900 Proposed Changes to SWDP 3, to Justification dwellings, the policy provision for Malvern Hills (outside the Wider Worcester Area) is below the housing respond to the conclusions and paragraph 6 level based 7,500 dwellings in that scenario The scale of growth of the Plan’s sub-areas has been recommendation in paragraphs 57 and and 7 moderated by the need to respect key natural and environmental assets. Redirection of approximately 61 of the Further Interim Conclusions 2,600 of the Malvern Hills housing requirement has been necessary because of limited opportunities for and to reflect the evidence, set out in urban growth in Malvern Hills District. This is due to constraints on the development of Greater Malvern the Housing Background Paper and in Malvern Vale resulting from their proximity to the Malvern Hills AONB and the need to protect the Addendum 2014. AONB from adverse environmental impacts of extensive, concentrated urban development nearby. Other To provide consistency with the
6 The Housing Background Paper provides justification and analysis of the Sub Areas’ provision and supply. 18 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map material considerations were taken into account, such as the viability of delivering affordable housing and Proposed Changes to SWDP 2 and in infrastructure. The SWDP has been positively prepared though joint working and this co-operation has response to the updated evidence on addressed ‘larger than local’ cross-boundary issues relating to housing. This enabled the unmet housing housing supply, including the Housing requirement of Malvern Hills to 2030 to be met within the plan area by redirecting and absorbing its Background Paper Addendum 2014, displaced housing requirement within the Wider Worcester Area and in Wychavon. The displaced 2,600 and in response to paragraph 84 of the dwellings are divided approximately evenly between these two sub-areas. One benefit of this approach is Inspector’s Interim Conclusions on the that it provides an opportunity to damp down the historic trend of large-scale net in-migration into the Stage 1 Matters. Malvern Hills area (which has put pressure on that local housing market) by making alternative provision at more sustainable locations elsewhere in the SWDP area that can accommodate the displaced requirement.
The SWDP addresses the consequences of accommodating the displaced Malvern Hills requirement, Page 76 including: a. The need to provide employment opportunities at major urban extensions accommodating part of the displaced demand, in order to reduce the need to travel. b. It acknowledges the need for transport infrastructure and services to enable the labour supply to access employment in Malvern Hills. c. A meaningful proportion of the affordable housing in the Worcester South and West Urban Extensions will meet affordable housing need from Malvern Hills. d. The need to co-ordinate services provided by the county and district councils and other providers to support communities in the wider Worcester area.
The Malvern Hills (Excluding WWA) Sub Area target has been based on supply consistent with a scale of growth in the Sub Area which reflects the need to respect key natural and environmental assets. This also avoided generating a level of rural dispersal that would be at odds with the SWDP strategy. Other material considerations were taken into account, such as site availability and the viability of delivering affordable housing and infrastructure. Redirection of approximately 2,700 dwellings Malvern Hills need was necessary because of limited opportunities for urban growth in Malvern Hills District. This is due to constraints on the development of Malvern resulting from 19 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map proximity to the Malvern Hills AONB and the need to protect the AONB from adverse environmental impacts of extensive, concentrated urban development nearby. In setting and justifying the housing provision targets, the displaced housing need from the Sub Area has been redirected in the first instance to that part of Wider Worcester Area situated within Malvern Hills District. Approximately 300 dwellings unmet need has been redirected to Wychavon (Excluding WWA) Sub Area, to locations with the strongest existing economic linkages. This approach enables the Malvern Hills housing need to be met within the plan area. One consequence of this approach is that by accommodating 30% of the OAHN need outside the Sub Area it provides the potential to damp down the historic trend of large-scale net in-migration into the Malvern Hills settlements in the Sub Area which has put pressure on that local housing market.
Page 77 The SWDP addresses the consequences of accommodating the redirected unmet Worcester need and the displaced Malvern Hills need at the Worcester urban extensions, including: a) The need to provide employment opportunities at major urban extensions which accommodate most of the redirected and displaced unmet housing need, in order to reduce the need to travel. b) Priority for investment in a package of transport infrastructure and services to enable the labour supply to access employment in the City and in Malvern Hills. c) A meaningful proportion of the affordable housing in the Worcester South and West urban extensions will meet affordable housing need from Malvern Hills. d) The need to co-ordinate services provided by the county and district councils and other providers to support communities in the wider Worcester area. PM23 SWDP 3 - AMEND by replacing paragraph 10 with the following: To provide consistency with the Reasoned The partner authorities undertook diligent joint working, to identify their requirements through evidence Proposed Changes to SWDP 3 made Justification gathering and during plan preparation. The SHMA involved joint working within Worcestershire to prepare in response to the uplift in the housing paragraph 10 evidence on housing need. The partner authorities worked with neighbouring authorities because housing need and the Further Interim market areas cross administrative boundaries. They co-operated both with adjoining authorities and with Conclusions paragraphs 61 and 57. To more distant local authorities, such as councils in the West Midlands, to consider strategic priorities for the respond to the updated evidence. 20 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map delivery of homes, including cross-boundary housing requirements. As a result, the housing provision rose to 23,200. The evidence base sets out the joint working and other activities demonstrating effective co- operation consistent with the Duty to Co-operate. The partner authorities undertook diligent joint working, to identify their requirements through evidence gathering and during plan preparation. The SHMA 2012 and the subsequent OAHN 2014 involved joint working with neighbouring authorities within Worcestershire to prepare evidence on housing need. Drawing on the latest evidence, the forecast housing need increased and the related housing provision target rose to 28,400. The SWDP Sub Area and Area targets sum to that total. The partner authorities also co-operated both with adjoining authorities and with more distant local authorities, such as councils in the West Midlands, to consider strategic priorities for the delivery of homes, including cross-boundary housing requirements. The evidence base Page 78 documented the joint working and other activities demonstrating effective co-operation consistent with the Duty to Co-operate legal requirement and the Framework. PM24 SWDP 3 - AMEND paragraph 11: To provide consistency with the Reasoned Proposed Changes to SWDP 3. Justification at least 8,250 8,140 dwellings. This takes into account SHMA evidence on need already met in the plan To response to the evidence in the paragraph 11 period and the future need to be met being based on: updated forecast of need for a a) 976 871 completions to 2011 (updated monitoring). affordable housing reflecting the latest housing monitoring information PM25 SWDP 3 - AMEND by replacing the start of paragraph 12 with the following In response to the latest evidence. Reasoned The Housing Background Paper provides an objective assessment Justification paragraph 12 The Addendum to the Housing Background Paper, 2014 provides the audit trail of the objective assessment PM26 SWDP 3 - AMEND paragraph 12 bullet points a. and b: To provide consistency with the Reasoned Proposed Changes to SWDP 3, Justification a) 976 871 completions 2006 - 2011 plus296 919 completions 2011 – 2012 2014 , plus total To update the forecast supply for 21 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map paragraph 12 commitments (permitted but either under construction or not yet started) for 704 1,838 dwellings as at affordable housing reflecting Proposed a and b April 2012 2014 plus sites allowed on appeal April to August 2014 Changes to SWDP 3 and site b) The potential to deliver up to approximately 4,110 5,270 affordable dwellings from future housing allocations made in response to the supply, from which affordable housing can be sought. uplift in the housing need and the Further Interim Conclusions paragraphs 61 and 57. To reflect the latest housing monitoring information. PM27 SWDP 3 - AMEND by replacing the start of paragraph 13 and bullet point a. with the following: To provide consistency with the Reasoned This takes into account: Proposed Changes to SWDP 3. To Justification a. The residue of overall housing provision not committed as at April 2012 (approximately 13,680 respond to the updated forecast supply
paragraph 13 dwellings, including delivery on sites allocated in the SWDP but excluding empty homes brought back for affordable housing reflecting Page 79 a into use and housing release as households move to extra-care housing with high-care packages). Proposed Changes to SWDP 3 and site allocations made in response to the
uplift in the housing need and the This takes into account: Further Interim Conclusions paragraphs a) The residue of overall housing provision not committed (approximately 13,800 dwellings, including 61 and 57. To reflect the latest housing delivery on sites allocated the SWDP not yet permitted). monitoring information To omit supply sources from empty homes brought back into use and housing release as households move to extra-care housing with high-care packages in response to paragraphs 71 and 77 of the Inspector’s Interim Conclusions on the Stage 1 Matters. PM28 SWDP 3 - Delete paragraph 13 bullet point c and replace by inserting a new paragraph after paragraph 13 and To reflect the latest housing monitoring Reasoned before paragraph 14 information, and changes in legislation. Justification c) A further reduction of 5%, made for forecasting purposes only, to discount lower delivery rates prior to paragraph 13 plan adoption and allow for circumstances where there may be no local need, consistent with the criteria 22 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map c for SWDP 15 or where there are viability issues. The supply from commitments including sites allowed on appeal April-August 2014 already takes account of contemporaneous viability issues and evidence of local need. The consequence of the Government’s changes to regulations allowing developers to renegotiate agreed affordable housing contributions, existing or future, has not been included in the supply forecast as it would prejudge the negotiations in advance of developers’ site and time specific evidence. The joint allocations policy approach within Worcestershire under Home Choice Plus means that the likelihood of there being no affordable housing need for affordable housing delivered within South Worcestershire is greatly reduced.
PM29 SWDP 3 - AMEND by replacing the start of Paragraph14 and bullet point a. and i. with the following: To provide consistency with the Page 80 Reasoned Proposed Changes to SWDP 3, To Justification The target of 6,100 affordable dwellings is a minimum . The target is about 2,150 below the total level of respond to the updated forecast supply paragraph 14 potential need, but it is a realistic target for delivering affordable housing via the uplift in development for affordable housing reflecting bullet point a. value. It is expected to be added to through other, non-development sources of supply: Proposed Changes to SWDP 3 and site allocations made in response to the and i. a. Changes in tenure within the existing stock, or from sources external to south Worcestershire, uplift in the housing need and the which will not require the construction of additional dwellings, including; Further Interim Conclusions paragraphs i. Change in stock in Worcester from market housing to private sector rent that is 61 and 57. To reflect the latest housing affordable (the potential for delivering 570 units through the Local Lettings Agency monitoring information during the plan period is additional to the 6,100 target in SWDP 3).
The plan area target of 8,900 affordable dwellings could accommodate the forecast total level of potential need, and is a realistic target for delivering affordable housing via the uplift in development value. The potential shortfall forecast in the Wider Worcester Area is expected to be reduced through other, non-development sources of supply as well as the joint allocations policy approach. a. Changes in tenure within the existing stock, or from sources external to south Worcestershire, which will not require the construction of additional dwellings,
23 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map including; i. Change in stock in Worcester from market housing to private sector rent that is affordable (the potential for delivering 285 units through the Local Lettings Agency during the plan period is additional to the 3,700 WWA target in SWDP 3). PM30 SWDP 3 - AMEND Paragraph14 bullet point b as follows: To provide consistency with the Reasoned ...... in addition to the 23,200 28,400 ) Proposed Changes to SWDP 3, and to Justification respond to the conclusions and paragraph 14 recommendation in paragraphs 57 and bullet point b 61 of the Further Interim Conclusions PM31 SWDP 3 - AMEND paragraph 15 as follows To provide consistency with the Page 81 Reasoned Proposed Changes to SWDP 3. To Justification The market housing provision total and subtotals in SWDP 3 are calculated by subtracting only the respond to the updated forecast supply paragraph 15 potential for delivering 6,100 8,900 affordable dwellings through development value uplift from the 23,200 for affordable housing reflecting 28,400 total, Proposed Changes to SWDP 3 and site allocations made in response to the uplift in the housing need and the Further Interim Conclusions paragraphs 61 and 57. To reflect the latest housing monitoring information
PM32 SWDP 3 - AMEND by Deleting paragraph 20 and replacing with the following To provide consistency with the Reasoned … 21% of the provision requirement has been completed and there are commitments for a further 16%. Proposed Changes to SWDP 3. To Justification 10% is met from small non-garden windfalls, with 4% individually derived both from bringing empty homes respond to the latest evidence reflect paragraph 20 back into use and from the release of Class C3 housing. The largest component is from site allocations, the updated forecast supply of housing which contribute 48% to supply. This mix of sources provides a healthy balance between certainty and reflecting Proposed Changes to SWDP flexibility. Delivery of housing is not over-reliant on any one category 3 and site allocations made in response to the uplift in the housing need and the 24 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map … 25 % of the provision requirement has been completed and there are commitments for a further 28% Further Interim Conclusions paragraphs (permitted ). 7% is met from forecast small non-garden windfalls . The largest component is from site 61 and 57. To reflect the latest housing allocations (not built or committed), which contribute 41% to housing provision (24% is in WWA, monitoring information 9% and 8% respectively in the Malvern Hills (Ex-WWA) and Wychavon (Ex-WWA) Sub Areas). This mix of sources provides a healthy balance between certainty and flexibility. Delivery of housing is To respond to paragraphs 71 and 77 of not over-reliant on any one category. the Inspector’s Interim Conclusions on the Stage 1 Matters, by omitting supply sources from empty homes brought back into use and housing release as households move to extra-care housing with high-care packages Page 82
PM33 SWDP 3 - Amend the start of paragraph 22 To respond to paragraph 80 of the Reasoned As well as dwellings completed since 1 April 2006, those dwellings under construction or with planning Interim Conclusions Justification permission but not yet started (the latter discounted by 5%) are part of the supply counted towards paragraph 22 housing provision PM34 SWDP 3 - Amend the start of paragraph 23 To respond to paragraph 62 of the Reasoned Evidence supports the forecast supply of small, non-garden windfalls post-March 2014, Further Interim Conclusions and to Justification reflect the latest housing monitoring paragraph 23 information PM35 SWDP 3 - Delete the paragraphs 24, 25 and 26, and replace with the following To respond to recommendations in Reasoned Housing supply is also added to by: paragraphs 71 and 77 of the Justification a. Bringing long-term empty homes back into use. Inspector’s Interim Conclusions on the Stage 1 Matters, and National Planning paragraph b. The release of housing achieved through delivery of extra-care housing that involves a Practice Guidance paragraph 039. 24, 25 and significant level of care through a care package. 26 The NPPF makes clear that local planning authorities should identify and bring back into residential use
25 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map empty housing and buildings, in line with local housing and empty homes strategies. A realistic allowance for bringing long-term empty homes back into use in the sub-areas has been included in SWDP 3 as part of the supply identified to meet the provision requirement. The plan includes an allowance for the potential release of housing that is achieved as extra-care / high care package housing is developed and occupied. Unlike dwellings that are inherited, which do not result in a net increase in the release of Use Class C3 dwellings, the development of this extra-care housing has the effect of creating additional local capacity, but this is only counted the first time that occupants move from their houses into extra-care accommodation. Only high-care package extra-care housing is taken into account in calculating this type of housing release. The Framework makes clear that local planning authorities should identify and bring back into residential use empty housing and buildings, in line with local housing and empty homes Page 83 strategies. No specific allowance for net additional housing supply from bringing empty homes back into use is made for this in SWDP 3. Any future empty homes strategy and evidence relating to the means to support delivery may enable a future SWDP review to take this potential supply source into account in line with national guidance. PM36 SWDP 3 - Delete paragraph 29 (from the third sentence to the end) and replace with the following: To provide consistency with the Reasoned Additional work on urban capacity for the city, including an allowance for small windfalls, has Proposed Changes to SWDP 3. To Justification demonstrated that the number of dwellings delivered through development that can be accommodated respond to the latest evidence and paragraph 29 within the city boundary can be increased to about 5,400 homes, plus an allowance for about 150 empty reflect the updated forecast supply of homes brought back into use and about 100 dwellings released as households move into extra care housing reflecting Proposed Changes homes with higher care packages. At 3,925 the scale of urban extension allocations for the Wider to SWDP 3 and site allocations made in Worcester Area is sufficient to address the revised requirement for 9,400 dwellings from 2006 to 2030. response to the uplift in the housing .... Additional work on urban capacity for the city, including an identification of housing allocations, need and the Further Interim commitments and completions plus an allowance for small windfalls, has demonstrated that the Conclusions paragraphs 61 and 57. number of dwellings delivered through development that can be accommodated within the city To reflect the latest housing monitoring boundary can achieve about 6.700 homes in the plan period. At about 5,550 the scale of urban information. extension allocations for the Wider Worcester Area combined with supply is the City, is sufficient To clarify the role of monitoring and the to address the WWA target of 12,250 dwellings from 2006 to 2030. The urban extensions provide use of review in the event of significant 26 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map enhanced capacity to deliver urban concentration and meet the additional housing needs of changes in circumstances regarding Malvern Hills and Worcester City. The scale of housing in the Wider Worcester Area policy Sub delivery or needs relating to the Wider Area supports delivery of strategic objectives in the SWDP. Notably, by delivering sufficient new Worcester Area. homes to support economic growth, regeneration, allocating development in locations with good access to local services, maximising transport choice and maximising opportunities to deliver affordable housing.
If future monitoring indicates a significant change in circumstances then this would require a review of how the objective of meeting Worcester’s needs and unmet needs from Malvern Hills in the Wider Worcester Area would be implemented in detail. This would relate to circumstances impacting on Worcester or Malvern Hills needs or in delivering housing supply to meet needs Page 84 PM37 SWDP 3 - Delete paragraphs 33 and 34, To provide consistency with the Reasoned 5-year housing land supply calculations will be produced annually for each sub-area plus Worcester city. Proposed Changes to SWDP 2. Justification “Separate and non-transferable housing provision” in the policy means that any shortfall identified against To accommodate additional housing paragraph 33 the 5-year housing land supply in one sub-area will not be met elsewhere in the SWDP area. provision in accordance with proposed Detailed evidence is set out in the Housing Background Paper. That evidence demonstrates how the plan uplift in numbers and to respond to the can maintain a ‘rolling’ 5-year supply with either a 5% or 20% buffer brought forward from the end of the conclusion in paragraph 86 of the plan period, taking into account the site allocations in the plan. The residual method used to calculate the Inspector’s Interim Conclusions on the 5-year housing land supplies is robust. The Housing Background Paper demonstrates why this method is Stage 1 Matters. used in preference to other models. The NPPF does not require the SWDP to provide a land bank at the To provide consistency with the end of 2030. The housing trajectories will be monitored and updated on an annual basis through the Proposed Changes to SWDP 3, which Annual Monitoring Report and also through roll-forward and further reviews of the Strategic Housing Land respond to the conclusions and Availability Assessment (SHLAA). recommendation in paragraphs 57 and 61 of the Further Interim Conclusions. Replace with the following: To respond to the updated evidence on Five-year housing land supply calculations will be produced annually for each of the three Sub housing supply, including the Housing Areas set out in SWDP 3 D Table 4b. SWDP 3 Table 4b also has a specific policy target for WWA Background Paper Addendum 2014. (Worcester City). Worcester City Council will make a separate calculation for its administrative area. SWDP3 Table 4b also has a footnote relating to the WWA (Wychavon and Malvern Hills) Area 27 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map which breaks down the Area target, providing separate ‘targets’ for Malvern Hills and Wychavon, for the purposes of monitoring the five year housing land supply. Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils will make separate calculations for those parts of their administrative areas within and outside the Wider Worcester Area (WWA) in accordance with SWDP 3D Table 4b. This enables the LPAs to comply with Framework paragraph 49. “Separate and non-transferable housing provision” in the policy means that any shortfall identified in the five-year housing land supply against any Area sub total will not be met elsewhere in the SWDP area. Detailed evidence is set out in the Housing Background Paper Addendum 2014. That evidence demonstrates how the plan can maintain a ‘rolling’ five-year supply with either a 5% or 20% buffer brought forward from the end of the plan period, taking into account the site allocations and other supply components in SWDP 3 Table 4e. The Housing Background Paper Addendum demonstrates that for the purposes of plan preparation there was no evidence of persistent under- Page 85 delivery in Worcester city and so using the residual (‘Liverpool’) method to calculate the five-year housing land supply was appropriate for Worcester City. The residual method was also appropriate for the Wider Worcester Area due to the site specific phasing of Worcester urban extensions. Even after applying the ‘Sedgefield’ approach to the Malvern Hills (Ex WWA) and to the Wychavon (Ex WWA) Sub Area, the evidence demonstrated how a ‘rolling’ five-year supply with a 20% buffer can be maintained. The forward looking 5 year supply position declines at the end of the plan period but this is because the Framework does not require the SWDP to provide a land bank at the end of 2030. The plan review is the correct mechanism for identifying supply after 2030. The housing trajectories will be monitored and updated on an annual basis through the Annual Monitoring Report and also through roll-forward and further reviews of the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA). This will also provide the evidence to justify whether each LPA should use the residual or ‘Sedgefield’ approach in the future. Annual monitoring will include monitoring applicants’ evidence which they use to demonstrate the extent to which their proposed housing development will contribute to the five year deliverable housing land supply. Over time this can be compared to delivery achieved on those developments.
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map PM38 SWDP 3 - Amend the start of paragraph 37 To respond to the latest evidence and Reasoned The scale of potential housing supply currently forecast in Table 4e is over 500 dwellings... reflect the updated forecast supply of Justification housing reflecting Proposed Changes paragraph 37 to SWDP 3 and site allocations made in response to the uplift in the housing need and the Further Interim Conclusions paragraphs 61 and 57. To reflect the latest housing monitoring information.
rd
PM39 SWDP 3 - Delete the 3 sentence of paragraph 38 and replace with the following: To respond to the latest evidence and Page 86 Reasoned Completions improved in 2011 – 2012 reflect the updated forecast supply of Justification Completions improved in 2011 – 2014, including 866 dwellings completed in 2013-14 in Wychavon housing and the latest housing paragraph 38 which was more than three times the average annual completions in the preceding seven years. monitoring information.
PM40 SWDP 3 - AMEND paragraph 42 : To respond to the conclusion in Reasoned Policy on the phasing of housing is set out in Table 4c. This takes a longer-term view of housing delivery, paragraph 91 of the Inspector’s Interim Justification with a positive approach to completions. The 2012 - based Housing Trajectories, set out in Annex E, are Conclusions on the Stage 1 Matters paragraph 42 more cautious, reflecting contemporary information from developers and the building industry about delivery . Whilst the housing trajectories indicate that completions will start to recover substantially after the local plan is adopted, it is considered appropriate to identify a number of specific management actions to help bring sites forward for development in line with, or sooner than, the arc currently indicated in the trajectory, this will enable a move towards the phasing policy ambitions SWDP 15 – Meeting Affordable Housing Needs
PM41 SWDP 15 Bi i. On sites of 15 or more dwellings within Malvern Hills District , Wychavon District and on greenfield The update to the Local Plan Viability sites in Worcester City , 40% of the units … Assessment in September 2014 has suggested that 40% affordable housing 29 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map is not viable on brownfield sites within Worcester City. PM42 SWDP 15 B Insert new bullet point ii: The update to the Local Plan Viability i, ii On sites of 15 or more dwellings on brownfield sites in Worcester City, 30% of the units should be Assessment in September 2014 has affordable i.e. social rented, affordable rented and intermediate tenure and provided on site. suggested that 40% affordable housing is not viable on brownfield sites within Worcester City. PM43 SWDP 15Biv On sites of less than 5 five dwellings a financial … The update to the Local Plan Viability Assessment in September 2014 has suggested that 40% affordable housing
is not viable on brownfield sites within Page 87 Worcester City. PM44 SWDP 15 Evidence in the Affordable Housing Development Viability Study 2008, and its Property Market Update The update to the Local Plan Viability Reasoned Report (July 2010) undertaken for the South Worcestershire districts Councils suggests indicated that Assessment in September 2014 has Justification affordable housing provision could still be provided at a rate of 40% on larger sites of 15 or more dwellings suggested that 40% affordable housing paragraph 5 without undermining development viability. The 2014 viability report however suggests that this is still viable except for brownfield sites should be reduced to 30% albeit only on brownfield sites within the administrative boundary of within the administrative area of Worcester. For smaller sites … Worcester. SWDP 43 – Worcester City Allocations
PM45 SWDP 43/2 Amend Table 11: To accommodate additional housing Table 11 Site ref location No. of Site area provision in accordance with proposed dwellings (ha) uplift in numbers. To reflect permitted (approx.) development on the whole site (Phase 1 granted permission) on 21/3/13 SWDP43/2 Gregory's Bank industrial estate 140 164 6.6 (P13M0017); and Phase 2 granted
planning permission 24/04/14 30 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map (P14M0080). (19 dwellings under construction as at April 2014) PM46 SWDP 43/4 Amend Table 11: To accommodate additional housing Table 11 Site ref location No. of Site area provision in accordance with proposed dwellings (ha) uplift in numbers, allowing for extended (approx.) site area (including garden land to rear of 20, Old Northwick Lane), topography, SWDP43/4 Old Northwick Farm xx 40 45 4.58 drainage and restricting built
development (including residential curtilage) to land that is in Flood Zone 1; Page 88 taking full account of the historic environment (Conservation Area) and the riverside location for green network mitigation through biodiversity enhancement. PM47 SWDP 43/4 Replace existing footnote to SWDP43/4 Old Northwick Farm: To respond to the concerns raised in the Table 11 xx SFRA does not preclude development on-site but site-specific SWDP consultation responses of the xx Footnote to SWDP43/4 Environment Agency. No built development including residential curtilage will be allowed outside Flood Zone 1. The To respond to evidence in: the South SFRA does not preclude development on site but site-specific Flood Risk Assessment will be Worcestershire Level 2 SFRA Addendum required. The site boundary excludes areas with a risk of 1 in a 1000 years or higher risk, as Report May 2014 and the 26 August evidenced by the Flood Risk Assessment accompanying application P14E0368. Site development 2014 EA letter accepting the evidence will reduce flood risk by reducing the volume and rate of runoff through: exemplar source control of flood risk demonstrated through the SUDS techniques; and mitigation measures for surface water runoff from potential development, FRA accompanying application including use of green infrastructure. Suitable surface water mitigation will manage groundwater P14E0368. risk. Safe access and egress to the site will be achieved via vehicular access only from Northwick To respond to the need to manage Road. No vehicular access from Old Northwick Lane other than the existing access only into the surface water, runoff and ground water, curtilage of 20 Old Northwick Lane. and peak flows from the Severn and the 31 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map unnamed watercourse to the north of the site. To respond to the need to ensure safe site access and egress PM48 SWDP 43/7 Amend Table 11: To amend the indicative site capacity as Table 11 Site ref location No. of Site area the result of site design preparation, dwellings (ha) allowing for character of adjoining area (approx.) and surrounding uses, site shape, car parking, site access, traffic flow, SWDP43/7 Sansome Walk Swimming Pool x 40 33 0.9 pedestrian route and retention of access x
Footnote to SWDP43/4 to adjoining uses. Page 89 Site access may be achieved from the existing vehicular access from Chestnut Street and a new To clarify the options for site access vehicular access from Sansome Walk PM49 SWDP 43/9 Amend Table 11: To accommodate additional housing Table 11 Site ref location No. of Site area provision in accordance with proposed dwellings (ha) uplift in numbers. To reflect approved (approx.) development. 12 dwellings approved subject to S106 SWDP43/9 Old Brewery Service Station, Barbourne Road 6 12 0.27
agreement as at 15/08/14 (P14D0123) as part of mixed use development with retail on the ground floor and flats above. PM50 SWDP 43/14 Amend Table 11: To reflect permitted development on Table 11 Site ref location No. of Site area whole site. 181 dwellings granted dwellings (ha) planning permission on 23/05/13 (approx.) (P13Q0171 reserved matters pursuant to outline planning approval P12Q0232) SWDP43/14 Former Ronkswood Hospital 200 181 5.7
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map PM51 SWDP 43 Add the following to Table 11: To accommodate additional housing Table 11 Site ref location No. of Site area provision in accordance with proposed dwellings (ha) uplift in numbers, through frontage (approx.) development in Flood Zone 1, allowing for retention of green network mitigation SWDP43a 73 - 77 Bromwich Road X 11 0.14 to rear as private amenity space on land sloping steeply down towards flood plain. x Footnote to SWDP43a To reflect approved development. Frontage development only with safe access and egress to the site from Bromwich Road. No 11 dwellings approved subject to S106 built development including residential curtilage will be allowed outside Flood Zone 1. The SFRA (P14C0012) as at 15/08/2014. does not preclude development on site but site-specific Flood Risk Assessment will be required. Page 90 Site development will reduce flood risk by reducing the volume and rate of runoff through: exemplar source control SUDS techniques; and mitigation measures for surface water runoff from potential development, including use of green infrastructure. Suitable surface water mitigation will manage groundwater risk. PM52 SWDP 43 Add the following to Table 11: To accommodate additional housing Table 11 Site ref location No. of Site area provision in accordance with proposed dwellings (ha) uplift in numbers. Allowance made for (approx.) junction, drainage and onsite landscaping on this brownfield site. To SWDP43b Martley Road 18 0.39 reflect approved development 18
dwellings approved subject to S106 (P14J0046) as at 15/08/2014. PM53 SWDP 43 Add the following to Table 11: To accommodate additional housing Table 11 Site ref location No. of Site area provision in accordance with proposed dwellings (ha) uplift in numbers. Allowance made for (approx.) junction improvement, drainage and onsite landscaping on this brownfield 33 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map
SWDP43c Malvern Gate, Bromwich Road 45 1.28 site. To reflect permitted development.
Granted outline planning permission for residential development (P14C0034) – indicative 45 dwellings PM54 SWDP 43 Add the following to Table 11: To accommodate additional housing Table 11 Site ref location No. of Site area provision in accordance with proposed dwellings (ha) uplift in numbers, allowing for 50% green (approx.) network to deliver provision of enhanced open space / habitat to sustain links from SWDP43d Land at Ambrose Close x 24 1.17 the north. x Footnote to SWDP43d Page 91 To include about 50% green network for open space, habitat improvement and links to the green network to the north PM55 SWDP 43 Add the following to Table 11: To accommodate additional housing Table 11 Site ref location No. of Site area provision in accordance with proposed dwellings (ha) uplift in numbers, allowing means for (approx.) vehicular access, topography and drainage, and for 50% green network SWDP43e Land at Hopton Street x 30 1.59 mitigation to sustain broad green link between cemetery and allotments; retain x Footnote to SWDP43e best scrub habitat; and sustain east-west To include about 50% green network for habitat retention and links to the adjoining green movement for walking and local use / network access. PM56 SWDP 43 Add the following to Table 11: To accommodate additional housing Table 11 Site ref location No. of Site area provision in accordance with proposed dwellings (ha) uplift in numbers, allowing for 50% green (approx.) network mitigation on greenfield area 34 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map
SWDP43f County Council Offices, Sherwood Road x 15 0.50 through careful design that retains worthy trees and provides landscaping to
complement local green network. x Footnote to SWDP43f To include about 50% green network, retention of trees, and landscaping to complement adjoining green network PM57 SWDP 43 Add the following to Table 11: To accommodate additional housing Table 11 Site ref location No. of Site area provision in accordance with proposed dwellings (ha) uplift in numbers, allowing for 50% green (approx.) network mitigation on greenfield area through careful design that retains Page 92 SWDP43g County Council Offices, Bilford Road x 15 0.67 worthy trees and provides landscaping. Application will need investigating x Footnote to SWDP43g information on land north of Bilford To include about 50% green network, retention of trees, and landscaping to complement Road, in vicinity of Perdiswell Golf adjoining green network. Investigation required to assess ground conditions. Course e.g. gas risk assessment PM58 SWDP 43 Add the following to Table 11: To accommodate additional housing Table 11 Site ref location No. of Site area provision in accordance with proposed dwellings (ha) uplift in numbers, allowing for restricting (approx.) housing (including curtilage) and site access/egress to Flood Zone 1, and for SWDP43h Laugherne Garage, Bransford Road x 10 0.44 green network mitigation (where open space can include landscaping / SUDs / x Footnote to SWDP43h habitat improvements). No built development including residential curtilage will be allowed outside Flood Zone 1. The SFRA does not preclude development on site but site-specific Flood Risk Assessment will be required. Housing development, including the curtilage, only on the higher ground located away from Laugherne Brook, and safe site access and egress required. On-site green network 35 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map mitigation for landscaping, improved habitat, SUDs. PM59 SWDP 43 Add the following to Table 11: To accommodate additional housing Table 11 Site ref location No. of Site area provision in accordance with proposed dwellings (ha) uplift in numbers, allowing for access (approx.) road, retention of on-site woodland on eastern part of site (south of Tyne SWDP43i Crown Packaging Site, Main site, Perry Wood Walk x 200 8.06 Close), for drainage and for buffers to mitigate against impacts of existing x Footnote to SWDP43i adjacent industrial uses, railway line and Comprehensive approach to developing Sites SWDP43i and SWDP43j, and potentially with SWDP associated noise, as well as need for
43/3; retaining on-site woodland in east of site; buffers to mitigate impact of adjoining uses design to take full account of historic Page 93 including railway; taking full account of historic environment environment. Benefits of co-ordinated development of SWDP43k with SWDP43l Crown Packaging Site, Woodside Offices and Car Park, Perry Wood Walk and SWDP43/3 Ribble Close and gas holder site PM60 SWDP 43 Add the following to Table 11: To accommodate additional housing Table 11 Site ref location No. of Site area provision in accordance with proposed dwellings (ha) uplift in numbers, allowing for access (approx.) road, for drainage and for buffers to mitigate against impacts of existing SWDP43j Crown Packaging Site, Woodside Offices and car 40 0.95 adjacent industrial uses, railway line and park, Perry Wood Walk x associated noise, as well as need for design to take full account of historic x Footnote to SWDP43j environment. Benefits of co-ordinated Comprehensive approach to developing Sites SWDP43i and SWDP43j, and potentially with SWDP development of SWDP43k with 43/3; retaining on-site woodland in east of site; with buffers to mitigate impact of adjoining uses SWDP43l Crown Packaging Site, Main 36 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map including railway; taking full account of historic environment Site, Perry Wood Walk and SWDP43/3 Ribble Close and gas holder site. PM61 SWDP 43 Add the following to Table 11: To accommodate additional housing Table 11 Site ref location No. of Site area provision in accordance with proposed dwellings (ha) uplift in numbers, allowing for location (approx.) e.g. proximity to city centre and St Johns District Centre, access road, for drainage SWDP43k Land off Bromyard Terrace x 30 0.15 and for buffers to mitigate against impacts of existing adjacent industrial x Footnote to SWDP43k uses, railway line and associated noise, Page 94 Having full regard for the historic environment, including listed buildings and their setting and as well as need for design to take full the key assets and characteristics such as surviving burgage plot boundaries in this part of the account of historic environment. St Johns Conservation Area. PM62 SWDP 43 Add the following to Table 11: To accommodate additional housing Table 11 Site ref location No. of Site area provision in accordance with proposed dwellings (ha) uplift in numbers, allowing for green (approx.) network mitigation through on-site biodiversity offsetting, and the Certificate SWDP43l Battenhall Road (Former NALGO Sports Ground) x 20 2.9 of Lawfulness for keeping and grazing of horses and the use of the old clubhouse x Footnote to SWDP43l as stables approved 01/03/12 The housing to be on the eastern part of the site abutting existing housing west of Battenhall (P12B0045). Rise, with access from Battenhall Road. To include 66%at least 75% green network mitigation as on-site biodiversity offsetting including retaining the link between existing habitat on land east of the site adjoining Battenhall Road / Battenhall Rise and the wider Local Green Network. PM63 SWDP 43 Add the following to Table 11: To accommodate additional housing Table 11 provision in accordance with proposed 37 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map
Site ref location No. of Site area uplift in numbers, allowing for green dwellings (ha) network mitigation through biodiversity (approx.) enhancements and having regard to the SWDP43m Tolladine Golf Course (Club House & Putting 9 0.98 setting of adjacent green space of Green) x Leopard Hill and key views. Nine dwellings granted planning permission on 20/04/11 on part of site (former x Footnote to SWDP43m clubhouse / car park) P10Q0537. Built development on brownfield land, retaining green network in south west area of the site with mitigation through biodiversity enhancements, having regard to the setting of the adjacent green space of Leopard Hill and key views. Page 95 PM64 SWDP 43 Add the following to Table 11: To accommodate additional housing Table 11 Site ref location No. of Site area provision in accordance with proposed dwellings (ha) uplift in numbers, allowing for (approx.) surrounding residential development and time limitation on existing legal SWDP43n Earls Court Farm (Community Land) 13 0.32 agreement restricting site use to
community use ceasing by April 2015 PM65 SWDP 43 Add the following to Table 11: To accommodate additional housing Table 11 Site ref location No. of Site area provision in accordance with proposed dwellings (ha) uplift in numbers, allowing for site (approx.) topography and drainage, the historic environment and prominent canalside SWDP43o Royal Mail Sorting Office, Westbury Street x 20 0.28 location, and proximity to the Canal Basin railway embankment with x Footnote to SWDP43o opportunities to enhance these Green Taking full account of historic environment, enhancing the conservation area, improving the Network corridors canal-side location and enhancing green network corridors (canal and embankment). Mitigation 38 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map of surface water including runoff from development, and drainage allowing for site topography. Opportunity to improve pedestrian-cycle link at Lion Walk PM66 SWDP 43 Add the following to Table 11: To accommodate additional housing Table 11 Site ref location No. of Site area provision in accordance with proposed dwellings (ha) uplift in numbers, allowing green network (approx.) mitigation by retention and enhancement of ‘village green’ style open area and SWDP43p Langdale Drive x 10 0.67 greater biodiversity plus better enclosure from main road. x Footnote to SWDP43p Page 96 To provide for green network mitigation by retaining and enhancing the open area and biodiversity improvement PM67 SWDP 43 Add the following to Table 11: To accommodate additional housing Table 11 Site ref location No. of Site area provision in accordance with proposed dwellings (ha) uplift in numbers, allowing for character (approx.) of the Conservation Area and surrounding uses, retaining a commercial SWDP43q Zig Zag site, St John's x 10 0.05 frontage, with potential for apartments above and to rear, sustaining the x backyard character Footnote to SWDP43p Retaining commercial frontage on the ground floor PM68 SWDP 43 Add the following to Table 11: To accommodate additional housing Table 11 Site ref location No. of Site area provision in accordance with proposed dwellings (ha) uplift in numbers, allowing for location, (approx.) i.e. proximity to city centre, taking historic environment fully into account, SWDP43r The Bridge Inn, Lowesmoor Terrace x 15 0.1 enhancing the conservation area. The 39 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map housing development being to the rear x Footnote to SWDP43r and on first floor frontage, i.e. retaining Comprehensive approach required for developing Sites SWDP43r and SWDP43aa, and potentially commercial use on ground floor frontage. with SWDP 43o; retaining commercial use on ground floor frontage having full regard to the Benefits of coordinated development of historic environment and local character SWDP43r and SWDP43aa Lowesmoor Wharf. PM69 SWDP 43 Add the following to Table 11: To accommodate additional housing Table 11 Site ref location No. of Site area provision in accordance with proposed dwellings (ha) uplift in numbers, allowing for changes (approx.) in permitted development rights since
April 2014 (from A1 to C3) and Page 97 SWDP43s Rose Avenue x 8 gross (net 0.18 opportunity to deliver 100% affordable 4) housing.
Potential opportunity to retain post office in this area e.g. relocating it to land on x Footnote to SWDP43s the east side of Rose Avenue (currently Design to include sympathetic frontage and retention of forecourt parking. Dwellings to be a play area) which is available. located only on west side of Rose Avenue. Requirement to re-provide the existing play Application by Worcester Community equipment either within the development on another nearby site. Housing Ltd to improve the play area (aimed at toddler/primary school age group) following previous incidents of vandalism. Application was approved on 5 December 2012 and subsequently implemented)
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map PM70 SWDP 43 Add the following to Table 11: To accommodate additional housing Table 11 Site ref location No. of Site area provision in accordance with proposed dwellings (ha) uplift in numbers, allowing for frontage (approx.) development of a small group on this brownfield site, and the character of SWDP43t Coach Park adjacent to Barley Crescent (4-4a, 7 0.07 adjoining area. Tolladine Road)
PM71 SWDP 43 Add the following to Table 11: To accommodate additional housing Table 11 Site ref location No. of Site area provision in accordance with proposed uplift in numbers, allowing for dwellings (ha) Page 98 (approx.) development for example as clustered student accommodation, the historic SWDP43u Royal Worcester Porcelain site x 8 0.15 environment, the scale and character of the area, and continuing the wider x Footnote to SWDP43u regeneration of the former Royal Having full regard to historic environment and local character as part of regeneration of the wider Worcester Porcelain location. area PM72 SWDP 43 Add the following to Table 11: To accommodate additional housing Table 11 Site ref location No. of Site area provision in accordance with proposed dwellings (ha) uplift in numbers. To reflect permitted (approx.) development. 10 dwellings granted planning permission 17/12/13 SWDP43v Brickfields Road 10 0.14 (P13N0461)
PM73 SWDP 43 Add the following to Table 11: To accommodate additional housing Table 11 Site ref location No. of Site area provision in accordance with proposed dwellings (ha) uplift in numbers. To reflect permitted development. 10 dwellings granted 41 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map (approx.) planning permission 09/05/12 (P12A0053) approved to extend time SWDP43w 23-24 Foregate Street 10 0.97 period for implementation on extant
planning permission (P08A0590). PM74 SWDP 43 Add the following to Table 11: To accommodate additional housing Table 11 Site ref location No. of Site area provision in accordance with proposed dwellings (ha) uplift in numbers. To reflect permitted (approx.) development. 17 dwellings granted planning permission 4/11/09 (P09D0341 SWDP43x Christian Meeting Room, Diglis Lane 17 0.29 Reserved Matters) (P06D0292 outline
application approved 30/08/06). Page 99 PM75 SWDP 43 Add the following to Table 11: To accommodate additional housing Table 11 Site ref location No. of Site area provision in accordance with proposed dwellings (ha) uplift in numbers. To reflect permitted (approx.) development. 37 extra care units granted planning permission 23/05/13 SWDP43y White Ladies Close, land at 37 0.21 (P13A0087) or (with variation of
condition 14 and 15) granted 11/02/14 (P13A0576). PM76 SWDP 43 Add the following to Table 11: To accommodate additional housing Table 11 Site ref location No. of Site area provision in accordance with proposed dwellings (ha) uplift in numbers. To reflect permitted (approx.) development. 38 extra care apartments granted planning permission on 28/10/10 SWDP43z East Bank Drive (Phase 3) 38 0.35 (P10E0322); 3 rd phase to extra-care
retirement facility (approved under P09E0392).
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map PM77 SWDP 43/18 Amend Table 12: To accommodate additional housing Table 12 Site ref location uses No. of Site area provision in accordance with proposed dwellings (ha) uplift in numbers. 32 close care (approx.) apartments, eight close care bungalows and 60 extra-care apartments (part of SWDP43/18 Grove Farm University campus, health and 100 18.62 gross health and wellbeing campus) granted well being campus (medical planning permission on 25/07/13 centre / care home / close care (P13K0248 reserved matters - pursuant and extra care housing), to outline approval P11K0588 for mixed business uses including
use development [which included Page 100 business innovation centre, education D1 / nursery D1; fitness D2 / research and development, B1 business uses; hotel D1; care / extra- hotel; nursery, retail (ancillary)
care apartments and care home C2 / retail A1]). Note: the 100 residential units do not include the 60-bed care home also permitted by P11K0588. The site area has increased, to match the extent of the gross area permitted. PM78 SWDP 43/25 Amend Table 14: To accommodate additional housing Table 14 Site ref location No. of Site area provision in accordance with proposed uplift in numbers. Change of use to 60 uses dwellings (ha) (approx.) ‘later living’ residential units granted planning permission on 24/07/14 SWDP43/25 School of Art and Design, Barbourne 60 0.99 (P13A0155). Units are designed as Care Home or Extra Care / Close Care housing apartments.
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map PM79 SWDP 43 Add the following to Table 12: Mixed use (housing and commercial) Table 12 Site ref location No. of Site area redevelopment of brownfield site, to dwellings (ha) accommodate additional housing (approx.) provision in accordance with proposed uplift in numbers, allowing for location, SWDP43aa Lowesmoor Wharf x 100 1.14 i.e. proximity to city centre, taking historic environment fully into account enhancing x Footnote to SWDP43aa the conservation area and improving the Mixed use housing and commercial development. Retaining existing commercial uses canal basin & its setting (the surrounding compatible with residential development facilitating relocation of less compatible on-site public space) and habitat enhancement. commercial uses to appropriate premises within the City. Comprehensive approach required to Benefits of co-ordinated development of Page 101 developing sites SWDP43r and SWDP43aa; taking full account of historic environment, SWDP43aa and SWDP 43r The Bridge enhancing conservation area, improving canal basin and enhancing habitat. Inn, Lowesmoor Terrace. PM80 SWDP 43 Add the following to Table 12: Mixed use redevelopment of brownfield Table 12 Site ref location No. of Site area site. To accommodate additional housing dwellings (ha) provision in accordance with proposed (approx.) uplift in numbers, allowing for replacement faith / meeting place facility; SWDP43ab Holy Trinity Church, Lichfield Avenue x 8 0.28 biodiversity enhancement, and focal point location. x Footnote to SWDP43ab Application for the prior notification of Mixed use housing and replacement faith/meeting place facility; designed as a focal point, and proposed demolition of Holy Trinity & St including biodiversity enhancement Martins Church (PRA13G04). Decision: The prior approval of the City Council is not required for the method of the proposed demolition and any proposed restoration described in the application. 44 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map Decision dated 13/11/13 PM81 SWDP 43 Add the following to Table 12: Mixed use (housing and on-site Table 12 Site ref location No. of Site area replacement public house) dwellings (ha) redevelopment of brownfield site. To (approx.) accommodate additional housing provision in accordance with proposed SWDP43ac Cavalier Public House, St George's Lane x 8 0.11 uplift in numbers, allowing for historic environment and canalside location. x Footnote to SWDP43ac Page 102 Mixed use housing and replacement public house, taking account of the historic environment and canal-side location
PM82 SWDP43 AMEND by inserting an additional paragraph after paragraph 6 as follows To respond to the evidence on sites Reasoned An assessment of all non-strategic sites including those put forward through the Strategic Housing Land assessment. Justification Availability Assessment can be found in the background paper Non-Strategic Housing Allocations. The 2014 Sites assessment will be paragraph 6 Assessment of non-strategic sites including those put forward through the Strategic Housing absorbed within an Addendum to the – additional Land Availability Assessment and the Call for sites in 2014 can be found in the evidence in the Non-Strategic Housing Allocations paragraph SWDP Non-Strategic Housing Allocations background paper and the 2014 Sites assessments. background paper. PM83 SWDP43 Amend by deleting the start of paragraph 7 and replacing with the following: To be consistent with SWDP 3 Table 4e Reasoned Evidence demonstrates that the city can accommodate 5,600 dwellings,… – Supply. Justification To accommodate additional housing 7 Evidence demonstrates that the city can accommodate about 6,750 dwellings within the provision through increased capacity administrative boundary…
PM84 SWDP43 Amend start of paragraph 8: To be consistent with SWDP 3 Table 4e Reasoned – Supply. And Table 4b Housing Justification Therefore, capacity for a further 4,470 dwellings needs… provision 8 To accommodate additional housing 45 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map provision through increased capacity
PM85 SWDP43 Amend by deleting the start of paragraph 9 and replacing with the following To be consistent with SWDP 3 Table 4e Reasoned The site allocations, through the urban extensions, have capacity for about 3,925dwellings – Supply. Justification The site allocations in the Worcester urban extensions, have capacity for about 5,550 dwellings To accommodate additional housing 9 (including 80 within the city administrative boundary). provision through increased capacity
nd PM86 SWDP43 Amend 2 sentence of paragraph 11: To be consistent with SWDP 3 Table 4e Reasoned – Supply. Justification Housing development will not be permitted given the proximity of the land to the M5 , except where To accommodate additional housing paragraph 11 allocated by SWDP45/A- Land at Swinesherd Way provision through increased capacity in the Proposed Change Worcester Urban Page 103 Extension on land at Swinesherd Way SWDP 44 – Worcester City Centre
PM87 SWDP 44 Amend Table 17 To accommodate additional housing Table 17 Site ref location No. of Site area provision through increase in site dwellings (ha) capacity in accordance with proposed (approx.) uplift numbers. SWDP44/4 Shrub Hill Opportunity Zone 596 19.89 To reflect approved development on part of site. Land east of the railway • Approximately 350 596 dwellings and residential (Sherriff Street) – hybrid application for care units regeneration and renewal – for mixed • Plus other mixed use / commercial development use development (including 396
dwellings) - approved subject to S106 agreement as of 15/8/14), Site capacity of opportunity zone increased to include capacity for 200
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map dwellings on land to west of railway, to support delivery of regeneration and mixed use.(P12G0199)
PM88 SWDP44 AMEND first sentence of paragraph 19: To be consistent with the proposed Reasoned It is estimated that, although not residentially led, an element of housing development will be included that change to SWDP 44/4 Justification could deliver approximately 350 600 dwellings plus student flats including flatted development paragraph 19
SWDP 45 – Directions for Growth Outside the City Boundary Page 104
PM89 SWDP 45 … five six sustainable, well-designed developments are proposed To accommodate additional housing provision through increased capacity as Worcester urban extensions in accordance with proposed uplift in housing numbers and in line with the spatial strategy. PM90 SWDP45/1 Amend part Ai : To accommodate additional housing Ai provision through increase in site … and around 2,450 2,600 dwellings. Delivery of the development is dependent upon the phased capacity in accordance with proposed implementation of the Worcester transport Strategy and in particular the dualling of the A4440 uplift numbers. Southern link Road the initial phase of which is currently being delivered. The next phase will be the completion of the dualling between Broomhall Way and Whittington junction which needs to be in place by 2019 to support both this development and the wider SWDP. Initial phases of the development shall be linked to the already funded improvements to the A4440 (southern Link Road) which will include measures to improve existing junctions. Later phases of development will be linked to the timing of further delivery of A4440 improvements including measures such as dualling. PM91 SWDP45/1 ii. Consistent with SWDP 14 the dwellings will be … To cross reference the policy to SWDP 47 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map Aii 14 - Housing Mix. PM92 SWDP45/1 iii. The masterplan diagram for SWDP 45/1 below … which include a centrally located To ensure that this serves the Aiii Neighbourhood local centre … proposed development without … • … community building, emergency services infrastructure , children’s centre … attracting large scale offsite shopping … • local convenience and comparison retailing and ; trips; to acknowledge requirement for developer contribution to emergency
services infrastructure. See also Appendix 3 PM93 SWDP45/1A … of the 2,450 2,600 dwellings … A minimum of 40 35 of these … sports and recreation facilities. The To accommodate additional housing v pedestrian and cycle routes linking existing and new development to those uses will be subject to more provision through increase in site detailed masterplanning. capacity in accordance with proposed Page 105 uplift numbers PM94 SWDP45/1 Provision for two separate sites, each one site for Travellers of up to 10 pitches , for Travellers within or To reflect updates to the GTAA Avii on the edge of the urban extension x. evidence base
x See also SWDP 17 – Travellers and Travelling Showpeople PM95 SWDP45/1 viii. Improvements to the A4440, the A38 and associated highways, public transport, cycle and To acknowledge that transport Aviii walking infrastructure and services- shall include measures to improve accessibility by non- car infrastructure required serves a wide modes to Worcester city centre, and other key employment, health, education, leisure and range of land uses. transport (interchange) facilities, services and destinations across the city including the provision of at least two grade-separated pedestrian / cycle crossings. PM96 SWDP45/1 ix. Safeguarding land on the southern side of the A4440 for the dualling of the road and the provision of To emphasise the importance of cycle Aix the pedestrian and cycle bridges needed to provide sustainable transport links between the and pedestrian links between the site development and the Worcester city walk and cycle networks. and the wider area. PM97 SWDP45/1 x. The potential provision of a parking hub to be agreed in consultation with Worcestershire County To allow for flexibility in the provision of Ax Council a parking hub. 48 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map PM98 SWDP45/1 Xii …links to Worcester city, the neighbourhood local centre and … To acknowledge that the centre will Axii serve mainly local needs. PM99 SWDP45/1 … mitigate noise and flood risk and maintain the individual identities of Broomhall To acknowledge that the green network Axiii has a multi-functional role. PM100 SWDP45/2 ii. Phased delivery of around 975 2,150 dwellings within the site area shown on the diagram for To accommodate additional housing Bii SWDP45/2. The disposition of proposed uses within the allocation boundary will require, and be provision through increase in site subject to, further intensive Master Planning to ensure the comprehensive development of the capacity in accordance with proposed amended allocation as a whole and provide an integrated and cohesive urban design and uplift numbers and explain how the
movements within the site and to / from the City. … details of the extended site in terms of Page 106 location of the different uses will be informed through detailed master planning. This takes additional land out of the Significant Gap to the west of the current allocation. PM101 SWDP45/2 B iii. Consistent with SWDP 14 the dwellings will be … To cross reference the policy to SWDP 14 Housing Mix PM102 SWDP45/2 v. Small local shops, with a contribution towards enhancing Dines Green Neighbourhood Centre. Local To ensure that retail floorspace is Bv convenience and comparison retailing within a neighbourhood centre ; the Neighbourhood appropriate for the size of the site, but Centre should include not more 1,500 square metres net of retail floorspace and no single still for local needs. convenience store should exceed 1,000 square metres net.
PM103 SWDP45/2 B Insert new section : To acknowledge that the uplift in the housing numbers will require the vi a range of community facilities and services including a two-form entry primary school, delivery of a primary school on the site, community hall which may also provide for dual use community facilities
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map PM104 SWDP45/2 vii. The development of a local Green Infrastructure network, which will include measures for the To emphasize the need to protect the Bvii protection and enhancement of the Earl’s Court Scheduled Ancient Monument and its setting. adjacent SAM PM105 SWDP45/2 ix. Contributions towards transportation, education, sporting and recreational facilities, and emergency To acknowledge requirement for Bix services infrastructure developer contribution to emergency services infrastructure. PM106 SWDP45/2 x. Measures to support and safeguard the implementation of the schemes set out in the To reiterate the need for the scheme to Bx Worcestershire LPT3, including the adopted Worcester Transport Strategy, which includes the have regard to the LPT3 and the WTS phased dualling of the A4440 Southern Link Road the initial phase of which is currently being delivered; the requirement for the delivery of a spine road within the site between the A44 and the Martley Road which will protect the alignment / delivery of a Northwest Link Road in the longer term; and improve the accessibility by non-car modes to Worcester city centre, including a Page 107 parking hub facility close to the A4440. PM107 SWDP45/3 ii. Consistent with SWDP 14 the dwellings will be … To cross reference the policy to SWDP Cii 14 Housing Mix PM108 SWDP45/3 vi. The development of the Local Green Infrastructure Network. To use the accepted terminology Cvi PM109 SWDP45/3 viii. Contributions to transportation, education, sporting and recreational facilities, emergency services To acknowledge wider infrastructure Cviii infrastructure and village hall. requirements arising from the development. PM110 SWDP45/3 x. Only No vulnerable built development for uses compatible with the flood risk vulnerability To acknowledge the need to mitigate Cx classification in the 2012 Technical Guidance to the National Planning Policy Framework will flood risk on part of the site. be permitted in to occur in Flood Risk Zones 2, 3a or 3b. PM111 SWDP45/3 Insert new section : To reiterate the need for the scheme to Cxi Measures to support and safeguard the implementation of the schemes set out in the have regard to the LPT3 and the WTS Worcestershire LTP3, including the adopted Worcester Transport Strategy, improve accessibility
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map by non-car modes to Worcester city centre and key employment health, education, leisure and transport (interchange) destinations, facilities and services across Worcester City as a whole . PM112 SWDP45/4 ii. Consistent with SWDP 14 the dwellings will be … To cross reference the policy to SWDP Dii 14 - Housing Mix PM113 SWDP45/4 vi. The development of the Local Green Infrastructure Network. To use the accepted terminology Dvi PM114 SWDP45/4 vii. Contributions to transportation, education, sporting and recreational facilities and emergency To acknowledge wider infrastructure Dvii services infrastructure. requirements arising from the development. Page 108 PM115 SWDP45/4 viii. Measures to improve accessibility by non-car modes to Worcester city centre, Bevere, River Severn, Requirement for parking hub now not Dviii local employment areas, schools and leisure centre .and the allocated Claines parking hub site. required PM116 SWDP 45 Include new urban extension between SWDP45/4 and SWDP45/5: Introduction of new policy section – SWDP45/* - Land at Swinesherd Way relating to new urban extension – to i. Delivery of a maximum of 300 dwellings of which 40% will be affordable. accommodate additional housing provision in accordance with proposed ii. Consistent with SWDP 14, the dwellings will be of mixed size, type and tenure in uplift in numbers. accordance with the needs set out within the SHMA (2012) and informed by local housing needs assessments in consultation with representatives of local communities. iii. No residential development beyond Flood Zone 1 or on areas previously the subject of surface water flooding. iv. Measures to secure safe access by non-car modes to Worcester city centre, local employment areas, Nunnery Wood Primary and Secondary Schools, Worcester Sixth Form College as well as local services at Whittington. v. A network of open spaces, to include equipped play space, which will deliver both Green Infrastructure and water management objectives. vi. A comprehensive landscaping scheme which ensures that traffic noise levels arising from
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map the A4440 and M5 do not breach prescribed standards for residential development. vii. Developer contributions towards community infrastructure considered necessary to improve accessibility, in particular by non-car modes. PM117 SWDP45/5 i. Phased delivery of a sustainable, well-designed technology park of approximately 16ha (Worcester For clarity Ei Technology Park) PM118 SWDP45/5 ii. Off-site highway works to support access to the site and contributions to improvements to the strategic Duplicated – policy requirement set out Eii highway network. at SWDP 45 / 5 E v PM119 SWDP45/5 iii. Landscaping that contributes to the Local Green Infrastructure Network … To use the accepted terminology Eiii
PM120 SWDP45/5 iv. Measures to support and safeguard the implementation of the schemes set out in the To reiterate the need for the scheme to Page 109 Eiv Worcestershire LTP3, including the adopted Worcester Transport Strategy , improve accessibility have regard to the LPT3 and the WTS by non-car modes to / from Worcester city centre and key residential and transport (interchange) destinations, facilities and services across Worcester City as a whole. PM121 SWDP45 Broomhall Community … To accommodate additional housing Table 18 SWDP – Phase 3 provision through increase in site Market Housing … 945 1,041 capacity in accordance with proposed uplift numbers Affordable Housing … 635 698 PM122 SWDP45 Temple Laughern … To accommodate additional housing Table 18 SWDP – Phase 3 provision through increase in site Market Housing … 380 1,085 capacity in accordance with proposed uplift numbers Affordable Housing … 250 720 PM123 SWDP 45 Swinesherd Way To accommodate additional housing Table 18 Market Housing … 180 provision through increase in site Affordable Housing … 120 capacity in accordance with proposed
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map uplift numbers PM124 SWDP 45 … about 3,900 5,560 dwellings will be required To accommodate additional housing Reasoned provision through increased capacity as justification Worcester urban extensions in paragraph 1 accordance with proposed uplift in housing numbers and in line with the spatial strategy. PM125 SWDP 45 … the creation of four five new urban extensions To accommodate additional housing
Reasoned provision through increased capacity as Page 110 justification Worcester urban extensions in paragraph 2 accordance with proposed uplift in housing numbers and in line with the spatial strategy. PM126 SWDP 45 The four five locations are: To accommodate additional housing Reasoned … provision through increased capacity as justification e) Swinesherd Way Worcester urban extensions in paragraph 3 accordance with proposed uplift in housing numbers and in line with the spatial strategy. PM127 SWDP 45 … provision of improved pedestrian / cycle and … To acknowledge the existing and Reasoned proposed cycle provision in the vicinity justification and in line with SWDP 4. paragraph 4d PM128 SWDP 45 … development and 2,450 2,600 dwellings) …(5ha of employment and 975 2,150 dwellings) … To accommodate additional housing reasoned provision through increased capacity as justification Worcester urban extensions in accordance with proposed uplift in 53 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map paragraph 5 housing numbers and in line with the spatial strategy. PM129 SWDP 45 … allocation of a sub-regional employment site as a fifth sixth urban extension … To acknowledge the further site for an reasoned urban extension at Worcester justification paragraph 6 PM130 SWDP 45 7. Providing access to jobs and essential services is a crucial part of delivering sustainable, To emphasize the need for the sites to Reasoned economically-led and inclusive communities. Development at locations that can be accessed by means be accessible to a range of services Justification other than the private car and which that provide efficient, accessible and attractive to users, links to and infrastructure paragraph the city centre and the key employment, residential, health, education, leisure and transport
A7 (interchange) facilities, services and destinations across the city as a whole is essential. In Page 111 conjunction with improvements to highway infrastructure at key pinch points across the South Worcestershire area, this integrated and multi-modal approach will increase the efficiency of the transport network, help to reduce transport-related and which provide good links to the city is essential. This also reduces carbon emissions and can improve the local environment and promote social inclusion. A safe, efficient and integrated transport system is important in supporting a strong and prosperous economy in Worcester. PM131 SWDP 45 … the potential to enhance public transport services via key transport corridors to/from/across Worcester To emphasize the need for the sites to Reasoned is maximised. New or improved local public transport (bus) services will be provided to link the new be accessible to a range of services Justification developments with the city centre and the key employment, residential, health, education, leisure and infrastructure paragraph and transport (interchange) facilities, services and destinations across the city as a whole and also A8 link to the existing settlements beyond the city. As part of the strategy to reduce congestion on the key arterial corridors into and across the city Three additional parking hubs are to may be delivered at or close to the urban extensions providing the opportunity to capture inbound car-borne traffic movement. PM132 SWDP 45 Include additional sentence at start of paragraph and amend : For clarification and in line with Local Reasoned Transport Plan ( LPT3). Justification A multi-modal approach is required to support the development strategy . … This has assessed and 54 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map paragraph identified: A9 PM133 SWDP 45 a. The impact of the planned development on the highway capacity and the operation of the For clarification Reasoned Worcester city network and the South Worcestershire’s strategic transport network as a whole Justification paragraph A9a PM134 SWDP 45 b. The potential development locations The package of transport infrastructure and service For clarification
Reasoned enhancement schemes needed to accommodate the travel demand generated by the planned Page 112 Justification development.. paragraph A9b PM135 SWDP 45 c. The likely impact on the existing road system and the environment The costs of mitigating transport For clarification Reasoned schemes. Justification paragraph A9c PM136 SWDP 45 … Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (Levels 1 and 2) as updated in 2012 and 2014 … need to be To acknowledge the further evidence reasoned accompanied by site specific flood risk assessments base update on flood risk. justification paragraph D3 PM137 SWDP 45 … there were are some important objectives that would need to be fulfilled which will need to and these For clarification reasoned would be an integral part … Justification paragraph 14
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map PM138 SWDP 45 … and the existing Norton Barracks settlement, which allows for direct access to local services for For clarification reasoned pedestrian and where the separation does not form barriers to direct pedestrian and cycle movements Justification between the two communities, cyclists and does not allow car-borne vehicular journeys except where paragraph crossed by the Norton Road/ local centre/ A38 link and functions as a biodiversity corridor and 14c recreational space PM139 SWDP 45 h. To provide a new police station emergency services infrastructure serving the local community. To acknowledge wider infrastructure reasoned requirements arising from the Justification development. paragraph 14h
PM140 SWDP 45 … Allowance for possible dualling of the carriageway … To clarify the latest position Page 113 reasoned justification paragraph 15b PM141 SWDP 45 The Plan has extended the Significant Gap (previously the M5 Protection Corridor, Worcester, and For clarification reasoned Strategic Gap, Wychavon) to the west of the M5 motorway so that land to the east and south-east justification of Norton Barracks is now subject to SWDP 2 part Aiv and C. In addition, land between Kempsey paragraph 17 and the southern limit of the urban extension remains as Significant Gap . Care will be needed in the treatment of the edges of the development area and the need to identify appropriate Significant Gaps beyond the new urban edge. In order to help minimise … from Norton Road roundabout and the A38. PM142 SWDP 45 20. The protection of the Earls’ Court Scheduled Ancient Monument is consistent with SWDP 1, 6 and For cross referencing reasoned 243 and section 12 of the NPPF. SWDP 6 and SWDP 24 (Historic Environment policies) also strengthen justification this protection. paragraph 20 PM143 SWDP 45 … the city boundary with the Laughern Brook valley except in the far north east corner , being a To describe the change in the site reasoned 56 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map justification particular feature … boundary paragraph 20a PM144 SWDP 45 … a rapid transit bus route into the city from the park and ride site. The primary road network through the To be in line with SWDP 4. reasoned development will extend the A4440 up to Oldbury Road and the B4264 Martley Road but should also justification allow for the construction of a northwest link road in the longer term. paragraph 20b
PM145 SWDP 45 c. The northern development boundary would lie along the B4264 Martley Road north of Oldbury To describe the change in the site Page 114 reasoned Road but provision will need to be made for sufficient land to enable appropriate landscape management boundary, where the road can now justification to take place. This will ensure that a hard urban edge is not created at this point and will mitigate the views form a buffer. paragraph across the area from Hallow in particular. The western boundary will follow the approximate line of 20c the spine road serving the development from the A44 to the Martley Road. PM146 SWDP 45 21. The two smaller urban extensions below are referred to as Kilbury Drive (to the east) … To clarify where the text relating to Reasoned these appears Justification paragraph 21 PM147 SWDP 45 Delete final sentence of paragraph 24 : Site already has Planning Permission Reasoned The nearby parking hub allocation east of the A449 is part of wider integrated transport proposals to foster and we had no adopted plan policy to Justification greater use of sustainable transport modes into the city. secure the parking hub paragraph 24e
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map PM148 SWDP 45 Include the following after paragraph 25: Introduction of new policy section Reasoned relating to new urban extension – to Justification Swinesherd Way (SWDP45/A): accommodate additional housing provision in accordance with proposed This site lies to the east of Kilbury Drive between Swinesherd Way and the M5, immediately to the uplift in numbers north of Whittington. In order for development to be suitably sustainable here the following objectives need to be achieved: - a) Minimise car dependency by securing bus penetration and safe cycle and walking access across Swinesherd Way, enabling residents to reach local services and employment opportunities; b) A comprehensive SuDS scheme that deals with the surface water flooding;
c) No built development beyond Flood Zone 1; Page 115 d) An agreed landscaping scheme that will reduce noise pollution from the A4440 and M5 to acceptable levels; e) Emerging vehicle and cycle / walking access only to Whittington village PM149 SWDP 45 … resulting in a successful bid for £17.5m of Regional Growth Fund. The amount bid for / received is Reasoned continually updated, and the figure is Justification not required as it will not illustrate the paragraph latest figures 30 SWDP 46 – Pershore Allocations
PM150 SWDP 46 Add the following to Table 19: To accommodate additional housing Table 19 Site ref location No. of dwellings provision in accordance with proposed (approx.) uplift in numbers. Approved subject to S106 SWDP46x Land off Defford Rd, Pershore 21
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map PM151 SWDP 46 Amend table total: Total changed following additional Table 19 … allocations Pershore Allocations Total (excluding urban extensions) – 66 87 SWDP 47 – Pershore Urban Extension
PM152 SWDP47/1 A. SWDP 47/1 Land to the North Of Pershore The site area has been extended at … a phased delivery of approximately 600 695 new homes … Station Road to reflect recent planning permissions and also includes land at
The Ford House which was previously Page 116 surrounded by the allocated site. 260 dwellings already have planning permission, 290 dwellings have a resolution to grant planning permission subject to Section 106 and there is a current application for 124 dwellings. In total 674 units already have permission / a resolution to grant permission or an application. PM153 SWDP47/1 DELETE the following paragraph from the policy: Policy amended to reflect the fact that the GI will be located within the A SWDP 47/1 Land to the North Of Pershore boundaries of the allocation rather than as currently indicated. To ensure that a sufficient level of Green Infrastructure is provided for the development, the land immediately adjoining the northern boundary of the land to the west of Station Road will be used to provide some of the Green Infrastructure required for this site. However, the built form of the development will not extend beyond the boundaries shown on the Policies Map.
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map PM154 SWDP47/1 As table 19 shows, currently there is very limited … is proposed, comprising approximately 600 695 Total changed following additional Reasoned dwellings at … allocations. Permission / applications Justification, for 674 units already granted. paragraph 1 SWDP 49 – Droitwich Spa Urban Extensions
PM155 SWDP49 Include the following as new urban extension (renumbered as appropriate): Introduction of new policy relating to (WY045) new urban extension – to B SWDP49/ X Yew Tree Hill accommodate additional housing provision in accordance with proposed
The Policies Map identifies a location for a sustainable, well-designed urban extension to the Page 117 7 uplift in numbers. Note footnote to south of the town in accordance with a more detailed masterplan brief policy. It is expected that the development will deliver: i) Phased provision of approximately 765 new homes reflecting a range of housing sizes and tenures to reflect and accommodate the needs of both the existing and new population of Droitwich Spa. ii) Phased provision of 200 unit care facility (C2 uses). iii) A local neighbourhood centre incorporating local shops, food outlets, leisure / entertainment and community facilities. A police post should be provided within this element of the development. iv) Upgraded access to A38 at the junction with Pulley Lane and necessary engineering works along the length of Pulley Lane as required accommodating the level of proposed development. v) Enhanced public transport, cycle and pedestrians connections to the town centre via Newland Road and Primsland Way.
7 Planning permission has been granted for the allocated development – W/11/01073/OU and W/12/02366/OU
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map vi) New public open space as appropriate, to incorporate and enhance existing Green Infrastructure, provide leisure facilities and to develop the Droitwich Diamond Jubilee Walk. vii) A landscaping strategy for the southern edge of the site, adjacent to Pulley Lane; this should seek to minimise the impact of the development on the countryside and designated Green Belt beyond. PM156 SWDP49 Amend the following: Introduction of new policy relating to new urban extension – amended policy B C SWDP49/2 3 – Stonebridge Cross Business Park … numbers as appropriate. Page 118
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map PM157 SWDP49 Add Reasoned Justification between paragraphs 3 and 4 (renumber as appropriate): Introduction of new policy relating to Reasoned new urban extension – to Justification SWDP49/X accommodate additional housing provision in accordance with proposed paragraph 3, 4. Land is allocated at Yew Tree Hill to deliver a sustainable urban extension to the south of the uplift in numbers. 4 town. This will comprise 765 homes of an appropriate mix, size and tenure, along with a local service centre. The latter will provide for a range of retail, leisure and entertainment outlets as well as community facilities to include a police post. In order to help address an identified residential care need over the plan period the site will also deliver a 200 unit care facility (C2 uses). 5. Features of the scheme should include open space and the enhancement of the Droitwich Diamond Jubilee Walk around the town. Links to the open countryside beyond via the existing
public footpath network will also be secured. The setting of the higher ground around the water Page 119 tower should be respected. The location of the urban extension on the rural/urban fringe of the town is acknowledged and any landscape strategy should incorporate enhance measures to minimise the impact of the development on the open countryside beyond . 6. Vehicular access will be only via Pulley Lane, on to the A38 and the necessary junction and highway upgrades will need to form part of any application beyond the allocated site boundary. Public transport and emergency vehicle access, along with cycling and pedestrian links, will be acceptable from Newland Land to Primsland Way and the town beyond. The provision of a timetabled bus service to the town centre should form part of any development to enhance the locations sustainable development credentials.
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map SWDP 50 – Evesham Allocations
PM158 SWDP 50 Add the following to Table 21 : To accommodate additional housing Table 21 provision in accordance with proposed uplift in numbers. Approved subject to Site ref location No. of dwellings S106 (approx.) SWDP50x Land at Aldington Lodge, Offenham Road, Evesham 60
PM159 SWDP50/1 Delete the following allocation: Site is covered by SWDP51/2, which Page 120 Land at bottom of Peewit Road, Evesham - 63 has permission for 401 dwellings. PM160 SWDP 50 Amend table sub-total: Total changed following additional Table 21 Evesham Urban Capacity Total – 490 487 allocations SWDP 52 – Malvern Allocations
PM161 SWDP 52/4 Amend the following site allocation: Allocation changed following grant of Table 22 Site ref location No. of Site area planning permission (ref 13/01585/FUL dwellings (ha) for 5 dwellings). (approx.) SWDP52/4 Homestead, Halfkey 6 5 0.26
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map PM162 SWDP52/6 Delete the following from Table 22 : Delete site as landowner has advised Table 22 Site ref location No. of that it is no longer available for housing dwellings development. (approx.) SWDP52/6 Land to rear of 12, Priory Road 6
PM163 SWDP 52 Add the following to Table 22: To accommodate additional housing Table 22 Site ref location No. of Site provision in accordance with proposed dwellings area uplift in numbers, allowing for 50% GI to deliver good level of open space. 62
(approx.) (ha) Page 121 dwellings granted subject to S106 SWDP52d Land at Mill Lane, Poolbrook 62 3.94 (13/01095/OUT) as at 22/07/2014
PM164 SWDP 52 Add the following to Table 22: To accommodate additional housing Table 22 Site ref location No. of Site provision in accordance with proposed dwellings area uplift in numbers, allowing for 50% GI (approx.) (ha) to deliver good level of open space. SWDP52i Land at Lower Howsell Road (former allotments) 81 5.21
PM165 SWDP 52 Add the following to Table 22: To accommodate additional housing Table 22 Site ref location No. of Site provision in accordance with proposed dwellings area uplift in numbers, to deliver a good (approx.) (ha) level of open space. 44 dwellings (net) approved 16/06/14 (13/00900/OUT). SWDP52f Pickersleigh Grove (part of Hayslan Fields) 44 3.30
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map PM166 SWDP 52 Add the following to Table 22: To accommodate additional housing Table 22 Site ref location No. of Site provision in accordance with proposed dwellings area uplift in number. The site was a (approx.) (ha) commitment as a planning permission, which has lapsed, so is now allocated. SWDP52m Former Railway Sidings, Peachfield Road 20 0.67
PM167 SWDP 52 Add the following to Table 22: To accommodate additional housing Table 22 Site ref location No. of Site provision in accordance with proposed dwellings area uplift in numbers. Page 122 (approx.) (ha) SWDP52s Victoria Road Car Park 21 0.28
PM168 SWDP 52 Add the following to Table 22: To accommodate additional housing Table 22 Site ref location No. of Site provision in accordance with proposed dwellings area uplift in numbers, allowing for 40% GI (approx.) (ha) to deliver good level of open space. SWDP52w Land off Brook Farm Drive, Poolbrook 77 4.25
PM169 SWDP 52 Add the following to Table 22: To accommodate additional housing Table 22 Site ref location No. of Site provision in accordance with proposed dwellings area uplift in numbers, allowing for 40% GI (approx.) (ha) to deliver good level of open space. SWDP52y Broadlands Drive, Malvern 33 1.82
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map PM170 SWDP 52 Add the following to Table 22 : Site was a commitment with planning Table 22 Site ref location No. of Site permission for 28 dwellings, which has dwellings area recently lapsed, so has instead been (approx.) (ha) allocated. SWDP52* Barracks Store, Court Road, Malvern 28 0.8
PM171 SWDP 52 Amend table sub-total: Total changed following additional Table 22 Malvern Allocations Total – 147 506 allocations PM172 SWDP 52 Malvern’s urban capacity …has been established at approximately 4.5ha of employment land and 147 506 Total changed following additional
Reasoned dwellings … together with 250 300 dwellings … of employment land and a site for 700 800 dwellings, allocations Page 123 Justification together with … para. 1
SWDP 53 – Malvern Technology Centre (Qinetiq)
PM173 SWDP 53 … Approximately 250 300 dwellings. Total changed following additional Bii allocations, PM174 SWDP 53Ci 250 300 dwellings, of which 100 120 affordable Total changed following additional allocations PM175 SWDP 53 – b. Approximately 250 300 dwellings, based on a mix of housing types. Total changed following additional Reasoned allocations Justification para. 5b
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map SWDP 56 – Development at North East Malvern
PM176 SWDP 56Bii ii. 700 800 dwellings to be phased … Total changed following additional allocations PM177 SWDP A requirement to show how the site can be connected to and integrated with existing and proposed The Lower Howell Road former 56Cvi development, for example at the Royal Estates, and the former allotments site allocation to the south allotments site has now been allocated, (site SWDP52i) , through appropriate road , footpath and cycle links and through opportunities for and to explain the relationship to the regeneration. North east Malvern site.
PM178 SWDP 56D Phase 2 of SWDP 2013-2019 Total changed following additional Page 124 i. Phase 2 of SWDP 2013-2019 allocations • 220 dwellings, of which 100 88 will be affordable … … ii. Phase 3 of SWDP 2019-2030 • 480 580 dwellings, of which 180 232 will be affordable … PM179 SWDP 56 b. Approximately 700 800 dwellings. Total changed following additional Reasoned allocations Justification paragraph 1b PM180 SWDP 56 … on the road frontage. It provides a strong and visual site boundary. Consideration will be given to the The Lower Howell Road former Reasoned inclusion of the former allotment site in the context of the larger development site. The site at the former allotments site has now been allocated, justification allotments is now allocated (SWDP52i), but it is considered that, subject to detailed assessment and to explain the relationship to the paragraph 4 and comments from the Highway Authority, consideration will be given in the first instance to the North east Malvern site. main vehicular access to the former allotments site will be through the North East Malvern urban extension, to the Worcester Road.
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map SWDP 57 – Tenbury Wells Allocations
PM181 SWDP 57 Amend the following site allocation: To accommodate additional housing Table 23 Site ref location No. of Site provision in accordance with proposed dwellings area uplift in numbers. Appeal allowed (approx.) (ha) 30/09/13 (12/00659/OUT). Reserved matters for 43 dwellings SWDP57/1 Land opposite Morningside 30 43 1.05
(14/00006/REM) approved 23/05/2014. PM182 SWDP 57 Add the following to Table 24 : To accommodate additional housing Table 23 Site ref location No. of Site provision in accordance with proposed Page 125 dwellings area uplift in numbers. 44 dwellings allowed (approx.) (ha) on appeal 13/08/2013. SWDP57a Land at Mistletoe Row, Oldwood Road 44 3.74
PM183 SWDP 57 Add the following to Table 24 : To accommodate additional housing Table 23 Site ref location No. of Site provision in accordance with proposed dwellings area uplift in numbers (approx.) (ha) SWDP57c Land south of the Oaklands, Tenbury 35 1.92
PM184 SWDP 57 Amend table sub-total: Total changed following additional Table 23 allocations Tenbury Wells Allocations – Total 70 162
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map SWDP 58 – Upton upon Severn Allocations
PM185 SWDP 58 Add the following to Table 24 : To accommodate additional housing Table 24 Site ref location No. of Site provision in accordance with proposed dwellings area uplift in numbers. Upton Marina allowed (approx.) (ha) on appeal for up to 70 dwellings 06/06/14. SWDP58c Upton Marina (Previously Upton-upon-Severn, Holly 70 n/a Green / Ryall and Tunnel Hill Area)
Page 126 PM186 SWDP 58 Add the following to Table 24 : To accommodate additional housing Table 24 Site ref location No. of Site provision in accordance with proposed dwellings area uplift in numbers. 43 dwellings (approx.) (ha) approved subject to S106 as at 22/07/2014 (13/00009/FUL). SWDP58d Land at Welland Road (Tunnel Hill) 43 2.12
PM187 SWDP 58 Delete SWDP 58C: Delete this reference as an additional In addition a further 75 dwellings are allocated to the broad location of the Upton-upon-Severn, Holly 70 dwellings have recently been Green / Ryall and tunnel Hill area, the exact sites to be determined through neighbourhood planning. approved at Upton Marina, and are now allocated (PM185). PM188 SWDP 58 Amend table sub-total: Total changed following additional Table 24 Upton-upon-Severn Allocations - Total 25 138 allocations
PM189 SWDP 58 Delete last two sentences: Consequential upon PM185 above - an Reasoned Although a site at Holly Green is considered deliverable and is therefore allocated above, there are additional 70 dwellings have recently justification currently no other sites considered to be deliverable at this stage. Analysis of sites put forward through the been approved at Upton Marina, and paragraph 1 Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment has shown limited availability of appropriate sites in both are now allocated. Tunnel Hill to the west and in Holly Green on the north-east side of the river. 69 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map PM190 SWDP 58 Amend paragraph 2: Consequential upon PM185 above - an Reasoned It is considered that a figure of approximately 100 dwellings is appropriate to meet the needs of the town additional 70 dwellings have recently justification over the plan period. With land at the north east of Upton Marina now a planning commitment for up been approved at Upton marina, and paragraph 2 to 70 dwellings and land at Welland Road approved subject to a S106 agreement for 43 dwellings, are now allocated. it is considered that the broad dwelling figure is achieved. Additional sites can be brought forward through a Neighbourhood Plan, if deemed necessary. Thus, an additional 75 dwellings are proposed at Upton as a broad location; the exact sites are to be determined through a Neighbourhood Plan, the District Council will produce an Area Action Plan for the Upton area later in the plan period to ensure this level of housing development is delivered.
SWDP 59 – Category 1 Village Allocations Page 127 Malvern Hills Category 1
PM191 SWDP59/2 Amend the following site allocation: To accommodate additional housing Table 25 Site ref location No. of Site provision in accordance with proposed dwellings area uplift in numbers. (approx.) (ha) SWDP59/2 Land west of Apostle Oak Cottage, Abberley Common 10 14 0.38
PM192 SWDP 59/4 Amend the following site allocation: To accommodate additional housing Table 25 Site ref location No. of Site provision in accordance with proposed dwellings area uplift in numbers. Planning permission (approx.) (ha) has been granted for 27 dwellings ref 12/01412/Ful, April 2014 SWDP59/4 Land adjacent to the Primary School, Great Witley 23 27 1.34
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map PM193 SWDP 59 Add the following to Table 25: To accommodate additional housing Table 25 Site ref location No. of Site provision in accordance with proposed dwellings area uplift in numbers. Planning permission (approx.) (ha) granted for 15 dwellings under ref 13/01161/Ful, June 2014. SWDP59a Land at Walshes Farm, Clows Top Road, Abberley 15 1.44 Common
PM194 SWDP 59 Add the following to Table 25: To accommodate additional housing Table 25 Site ref location No. of Site provision in accordance with proposed Page 128 dwellings area uplift in numbers. Planning permission (approx.) (ha) granted under ref 13/01327/Ful, subject to S106 agreement. SWDP59b Land at Church House Farm, Clifton upon Teme 17 4.8
PM195 SWDP 59 Add the following to Table 25: To accommodate additional housing Table 25 Site ref location No. of Site provision in accordance with proposed dwellings area uplift in numbers. Planning permission (approx.) (ha) granted under ref 14/00170/Out for 9 dwellings. SWDP59d Land at Braithwaites Yard, Hallow 9 0.68
PM196 SWDP 59 Add the following to Table 25: To accommodate additional housing Table 25 Site ref location No. of Site provision in accordance with proposed dwellings area uplift in numbers. Planning permission (approx.) (ha) granted under ref 14/00170/Out for8 dwellings. SWDP59zk Land at the Royal Oak Public House, Hallow 8 0.19
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map PM197 SWDP 59 Add the following to Table 25: To accommodate additional housing Table 25 Site ref location No. of Site provision in accordance with proposed dwellings area uplift in numbers. (approx.) (ha) SWDP59zzi Land South of Greenhill Lane, Hallow 30 1.67
PM198 SWDP 59/7 DELETE the following allocation: Site now not available - land owner has Table 25 SWDP59/7 - Land at Yew Tree Farm, Hanley Swan (20) withdrawn PM199 SWDP 59/8 Amend the following site allocation: To accommodate additional housing Table 25 Site ref location No. of Site provision in accordance with proposed Page 129 dwellings area uplift in numbers. (approx.) (ha) SWDP59/8 Land adjacent to the Lawns including Bight Farm 138 190 4.70 (combined / extended sites), Kempsey 6.40
PM200 SWDP 59/9 Amend the following site allocation: To accommodate additional housing Table 25 Site ref location No. of Site provision in accordance with proposed dwellings area uplift in numbers. Planning permission (approx.) (ha) granted for 48 dwellings under ref 13/00878/Ful, subject to S106 SWDP59/9 Land to the west of Bell Lane / south of Martley Road, 40 48 2.08 agreement. Lower Broadheath
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map PM201 SWDP Amend the following site allocation: Change in site area. 59/11 Table 25 Site ref location No. of Site area dwellings (ha) (approx.) SWDP59/11 Strand Cottages, Peachley Lane, Lower Broadheath 6 0.23 0.60
PM202 SWDP 59 Add the following to Table 25: To accommodate additional housing Page 130 Table 25 provision in accordance with proposed uplift in numbers. Planning permission Site ref location No. of Site granted for 10 dwellings under ref dwellings area 13/0104/Ful. (approx.) (ha) SWDP59e 123a Main Road, Kempsey 10 0.39
PM203 SWDP 59 Add the following to Table 25: To accommodate additional housing Table 25 Site ref location No. of Site provision in accordance with proposed dwellings area uplift in numbers. Planning permission (approx.) (ha) granted for 120 dwellings under ref 13/00417/Out on appeal. SWDP59f Land north of Brookend Lane (adjacent to the 120 6.87 Limes), Kempsey
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map PM204 SWDP 59 Add the following to Table 25: To accommodate additional housing Table 25 Site ref location No. of Site provision in accordance with proposed dwellings area uplift in numbers. Planning permission (approx.) (ha) granted for 42 dwellings under ref 13/00725/out. SWDP59* Land adjacent to Henwick Mill House, Martley Road, 42 1.55 Lower Broadheath
PM205 SWDP 59 Add the following to Table 25: To accommodate additional housing Table 25 Site ref location No. of Site provision in accordance with proposed dwellings area uplift in numbers. Planning permission
(approx.) (ha) granted for 14 dwellings under ref Page 131 13/00981/Out. SWDP59k Land adjacent to Primary School, Martley 14 0.77
PM206 SWDP 59 Add the following to Table 25: To accommodate additional housing Table 25 provision in accordance with proposed uplift in numbers. Planning permission Site ref location No. of Site granted on appeal for 50 dwellings. dwellings area APP/J1860/A/13/219703, Jan 2014. (approx.) (ha) SWDP59l Land at Lawn Farm, Drake Street, Welland 50 9.15
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map PM207 SWDP 59 Add the following to Table 25: To accommodate additional housing Table 25 provision in accordance with proposed uplift in numbers. Planning permission Site ref location No. of Site granted for 30 dwellings under ref dwellings area 13/01526/Out in July 2014, subject to (approx) (ha) S106 agreement. SWDP59zl Land between Old Post Office and Church Farm, 30 1.66 Drake Street, Welland
PM208 SWDP 59 Amend table sub-total: Total changed following additional Page 132 Table 25 allocations Malvern Hills Category 1 Villages Total: 406 799 Wychavon Category 1
PM209 SWDP59/14 Amend the following site allocation: To accommodate additional housing Table 25 provision in accordance with proposed uplift in numbers Site ref location No. of Site dwellings area (approx.) (ha) SWDP59/14 Land off Banks Road, Badsey 30 39 1.01
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map PM210 SWDP Amend the following site allocation: Allocation changed following grant of 59/17 planning permission Table 25 Site ref location No. of Site area dwellings (ha) (approx.) SWDP59/17 Land to the east of Kingsdale Court, Broadway 12 13 0.50
PM211 SWDP59/20 Amend the following site allocation: To reflect planning permission granted Table 25 on site ( 12/02358/OU) for 92 dwellings
Site ref location No. of Site area Page 133 dwellings (ha) (approx.) SWDP59/20 Land west of Worcester Road, Hartlebury 100 92 3.98
PM212 SWDP59/25 Amend the following site allocation : Site area increasing to include site Table 25 previously allocated in Local Plan. Therefore allocation has increased Site ref location No. of Site area dwellings (ha) (approx.) SWDP59/25 The Racks (east), Ombersley 14 34 1.08
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map PM213 SWDP59/27 Amend the following site allocation: To accommodate additional housing Table 25 provision in accordance with proposed uplift in numbers. Planning permission Site ref location No. of Site area (13/01818) under construction dwellings (ha) (approx.) SWDP59/27 Crown Lane, Wychbold 60 68 2.96
PM214 SWDP 59 Add the following to Table 25 : To accommodate additional housing
Table 25 provision in accordance with proposed Page 134 uplift in numbers. Planning permission. (WY003) Site ref location No. of Site area dwellings (ha) (approx.) SWDP59x Land opposite Horsebridge Avenue, Badsey 36 1.78
PM215 SWDP 59 Add the following to Table 25 : To accommodate additional housing Table 25 provision in accordance with proposed uplift in numbers (planning app (WY008) Site ref location No. of Site area reference 13/00696). dwellings (ha) (approx.) SWDP59 x Land between Leasowes Road and Laurels Road, 50 1.78 Offenham
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map PM216 SWDP 59 Add the following to Table 25 : To accommodate additional housing Table 25 provision in accordance with proposed uplift in numbers. Permission granted (WY009) Site ref location No. of Site area on appeal dwellings (ha) (approx.) SWDP59 x Spencer Commercial Services Ltd, Evesham Road, 9 0.33 Offenham
PM217 SWDP 59 Amend table sub-total: Total changed following additional
Table 25 allocations Page 135 Wychavon Category 1 Villages Total: 613 738
SWDP 60 – Category 2 Village Allocations Malvern Hills Category 2
PM218 SWDP 60/5 Amend the following site allocation: To accommodate additional housing Table 26 provision in accordance with proposed uplift in numbers. Site ref Location No. of Area dwellings (ha) (approx.) SWDP60/5 Former Allotments, Winsmore 30 35 1.57
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map PM219 SWDP60/6 Amend the following site allocation: To accommodate additional housing provision in accordance with proposed uplift in numbers. Planning permission Site ref Location No. of Area granted for 28 dwellings under dwellings (ha) reference 12/01661/FUL (approx.) SWDP60/6 Land at Claphill Lane, Rushwick 23 28 0.97
PM220 SWDP 60 Add the following to Table 26: To accommodate additional housing
Table 26 provision in accordance with proposed Page 136 uplift in numbers. Planning permission Site ref location No. of Area granted for 8 dwellings under ref dwellings (ha) 13/01224/Ful, subj to S106 agreement. (approx.) SWDP60a Land at Stoney Lea, Broadwas 8 0.50
PM221 SWDP 60 Add the following to Table 26: To accommodate additional housing Table 26 provision in accordance with proposed uplift in numbers. Upheld on appeal for Site ref location No. of Area 45 dwellings, Jan 2014- ref dwellings (ha) APP/J1860/A/13/2200044 (approx.) SWDP60b Land adjacent to the Crown Public House, Powick & 45 2.72 Collett’s Green
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map PM222 SWDP 60 Add the following to Table 26: To accommodate additional housing Table 26 provision in accordance with proposed uplift in numbers. Planning permission Site ref location No. of Area granted for 39 dwellings, ref dwellings (ha) 13/00216/Out, Subj to S106 (approx.) agreement. SWDP60c Land south of Sparrowhall Lane, Powick & Collett’s 39 2.23 Green
PM223 SWDP 60 Add the following to Table 26: To accommodate additional housing Table 26 provision in accordance with proposed Page 137 uplift in numbers. Planning permission Site ref location No. of Area granted for 53 dwellings, ref dwellings (ha) 13/00952/Ful. (approx.) SWDP60d Land at Kiln Lane, Leigh Sinton 53 2.01
PM224 SWDP 60 Add the following to Table 26: To accommodate additional housing Table 26 provision in accordance with proposed uplift in numbers. Site ref location No. of Area dwellings (ha) (approx.) SWDP60t Land off Bransford Road, Rushwick 50 2.16
PM225 SWDP 60 Amend table sub-total: Total changed following additional Table 26 allocations Malvern Hills Category 2 Villages Total: 135 340
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map Wychavon Category 2
PM226 SWDP Amend the following site allocation: To accommodate additional housing 60/12 provision in accordance with proposed uplift in numbers. Site is now complete. Table 26 Site ref location No. of Site area dwellings (ha) (approx.) SWDP60/12 Ivy Lane, Bretforton 20 22 0.72
Page 138 PM227 SWDP Amend the following site allocation: To accommodate additional housing 60/18 provision in accordance with proposed uplift in numbers. Permission granted Table 26 Site ref location No. of Site area May 2014. Advertising site and dwellings (ha) clearing conditions April 2014 (approx.) SWDP60/18 Land east of Boot Inn on Radford Rd (& 39-07) Flyford 12 16 1.41 Flavell
PM228 SWDP Amend the following site allocation: Permission granted May 2014 for 60/19 increased number Table 26 Site ref location No. of Site area dwellings (ha) (approx.) SWDP60/19 Land adjacent to Crest Hill, Harvington 5 9 0.45
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map PM229 SWDP60/24 Amend the following site allocation: To accommodate additional housing Table 26 provision in accordance with proposed uplift in numbers. Approved subject to Site ref location No. of Site area S106 dwellings (ha) (approx.) SWDP60/24 Land off Main Street, behind Nos 43 to 57, Sedgeberrow 12 20 0.83
PM230 SWDP60/27 Amend the following site allocation: To accommodate additional housing Table 26 provision in accordance with proposed
uplift in numbers. Permission granted, Page 139 Site ref location No. of Site area under construction. dwellings (ha) (approx.) SWDP60/27 Land at Shine Hill, adjacent to The Lanterns, South 6 30 2.13 Littleton
PM231 SWDP 60 Add the following to Table 26 : To accommodate additional housing Table 26 provision in accordance with proposed uplift in numbers. Planning permission (WY058) Site ref location No. of Site area granted subject to S106 dwellings (ha) (approx.) SWDP60 x Land between Pentalow and Berrycroft, Blacksmiths 8 0.44 Lane, Cropthorne
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map PM232 SWDP 60 Add the following to Table 26: Planning permission granted on appeal Table 26 (ref. APP/H1840/A/14/2218149) (WY059) Site ref location No. of Area (ha) dwellings (approx.) SWDP60 x Stonebow Road, Drake’s Broughton 39 2.86
PM233 SWDP 60 Amend table sub-total: Total changed following additional
Table 26 allocations Page 140 Wychavon Category 2 Villages Total: 415 504
SWDP 61 – Category 3 Village Allocations Malvern Hills Category 3
PM234 SWDP 61 Add / Amend the following to Table 27: To accommodate additional housing Table 27 Site ref location No. of Area provision in accordance with proposed dwellings (ha) uplift in numbers. Planning permission (approx.) granted for 62 dwellings on land at Pearl Lane (adjacent to Stourport) SWDP61/1 East of Chapel Meadow, Alfrick 13 14 0.39 under ref 13/01505/Out. SWDP61/* Land off Pearl Lane (relates to Stourport), Astley 62 2.16 Cross
PM235 SWDP 61 Amend table sub-total: Total changed following additional Table 27 Malvern Hills Category 3 Villages Total: 13 76 allocations
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map Wychavon Category 3
PM236 SWDP 61/2 Amend the following site allocation: To accommodate additional housing Table 27 Site ref location No. of Site area provision in accordance with proposed dwellings (ha) uplift in numbers. Planning permission (approx.) granted subject to S106 SWDP61/2 Land west of Main Street, Bishampton 6 12 1.40
PM237 SWDP Amend the following site allocation: To accommodate additional housing 61/13 provision in accordance with proposed
uplift in numbers. Site is under Page 141 Table 27 Site ref location No. of Site area construction. dwellings (ha) (approx.) SWDP61/13 Honeybourne Road, Pebworth 10 13 1.36
PM238 SWDP Amend the following site allocation: To accommodate additional housing 61/14 provision in accordance with proposed Table 27 SWDP61/14 - Land adjacent to Bridge Inn, Foredraught Lane, Tibberton - 5 6 0.45 uplift in numbers. Site is now complete. PM239 SWDP 61 Amend table sub-total: Total changed following additional Table 27 allocations Wychavon Category 3 Villages Total: 144 154 Annex E – South Worcestershire Housing Trajectories
PM240 Annex E Revised housing trajectory graphs to be included – see Appendix 4 To reflect the evidence on housing supply, which is detailed in the Housing
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map Background Paper – Addendum 2014, and the updated detailed housing trajectories. To be consistent with the proposed changes to the housing provision targets in SWDP 3 Table 4b and the housing supply identified in SWDP 3 Table 4e.
Annex I - Infrastructure Delivery Plan Schedule Page 142
PM241 Annex I Revised IDP to be included – see Appendix 5 tbc
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Appendix 1 Proposed changes to SWDP 17
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map
PM242 SWDP 17A … outlined in Table 5 and 6. Provision will be made for the net requirement for additional pitches after To reflect 2014 GTAA. Previously, taking into account existing commitments and other planned provision. requirement was to meet need identified in GTAA minus pitches that had been granted consent to March 2012.
PM243 SWDP 17B Broad locations to meet the need for Traveller pitches and Travelling Showpeople plots net To clarify that the policy relates to requirement will be considered within, or on the edge of, existing settlements Travelling Showpeople, not just
Gypsies and Travellers. Page 143
PM244 SWDP 17C The local planning authority will assess the suitability of proposals and planning applications (including the To clarify that opportunities for intensification or reasonable expansion of existing authorised traveller or travelling showpeople sites) intensifying existing sites (not just against the following criteria: physical expansion) will be assessed. Also, that the policy relates equally to Travelling Showpeople.
PM245 SWDP 17D … applications that perform well against meet the above criteria and contribute to meeting any remaining To remove ambiguity and add clarity, identified unmet need will be considered favourably applications should meet the criteria.
PM246 SWDP 17E Any planning permission will be subject to conditions relating to the number of pitches / plots and To add clarity. Planning consent restricting occupancy to Traveller or Travelling Showpeople use. should specify the number of pitches / plots that are being granted planning permission. In the past, some consents have merely related to a household or number of caravans and it has not been clear how many pitches or plots have been granted consent. 86 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map
PM247 SWDP 17 National Planning Policy requires for Traveller Sites (2012) states that local planning authorities to To reflect Planning Policy for Reasoned should set pitch targets for Travellers and plot targets for Travelling Showpeople that address the likely Traveller Sites (March 2012) justification permanent and transit site accommodation needs of Travellers in their area, working collaboratively with paragraph 1 neighbouring local planning authorities. National planning policy also requires says that local planning authorities to should set out criteria to provide a basis for the allocation of sites and to identify sufficient deliverable sites to provide a 5-year supply when measured against locally set targets.
PM248 SWDP 17 2. A The Worcestershire Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment for the South Housing Market To reflect the 2014 GTAA. Reasoned Area (which includes South Worcestershire) was published in 2008. The Assessment addressed the accommodation needs of gypsies, travellers and travelling showpeople published in 2014 It identifies the
justification Page 144 paragraph 2 need following requirements for additional permanent residential traveller pitches, Travelling Showpeople plots and transit pitches in the County in the period between 2014/15 and 2033/34 . 3. Within south Worcestershire, the need identified in the GTAA in the five years to 2018/19 Temporary Stopping Places for the period from 2008 up to 2013 is set out in Table 5 below :
PM249 SWDP 17 Insert new Table 5 ( delete original): To reflect the findings of the 2014 Table 5 Table 5: GTAA Need for Permanent Traveller Pitches, Travelling Showpeople Plots and Transit Pitches 2014/15 – 2018/19 (source: Worcestershire Gypsy & Traveller Accommodation Assessment, 2014) Permanent Permanent Travelling Transit Pitches Traveller Pitches Showpeople Plots
Malvern Hills -3 -3 3
Worcester -1 0 0 Wychavon 9 0 2
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map
PM250 SWDP 17 Insert new paragraphs To reflect the findings of the 2014 Reasoned 4. The GTAA identifies an overall shortfall of 5 permanent Traveller pitches across south GTAA justification Worcestershire in the period to 2018/19. The identified need is primarily in Wychavon where there is a requirement for nine pitches. Malvern Hills and Worcester have sufficient capacity to cover identified needs up to 2018/19. 5. For Travelling Showpeople, the GTAA identifies no overall additional need for plots across south Worcestershire in the period to 2018/19. 6. The GTAA identified a number of vacant pitches (particularly in Wychavon) and opportunities for the intensification or limited expansion of a number of existing sites in Malvern Hills and Wychavon.
7. Whilst the GTAA does not identify a need to plan for large strategic Traveller or Travelling Page 145 Showpeople sites in the period to 2018/19, it recommends that the south Worcestershire authorities assess the suitability of proposals and planning applications for smaller sites as they arise against criteria-based planning policies. 8. The GTAA also recommends that provision be made for a minimum of five transit pitches and suggests that the south Worcestershire authorities liaise with a view to providing a shared facility for dealing with future unauthorised encampments. 9. The GTAA indicates a desire amongst Travellers for a mixture of Council / Registered Social Landlord (RSL) - managed sites and private sites. 10. The GTAA also identifies the likely longer-term requirement for pitches and plots, covering the period 2019/20 - 2033/34. The longer-term requirements, based on expected household formation rates, are set out in Table 6. The longer-term requirements make no allowance for turnover on existing sites and are therefore indicative and liable to change in light of future updated turnover rates .
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map
PM251 SWDP 17 Insert new Table 6 ( delete original): To reflect the findings of the 2014 GTAA Table 6 Table 6: Longer-Term Requirement for Permanent Traveller Pitches and Travelling Showpeople Plots 2019/20 – 2033/34 (source: Worcestershire Gypsy & Traveller Accommodation Assessment, 2014) 2019/20 – 2023/24 2024/25 – 2028/29 2019/20 – 2033/34 Traveller Showman Traveller Showman Traveller Showman
Pitches Plots Pitches Plots Pitches Plots Page 146 Malvern Hills 6 2 6 2 8 4 Worcester 5 0 3 0 5 0 Wychavon 19 0 23 0 26(?) 0 Total 30 2 32 2 39? 4
PM252 SWDP 17 Delete original paragraph 3: To reflect the findings of the 2014 Reasoned The evidence base for the West Midlands regional Interim Policy Statement: Provision of New GTAA justification Accommodation for Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople, published in March 2010, has been paragraph 3 used to inform the level of provision over the plan period from 2007, as shown in Table 6 below
PM253 SWDP 17 Insert new paragraphs: 2014 GTAA supersedes the regional Reasoned 11. The GTAA suggests a need for up to 30 Traveller pitches between 2019/20 to 2023/24, 32 interim policy statement. justification pitches 2024/25 to 2028/29 and 39 pitches 2029/30 to 2033/34 – with most of the need arising in Wychavon. 12. For Travelling Showpeople, the GTAA indicates a need for an additional 8 plots in Malvern Hills between 2019/20 and 2033/34.
PM254 SWDP 17 Across south Worcestershire, the Interim Policy Statement indicated a need for an additional 97 To reflect the findings of the 2014
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Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map Reasoned permanent residential pitches for gypsies and travellers from 2007 – 2017; 35 additional pitches between GTAA justification 2017 – 2022; and 40 additional pitches between 2022 – 2027. paragraph 3, 4. Since the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment was undertaken additional Traveller 4 sites have come forward and reduced the number of pitches required accordingly. Table 7 indicates that 60 permanent residential pitches were granted consent to the end of March 2012, leaving a net total of 37 pitches to be allocated to 2017.
PM255 SWDP 17 Wychavon has met its 5-year pitch requirement both for the period to 2017 and for 2017 – 2022. 2014 GTAA supersedes the regional Reasoned interim policy statement. justification paragraph 4 Page 147 PM256 SWDP 17 Amend paragraphs: To reflect 2014 GTAA. Previously, Reasoned requirement was to meet need justification 13. Whilst the GTAA did not identify a need to plan for large strategic Traveller or Travelling identified in GTAA minus pitches that paragraph 4 Showpeople sites in the period to 2018/19, it is considered that sites for traveller communities had been granted consent to March could be provided as part of the significant development proposed in the urban extensions. 2012. SWDP 45 allocates up to 20 pitches through the identification of small sites (up to ten pitches) at Worcester West Urban Extension and in or adjacent to the Worcester South Urban Extension – as outlined in SWDP 45. The precise location of these sites will be identified through detailed masterplanning of the urban extensions. At the masterplanning stage, it will also be determined whether the sites on the urban extensions will be to meet Malvern Hills’, and / or Worcester’s or Wychavon’s pitch requirements. although there is a working assumption that one site a minimum of 10 will be allocated to meet Malvern Hills each of the three authorities ’ requirements. and a minimum of 10 will be to meet Worcester’s need. The sites in the urban extensions will help address the need for pitches in the period to 2018/19 and provide a supply of developable sites for the periods 2019/20 - 2023/24 and 2024/25 - 2028/29.
PM257 SWDP 17 Insert new paragraphs: To reflect 2014 GTAA. Previously, requirement was to meet need 90 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map Reasoned 14. Any proposals and planning applications for non-strategic residential sites and transit pitches identified in GTAA minus pitches that justification will be considered by each of the south Worcestershire authorities in the context of locally set had been granted consent to March targets and against the criteria outlined in SWDP17 B, C and D. 2012. 15. Planning Policy for Traveller Sites and CLG’s Good Practice Guide on Designing Gypsy and Traveller Sites (2008) suggest that, where possible, sites should be developed near to housing for the settled community as part of mainstream residential developments. Planning Policy for Traveller Sites also says that new traveller site development in open countryside that is away from existing settlements should be strictly limited and that that any sites in rural areas should respect the scale of, and not dominate the nearest settled community.
16. Planning Policy for Traveller Sites highlights the importance of good access to health services Page 148 and schools to ensure that children can attend school on a regular basis. CLG’s Good Practice Guide on Designing Gypsy and Traveller Sites (2008) also says that it is essential that sites have access to water, electricity, drainage and sanitation.
PM258 SWDP 17 5. Provision to meet the net requirement for additional pitches in Malvern Hills and Worcester will be To reflect 2014 GTAA. Also, to clarify Reasoned determined through Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Site Allocations Development Plan Documents the link between SWDP45 and Justification in those local authority areas that will be subject to further consultations. SWDP17. paragraph 5
PM259 SWDP 17 6. For the period 2017 – 2027, the evidence is only a guide until a further local need assessment is Previously, small sites in urban Reasoned undertaken, when an alternative level of provision may need to be provided for. The updated needs extensions were to meet net Justification assessment will inform the number of pitches required for the period 2017 - 2030. In the light of a requirement for pitches in Malvern paragraph 6 further local needs assessment, further analysis will be undertaken on a south Worcestershire basis to Hills and Worcester only. 2014 GTAA determine where future sites may be located. indicates need for developable pitches in Malvern Hills, Worcester and Wychavon.
PM260 SWDP 17 8. The provision of transit sites and temporary stopping places is considered to be inappropriate on two To reflect 2014 GTAA Reasoned grounds. Firstly, transit sites are likely to generate pressure for the pitches to be occupied on a more Justification permanent basis (for which they will be unsuitable as a more basic level of service provision is 91 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Ref Page / Proposed change (post-Stage 1 hearings, 2014) Reason for change policy / paragraph / table / map paragraph 8 acceptable for transit pitches). Secondly, there is a temporary toleration policy that is operated within the county that enables the need to be accommodated in the shorter term without the formal provision of temporary stopping places. Therefore, the SWDP does not allocate any transit sites or temporary stopping place pitches.
PM261 SWDP 17 9. In addition to permanent residential pitches for Travellers, the Interim Policy Statement identified an To reflect 2014 GTAA and Planning Reasoned additional requirement for 22 plots for Travelling Showpeople within Worcestershire for the period Policy for Traveller Sites. Justification 2007-2012. For the period beyond 2012 the Interim Policy Statement recognised the difficulties of paragraph 9 predicting requirements over a longer period and did not indicate a specific plot requirement for south Worcestershire as a whole. Any planning applications for Travelling Showpeople plots will be assessed against the criteria outlined in the policy. Page 149
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Appendix 2 Index of new / amended housing site maps.
This list ONLY includes those sites that are either newly identified or are existing allocations that have been subject to a physical boundary change – allocated sites where housing numbers have increased without incurring boundary changes have not been included.
Ref. Location Category Approx. Size of New site / No. of site (ha) amended dwellings allocation Malvern Hills SWDP52d Land at Mill Lane, Poolbrook Malvern 62 3.94 N SWDP52f Pickersleigh Grove (part of Hayslan Fields) Malvern 44 3.30 N SWDP52i Land at Lower Howsell Road (former allotments) Malvern 81 5.21 N Page 150 SWDP52m Former Railway Sidings, Peachfield Road Malvern 20 0.67 N SWDP52s Victoria Road Car Park Malvern 21 0.28 N SWDP52w Land off Brook Farm Drive, Poolbrook Malvern 77 4.25 N SWDP52y Broadlands Drive, Malvern Malvern 33 1.82 N SWDP52* Barracks Store, Court Road, Malvern Malvern 28 0.8 N SWDP52/6 Land to the Rear of 12 Priory Road Malvern (deleted) SWDP57a Land at Mistletoe Row, Oldwood Road Tenbury 44 3.74 N Wells SWDP57c Land south of the Oaklands, Tenbury Tenbury 35 1.92 N Wells SWDP58c Upton Marina (previously Upton-upon-Severn, Holly Green / Ryall and Upton 70 n/a N Tunnel Hill Area) SWDP58d Land at Welland Road Upton 43 2.12 N SWDP59/7 Land at Yew Tree Farm, Hanley Swan 1 (deleted) SWDP59/11 Strand Cottages, Peachley Lane, Lower Broadheath (combined / 1 6 0.26 0.60 A extended sites)
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Ref. Location Category Approx. Size of New site / No. of site (ha) amended dwellings allocation SWDP59/8 Land adjacent to the Lawns including Bight Farm (combined / extended 1 138 170 4.70 6.40 A sites), Kempsey SWDP59a Walshes Farm, Clows Top Road, Abberley Common 1 15 1.44 N SWDP59b Church House Farm, Clifton upon Teme 1 17 4.8 N SWDP59d Braithwaite’s Yard, Hallow 1 9 0.68 N SWDP59e 123a Main Road, Kempsey 1 10 0.39 N SWDP59f Land north of Brookend Lane (adj to The Limes), Kempsey 1 120 6.87 N SWDP59* Land adjacent to Henwick Mill House, Martley Road, Lower Broadheath 1 42 1.55 N SWDP59k Land adj. Primary School, Martley 1 14 0.77 N SWDP59l Lawn Farm, Drake Street, Welland 1 50 9.15 N SWDP59zk The Royal Oak Public House, Hallow 1 8 0.19 N Page 151 SWDP59zl Land between Old Post Office and Church Farm, Drake Street, Welland 1 30 1.66 N SWDP59zzi Land south of Greenhill Lane, Hallow 1 30 1.67 N SWDP60/5 Former Allotments, Winsmore, Powick and Collet’s Green (combined / 2 30 35 1.57 A extended sites) SWDP60a Land at Stoney Lea, Broadwas 2 8 0.50 N SWDP60b Land adjacent to the Crown Public House, Powick and Collett’s Green 2 45 2.72 N SWDP60c Land south of Sparrowhall Lane, Powick and Collett’s Green 2 39 2.23 N SWDP60d Land at Kiln Lane, Leigh Sinton 2 53 2.01 N SWDP60t Land off Bransford Road, Rushwick 2 50 2.16 N SWDP61/* Land off Pearl Lane, Astley Cross (relates to Stourport) 3 62 2.16 N
Worcester SWDP43/4 Old Northwick Farm Worcester 40 45 4.58 A SWDP43/7 Sansome Walk Swimming Pool Worcester 40 33 0.9 A SWDP43a 73 - 77 Bromwich Road Worcester 11 0.14 N
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Ref. Location Category Approx. Size of New site / No. of site (ha) amended dwellings allocation SWDP43b Martley Road Worcester 18 0.39 N SWDP43c Malvern Gate, Bromwich Road Worcester 45 1.28 N SWDP43d Land at Ambrose Close Worcester 24 1.17 N SWDP43e Land at Hopton Street Worcester 30 1.59 N SWDP43f County Council Offices, Sherwood Road Worcester 15 0.50 N SWDP43g County Council Offices, Bilford Road Worcester 15 0.67 N SWDP43h Laugherne Garage, Bransford Road Worcester 10 0.44 N SWDP43i Crown Packaging Site, main site, Perry Wood Walk Worcester 200 8.06 N SWDP43j Crown Packaging Site, Woodside Offices and car park, Perry Wood Walk Worcester 40 0.95 N SWDP43k Land off Bromyard Terrace Worcester 30 0.15 N Page 152 SWDP43l Battenhall Road (Former NALGO Sports Ground) Worcester 20 2.9 N SWDP43m Tolladine Golf Course (Club House and Putting Green) Worcester 30 0.98 N SWDP43n Earls Court Farm (Community Land) Worcester 13 0.32 N SWDP43o Royal Mail Sorting Office, Westbury Street Worcester 20 0.28 N SWDP43p Langdale Drive Worcester 10 0.67 N SWDP43q Zig Zag site, St John's Worcester 10 0.05 N SWDP43r The Bridge Inn, Lowesmoor Terrace Worcester 15 0.1 N SWDP43s Rose Avenue Worcester 8 gross 0.18 N (net 4) SWDP43t Coach Park adjacent to Barley Crescent (4 - 4a, Tolladine Road) Worcester 7 0.07 N SWDP43u Royal Worcester Porcelain site Worcester 8 0.15 N SWDP43v Brickfields Road Worcester 10 0.14 N SWDP43w 23 – 24, Foregate Street Worcester 10 0.97 N SWDP43x Christian Meeting Room, Diglis Lane Worcester 17 0.29 N SWDP43y Land at White Ladies Close Worcester 37 0.21 N
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Ref. Location Category Approx. Size of New site / No. of site (ha) amended dwellings allocation SWDP43z East Bank Drive (Phase 3) Worcester 38 0.35 N SWDP43/25 School of Art and Design, Barbourne Worcester 60 0.701 0.99 A SWDP43aa Lowesmoor Wharf Worcester 100 1.14 N SWDP43ab Holy Trinity Church, Lichfield Avenue Worcester 8 0.28 N SWDP43ac Cavalier Public House, St George's Lane Worcester 8 0.11 N
Wider SWDP45/1 Worcester South Urban Extension WWA 2450 2600 246 247 A Worcester SWDP45/2 Worcester West Urban Extension WWA 975 2150 77.56 139 A Area urban WC004 Land east of A440, Swinesherd Way WWA 300 18.42 N Extensions
Wychavon SWDP47/1 Land North of Pershore (site A) Town 600 695 30.12 A Page 153 SWDP59/17 Land to the east of Kingsdale Road, Broadway 1 12 13 0.50 A SWDP59/25 The Racks (east), Ombersley 1 14 34 1.08 A SWDP60/27 Land at Shine Hill, adjacent to The Lanterns 2 6 30 2.13 A SWDP61/2 Land west of Main Street 3 6 12 1.40 A WY003 Land opposite Horsebridge Avenue, Badsey 1 36 1.78 N WY008 Land between Leasowes Road and Laurels Road, Offenham 1 50 1.78 N WY009 Spencer Commercial Services Ltd, Evesham Road, Offenham 1 9 0.33 N WY045 Yew Tree Hill, Droitwich Spa Droitwich Spa 765 44 N WY051 Land at Aldington Lodge, Offenham Road Town 60 3.8 N WY057 Land off Defford Road Town 21 1.22 N WY058 Land between Pentalow and Berrycroft, Blacksmith’s Lane, Cropthorne 2 8 0.44 N WY059 Stonebow Road, Drake’s Broughton 2 39 2.86 N
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Appendix 3 - Urban Extension Maps PM92 Page 154
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PM100
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Appendix 4 PM240 Annex E – South Worcestershire Housing Trajectories Amended version
HOUSING TRAJECTORIES: SUB AREAS AND WORCESTER CITY The detailed housing trajectories set out the actual and forecast housing delivery in each year in the plan period.
Four sets of graphs illustrate the housing trajectories for: • Wider Worcester Area (WWA) This Sub Area includes Worcester City and the Worcester Urban Extensions • Worcester City • Malvern Hills (Excluding WWA) Sub Area • Wychavon (Excluding WWA) Sub Area The graphs display the forecast delivery of dwellings delivered through development. As well as past and forecast completions, the graphs illustrate analysis of the trajectories based on: • plan (SWDP 3 – annualised provision). • monitor • manage. The SWDP Housing Background Paper - Addendum 2014 sets out evidence about the housing trajectories.
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WIDER WORCESTER AREA (WWA SUB AREA)
DWELLINGS
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WORCESTER CITY
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MALVERN HILLS (EXCLUDING WWA) SUB AREA
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WYCHAVON (EXCLUDING WWA) SUB AREA
103 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers Appendix 5 PM241 Crucial Infrastructure Table ((SWDP 7) – amended version
Table to be read in conjunction with Policy SWDP 7, Infrastructure
Notes: 1. Policy numbers (in this version) are as up to date as possible at the time of finalising this Table (based on SWDP: Proposed Submission Document) and Proposed Modifications in September 2014. 2. The Schedule now includes a prioritisation of infrastructure between ‘’essential’’ and ‘’necessary’’, as included for the first time in May 2013 version of the SWIDP. For a full explanation, please refer to section 11f of the September 2014 SWIDP. 3. The educational measures needed to support the SWDP are very detailed and are listed in full in section 5A of the SWIDP. In Annex I, only the education measures needed on the key sites are shown. For the smaller sites, reference should be made to Section 5A of the SWIDP. 4. The transportation measures needed to support the SWDP have been identified on the basis of an assessment of the performance of the network with SWDP planned growth in place. The transport schemes proposed have been identified to mitigate against predicted future year transport issues and cover highways, passenger transport cycle and walk infrastructure and services. 5. In identifying the future year transport infrastructure and service schemes, the work has, where appropriate, drawn on existing LTP3 Transport
Packages. Where additional (SWDP growth related) transport issues have been identified which were not previously covered in the LTP3, the Page 161 necessary infrastructure and service enhancements have been developed and costed. 6. The transportation schemes have been identified on the basis of the cumulative impact of SWDP developments on the local and strategic transport network. Individual site policies (e.g. SWDP45/1 Worcester South Urban Extension) refer to specific schemes; however development will be expected to contribute to projects/schemes on the evidence of their cumulative impact across the transport network; therefore, it is likely that developer contributions will not be limited to just one scheme. 7. The cumulative impact of development is a key issue for Worcestershire County Council (and its key stakeholders) as it has to manage the transport network such that it supports the key policy aim of supporting economic growth. This aim would be undermined in the event of increased costs being imposed on businesses, other network users and transport operators arising from traffic congestion, inadequate levels of service on and performance of, the rail and bus networks and increased and variable journey times and costs. It is critical, therefore, that the cumulative effects of increased travel demand are properly understood and mitigating measures identified. 8. “Developer” contributions typically arise at present from S 106 payments which may be targeted at a specific project or a pooled contribution. Once the CIL charging schedules come into effect (which should be the case for most of the plan period), that will be a source of pooled developer contributions. 9. Some rounding differences may occur where costs are summarised to £million to 2 decimal places. 10. Whilst all costs are estimates at this stage it should be noted that in the “Transport” section the costs do not include land acquisition and CPO costs (if needed), passenger transport operating costs and local highways agreements under Highways Act Section 278. 11. Abbreviations: • C&RT=Canal & River Trust 104
• County = Worcestershire County Council (as transport authority and as the local authority for other services such as adult social care, children’s services, countryside services etc. etc.) • DfT = Department for Transport • EA = Environment Agency • FC = Forestry Commission • HA = Highways Agency • NR = National Rail • LSTF = Local Sustainable Transport Fund • STF = Sustainable Transport Fund • PT = Public transport generally • SE = Sport England • SEP = Strategic Economic Plan • STWL = Severn Trent Water Limited • SWC = South Worcestershire Councils, i.e. Malvern Hills District Council, Worcester City Council and Wychavon District Council acting collectively. Page 162 • TOC = Train Operating Companies • WLTB = Worcestershire Local Transport Board • WLEP = Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership • WMP = West Mercia Police • WTSMSB = Worcester Transport Strategy Major Scheme Bid • WWT = Worcestershire Wildlife Trust
Other details
Transport Notes (see Section 4A: Transport):
Notes: (1) This accounts for Supervision, Evaluation, Drainage, Preliminary Design, Site Supervision, Design Services and Utilities, Landscape, Traffic Management TM, Groundworks/Earthworks, Maintenance, Consultation, Ecology (2) OB represents a contingency allowance reflecting the early stage in the development of schemes. It is a standard approach developed by the DfT to avoid over optimistic estimates of transport infrastructure costs (3) Costs EXCLUDE any land acquisition, CPO and Planning Application submission costs in the event that these are required
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(4) County maintenance costs are for 30 years from completion of works and are the expressed as % of total construction costs at this stage in scheme development. These costs are not included in the above table, construction costs only are shown. (5) EXCLUDES allowance for: Junctions 6 and 7 works (BUT these to be assessed by HA). INCLUDES: Key corridors, SCOOT/MOVA, SLR dualling, TRO’s, improvements to Foregate Street, Shrub Hill and new Worcestershire Parkway, bus stop infrastructure, RTIS and PT elements of key corridors, new/improved walk and cycle routes and additional bridge (6) EXCLUDES City Centre Public Realm Improvements (7) Includes improvements to A44, A38 and A449 (8) EXCLUDES allowances for works to A46 Junctions (BUT these to be assessed by HA). (9) EXCLUDES provision of a highway link between Crown East Island and Martley Road (10) EXCLUDES allowances for on-going maintenance costs of infrastructure AND public transport operating (supply) costs (11) EXCLUDES allowance for inter-urban walk & cycle links (12) Costs are current year prices and values assuming construction 2014/15. These costs WILL increase in response to inflation and real terms price increases. This is particularly the case for those schemes which will be delivered later in the plan period.
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Category Project SWDP Delivery Estimated cost Potential Estimated Costs/Fu Status Policy Partners sources of Timescale nding/ funding Delivery Notes PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE A. Movement (Costs exclude any land acquisition and CPO costs (in the event that these are required), passenger transport operating costs and local s278 highways works) Worcester (Worcester Transport Strategy) Total £170.8 M Highway A4440/Southern Link SWDP 4 & Worcestershire £121.21M Worcs CC (IT 2012-2019: Essential Schemes Road capacity SWDP 7 CC (ITBlock), Block), Local (1) Dualling A4440 enhancements (phases Development Transport Board (Whittington-Ketch) 3 & 4, Whittington - Industry, (Devolved Major (2) Key Corridors Page 164 Ketch - Powick), Key WLEP/SEP, Scheme linking urban Corridors Infrastructure WLTB, New Funding), extensions with City and operational Homes Bonus, Developers Centre enhancements, traffic Central Govt. (s106 & s278), (3) Shrub Hill signals enhancements New Homes Opportunity Zone (SCOOT/MOVA etc.), Bonus, +other transport VMS signing. NOTES: funding sources infrastructure works EXCLUDES costs for as available 2020-2030: M5 junctions 5, 6 and 7 (1) Further which are within the Enhancements to jurisdiction of the A4440 and Highways Agency. remaining key EXCLUDES costs for corridors highway schemes needed to mitigate proposed new development in and around Worcester Shrub Hill/Sherriff Gate area
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Category Project SWDP Delivery Estimated cost Potential Estimated Costs/Fu Status Policy Partners sources of Timescale nding/ funding Delivery Notes Rail Schemes Worecstershire Parkway SWDP 4 & Rail Industry £18.97 M Worcs CC (IT 2012-2019: Necessary & Shrub Hill Station SWDP 7 (NR/TOC's/DfT), Block), Local (1) Worcestershire improvements (limited to Worcestershire Transport Board Parkway improved access CC (ITBlock), (Devolved Major (2) Shrub Hill Station arrangements for users, Development Scheme (if Opportunity Zone EXCLUDES Industry, Funding), development
development-specific WLEP/SEP, Developers proposals advanced
infrastructure WLTB, New (s106 & s278), for delivery in this improvments associated Homes Bonus, Network Rail, period) with major new Central Govt. Train operating 2020 - 2030: developments such as Companies, DfT (1) Shrub Hill (if Sherriff Gate +other funding Page 165 delivery of sources as
available Opportunity Zone development delayed)
Local Passenger Including: SWDP 4 & Bus Industry, £19.57 M Worcs CC (IT Across both phases Necessary Transport Upgraded bus stop SWDP 7 Worcestershire Block), Local (2012 - 2019 and Schemes infrastructure, extension CC (ITBlock), Transport Board 2020 - 2030) aligned of Real Time Information Development (Devolved Major with key Corridor systems (incl. SVD & Industry, Scheme improvements and links to signals WLEP/SEP, Funding), delivery of SWDP
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Category Project SWDP Delivery Estimated cost Potential Estimated Costs/Fu Status Policy Partners sources of Timescale nding/ funding Delivery Notes operations) to corridors WLTB, New Developers planned growth (in linking SWDP2 Homes Bonus, (s106 & s278), particular the urban developments with LSTF, Central New Homes extensions of SWUE, Worcester City Centre Govt. Bonus, +other WoWUE, Gwillams and key trip attractors funding sources Farm, Kilbury Drive such as Shires Business as available and Swinesherd Park and which were not Way) covered by Phase 1 of the WTS.
Walk and Cycle New and improved walk SWDP 4 & Sustrans, £11.04 M Worcs CC (IT Across both phases Necessary Page 166 Schemes and cycle routes, SWDP 7 Worcestershire Block), Local (2012 - 2019 and additional walk and CC (IT Block), Transport Board 2020 - 2030) aligned cycle bridge to north of Development (Devolved Major with key Corridor city (and associated Industry, Scheme improvements and
access links) and walk & WLEP/SEP, Funding), delivery of SWDP
cycle elements of key WLTB, New Developers planned growth (in Corridor schemes Homes Bonus, (s106 & s278), particular the urban LSTF, Central New Homes extensions) Govt. Bonus, +other funding sources as available
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Category Project SWDP Delivery Estimated cost Potential Estimated Costs/Fu Status Policy Partners sources of Timescale nding/ funding Delivery Notes Droitwich Spa Total £8.9 M Highway Local highway network SWDP 4 & Worcestershire £3.62 M Worcs CC (IT Across both phases Essential Schemes improvements and SWDP 7 CC (ITBlock), Block), Local (2012-2019 & 2020 – elements of A38 Development Transport Board 2030) highway enhancements Industry, (Devolved Major in vicinity of Droitwich, WLEP/SEP, Scheme including: A38 Roman WLTB, New Funding), Way / B4065 Homes Bonus, Developers Bromsgrove Road, A38 Central Govt. (s106 & s278), Roman Way / A442 New Homes Kidderminster Road, Bonus, +other Page 167 A38 Roman Way / funding sources B4090 Worcester Road as available and Hanbury Street / Queen Street / Saltway / Bromsgrove Road
Rail, Local Including: SWDP 4 & Sustrans, Bus £5.32 M Worcs CC (IT Across both phases Necessary Passenger SWDP 7 Industry, Rail Block), Local (2012-2019 & 2020 – (1) Improvements to Transport and Industry Transport Board 2030) Droitwich rail station and Walk and Cycle (NR/TOC's/DfT), (Devolved Major associated interchange Link Schemes Worcestershire Scheme facilities (including CC (ITBlock), Funding), parking, information, Development Developers access routes etc.). Industry, (s106 & s278), (2) Provision of WLEP/SEP, New Homes Infrastructure to enable WLTB, New Bonus, +other local PT services to Homes Bonus, funding sources access & serve SWDP LSTF, Central 110 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Category Project SWDP Delivery Estimated cost Potential Estimated Costs/Fu Status Policy Partners sources of Timescale nding/ funding Delivery Notes development sites Govt. as available (particularly Copcut & Yew Tree Village). (3) Provision of walk & cycle footbridge over A38 linking proposed development sites to town centre & railway station.
(4) Improvements to Page 168 walk & cycle routes, crossing facilities, signage and other associated facilities Evesham Total £8.8 M Highway Including town centre SWDP 4 & Worcestershire £1.20M Worcs CC (IT Across both phases Essential Schemes junction enhancements, SWDP 7 CC (ITBlock), Block), Local (2012-2019 & 2020 – including: (A4184 / Development Transport Board 2030) B4624) Greenhill / High Industry, (Devolved Major Street / Worcester Road, WLEP/SEP, Scheme Vine Street / High Street WLTB, New Funding), / Bridge Street, Bridge Homes Bonus, Developers Street / Port Street / Central Govt. (s106 & s278), Waterside and A4184 New Homes (Cheltenham Road) / Bonus, +other Davies Road. NOTE: funding sources EXCLUDES A46 as available
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Category Project SWDP Delivery Estimated cost Potential Estimated Costs/Fu Status Policy Partners sources of Timescale nding/ funding Delivery Notes schemes which are within the jurisdiction of the Highway Agency. Rail, Local Including: SWDP 4 & Sustrans, Bus £7.600 M Worcs CC (IT Across both phases Essential Passenger (1) Provision of walk & SWDP 7 Industry, Rail Block), Local (2012-2019 & 2020 – Transport and cycle footbridges over Industry Transport Board 2030) Walk and Cycle A46 and River Avon (NR/TOC's/DfT), (Devolved Major Link Schemes linking proposed Worcestershire Scheme development sites to CC (ITBlock), Funding), town centre, railway Development Developers station, retail parks and Industry, (s106 & s278), employment centres. WLEP/SEP, New Homes Page 169 (2) Improvements to WLTB, New Bonus, +other Evesham rail station and Homes Bonus, funding sources associated interchange LSTF, Central as available facilities (including cycle Govt. parking, information, access routes etc.). (3) Provision of Infrastructure to enable local PT services to access & serve SWDP development sites. (4) Improvements to walking and cycling connectivity Malvern Total £6.4 M
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Category Project SWDP Delivery Estimated cost Potential Estimated Costs/Fu Status Policy Partners sources of Timescale nding/ funding Delivery Notes Highway Local highway network SWDP 4 & Worcestershire £5.6 M Worcs CC (IT Across both phases Essential Schemes improvments, including: SWDP 7 CC (ITBlock), Block), Local (2012-2019 & 2020 – A4103 / B4503 Leigh Development Transport Board 2030) Sinton Road, A449 Industry, (Devolved Major Worcester Road / WLEP/SEP, Scheme Richmond Road / WLTB, New Funding), Pickersleigh Avenue, Homes Bonus, Developers A449 Worcester Road / Central Govt. (s106 & s278), Howsell Road / New Homes Pickersleigh Road, A449 Bonus, +other Page 170 Worcester Road / B4505 funding sources (Newtown Road) / as available Hornyold Road, B4208 Pickersleigh Road / North End Lane / Hayslan Road, B4208 Pickersleigh Road / North End Lane / Hayslan Road, B4211 Barnards Green Rd / B4208 Pickersleigh Rd / Upper Chase Rd / Court Rd / Avenue Rd, A449 Belle Vue Terrace / Wells Road / B4211 Church Street, B4208 Barnards Green Rd / B4211/ Poolbrook Road and B4208 Blackmore
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Category Project SWDP Delivery Estimated cost Potential Estimated Costs/Fu Status Policy Partners sources of Timescale nding/ funding Delivery Notes Park Rd / B4209 Hanley Rd. NOTE: EXCLUDES improvements to Townsend Way/A449 Junction associated with proposed Newlands development. Rail, Local Including: SWDP 4 & Sustrans, Bus £0.7 M Worcs CC (IT Across both phases Necessary Passenger (1) Provision of SWDP 7 Industry, Rail Block), Local (2012-2019 & 2020 – Transport and Infrastructure to enable Industry Transport Board 2030) Walk and Cycle local PT services to (NR/TOC's/DfT), (Devolved Major Link Schemes access & serve SWDP Worcestershire Scheme Page 171 development sites. CC (ITBlock), Funding), (2) Improvements to Development Developers walking and cycling Industry, (s106 & s278), connectivity, including WLEP/SEP, New Homes to/from proposed WLTB, New Bonus, +other development sites Homes Bonus, funding sources (3) Improvements to LSTF, Central as available town centre walking and Govt. cycling facilities Pershore Total £4.4 M Highway Local highway network SWDP 4 & £1.050 M Worcs CC (IT Across both phases The Essential Schemes improvements, SWDP 7 Block), Local (2012-2019 & 2020 – authorities including:(A4104 / Transport Board 2030) support all B4084) Worcester Road (Devolved Major the / Three Springs Road, Scheme transport
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Category Project SWDP Delivery Estimated cost Potential Estimated Costs/Fu Status Policy Partners sources of Timescale nding/ funding Delivery Notes (A4104 / B4084) Station Funding), schemes Road / Worcester Road / Developers set out in High Street and A4104 (s106 & s278), the Station Road / B4083 New Homes Pershore Wyre Road Bonus, +other Package NOTE: See Inter-Urban funding sources elements Highway section (below) as available of the for A44 highway SWIDP enhancements. and a new bridge Page 172 and link road
between the A44 and the B4083. Rail, Local Including: SWDP 4 & £3.360 M Worcs CC (IT Across both phases Necessary Passenger (1) Improvements to SWDP 7 Block), Local (2012-2019 & 2020 – Transport and Pershore rail station and Transport Board 2030) Walk and Cycle associated interchange (Devolved Major Link Schemes facilities (including Scheme parking, information, Funding), access routes etc.). Developers (2) Provision of (s106 & s278), Infrastructure to enable New Homes local PT services to Bonus, +other access & serve SWDP funding sources development sites. as available (3) Improvements to 115 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Category Project SWDP Delivery Estimated cost Potential Estimated Costs/Fu Status Policy Partners sources of Timescale nding/ funding Delivery Notes walking and cycling connectivity (4) Improvements to town centre walking and cycling facilities Rural Malvern Total: Hills £0.2 M Local Passenger Including: SWDP 4 & £0.2 M Worcs CC (IT Across both phases Necessary Transport and (1) Provision of SWDP 7 Block), Local (2012-2019 & 2020 – Walk and Cycle Infrastructure to enable Transport Board 2030) Link Schemes (Devolved Major local PT services to Page 173 access & serve SWDP Scheme development sites. Funding), (2) Improvements to Developers walking and cycling (s106 & s278), connectivity to the New Homes existing network Bonus, +other (3) Improvements to funding sources walking and cycling as available facilities and infrastructure
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Category Project SWDP Delivery Estimated cost Potential Estimated Costs/Fu Status Policy Partners sources of Timescale nding/ funding Delivery Notes Rural Wychavon Total: £2.3 M Rail, Local Including: SWDP 4 & £2.3 M Worcs CC (IT Across both phases Necessary Passenger (1) Provision of SWDP 7 Block), Local (2012-2019 & 2020 – Transport and Infrastructure to enable Transport Board 2030) Walk and Cycle local PT services to (Devolved Major Link Schemes access & serve SWDP scheme development sites. Funding), (2) Improvements to rail Developers stations (Hartlebury) and (s106 & s278), Page 174 associated interchange New Homes facilities (including Bonus, +other parking, information, funding sources access routes etc.). as available
Inter-Urban Total: £4.1 M Highways
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Category Project SWDP Delivery Estimated cost Potential Estimated Costs/Fu Status Policy Partners sources of Timescale nding/ funding Delivery Notes Highway Including improvements SWDP 4 & £4.1 M Worcs CC (IT Across both phases Essential Schemes to the A44 mainline SWDP 7 Block), Local (2012-2019 & 2020 – (Evesham-Worcester - Transport Board 2030) Bromyard) at Pinvin (Devolved Major Crossroads, Crown Scheme East, A38 Fernhill Funding), Heath (Hurst Lane) & Developers Martin Hussingtree, (s106 & s278), A449 roundabout at New Homes Claines Bonus, +other NOTE: EXCLUDES funding sources
A449/Townsend Way as available Page 175 Junction, subject to s278 discussions with the developer of Newlands site Overall County Total: £205.9 M
Highways Agency: Strategic Road Network
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Category Project SWDP Delivery Estimated cost Potential Estimated Costs/Fu Status Policy Partners sources of Timescale nding/ funding Delivery Notes Strategic A46 Evesham Bypass SWDP 4 & Highways £9.50 M Developers Across both Phases Essential Highway Junctions SWDP 7 Agency, (S106 & S278) + (2014-2019 and Network Developers, other funding 2020-2030) Scheme Worcestershire sources County Council available
Strategic M5 J5 SWDP 4 & Highways £0.50 M Developers Across both Phases Essential Highway SWDP 7 Agency, (S106 & S278) + (2014-2019 and Network Developers, other funding 2020-2030) Scheme Worcestershire sources Page 176 County Council available
Strategic M5 J6 SWDP 4 & Highways £10.00 M Developers Across both Phases Essential Highway SWDP 7 Agency, (S106 & S278) + (2014-2019 and Network Developers, other funding 2020-2030) Scheme Worcestershire sources County Council available
Strategic M5 J7 SWDP 4 & Highways £0.40 M Developers Across both Phases Essential Highway SWDP 7 Agency, (S106 & S278) + (2014-2019 and Network Developers, other funding 2020-2030) Scheme Worcestershire sources County Council available TOTAL £20.40 M
OVERALL SWIDP TRANSPORT TOTAL £226.3M
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Category Project SWDP Delivery Estimated cost Potential Estimated Costs/Fu Status Policy Partners sources of Timescale nding/ funding Delivery Notes
B. Utilities Renewable Hartlebury Energy from County Council & tbc County Council To be updated As set out Essential Energy schemes Waste Plant Partners Partners in section 4 E of SWIDP Electricity Western Power strategic Western Power tbc Developers As required Schemes Essential Distribution schemes sites Utility as set out generally companies in SWIDP
Gas National Grid Gas and strategic National Grid Gas tbc Developers As required Schemes Essential Page 177 Wales and West Utilities sites & Wales and Utility as set out generally West Utilities companies in SWIDP Water (supply Supply – detail of new STWL tbc Developers As required Info as set Essential and waste water) capital schemes being STWL out in discussed with STWL. SWIDP Waste – detail of any new capital schemes STWL tbc Developers tbc Info as set Essential being discussed with STWL out in STWL. SWIDP C. Flood Risk and Drainage Major schemes Strategic EA tbc County Council, As required Position Essential completed or under sites Developers SWC on construction. SUDS generally County Developers schemes technology to be used Developers set out in site-by-site in future SWIDP 120 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Category Project SWDP Delivery Estimated cost Potential Estimated Costs/Fu Status Policy Partners sources of Timescale nding/ funding Delivery Notes Section 4C
D. Communications Infrastructure Broadband scheme well SWDP 26 County, tbc County, BDUK 2012-2020 Position Essential Page 178 advanced - Developers Developers set out in Worcestershire Local SWIDP Broadband Plan Section 4D
E. Waste Infrastructure Hartlebury EfW plant – SWDP 33 County, £120-160 M Developers etc. Build commenced As set out Essential otherwise smaller Waste Core Waste contractor, 2014 in section schemes will be Strategy Developers 4E of the developer funded. SWIDP
SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE A Education
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Category Project SWDP Delivery Estimated cost Potential Estimated Costs/Fu Status Policy Partners sources of Timescale nding/ funding Delivery Notes Worcester City Category Project SWDP Delivery Estimated cost Potential Estimated Cost/Fun Status Policy /Ref Partners sources if timescale ding/ No. funding Delivery Primar Secon Notes y dary
Worcester West SWDP 45/2 County, £6,000 £4,923 County Council, Up to 2019 & 2020- Informatio Essential Developers ,000 ,468 Developers 2030 n as set out in Section 5A of Page 179 SWIDP Worcester South SWDP 45/1 £6,000 £5,974 Up to 2019 & 2020- ‘‘ Essential (includes new Primary “ ,000 ,571 “ 2030 School) East of Swinesherd Way WC004 “ £423,8 £457,9 “ Up to 2019 & 2020- “ Essential 24 98 2030 Kilbury Drive SWDP 45/3 “ £542,4 £586,2 “ Up to 2019 & 2020- ‘‘ Essential 94 36 2030 Gwillam’s Farm SWDP 45/4 “ £519,1 £561,0 “ Up to 2019 ‘‘ Essential 84 46 Ex Ronkswood Hospital SWDP “ £372,9 £403,0 “ Up to 2019 ‘‘ Essential site 43/14 65 37 Shrub Hill Opportunity SWDP 44/4 “ £1,262 £1,364 “ Up to 2019 & 2020- ‘‘ Essential Zone ,994 ,831 2030 Gregory’s Bank SWDP 43/2 “ £307,2 £332,0 “ Up to 2019 ‘‘ Essential 72 48 122 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Category Project SWDP Delivery Estimated cost Potential Estimated Costs/Fu Status Policy Partners sources of Timescale nding/ funding Delivery Notes Govt. Offices, SWDP “ £254,2 £274,7 “ Up to 2019 ‘‘ Essential Whittington Road 43/16 94 98 Blockhouse Opportunity SWDP 44/5 “ £254,2 £274,7 “ 2020-2030 ‘‘ Essential Zone 94 98 South of Leopard Hill SWDP 43/1 “ £211,9 £228,9 “ Up to 2019 & 2020- ‘‘ Essential 12 98 2030 Grove Farm, Bromyard SWDP ‘‘ £211,9 £228,9 ‘‘ Up to 2019 “ Essential Road C2 apartments 43/18 12 99
Crown Packaging Site WC014 ‘‘ £423,8 £457,9 ‘‘ Up to 2019 & 2020- “ Essential Page 180 24 98 2030
250 Bransford Road WC035 ‘‘ £334,8 £361,8 ‘‘ Up to 2019 & 2020- “ Essential 20 18 2030
Diglis Basin, Diglis Dock WC036 ‘‘ £317,8 £343,4 ‘‘ Up to 2019 & 2020- “ Essential Road 67 98 2030
Former Royal Worcester WC037 ‘’ £239,4 £258,7 ‘’ Up to 2019 ‘’ Essential Porcelain Site 60 68 Various across Cumulative ‘’ £2,788 £3,013 ‘’ Up to 2019 & 2020- See Essential Worcester total of all ,756 ,628 2030 section sites below 5A of 100 SWIDP dwellings SWDP 43 “ £1,527 £1,651 “ Up to 2019 & See Essential Windfall in City ,883 ,079 2020-2030 section
123 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Category Project SWDP Delivery Estimated cost Potential Estimated Costs/Fu Status Policy Partners sources of Timescale nding/ funding Delivery Notes 5A of SWIDP
Malvern Hills District Category Project SWDP Delivery Estimated cost Potential Estimated Cost/Fun Status Page 181 Policy Partners sources if timescale ding/Deli funding very Primar Secon Notes y dary
QinetiQ Site, Malvern SWDP53 “ £635,7 £686,9 “ Up to 2019 & 2020- ‘‘ Essential 35 95 2030 Development at North SWDP56 “ £1,589 £1,717 “ Up to 2019 & 2020- ‘‘ Essential East Malvern ,337 ,489 2030 Land adj the Lawns inc SWDP59/8 “ £292,4 £316,0 “ Up to 2019 & 2020- “ Essential Bight Farm, Kempsey 38 18 2030 Land north of Brookend SWDP 59 f “ £254,2 £274,7 “ Up to 2019 & 2020- “ Essential Lane (adj to The Limes), 94 98 2030 Kempsey Various across Malvern Cumulative ‘’ £3,502 £3,785 ‘’ Up to 2019 & 2020- See Essential total of all ,905 ,350 2030 section sites below 5A of
124 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Category Project SWDP Delivery Estimated cost Potential Estimated Costs/Fu Status Policy Partners sources of Timescale nding/ funding Delivery Notes 100 SWIDP dwellings Estimated Windfall Malvern ‘’ £936,6 £1,012 ‘’ Up to 2019 & 2020- See Essential 2017/18 to 2029/30 50 ,173 2030 section 5A of SWIDP Wychavon District Category Project SWDP Delivery Estimated cost Potential Estimated Cost/Fun Status Policy Partners sources if timescale ding/Deli funding very Page 182 Primar Secon Notes y dary
Copcut Lane, Droitwich SWDP 49/1 “ £1,568 £1,694 “ Up to 2019 & 2020- ‘’ Essential ,147 ,589 2030 Land off Vines Lane, SWDP 48/1 “ £211,9 £228,9 “ Up to 2019 ‘’ Essential Droitwich 12 99 Yew Tree Farm, WY045 “ £1,695 £1,831 “ Up to 2019 & 2020- ‘’ Essential Droitwich ,293 ,988 2030 Tagwell Road, Droitwich WY047 “ £211,9 £228,9 “ Up to 2019 ‘’ Essential 12 99 Employment site, top of SWDP 50/2 “ £211,9 £228,9 “ Up to 2019 ‘’ Essential Kings Rd, Evesham 12 99 West Abbey Road - SWDP 50/7 “ £423,8 £457,9 “ Up to 2019 ‘’ Essential South of Boat Lane, 24 98 Evesham Cheltenham Road, SWDP 51/1 “ £847,6 £915,9 “ Up to 2019 & 2020- ‘’ Essential Evesham 46 94 2030 125 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Category Project SWDP Delivery Estimated cost Potential Estimated Costs/Fu Status Policy Partners sources of Timescale nding/ funding Delivery Notes Pershore Road, SWDP 51/2 “ £849,7 £918,2 “ Up to 2019 & 2020- ‘’ Essential Hampton, Evesham 66 84 2030 Station Road / Wyre SWDP 47/1 “ £1,377 £1,488 “ Up to 2019 & 2020- ‘’ Essential Road, Pershore ,426 ,490 2030 Dilmore Lane /Station SWDP60/1 “ £667,5 £721,3 “ Up to 2019 & 2020- ‘’ Essential Road, Fernhill Heath 6 22 45 2030 Land west of Worcester SWDP59/2 “ £326,3 £352,6 “ Up to 2019 & 2020- ‘’ Essential Road, Hartlebury 0 44 57 2030 Page 183 Land east of Withybed SWDP59/2 “ £211,9 £228,9 “ Up to 2019 ‘’ Essential Lane, Inkberrow 2 12 99 Land Adjacent to, Sims WY044 “ £805,2 £870,1 “ Up to 2019 & 2020- ‘’ Essential Metals UK (South West) 65 95 2030 Limited, Long Marston
Various across Cumulative “ £5,196 £5,615 “ Up to 2019 & 2020- See Essential Wychavon total of all ,086 ,057 2030 section sites below 5A of 100 SWIDP dwellings Estimated Windfall “ £2,040 £2,205 “ Up to 2019 & 2020- See Essential 2017/18 to 2029/30 ,710 ,256 2030 section 5A of SWIDP Total cost for SWDP plan area for Primary £47,927,214 126 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Category Project SWDP Delivery Estimated cost Potential Estimated Costs/Fu Status Policy Partners sources of Timescale nding/ funding Delivery Notes Total cost for SWDP plan area for Secondary £46,534,816 SWDP Education Total £94,462,030 Further Education Post 16 Education and SWDP 7 Education n/a Education County Necessary Training Funding Agency Funding Agency involved in facilitating but not funding of further
education Page 184 – see SWIDP Section 5A Higher Education/ University of Worcester SWDP 7 University. Position set out University, tbc Liaison Necessary University of County. SWC. in SWIDP County, SWC with Worcester University of Worcester
– position
set out in SWIDP Section 5A B. Health and Public Health Public consultation on SWDP 7 Clinical tbc tbc tbc Further Necessary the ‘Future of Commissioning info in 127 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Category Project SWDP Delivery Estimated cost Potential Estimated Costs/Fu Status Policy Partners sources of Timescale nding/ funding Delivery Notes Worcestershire Acute Groups, SWIDP Hospitals’ scheduled to Worcestershire be undertaken this Acute Hospitals autumn 2014, with final NHS Trust, decision on agreed way NHS forward to be Commissioning undertaken in spring Board. 2015. County C. Social Care County Council has no SWDP 7 County tbc tbc tbc Further n/a
plans for new facilities. info in Page 185 SWIDP D. Community Facilities Libraries Unlikely to be major new SWDP 7 County tbc tbc tbc Further Necessary capital investment in info in near future following the SWIDP opening of “The Hive” in Worcester in summer 2012 Faith Buildings Information in SWIDP SWDP 7 Faith Partners, tbc tbc tbc Updated Necessary Local Authorities info in & Developers SWIDP Community Community Facilities SWDP 7 Developers, tbc Developers, tbc Further Necessary Centres Various service Various service info in providers. providers. SWIDP. Local communit- Local
128 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Category Project SWDP Delivery Estimated cost Potential Estimated Costs/Fu Status Policy Partners sources of Timescale nding/ funding Delivery Notes ies communities. County
Sports & University of Worcester Relevant University £10 M University, 2013 Opened Necessary Recreational Sports Arena. SWDP SE SE, 2013 Facilities policies Trustees of the Foundation for Sports and the Arts Page 186 England Basketball England Badminton Private donations New Swimming Pool SWDP 43 SWC £10.5M SWC, Potential start date is April 2013 Necessary Worcester 44 and 45 SE Developers SE, Developers late 2014, with figure sites completion early 2016. This was considered a commitment at the April 2014 meeting of Worcester City Council 4 court sports hall SWDP 45/2 SWC £2.7 M Developers 2016-2026 Plus full Necessary (Worcester West) Developers (tbc) size synthetic
129 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Category Project SWDP Delivery Estimated cost Potential Estimated Costs/Fu Status Policy Partners sources of Timescale nding/ funding Delivery Notes turf pitch and tennis courts.
4 court sports hall SWDP 45/1 SWC £2.7 M Developers 2021-2026 Plus Necessary (Worcester South) Developers outdoor tennis court. 6 Court badminton SWDP 43, SWC £4.5 M Developers 2011-2016 Autumn Necessary performance centre 44 and 45 Developers 2012 sites figure Page 187 Football: full size 3G SWDP 43, SWC £0.8 M Developers 2011-2016 Autumn Necessary STP 44 and 45 Developers 2012 sites figure 4 court indoor tennis SWDP 43, SWC £5.5 M Developers 2016-2021 Autumn Necessary centre 44 and 45 Developers 2012 sites figure 2 MUGA SWDP 43, SWC £1.6 M Developers 2021-2026 Autumn Necessary 44 and 45 Developers 2012 sites figure 8 Lane synthetic SWDP 52 SWC n/a Developers 2011-2016 Based on Necessary athletics track, Malvern Developers 2010 Hills: Malvern College Sports Facilities Framewor k 5 court sports hall – SWDP 48, SWC £3.4 M Developers 2012-2016 Based on Necessary
130 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Category Project SWDP Delivery Estimated cost Potential Estimated Costs/Fu Status Policy Partners sources of Timescale nding/ funding Delivery Notes indoor cricket 50, 51, 46, Developers 2010 (Wychavon) 47, 59, 60, Sports 61 Facilities Framewor k 8 court sports hall - SWDP 48, SWC £5.5 M Developers 2012-2016 Autumn Necessary (Droitwich or Evesham 49 Developers 2012 in Wychavon) SWDP 50, figure 51
4 court sports hall - SWDP 48, SWC £5.5 M Developers 2012-2016 Autumn Necessary Page 188 (expansion of existing 50, 51, 46, Developers 2012 facility) and 2 court 47, 59, 60, figure sports hall, Wychavon 61 4 court sports hall, SWDP 48, SWC Developers £2.7 M SWC 2016-2021 Autumn Necessary Wychavon 50, 51, 46, Developers 2012 47, 59, 60, figure 61 2 x 3G Football STP SWDP 48, SWC £1.6 M Developers 2016-2018 April 2014 Necessary 50, 51, 46, Developers figure 47, 59, 60, 61 Sand filled STP SWDP 48, SWC £0.8 M Developers 2016-2018 April 2014 Necessary 50, 51, 46, Developers figure 47, 59, 60, 61 Outdoor athletics SWDP 50, SWC/ County/ £0.4 M SWC/ 2016-2021 Autumn Necessary training facility, school 51 Developers County/ 2012
131 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Category Project SWDP Delivery Estimated cost Potential Estimated Costs/Fu Status Policy Partners sources of Timescale nding/ funding Delivery Notes site, Evesham Developers figure Outdoor athletics SWDP 46, SWC/ County/ £0.4 M SWC/ County/ 2021-2026 Autumn Necessary training facility, School 47 Developers Developers 2012 Site, Pershore figure 25m Swimming SWDP 43, SWC £3.9 M SE tbc Autumn Necessary (teaching pool) 44 and 45 SE (tbc) SWC 2012 Worcester West sites Developers Developers figure Worcester South football SWDP 45/1 SWC, SE, (See note below SWC 2016-2021 Autumn Necessary pitch (6.4 ha) Developers for total sports Developers 2012 provision figure) figure
Worcester West football SWDP 45/2 SWC, SE, SWC 2016-2021 Autumn Necessary Page 189 pitch (6.5 ha) Developers £1.1 M Developers 2012 figure Worcester East football SWDP 45/3 SWC, SE, SWC 2016-2021 Autumn Necessary pitch (6.9 ha) Developers £1.2 M Developers 2012 figure Worcester East cricket SWDP45/3 SWC, SE, £0.85M SWC 2016-2021 Autumn Necessary pitch (4 ha) (location tbc) Developers Developers 2012 figure Worcester South - 2 ha SWDP 45/1 SWC, SE, £0.65 M SWC 2021-2026 Autumn Necessary for cricket Developers Developers 2012 figure Worcester West - 4 ha SWDP 45/2 SWC, SE, £0.85 M SWC 2016-2021 Autumn Necessary for cricket Developers Developers 2012 figure Worcester south – 7 ha SWDP 45/1 SWC, SE, £1.25 M SWC 2016-2021 Autumn Necessary
132 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Category Project SWDP Delivery Estimated cost Potential Estimated Costs/Fu Status Policy Partners sources of Timescale nding/ funding Delivery Notes for rugby Developers Developers 2012 figure Malvern Town - 6 ha for SWDP 56 SWC, SE, £1 M SWC 2016-2026 Autumn Necessary football Developers Developers 2012 figure Malvern Town / Malvern SWDP 56 SWC, SE, £0.65 M SWC 2021-2026 Autumn Necessary North East- 2 ha for Developers Developers 2012 cricket figure Evesham - 6 ha for SWDP 52 SWC, SE, £1 M SWC 2016-2026 Autumn Necessary Page 190 football Developers Developers 2012 figure Evesham north - 6 ha for SWDP 52 SWC, SE, £1 M SWC 2011-2016 Autumn Necessary football Developers Developers 2012 figure Evesham south or SWDP 51 SWC, SE, £0.85 M SWC 2011-2016 or 2026 Autumn Necessary south-west 4 ha for and 52 Developers Developers 2012 cricket figure Evesham north - 2 ha for SWDP 52 SWC, SE, £0.65 M SWC 2011-2016 Autumn Necessary cricket Developers Developers 2012 figure Droitwich – Copcut Lane SWDP 49 SWC, SE, £0.65 M SWC 2012-2016 Autumn Necessary or Pulley Lane – 2 ha for Developers Developers 2012 cricket. figure Total for sports facilities listed above = £76.35 M E. Emergency Infrastructure
133 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Category Project SWDP Delivery Estimated cost Potential Estimated Costs/Fu Status Policy Partners sources of Timescale nding/ funding Delivery Notes Police Post for South SWDP 45/1 WMP £0.159-£0.450 WMP 2012-2019 Updated Necessary Worcester Developers M Developers figure ANPR cameras- SWDP 45/1 WMP Developers £0.166 M WMP 2012-2019 Necessary Worcester South Developers Police Post for West SWDP 45/2 WMP £0.159-£0.450 WMP 2012-2019 Updated Necessary Worcester Developers M Developers figure ANPR cameras – West SWDP 45/2 WMP Developers £0.052M WMP 2012-2019 Necessary Worcester Developers Extension to Evesham SWDP 50, WMP £1.42 M WMP 2012-2019 Updated Necessary Police Station 51 figure Developers Developers Page 191 New Police Posts at: SWDP 43, WMP £1.007M-£2.462 Developers 2012-2019 Updated Necessary • Worcester (2) 44, 45, 48, Developers M figure. 49, 56 and Includes • Droitwich 59, WC004 custody • Hartlebury sites facility • North East expansion Malvern at Worcester Additional Officers (set- SWDP 43- WMP £0.305 M WMP 2013-2019 Updated Necessary up costs for 80no. 54, 56-61 Developers Developers figure officers) sites Additional vehicles and SWDP 43- WMP £0.708 M WMP 2013-2019 Updated Necessary other operational 54, 56-61 Developers Developers figure equipment sites Additional central SWDP 43- WMP £0.108 M WMP 2013-2019 Updated Necessary support staff (set up 54, 56-61 Developers Developers figure
134 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Category Project SWDP Delivery Estimated cost Potential Estimated Costs/Fu Status Policy Partners sources of Timescale nding/ funding Delivery Notes costs for 40no. support sites staff) Total for Police Infrastructure listed above £4.08 M - £6.121M Fire Service SWDP 50, H&W Fire and n/a H&W Fire and 2012-2019 Other Fire Necessary 51 Rescue Service Rescue Service, Service Developers requireme nts include new
appliance Page 192 s – not costed as “Infrastruc ture” Ambulance “Hub” SWDP West Midlands £0.40 M WM Ambulance 2012-2019 To be Necessary Worcester 43,44 and Ambulance Service, confirmed 45 sites Service Developers Total for Emergency Infrastructure listed above £4.4M - £6.5M (approx.)
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE Sub-Regional facility: SWDP 43, County, tbc County, tbc Concept Necessary “Worcester/ Droitwich 44, 45, 48 Developers, Developers, only at Park” (based on the and 49 SWC, SWC, this stage. canal ring) sites and NE, EA, FC, NE, EA, FC, To be various WWT, WWT, C&RT updated rural sites in due BW 135 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers
Category Project SWDP Delivery Estimated cost Potential Estimated Costs/Fu Status Policy Partners sources of Timescale nding/ funding Delivery Notes course Sub-regional facility: SWDP 45/2 County, tbc County, tbc Concept Necessary “Hallow Riverside Park” Developers, Developers, only at (includes sites on both SWC, SWC, this stage. sidea of the River NE, EA, FC, NE, EA, FC, To be Severn between Grimley WWT WWT updated and Northwick) in due course Sub-regional facility: SWDP 45/1 County, tbc County, tbc Concept Necessary “Sandford (Clifton) SWDP 59 Developers, Developers, only at Water Park” (south of SWC, SWC, this stage. Page 193 Draycott and extending NE, EA, FC, NE, EA, FC, To be south to base of Knight WWT, WWT, updated in due Hill) Minerals Minerals course operators operators (Landfill Community Fund) South Worcestershire Councils. Originally published 22 nd November 2012, with update and amendments up to 15 th September 2014.
136 Consultation – 6 October – 14 November (ends 5.00pm) 2014 Schedule of Proposed Modifications related to uplift in housing requirement numbers Appendix 2
South Worcestershire Development Plan Examination:
Schedule of potential housing sites considered and rejected following the Objective Assessment of Housing Need (summer 2014)
South Worcestershire Councils
This schedule relates to the list of proposed modifications that were drafted in response to the work undertaken by the SWC and the Inspector’s subsequent Interim Conclusions (31 March 2014). Page 194
Appendix 2
Malvern Hills District Council
District SWDP Ref Address Town or Reason Village MHDC NO REF Land SW of Abberley village Abberley CATEGORY 4 VILLAGE MHDC SWDP 61 c Clay Green Farm, Folly Road Alfrick HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT CONSTRAINTS/ACCESS MHDC NO REF Land South East of Stocks Lane, Alfrick Pound Alfrick LOCATION/IMPORTANT NATURE DESIGNATION (AONB/SSSI) (adj Old Police House) MHDC SWDP 61x Land to the north of Wheatley Cottage Alfrick LOCATION MHDC SWDP 61 a Carthouse Field Bransford LOCATION MHDC SWDP 3 za Bear & Ragged Staff, Station Road Bransford LOCATION/NATURE
MHDC SWDP 61 v Land adjoining Fieldwoodhouse and 36 Bransford LOCATION/SCALE Page 195 Suckley Road MHDC SWDP 61 w Land South of Fir Tree House and Bransford HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT CONSTRAINTS/CAPACITY West of Chapel Lane HIGHER ORDER SETTLEMENTS PREFERABLE MHDC SWDP 61y Land at Bank House Bowling Club Bransford SITE HAS PLANNING PERMISSION SUBJECT TO S106 BUT NOT SELECTED AS HIGHER ORDER CATEGORY VILLAGES PREFERABLE FOR SITE ALLOCATIONS PURPOSES MHDC SWDP 60 r Land off Church Lane, Broadwas Broadwas LOCATION MHDC SWDP 60 za Land at Brook House, Worcester Road Broadwas ADJACENT TO FLOOD ZONE 2/SURFACE WATER ISSUES/ HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT CONSTRAINTS MHDC NO REF Land south of Broomhall lane, adj Hatfield Broomhall nr LOCATION/SCALE Brook Worcester MHDC NO REF Land South of Brookend Lane, west of Broomhall nr LOCATION Roman Road Worcester
2
SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
District SWDP Ref Address Town or Reason Village MHDC SWDP 3 s Land at Brookend Farm, East of Hollins Lane Broomhall nr LOCATION Worcester MHDC NO REF Land south of Holdings Lane, Lower Broomhall nr LOCATION Broomhall Farm Worcester MHDC SWDP 45/1 a Land South of Broomhall Lane, Lower Broomhall nr LOCATION Broadheath Worcester MHDC SWDP 60 s Land at Horse Hill Callow End LOCATION/SCALE/LANDSCAPE MHDC NO REF 1). Churchill Farm, Church Lane 2). Church Castlemorton LOCATION/OPEN COUNTRYSIDE/
Farm, Church Road HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT CONSTRAINTS/ Page 196 OTHER HIGHER ORDER SETTLEMENTS PREFERABLE MHDC SWDP 53a Hope Lane (Extension) Clifton upon SIZE/SCALE/PART OF SITE ALREADY HAS PLANNING Teme PERMISSION MHDC NO REF Hope Barn Cottage, Holly Bush Lane Clifton upon LOCATION/NATIONAL POLICY Teme MHDC SWDP 59g Blue Shot Meadow, Pound Lane Clifton upon OTHER SITES WITH PLANNING PERMISSION IN VILLAGE Teme MHDC SWDP 59 c Land Opposite Steps Farm Clifton upon OTHER SITES WITH PLANNING PERMISSION IN VILLAGE Teme MHDC SWDP 61 z Land at Poolhay Close, Linkend Road Corse Lawn LOCATION/NATURE/ OTHER HIGHER ORDER SETTLEMENTS PREFERABLE MHDC NO REF Land to west of Crown East Lane Crown East LOCATION/OPEN COUNTRYSIDE/ OTHER HIGHER ORDER SETTLEMENTS PREFERABLE MHDC NO REF Land off A44 to the east of Hill Crest Crown East LOCATION
3
SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
District SWDP Ref Address Town or Reason Village MHDC SWDP 61za Land to the rear of Yarringtons Eardiston LOCATION MHDC SWDP 61zb Field north of Moor Farm Eardiston LOCATION MHDC SWDP 3 t Earls Croome Garden Centre Earls Croome LOCATION/CATEGORY 4 VILLAGE MHDC NO REF Land Adjoining Upper Crundle End Farm, Elms Green LOCATION/OPEN COUNTRYSIDE Stockton MHDC SWDP 59 j The Hundred House Great Witley HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT CONSTRAINTS/SCALE MHDC SWDP 59 zo Land south of Stourport Road Great Witley SCALE/CAPACITY OF SETTLEMENT MHDC NO REF Land at Hillhampton Farm Great Witley LOCATION MHDC NO REF Land adjoining The Homestead, Clevelode Guarlford CATEGORY 4 VILLAGE/LOCATION/NATURE Lane Page 197 MHDC SWDP 3 u AJ Gammond Ltd Clevelode Lane Guarlford CATEGORY 4 VILLAGE/LOCATION/EMPLOYMENT MHDC NO REF Land at Half Key, near Malvern Half Key SCALE/LOCATION MHDC SWDP 59zh Land at Hallow Park Farm, adj Pound Piece Hallow SCALE/SIGNIFICANT GAP Cottages MHDC NO REF Land adjacent to Pool Cottage Hallow LOCATION/APPEAL DISMISSED MHDC SWDP 59/5 a Land to north of Orchard Close, Hallow Hallow SIZE/SCALE (Extension) MHDC SWDP 3v Land off Beaconhill Drive, off Hallow Road Hallow FLOOD RISK MHDC SWDP 59 zr Site A - Land Adjacent to Heath Farm Hallow LOCATION/OTHER SITES IN VILLAGE CONSIDERED MORE SUSTAINABLE MHDC SWDP 59 zs Site B - Land Adjacent to Heath Farm Hallow LOCATION/OTHER SITES IN VILLAGE CONSIDERED MORE SUSTAINABLE
4
SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
District SWDP Ref Address Town or Reason Village MHDC SWDP 59 zt Site C - Land Adjacent to Heath Farm Hallow LOCATION/OTHER SITES IN VILLAGE CONSIDERED MORE SUSTAINABLE MHDC SWDP 59 zzc Site D - Land Adjacent to Heath Farm Hallow LOCATION/OTHER SITES IN VILLAGE CONSIDERED MORE SUSTAINABLE MHDC SWDP 59 zi Land at Greenhill Farm Hallow SIZE/SCALE MHDC NO REF Midland Farm Bank, Hook Bank Hanley Castle LOCATION MHDC SWDP 61 zc Church End House, Church End Lane Hanley Castle HISTORIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION CONSTRAINTS
MHDC SWDP 59 h Albion Lodge (extended boundary to Hanley Swan ACCESS Page 198 MHHS15) MHDC SWDP 59/7 Land at Yew Tree Farm Hanley Swan UNAVAILABLE - SITE WITHDRAWN MHDC SWDP 61 b Land at School Lane Holt Heath OTHER SITES IN HIGHER ORDER SETTLEMENTS AVAILABLE MHDC SWDP 61 u Land between the B4196 and sports field Holt Heath OTHER SITES IN HIGHER ORDER SETTLEMENTS AVAILABLE MHDC SWDP 61 ze Bentley Farm (Also know as Land Holt Heath HISTORIC ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS/SCALE south of Warren House - portion of site at 1.49ha and SWDP 61zd Land West of the Red Lion Public House at 0.51ha) MHDC NO REF Land south of Bestmans Lane Kempsey LOCATION MHDC SWDP 59 zza Land at Old Road South (field 36) Kempsey LOCATION/ OTHER SITES WITH PLANNING PERMISSION IN VILLAGE MHDC SWDP 59 zza Land at Old Road South (field 45) Kempsey LOCATION/ OTHER SITES WITH PLANNING PERMISSION IN VILLAGE
5
SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
District SWDP Ref Address Town or Reason Village MHDC SWDP 59 zy Land to the rear of The Firs Kempsey ACCESS/TREES MHDC SWDP 59 zw Land off Napleton Lane Kempsey LOCATION/ OTHER SITES WITH PLANNING PERMISSION IN VILLAGE/ ACCESS MHDC SWDP 59 zx Land to the north of Post Office Lane Kempsey ACCESS/SCALE/ OTHER SITES WITH PLANNING PERMISSION IN VILLAGE MHDC SWDP 59zz Hartlands Plant Centre, Draycott Villa Kempsey LOCATION Nurseries, 23 Main Road MHDC SWDP 59 zj Land to the rear of The Croft, Green Street Kempsey LOCATION/ACCESS Page 199 (part of MHKY31) MHDC NO REF Land at Tadney's Farm, Fox Lane, Green Kempsey LOCATION Street MHDC SWDP 60q Land adj to Elmhurst Farm (North), Hereford Leigh Sinton SIGNIFICANT GAP Road MHDC SWDP 60p Land at Hop Pole Green Leigh Sinton APPEAL DISMISSED MHDC NO REF Cul de sac, Well Lane Little Witley CATEGORY 4 VILLAGE MHDC NO REF Land at Lower Swell Farm Longdon CATEGORY 4 VILLAGE MHDC NO REF The Corner House Longdon CATEGORY 4 VILLAGE/HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT CONSTRAINTS MHDC NO REF Land adjacent to The Hunter's Inn, Buckbury Longdon CATEGORY 4 VILLAGE MHDC SWDP 59zp Rickstones, Bell Lane - possible extension to Lower SIZE - SITE TOO SMALL SWDP59/9 Broadheath 6
SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
District SWDP Ref Address Town or Reason Village MHDC NO REF Laugherne Bank Lower FLOOD RISK Broadheath MHDC SWDP 59zv Land off the B4204 (Land at Heath Nurseries) Lower LOCATION/SIGNIFICANT GAP and Broadheath SWDP 59m MHDC NO REF Brickets House Madresfield Madresfield LOCATION/CATEGORY 4 VILLAGE/GARDEN LAND MHDC SWDP 52 zi Land off Upper Welland Road -7100- Malvern LOCATION/AONB MHDC SWDP 3 z Former American Hospital, Blackmore Park Malvern LOCATION
MHDC NO REF Watery Lane, Upper Welland Malvern AONB Page 200 MHDC NO REF Land at Park Farm Upper Welland Malvern CATEGORY 4 VILLAGE MHDC NO REF Rosanagh, Upper Welland Road, Malvern Malvern CAT 4 VILLAGE/AONB/GARDEN LAND Wells MHDC SWDP 52 l Land at Bluebell Close Malvern VALUED OPEN SPACE/SPORTS RECREATION SITE MHDC SWDP 52 zh Junction of Grit Lane and Leigh Sinton Road Malvern LOCATION/SIGNIFICANT GAP MHDC NO REF Land to the rear of Stables Grit Lane Malvern LOCATION MHDC NO REF Land with pond to the front of Stables, Grit Malvern LOCATION/HISTORIC ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS Lane MHDC NO REF Field to rear of Hop Kiln Cottage, Grit Lane Malvern LOCATION MHDC SWDP 52 u Romaran, Peachfield Road Malvern AONB MHDC SWDP 52 v Brooklands, Mayfield Road / land at Malvern FLOOD RISK Madresfield Road MHDC SWDP 52 x Land west and south of Pickersleigh Grove Malvern LANDSCAPE/URBAN CHARACTER
7
SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
District SWDP Ref Address Town or Reason Village MHDC SWDP 52 z Woodend Farm Upper Welland - 3 sites. Malvern AONB MHDC SWDP 52 q Land at Worcester Road Malvern NATURE/HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT CONSTRAINTS MHDC SWDP 52 j Land at Hayslan Road Malvern VALUED OPEN SPACE/SPORTS RECREATION SITE MHDC SWDP 52 zf Clayfield Drive Malvern ACCESS/CONTAMINATED/TIPPED LAND MHDC SWDP 52 ze Land off Bronsil Drive Malvern SIGNIFICANT GAP/ACCESS MHDC NO REF Former Gas Works Lower Howsell Road Malvern LOCATION/EMPLOYMENT MHDC SWDP 52 za 186 Madresfield Road Malvern FLOOD RISK/ACCESS MHDC NO REF 24-28 Newtown Road (Back of Property) Malvern SIZE - TOO SMALL MHDC SWDP 52 zd Land Behind 106 Barnards Green, WR14 3ND Malvern SIZE/ACCESS Page 201 MHDC SWDP 52 zc Land Behind 38, 42, 44, 46, 48 & 56 Malvern SIZE - TOO SMALL Newtown Road MHDC SWDP 52 zb Land Between Old Hollow and B4219 Malvern AONB (Cowleigh Road) MHDC NO REF Land off Wells Road Malvern AONB/ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS (ECOLOGY, CONSERVATION) MHDC SWDP 52 o Land to the east of Meadowsweet Court Malvern FLOOD RISK (play area) MHDC NO REF Avon Close Play Area Teme Avenue Malvern AVAILABILITY UNKNOWN MHDC NO REF Land off Beauchamp Road Malvern AVAILABILITY UNKNOWN MHDC SWDP 54 Blackmore Park Malvern ALLOCATED FOR EMPLOYMENT USES MHDC SWDP 52 g Land at Montpelier Road, West Malvern Malvern TREES (TPOS)/AONB
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SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
District SWDP Ref Address Town or Reason Village MHDC SWDP 52 k Land adj to Chestnut Hill, off Oaklands Malvern IN AONB MHDC SWDP 52 e Land at Eastward Road Malvern SIGNIFICANT GAP MHDC SWDP 52 p Rugby Club, Spring Lane Malvern ACCESS/COMMUNITY USES MHDC SWDP 52 r Cales Farm, Sayers Aveue Malvern ACCESS/LANDSCAPE MHDC SWDP 52/6 Land to the rear of 12 Priory Road Malvern SITE NO LONGER AVAILABLE MHDC NO REF Site A - Worcestershire Golf Club Malvern Wells AONB/LOCATION/NATURE MHDC NO REF Site B - Worcestershire Golf Club Malvern Wells AONB/LOCATION
MHDC NO REF Site C - Worcestershire Golf Club Malvern Wells AONB/LOCATION Page 202 MHDC SWDP 52 zj Land North of Hanley Road Malvern Wells AONB/FLOOD MHDC NO REF Land to the north and west of Wood Farm Malvern Wells AONB Road MHDC SWDP 52 zg Land north of Hanley Road Malvern Wells AONB/FLOOD MHDC NO REF Arosfa, Upper Welland Road Malvern Wells AONB MHDC NO REF 129 and 131 Wells Road Malvern Wells AONB/LOCATION MHDC SWDP 61 zi Land opposite the Sun and Slipper/Rear of Mamble SIZE/SCALE Clee Heath MHDC SWDP 59 zm Land at Hollins Lane Martley LOCATION/FLOOD RISK MHDC SWDP 59 zn Land to north west of Memorial Hall Martley LOCATION MHDC SWDP 59 zq Land north of Sandyfields Martley LOCATION MHDC NO REF Land to the west of Chantry School Martley LOCATION/SCALE MHDC NO REF Land off Willow Road Martley LOCATION/CATEGORY 4 VILLAGE
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SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
District SWDP Ref Address Town or Reason Village MHDC SWDP 3 y The Tavern, Tavern Lane Newnham Bridge CATEGORY 4 VILLAGE MHDC SWDP 60 x Land south of Hospital Lane Powick & Collets LOCATION/ACCESS Green MHDC SWDP 60 w Land east of Hospital Lane Powick & Collets SCALE/OTHER SITES WITH PLANNING PERMISSION IN Green VILLAGE MHDC SWDP 60 z 6 Sparrowhall Lane (land north of) Powick & Collets CHARACTER OF AREA/ Green OTHER SITES WITH PLANNING PERMISSION IN VILLAGE MHDC SWDP 60u Land at Acreage View Farm Powick & Collets ACCESS Green
MHDC NO REF Land Opposite The Old School House Queenhill LOCATION Page 203 MHDC NO REF Land adjacent Ripple Farm, School Lane Ripple LOCATION/SCALE/OTHER CAPACITY IN HIGHER ORDER SETTLEMENTS MHDC SWDP 61 s Land to the north of Southview, Station Road Ripple BACK LAND LOCATION/ACCESS/ OTHER CAPACITY IN HIGHER ORDER SETTLEMENTS MHDC SWDP 61 t Land at Rectory Lane Ripple (land east of Green Gables, School Lane) OTHER CAPACITY IN HIGHER ORDER SETTLEMENTS MHDC NO REF Land at Oakford, Naunton Village Ripple LOCATION MHDC NO REF Land off Hams Way Rushwick LOCATION MHDC SWDP 60 zb Land at Brookfields Farm (adjacent to Rushwick ACCESS MHRW11) MHDC NO REF Land off Brandsford Road (west) Rushwick LOCATION (part of and additional to MHRW09)
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SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
District SWDP Ref Address Town or Reason Village MHDC SWDP 60 zc Land at Manor Farm, Bransford Road Rushwick LOCATION MHDC SWDP 58 b Land adjacent to Ryall House Farm Ryall and Holly OTHER PLANNING PERMISSIONS TO SERVE UPTON AREA Green MHDC SWDP 58 j Land south of The Grove Ryall and Holly LOCATION/SCALE/ Green OTHER PLANNING PERMISSIONS TO SERVE UPTON AREA MHDC NO REF Land forming part of Ryall Quarry Ryall and Holly LOCATION/SCALE Green MHDC SWDP 58g Land NW junction of Ryall Road & A38 Ryall and Holly ACCESS/LOCATION/
Green OTHER PLANNING PERMISSIONS TO SERVE UPTON AREA Page 204 MHDC SWDP 58h Land north of Court Lea and east of Ryall's Ryall and Holly BACK LAND/NOT WELL RELATED TO SETTLEMENT/ Close Green OTHER PLANNING PERMISSIONS TO SERVE UPTON AREA MHDC SWDP 58/1a Land at Sunny Bank Meadow, Holly Green Ryall and Holly LANDSCAPE/CHARACTER/ (Extension) Green OTHER PLANNING PERMISSIONS TO SERVE UPTON AREA MHDC NO REF Land west of B4196 and south of The Knapp Shrawley LOCATION MHDC NO REF Land at Birchall Green Farm Sinton Green CATEGORY 4 VILLAGE MHDC NO REF Site Withdrawn Site Withdrawn SITE WITHDRAWN MHDC NO REF Lime Bank, Longley Green Suckley LOCATION/AONB MHDC SWDP 57 d Tenbury Business Park (west) Tenbury Wells RETAIN AS EMPLOYMENT USE MHDC NO REF Land south of Morningside with access from Tenbury Wells TOPOGRAPHY/LANDSCAPE Oldwood Road MHDC SWDP 57 e Land to the South of town contained within Tenbury Wells AVAILABILITY UNKNOWN/LOCATION the boundaries of
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SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
District SWDP Ref Address Town or Reason Village Terrills Lane, Saltbox Lane and Oldwood Road MHDC SWDP 57 b Mistletoe Row, Oldwood Road, Tenbury Tenbury Wells LOCATION Phase 3 MHDC NO REF The Old Post Office Tunnel Hill SIZE - TOO SMALL MHDC SWDP 58e Land off Hyde Lane Tunnel Hill OTHER SITE IN TUNNEL HILL WITH PLANNING PERMISSION MHDC SWDP 58f Land adjoining the Mount Tunnel Hill ACCESS/SCALE MHDC SWDP 58i Land adjoining Welland Road Tunnel Hill LOCATION MHDC SWDP 58a Land at rear of Karuna House, The Lodge Tunnel Hill SITE DISMISSED ON APPEAL/LOCATION
MHDC NO REF Land at former nursery Uckinghall LOCATION Page 205 MHDC NO REF Land to South of Uckinghall Nurseries Uckinghall LOCATION MHDC NO REF Land at Collinghurst Road Upton upon FLOOD RISK Severn MHDC SWDP 45/2 West of Worcester Urban Extension OUT FOR THE PURPOSES FOR THIS SITES LIST BUT IN AS PART OF THE WIDER WORCESTER AREA URBAN EXTENSION ALLOCATIONS MHDC SWDP 59/13 Land at The Pheasant Inn, Welland Welland PHEASANT INN PUBLIC HOUSE ALREADY a ALLOCATED (DIFFERENT PORTION OF LAND) OTHER PLANNING PERMISSIONS ALREADY IN VILLAGE/COMMUNITY FACILITY MHDC SWDP 59zzb Land at Juniper Farm Welland AONB/ACCESS
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SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
District SWDP Ref Address Town or Reason Village MHDC NO REF Land adj Spitalfields Football Club and land Welland OTHER SITES IN WELLAND WITH PLANNING PERMISSION at Welland Nursing Home MHDC NO REF DUPLICATE OF CALL FOR SITES ROW 86 Welland AONB/LOCATION MHDC NO REF Hazer's Field Worcester Road Welland AONB/LOCATION MHDC SWDP 59 zzg Land to the rear of The Laurels, Worcester Welland AONB Road MHDC SWDP 59 zzd Boundary Cottage, Gloucester Road Welland AONB/NATURE MHDC SWDP 59 zze Land adjacent to the Lovells, north of Drake Welland LOCATION Street Page 206 MHDC NO REF Land adj Apple Tree Cottage Drake Street Welland SIZE - TOO SMALL/LOCATION MHDC SWDP 59 zzf Field immediately to the North-East of May Welland AVAILABILITY/LOCATION Cottage, Drake Street MHDC NO REF Land East of B4208 Welland FLOOD RISK MHDC SWDP 59 i Land north of Marlbank Road (north and Welland AT APPEAL/IN AONB/ south) OTHER SITES IN WELLAND WITH PLANNING PERMISSION MHDC NO REF Land near to the M5 N/A INSUFFICIENT INFORMATION
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SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Worcester City Council
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Principle Reason for Rejection Land at Astwood Cemetery WO109 Worcester Worcester 9 - Site constraint - too small, allowing for green network mitigation Land at Cotswold Way WO111 Worcester Worcester 6 - Site constraint (natural environment asset) 8 - Site constraint (surrounding uses not compatible with residential uses) and will constrain existing employment uses Land at Liverpool Road WO113 Worcester Worcester 6 - Site constraint (natural environment asset) 9 - Site constraint - too small, allowing for green network mitigation Land at Tunnel Hill WO116 Worcester Worcester 6 - Site constraint (natural environment asset) 9 - Site constraint - too small, allowing for green network mitigation Rogers Hill/Lansdown Walk WO117 Worcester Worcester 6 - Site constraint (natural environment asset) 9 - Site constraint - too small, allowing for green network mitigation Page 207 Land at Trefoil Close WO121 Worcester Worcester 6 - Site constraint (natural environment asset) 9 - Site constraint - too small, allowing for green network mitigation Land at Waverly Street WO122 Worcester Worcester 4 - Site constraint (flood risk) Pike Hill Land off Dove Close WO123 Worcester Worcester 6 - Site constraint (natural environment asset) - in LNR and SWS. And LGN Land at Howcroft Green WO124 Worcester Worcester 6 - Site constraint (natural environment asset) - LGN Land at Morris Avenue WO125 Worcester Worcester 6 - Site constraint (natural environment asset) - LGN Land at Amberley Close WO126 Worcester Worcester 7 - Site constraint ( transport access ) 6 - Site constraint (natural environment asset) - -LGN - green network mitigation & oil pipeline easement Land at Stanway Close WO127 Worcester Worcester 7 - Site constraint ( transport access ) 6 - Site constraint (natural environment asset) -LGN
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SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Principle Reason for Rejection Land at Droitwich Road WO128 Worcester Worcester 3. insufficient information about availability and certainty about future use of site in context of wider Perdiswell area 6 - Site constraint (natural environment asset) -LGN Land adjacent to A44 Nunnery WO134 Worcester Worcester 6 - Site constraint (historic environment asset) - AM/Setting Way Roundabout (Battenhall 6 - Site constraint (natural environment asset) - LGN Farms) Land at Trotshill Lane East WO137 Worcester Worcester 6 - Site constraint (historic environment asset) 6 - Site constraint (natural environment asset) - LGN Middle Battenhall Farm WO08 & Worcester Worcester 6 - Site constraint (historic environment asset) AM/Setting
WO79 6 - Site constraint (natural environment asset) - LGN Page 208 Tolladine Golf Course WO84 Worcester Worcester 6 - Site constraint (natural environment asset) - LGN Upper Battenhall Farm WO77 & Worcester Worcester 6 - Site constraint (historic environment asset) AM/Setting WO78 6 - Site constraint (natural environment asset) - LGN Ice Works, 174 Bromyard Road WO16 Worcester Worcester 4 - Site constraint (flood risk) Land at Everdine Close and WO130 Worcester Worcester 6 - Site constraint (natural environment asset) - LGN Battenhall Road Land at Sabrina Avenue WO115 Worcester Worcester 3 - Site not available Medway Road WO114 Worcester Worcester 3 - Site not available Comer Avenue Allotments WO110 Worcester Worcester 3 - Site not available Cornmeadow Lane WO120 Worcester Worcester 3 - Site not available Church Farm, Claines WO13 Worcester Worcester 5 - Site constraint (designated greenbelt) Droitwich Road Nursery and WO76 Worcester Worcester 5 - Site constraint (designated greenbelt) Garden Centre
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SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Principle Reason for Rejection Perdiswell and Moathouse Farm WO65 Worcester Worcester 5 - Site constraint (designated greenbelt) 4 - Site constraint (flood risk) - part of site Land N. of Worcester and B'ham WO66 Worcester Worcester 5 - Site constraint (designated greenbelt) canal and S. of A449 4 - Site constraint (flood risk)- part of site Land south of Warndon Wood WO02 Worcester Worcester 1. Not consistent with strategy. Loss of SWDP allocation for employment land within M5 corridor Midland Road Goods Yard, WO26 Worcester Worcester 1. Not consistent with strategy. Loss of SWDP allocation for Midland Road employment land 8 - Site constraint (surrounding uses not compatible with residential use) and will constrain existing employment uses Spicers Yard, Checketts Lane WO89 Worcester Worcester 8 - Site constraint (surrounding uses not compatible with residential Page 209 use) and will constrain existing employment uses
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SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Wychavon District Council
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Standard Reason Land off Bromsgrove Road 32-21 DROITWICH Wychavon 5. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Site constraint (designated green belt). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land between Kidderminster 32-32 DROITWICH Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Road and railway, Hampton including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon Lovett District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land north of Roman Way 32-34 DROITWICH Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 5. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Site constraint (designated green belt). 10. The current Page 210 commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Ombersley Way 32-50 DROITWICH Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Church Farm, Salwarpe 32-51 DROITWICH Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land at Bays Meadow 32-53 DROITWICH Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 5. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Site constraint (designated green belt). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land at Chawson Lane 32-54 DROITWICH Wychavon 6. Site constraint (natural or historic environment asset). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations,
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SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Standard Reason already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
Land off Pridzor Road 32-55 DROITWICH Wychavon 5. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Site constraint (designated green belt). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Pulley Farm, Pulley Lane 32-56 DROITWICH Wychavon 5. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Site constraint (designated green belt). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
Land south of Copcut Lane 32-58 DROITWICH Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 5. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Page 211 Site constraint (designated green belt). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land at 26 Cowl Street 37-A10a EVESHAM Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land at Cowl Street 37-A10b EVESHAM Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land between Blind Lane and 37-A13 EVESHAM Wychavon 6 - Site constraint (natural or historic environment asset - POS) 10. Briar Close Industrial The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
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SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Standard Reason Briar Close Industrial estate 37-A14a EVESHAM Wychavon 7. Site constraint (services/transport access or other infrastructure). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Briar Close Industrial estate 37-A14b EVESHAM Wychavon 7. Site constraint (services/transport access or other infrastructure). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land off School Road, Hampton 37-A23 EVESHAM Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon Page 212 District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Former garage and depot, Brick 37-A24 EVESHAM Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP Kiln Street allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land at south west of Evesham 37-N01a EVESHAM Wychavon 4 - Site constraint (flood risk or sewerage/water supply). 10. The Road current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land to south of Pershore Road, 37-N07 EVESHAM Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP West of Fairfield allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land to the north of Boat lane 37-N17 EVESHAM Wychavon 4 - Site constraint (flood risk or sewerage/water supply). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
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SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Standard Reason land to the east of Abbey Road 37-N18 EVESHAM Wychavon 4 - Site constraint (flood risk or sewerage/water supply). 6 - Site constraint (natural or historic environment asset). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land to the south of Offenham 37-N22 EVESHAM Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP Road allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land off Cheltenham Road 37-O17 EVESHAM Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.4 - Site constraint (flood risk or sewerage/water supply) Page 213 Land off Inches lane 37-O19a EVESHAM Wychavon 7. Site constraint (services/transport access or other infrastructure). Land off Pershore Road and 37-O27 EVESHAM Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP Peewit Road allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land at Common Road 37-O28 EVESHAM Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Broadview Farm, Twyford 37-U37 EVESHAM Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land north of Wyre Road 71-26a PERSHORE Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
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SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Standard Reason Land south of Wyre Road 71-27 PERSHORE Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. New Road 71-40 PERSHORE Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land north of Defford Road 71-41 PERSHORE Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
Land south of Defford Road 71-42 PERSHORE Wychavon 4 - Site constraint (flood risk or sewerage/water supply) . 10. The Page 214 current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land north of Worcester Road 71-43 PERSHORE Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.6 - Site constraint (natural or historic environment asset) Land to the rear of 34 Bretforton 06-03 c BADSEY Wychavon 7 - Site constraint ( services/transport access or other infrastructure) Road 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land north of the B4035 06-08 BADSEY Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
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SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Standard Reason Land off Brewers Lane, Badsey 06-27 BADSEY Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land at Horsebridge Avenue 06-32 BADSEY Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. land off Bretforton Road 06-33 BADSEY Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. land to the rear of 66 Bretforton 06-34 BADSEY Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP Road allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Page 215 Need for Housing. Land at Station Drive 12-14 BREDON Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land off Moreton Lane 12-16 BREDON Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Tewkesbury Road 12-17 BREDON Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land off Eckington Road 12-18 BREDON Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
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SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Standard Reason Station Road 17-06 BROADWAY Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Garages South East of Sheldon 17-17 BROADWAY Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP Avenue allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land West of Leamington Road 17-20 BROADWAY Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
Land off Bibsworth Lane 17-22 BROADWAY Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Page 216 including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land off Smallbrook Road 17-27 BROADWAY Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land west of Waresley Road and 45-08 HARTLEBURY Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP Waresley Court allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Recreation ground at Waresley 45-29 HARTLEBURY Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Court Road including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Former British Legion Club, 45-30 HARTLEBURY Wychavon 7. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Site Constraint Millridge Way (services/transport access or other infrastructure). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. 23
SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Standard Reason Land east of Worcester Road, 45-31 HARTLEBURY Wychavon 5. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Site constraint (designated adj St Martins greenbelt). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land adj to Weston Road 51-01a HONEYBOURNE Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land adj to Harvard Avenue 51-11 HONEYBOURNE Wychavon 2. Relatively high level of development already proposed. Excluded by site appraisal criteria (Location). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Page 217 Land at Brook Farm, Weston 51-20 HONEYBOURNE Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Road including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Village Hall site to the south of 51-21 HONEYBOURNE Wychavon 9. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Site constraint - too small. 10. Bretforton Road The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land at Bretforton Road 51-23 HONEYBOURNE Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land south of Stonepit Lane 53-06 INKBERROW Wychavon 2. Relatively high level of development already proposed.. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
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SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Standard Reason Land south of Elmdean 53-08 INKBERROW Wychavon 2. Relatively high level of development already proposed. Excluded by site appraisal criteria (Location). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land east of Sands Road 53-14 INKBERROW Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land at Knowle Fields Barn Farm 53-15 INKBERROW Wychavon 2. Relatively high level of development already proposed. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Page 218 Housing. Land at Laurels Road 66-08 OFFENHAM Wychavon 2. Relatively high level of development already proposed. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land adj to Knowledge Cottages 66-11 OFFENHAM Wychavon 2. Relatively high level of development already proposed Site to the east of Grantham, 66-26 OFFENHAM Wychavon 10. The current commitments including submitted SWDP allocations Laurels Road already exceed Wychavon District Objectively Assessed Need for Housing Land South of Laurels Road 66-27 OFFENHAM Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land off Boat Lane 66-30 OFFENHAM Wychavon 2. Relatively high level of development already proposed. Excluded by site appraisal criteria (Location). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon 25
SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Standard Reason District's Objectively Assesse d Need for Housing.
Land to the west of Newton 66-31 OFFENHAM Wychavon 2. Relatively high level of development already proposed. Excluded Road by site appraisal criteria (Location). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Rear of Cross Keys 67-06 OMBERSLEY Wychavon 10. The current commitments including submitted SWDP allocations already exceed Wychavon District Objectively Assessed Need for Housing Land off Sandy's Road 67-07 OMBERSLEY Wychavon 10. The proposed allocations alone are sufficient to meet the Page 219 objectively assessed housing needs (only applicable to Wychavon) Land adj to Hill Top House 67-08 OMBERSLEY Wychavon 6. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Site constraint (natural or historic environment asset). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land south of Appletree Walk 67-09 OMBERSLEY Wychavon 6. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Site constraint (natural or historic environment asset). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land west of the A449 67-11 OMBERSLEY Wychavon 7. Site constraint (services/transport access or other infrastructure). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
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SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Standard Reason Land to the rear of 67-15 OMBERSLEY Wychavon 7. Site constraint (services/transport access or other infrastructure). Longheadland, off Appletree 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP Walk allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land to north of Crown Lane, 29wy-12 WYCHBOLD Wychavon 5. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Site constraint (designated rear of the Crown greenbelt). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land adj to the Crown Public 29wy-21 WYCHBOLD Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP House allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Page 220 Need for Housing. Land opp Bredon Hill Middle 4-08 ASHTON UNDER Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, School, Elmley Road HILL including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land around Sunnymead off 07-01 BECKFORD Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Back Lane and around Back Lane including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon House District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Site off Blacksmith Lane beyond 07-02 BECKFORD Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, development including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land to rear of Mulberry House 07-08 BECKFORD Wychavon 4. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Site constraint (flood risk or and Meadowside sewerage/water supply). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
27
SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Standard Reason Land at Blacksmiths Lane 07-09 BECKFORD Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land off New Street 15-22 BRETFORTON Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land to the Rear of Ivy Lane 15-23 BRETFORTON Wychavon 4. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Site constraint (flood risk or sewerage/water supply). 7. Site Constraint (services/transport access or other infrastructure). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Page 221 Stoneford Lane 15-25 BRETFORTON Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy (Location) 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land at Greenacres, Brook Lane 25-02 CROPTHORNE Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. land off Field Barn Lane 25-06 CROPTHORNE Wychavon 7. Site Constraint (services/transport access or other infrastructure - visibilty splays). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. land R/O The Croft 25-07 CROPTHORNE Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy (out of keeping with village / obscure plot). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
28
SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Standard Reason Land west of Middle Lane 25-08 CROPTHORNE Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. land at Field Barn lane, 25-15 CROPTHORNE Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy (out of keeping with village / obscure Cropthorne plot). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Blacksmiths Lane 25-16 CROPTHORNE Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy (out of keeping with village / location). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Page 222 Need for Housing. land rear of oak rise, off Main 25-17 CROPTHORNE Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy (out of keeping with village / Road location). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land rear of the Sling, Field Barn 25-18 CROPTHORNE Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy (limited developable area). 10. The lane current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Site south of Drakes Broughton 31-07 DRAKES Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP along A44 BROUGHTON allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land to the west of Stonebow 31-08 DRAKES Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP Road adj railway BROUGHTON allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
29
SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Standard Reason Site behind Hawthorne close off 31-09 DRAKES Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP Stonebow Road BROUGHTON allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. land east of Stonebow Road adj 31-11 DRAKES Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP railway BROUGHTON allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.7 - Site constraint ( services/transport access or other infrastructure) land north of B4084 west of 31-19 DRAKES Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP Stonebow Road BROUGHTON allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.1 - Not consistent with strategy (scale). Land at Thornleigh Farm 31-27 DRAKES Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP Page 223 BROUGHTON allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.1 - Not consistent with strategy (scale). land to west of Stonebow Road 31-28 DRAKES Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP adj railway BROUGHTON allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land at New Road/Pershore 33-08a ECKINGTON Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP Road allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land off Dilmore Lane between 61-06 FERNHILL HEATH Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP edge of allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Site off A38 between the Old 61-13 FERNHILL HEATH Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP Drive and Sling lane allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. 30
SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Standard Reason Land north of settlement, 61-14 FERNHILL HEATH Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP between Lower Town and allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land off Station Road to north of 61-15 FERNHILL HEATH Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP main settlement allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land south of Lower Town 61-23 FERNHILL HEATH Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
Land at the Kennels 61-26 FERNHILL HEATH Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Page 224 including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land at Station Road 61-27 FERNHILL HEATH Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land adj to Droitwich Road 61-28 FERNHILL HEATH Wychavon 5. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Site constraint (designated greenbelt). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land adj Pole Position, Station 38-08 FLADBURY Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Road including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land to the Rear of The Holding, 38-11 FLADBURY Wychavon 10. The current commitments including submitted SWDP allocations Broadway Lane already exceed Wychavon District Objectively Assessed Need for Housing 31
SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Standard Reason Pugh Storage Land to the south 38-12 FLADBURY Wychavon 10. The current commitments including submitted SWDP allocations of Broadway Lane already exceed Wychavon District Objectively Assessed Need for Housing Land to the south of the 38-13 FLADBURY Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Orchard, Station Road including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. land to the north of the Orchard, 38-14 FLADBURY Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Station Road including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land to the north of Pole 38-15 FLADBURY Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Position, Station Road including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon Page 225 District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land off Radford Road 39-12 New site FLYFORD FLAVELL Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land adj to the Old Post House, 39-13 New site FLYFORD FLAVELL Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Radford Road including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Crest Hill 46-02 HARVINGTON Wychavon 6. Site constraint (natural or historic environment asset). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land south of village street 46-09 HARVINGTON Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. 32
SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Standard Reason Evesham Road 46-09A HARVINGTON Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land at Crest Hill 46-22 HARVINGTON Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy (out of keeping with village / location). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land rear of Green End 72-10 PINVIN Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Page 226 Land at Barn House, Main St 72-06A PINVIN Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land rear of Green End 72-10 PINVIN Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land north of Green End and 72-17 PINVIN Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP Owls Reach allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land south of Salt Boxes 72-22 PINVIN Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy (location) Cottages, adj to Upton Snodsbury Road Land adj to St Nicholas Church, 72-23 PINVIN Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy (location) 6. Site constraint (natural Owletts Road or historic environment asset)
33
SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Standard Reason Land northof Salt Boxes 72-24 PINVIN Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy (location) Ccottages, off Upton Snodsbury Road Cleveland House, Terrace Road 72-25 PINVIN Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Nursery site, Winchcombe Road, 76-01 SEDGEBERROW Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Sedgeberrow. WR11 7UB including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Nursery site, Winchcombe Road, 76-01 / 76-09 SEDGEBERROW Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Sedgeberrow. WR11 7UB / Land (new SHLAA including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon Page 227 to south of Nursery site on ref to follow) District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Winchcombe Road, Sedgeberrow. WR11 7UB Land to south of Pear Tree Drive SHLAA ref to SEDGEBERROW Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, follow including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land to the south of land 76-07 SEDGEBERROW Wychavon 6. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Site Constraint (natural or adjacent to St Mary's Church historic environment asset). 7. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Site Constraint (services/transport access or other infrastructure). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land to the south of Main Street 76-13 SEDGEBERROW Wychavon 7. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Site Constraint (services/transport access or other infrastructure). 10. The current
34
SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Standard Reason commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
Land to the south of 76-15 / 76-18 SEDGEBERROW Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 4. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Cheltenham Road behind 76-18 (new SHLAA Site constraint (flood risk or sewerage/water supply). 8. Excluded by / Land south of Cheltenham ref to follow) site appraisal criteria: Site constraint (surrounding uses not Road north of 76-18 compatible with residential use). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land to the south of 76-16 SEDGEBERROW Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments,
Cheltenham Road including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon Page 228 District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land off Churchill Road SHLAA ref to SEDGEBERROW Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP follow allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.7 - Site constraint ( services/transport access or other infrastructure) Land adjacent Portway Farm SHLAA ref to SEDGEBERROW Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, (includes part of site submitted follow including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon known as: Land to south of Pear District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Tree Drive) Land rear of 88 Winchcombe SHLAA ref to SEDGEBERROW Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Road follow including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land fronting B4078, SHLAA ref to SEDGEBERROW Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Cheltenham Road follow including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. 35
SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Standard Reason Land between 78 and 88 76-20 SEDGEBERROW Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP Winchcombe Road allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land at rear of Station Road 78-12 SOUTH LITTLETON Wychavon 4. Site constraint (flood risk or sewerage/water supply) & 7. Site Constraint (services/transport access or other infrastructure). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land adj to Long Hyde Road 78-13 SOUTH LITTLETON Wychavon 6. Site constraint (natural or historic environment asset) and 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Page 229 Land to the rear of Inphone, adj 78-14 SOUTH LITTLETON Wychavon 7. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Site Constraint small holding (services/transport access or other infrastructure). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land between College Road and WY029 UPTON Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP School Lane SNODSBURY allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land rear of Village Hall, Broad 11-13 BISHAMPTON Wychavon 4. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Site constraint (flood risk or Lane sewerage/water supply). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Adj to Springhill Farm and 21-01 CHURCH LENCH Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Springfield House including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon
36
SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Standard Reason District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
Land off Low Road 21-08 CHURCH LENCH Wychavon 7. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Site Constraint (services/transport access or other infrastructure). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land off Evesham Road 21-09 CHURCH LENCH Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
Land adj Mayfield, Atch Lench 21-10 CHURCH LENCH Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 7. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Page 230 Road Site Constraint (services/transport access or other infrastructure). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land at Froglands Lane 23-09 CLEEVE PRIOR Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 7. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Site Constraint (services/transport access or other infrastructure). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land off Hoden Lane 23-12 CLEEVE PRIOR Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land East of Church Street 45CG-02 CROSSWAY Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP GREEN allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. 37
SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Standard Reason Land north of Old Turnpike Road SHLAA ref to CROWLE Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, follow including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land on Old Turnpike Road SHLAA ref to CROWLE Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, (south) follow including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land at north end of Crowle SHLAA ref to CROWLE Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, village between Crowle and follow including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon Crowle Green District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land adj to School Lane SHLAA ref to CROWLE Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP follow allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Page 231 Need for Housing. Land to east of Church Rd / 26-01 / 26-06 / CROWLE Wychavon 7. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Site Constraint North of Summerfield House on 26-09 ( new (services/transport access or other infrastructure). 10. The current Church Rd / Summerfield House SHLAA ref to commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed & surrounding land off Church follow) Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Rd Site adj to Church Lane / Land 26-03 / 26-10 CROWLE Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, opposite Village Hall off Church (new SHLAA including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon Rd ref to follow) District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land east of GD1 off Froxmere 26-07 CROWLE Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP Rd allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Site north of Froxmere Rd 26-12 CROWLE Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed 38
SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Standard Reason Need for Housing.
Land rear of Elmley Close 36c-4 CUTNALL GREEN Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.5 - Site constraint (designated greenbelt) 1 & 2 Avon Bank 27-1 a DEFFORD Wychavon 1 - Not consistent with strategy (removed from settlement) 4. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Site constraint (flood risk or sewerage/water supply). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
Rear of the Mount 27-9 DEFFORD Wychavon 7. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Site Constraint Page 232 (services/transport access or other infrastructure). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land off Harpley Road 27-16 DEFFORD Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land East of Upper Street 27-17 DEFFORD Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Lane behind properties on Hill 35-01 ELMLEY CASTLE Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP Lane from Hillmead to allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Hanbury Brickworks Site, 44-08 HANBURY Wychavon 5. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Site constraint (designated Saltway greenbelt). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP
39
SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Standard Reason allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
Land at Hanbury Road 44-09 HANBURY Wychavon 5. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Site constraint (designated greenbelt). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. East of Hanbury Road, adj 44-10 HANBURY Wychavon 5. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Site constraint (designated Blackberry Hill greenbelt). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
Land east of Blackberry Hill 44-11 HANBURY Wychavon 5. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Site constraint (designated Page 233 House, Forest Lane greenbelt). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land adj Galton Arms, Harrow WY039 HIMBLETON Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP Lane allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Rear of Blacksmiths Lane 47-10 LOWER MOOR Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, (HILL & MOOR including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon PARISH) District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land rear of Haig Villas, 47-15 LOWER MOOR Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Throckmorton Road (HILL & MOOR including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon PARISH) District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
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SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Standard Reason Land westof Duffledown View, 47-16 LOWER MOOR Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, (HILL & MOOR including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon PARISH) District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Depot, north of The Firs, 47-17 LOWER MOOR Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Throckmorton Road (HILL & MOOR including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon PARISH) District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. West of west side 60-8 NORTH & MIDDLE Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, LITTLETON including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
Land adj Hatfield Lane, Hatfield 64-04 NORTON JUXTA Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy (scale and location) 10. The current Page 234 KEMPSEY commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land adj to Wadborough Road 64-04 b NORTON JUXTA Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, KEMPSEY including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land adj to Squirrels Leap, 64-05 NORTON JUXTA Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Woodbury Lane KEMPSEY including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land at Woodhall Farm 64-24 NORTON JUXTA Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, KEMPSEY including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land around Norton Juxta 64-24 a NORTON JUXTA Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy (scale) Kempsey and North of KEMPSEY Littleworth, Brookhill Farm
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SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Standard Reason Land around Norton Juxta 64-24 b NORTON JUXTA Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy (scale). 10. The current Kempsey and North of KEMPSEY commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Littleworth, Land off Brockhill Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Lane Land around Norton Juxta 64-24 c NORTON JUXTA Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy (location)10. The current Kempsey and North of KEMPSEY commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Littleworth, Brookhill Farm Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land around Norton Juxta 64-24 d NORTON JUXTA Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy (location) 10. The current Kempsey and North of KEMPSEY commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Littleworth, Land adjacent to Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Church Lane/M5 Page 235 Land around Norton Juxta 64-24 e NORTON JUXTA Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP Kempsey and North of KEMPSEY allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Littleworth, Land adjacent to Need for Housing. Church Lane/M5 Land around Norton Juxta 64-24 f NORTON JUXTA Wychavon 6 - Site constraint (natural or historic environment asset -POS) 10. Kempsey and North of KEMPSEY The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, Littleworth, Land adjacent to already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Church Lane/M5 Housing. Land around Norton Juxta 64-24 g NORTON JUXTA Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy (scale and location) 10. The current Kempsey and North of KEMPSEY commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Littleworth, adjacent to Church Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Lane/Hatfield Lane Land around Norton Juxta 64-24 h NORTON JUXTA Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy (scale). 10. The current Kempsey and North of KEMPSEY commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed
42
SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Standard Reason Littleworth, adjacent to Church Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Lane/Hatfield Lane
Land around Norton Juxta 64-24 i NORTON JUXTA Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy (location) 10. The current Kempsey and North of KEMPSEY commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Littleworth, Land to the East of Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Norton House Farm Land around Norton Juxta 64-24 j NORTON JUXTA Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Kempsey and North of KEMPSEY including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon Littleworth, Land adj to Squirrels District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
Leap, Woodbury Lane Page 236 Land around Norton Juxta 64-24 k NORTON JUXTA Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Kempsey and North of KEMPSEY including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon Littleworth, South of The Follies: District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Norton Parkway Land at Pound House Farm, 64-25 NORTON JUXTA Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP Church Lane KEMPSEY allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land at Woodbury Lane, Norton WY63 NORTON JUXTA Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, KEMPSEY including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land south west of Chapel Road 69-07 PEBWORTH Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
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SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Standard Reason Land to the west of Chapel Road 69-11 PEBWORTH Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land off Dorsington Road 69-15 PEBWORTH Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Fibrex Nurseries, Homeybourne 69-16 PEBWORTH Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP Road allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Priory Farm 69BM-01 BROAD MARSTON Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 4. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Site constraint (flood risk or sewerage/water supply). 10. The Page 237 current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land and farmyard at Court End 83-13 TIBBERTON Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 7. Site Constraint (services/transport Farm access or other infrastructure). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land and farmyard at Court End 83-14 TIBBERTON Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 7. Site Constraint (services/transport Farm access or other infrastructure). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land between Plough Road and 83-15 TIBBERTON Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 7. Site Constraint (services/transport Foredraught access or other infrastructure). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon
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SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Standard Reason District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
Land between Plough road and 83-16 TIBBERTON Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 7. Site Constraint (services/transport Hawthorn Rise access or other infrastructure). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land to the east of the Speed 83-17 TIBBERTON Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 7. Site Constraint (services/transport and the Plough public access or other infrastructure). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon
District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Page 238 Land at Greenfields Farm, north 85-01 UPTON WARREN Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy (scale). 10. The current of Worcester Road commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.5 - Site constraint (designated greenbelt) Land at Greenfields Farm, south 85-02 UPTON WARREN Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy (scale). 10. The current of Worcester Road commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.5 - Site constraint (designated greenbelt) Land at Greenfields Farm, east 85-03 UPTON WARREN Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy (scale). 10. The current of lakeside Court commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.5 - Site constraint (designated greenbelt) Land north-east of junction 88-12 WHITTINGTON Wychavon 7. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Site Constraint between A44 and (services/transport access or other infrastructure). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed 45
SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Standard Reason Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
Land surrounding The Hill House 88-14 WHITTINGTON Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land off Walkers Lane and 88-20 WHITTINGTON Wychavon 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP Church Lane allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. The Chapelry, Walkers Lane 88-21 WHITTINGTON Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon
District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Page 239 7 Old Hall Close 05-02 ASTON Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, SUMMERVILLE including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Adjacent Springhill Farm & 21-01AL ATCH LENCH Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Springfield House including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land at Mitton, North 12-06 BREDONS Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Tewkesbury HARDWICK including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land adjacent Hill View 12-19 BREDONS Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, HARDWICK including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
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SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Standard Reason Land at Home Farm 14-03 BREDONS Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, NORTON including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land to the rear of The Croft 18-01 BROUGHTON Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, HACKETT including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land west of Boston Lane 19-10 CHARLTON Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
Crow Farm, Yessel Lane 19-9 CHARLTON Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Page 240 including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land east of Farmers Lane 20-5 CHILDSWICKHAM Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 4. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Site constraint (flood risk or sewerage/water supply). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land off A441, Evesham Road 92-12 COOKHILL Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 5. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Site constraint (designated greenbelt). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land adjacent to the Honeybee 30-01 DOVERDALE Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Inn including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
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SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Standard Reason Land adjacent St Richards and St 42-04 HADZOR Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Huberts Church including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land off Hadzor Lane/Green 42-04a HADZOR Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Lane including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land off Green Lane/Middle 42-04b HADZOR Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Lane including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land rear of Hadzor Lane 42-05 HADZOR Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon Page 241 District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land adjacent Pershore Lane 49-02 HINDLIP Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 4. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Bridge Site constraint (flood risk or sewerage/water supply). 5. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: Site constraint (designated greenbelt). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Lamd at Court Farm, Hindlip 49-04 HINDLIP Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 5. Excluded by site appraisal criteria: lane Site constraint (designated greenbelt). 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Court Farm 61-29 HINDLIP Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
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SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Standard Reason Manor Farm Buildings, Manor 50-01 HINTON ON THE Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Farm GREEN including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land to the rear of Hinton 50-02 HINTON ON THE Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Cottages GREEN including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land at Bevans Lane 50-03 HINTON ON THE Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, GREEN including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
Land between Cheltenham Road 12-20 KINSHAM Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Page 242 and Watery Lane including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land rear of Micris, Chapel Lane 12-21 KINSHAM Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Grange Farmyard, Wick Road 56-01 LITTLE Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, COMBERTON including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land adjacent to Porters 56-02 LITTLE Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Cottages COMBERTON including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land north of Norton Village 63-02 NORTON AND Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, LENCHWICK including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
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SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Standard Reason Land off Byrd Row 63-12 NORTON AND Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, LENCHWICK including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land between Green Lane and 65-01 ODDINGLEY Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Plough Lane including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land off Green Lane 65-02 ODDINGLEY Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. The Croft, Goodleigh Hill, 71-44 PERSHORE Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Pensham including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon Page 243 District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land off Radford Road 74-02 ROUS LENCH Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land at Naseby House, Sale 26-18 SALE GREEN Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Green including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land adjoining Walnut Cottage 48-10 SALEWAY Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Brook House Farm 48-08 SHERNALL GREEN Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
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SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Standard Reason Land at Brookhouse Farm 48-09 SHERNALL GREEN Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Hill View Road, Upper 81-01 STRENSHAM Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Strensham including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land at Strensham Court, 81-02 STRENSHAM Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Bredon Field including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
Extensive site to north and east 80-04 STOULTON AND Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Page 244 of Stoulton running up railway HAWBRIDGE including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon line District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land at Terony, Egdon Lane, 80-07 STOULTON AND Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Egdon HAWBRIDGE including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land north of Evesham Road 47-15 UPPER MOOR Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. The Nurseries, Wadborough 31-29 WADBOROUGH Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Pershore College 89-02 WICK Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
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SWC – September 2014 Appendix 2
Site Name / Description Site Reference Location Authority Standard Reason Land north of Sally Close 90-09 WICKHAMFORD Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land north of Pitchers Hill 90-10 WICKHAMFORD Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land at Sandy's Avenue 90-11 WICKHAMFORD Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land to the rear of Sally Close 90-12 WICKHAMFORD Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon Page 245 District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Nuseries off Longdon Hill, 90-13 WICKHAMFORD Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Broadway Road including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Nightingale Orchards, Longdon 90-14 WICKHAMFORD Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, Hill including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing. Land at Wyre Hill 91-11 WYRE PIDDLE Wychavon 1. Not consistent with strategy. 10. The current commitments, including submitted SWDP allocations, already exceed Wychavon District's Objectively Assessed Need for Housing.
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SWC – September 2014 Page 246
APPENDIX 3
South Worcestershire Development Plan Examination
Advice Note – Proposed Modifications Public Consultation
South Worcestershire Councils
Context and guidance for interested parties on the current public consultation into Proposed Modifications to the South Worcestershire Development Plan following Stage 1 of the Examination, (October 2013 and March 2014)
SWCs: 30 September 2014
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Introduction A. The purpose of this document is to set out Proposed Modifications to the South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP) that have arisen during the ongoing Examination process. Proposed Modifications are those identified changes to the Plan that are considered necessary to ensure it is sound. The Proposed Modifications are proposed by the Inspector, under section 7C of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004: “(7C)If asked to do so by the local planning authority, the person appointed to carry out the examination must recommend modifications of the document that would make it one that: — a. satisfies the requirements mentioned in subsection (5)(a), and b. is sound. ” B. Comments on the way in which the Proposed Modifications have been prepared are likely to relate to “legal compliance”. If it is the actual content of the Proposed Modifications that is commented on, it is likely this will relate to the “soundness” of the document. C. The SWDP is being examined by an independent inspector (Mr Roger Clews) whose role is to assess whether the plan has been prepared in accordance with the Duty to Co-operate, legal and procedural requirements and whether it is sound. D. A local planning authority should submit a plan for examination which it considers is “sound” – namely that it is: ● Positively prepared – the plan should be prepared based on a strategy which seeks to meet objectively assessed development and infrastructure requirements, including unmet requirements from neighbouring authorities where it is reasonable to do so and consistent with achieving sustainable development; ● Justified – the plan should be the most appropriate strategy, when considered against the reasonable alternatives, based on proportionate evidence; ● Effective – the plan should be deliverable over its period and based on effective joint working on cross-boundary strategic priorities; and ● Consistent with national policy – the plan should enable the delivery of sustainable development in accordance with the policies in the National Planning Policy Framework. E. The Inspector is therefore seeking comments on the Proposed Modifications through the medium of a focussed consultation process, to run for six weeks from 6 October to 14 November 2014. F. This consultation is not an opportunity to raise matters that either were, or could have been, part of the earlier representations or hearings on the submitted plan . Comments should be confined to the Proposed Modifications and Sustainability Appraisal as published. Any comments that attempt to address previous issues will not be considered by the Inspector. G. Following the close of the consultation, representations received in response to the Proposed Modifications will be collated by the South Worcestershire Councils (SWC) and forwarded to the Inspector. The Inspector will consider all the valid responses made to this consultation, together with those made at the formal stage of consultation and present his recommendations in a report. He may also feel it necessary to hold a further examination hearing to discuss any points raised. H. The SWC will not comment on or respond to the representations received. Responses to the Proposed Modifications are for the Inspector to consider. I. If you wish to make a representation seeking a change to the Proposed Modifications, you should: i. Make clear in what way the published Proposed Modifications is not sound or not legally compliant, having regard to the tests set out above. ii. Support your representation by evidence showing why the Proposed Modifications should be changed. iii. Say precisely how you think the Proposed Modifications should be changed.
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J. All submission documents, including background papers and the Integrated Assessment appraisal, are available to view on the SWDP website at: www.swdevelopmentplan.org All Submission Documents will be available for inspection at the offices of Malvern Hills District, Worcester City and Wychavon District Councils. K. Please note the following: Representations may be by post or email. Representations should be made using the form provided (Appendix 1) Representations may be accompanied by a request to be notified at a specified address of any of the following: • that the SWDP has been submitted for independent examination; • the publication of the recommendations of any person appointed to carry out an independent examination of the SWDP; • the adoption of the SWDP. L. If you do require this notification, please remember to specify this on the standard response form and your contact address.
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M. Proposed changes to strategic housing provision
Context 1. The South Worcestershire Councils (SWC) embarked on the drafting and production of a joint local plan in 2006. 2. The South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP) is the local plan for the future development of the three authority areas, drawn up by the SWC in consultation with local communities. It sets out strategic priorities for the area and determines the scale of growth required for South Worcestershire to meet social, economic and housing-related needs to 2030. 3. The SWDP sets out what the SWC consider to be the most appropriate and sustainable strategy for meeting those aims, in conjunction with delivering development that takes account of other significant issues such as: • the open countryside; • affordable housing; • good design; • flooding and water management; • the historic and natural environment; • areas of designated landscape value e.g. AONB • infrastructure. 4. Through SWDP site allocation policies, the plan identifies new housing allocations, including strategic urban extensions, intended to meet the full objectively assessed need for housing. 5. Early public engagement and visioning exercises, with reference to technical evidence, helped to define the key characteristics and challenges facing South Worcestershire. These were expanded on in the Issues and Options (2007) and Preferred Options (2008) reports and the accompanying Sustainability Appraisals and are summarised below: • Recognition of both the current and potential need for growth at Worcester through population projections / household projections, the adopted version (2004) of which identified Worcester as a Sub- Regional Focus. Worcester was subsequently identified regionally as a Settlement of Significant Development; • Roles and growth requirements of the towns of Droitwich Spa, Evesham, Malvern, Pershore, Tenbury Wells, and Upton-upon-Severn; • Sustainability of villages that provided local services, those villages within the hinterland of Worcester City and the towns in south Worcestershire; • Issues around the economic and social viability of the more remote rural areas within Malvern Hills and Wychavon. • Requirements for the delivery of infrastructure and services.
Background 6. As part of his interim conclusions, published in October 2013, the SWDP Inspector had reservations about certain aspects of the Worcestershire Strategic Housing Market Assessment (2012) (SHMA), specifically various technical aspects and the age of the base data. He requested, in line with NPPF para 159, that the SWC undertake a revision of the Objectively Assessed Housing Need work to provide a reliable and up-to- date basis for the determination of the housing requirement for the SWDP area. In doing so the Inspector outlined certain guidelines relating to his technical expectations for this work and also stated that he anticipated that the final provision figure was likely to be “ significantly higher ” than the 23,200 figure originally proposed in the Submission SWDP.
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7. In preparing the report and to support the soundness of its conclusions, the SWC considered that it was essential to derive an independently prepared, representative and realistic objective assessment of housing need. The SWC contracted with Amion (who are also leading the preparation of the Strategic Economic Plan for Worcestershire LEP) and Edge Analytics (a leading company in the field of socio-economic analysis) to lead the work. Further, in line with the Inspector’s request to use more than one set of economic forecasts, they utilised three baseline sets: (a) Cambridge Econometrics – as used by Worcestershire LEP; (b) Experian – as promoted by developers at the September hearing; (c) Oxford Economics – commissioned by SWC.
What did the new evidence say? 8. The assessment used the latest official population estimates and three new employment forecasts. It comprised: • The preparation of population forecasts for the period up to 2030. • Translation of these forecasts, taking account of headship rates, into forecasts of the numbers of households. • Interpretation of the household forecasts into projections for future dwelling requirements – taking into account vacancies, second homes and developments already undertaken during the forecasting period. 9. The outcome of the Amion / Edge assessment was submitted to the Examination by the SWC and formed the basis of its response to the Inspector’s questions about the Strategic Housing Market Assessment. The assessment presented a range of scenarios with associated levels of housing growth, of which the one considered to be most appropriate and realistic was Scenario Three. This version used trend-based, migration-led scenarios and assumed a continuation of recent migration patterns to identify a range of between 26,700 and 27,300 new dwellings to meet housing need to 2030. 10. The reassessment was submitted to the Examination by the SWC alongside representations from other interested parties to the Inspector’s questions and concerns on the housing land supply. Their suggestions for additional housing numbers to meet what they saw as the extant need ranged from 28,400 to c38,000. 11. The SWC were of the view that the range identified in the Amion / Edge reports was appropriate for consideration by the Inspector as a Proposed Modifications to the SWDP. The revised housing figure took account of: - • realistic levels of economic growth and present / future employment growth • household formation rates • economic participation rates • in- and out-migration in the south Worcestershire area and the needs (if any) of adjacent or nearby authorities • affordable housing provision • meeting historic undersupply • justified levels of windfall development 12. More details of the report and supporting technical evidence can be found by looking at the Examination Website for the SWDP via this link - http://www.swdevelopmentplan.org/wp- content/uploads/2013/02/Councils-Updated-Assessment-list-of-documents.pdf
Proposed Modifications – new strategic housing figure identified by Inspector 13. Following the reconvened Examination hearings, the Inspector issued his recommended revised housing number to the SWC. He felt that:
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… it would be reasonable to take the mid-point between the SENS2 and SENS3 jobs-led scenario “average” case forecasts as representing the full, objectively-assessed level of housing need over the Plan period. This gives the following projected dwelling requirement figures for 2006-30: Malvern Hills 8,590 Worcester City 9,830 Wychavon 9,950 South Worcestershire 28,370 (Paragraph 57, Inspector’s Further Interim Conclusions on the Outstanding Stage 1 Matters, 31 st March 2014) … I therefore recommend that the Councils adopt the figures in paragraph 57 above as representing the full, objectively-assessed need for housing over the Plan period, and as the basis for making provision for housing in the Plan in accordance with national planning policy and guidance . (Paragraph 61, Inspector’s Further Interim Conclusions on the Outstanding Stage 1 Matters, 31 st March 2014) 14. The Inspector has thus identified a figure to meet extant and future housing needs to 2030 of 28,370 .
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Increasing the SWDP housing allocations
Options for meeting additional housing requirements 15. The strategy of the SWDP is to utilise a hierarchy of locations (Worcester, main towns, other settlements, villages) to accommodate identified housing need. This has meant the allocation of a portfolio of sites across the plan area, ranging from a number of sustainable urban extensions to relatively small sites in Category 3 rural settlements. Finding sites to meet the additional needs on top of those already identified is a sensitive task and care must be taken not to overlook the strategy in doing so. 16. With the objectively assessed need for housing rising to 28,370 to 2030, there will be a need to identify an increased supply, including new sites and extensions to / increased development density on submitted housing allocations. Doing so will enable the higher figure to be achieved with minimal impact on the shape and delivery of the wider strategy. 17. As part of their approach to meeting the higher number identified by the Inspector, the SWC undertook the following exercises: - Call for Sites a. In March 2014, the SWC carried out a ‘call for sites’ for housing purposes. This was as a consequence of the ongoing examination, and was intended to assist progress in moving towards the Stage 2 hearings while addressing the identified uplift in the objectively assessed need for housing. The SWC used this information to update the South Worcestershire Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA), which identifies a pool of potential housing sites. The work was in line with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). It also enabled the SWC to take account of the new National Planning Practice Guidance published by the Department for Communities and Local Government in March 2014, which advocates such updating as good practice. b. The SWC stressed that they were looking only for new sites that had not been under consideration previously (e.g. those sites that have not been subject to an application for planning permission nor identified during a previous SHLAA exercise). An objective assessment of the new sites was carried out using the SHLAA 4 th Edition (2012) methodology, including site survey work. c. As well as providing evidence to inform preparation of the SWDP the assessment may also be referred to by neighbourhood forums and parish / town councils as a starting point when identifying sites to allocate in a neighbourhood plan.
Re-examination of extant capacity on existing allocations The SWC revisited the identified capacities of the sites already allocated in the Submission SWDP and considered whether there was any scope for accommodating additional numbers of new dwellings on them. This would have the effect of reducing the number of new sites that would need to be allocated, although there would potentially be an increase in adverse impacts associated with increased development on such sites.
Outcome As a result of this site assessment process (sites were also the subject of rigorous technical testing by bodies such as the Worcestershire County Council Highways Department, Severn Trent and the SWC’s sustainability appraisal consultants), a list of additional and amended sites was compiled. In the view of the SWC, this list represented the most appropriate and sustainable means of meeting the uplift in housing numbers while at the same time maintaining the SWDP’s development strategy (SWDP 2).
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South Worcestershire Development Plan Examination
Proposed Modifications to SWDP – Objective Assessment of Housing Need and associated uplift in housing numbers
South Worcestershire Councils
Representation form for responding to Proposed Modifications on the uplift in housing numbers following the first stage hearings into the SWDP (March 2014).
Please use a separate sheet for each modification response – there is an additional document available on the SWDP website that can be completed and appended to this form as many times as required. This will enable the Inspector to consider your comments on each modification as promptly as possible.
SWC: October 2014
Please use a separate Part A / B form for Pageeach modi 254fication you wish to respond to and attach to the one containing your contact details.
South Worcestershire Development Plan Proposed Modifications: October - November 2014
The South Worcestershire Councils (SWC) are seeking representations on the Proposed Modifications to the SWDP, following stage 1 of the examination in public (March 2014). The changes are proposed by the SWC to address issues around the need for an uplift of housing numbers to meet the objectively assessed housing need for the area and we are only able to accept representations on these matters.
REPRESENTATIONS MUST ONLY RELATE TO THE CURRENT PROPOSED MODIFICATIONS.
Further representations to the submitted SWDP will not be accepted. There is no need to repeat representations that you submitted at a previous stage.
. You can access the SWDP documents online and additional copies of this form from our website http://www.swdevelopmentplan.org/?page_id=5393
Completed forms should be returned either by
Email to:
Post to:
ALL REPRESENTATIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING NO LATER THAN 5.00PM ON 14 NOVEMBER 2014.
9 Please use a separate Part A / B form for eachPage modification 255 you wish to respond to and attach to the one containing your contact details.
Before completing the response form we would be grateful if you could tell us more about yourself: 1. Personal Details 2. Agent Details (if applicable)
Title
First Name
Last Name
Job Title (if relevant)
Organisation (if relevant).
Address
Postcode
Tel. No.
HOW WE WILL USE YOUR DETAILS The personal information you provide on this form will be processed in accordance with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998. It will be used only for the preparation of local development documents or any subsequent statutory replacement. However, your name and representations will be made publicly available when displaying and reporting the outcome of the consultation stage, and cannot be treated as confidential. OTHER DETAILS , INCLUDING YOUR ADDRESS AND SIGNATURE, WILL BE TREATED AS CONFIDENTIAL .
In agreeing to the holding of your information you are giving permission for your details, held on the database, to be shared between the three local authorities. If you have any concerns or queries relating to this process, please contact 01905 722233.
I agree that contact details and any related responses can be held by the planning service departments of the three South Worcestershire local authorities. I understand that they will only be used in relation to the plan making process as required by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and other planning-related legislation.
Signed : Date :
10 Please use a separate Part A / B form for Pageeach modi 256fication you wish to respond to and attach to the one containing your contact details.
3. Are you attaching any additional sheets that relate to this representation?
Number of Yes No sheets
4. Which Proposed Modification does your representation relate to?
Modification Number PM
5. Do you consider the Proposed Modification to be legally compliant?
Yes No No Comment
6. If you consider the Proposed Modification to be unsound, please identify which test of soundness your comments relate to? (tick all that apply)
Positively Effective prepared
Consistent Justified with National Policy
° Positively prepared – the plan should be prepared based on a strategy which seeks to meet objectively assessed development and infrastructure requirements, including unmet requirements from neighbouring authorities where it is reasonable to do so and consistent with achieving sustainable development; ° Justified – the plan should be the most appropriate strategy, when considered against the reasonable alternatives, based on proportionate evidence; ° Effective – the plan should be deliverable over its period and based on effective joint working on cross-boundary strategic priorities; and ° Consistent with national policy – the plan should enable the delivery of sustainable development in accordance with the policies in the National Planning Policy Framework .
11
Please use a separate Part A / B form for eachPage modification 257 you wish to respond to and attach to the one containing your contact details.
Part A Please use a separate sheet for each modification response – there is an additional document available on the SWDP website that can be completed and appended to this form as many times as required. This will enable the Inspector to consider your comments on each modification as promptly as possible.
Please give details of why you consider the Proposed Modification is not legally compliant or is unsound. Please be as precise as possible. If you wish to support the Proposed Modification please also use the box below to set out your comments.
Please note - your representation should provide evidence and information to support / justify your representation and any suggested change.
Your representation should relate only to the current Proposed Modifications.
Expand box / use additional page as necessary
12 Please use a separate Part A / B form for Pageeach modi 258fication you wish to respond to and attach to the one containing your contact details.
Part B Please set out what change(s) you consider necessary to make the Proposed Modification legally compliant or sound, having regard to the test(s) you have identified above. You will need to say why this change will make the Proposed Modification legally compliant or sound. It will be helpful if you are able to put forward your suggested revised wording of any policy or text. Please be as precise as possible.
Your representation should relate only to the current Proposed Modifications.
13 Please use a separate Part A / B form for eachPage modification 259 you wish to respond to and attach to the one containing your contact details.
14 Please use a separate Part A / B form for Pageeach modi 260fication you wish to respond to and attach to the one containing your contact details.
7. If your representation is seeking a change to the Proposed Modification, are you content for it to be considered by written representations, or do you consider it necessary to participate in person at an examination hearing?
Written representations Participate at an examination hearing
8a. If you wish to participate at an examination hearing, please outline why you consider this to be necessary:
8b. Where there are a large number of identical or very similar responses to a particular modification, it would assist the inspector if individuals could work together on presenting a joint case at the hearing. If you are able to do this, please indicate below who will be representing you. Your individual comments will still be considered by the Inspector.
Thank you for taking the time to complete this representation.
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South Worcestershire Development Plan Examination
Proposed Modifications to SWDP – Objective Assessment of Housing Need and associated uplift in housing numbers
South Worcestershire Councils
Additional sheet(s) for responses to individual modifications – to be appended to main form as required
Please use a separate sheet for each modification response to enable the Inspector to consider your comments on each modification as promptly as possible.
SWCs: October 2014
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Page 262 Additional sheet for responses to individual modifications – to be appended to main form as required
South Worcestershire Development Plan Proposed Modifications – October - November 2014
Please use a separate sheet for each modification number.
Your Name / Organisation Name (if relevant)
(for tracking purposes only )
4. Which Proposed Modification does your representation relate to?
Modification No. PM
5. Do you consider the Proposed Modification to be legally compliant?
Yes No No Comment
6. If you consider the Proposed Modification to be unsound, please identify which test of soundness your comments relate to? (tick all that apply)
Positively prepared Effective
Consistent with Justified National Policy
• Positively prepared – the plan should be prepared based on a strategy which seeks to meet objectively assessed development and infrastructure requirements, including unmet requirements from neighbouring authorities where it is reasonable to do so and consistent with achieving sustainable development; • Justified – the plan should be the most appropriate strategy, when considered against the reasonable alternatives, based on proportionate evidence; • Effective – the plan should be deliverable over its period and based on effective joint working on cross-boundary strategic priorities; and • Consistent with national policy – the plan should enable the delivery of sustainable development in accordance with the policies in the National Planning Policy Framework.
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Page 263 Additional sheet for responses to individual modifications – to be appended to main form as required
Part A
Please use a separate sheet for each reference number.
Please give details of why you consider the Proposed Modification is not legally compliant or is unsound. Please be as precise as possible. If you wish to support the Proposed Modification please also use the box below to set out your comments.
Please note - your representation should provide evidence and information to support / justify your representation and any suggested change.
Your representation should relate only to the current Proposed Modifications.
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Page 264 Additional sheet for responses to individual modifications – to be appended to main form as required
Part B
Please set out what change(s) you consider necessary to make the Proposed Modification legally compliant or sound, having regard to the test(s) you have identified above. You will need to say why this change will make the Proposed Modification legally compliant or sound. It will be helpful if you are able to put forward your suggested revised wording of any policy or text. Please be as precise as possible.
Your representation should relate only to the current Proposed Modifications.
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Page 265 Agenda Item 9
Report to: Council, 30 September 2014
Report of: The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Prosperity
Subject: LOCAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME 2014-17
1. Decision Required
1.1 It is recommended that the Council:
(i) Approve the Local Development Scheme 2014-17 as set out in Appendix 1 to this report;
(ii) Note the revised Schedule detailing the timetable revisions consequent to the Inspector’s Interim and Further Interim Conclusions;
(iii) Resolve that the Local Development Scheme will come into effect on 1 October 2014;
(iv) Agree to the immediate publication of the Local Development Scheme via the SWDP website; and
(v) Delegate authority to the Service Manager for Economic Development and Planning Policy in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economic Prosperity to make minor amendments to the text of the Local Development Scheme to correct any minor errors identified, subject to the agreement of all three South Worcestershire authorities where amendments relate to joint documents.
2. Background
2.1 Section 15 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended) sets out the requirement for local planning authorities to prepare and maintain a scheme of planning policy documents that it intends to produce. The LDS has two main purposes:
• To inform the public about the preparation of planning documents; and • To establish and reflect council priorities and enable work programmes to be set for the preparation of the documents.
2.2 The South Worcestershire Councils have worked collaboratively in producing revised Local Development Schemes for 2014-17, and the content of the documents to be jointly produced is consistent across all three LDSs. There are some variations where local authority-specific documents are proposed due to differing existing corporate commitments. The other two LDSs for Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils are subject to approval by their respective Councils.
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2.3 The LDS at Appendix 1 has therefore been produced for Worcester, within the context of the joint working arrangements across South Worcestershire. It replaces the previous LDS which covered the period from 2013-16 and came into effect in September 2013. The reason for this rapid revision appertains to the examination process of the SWDP and specifically the splitting of the examination process into two stages with the consequent delay in timetable. This revision takes into account the staged approach to the examination of the SWDP and the necessity to prioritise activity within the available resources.
3. The Local Development Scheme
The need for a review 3.1 As the SWDP progresses through the examination process, it is important that the timetable for the policy documents that will be essential in implementing the SWDP is both realistic and agreed. This will demonstrate to the Inspector that the councils are committed to the preparation of the planning policy framework that will deliver the SWDP.
3.2 The SWDP itself must be prepared in accordance with the relevant legal and procedural requirements. These matters will be considered by the Inspector in his examination of the plan. The Inspector cannot normally intervene or recommend any changes where an issue of legal compliance is highlighted, as the legal issues generally relate to how the plan has been produced and hence cannot be resolved retrospectively. It is therefore imperative that the councils ensure that the plan has been produced in accordance with the relevant Acts and Regulations.
3.3 One of the legal requirements for plan-making is that the Development Plan Document (DPD) in question (in this case the SWDP) be prepared in accordance with the adopted LDS, as set out in the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 Sections 15(2) and 19(1). The Inspector will consider whether the timescales set out in the LDS for the production of the DPD have been met and that the scope of the plan is consistent with the plan profile set out in the LDS. Revising the LDS and resolving that it will come into effect on the 1 October 2014 will ensure that the LDS is up-to-date and the legal requirements are met.
Changes to the Local Development Scheme 3.4 Consequent to the delay in the SWDP arising from the staged approach to the examination and the considerable amount of additional work that has arisen from the Inspector’s interim conclusions this LDS revision takes the opportunity to provide a realistic update in respect of:
• The timetable consequences of the approach to the examination of the SWDP adopted by the inspector; and
• The capacity of the councils to prepare associated planning policy framework. Page 267
3.5 Therefore the LDS revision takes account of the tightened resources available to this work area and reflects a strict prioritisation of those documents required to support the implementation of the SWDP.
3.6 As a result of the prioritisation work the following jointly produced documents will be brought forward in the near future:
• Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Site Allocations Development Plan Document; • Developer Contributions Supplementary Planning Document; • Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document; and • Community Infrastructure Levy Charging Schedule.
3.7 Given SWDP’s policy approach to Travellers and Travelling Showpeople in policy SWDP 17, a separate Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Site Allocations DPD is required to find sites to meet the remainder of the identified need and to ensure that these are strategy compliant. The DPD will identify sites which are suitable for gypsy and traveller accommodation and seek to allocate them for this purpose. It is important that the timetable for the production of this document is included in the revisions to the LDS so that there is a clear commitment to comply with national policy in respect of the Gypsy and Traveller community, thus preventing the SWDP from failing this test.
3.8 The Developer Contributions and Affordable Housing SPDs along with the Community Infrastructure Levy Charging Schedule will be jointly developed by the South Worcestershire Councils at an early stage in order to support the implementation of the SWDP. Significant background work on Community Infrastructure Levy has now taken place and the revised Local Development Scheme includes a timetable for the production of a CIL Charging Schedule. This cannot run ahead of the SWDP, as it is a requirement that the Charging Schedule is consistent with and support the implementation of an up-to-date Local Plan before it can be introduced.
3.9 In addition, the LDS includes those SPDs that are specific to the City. The Houses in Multiple Occupancy SPD is at an advanced stage, as shown on the LDS timetable. Following consultation, the SPD and comments received have been considered by Scrutiny and Planning Committees. The recommendation to Cabinet on 16 September 2014 to adopt the SPD will be then followed by the publication and legal stages. The Takeaway Food Outlets SPD is proposed to be completed over the timescale of this LDS.
4. Equalities, Financial, Health and Safety, HR, Legal, Policy, and Risk Management Implications
Equalities Implications 4.1 An Equality Impact Assessment is not required for the production of the Local Development Scheme as it is simply the project plan for preparing planning documents and does not itself contain any policies. Local Development Documents are themselves subject to Equality Impact Assessment at the appropriate plan making stages.
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Financial Implications 4.2 There are resource and financial implications of producing the documents contained within the Local Development Scheme. Where documents are to be produced jointly, Malvern Hills, Worcester City and Wychavon will continue to share the costs and recharging arrangements will apply. The biggest cost is staff resources but this is supplemented by the costs of public consultation, the need to keep the supporting evidence base updated, specialist advice and examination costs. The production of all of the Supplementary Planning Documents listed in the LDS will be subject to sufficient funding being available.
Health and Safety 4.3 No implications.
HR 4.4 No implications.
Legal Implications 4.5 The production of a Local Development Scheme is a statutory requirement for every Local Planning Authority as prescribed under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. Best practice also indicates that regular updates to the Project Plan should be provided on the Council’s website (also the SWDP website), as has been the case to date with amendments to the timetable for the SWDP. Changes in legislation since the LDS production have reduced the regulations guiding the production of an LDS. It is important to have an up to date project plan for planning policy documents before the SWDP stage 2 hearings in 2015, which demonstrates a clear commitment to produce the policy documents needed to deliver the SWDP.
Policy Implications 4.6 The Local Development Scheme itself does not establish policy, but simply outlines plans to be produced, the timetables for their production and the resources that will be necessary to deliver them. It is key in setting out forthcoming policy documents and their likely content.
4.7 The key document in the LDS remains the SWDP. The examination process for this is ongoing and the councils’ anticipated timetable is shown within the LDS. However, it is important for Members to note that the actual timetable is ultimately determined by the Inspector who steers, following Submission (May 2013) assumed control of the process. However, the timetable has been drawn to allow for the earliest possible delivery of a plan to replace the City of Worcester Local Plan, Malvern Hills Local Plan and Wychavon Local Plan, whilst remaining realistic.
Risk Management 4.8 Failure to deliver the SWDP as a replacement for the saved policies in the adopted City of Worcester Local Plan Malvern Hills Local Plan and Wychavon Local Plan, will result in prolonging the lack of an up-to-date planning policy framework for the South Worcestershire Councils. This could result in inappropriate planning applications being allowed on appeal due to the absence of an up-to-date development plan. In the absence of an up-to-date plan, appeal decisions will be principally judged against the National Planning Policy Framework including its advice on 5-year land supply. This is the situation currently being experienced within south Worcestershire. Page 269
4.9 As highlighted above, there are uncertainties around the exact length of the production phases of both Development Plan Documents and Supplementary Planning Documents, but specifically around the examination of a DPD where the document’s timely progression to adoption is determined by an Inspector. The LDS Project Plan has been drawn up to reflect these unknowns, and realistic time periods for each stage of the production process have been included. This reflects officer experience and knowledge of document production timings from other local authorities.
4.10 There is the potential that additional planning policy documents not included within the LDS may be needed in the period to 2016. Additional guidance may be required to respond to a particular issue. There is no strict requirement for Supplementary Planning Documents to be included in the LDS. Alterations to document production will be highlighted through the yearly monitoring process, which will trigger a review of the LDS Project Plan as necessary. Any changes will be reflected on the Project Plan (Appendix A within the document) which will be made available on the council website, rather than through a full review of the LDS.
5. Comments of the Service Manager for Economic Development and Planning Policy
5.1 The LDS includes profiles for each planning policy document and their associated project plan. The most important planning policy documents that sit alongside the SWDP include the Community Infrastructure Levy Charging Schedule, Statement of Community Involvement, and Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Site Allocations DPD. In addition a number of SPDs are also timetabled covering specific topics such as Developer Contributions and Affordable Housing which will help implement SWDP policies
5.2 The project plan/Gantt chart (Appendix A to the LDS) is the revised schedule detailing the timetable for preparation of the planning policy documents. This reflects the key work and timeframes to progress the SWDP, production of new DPD and SPDs, and the SCI, as well as the Community Infrastructure Levy work in the period up to 2017.
5.3 Whilst the LDS in Appendix 1 is specific to Worcester City, much of the content (in particular the SWDP) is shared with the LDSs being prepared by Malvern Hills District Council and Wychavon District Council, reflecting an ongoing approach to joint working. Each of the three Councils will be considering approval of their LDS at their Council meetings on 30 September 2014.
5.4 An update to the Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) is also presented to the Councils at their meetings on 30 September thereby ensuring that the legally required supporting documentation for the SWDP process is fully up to date and presents a realistic assessment of the completion of this work.
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6. THE DEPUTY LEADER AND CABINET MEMBER FOR ECONOMIC PROSPERITY, COUNCILLOR MARC BAYLISS, RECOMMENDS:
That the Council:-
(i) Approve the Local Development Scheme 2014-17 as set out in Appendix 1 to this report; (ii) Note the revised Schedule detailing the timetable revisions consequent to the Inspector’s Interim and Further Interim Conclusions;
(iii) Resolve that the Local Development Scheme will come into effect on 1 October 2014;
(iv) Agree to the immediate publication of the Local Development Scheme via the SWDP website; and
(v) Delegate authority to the Service Manager-Economic Development and Planning Policy in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economic Prosperity to make minor amendments to the text of the Local Development Scheme to correct any minor errors identified, subject to the agreement of all three South Worcestershire authorities where amendments relate to joint documents.
Ward(s): All Contact Officer: Ann Cooper, Planning Policy Team Leader, Tel 01905 721178, e-mail [email protected] Background Papers: Worcester Local Development Scheme 2014 – 17
Page 271 Appendix 1
Worcester Local Development Scheme 2014-2017
September 2014
Produced by the South Worcestershire Councils
Planning Policy Team Economic Development and Planning Policy Worcester City Council Orchard House Farrier Street Worcester WR1 3BB Page 272 Appendix 1
Contents Page 1. What is a Local Development Scheme? 1 2. Progress to date 3 3. Development Plan Documents 6 a. South Worcestershire Development Plan 7 b. Travellers and Travelling Showpeople Site Allocations 9 Development Plan Document 4. Other important policy documents 10 a. Community Infrastructure Levy Charging Schedule 11 b. Statement of Community Involvement 13 5. Supplementary Planning Documents 14 a. Developer Contributions 15 b. Affordable Housing 16 c. Houses in Multiple Occupation 16 d. Design Guide 17 e. Parking Standards in New Development 18 f. Takeaway Food Outlets 18 g. Archaeology and the Historic Environment 19 h. Biodiversity 20 i. Sustainable Drainage Systems 20 j. Renewable and Low Carbon Energy 21 6. Resources 23 7. Risk Assessment 24 8. Monitoring and review 26
Appendices A - South Worcestershire Local Development Scheme - 27 Project Plan/Gantt Chart 2013-2017 B - Saved Policies from the City of Worcester Local Plan 29 1996-2011
Fig 1 Worcester Planning Policy Framework Diagram 22 Table 1 Risk Assessment 24
Page 273 Appendix 1
1. What is a Local Development Scheme?
1.1 The Local Development Scheme (LDS) is a project management document which sets out the Council’s priorities for producing planning policy documents over the coming three years. It is a requirement of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended) that each Local Planning Authority should produce an LDS, which must include any Development Plan Documents it intends to publish and a timetable indicating the main milestones of production. The 2004 Act sets out a number of other requirements to be included in an LDS.
1.2 Since 2010, Worcester City Council has been working with Malvern Hills District Council and Wychavon District Council 1 to produce the joint South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP). Joint working on this strategic document has brought together many other work streams and has also created the need for further joint work in the future. The South Worcestershire Councils will therefore continue to combine resources on many planning policy matters and have worked collaboratively to prepare the shared elements of this LDS.
1.3 The current LDS, approved and published in September 2013, was prepared on the basis of the published SWDP timetable and associated work programmes available at that time. The LDS now needs to be updated to reflect changes to ensure it provides a useful source of information for interested parties. The intention of this revised Document is threefold: • to report the progress made since the publication of the 2013 LDS; • to inform interested parties of the changed timetable for the examination process and adoption of the SWDP; and • to provide a revised schedule for the preparation of the Supplementary Planning Documents.
1.4 The revised Local Development Scheme 2014-2017, including the revised timetable set out in Appendix A, will come into effect on 1 October 2014, in line with the resolution of Council at their meeting on the 30 September 2014.
1.5 The 2013 Local Development Scheme and this revised LDS 2014-2017 can be viewed on the Planning Policy pages of the Worcester City Council website, at: www.worcester.gov.uk/index.php?id=1124 . A printed copy is also available to view from the Worcestershire Hub Customer Services Desk which is located at:
Level 1 The Hive Sawmill Walk The Butts Worcester WR1 3PB
1 Referred to as the South Worcestershire Councils (SWC).
1 Page 274 Appendix 1
If you have any questions about the LDS or how to access it, please contact us by:
Email: [email protected] Tel: 01905 722233 and ask for the Planning Policy team
2 Page 275 Appendix 1
2. Progress to date
Progress since publication of the September 2013 Local Development Scheme
South Worcestershire Development Plan 2.1 As set out in the 2013 LDS the SWDP was submitted to the Secretary of State for examination on 28 May 2013.
2.2 The SWDP is still undergoing the examination process. Stage 1 of the examination, at the hearing sessions in October 2013, established that whilst the approach to the determination of housing need was sound it was necessary to revisit the actual level in light of more recent evidence. Therefore additional technical evidence was commissioned which was then subjected to examination in March 2014. The Inspector released his Interim Conclusions (October 2013) and Further Interim Conclusions (March 2014) which indicated a significant uplift in housing requirement was necessary.
2.3 During the summer of 2014 the three SWCs have been engaged in a programme of work to identify and assess sufficient suitable sites to satisfy the recommended uplift in the Objectively Assessed Housing Need (OAHN) within the context of the strategy and policies being examined. This work was initiated by a formal Call for Sites exercise in March/April 2014 and has involved a comprehensive site assessment and evaluation. The Council meetings on 30 September 2014 considered the outputs of this work and the resulting uplift in housing requirement and the proposed modifications that arise from it, and approve the publication for consultation in the autumn of 2014.
2.4 The SWCs anticipate that the Stage 2 hearings will be held in early 2015, although the precise timing of these will be decided by the Inspector.
Minerals and Waste planning 2.5 This is prepared by Worcestershire County Council. The Worcestershire Waste Core Strategy Development Plan Document was adopted November 2012.
2.6 The second stage of consultation on the Minerals Local Plan ran from 11th November 2013 until 31st January 2014. The County Council have produced a Response Document setting out the comments received and response to how they might be taken account of in the development of the Minerals Local Plan . A separate Minerals and Waste Local Development Scheme has been produced by Worcestershire County Council and is available on their website . It is anticipated that the Minerals Local Plan will be submitted for examination in late 2014/early 2015 with eventual adoption anticipated in late 2015.
3 Page 276 Appendix 1
Neighbourhood Plans 2.7 At the time of reviewing the Local Development Scheme, no applications to designate Neighbourhood Areas as the basis for the production of a Neighbourhood Plan had been received in Worcester.
Supplementary Planning Documents 2.8 Due to the delays in preparing the South Worcestershire Development Plan, progress on producing the associated SPDs has also been affected. In the majority of cases, planned SPDs such as Developer Contributions and Affordable Housing are planned to provide further detail on an updated strategic policy in the SWDP.
Existing Development Plan for Worcester 2.9 Whilst an updated development plan and local planning policy framework is being produced, the Council’s existing development plan currently comprises of: • Saved Policies from the City of Worcester Local Plan (adopted 2004). These policies are reproduced at Appendix B of this document for information. • Balanced Housing Market Development Plan Document (adopted 2007) • Worcestershire Waste Core Strategy Development Plan Document (adopted 2012) • Saved Policies from the Hereford and Worcester Minerals Local Plan (adopted 1997) These are the documents which provide the planning policies that planning applications should be determined against (unless material considerations indicate otherwise) at the time of reviewing this LDS.
2.10 As part of its promotion of the Localism agenda, the Government has abolished the regional tier of planning policy and revoked the last of the saved sub-regional policies. Therefore for the avoidance of doubt, the following documents no longer form part of the development plan for Worcester: • West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy 2004 • Worcestershire Structure Plan 1996-2011 Both were formally revoked on 20 th May 2013 by Direction of the Secretary of State
Existing local planning policy framework 2.11 The wider planning policy framework for Worcester currently consists of the following Supplementary Planning Documents: • Accessibility – adopted March 2012 • Takeaway Food Outlets – adopted July 2011 • Affordable Housing – adopted 2009 • Biodiversity and Trees – adopted 2007 • Archaeology and the Historic Environment – adopted 2007 • Education Contributions – adopted 2007 • Contributions to Open Space from New Residential Development adopted 1998 • City Centre – adopted 2007 • Earls Court Farm Development and Design Brief – adopted 2007 • Grove Farm Business Park Development Brief – adopted 2006
4 Page 277 Appendix 1
• Financial contributions for Sustainable Transport – adopted 2006 • Former Ronkswood Hospital Site Development Brief – adopted 2005
5 Page 278 Appendix 1
3. Development Plan Documents
3.1 The Development Plan Documents to be produced over the next three years are: • South Worcestershire Development Plan (Joint with Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils) • Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Site Allocations DPD (Joint with Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils)
3.2 Once adopted, the South Worcestershire Development Plan will be subject to a review in accordance with the timescales set out in the submitted version of the plan.
3.3 The following section sets out the content and timetable for producing the above documents. All references to Regulations in this section refer to The Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 .
3.4 Unless revoked, the adopted Balanced Housing Market Development Plan Document 2007 remains part of the development plan. In accordance with The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 Section38(5), if policy in the development plan for Worcester city conflicts with another policy in the development plan, then the conflict is resolved in favour of the policy which is contained in the last document to be adopted, approved or published.
6 Page 279 Appendix 1
3a South Worcestershire Development Plan
Overview Role and content The plan sets out the Vision, Objectives, Spatial Strategy and policies for the future development of south Worcestershire. The second part of the plan includes site specific allocations, policies and policy designations that will provide for the development needs of the area up to 2030. Status Development Plan Document Geographical The plan covers the administrative areas of Worcester, coverage Wychavon and Malvern Hills. Jointly produced YES. The SWDP is being jointly produced by Worcester City Council, Wychavon District Council and Malvern Hills District Council Chain of National Planning Policy Framework, Planning policy for conformity Traveller sites, case law and planning legislation
Timetable (Completed Stages are shown in BLUE bold ) Commencement 2007 (as South Worcestershire Joint Core Strategy (JCS)) 2009 (as Site Allocations and Policies DPD) 2010 (as the South Worcestershire Development Plan) Initial November 2007: Issues and Option s (JCS) consultation September 2008: Preferred Options (JCS) (Regulation 18) January - March 2009: Potential Strategic Sites consultation October 2009–April 2010: Informal consultation on the former Site Allocations and Policies DPD October 2010: Parish and Town Council Visioning workshops November 2011: Preferred Options (SWDP) August - September 2012: Targeted Significant Changes Consultation Publication 11 January - 22 nd February 2013 (Regulation 19) Submission 28 May 2013 (Regulation 22) Independent Stage 1 Hearings (Part 1) 1 -3 October 2013 Examination Interim Conclusions published 30 October 2013 (Regulation 24) Stage 1 Hearings (Part 2) 13-14 March 2014 Further Interim Conclusions (31 March 2014) published 8 April 2014
Councils to consider Main Modifications arising from Stage 1 Hearings – 30 September 2014 Consultation on Stage 1 Main Modifications October– November 2014 Stage 2 Hearings anticipated to commence February/March 2015 (Precise dates will be determined by the Inspector)
7 Page 280 Appendix 1
Receipt of Autumn 201 5 Inspector’s Report (Regulation 25) Adoption Winter 2015 (Regulation 26)
8 Page 281 Appendix 1
3b. Travellers and Travelling Showpeople Site Allocations DPD
Overview Role and content The Travellers and Travelling Showpeople Site Allocations DPD will set out the updated requirement for the number of sites and pitches to be provided to meet the needs of gypsies, travellers and travelling showpeople in the area over the coming years. It will then allocate sites or extensions to existing sites to meet this requirement Status Development Plan Document Geographical The DPD will cover the administrative areas of Worcester, coverage Wychavon and Malvern Hills. Jointly produced YES. The DPD is being jointly produced by Worcester City Council, Wychavon District Council and Malvern Hills District Council to allow for further efficiencies and joint consultations. As part of the evidence base, a joint Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment is currently being produced by consultants arc4 for all six of the Worcestershire local authorities. Chain of Planning policy for traveller sites, case law and planning conformity legislation
Timetable (Completed Stages are shown in BLUE ) Commencement September 2014
Initial July – August 2015 consultation (Regulation 18) Publication December 2015 (Regulation 19) Submission April 2016 (Regulation 22) Independent July 2016 Examination (Regulation 24) Precise dates of examination hearing sessions will be determined by the Inspector Receipt of November 2016 Inspector’s Report (Regulation 25) Adoption December 2016 (Regulation 26)
9 Page 282 Appendix 1
4. Other important policy documents
4.1 At Worcester City Council, a number of other planning policy documents will be produced or refreshed over the next three years. These documents are not part of the Development Plan, but it is important to set out the likely content and timetable so that interested parties are made aware at the earliest opportunity of forthcoming consultations. These documents are: • Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Charging Schedule • Statement of Community Involvement
4.2 The following section sets out the content and timetable for producing the above documents. The regulations governing the production of the Community Infrastructure Charging Schedule are set out in The Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010 (as amended). There are no longer any regulations governing the production stages of the Statement of Community Involvement, but the requirement to prepare one is set out in Section 18 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended).
10 Page 283 Appendix 1
4a. Community Infrastructure Levy Charging Schedule
Overview Role and content The Co mmunity Infrastructure Levy ( CIL) Charging Schedule will allow a tariff to be applied to qualifying development in Worcester. This will allow funding to be secured for infrastructure that is needed as a result of development in the area. The tariff will be applied per m 2 of additional floorspace. The rate of the tariff will be determined by examining the ability of the development to bear the charge without unduly affecting a development’s viability. Status Non Development Plan Document Geographical The Community Infrastructure Levy will cover the W orcester coverage City Council administrative area. There may be a zero rate charge for some areas in the authority, but this will be specified in the Charging Schedule. Jointly produced YES. A joint evidence base including Viability Study has been prepared across the Worcestershire authorities by HDH Planning and Development. This has been prepared and published in various stages since January 2013. The CIL Charging Schedule for Worcester will also be produced alongside those for Malvern Hills District Council and Wychavon District Council. The intention is that the Charging Schedules will be jointly prepared and examined, but in order to comply with the Regulations, three separate Charging Schedules are required. These will be adopted separately by each of the Councils. Chain of An up -to -date development plan is required to introduce CIL. conformity This will be provided by the South Worcestershire Development Plan (when adopted). The Charging Schedule will also need to comply with the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations, the National Planning Policy Framework, the National Planning Practice Guidance, Part 11 of the 2008 Planning Act and Part 6 of the Localism Act 2011.
Timetable (Completed Stages are shown in BLUE bold ) Comme ncement May 201 2
Consultation on PDCS – prior to housing numbers uplift: Preliminary September – October 2013 Draft Charging Schedule PDCS - Revised to take account of housing numbers uplift: (PDCS) January – February 2015 (Regulation 15) Publication of June 2015 Draft Charging Schedule (Regulation 16) Submission October 2015 (Regulation 19)
11 Page 284 Appendix 1
Timetable (Completed Stages are shown in BLUE bold ) Independent January 2016 Examination Precise dates of examination hearing sessions will be determined by the Examiner Receipt of February 2016 Examiner’s Report (Regulation 23) Adoption March 2016 (Regulation 25) Levy takes April 2016 effect (Regulation 28)
12 Page 285 Appendix 1
4b. Statement of Community Involvement
Overview Role and content Worcester City Council currently has an adopted Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) which was finalised in 2006. The document has been reviewed to reflect changes both to the way planning policy documents are produced and the planning system in England more generally, including the introduction of Neighbourhood Development Plans. The Statement of Community Involvement will also set out how the Council will consult on planning applications. Status Non Development Plan Document – Local Development Document Geographical The SCI will cover the Worcester City Coun cil administrative coverage area. It will be consistent with those of Wychavon and Malvern Hills. Jointly produced The SCI will be jointly produced by Worcester City Council, Malvern Hills District Council, and Wychavon District Council - although separately published for each District. Chain of Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended) , conformity National Planning Policy Framework and case law.
Timetable (Completed Stages are shown in BLUE bold ) Commencement August 2013
Consultation 15 November 2013 – 3 January 2014
Adoption October 1 2014
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5. Supplementary Planning Documents
5.1 At Worcester City Council, a number of other planning policy documents known as Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD) will be produced or refreshed over the next three years. These documents are not part of the Development Plan, but it is important to set out the likely content and timetable so that interested parties are made aware at the earliest opportunity of forthcoming consultations.
5.2 SPD provide further detail to policies in a Development Plan Document, to assist in their implementation. The Supplementary Planning Documents to be produced, with details shown in the timetable in Appendix A, are: • Developer Contributions • Affordable Housing • Houses in Multiple Occupation
5.3 The following section sets out the content and timetable for producing the above documents. All references to Regulations refer to The Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 . Further Supplementary Planning Documents that are not listed in this section may also be produced in response to specific policy or site issues.
5. 4 The following SPD are proposed to be completed over the timescale of this LDS although their preparation will be reviewed at a future date:
• Design Guide • Parking Standards in New Development • Takeaway Food Outlets • Archaeology and the Historic Environment • Biodiversity • Sustainable Drainage Systems • Renewable and Low Carbon Energy
14 Page 287 Appendix 1
5a. Developer Contributions SPD
Overview Role and content The Developer Contributions Supplementary Planning Document will detail the process the Council will undertake to secure direct and financial contributions from development via Section 106 agreements and Unilateral Undertakings. Contributions are needed to make sure that new development contributes positively to the local environment and helps to mitigate against any adverse impacts.
The SPD will sit alongside the CIL Charging Schedule to make clear the Council approach to securing contributions by all funding methods. It will also help to clarify the relationship between CIL and Section 106 agreements. It will be a key tool for the Development Management team in securing maximum planning gain from development. Status Supplementary Planning Document Geographical The Developer Contributions SPD will cover the South coverage Worcestershire authorities of Worcester, Wychavon and Malvern Hills. Jointly produced YES. The Developer Contributions SPD will be jointly prepared for the three South Worcestershire authorities of Worcester City Council, Wychavon District Council and Malvern Hills District Council but it will be separately adopted by each of the Councils. Chain of SWDP Policy 7: Infrastructure, SWDP 62: Implementation, conformity Community Infrastructure Levy Charging Schedule/ Regulation 123 List, National Planning Policy Framework, Community Infrastructure Levy Guidance, planning legislation and case law
Timetable (Completed Stages are shown in BLUE bold ) Commencement August 2013
Consultation January -February 2015 (Regulation 13)
Adoption February - April 2016 (Regulation 14) Adoption of the SPD to align with adoption of CIL Charging Schedule in line with advice in para 87 of 2013 CIL Guidance
15 Page 288 Appendix 1
5b. Affordable Housing SPD
Overview Role and content The Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document will provide detailed guidance on how the strategic policy in the South Worcestershire Development Plan will be implemented. It will give guidance on matters including the design, type, tenure, distribution and phasing of affordable housing and the circumstances where off-site contributions may be accepted. Status Supplementary Planning Document Geographical The Affordable Housing SPD will cover the South coverage Worcestershire authorities of Worcester, Wychavon and Malvern Hills. Jointly produced YES. The Affordable Housing SPD will be jointly prepared for the three South Worcestershire authorities of Worcester City Council, Wychavon District Council and Malvern Hills District Council but it will be separately adopted by each of the Councils. Chain of SWDP Policy 15: Mee ting Affordable Housing Needs, National conformity Planning Policy Framework, planning legislation and case law
Timetable (Completed Stages are shown in BLUE ) Commencement December 2014
Consultation November – December 2015 (Regulation 13) Adoption May 2016 (Regulation 14)
5c. Houses in Multiple Occupation SPD
Overview Role and content The Council has introduce d an Article 4 direction for the city, whereby permitted development rights to change the use of a residential property (use class C3: dwelling house) to a multiple occupancy home (use class C4: house in multiple occupation) without the need for planning permission, are removed. This will mean that a planning application will be required and will bring the number of new Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) under the control of the City Council. A Supplementary Planning Document is proposed to provide guidance to support the Article 4 direction. Status Supplementary Planning Document Geographical The Houses in Multiple Occupa tion SPD will cover the coverage Worcester City Council administrative area. Jointly produced NO. The SPD will be produced by Worcester City Council alone.
16 Page 289 Appendix 1
Chain of City of Worcester Local Plan 1996 -2011 -saved policy H17: conformity Sub-division or multi-occupancy of dwellings
SWDP Policy 14: Housing Mix, HMO Article 4 Direction for Worcester City Council, National Planning Policy Framework, planning legislation and case law
Timetable (Completed Stages are shown in BLUE bold ) Commencement September 2013
Consultation April – May 2014 (Regulation 13) Adoption September/October 2014 (Regulation 14)
5d. Design Guide SPD
Overview Role and content The Design Guide SPD will provide a high -level design framework for new development that supports the diverse nature of good design. It will provide the necessary guidance to all those involved in the development process. It is intended that the Design Guide will include sections on: • House extensions • Accessibility • Shopfronts • Lighting • Sustainable construction • Replacement dwellings in the countryside • Re-use of rural buildings Status Supplementary Planning Document Geographical The Design Guide SPD will cover the South Worcestershire coverage authorities of Worcester, Wychavon and Malvern Hills. Jointly produced YES . The Design Guide SPD will be jointly prepared for the three South Worcestershire authorities of Worcester City Council, Wychavon District Council and Malvern Hills District Council but it will be separately adopted by each of the Councils. Chain of SWDP 4: Moving Around South Worcestershire , SWDP 12: conformity Rural Employment, SWDP Policy 18: Replacement Dwellings in the Open Countryside, SWDP Policy 21: Design, National Planning Policy Framework, planning legislation and case law
Timetable To be confirmed once resources identified Commencement To be advised
Consultation (Regulation 13) Adoption (Regulation 14)
17 Page 290 Appendix 1
5e. Parking Standards in New Development SPD
Overview Role and content The Parking Standards in New Development Supplementary Planning Document will set out locally determined car parking standards which will apply to all development proposals. These standards will then be used in decision making on planning applications. Status Supplementary Planning Document Geographical The Parking Standards SPD will cover the South coverage Worcestershire authorities of Worcester, Wychavon and Malvern Hills. Jointly produced YES. The Parking Standards in New Development SPD will be jointly prepared for the three South Worcestershire authorities of Worcester City Council, Wychavon District Council and Malvern Hills District Council but it will be separately adopted by each of the Councils. Chain of SWDP 4: Moving Around South Worcestershire , National conformity Planning Policy Framework, planning legislation and case law
Timetable To be confirmed o nce resources identified Commencement To be advised
Consultation (Regulation 13) Adoption (Regulation 14)
5f. Takeaway Food Outlets SPD
Overview Role and content The Takeaway Food Outlets Supplementary Planning Document will provide advice and guidance to those proposing to make a planning application for a Takeaway Food Outlet (use class A5: Hot Food Takeaways). It will update the context of Worcester City Council’s existing Takeaway Food Outlets SPD (adopted in July 2011) to reflect the new policy framework introduced through the South Worcestershire Development Plan (due for adoption in 2014). Status Supplementary Planning Document Geographical The Takeaway Food Outlets SPD will cover the Worcester City coverage Council administrative area. Jointly produced NO. The SPD will be produced by Worcester City Council alone. Chain of SWDP Policy 9: Creating and Sustaining Vibrant Centres , conformity SWDP Policy 10: Protection and Promotion of Shopping
18 Page 291 Appendix 1
Choice, National Planning Policy Framework, planning legislation and case law
Timetable To be confirmed once resources identified Commencement To be advised
Consultation (Regulation 13) Adoption (Regulation 14)
5g. Archaeology and the Historic Environment SPD
Overview Role and content The Archaeology and the Historic Environment SPD will assist with the local application of national policy and interpretation of strategic local policies to preserve south Worcestershire’s rich historic environment. It will: • Promote better understanding and appreciation of the historic environment • Protect and enhance the historic environment. • Ensure that all development proposals take proper account of local distinctiveness. • Make the historic environment accessible to everyone and ensure that it is seen as something with which the whole society can identify and engage. • Explain how the protection of the historic environment and the promotion of opportunities for change can contribute to sustainable development.
In Worcester’s case, it will update the context of the existing Archaeology and the Historic Environment SPD (adopted in September 2007), to reflect the new policy framework being introduced through the South Worcestershire Development Plan, (due for adoption in 2015) and replace the 2007 SPD. Status Supplementary Planning Document Geographical The Archaeology and the Historic Environment SPD will cover coverage the authorities of Worcester and Wychavon Jointly produced YES . The Archaeology and the Historic Environment SPD will be jointly prepared for two of the South Worcestershire authorities of Worcester City Council and Wychavon District Council but it will be separately adopted by each of the Councils. Chain of SWDP Policy 6: Historic Environment, SWDP Policy 24: conformity Management of the Historic Environment, National Planning Policy Framework, planning legislation and case law
Timetable To be confirmed once resources identified Commencement To be advised
19 Page 292 Appendix 1
Consultation (Regulation 13) Adoption (Regulation 14)
5h. Biodiversity SPD
Overview Role and content The SPD will set out how the Council propose s to protect areas of nature conservation, give guidance on biodiversity requirements in the development process and establish best principles and practice for habitat and species protection across the City. In Worcester’s case, it will update the context of the existing Biodiversity and Trees SPD (adopted in September 2007), to reflect the new policy framework introduced through the South Worcestershire Development Plan(due for adoption in 2015) and replace the 2007 SPD Status Supplementary Planning Document Geographical The Biodiversity SPD will cover the authorities of Worcester coverage City Council and Wychavon District Council. Jointly produced YES. The Biodiversity SPD will be jointly prepared for two of the South Worcestershire authorities of Worcester City Council and Wychavon District Council but it will be separately adopted by each of the Councils. Chain of SWDP Policy 22: Biodiversity and Geodiversity, National conformity Planning Policy Framework, planning legislation and case law
Timetable To be confirmed once resources identified Commencement To be advised
Consultation (Regulation 13) Adoption (Regulation 14)
5i. Sustainable Drainage Systems SPD
Overview Role and content The Sustainable Drainage Systems Supplementary Planning Document will support the delivery of the higher level policy in the South Worcestershire Development Plan. It will provide guidance on the provision of sustainable drainage systems for the disposal of surface water and rainwater Status Supplementary Planning Document Geographical The Sustainable Drainage Systems SPD will cover the coverage authorities of Worcester and Malvern Hills.
20 Page 293 Appendix 1
Jointly produced YES. The Sustainable Drainage Systems SPD will be jointly prepared for two of the South Worcestershire authorities: Worcester City Council and Malvern Hills District Council but it will be separately adopted by each of the Councils. Worcestershire County Council will also play a key role as the lead local flood authority. Chain of SWDP Policy 29: Sustainable Drainage Systems, Technical conformity Guidance to the National Planning Policy Framework, planning legislation and case law
Timetable To be confirmed once resources identified Commencement To be advised
Consultation (Regulation 13) Adoption (Regulation 14)
5j. Renewable and Low Carbon Energy SPD
Overview Role and content The Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Supplementary Planning Document will set out the South Worcestershire Councils’ approach to planning for renewable energy. It will provide guidance for developers in preparing planning applications for renewable energy developments as well as assisting elected members and council officers in determining planning applications. Status Supplementary Planning Document Geographical The Renewable and L ow Carbon Energy SPD will cover the coverage South Worcestershire authorities of Worcester, Wychavon and Malvern Hills. Jointly produced YES. The Renewable and Low Carbon Energy SPD will be jointly prepared for the three South Worcestershire authorities of Worcester City Council, Wychavon District Council and Malvern Hills District Council but it will be separately adopted by each of the Councils.. Chain of SWDP Policy 27: Renewable and Low Carbon Energy, conformity National Planning Policy Framework, planning legislation and case law
Timetable To be confirmed once resources identified Commencement To be advised
Consultation (Regulation 13) Adoption (Regulation 14)
21 Appendix 1 Worcester Planning Policy Framework Diagram
Worcester Planning Policy Framework
Neighbourhood South Worcestershire Development Travellers and Travelling Local Development Scheme Plans Plan Showpeople Site Allocations (SWDP) Authority Monitoring R eport CIL Charging Schedule SPDs Developer Contributions SPD Statement of Community Page 294 Affordable Housing SPD Involvement (SCI)
Design Guide SPD*
KeyKEY Parking Standards in New Development SPD* Development Plan Documents
Archaeology & Historic Environment* Supplementary Planning Documents (JOINT) Biodiversity SPD* Supplementary Planning Documents Sustainable Drainage Systems SPD* (Worcester)
Renewable and Low Carbon Energy SPD* Process Documents
Houses in Multiple Occupation SPD * SPD to be confirmed once resources identified in line with paragraph 5.4 Takeaway Food Outlets SPD*
22 Page 295 Appendix 1
6. Resources
6.1 The work to deliver the planning policy documents within the LDS will be dependent on continued joint working between the three South Worcestershire Councils as this has been proved to be a more efficient and effective way of working. The work will be undertaken using existing resources and within existing governance structures in each of the three districts.
23 Page 296 Appendix 1
7. Risk Assessment
7.1 The Council recognises that there are risks in delivering the documents set out in the Local Development Scheme. Some of these risks are within the Council’s control and some are not. Table 1 identifies the main areas of risk, their impacts and the ways to overcome them so that the programme in the Local Development Scheme can be delivered.
Area of risk Likelihood/Impact and Mitigation Consequence Adequate staff resources • Unable to complete • Joint working with SW documents on time and Councils and County to the required Council standard • Ring fence policy teams • Consequential dedicated to plan programme slippage production • At the extreme – DPDs • Employ temporary and SPDs may be staff/consultants withdrawn e.g. if found (subject to resource unsound or subject to availability) successful legal challenge • Consequential increased risk of inappropriate, speculative planning applications if there is no up-to-date Local Plan Funding pressure on • Loss of resources to • Protocols agreed by the resources fund plan making, SW Councils for budgets resulting in programme and shared costs slippage • Provision of schemes to • Consequential increased influence budgetary risk of inappropriate decisions speculative planning • Monitoring of costs and applications if there is budget spend/profiles no up to date Local Plan Council procedures and • Risk of programme • Leader’s meetings to Corporate commitments slippage coordinate strategy • Consequential increased • Robust programme risk of inappropriate, management through speculative planning the Project Manager applications if there is • Joint Advisory Panel to no up to date Local Plan advise Councils on plan • Risk to the Council’s production reputation • Joint Officer Steering Group to oversee plan production process • Joint Officer Team to manage plan production process • Awareness of consultations and Council diaries Neighbourhood planning • Insufficient staff • Maintain contact with resource available to Town and Parish
24 Page 297 Appendix 1
Area of risk Likelihood/Impact and Mitigation Consequence meet legal Councils to ascertain requirements in the scale and type of work provision of technical required from the LPAs advice and support to • Assess the extent to Town and Parish which neighbourhood Councils plans deliver the LDS • Insufficient funding to • Assessment of resource LPA support neighbourhood plans to • Diversion of staff influence budgetary resources from decisions preparation of DPDs • Seek Government and SPDs funding for resources Changes to external • Unable to meet • Monitor policy context requirements of announcements and national policy and consultations guidance • Assess Local Plan/SPD • Insufficient flexibility consistency with policy and resilience to meet • Use of latest guidance economic / • Monitor future trends, environmental / social use of Foresight changes intelligence Time required for • Insufficient time to • Coordination of Council consideration, meet standard lead in meeting dates consultation and decision times to decision • Project management making making • Awareness of Council • Significant level of diaries and constitutions responses to and protocols for consultation decision making • Additional scrutiny • Awareness of events stage(s) such as elections and • Programme slippage holidays • Use of delegated decisions route • Efficient/effective handling of responses Capacity of the Planning • PINS unable to meet • Provide LDS to PINS as Inspectorate and demand for DPD early as possible – to outcomes of their examination leading to identify DPD production recommendations delay in adopting plan • Regular liaison with PINS • Monitor Inspector’s reports and High Court Challenges and draw up/use lessons learnt Table 1: Risk Assessment
25 Page 298 Appendix 1
8. Monitoring and review
Monitoring 8.1 There is a requirement to monitor the implementation of the Local Development Scheme 2 and hence progress made in producing Local Plans and Supplementary Planning Documents through an Authority Monitoring Report (AMR). An AMR must be produced at least each year, and must cover a period not greater than 12 months long. The AMRs must cover a continuous period, with no gap in coverage between reports.
8.2 In relation to each document included within the LDS, monitoring must be carried out on: • the timetable included for that specific document; • the stage that the document has reached in the production process; and • if the document is behind the timetable set out in the LDS, the reasons for this.
8.3 An AMR will be produced jointly across South Worcestershire each year and will be made available on the Council website as soon as it has been finalised. The AMR will be reported by the Local Planning Authority to the Joint Advisory Panel (or equivalent) who are likely to perform a revised role in the future to oversee the implementation of the SWDP. As well as progress in plan-making, this will be the opportunity to report on the monitoring indicators in adopted Local Plans to assess policy performance. The AMR will provide the evidence for the LPAs to consider whether there is a need to review the Local Plan prior to the date of review set by the Local Plan.
Review of the LDS 8.4 In response to the yearly monitoring against the LDS, the LDS Project Plan/Gantt Chart (contained at Appendix A) will be updated each year as necessary to provide real time information of any significant slippage. Anticipated delays or actual slippage against the published timetable will be addressed, with realistic revisions to key milestones proposed. Once agreed, updated Project Plans will be made available on the Council website. It is anticipated that this will take place at the start of each calendar year.
8.5 The Local Planning Authority anticipates that the next full review of the LDS will be in 2016. A further review will occur shortly prior to the start of the review of the South Worcestershire Development Plan due in 2019. This is subject to the LPA’s consideration of any significant changes for example in legislation, national policy or circumstances that impact on plan-making or the delivery of strategy and policy.
2 Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. Part 2 – Local Development. S. 35 (as amended) Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 – Regulation 34 Authorities’ monitoring reports
26 Appendix 1
Appendix A Worcester Local Development Scheme: Project Plan: 2014-2017 (Revised September 2014)
2013 2014 2015 J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D
Local Development Scheme R R R
Authority Monitoring Report 1 1 2 13 1 1 2 13 1 1 2 13
Development Plan Documents
South Worcestershire 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 10 10 11 11 12 13 Development Plan (JOINT) 6 6 7 7 8
Travellers and Travelling Showpeople Site Allocations 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 3 4 5 5 6 (JOINT) Other Key Documents
CIL Charging Schedules C C C C1 C2 C3 C3 C4 C1 C1 C1 C1 C1 C1 C1 C1 C1 C2 C2 C3 C3 C4 C4 C4 C5 C6 C6 C7 C8 C9 C9 (JOINT) 1 3 4
Statement of Community Involvement (JOINT) 1 2 2 3 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 13 13
Supplementary Planning Documents Developer Contributions 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 (JOINT)
Affordable Housing (JOINT) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3
Houses in Multiple Page 299 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 4 5 5 13 13 Occupation
2016 2017 J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D Local Development Scheme R R
Authority Monitoring Report 1 1 2 13 1 1 2 13 Development Plan Documents 1 South Worcestershire 13 Development Plan (JOINT) 3 Travellers and Travelling Showpeople Site Allocations 6 7 7 8 9 9 9 10 10 11 12 13 13 13 (JOINT) Other Key Document C C CIL Charging Schedules C C 1 1 (JOINT) 9 12 0 1 Supplementary Planning Documents
Developer Contributions 1 1 5 13 (JOINT) 3 3
Affordable Housing (JOINT) 4 5 5 5 13 13 13
27 Appendix 1
Key: 1 Preparatory work including compiling evidence base 6 Publication of Proposed Submission document for representations 11 Inspector considers consultation responses (May not be (Regulation 19 For DPDs) required. Dependent on outcome of Examination). 2 Preparation of draft document 7 Analysis of representations 12 Receipt of Inspector’s report (Regulation 25 for DPDs) 3 Public Consultation 8 Submission to Secretary of State 13 Adoption/Completion/Judicial Review Period (Regulation 13 for SPDs), (Regulation 18 for DPDs) (Regulation 22 for DPDs) (Regulation 14 for SPDs), (Regulation 26 for DPDs) 4 Consideration of representations 9 Independent Examination (Regulation 24 for DPDs) 5 Preparation of final document (for SPDs) 10 Consultation on Main Modifications (May not be required. R Review Preparation of Proposed Submission document (forDs) DP Dependent on outcome of Examination).
Regulation references relate to The Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012
CIL Charging Schedule Key: C1 Preparatory work including compiling evidence base C7 Consideration of representations C2 Preparation of Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule and draft Regulation 123 List C8 Submission of DCS (Regulation 19) C3 Public Consultation on PDCS and draft Reg 123 List C9 CIL Examination (Regulation 15) C4 Consideration of representations C10 Receipt of CIL Examiner’s recommendations (Regulation 23) C5 Preparation of Draft Charging Schedule and final Reg 123 List C11 Approval and publication Page 300 (Regulation 25) C6 Consultation on DCS and Reg 123 List C12 Final preparatory work prior to the Charging Schedule taking effect 01/04/16 (Regulation 16) (Regulation 28)
Regulation references relate to The Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010 (as amended)
28 Page 301 Appendix 1
Appendix B
Saved Policies from the City of Worcester Local Plan 1996-2011
Policies from the City of Worcester Local Plan 1996-2011 (adopted in 2004) which, following an application to the Secretary of State in October 2007, were saved. All other policies in the Local Plan were cancelled at this time.
Policy Policy Name Number Natural Environment Chapter NE2 Sites of national imp ortance for nature conservation NE3 Sites of regional or local imp ortance for nature conservation NE4 Nat ure conservation - green spaces NE5 Landscape protection NE7 Landscaping scheme NE9 The green network NE11 M5 protection corridor NE12 Green belt area NE19 Private moorings ancillary to dwellings - River S evern NE20 Safeguarding watercourses NE21 Flood plain - [*"blue zone"] NE22 Flood plain - [*"yellow zone"] NE23 Flood plain - [*"red zone"] Built Environment Chapter BE1 Environm ental standards for development BE2 Chara cter and appearance of the city BE4 Percent for art BE12 Boundary treatments in conservation areas BE14 Alterations and extensions to listed buildings BE16 The setting of listed buildings BE18 Buildings of l ocal interest - new development BE19 Buildings of local interest - recording BE20 Buildi ngs of local interest - salvage Development within archaeologically sens itive areas - design BE21 principles Protection of nationally and internationally important BE24 archaeological sites BE26 Historic landscapes and features BE27 Access to and interpretat ion of the historic environment BE29 Light Advertisements affecting conservatio n areas and/or listed BE39 buildings BE43 Telecommunications Transportation Chapter TR1 Footpath/cycleway network TR2 Footpath /cycleway - private development TR4 Cycle parking
29 Page 302 Appendix 1
Policy Policy Name Number TR6 City centre pedes trian routes TR10 Car parking - pricing control TR12 Parking standards TR13 Car parking restraint TR17 Diglis access road Financial contributions from dev elopments to meet travel TR14 demand TR15 Disabled p ersons car parking requirements TR19 Traffic calming TR23 Green transport plans Housing Chapter Extensions to existing dwellings to provide separate livi ng H16 accommodation (granny flats) H17 Sub -division or multi -occupancy of dwellings H18 Change of use to ho stel - car parking requirements H19 Residential care homes H21 Area of restraint : Ombersley Road/Droitwich R oad H22 Area of restraint : Shrubbery A venue (west) St J ohn’s district centre: retention of res idential units of H23 accommodation Employment Chapter E1 Allocated empl oyment land on brownfield sites E2 Allocated empl oyment land on greenfield sites E4 Safegua rding existing employment areas E7 Office development (o utside the central office area) E8 Loss of office floorspac e (outside central office area) E10 Working from home City Centre Chapter CC2 Retail developme nt in the central shopping area CC3 Extensions and anci llary uses - use of upper floors CC5 Continuous shop ping frontage (primary streets) CC6 Continuous shoppi ng frontage (secondary streets) CC7 Continuous shopp ing frontage [heritage streets] CC9 A3 uses - restricted areas CC10 A3 uses - criteria CC11 Mixed use development sites CC12 City centre - retention of res idential units of accommodation CC13 City centre - conversion of upper floors to residential use City centre - development or redevelop ment schemes - CC14 residential uses CC15 Office development in the city centre CC16 Loss of existing offices (city centre) Shopping Chapter Large scale retail development outside the central shopping area SH1 and St John’s district centre SH2 Foodstore allocation - St John’s SH3 App roach corridors - change of use
30 Page 303 Appendix 1
Policy Policy Name Number SH4 Loss of retail uses to residential use SH5 Food outlets and hot food take -aways SH6 St J ohn’s district shopping centre District and neighbourhood shoppi ng centres - retail SH7 development SH8 Neighbourhood s hopping centres - change of use SH10 Small scale s hops (includin g corner shops) - change of use SH11 Petrol filling stations - retail sales SH12 Shop fronts Community, Leisure And Tourism Chapter CLT6 Loss of educational buildings Requirements for additional educational fa cilities related to CLT10 development CLT11 Allotment provision CLT12 Allocated sites for community facilities CLT14 New and extensions t o existing community facilities CLT15 Loss o f existing community facilities CLT16 Chil dren’s nurseries and playgroups CLT18 Development of and ex tensions to, worship facilities CLT19 Retention of public houses CLT20 Cemetery provision CLT21 Local recycling policy CLT22 Sub re gional indoor sports facilities CLT23 Criteria for large scale leisure facilities CLT24 Criteria for small scale leisure facilities CLT25 Loss of existing leisure facilities CLT28 Sports pitches - new CLT31 Major spectator sports CLT32 Sp orts stadium for relocation of W orcester city football club CLT33 Loss of recreational open land CLT34 Open s pace standard and contributions CLT38 Hotels CLT44 Tourism de velopment - associated moorings
Upon the adoption of the South Worcestershire Development Plan, the saved policies of the City of Worcester Local Plan will be replaced and will no longer be used in development management decision making.
31 This page is intentionally left blank Page 305 Agenda Item 10
Report to: Council, 30 th September 2014
Report of: The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Prosperity ______
Subject: STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT (2014)
1. Decision Required:
That the revised Statement of Community Involvement be adopted by Full Council.
1.1 The purpose of this report is to present to members the representations made on the draft Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) during the informal consultation period, to summarise the changes made in response to these comments and to recommend that the revised SCI be adopted.
2 Background
2.1 The SCI explains what the Council will do to involve the community and other stakeholders in the preparation and revision of Local Development Documents (including the Local Plan) and how the community will be consulted on planning applications. The current and first SCI for Worcester was adopted in March 2006.
2.2 Members will be aware that officers have been preparing and carrying out consultation on an updated SCI, in accordance with the timetable set out within the Council’s Local Development Scheme (LDS) and the legal requirements of Section 18 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. This revision work and the consultation were carried out together with Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils with regard to their SCIs.
2.3 Notification letters and emails regarding the draft SCI were sent to bodies and individuals contained on the Councils’ shared development plan consultation database, as well as to planning agents who regularly submit applications to the Council. A press release was issued and the consultation exercise was publicised on the Councils’ websites. Copies of the draft SCI were made available to view at the Councils’ customer service centre.
2.4 The Councils sought views on the content of the draft SCI between 15 November 2013 and 3 January 2014.
3 Representations Made
3.1 A total of 24 formal responses were made during the consultation period, with a total of 92 representations.
3.2 The consultation statement containing a schedule/summary of the representations made together with the recommended changes to the draft SCI is attached to this report for Members’ information (see Appendix 1).
3.3 No representations were received after the formal consultation period closed.
Page 306
3.4 Key issues raised during the consultations relating to the content of the document were: • Organisations questioning whether they were listed as consultation bodies on the shared planning policy consultation database, and as consultees for planning applications;
• Organisations requesting to be kept informed of the planning policy process and of relevant planning applications;
• Consultation methodology of planning policy documents and availability of information;
• Development Management queries such as consultation arrangements for planning applications; and
• Seeking clarification of terminology and content of tables.
3.5 Further detailed information is contained within the consultation statement – see Appendix 1. Copies of the original representations and the revised SCI have been placed in the Members’ rooms for reference. The SCI has been amended in certain areas to clarify or respond to the points made, although no significant changes are proposed. The changes include improvements to figure one and table one in the document, making it explicit that the council maintains a data base of those who want to be involved in plan making and clarifying the Council’s expectations of developer led consultation at the pre application stage.
4 Equalities, Financial, Health and Safety, HR, Legal, Policy, and Risk Management Implications
Equalities 4.1 On 1 October 2010, the Equality Act 2010 replaced all existing equality legislation, such as the Race Relations Act, Disability Discrimination Act and Sex Discrimination Act. Local authorities need to have regard to the Public Sector Equalities Duty, as referred to in the Equalities Act 2010, in respect of engaging with people with ‘protective characteristics’. Ensuring the SCI is up to date will help ensure that the Council has due regard to this statutory duty in terms of public consultation on emerging planning documents and applications.
Financial 4.2 Failure to meet the timetable for the production of the SCI, as identified in the Local Development Scheme, could impact upon the subsequent production of other Local Development Documents. This is because the SCI is used to test the legal compliances of Local Development Documents which in turn may impact upon staff and financial resources.
Health 4.3 None identified
Safety 4.4 None identified
Page 307
HR 4.5 As mentioned in Financial Implications, failure to meet the timetable for the production of the SCI, as identified in the Local Development Scheme, could impact upon the subsequent production of other Local Development Documents. This is because the SCI is used to test the legal compliances of Local Development Documents which in turn may impact upon staff resources.
Legal 4.6 The preparation process for an SCI is set out at Section 18 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. Compliance with the SCI is one test of legal compliances for Development Plan Documents such as the South Worcestershire Development Plan.
4.7 The Council is no longer required by planning legislation to carry out consultation on the SCI. Nevertheless, this would be inappropriate given the purpose of the document. Accordingly, the Council has consulted any persons who appear to have an interest in matters relating to development in their area over a seven week period (15 November 2013 - 3 January 2014). The SCI is a Local Development Plan Document that must be adopted by the council in accordance with the City Council’s constitution.
4.8 Other legal requirements must be met such as legislation relating to Freedom of Information, and Data Protection, as well as duties under the Equalities legislation.
Policy 4.9 The SCI sets out the consultation processes for planning policy documents and determining planning applications.
Risk 4.10 Not having an updated SCI in place, would mean the Council not having consolidated guidance on what the public and organisations can expect in terms of:
• Consultation from the Council on policy documents and planning applications; and
• What is expected from them in terms of responding to planning consultations on policy documents and planning applications.
4.11 Without an updated SCI in place setting out the Council’s consultation processes, the Council could be at risk if these processes are challenged for the lack of council approved consultation arrangements before commencing consultations. One of the legal tests for Development Plan Documents (DPD) is whether the document has been prepared in accordance with the adopted SCI. An inspector would be very likely to recommend the withdrawal of a DPD that failed this test.
5 Comments of Service Manger for Economic Development & Planning Policy:
5.1 The SCI explains how the planning policy and development management teams will consult the residents of Worcester and other interested parties in the plan-making process and before making decisions. The SCI is a Local Development Document but is not formally a Development Plan Document and it is not subjected to a public examination. It is a requirement that the local planning authority keeps its SCI under review, and up date, as necessary. Having an up to date SCI will assist the Council in Page 308
successfully progressing Development Plan Documents through their Examination and help to minimise the grounds for objectors to seek to challenge the legal process under pinning the decisions of the City Council to adopt planning policy documents or determine planning applications.
6 THE DEPUTY LEADER AND CABINET MEMBER FOR ECONOMIC PROSPERITY, COUNCILLOR MARC BAYLISS RECOMMENDS:
6.1 That the Council
(i) Adopt the revised Statement of Community Involvement (2014).
Ward(s): All Contact Officer: Adrian Becker, Senior Planning Policy Officer, 01905 722545 [email protected] Background Papers: Appendix One ‘Consultation Statement’
Page 309
APPENDIX 1
Consultation Statement
September 2014 Page 310
Contents 1. Introduction
2. Consultation Process
3. Summary of Representations and Officer Responses
Appendices: a. Notification letter
b. Press release
c. Comments form Page 311
1. Introduction This Consultation Statement sets out the consultation process on the Council’s revised Statement of Community Involvement (SCI). The SCI sets out whom, how and when the Council will engage in the preparation and formulation of planning policies, and the determination of planning applications.
The document contains the following: • Section 2. Consultation process • Section 3. Responses to Consultation and Council’s response.
2. Consultation process
The Council sought views on the content of the SCI consultation draft over a seven week period between 15 th November 2013 – 3rd January 2014. Public consultation was carried out jointly between the three South Worcestershire Authorities. The consultation comprised the following methods:
• Notification letters and emails were sent to organisations and individuals registered on the Councils’ shared development plan consultation database; • Notification emails were also sent to local Town and Parish Councils; • A press release was issued to local papers on 18 th November 2013 (Appendix 2); • The consultation was publicised on the three Councils’ websites: http://swdp- consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal/statement_of_community_involvement/sci_co nsultation; and • Copies of the draft SCI were made available to view at each Councils’ Customer Service Centres and local libraries.
Respondents were invited to make comments:
• Online via the South Worcestershire Councils’ consultation system; • By submitting responses using a comments form (Appendix 4) which could be returned by post or emailed; and • Alternatively, comments could be emailed to [email protected] .
3. Summary of Representations and Officer Responses
Page 312 Plan Making Respondent Response Summary Officer Response Herefordshire Fire Uncertain whether HWFRS contact details are included Change required and Rescue and in the consultation database referred to in paragraph Noted . HWFRS are not covered within West Midlands Police 3.40 Statutory Instrument 2012/767 definition of general consultation bodies. However HWFRS contact details are on the South Worcestershire Development Plan contact database.
Insert following para 3.37 "The three Councils maintain an up to date database of such contacts". Woodland Trust Request to be consulted on planning policy Change required documents/consultations as a 'general consultation Noted. WWT are not covered within Statutory
body'. Instrument 2012/767 definition of general Page 313 consultation bodies. However WWT contact details are on the South Worcestershire Development Plan contact database.
Insert following para in respective authorities SCIs after reference to 'general consultation bodies' in Section on Who will be consulted: "The three Councils maintain an up to date database of such contacts" . Hereford and Uncertain whether HWFRS contact details are included Change required Worcester Fire and in the consultation database referred to in paragraph Noted . HWFRS are not covered within Rescue and West 3.6.5 Statutory Instrument 2012/767 definition of Midlands Police general consultation bodies. However HWFRS contact details are on the South Worcestershire Development Plan contact database.
Insert following para 3.6.3 "The three Councils maintain an up to date database of such contacts" . Woodland Trust Request to be consulted on planning policy Change required documents/consultations as a 'general consultation Noted . WT are not covered within Statutory body'. Instrument 2012/767 definition of general consultation bodies. However WWT contact details are on the South Worcestershire Development Plan contact database.
Insert following para 3.37 after reference to 'general consultation bodies' in Section on Who will be consulted: "The three Councils maintain an up to date database of such contacts" . DJD Architects Design Review arrangements for Development Plans No change required.
and SPDs should be included. The cross-disciplinary nature of the DPD/SPD Page 314 preparation teams addresses this matter and the consultation process in itself includes architects and those with an interest in design matters.
Design Review is more appropriate to the planning application process. Network Rail Network Rail is listed as a statutory consultee and in No change required this regard request that the South Worcestershire Network Rail are listed as 'specific consultation Council’s take into account the matters below in due bodies' in the respective paragraphs of each LA preparation of future policy. in the Chapter on Plan Making.
Network Rail's comments however are concerned the Network Rail's comments are relevant to Developer Contribution SPD. Developer Contributions SPD. Canal and River Canal & River Trust were not listed as a specific Change required Trust consultation body within the Town and Country Noted. The Council and South Worcestershire Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 Authorities will continue to work with and which came into force in April 2012, nor in the consult with the C&RT on relevant planning revoked 2004 regulations (as amended). However, policy documents in accordance with Canal and Rivers Trust would welcome continued work Government legislation and guidance. Canal with us and consultation on local planning matters and Rivers Trust's contact details are on the relating to the River Severn. SWDP contact database.
Insert following para 3.37 after reference to 'general consultation bodies' in Section on Who will be consulted: "The three Councils maintain an up to date database of such contacts" . Dinah Sage Please consider sustainability. No change required Noted. Hereford & Support commitment to working with organisation No change required Worcester Fire and Police and Crime Commissioners are a Rescue and West statutory consultee as listed in paragraph 3.36 Midlands Police of SCI. Dinah Sage Concern over use of internet and electronic No change required communications for consultation. While all Councils are making an increasing Page 315 use of e-mail and other forms of digital communications the Councils will continue to use traditional formats such as letters and hard copy publications as well. Worcestershire Supportive of proposals for consultation for each SCI. Change required County Council However From Table 1 in the Malvern Hills, and Amend table 1 and figure 4 to align Wychavon SCI documents and Figure 4 in the consultation methods across the three South Worcester City SCI document, you are not providing Worcestershire local planning authorities. This the same consultations methods for document is necessary as most planning policy production across the three districts documents will be produced jointly by all three councils in the future. Vivian Jones Supportive comment. Figure 1 does not make it clear Change required how "Statement of Community Involvement" relates Agree. The SCI runs parallel for the documents to other elements in the Framework; no link is shown in the Framework, providing a reference as to with other elements. how consultation should be carried out. Amend Figure 1 to clarify this. Vivian Jones "Sustainability" is not defined in this context No change required Noted. The term Sustainability is referred within the context of Sustainability Appraisals, which are an appraisal process of policies and strategies within a Local Development Document. This is defined within the glossary. Vivian Jones Preproduction refers to "collect evidence" "Evidence" No change required usually describes an indication or ground for belief Noted. Evidence in terms of the preparation of whereas what is being assembled here are issues planning policy documents does refer to the relating to the planning process. collection of issues to inform the content of documents. It is a common term used in the production of such documents. Vivian Jones Figure 3 refers to "evidence gathering" when what is No change required being identified and collated at this stage are Noted. 'Evidence gathering' is a term used to presumably planning related issues. describe the initial stage in the production of a planning policy document. Canal and River Canal & River Trust were not listed as a specific Change required
Trust consultation body within the Town and Country Noted. The Council and South Worcestershire Page 316 Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 Authorities will continue to work with and which came into force in April 2012, nor in the consult with the C&RT on relevant planning revoked 2004 regulations (as amended). However, policy documents in accordance with Canal and Rivers Trust would welcome continued work Government legislation and guidance. Canal with us and consultation on local planning matters and Rivers Trust's contact details are on the relating to the River Severn. South Worcestershire Development Plan contact database. Insert following para 3.37 after reference to 'general consultation bodies' in Section on Who will be consulted: "The three Councils maintain an up to date database of such contacts". Worcestershire Supportive of proposals for consultation for each SCI. Change required County Council However From Table 1 in the Malvern Hills, and Amend Table 1 and Figure 4 to be aligned to Wychavon SCI documents and Figure 4 in the ensure consistency of practice across the three Worcester City SCI document, you are not providing authorities as it is envisaged that the majority the same consultations methods for document of planning policy documents will be prepared production across the three districts on a joint basis in future. Councillor Lynn Queries the proposed use of media releases, social No change required Denham networking and focus group mechanisms for policy While there can be no cases when the local documents consultations. authorities fail to discharge their responsibilities arsing from the equalities act it is necessary for a more flexible approach to consultation to be permitted in future. St Peter's Parish No local library in St Peters. Is it possible for hard No change required Council copies of consultation documents to be made available Hard copies are available to view at the at other places readily accessible by the local Customer Service Centre at The Hive. St. community in St Peters? Peters Parish Council receives notifications about consultations which includes links to electronic documents, which people can request to view. Warndon and St. John's libraries will continue to display hard copies of consultation documents. Councillor Lynn No reference to addressing the potential need for Change required Denham alternative languages. The SCI will have the standard back cover providing information about how to obtain the Page 317 document in alternative languages and formats. St Peter's Parish To whom and in what circumstances will 'name, Change required Council address and contact details be made available to on Clarify paragraph 3.46 and 3.48. Delete "but request'? will not be available for inspection on request".
Para 3.46 insert "Generally anonymous comments are not accepted for consultation purposes. Exceptionally" prior to "at the early and informal stages..." St Peter's Parish To whom and in what circumstances will 'name, Change required Council address and contact details be made available to on Clarify paragraph 3.48. Delete "but will not be request'? available for inspection on request".
Hallam Land Supportive of content No change required Management Noted Age IK (Droitwich) Please add Age UK Droitwich Spa to the list of No change required consultees covered by the "other interest groups" Age UK Droitwich Spa are registered on the referred to in paragraphs 3.30-3.31. shared SWDP consultation database. Cotswold Supportive comment. However, The Board would wish No change required Conservation Board to be included in the list of consultees included in Cotswold Conservation Board contact details Appendix 3. are contained on the South Worcestershire's contact database for plan making. Age UK (Droitwich) Concern over consultation methodology favouring IT No change required in terms of access for organisation's client base. Noted. Para 3.41 does state that 'For those who do not have internet access, other formats are available on request. Documents can also be made available in formats accessible to people with visual impairments.' Age UK (Droitwich) 3.45 States that hard copies of the documents will be Change required available only at the Pershore Civic Centre. This is not Wychavon make hard copies of consultation convenient for North Wychavon residents. We suggest documents available in three Community
that hard copies should also be available at hub points Contact Centres at Droitwich Spa, Evesham Page 318 and libraries throughout the District. and Pershore. Amend paragraph 3.45 to make this clear. Planning Applications Respondent Response Summary Officer Response Government Attached plan showing route of pipeline and to No change required Pipelines and contact if development falls within vicinity. Noted. Fuel pipelines are located on the Councils Storage Systems GIS development management constraint layer. Network Rail Network Rail to be consulted on future planning No change required applications on sites adjoining the railway. Noted. Network Rail are a statutory consultee so will automatically be consulted on planning applications which adjoin their network. Mr Martin O' Brien Councillors should examine all representations No change required submitted by members of the public for each Councillors have access to all documentation and planning application; rather than relying on the representations for each planning application. The officer summary. officer report summarises comments for Councillors. Mike Stephenson, Does the Police and Crime Commissioner mean No change required Police and Crime that his representatives such as myself are seen Local Planning Authorities are not required to
Commissioner as the consultees? consult the P and CC on planning applications Page 319 ,rather we consult with West Mercia’s Architectural Liaison Officer/ Crime Risk officer. NB PCC are a consultee for DPDs Woodland Trust The Woodland Trust would like to be consulted on No change required all planning applications that threaten ancient Noted. In Worcester? Development Management are woodland in South Worcestershire. reviewing the Validation Checklist, which refers to consulting the Woodland Trust for proposals for significant development which are located within 200m of Ancient Woodland. Woodland Trust The Woodland Trust would like to be consulted on No change required all planning applications that threaten ancient Noted. The Woodland Trust are not a statutory woodland in South Worcestershire. consultee but we do consult with them if our Heritage Team considers there is a threat to Ancient Woodland. Agree-In Malvern we do not consult, but our landscape officer is consulted and would refer if appropriate. Hereford and Concern that there is little mention about Change required Worcester Fire and involving WMP and HWFRS, in pre-application Noted. Pre-application meetings are paid for by the Rescue and West discussions. developer and only if they wanted WMP/HWFRS Midlands Police would they be invited.
Clarify section for 'Pre-application discussions' in Chapter 4 "Pre-application stage is an opportunity for developers to engage with communities and to seek clarification of who to engage with, e.g. infrastructure providers". DJD Architects Figure 4 indicates Design Review is required for all No change required Tiers of Significant Development. Unclear where NPPF para 62 states LPAs 'should have local design the arrangements for either Design Review Panel review arrangements in or Design Review are defined. NPPF states LPA place'. MHDC do have a Design Review Panel should have Design Review arrangements in place. DJD Architects If the LPA is not intending to organise its own No change required
Design Review function then the cost of external Internal Design Review Panel cost is absorbed by Page 320 review should be met by the LPA the Council. However, if applications are referred to MADE Design Review in Birmingham then the Applicant will be responsible for the cost, although taking an application to MADE cannot be enforced. Hallam Land Unclear whether the consultation arrangements No change required Management detailed in Table 4 are applicable to the Council The SCI provides advice to applicants to assist the only or also specify requirements for development management process, speeding up applicants/developers. decision making and improving the chances of a positive decision in favour of the applicant. The local Table should be re-named to clarify its purpose planning authorities can not insist that this advice is i.e. “Council’s consultation arrangements for followed by applicants. planning applications” Hallam Land Reference to need for Design Review Panel should No change required Management be deleted. The local planning authorities cannot insist that a developer submits their proposal to a design review panel but in most circumstances where this is proposed it will reduce the time it takes to determine a planning applicant and increase the likelihood that and application will be determined favourably. Canal and Supportive of pre-application consultation. Change required Waterways Trust Noted. The Council and South Worcestershire Authorities will continue to work with and consult with the C&RT on relevant planning applications, in accordance with Government legislation and guidance. For clarification purposes from a comment made by HWFRS, insert clarification text of "Pre-application stage is an opportunity for developers to engage with communities and to seek clarification of who to engage with, e.g. infrastructure providers" under section for 'Pre-application discussions' in Chapter 4.
Hallam Land Unreasonable to “expect” all No change required Management applicants/developers to consult with interested Paragraph 4.8 represents best practice and parties in advance of submitting a planning suggests a proportionate and appropriate approach Page 321 application. Therefore recommend first sentence to pre application consultation which will reduce the of paragraph 4.8, if it is to retain references to time it takes to determine planning applications consultation by developers/applicants, is amended which is in the interest of applicants and the local to “encourage where appropriate” planning authorities. applicants/developers to carry out consultation with local communities for development proposals. Hallam Land Public exhibitions may not be one of the most No change required Management appropriate consultation methods for larger The SCI contains advice to promoters of developments. Amend para 4.10 to “Where such development. The local planning authorities cannot engagement does take place, community insist that applicants hold public exhibitions but in engagement may include a public exhibition of the most cases this will reduce the time it takes to proposals, interested parties and local parish or determine submitted planning applications that town councils”. propose significant development. Hallam Land No procedural requirement for planning No change required Management applications to be accompanied by a ‘Statement of The local planning authorities cannot require that an Community Consultation. Recommend applicant submits a statement of community amendment to first sentence: “if and when a consultation but in most cases this will assist the formal application is submitted for ‘significant development management process and reduce the development’ and has been the subject of length of time it takes to determine major planning consultation, the Council will encourage the applications. developer to include a Statement of Community Consultation or appropriate references within the design and Access Statement outlining what consultation has been carried out and how the results have been considered in the application proposals. The Council recognises…” Canal and Canal & River Trust have recently introduced two No change required Waterways Trust notified areas, one for Environmental Impact Noted. The Council and South Worcestershire Assessment and Major scale developments and Authorities will continue to work with and consult one for Minor and Household scale developments. with the C&RT on relevant planning applications, in accordance with Government legislation and
Canal & River Trust, have produced a Policy guidance. Page 322 Advice Note (PAN) on Inland Waterways. Appendix 2 sets out a development management and control checklist for waterside development which is a useful reference tool in relation to assessing whether a proposal may adversely affect inland waterways. DJD Architects The applicant/agent should have the same No change required opportunity to speak at Planning committee on There is an opportunity for public participation at applications recommended for refusal. the beginning of every meeting of the City Council’s Planning Committee. Anyone can address the committee for up to five minutes about any item on the committee’s agenda. Canal and Canal & River Trust have recently introduced two No change required Waterways Trust notified areas, one for Environmental Impact Noted. The Council and South Worcestershire Assessment and Major scale developments and Authorities will continue to work with and consult one for Minor and Household scale developments. with the C&RT on relevant planning applications, in accordance with Government legislation and Canal & River Trust, have produced a Policy guidance. Advice Note (PAN) on Inland Waterways. Appendix 2 sets out a development management and control checklist for waterside development which is a useful reference tool in relation to assessing whether a proposal may adversely affect inland waterways. Councillor Lynn No reference to CAAC and its role? Change required Denham Noted. CAAC is a form of Design Review Panel to which some applications are taken too. Note there is no CAAC panel in MHDC
Reference will be made to CAAC in relation to Design Review Panel in Figure 5. Vivian Jones Clarify the statement "Objectors are notified of Change required Committee upon request" Objectors to planning applications need to request to be kept informed of the date an application is going Planning Committee. Other individuals/organisations with an interest in the application also need to request to be kept Page 323 informed.
Clarify wording of sentence to: 'Objectors need to request to be notified of Planning Committee'. St Peter's Parish Why not harmonise web site publication notice to No change required Council 21 days for all developments advertised on the The 14 day period in question, is specified within web, i.e. the same period as a site notice? The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2010. Councillor Lynn Queries whether data protection requirements No change required Denham differs between planning applications and Data protection applies to both planning policy DPDs/SPDs. representations and planning applications. DJD Architects Arrangements for consultation on planning No change required applications appear inadequate. The role of It is not a statutory requirement to have a design comment from Design Review should be made panel in place, although all three Councils provide explicit to ensure NPPF Section 7 Requiring Good such a service At Wychavon it is informal whereby Design is delivered the Council’s Design Champion (elected member) will have an input in the consideration of major planning applications. Age UK (Droitwich Age UK (Droitwich Spa) would like to be involved No change required Spa) in pre-application consultation on planning Noted. Age UK are not a statutory consultee and applications. they would not be invited to a pre-application meeting unless the developer wanted them there Canal and Rivers Document does not identify the means by which No change required Trust consultation is undertaken with statutory Noted. This is an IT systems matter. consultees, however, we understand it is by electronic consultation only. Due to our security firewall electronic consultations sent from you containing a hyperlink with a numeric IP address are blocked.
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Monitoring Respondent Response Summary Officer Response Councillor Lynn Denham Inconsistent use of abbreviation of Change required AMR Noted. Abbreviation can be amended in relevant paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 Hereford and Worcester Fire and Noted. HWFRS are not covered No change required Rescue and West Midlands Police within Statutory Instrument Malvern to consider whether there is 2012/767 definition of general a need to consider whether to consultation bodies. However include a link to the Statutory HWFRS contact details are on the Consultees set out in Schedule 5 to shared SWDP contact database. the GDMPO 2010 (like Worcester's Appendix 4). Pre-application meetings are paid for Noted. Pre-application meetings are by the developer and only if they paid for by the developer and only if
require WMP/HWFRS would they be they wanted WMP/HWFRS would Page 325 invited. they be invited.
A clarification paragraph will be inserted under section for 'Pre- application discussions' in Chapter 4 of "Pre-application stage is an opportunity for developers to engage with communities and to seek clarification of who to engage with, e.g. infrastructure providers".
General Comments Respondent Response Summary Officer Response Bill Simpson Comments relate to the SWDP and No change required Inspectors consideration of Noted. Comments relate to plan representations. making. The Inspector will conclude on the SWDP. The SCI will not affect the content of the SWDP. However as referred to in paragraphs 1.3 and 1.4 of Worcester's SCI, it may not always be possible or appropriate to consider all comments as there may be other material considerations. Mrs Geraldine Stevens Comments conclude that No change required infrastructure and employment Comments do not relate to the Page 326 needs to be planned prior to content of the Statements of housing, which does not occur at Community Involvement. present. Mr Martin O'Brien Councils have not formally notified No change required each Parish Council about the The three Councils have notified all “consultation on consultation”, nor of Parish and Town councils on the other important additions made in draft SCI consultation. Specific the last eight months to the list of comments on the consultation on SWDP documentation the SWDP will be part of the Examination process. Parish & Town Councils have been made aware of the SWDP Examination webpage. Mr Martin O'Brien If the proposed consultation process No change required does not include key points raised, Noted-Specific comments on the the impression will be given that the consultation on the SWDP will be SWDP consultations have been part of the Examination in Public costly and time-consuming. process. Mr Martin O'Brien Consultation practices will follow the No change required then Government's Practice The SWCs have consulted on SHLAA Guidance on Strategic Housing Land over the years. The SWDP Availability Assessments (2007), background papers on housing ignored by SWDP Councils in assessments of sites refer developing the proposed specifically to SHLAA site reference Development Plan. numbers in the assessment of site allocations. The SHLAA has not been ignored. The SWDP Examination will consider the consultation approach to the SWDP Mr Martin O'Brien Irrelevant to argue that this SHLAA No change required Practice Guidance (PG) has been Noted. rendered obsolete since March 2012 by the NPPF. Mr Martin O'Brien The partnership approach urged by No change required the PG is the model which has to be The SWDP is a partnership approach adopted by the District Councils if to the development plan by the future consultations are to be seen three councils to be genuine Page 327 Mr Martin O'Brien The DCs ignored the partnership No change required approach advocated in the PG The Duty to Co-operate and (SHLAA) in spite of being specifically consultation approach are tested at advised to use the standard Examination. The SHLAA has been methodology that it advocates in produced as a joint document. order to “ensure that the Assessment findings are robust and transparently prepared. When followed, a local authority should not need to justify the methodology used in preparing its assessment, including at independent examination…” (para. 15). Mr Martin O'Brien The importance of a partnership No change required approach is spelled out by the PG in Noted. The SHLAA is a technical paras. 11-15. (SHLAA) background document and has been consulted upon, including specific briefing of PC/TC's. Mr Martin O'Brien A partnership approach requires No change required good organisational help and training The SWDP Councils have regularly given by DCs to Parish/Ward consulted PC/TC's on the SHLAA/ Councils. Without, their SWDP through letters/ e-mails/ representatives cannot participate in briefings and staffed consultation planning process discussions. events. Mr Martin O'Brien An advantage of a partnership No change required approach will enable continuing two- Noted. Regular consultation has way feedback between Districts and taken place on the SHLAA and SWDP 'grass-roots'. at each stage of the plan making process. Mr Leonard Sanger No comment on SCI content. No change required Consider concerns have been Noted addressed.
Councillor Lynn Denham Not all language options are labelled Change required Page 328 in English. Missing headings will be added to the final version of the Worcester SCI Mr David Bryden Concerned about the document 's No change required content being very general and It is considered that the SCI cannot needs to be 'more specific about address the respondent’s concerns, intentions' at it addresses a general consultation approach.
No Comment Respondent Response Summary Officer Response No change required Marine Management Organisation No comment on SCIs Noted Unable to comment on individual No change required Natural England SCIs Noted Comment of general support for No change required Christopher Roper content of SCI Noted
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Appendix a. Notification letter
The South Worcestershire Councils
15 November 2013 To the Addressee
Dear Sir/Madam
Statement of Community Involvement (November 2013 Draft)
We are writing to you in response to your request to be kept informed of consultation events concerning future plans and policies for South Worcestershire, or because you are recorded as a regular agent for the submission of planning applications.
You will probably be aware that the three Councils of Malvern Hills, Worcester City and Wychavon are working together on the joint South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP). In addition, the three authorities have now agreed to produce a number of further joint planning documents and to each review and update their current adopted Statement of Community Involvement (SCI).
The SCIs set out what each Council will do to involve the community and other stakeholders in the preparation and revision of planning policy documents and how the community will be consulted on planning applications.
The proposed plan-making consultation arrangements set out in the draft documents are aligned, although there will be slight differences in the text due to the three Councils’ individual corporate procedures. The consultation arrangements in respect of planning applications will be different for each Council.
How to Comment: The three Councils have decided to invite comments on the draft SCIs over a seven week consultation period. Comments can be submitted by anyone with an interest in the document(s). Comments should be made in writing, preferably by email or via the online consultation portal, and should be received no later than 5pm on Friday 3 January 2014 in order to be considered.
Could you please make it clear in your response whether you are commentating on only one or all three of the SCIs, and if you are referring to any particular text, please state the relevant paragraph number.
The comments will be registered and acknowledged and all relevant comments will then be carefully considered in preparing the final documents for adoption by the respective Council. A summary of the comments received and officer response will be reported to the relevant Planning Committee or Cabinet.
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Any responses should be made either:-
• by email to: [email protected] • through the SWDP online consultation portal at: http://swdp-consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal • in writing to: South Worcestershire Development Plan, Orchard House, Farrier Street, Worcester, WR1 3BB
The draft documents and comments forms are available to view or download on each authority’s website or through the SWDP website.
Wychavon District SCI www.wychavon.gov.uk Tel. 01386 565000 Malvern Hills District SCI www.malvernhills.gov.uk Tel. 01684 862151 Worcester City SCI www.worcester.gov.uk Tel. 01905 722233 SWDP Website www.swdevelopmentplan.org
Hard copies of the relevant SCIs are available for inspection at the Customer Contact Centres in each of the three local authority areas where sets of comments forms will also be available. Hard copies of the documents can be obtained on request for a cost of £5.00 each including postage and packaging.
The SWDP Consultation Database The three Councils set up a joint web-accessible consultation database for the SWDP. This database will also be used for other joint planning policy documents, including the forthcoming Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Site Allocations DPD and a number of joint Supplementary Planning Documents. We are taking this opportunity to advise you that we will be ‘cleansing’ this consultation database over the coming months, by way of removing duplicate entries and those which are evidently out of date. We would be grateful if you could advise us if you no longer wish to receive consultations or if your contact details are out of date. Alternatively, if you are registered for online access you can update these details yourself.
Please note that any further contact regarding South Worcestershire plans and policies is likely to be by e-mail so that best use of limited resources can be achieved. If we have a contact email address for you then this will be used for notification or consultation purposes unless you contact us to explain why this would not be appropriate.
Further advice If you have any queries on the content of this letter, please contact us by e-mail [email protected] , or by telephone using one of the numbers set out above.
Yours faithfully
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on behalf of the South Worcestershire Councils Malvern Hills District Council, Worcester City Council and Wychavon District Council
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Appendix b. Press release
Press Release For immediate release: 18 November 2013 Have your say on Worcester’s planning work
Worcester City Council is keen to hear your views on the process it follows for planning consultations. The council has produced a draft Statement of Community Involvement, a legally required document that sets out how we will seek public views on the compiling of local plans (such as the South Worcestershire Development Plan) and planning policy documents. It also looks at the process for making sure residents have their say on individual planning applications. Worcester residents have until January 3 to have their say on the draft Statement, before it’s formally adopted by the City Council. To take part in the consultation, log on to www.worcester.gov.uk/voiceit , where you can read the draft Statement of Community Involvement and give your comments on it. Alternatively, printed copies of the document can be picked up from the Customer Service Centre in The Hive. ENDS For further information please contact: Rob Byrne, Communications & PR Manager Orchard House, Farrier Street Worcester WR1 3BB Tel: 01905 722 409 Email: [email protected]
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Appendix c. Comments Form Statement of Community Involvement (SCI): Consultation Draft (November 2013)
Comments Form
rd Please return by 5.00pm on 3 January 2014 to : Ref:
South Worcestershire Development Plan Team Orchard House (For official use only) Farrier Street Worcester WR1 3BB or [email protected]
How we will use your details The personal information you provide on this form will be held and processed in accordance with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998. Please note that your name, postal address and comments may be made publicly available when displaying and reporting the outcome of this consultation and cannot be treated as confidential. Any other details, including signatures, private telephone numbers and email addresses will not be published on the Councils’ websites, but the original representations will be available in full for inspection on request.
1. Personal details 2. Agent’s d etails
(if applicable)
Title
Full n ame
Job title (if applicable)
Organisation (if applicable) Address Plea se use the
tick Postcode box es Telephone n umber belo w to E-mail address mak e it clea r whether you are commentating on only one or all three of the draft SCIs:-
1. Worcester City
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2. Malvern Hills 3. Wychavon 4. All three
Please make your comments below, as clearly and concisely as possible. For instance, if you are referring to any particular text, please state the relevant paragraph number. Please continue on an additional sheet securely attached, if necessary.
The comments will be registered and acknowledged and all relevant comments will then be carefully considered in preparing the final documents for adoption by the respective Council. A summary of the comments received and officer response will be reported to the relevant Planning Committee or Cabinet meeting.
Signature Date
Page 336 Appendix 1
Statement of Community Involvement
(September 2014)
How the Council intends to consult the community on the preparation of planning policy documents and planning application
1
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Contents Executive Summary
1. Introduction • Aim of the Statement of Community Involvement • The Status of the Statement of Community Involvement • Commitment to Equalities • Consultation on the SCI Review
2. Principles in Consulting and Meeting Worcester’s challenges
3. Consultation on Plan-making • Introduction • The Basics of Plan-making • Preparation of Development Plan Documents • Producing a Supplementary Planning Document • Neighbourhood Planning • Who and How
4. Consultation on planning applications • Introduction • Pre - application discussions • Giving local communities a say before applications are submitted • Notification and consultation arrangements for applications • How your comments are dealt with • Speaking at Committee • Role of Councillors • Post decision and Enforcement Matters • Cross-boundary applications • Consultation on Conservation matters
5. Feedback and further advice • Monitoring customer satisfaction • Queries about community involvement • Further guidance and advice
2
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Appendices
1. Principles of Consultation 2. Contact Details 3. Publicity for different types of planning application 4. Planning application consultees 5. Glossary
3
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Executive Summary
By involving the whole community in the planning process the Council can ensure that a strategy for development of the area is created that meets the aspirations of the widest possible range of people, communities, organisations and businesses.
The SCI provides a framework for future consultation and community engagement but it is intended to be a flexible approach to all future consultation.
Certain requirements for consultation on plan-making and planning applications are set out in legislation. The sections on plan making and consultation on planning applications meet the minimum requirements of national legislation as stated within the document. The document seeks to address and expand upon these provisions where appropriate and within the available resources.
Section 1. Introduction sets out context and legal status of this document.
Section 2. Principles in Consulting and Meeting Worcester’s challenges provides information on the Council’s principles in consulting the community and highlights issues to consider for effective community engagement.
Section 3. Consultation on Plan making provides guidance on: • The stages of production of Development Plan Documents and Supplementary Plan Documents, including public consultation; • Who the Council will consult on planning policy documents in accordance with national legislation; • The Council’s procedure for handling of representations and comments from the public, organisations and interested stakeholders; and • The Council’s arrangements for publicity and availability of consultation documents.
Section 4. Consultation on planning applications provides information on:
• The Council’s approach for publicity for different types of development; • Pre-application discussions and encouragement of pre-application consultation for applications; • How the Council consults on and advertises planning applications, in accordance with statutory requirements (also see Appendix 3); • Consultation arrangement for cross-boundary applications; • Consulting on conservation matters (Listed buildings, Conservation areas, protected trees and important hedgerows); and 4
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• How comments are handled.
Section 5. Feedback and further advice provides information on who to contact with queries and sources of further guidance and advice on planning matters.
5
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1.0 Introduction
Please Note: Terms underlined in black are defined in the Glossary. Web links are provided for terms underlined in blue for electronic readers.
Aim of the Statement of Community Involvement (SCI)
1.1 The aim of the Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) is to act as a guide and reference point for: • Issues for public engagement in Worcester and the Council’s principles of community engagement (Section 2); • How the Council intends to involve people in the preparation of local planning policy documents (Section 3); • How the Council intends to involve people in the determination of planning applications (Section 4 and Appendix 3);and • Further guidance and advice (Section 5).
1.2 Planning shapes the places where people live and work, so it is right that people should be able to take an active part from the beginning of the planning process, identifying issues and debating options from the earliest stages. By involving the whole community in the planning process the Council can ensure that a strategy for development of the area is created, that meets the aspirations of the widest possible range of people, communities, organisations and businesses.
1.3 The SCI provides a framework for future consultation and community engagement but it is intended to be a flexible approach to all future consultation. Certain requirements for consultation on plan-making and planning applications are set out in legislation. The SCI seeks to address and expand upon these provisions where appropriate and within the available resources.
1.4 It is important to note that whilst the Council will always consider any relevant comments in respect of the development of a policy document or a planning application, it will not always be possible or appropriate to decide the matter in accordance with the comments(s) received. There may be other material considerations, such as requirements of legislation, or national or local policies to which the Council must adhere.
The Status of the Statement of Community Involvement
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1.5 The preparation of a Statement of Community Involvement is a requirement of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended). The Localism Act 2011 re-emphasises the importance of enabling communities to contribute towards shaping the places where they live.
1.6 This SCI is a Local Development Document and once adopted it will become a statutory part of the Council’s Local Planning Policy Framework. It will supersede Worcester’s previously adopted SCI (March 2006). Since then there have been significant changes within the planning system and therefore the Council is updating the document.
Commitment to Equalities
1.7 Local authorities need to have regard to the Public Sector Equalities Duty, as referred to in the Equalities Act 2010, in respect of considering people with ‘protected characteristics’ in decision making. Under the Equality Act 2010 a public authority must, in the exercise of its functions have due regard to the need to:
a. Eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation; b. Advance equality of opportunity; c. Foster good relations between persons.
The Council will ensure that the Planning Service, in terms of public consultation on emerging planning documents and planning applications, have due regard to this statutory duty and due regard to the authority’s strategy on equality (see www.worcester.gov.uk/equality-inclusion )
Consultation on the SCI Review
1.8 The revision and adoption of the SCI has followed an informal process including a seven week consultation period which took place between 15th November 2013 and 3rd January 2014. A copy of comments received and officer responses are contained within the Consultation Statement. The Council requested that Cabinet formally adopt this document on 30 th September 2014. There is no requirement for SCIs to be independently examined. 1
1Previous legislative requirement for an examination of SCI has been repealed by 2008 Planning Act.
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2.0 Principles in Consulting and Meeting Worcester’s challenges
Principles in consulting the community
2.1 Consultation is crucial in helping the Council and its partners make decisions which affect the City. The Council considers consultation to have a key role in informing and influencing its decision-making and wider activities. The Council is committed to providing a high quality and responsive planning service which meets the needs of the community and wants to develop the way everybody is involved in plan-making and in reaching decisions on planning applications.
2.2 In seeking to make it as easy as possible to get involved, the Council will apply the principles set out in its Corporate Consultation Strategy ‘Lets Listen’ (2013) (See Appendix 1) to consultation on planning matters.
Meeting Worcester’s challenges
2.3 Worcester is the county town and principal urban area within Worcestershire, with a population 98,700 (2011 Mid-Year Population Estimates). The city is anticipating further economic growth, planned for by the South Worcestershire Development Plan. Within this process it is important that views of the current residents of Worcester are included, so there is a shared understanding of current issues facing residents.
2.4 To engage with as wide an audience as possible, issues for Council officers to consider for effective consultation are:
• Developing and using different consultation mechanisms, tailored to meet specific needs of groups to enable all to participate. • Where appropriate and possible, offer options for consultation methods, identifying the potential resource implications for each option. • How to consult and involve the younger members of Worcester’s population and ensure that responses are balanced by input from young people. • Use of alternative methods (e.g. locations and materials where appropriate) so consultations are inclusive (e.g. do not present physical, language or other barriers).
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3.0 Consultation on Plan-Making
Introduction
3.1 This section provides an overview of how formal planning policy documents are prepared by the Council and how the Council will involve people in the preparation of these documents at each of the main preparation stages. Minimum legal requirement for consultation are set out in the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 - which will simply be referred to as ‘the Regulations’. The Council will exceed these requirements where it considers this would improve engagement and where resources allow.
The Basics of Plan-making
What are Local Development Documents?
3.2 Local Development Documents (LDDs) is the collective term used to describe the Statement of Community Involvement, Development Plan Documents (DPDs) (such as the South Worcestershire Development Plan) and Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs). Collectively the DPDs comprise the ‘Local Plan’.
National policy and the duty to co-operate
3.3 The National Planning Policy Framework (March 2012) sets out the Government’s vision for the planning system and the national planning policies that development plan documents must be consistent with. The Framework stresses the importance of a plan-led system and reiterates the role of early and meaningful engagement and collaboration with neighbourhoods, local organisations and businesses to produce a Local Plan that reflects the vision and aspirations of local communities.
3.4 The Localism Act (2011) abolished regional planning and led to the revocation of the remaining Worcestershire County-level structure plan policies. The Act includes a ‘duty to co-operate’ which requires planning authorities and other ‘prescribed’ public bodies to actively engage on cross boundary strategic matters. For example, housing, transport and flood risk can have impacts that cross administrative boundaries. The Council will continue to explore appropriate approaches to addressing such issues jointly with neighbouring councils and public bodies to ensure that strategic priorities are reflected in the Local Plan. This duty is additional to the basic legal requirements for consultation when plan making.
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Local Development Scheme (LDS)
3.5 The Local Development Scheme (LDS) sets out the Council’s plan making intentions over a three-year period and can be viewed on the Council’s website. The current LDS has been prepared jointly in cooperation with the other South Worcestershire authorities (Malvern Hills District Council and Wychavon District Council). The LDS allows residents/ businesses/ stakeholders to know in advance when the Council will be consulting on documents that may be of interest to them. It also identifies and programmes the Council’s intentions regarding the production and adoption of this Statement of Community Involvement (SCI).
Development Plan Documents (DPDs)
3.6 Development Plan Documents are formal plans which, including any minerals and waste plans at County level, make up the ‘development plan’ in accordance with which planning applications should be determined unless material considerations indicate otherwise. The term ‘Local Plan’ is used to describe the DPDs produced by an individual Council.
3.7 The South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP) is a Development Plan Document which together with the proposed Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Site Allocations DPD will make up the new Local Plan for Worcester City Council. The draft joint SWDP has been submitted for Independent Examination and Phase 1 of the Examination Hearing Sessions took place in early October 2013.
Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs)
3.8 Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) do not form part of the development plan but provide more detailed guidance on the implementation of policies in the Local Plan, for instance in relation to the development of specific sites or on particular issues such as design. SPDs can be a material consideration in planning decisions.
3.9 The Council is currently producing a number of SPDs with Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils on topics such as affordable housing, planning obligations and renewable energy. A list of these documents and a timetable for their production is set out in the LDS. Figure 1 illustrates the relationship between DPDs and SPDs which will make up Worcester’s Planning Policy Framework. 11
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Figure 1. The Developmental Plan Diagram
The Development Plan
Worcestershire Worcestershire SWDP Traveller & Neighbourhood Waste Core Minerals Local Travelling Plans Strategy Plan DPD Showpeople DPD
Worcester City ‘ Local Plan ’
Supplementary Planning Documents
Statement of Community Involvement
Sustainability Appraisal (SA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)
3.10 Sustainability Appraisal (SA) seeks to assess the environmental, social and economic effects of the implementation of the proposed policies contained in poicy documents or the effects of not having these policies.
3.11 All DPDs must be subject to a Sustainability Appraisal. Most DPDs and some SPDs are subject to a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), the latter normally being incorporated into the SA via a combined ‘Sustainability Report’. The Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report, which sets out the methodology for the appraisals, will be updated as necessary and be the subject of consultation with relevant stakeholders each time a DPD is prepared to ensure that it provides for an up-to-date and appropriate appraisal of the likely 13
Page 349 Appendix 1 impact of the document in question. The Sustainability Report will be published alongside the relevant DPD.
3.12 Natural England, English Heritage and the Environment Agency are ‘Strategic Environmental Assessment Consultation bodies’ who will be specifically consulted on the requirement for and on the scope of any Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs).
Preparing a Development Plan Document
3.13 Development Plan Documents need to follow a statutory process set out in the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012, through to adoption as set out in Figure 2 below. Possible consultation methods at each stage are set out in Figure 4.
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Figure 2. Process for Producing a Development Plan Document (DPD)
Stage Process and Requirements 1. Preproduction • Collect evidence and establish wider policy framework • Informal consultations may be carried out and the 2. Informal consultation - nature/extent of these will be determined by the specific requirements of evidence gathering or subject matter Informal and early • Consider issues and alternatives engagement • Consult on the Scope of the SA/SEA 3. Consultation - • Prepare ‘preferred options’ draft document • Consult over six week period in line with Regulation 18 Preferred Options • Council to consider the comments made 2
4. Publication - • Statutory stage. • Minimum of 6 weeks is provided to make ‘representations’ on Publish Proposed Submission the plan, its sustainability appraisal and supporting evidence Document, SEA/SA Report for (Regulations 19 and 20) final representations. • These representations will be considered by the Inspector at the Examination 5. Examination - • Main issues raised in the representations at Regulation 19/20 summarised and made publicly available Submission of Plan for • Plan submitted to Secretary of State for Independent Independent Examination Examination in line with Regulation 22 • Independent Examination (LPA to provide 6 weeks prior notice to people who have requested to appear, Regulation 24) • Examination likely to involve public Hearing Sessions • Planning Inspector issues report, if no main modifications required 6. Main Modifications • Optional Stage (20(7C) 2004 PCPA) -where the Council agrees, the Inspector can propose changes or ‘main modifications’ to the plan (including to add ‘omission sites’, i.e. additional sites put forward by objectors to the DPD) to avoid it being found ‘unsound’ • Planning Inspector issues report 7. Adoption - • Plan adopted by the Council if agreed as ‘sound’ by Inspector (in accordance with Regulation 26) Publish Plan, Adoption statement, SA Report, details for inspection, Consultation Statement. • Monitor plan to make sure the plan is achieving its aims 8. Monitor & Review • Plan may be reviewed where necessary
2 It is important to note that any comments made at this stage will not be carried forward to the Independent Examination. If anyone is not satisfied that their comments have been properly considered, they must comment again on the Proposed Submission Document in order to have their comments considered by the Inspector.
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Preparation Stages in More Detail
Stage 1. Pre-Production
3.14 This is the evidence gathering stage where the Council will collect the relevant social, economic and environmental data and review the national policy framework. There may be informal meetings and discussions with consultees and identified stakeholders at this stage to consider any specific issues arising during the evidence gathering process.
Stage 2. The Informal Consultation Stage
3.15 At this stage, consultation will be informal and will vary depending on the nature of the document. This will normally involve informal meetings to discuss issues and options with relevant groups and public sector bodies. The aim of this stage is the ‘front loading’ of community involvement and interested parties are encouraged to put forward their ideas at the early stages and thus participate in developing the document, including raising reasonable alternatives. An issues and option document, papers or leaflet may be produced for wider public engagement.
3.16 At this stage, any previous relevant consultation exercises and the comments received in respect of these will also be taken into consideration in the development of a Preferred Options Draft document.
3.17 At this stage there will also be consultation with the appropriate bodies on a Scoping Report for the Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment.
Stage 3. Consultation on a Preferred Options or Draft Document
3.18 This stage will be a formal six week consultation period on a ‘Preferred Options’ or Draft document. Public consultation will take place, as appropriate (see Figure 3). Consultation notifications will be sent to relevant consultees and all others who have requested to be notified will be advised of its availability. Meetings or exhibitions may be arranged during this period to discuss the Draft document.
3.19 Consultation will take place on the Sustainability Appraisal Report and Strategic Environmental Assessment.
3.20 The Council will consider all the comments received in response to this public consultation stage and amend the document in the light of these, as appropriate. It is important to note that any comments made at this stage, or 16
Page 352 Appendix 1 the earlier stages, will not be carried forward to the Independent Examination. If anyone is not satisfied that their comments have been taken adequately responded to, they must comment again, at the Publication Stage set out below in order to have their comments considered by the Inspector.
Stage 4. Publication of Proposed Submission Document
3.21 The amended DPD, now called the ‘Proposed Submission Document’ will be published, and a formal six week period will occur during which final representations can be made. The Sustainability Report and Consultation Statement which summarises the consultation that has been undertaken in connection with the preparation of the DPD to-date will also be published. Representations at this stage must be made in relation to Tests of Soundness (as set out in the NPPF)
3.22 Following this period, the Council will submit the Proposed Submission Document together with all the other relevant evidence, the representations received and a Statement of Representations to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.
Stage 5. Examination
3.23 All representations will be considered by the Independent Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State, who will conduct an Examination into the ‘Soundness’ of the DPD (see the Planning Inspectorate’s guide to Examinations ). The Inspector will consider most comments by way of written submissions and these will carry equal weight as appearances in person at an Examination.
3.24 There will normally be a Pre-Hearing Meeting at which the Inspector will agree with all those who have made representations how their views will be considered. On occasion, there may also be an Exploratory Meeting which is called by the Inspector prior to the Pre-Hearing Meeting to address or clarify any outstanding issues and explore how best to proceed with the Examination.
Stage 6. Main Modifications (if required)
3.25 During the Examination, the Inspector may invite the Council to make a formal request to the Inspector for the Council to propose changes, known as proposed ‘main modifications’, to address issues of soundness or legal compliance. The Council will normally consult on any such ‘main modifications’ for a time period agreed by the Inspector. Any further representations received would then be considered by the Inspector who may reopen the Hearing 17
Page 353 Appendix 1 sessions if they think this is necessary Minor changes, such as typographical corrections, factual corrections, factual updates or other changes which taken together do not ‘materially affect the policies’ of the Plan, do not require further consultation.
Stage 7. Adoption
3.26 Following the Examination, the Council will receive an Inspector’s report. Should the Council wish to adopt the Plan they must follow the Inspector’s recommendations and if any main modifications are recommended, amend the Plan accordingly. There is a short period during which the Council can seek to clarify factual matters. Following consideration by full Council of the Inspector’s Report, the final Plan can be adopted by the Council, provided the Inspector has concluded the plan is sound or can be made sound.
3.27 A six week period will follow for the submission of any legal challenge to its adoption. The Council must publish the Plan, Adoption Statement, SA Report and details of where these can be inspected, in accordance with Regulation 26 of Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 .
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Producing a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)
3.28 The process for preparing and adopting Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) is shorter than for DPDs. SPDs are not subject to Independent Examination. Figure 3 sets out the process for preparation through to adoption in accordance with statutory process, as set out in in the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012. Possible consultation methods at each stage are set out in Figure 4.
Figure 3. Preparing a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)
Stage Process and Requirements 1. Evidence • Collect evidence. Informal consultations may be carried gathering – out and the nature/extent of this will be determined by the subject matter of the document. Preparation and • Work with relevant groups and organisations early engagement • Consider issues and alternatives in the production of a draft SPD • Screen to determine whether an SEA is required • Report on the consultation undertaken is summarised within a Consultation Statement (Regulation 12 )
2. Consultation – • Statutory stage where a minimum of 6 weeks 3 will be provided to comment on draft SPD and any supporting Publication of evidence, including the Consultation Statement draft SPD and (Regulation 13) public • Documents made available for inspection including on the participation Council’s website • Notifications will be sent to relevant groups and organisations and all those who have requested to be notified • Parish and Town Councils will be notified • Comments considered by officers and SPD amended
3. Adopt – • Amended SPD and summaries of consultation responses received presented to Planning Committee for adoption Publish SPD, under Regulation 14 Adoption • Adoption Statement produced and relevant people notified Statement, • Six week period for legal challenge Consultation Statement 4. Monitor • Final SPD is monitored, to make sure it is achieving its aims • SPD may be reviewed, where necessary
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Stage 1. Evidence gathering
3.29 Initial consultation on SPDs will be informal and will be targeted at particular groups and individuals depending on the subject matter or location to be dealt with by the SPD. Consultation techniques (see Figure 4) will vary depending on the nature of the SPD. This informal consultation will seek to influence the scope and content of the SPD. At this stage, any previous relevant consultation exercises and the comments received in respect of them will also be taken into account.
Stage 2. Consultation
3.30 Following initial consultation in stage 1, a draft SPD will be prepared. This will then be the subject to formal public participation as required by Regulation 13. Parish and town councils, charitable and voluntary bodies who may have a particular interest in the SPD, and all others who have requested to be notified, will be advised of the availability of the document.
3.31 The draft SPD will be made available on the Council’s website. This publicity will offer an opportunity for individuals and organisations to contribute their views. Depending on the nature of the SPD, the consultation may be further publicised through a local exhibition or display, or meetings may be held to discuss the draft document.
Stage 3. Adoption
3.32 All comments received will be considered and the SPD will be amended in the light of these comments as appropriate. Following consideration by the Council’s Planning Committee and/or Cabinet, the final document will be adopted. The Council will publish the final document, Adoption Statement and Consultation Statement. There will then be a 6 week period for legal challenge.
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Appendix 1
Table1. Consultation strategy by document type
Consultation Website Media Informal Structured Formal Exhibitions Focus Acknowledgement of letters & releases discussions response meetings & displays groups all comments received within relevant time emails with form period (see para Officers 3.6.10) SCI Informal Consultation Possibly Possibly
DPDs
Informal Consultation Possibly Possibly Possibly Possibly Possibly Page 356
Public Participation (Reg 18) Possibly Possibly
Publication for final representations Possibly Possibly Possibly (Reg 19/20)
Main Modifications (if necessary) Possibly Possibly Possibly
SPDs Informal Consultation Possibly Possibly Possibly Possibly Possibly
Formal Public Participation Possibly Possibly Possibly Possibly (Reg 13)
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Neighbourhood planning
3.33 Unlike Development Plan Documents, Neighbourhood Plans are taken forward by communities themselves with the support of the Council. Neighbourhood Plans can allocate land or establish policies for the development of land in a neighbourhood if the majority of voters in the neighbourhood give their approval. These plans must be in conformity with the strategic policies in the Local Plan and have regard to national planning policy.
3.34 Consultation procedures for Neighbourhood Plans and Local Development Orders are set out in the Localism Act 2011 and Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012. Further information on neighbourhood planning is available on the Council’s website .
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Who and How
3.35 This section outlines who will be consulted and how the Council will do this, and how the Council will accept and respond to the comments received.
Who will be Consulted?
3.36 The minimum legal requirements for consultation and public participation for Local Development Documents are set down in the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 . Specified bodies must be consulted where the Council considers that the body may be affected by what is proposed. These ‘specific consultation bodies 4’ are defined in the Regulations as:-
• Worcestershire County Council • Parish and Town Councils (within the plan area) • Adjoining Councils (County, District, Unitary and Parish/Town) • The Police and Crime Commissioner • Adjoining Police and Crime Commissioners • The Coal Authority • The Environment Agency • English Heritage (Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England) • Marine Management Organisation • Natural England • Network Rail Infrastructure Limited • The Highways Agency • Relevant 5 telecommunications companies • Relevant 5 Clinical Commissioning Group(s) • NHS Commissioning Board • Relevant 5 electricity and gas companies • Relevant 5 water and sewerage companies • The Homes and Communities Agency
4 Specific Consultation Bodies are set by Government and the most recent regulations should be consulted to ensure the relevant bodies are contacted.
5 ‘Relevant’, i.e. ‘if it exercises functions in any part of the local planning authority area’ as defined by Part 1 of Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012.
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3.37 The 2012 Regulations also require consultation with other interest groups, which cover a whole range of voluntary, community, special interest, amenity and business interests, referred to as ‘general consultation bodies’. The Council maintains an up to date database of such contacts.
3.38 In addition to the above, the Council maintains a commitment to both formal consultation and informal discussions with other local authorities and non-governmental organisations in accordance with the Duty to Corporate on an on going basis.
3.39 The three South Worcestershire local planning authorities maintain a database of contact details of organisations and individuals who have requested to be kept informed of planning policy documents. This is kept up to date and can be amended at the request of ant individual or organisation. The consultation database includes a large number of groups, organisations and companies and individuals.
3.40 If you want to be added to or removed from this database please contact [email protected] or speak to a member of the Planning Policy team by telephoning 01905 722233 and ask for ‘Economic Development and Planning Policy’. Email contact details are preferred.
Access to information
3.41 Consultation documents will be made available in electronic and hard copy format to view in the Customer Service Centre and Council libraries (see Appendix 2). The Council seeks to produce its policy documents in an accessible and easy to read format; and documents for inspection, meetings and exhibitions will be held at accessible and appropriate locations. For those who do not have internet access, other formats, e.g. hard copies and large print, are available on request.
3.42 Consultation notification e.g. letters and e-mails, may be accompanied by specially designed comment forms to assist people with their responses. Council/Planning Officers can provide guidance and assistance when required.
Receipt of representations
3.43 The Council can receive written representations and comments by email or letter or at certain key stages through its online database. At the formal stages of the process, those making representations will be encouraged to use the official forms supplied, although all written comments, however received, will be registered. Representations made by telephone will only be accepted in very 24
Page 360 Appendix 1 special circumstances where those commenting have difficulty using written methods of communication. Where possible, the Council encourages people to submit responses electronically as this helps the Council to accurately store and analyse your comments.
Dealing with your comments
3.44 All representations submitted on planning policy documents and the respondent’s name and contact details will be entered on to the database maintained by the three South Worcestershire Councils 6. The Council will acknowledge e-mails, letters and petitions (via lead name) made on DPDs at the Proposed Submission stage, and will set out whether the comments are duly made. The Council will not acknowledge receipt of comments made at Issues and Options and Preferred Options stages of DPDs; or at consultation stages for SPDs.
3.45 All duly made comments on the relevant planning policy document will be analysed and carefully considered. How they are considered and reported will depend on the stage a document has reached. Individual written responses to the comments received will not normally be sent. The following paragraphs set out how any comments received will be taken into account.
3.46 At early and informal stages comments may be reported to the decision making body, i.e. Planning Committee, as summaries or as a summary report. All comments will however be available to inspect in full on request. Addresses and contact details will not be published. Generally anonymous comments are not accepted for consultation purposes. Exceptionally, at the early and informal stages, the Council may allow anonymous comments through specific engagement exercises where overall outcomes will be summarised e.g. workshops/ focus groups.
3.47 At the Draft Document stage for DPDs or following consultation on a draft SPD, comments will be reported to the decision making body, i.e. Planning Committee, as summaries or as a summary report. All comments will be available to inspect in full or on request.
3.48 These summaries or summary reports will be considered alongside the officer report and recommendations, and will be made available via the Council’s website. Addresses and contact details will not be published.
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3.49 For DPDs, the Council has to prepare a Consultation Statement for publication alongside the Proposed Submission DPD, which summarises the consultation that has been undertaken to date in connection with the preparation of the DPD.
3.50 For SPDs the Council has to prepare a Consultation Statement for publication alongside the final SPD, which summarises the consultation that has been undertaken in connection with the preparation of the document.
3.51 For DPDs at the formal Proposed Submission stage, representations made in relation to the Tests of Soundness or legal compliance matters will not normally be considered by the Council as they will be passed to the Inspector. These representations will be assessed and along with a summary of key issues raised, will form a Statement of Representations. All the original comments as submitted will be sent to the Inspector when the Plan is submitted for Examination and will be published via the Council’s website in full but with addresses and contact details removed (redacted). All comments will be available to inspect in full upon request.
3.52 It is important to note that whilst the Council (or Inspector) will always consider any relevant comments in respect of the production of a policy document, it will not always be possible or appropriate to decide the matter in accordance with the comments(s) received. There may be other material considerations, such as requirements of legislation, or national or local policies to which the Council must adhere.
What are ‘duly made’ comments?
3.53 For comments to be considered ‘duly made’ they must:
a) be received within the timescales set out for the specific consultation period; b) relate to the document, its content, or its preparation; c) not be anonymous; and d) not be offensive, libellous or otherwise breach the law i.e. inadmissible.
3.54 Whilst all duly made comments will be considered and welcomed, it may not be possible to take all comments on board and at the Examination only soundness or legal compliance issues can be addressed by the Inspector.
3.55 It is important that comments are sent in on time as late comments at the formal stages cannot be accepted. Please also be aware that there may be size 26
Page 362 Appendix 1 limits on email attachments that can cause failure of delivery; it is advised to check the Council’s website for advice on size limits. If large documents are being emailed, it would be advisable to email well before the deadline and check that the Council has received them before the deadline expires. Please ensure comments are sent to the correct email address and you should receive an automated receipt.
Publicity and availability of documents
3.56 All formal draft and final documents will be available via the Council’s website. All draft versions will be available for information even after the consultation period has closed, until such time as the document is finally adopted. Copies will be available for inspection at the customer service centre at the Hive and Council libraries (See Appendix 2 for locations).
3.57 Copies will also be available for purchase in hard copy form or CD upon request. The Council will consider reasonable requests for documents in other formats e.g. large print versions, alternative languages.
3.58 The three South Worcestershire Councils currently host a dedicated SWDP website which can be accessed directly at www.swdevelopmentplan.org or through each Council’s website. This hosts all the documents relating to the jointly prepared SWDP and will similarly host all the joint SPDs and other documents produced collaboratively. It also gives access to an interactive Policies Map where ‘site allocations’ can be viewed.
Charges for documents
3.59 All consultees and interested parties will be encouraged to use the Council’s website for viewing or downloading documents, although it is appreciated that this is not appropriate for everyone.
3.60 Consultation notifications will normally be sent by e-mail with a link to the relevant document on the website or the document provided as an attachment. Where people do not have access to e-mail or cannot use this method for specific reasons, a letter can still be sent, but the Council will in future move way from this method due to the additional costs involved.
3.61 A scale of reasonable charges for documents will be published on the Council’s website and reviewed periodically.
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Consultation on Planning Applications
Introduction
4.1 This section sets out the Council’s intentions for consideration of: • Significant development (see paragraph 4.13 for a definition); • Pre-application (Procedure for consultation and notification); and • Planning applications (Procedure for consultation and notification).
4.2 The SCI must set out standards of consultation to be achieved by the local authority in making decisions on planning applications. Planning applications can range from modest extensions to existing dwellings to major development schemes for urban expansion or regeneration. The County Council are the planning authority in respect of development involving mineral extraction and waste disposal and their own SCI will set out arrangements for the processing of such applications.
4.3 Planning legislation sets out a minimum standard of publicity and notification of applications to the local community, depending on the nature of the application. The wider involvement of the community and stakeholders at the early stage of the planning process is of benefit to the public, individuals, organisations and the development industry. The City Council will continue to meet the requirements associated with statutory requirements, as illustrated by Appendix 3.
4.4 The SCI therefore provides an important framework to engage the wider community in development proposals, especially those that are deemed to be ‘significant’, and throughout the various stages of the development management process. Although the planning application process is the stage most associated with public involvement, there can also be a more limited form of consultation at the pre-application stage.
Pre - application discussions
4.5 The Council encourages any person contemplating development, including house extensions, to have informal discussions with planning officers as early as possible. Since May 2011 the Council has made charges for pre-application advice for most types of development. This is so that the Council can provide the best possible advice and a higher quality service. The approach to pre-application advice is set out in the 'The Guidance Note and Scale of Charges ’, which is available on the Council's website. The Council will continue
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Page 365 Appendix 1 to publicise the availability of such advice and provide guidance for Officers, councillors and the public alike.
4.6 The chargeable pre-application service is intended for specific proposals, to provide applicants with an indication as to whether their scheme is likely to gain planning permission or not, what the key policies and planning issues are likely to be, and what information they would need to submit with an application. Officers will also be able to advise whether an application falls within the tiers of ‘significant development’ (see page 31). Furthermore, in accordance with good practice guidelines and national performance indicators, the Council will offer a development team response to major proposals. A nominated case officer will coordinate the input of other specialist advice on an initial scheme. The Council promotes the use of Planning Performance Agreements to formalise this project management process and the methods of community engagement. The Pre-application stage is an opportunity for developers to engage with communities and to seek clarification of who to engage with, e.g. infrastructure providers.
4.7 The Council recognises that applicants will normally wish to keep pre-application discussions confidential and the Council will endeavour to respect this. However, under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 , the Council may have to make public any information it retains unless one of the statutory exemptions apply.
Giving local communities a say before applications are submitted
4.8 Whatever the scale of development proposed, applicants or developers are always best advised to discuss the proposals with the owners/occupiers of neighbouring land prior to making an application. Such informal discussion can often help to allay fears within the community on the nature of the development. Moreover, an applicant may be able to make changes to a proposal to accommodate a neighbour and avoid an objection at the formal application stage. Dependent on scale, pre-application discussion should also include the key consultees on the type of development proposed such as the Highway Authority and the Environment Agency.
4.9 For development proposals that fall within Tiers 1 to 3 of significant development (see page 31), the Council will expect applicants and developers to have carried out initial consultation with the local community. This is in line with Section 122 of the Localism Act 2011, which introduced a statutory requirement for prospective developers to consult local communities before submitting planning applications for major development proposals. This is intended to give 30
Page 366 Appendix 1 local people an opportunity to comment on proposed developments which may have an impact on them, and to collaborate on issues such as design at an early stage, when they still have an opportunity to influence proposals before they are finalised.
4.10 For Tier 1 and 2 development, this initial engagement should normally take the form of a public exhibition of the proposals, held locally, and advertised on site and in the local press. Where applicable the local Parish Council and Ward Councillors should also be notified. Officers will normally be able to advise on any local community groups or user groups that should be involved. In respect of Tier 3 development, the applicants are encouraged to notify the local Parish Council and Ward Councillors of the proposal.
4.11 If and when an application is submitted for significant development, the Council will expect the developer to include with the application a Consultation Supporting Statement outlining what consultation has been carried out and how the results of the exercise have been taken into account in the submitted scheme. The Council recognises that over and above the legal requirements of the Localism Act 2011, pre-application consultation with the local community cannot be enforced, nor can an application be rejected in the absence of a supporting statement. However, in the absence of comprehensive pre-application engagement the additional notifications and consultation that the Council will have to undertake may delay the consideration of the application.
Notification and consultation arrangements for applications
4.12 As soon as a planning application that it is the responsibility 7 of the City Council to determine has been submitted and validated, the Council will undertake consultation with the local community.
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7 The City Council receives planning applications from the County Council and neighbouring local authorities. The relevant local authority is responsible for consultation before determining these applications.
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4.13 Government advice requires that that the SCI should pay particular attention to ‘significant’ planning applications i.e. those development proposals which merit wider publicity and consultation with the local community. The nature and type of publicity and involvement will be dependent on the nature of the proposal and a ’tiered’ approach has been adopted by the City Council as follows.
Tier 1: Large scale and controversial applications not in accordance with the Development Plan • Development Plan ‘departures’ that have to be referred to the Secretary of State, for instance, proposals for ‘development out of town centres’ in excess of 5,000 sq m of retail, leisure, office or mixed commercial floor space, as per the Town and Country Planning (Consultation) (England) Direction 2009 .
• Development falling within Schedule 1 of the Town and Country Planning (EIA) Regulations 2011 . Large scale development and infrastructure like power stations, chemical installations and waste disposal facilities.
Figure 5 outlines consultation arrangements for such applications.
Tier 2: Applications broadly in accordance with the Development Plan but raising controversial issues • Development falling within Schedule 2 of the Town & Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011. • Applications requiring a full transport assessment (i.e. where development will have wider transport implications). • Applications for development proposed on existing playing fields and subject to the Town and Country Planning (Consultation) (England) Direction 2009.
Figure 5 outlines consultation arrangements for such applications.
Tier 3: Applications of local significance as determined by the City Council
• Applications for ‘major’ development, which have to be advertised under Article 13 of the Town and Country Planning (General Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2010 (as amended). • Planning applications for telecommunication development for the erection of masts that exceed 15 metres in height.
Figure 5 outlines consultation arrangements for such applications.
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4.14 The City Council’s procedures for notifying the public meet the requirements laid down in planning regulations and comprise the following:
• The listing of the application details on the Council’s website including a facility to enable people to comment online at www.worcester.gov.uk • A notification to the owners or occupiers of property adjoining an application site advising of an application and the period to make comments. For information on making comments, please visit http://www.worcester.gov.uk/commenting-on-applications • Where the proposal is ‘major’ development as defined in the Regulations, the application will be advertised in the local press and by means of a site notice displayed by the Council. For applications for significant development falling within Tier 1 and 2 where development has off-site implications, such as highway impact, consideration will also be given to wider display of site notices within the area likely to be affected. • The local press are notified of all formal applications.
4.15 The Council will also carry out consultation with statutory and appropriate bodies, such as the local Parish Councils, the Highway Authority, the Environment Agency and drainage companies. A link to the legislation listing statutory consultees for planning applications is provided in Appendix 4. Consultation with non-statutory consultees may also be undertaken.
4.16 The consultation arrangements for all types of planning applications are shown in Figure 5.
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Figure 5. Consultation arrangements for applications
Significant development Other applications Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Pre-application Consultation Pre-application exhibition/development brief Pre-application consultation with Town/Parish Councils Formal Planning Application Consultation Public access to view submitted plans via the council’s website at the Customer Service Centre (The Hive ) Design Review Panel Submitted documents available on the council’s Website Notify Parish Councils Letter to adjoining occupiers Local Design Review*
Site notice (discretionary)** Listing in local newspapers (discretionary)** Statutory consultees *Some applications go to Conservation Area Advisory Committee (CAAC) which offers a degree of design review with respect to conservation matters.
**It is not a statutory requirement advertise all planning applications in local newspapers or via a site notice. The City Council in the majority of cases where there is no legal requirement to erect a site notice or place an advert in a newspaper will not use these forms of consultation.
How your comments are dealt with
4.17 The comments made by individuals and groups, the local community, and specialist technical bodies will be taken into account by planning officers, before determining applications under the scheme of delegated decision making. Where applications are to be determined by elected members all consultation responses will be reported in writing or verbally to the relevant committee before the application is determined. Only consultation responses that raise material planning considerations can be considered relevant when determining a planning application. Comments will be balanced with all other material considerations in relation to the provisions of the Development Plan and national planning policy, where relevant, when a decision is made on an
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Page 371 Appendix 1 application. In order to ensure consistency in the determination of planning applications, the assessment of the case will be overseen by a senior officer, prior to making a formal recommendation or decision.
4.18 Comments on planning and related applications will be held on the application file and made publicly available for others to see. Where an application is reported to the Planning Committee, comments will be summarised in the Committee report. Full copies of all consultation responses will also be made available.
4.19 Councillors will have access to all comments received prior to making a decision at Committee. Respondents are encouraged to return comments within the stated period. However, late comments will normally be collated via Committee late papers or reported verbally prior to a decision being made at Committee.
Speaking at Committee
4.20 Where applications are reported to Committee, the Council operates a public speaking scheme where an objector can address the Committee for a specified time. Objectors need to indicate that they wish to speak to the Planning Committee within their representation and request to be notified of the relevant Planning Committee date. Further guidance on the arrangements for Planning Committee are available on the Council’s website at: http://www.worcester.gov.uk/planning-committee .
Role of Councillors
4.21 Councillors are an important source of local knowledge and advice on local issues. However, on planning matters local councillors operate under a formal code of conduct and it is therefore important that they do not have, or appear to have had, a closed mind on a proposal which they may need to consider formally at a later stage. Therefore, whilst lobbying of councillors may be appropriate, their main role in pre-application discussions is providing information on procedures/policy and sign-posting the community to sources of advice within the Council.
Post decision and Enforcement Matters
4.22 As soon possible after a formal decision is made on an application, the details of the decision will be listed on the Council’s website, including a summary of the reasons for refusal or the conditions imposed on a permission.
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4.23 Where a proposal involves significant development, and the Council are notified that that development is to commence, the developers will be asked to provide contact details for the person overseeing the construction work, so that the local community may approach them to resolve issues of local concern during the construction phase.
4.24 Where development takes place without the necessary consents and causes material harm to the local environment, the Council will normally pursue appropriate enforcement action.
4.25 Retrospective applications will be sought or encouraged where it is thought that breaches of planning control can be regularised by the planning process. The statutory consultation process for planning applications as set out earlier in this section will be followed. The Planning Enforcement Policy , available on the Council’s website provides further information on such matters.
Appeals
4.26 Only applicants have a right of appeal; there are no third party rights to appeal a decision. All those neighbours and consultees originally notified of the application will be written to providing details of the appeal and how to make their views known. All previous consultee responses relevant to the appeal will be copied to the Planning Inspector appointed to determine the appeal. For informal hearings and public inquires the City Council will publicise the date, time and location of the hearing/inquiry, notify the local media, and if appropriate erect a site notice.
Local Development Orders
4.27 There are two types of Local Development Orders (LDOs):
1. Those instigated by Local Authorities to increase permitted development rights within a specific area; and 2. Those that maybe introduced by emerging Government Guidance to reduce the need for planning applications.
The extent and type of engagement will be proportionate with the context of the LDO and consultation will go wider than the area covered by the LDO.
Article 4 Directions
4.28 There are two types of Article 4 Directions:
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1. Site/area specific, whereby consultation will take places with those with an interest in the site/area. Further guidance is contained within Replacement Appendix D to Department of the Environment Circular 9/95: General Development Consolidation Order 1995 (June 2012). 2. City wide, whereby consultation will take place through a statutory notice/website notification.
Cross boundary applications
4.29 Where applications are received near to or adjoining the city boundary the relevant neighbouring local planning authority will be consulted if the proposed development is likely to affect that district. The decision whether to consult the neighbouring authority will be based on the scale and nature of the proposed development. The neighbouring authority will be given 21 days to make representations. The authority receiving the planning application fee is responsible for all neighbour and other consultations relevant to the determination of the application regardless of local authority boundaries.
4.30 In some cases, an application site may fall within the boundary of more than one local planning authority. In such cases the applicant must submit the application to all planning authorities. Local planning authorities have discretion as to how to determine cross boundary applications, and as such, each application will need to be considered on a case by case basis. Without special measures being put into place, each authority can only determine the application relating to the part of the site in its own area and will also be responsible for carrying out the necessary consultation within their area. However, this would be contrary to the advice of Government guidance, which encourages joint working between local planning authorities in relation to the use of their planning powers. Accordingly, this will normally either be through setting up a joint committee, or by devolving decision making powers to the authority receiving the fee.
Consultation on Conservation and other matters
4.31 The Council’s website will be used to provide information about the service and activities undertaken by the Heritage Team within Development Management. The Council will consult with the public on the following activities and initiatives. The Council will not acknowledge comments received or inform respondents of decisions when determining these matters but all relevant material will be available on the City Council’s website. Any decision on these or other matters may be appealed either via an appeal to the planning inspectorate or via judicial review of the Council’s decision. 38
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• Conservation Area designation or review; addition to the Local List; and introduction of Article 4(2) Directions
The Council will notify property owners where there is a listed building considered to be at risk and advise of changes to, additions or removals from the Statutory List. Property owners will also be notified where a building, structure or historic designed landscape is under consideration for inclusion on the Local List and advise them of additions and removals from the list. In the case of Conservation Area designation or review the Council would also normally engage in meetings with the Parish Council (where applicable) and local community groups. Information would also be available for the public to view on the Council’s website and in the Customer Service Centre.
• Service of Tree Preservation Orders
In making, serving, reviewing or revoking Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs), the Council will consult with those landowners and residents deemed to be affected by the Order. This will involve sending copies of the Order to the interested parties, including the local Councillor and Parish Council (where applicable), and inviting comments within the statutory 28 day period. Where the landowner cannot be identified a copy of the Order will be posted on the tree(s) affected. The Council will consider all representations received within 28 days of the date of serving the Order and a decision on whether to confirm (make permanent) or modify the Order will be made within 6 months of the date of serving the TPO. Officers will confirm the Order under delegated powers or decide whether to refer the decision to Planning Committee to determine. Where no objections are received the Order will be confirmed without reference to the Planning Committee.
• Applications for works to protected trees and important hedgerows
Applications for works to trees covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) will be determined within 8 weeks of the date of receipt. Notification for works to trees in Conservation Areas will be determined within 6 weeks from the date of receipt. If the works detailed in the notification are not considered appropriate and the trees are considered worthy, the Council will place a TPO on the tree(s). Consultations on proposed works to protected trees will be undertaken with the Local Members, Parish Council and other interested parties where appropriate. Details of applications for works to trees covered by a TPO and within Conservation Areas are published on the Council’s website which is updated on a daily basis. Officers have delegated powers to determine all such applications and notifications (with the exception of works to protected trees on 39
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Council owned land and applications/notifications submitted by City Councillors or certain Worcester City Planning Officers), taking into account representations received. Following any decision, a decision notice will be sent to the applicant.
• Applications for works to important hedgerows
All applications to remove hedgerows under the Hedgerow Regulations 1997 will be determined within 6 weeks of the date of receipt. Consultation will be carried out with all relevant statutory and interested bodies. All comments received will be taken into account in making a decision on whether to consent removal or issue a Hedgerow Retention Notice.
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5 Monitoring, Feedback and further advice
Monitoring and feedback
5.1 The Council can obtain feedback on its planning services via:
• Customer satisfaction questionnaires that are sent out with all decision notices. Direct contact with Officers is also encouraged to improve the Development Management service. • The Council’s ‘Compliments and complaints’ system (as per paragraph 5.5).
5.2 The Council intends to develop a range of indicators, which will try to measure the effectiveness of the SCI. We will use the Authorities Monitoring Report (AMR) to assess the performance of the SCI. Reporting will have regard to outputs such as:-
• Numbers of people engaged in planning policy consultations • Satisfaction ratings • Participation in public speaking • Seeking direct feedback on specific consultation exercises.
5.3 It is proposed not to establish a formal review period for the SCI. However, a review will be undertaken if the AMR indicates that there is a substantial level of dissatisfaction amongst Parish/Town Councils and those with ‘protective characteristics’ on the nature of involvement in the preparation of planning policy documents or decisions on planning applications, or when other key stakeholders advise that key development targets are not being met because of the degree of public involvement. A review will also be triggered by material changes in primary legislation, planning regulations or government advice, which affect the terms of the SCI as adopted.
Queries about community involvement
5.4 If customers have any queries about a plan-making community involvement exercise, the Council’s website should be checked for details, or contact Worcester City Council Planning department via the Customer Service Centre on 01905 722233.
5.5 If customers have comments or feedback with their experience of a Council led community involvement exercise, the Council has an online ‘Compliments and complaints’ system, this can be accessed via
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Page 378 Appendix 1 http://www.worcester.gov.uk/feedback . Alternatively you can contact the Customer Service Centre on 01905 722233.
Further guidance
5.6 The Planning Portal is the Government’s website that offers clear guidance on the planning system, which can be viewed at www.planningportal.gov.uk .
5.7 In addition, Planning Aid England provides free, independent and professional planning advice to communities and individuals who cannot afford to pay professional fees. Planning Aid England’s advice is available via 0330 123 9244 and their website is available to view at www.rtpi.org.uk/planningaid. Planning Aid England can help you to:
• Understand and take part in the planning system • Take part in the preparation of plans • Comment on planning applications • Apply for planning permission • Appeal against a decision • Represent yourself at appeals or public enquiries.
Further Advice
Development Management and Heritage , and Economic Development and Planning Policy For planning application queries, Economic Development and Plan-making queries please contact [email protected] .
South Worcestershire Development Plan For more information see the SWDP website www.swdevelopmentplan.org or email [email protected] .
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Appendix 1. Principles of Consultation (from Worcester City Councils Consultation Strategy ‘Lets Listen’ (2013))
‘Co-ordination and Partnership:
• We will avoid duplication of effort • We will share best practice with our partners • We will ensure that the direction and nature of our engagement and consultation activities influences our services and plans
Inclusivity
• We will use all our skills and experience to ensure that there is equal access to consultation opportunities • We will reach out to all communities within Worcester City • We will include work to support residents and groups that do not normally engage with the Council – sometimes referred to as “hard to reach”
Clarity of Purpose
• We will ensure that our consultation activities stand firmly on all of these principles • We will only implement specific community engagement and consultation processes when there is real opportunity for people to inform, influence, or change what we do and how we do it • We will be open and honest • We will not prejudge our intended actions • We will be clear about why specific options have been chosen
Integrity and confidentiality
• Community participation in our consultation activities will be valued and nurtured by the Council • We will honestly interpret any information we receive • We will respect the rights of our residents and others participating in consultation to decide how much information they want to reveal about themselves • We will ensure that in respecting confidentiality we are taking into account relevant legislation
Communication
• We will make effective use of our Communications Strategy
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• We will ensure that measures are taken to not only encourage residents to respond to council proposals with their views but to ensure that doing so is easy and clear • We will reduce the number of occasions when residents feel under pressure to respond with undue haste to surveys and other consultation activities • We will ensure that our written communication is checked so it is easy to read and understand • We will have clear and strong feedback processes in place • We will explain what has been done as a result of consultation and engagement activity.
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Appendix 2. Contact details
Worcestershire Hub Customer Service Centre The Hive Sawmill Walk The Butts Worcester WR1 3PB Telephone: 01905 722233 [email protected]
Worcester St Johns Library Glebe Close St. John's Worcester WR2 5AX [email protected] http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/cms/library-services/local-library- details/worcester-st-johns.aspx
Worcester Warndon Library The Fairfield Centre Carnforth Drive Worcester WR4 9HG [email protected] http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/cms/library-services/local-library- details/worcester-warndon.aspx
Worcester Library The Hive Sawmill Walk The Butts Worcester WR1 3PB Email: [email protected] Tel.: 01905 822 866 http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/cms/library-services/local-library- details/worcester-the-hive.aspx
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Appendix 1
Appendix 3 - Publicity for different types of planning application Nature of Publicity required Statutory provisions Statutory legislation development and timescale Applications Advertisement in local Article 13, Part 2 of the Publicity for applications for planning permission 13.— (1) An application accompanied by an newspaper and Site General Development for planning permission shall be publicised by the local planning Environmental Notice (21 days) and Management Procedure authority to which the application is made in the manner prescribed by Statement Publication on the Order 2010 this article. (2) In the case of an application for planning permission for Proposal departs website (14 days) development which— (a) is an EIA application accompanied by an from the environmental statement; (b) does not accord with the provisions of the Development Plan development plan in force in the
Development affecting a Public the area in which the land to which the application relates is situated; or
Right of Way (c) would affect a right of way to which Part 3 of the Wildlife and Page 383 Countryside Act 1981 (public rights of way)20 applies, the application shall be publicised in the manner specified in paragraph (3). (3) An application falling within paragraph (2) (“a paragraph (2) application”) shall be publicised in accordance with the requirements in paragraph (7) and by giving requisite notice— (a) by site display in at least one place on or near the land to which the application relates for not less than 21 days; and (b) by publication of the notice in a newspaper circulating in the locality in which land to which the application relates is situated. Major development Advertisement in local Article 13, Part 2 of the Article 13, Part 2 (4) In the case of an application for planning newspaper and Site General Development permission which is not a paragraph (2) application, if the development Notice (21 days) and Management Procedure proposed is major development the application shall be publicised in Publication on the Order 2010 accordance with the requirements in paragraph (7) and by giving website (14 days) requisite notice— (a) (i) by site display in at least one place on or near the land to which the application relates for not less than 21 days; or (ii) by serving the notice on any adjoining owner or occupier; and (b) by publication of the notice in a newspaper circulating in the locality in which the land to which the application relates is situated. Minor development Site Notice (21 days) Article 13, Part 2 of the Article 13, Part 2 (5) In a case to which neither paragraph (2) nor or General Development paragraph (4) applies, the 48
Appendix 1
Nature of Publicity required Statutory provisions Statutory legislation development and timescale Neighbour notification Management Procedure application shall be publicised in accordance with the requirements in letter (21 days) and Order 2010 paragraph (7) and by giving requisite notice— (a) by site display in at least Publication on the one place on or near the land to which the application relates for not less website (14 days) than 21 days; or (b) by serving the notice on any adjoining owner or occupier. Development Advertised in local Article 5A of the Planning 5A. —(1) This regulation applies where an application for planning affecting the setting newspaper (21 days) (Listed Buildings and permission for any development of land is made to a local planning of a listed building and Display site notice Conservation Areas) authority and the authority think that the development would affect the (21 days) and Regulations 1990 (as setting of a listed building or the character or appearance of a conservation Publication on the amended) area ((2) The local planning authority shall— (a) publish in a local newspaper website (21 days) circulating in the locality in which the land is situated a notice indicating the nature of the development in question and naming a place within the locality where a copy of the application, and of all plans and other documents
submitted to it, will be open to inspection by the public at all reasonable Page 384 hours during the period of 21 days beginning with the date of publication of the notice; (b) for not less than 21 days display on or near the said building a notice containing the same particulars as are required to be published in accordance with sub-paragraph (a); and (c) for not less than 21 days publish on a website maintained by the local planning authority the following information— (i) the address or location of the development in question; (ii) the nature of the development; (iii) the date by which any representations about the application must be made, which shall not be before the last day of the period of 21 days beginning with the date on which the information is published; (iv) where and when the application may be inspected; and (v) how representations may be made about the application
Development Advertised in local Article 5A of the Planning 5A. —(1) This regulation applies where an application for planning affecting the newspaper (21 days) (Listed Buildings and permission for any development of land is made to a local planning character or and Conservation Areas) authority and the authority think that the development would affect the appearance of a Display site notice (21 Regulations 1990 (as setting of a listed building or the character or appearance of a conservation Conservation Area days) and Publication amended) area ((2) The local planning authority shall— (a) publish in a local newspaper on the circulating in the locality in which the land is situated a notice indicating the nature of the development in question
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Nature of Publicity required Statutory provisions Statutory legislation development and timescale website (21 days) and naming a place within the locality where a copy of the application, and of all plans and other documents submitted to it, will be open to inspection by the public at all reasonable hours during the period of 21 days beginning with the date of publication of the notice; (b) for not less than 21 days display on or near the said building a notice containing the same particulars as are required to be published in accordance with sub-paragraph (a); and (c) for not less than 21 days publish on a website maintained by the local planning authority the following information— (i) the address or location of the development in question; (ii) the nature of the development; (iii) the date by which any representations about the application must be made, which shall not be before the last day of the period of 21 days beginning with the date on which the information is published; (iv) where and when the application may be inspected; and (v) how representations may be made Page 385 about the application
Applications for listed Advertised in local Article 5 of the Planning Regulation 3 – Applications for listed building consent building consent newspaper (21 days) (Listed Buildings and and Display site notice Conservation Areas) (7 days) N.B. Site and Regulations 1990 (as press notices are not amended) required if the works Advertisement of applications 5. — (1) Subject to paragraph (3), where an only affect the interior of application under regulation 3 or 4 is made toa local planning authority in a grade II listed respect of any building the authority shall– (a) publish in a local newspaper building. circulating in the locality in which the building is situated a notice indicating the nature of the works which are the subject of the application and naming a place within the locality where a copy of the application, and of all plans and other documents submitted with it, will be open to inspection by the public at all reasonable hours during the period of 21 days beginning with the date of publication of the notice; and (b) for not less than 7 21 days display on or near the said building a notice containing the same particulars as are required to be contained in the notice to be published in accordance with sub-paragraph (a). ; and (c) for not less than 21 days publish on a website maintained by the local planning authority the following information— (i) the address or location of the proposed works;
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Nature of Publicity required Statutory provisions Statutory legislation development and timescale (ii) the nature of the proposed works; (iii) the date by which any representations about the application must be made, which shall not be before the last day of the period of 21 days beginning with the date on which the information is published; (iv) where and when the application may be inspected; and (v) how representations may be made about the application Discharge/variation Article 4 of the Planning Applications to vary or discharge conditions attached to a listed building of condition attached (Listed Buildings and consent 4.— (1) An application to a local planning authority by a person to a Listed Building Conservation Areas) interested in a building for the variation or discharge of conditions attached Regulations 1990 (as to a listed building consent granted in respect of that building shall be made amended) in accordance with regulation 3(1). Article 5 – see above
Applications for None No statutory requirement No statutory requirement Page 386 certificates of lawfulness or existing use or development Applications for None No statutory requirement No statutory requirement certificates of lawfulness of Proposed Use or Development Applications for the As per major and minor Article 13, Part 2 of the As per major and minor development categories above approval of reserved development categories General Development matters above Management Procedure Order 2010 Applications for None No statutory requirement No statutory requirement discharge of details required by a planning condition Prior approval Display site notice (21 Class A, Part 24, Schedule Part 24. Class A. A2
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Nature of Publicity required Statutory provisions Statutory legislation development and timescale applications - days) 2 of the Town and Para 5. Telecommunications and Neighbour Country Planning (General (b) in the case of development which does not accord with the provisions of notification (21 days) Permitted Development) the development plan in force in the area in which the land to which the N.B. Press advert also Order 1995 (as amended) application relates is situated or which would affect a right of way to which required in certain Part III of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 198169 (public rights of way) circumstances applies, shall give notice of the proposed development, in the 69 1981 c. 69. Comment [S211]: Paragraph (4A) was inserted by 2013 No. 1101 Comment [S212]: Paragraph (aa) was inserted by 2013 No. 1101 (Page 147 of 212) appropriate form set out in Schedule 3 to the Procedure Order— (i) (aa) by site display in at least one place on or near the land to which the application relates for not less than 21 days, and (ii) (bb) by local advertisement; (c) in the case of development which does not fall within paragraph (b) but which involves development carried out on a site having an area of 1 hectare or Page 387 more, shall give notice of the proposed development, in the appropriate form set out in Schedule 3 to the Procedure Order— (i) (aa) by site display in at least one place on or near the land to which the application relates for not less than 21 days, or (bb) by serving notice on any adjoining owner or occupier, and (ii) by local advertisement; (d) in the case of development which does not fall within (b) or (c), shall give notice of the proposed development, in the appropriate form set out in Schedule 3 to the Procedure Order— (i) by site display in at least one place on or near the land to which the application relates for not less than 21 days, or (ii) by serving the notice on any adjoining owner or occupier. (6) The local planning authority shall take into account any representations made
Prior approval Adjoining neighbour Class A, Part 1, Schedule 2 Part 1. Class A. applications - House notification (21 days) of the Town and extensions Country Planning (General A.4.—(1) The following conditions apply to development permitted by Class Permitted Development) A which exceeds the limits in paragraph A.1(e) but is allowed by paragraph Order 1995 (as amended) A.1(ea). (2) Before beginning the development the developer shall provide the
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Nature of Publicity required Statutory provisions Statutory legislation development and timescale following information to the local planning authority— (a) a written description of the proposed development including— (Page 41 of 212) (i) how far the enlarged part of the dwelling house extends beyond the rear wall of the original dwelling house; (ii) the maximum height of the enlarged part of the dwelling house; and (iii) the height of the eaves of the enlarged part of the dwelling house; (b) a plan indicating the site and showing the proposed development; (c) the addresses of any adjoining premises; (d) the developer’s contact address; and (e) the developer’s email address if the developer is content to receive communications electronically. (3) The local planning authority shall notify owners or occupiers of any adjoining premises about the proposed development by serving on them a notice which— (a)
describes the proposed development, including— (i) how far the enlarged Page 388 part of the dwelling house extends beyond the rear wall of the original dwelling house; (ii) the maximum height of the enlarged part of the dwelling house; and (iii) the height of the eaves of the enlarged part of the dwelling house; (b) provides the address of the proposed development; (c) specifies the date when the information referred to in paragraph (2) was received by the local planning authority and the date when the period referred to in paragraph (8)(c) would expire; and (d) specifies the date (being not less than 21 days from the date of the notice) by which representations are to be received by the local planning authority.
Prior approval Display site notice (21 Class A, Part 31, Schedule Part 31. A2 b) applications - days) 2 of the Town and Demolition N.B. The Applicant is Country Planning (General (iii)subject to sub-paragraph (iv), the applicant shall display a site notice by required to display the Permitted Development) site display on or near the land on which the building to be demolished is notice. Publicity is for Order 1995 (as amended) sited and shall leave the notice in place for not less than 21 days in the information purposes period of 28 days beginning with the date on which the application was only submitted to the local planning authority;
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Appendix 1
Nature of Publicity required Statutory provisions Statutory legislation development and timescale (iv)where the site notice is, without any fault or intention of the applicant, removed, obscured or defaced before the period of 21 days referred to in sub-paragraph (iii) has elapsed, he shall be treated as having complied with the requirements of that sub-paragraph if he has taken reasonable steps for protection of the notice and, if need be, its replacement; Prior approval Where the LPA requires Class A, Part 6, Schedule Part 6. A2. 2 (d) applications - the prior approval of 2 of the Town and Agriculture details the Applicant is Country Planning (General iv)(a)where the local planning authority give the applicant notice that such required to display a site Permitted Development) prior approval is required the applicant shall display a site notice by site notice (21 days) N.B. Order 1995 (as amended) display on or near the land on which the proposed development is to be Publicity is for carried out, leaving the notice in position for not less than 21 days in the information purposes period of 28 days from the date on which the local planning authority gave only the notice to the applicant; . (b)where the site notice is, without any fault or Page 389 intention of the applicant, removed, obscured or defaced before the period of 21 days referred to in sub-paragraph (aa) has elapsed, he shall be treated as having complied with the requirements of that sub-paragraph if he has taken reasonable steps for protection of the notice and, if need be, its replacement;
Applications for None No statutory requirement advertisement consent
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Please refer to the GPDO 1995 (as amended) for other types of development (listed below) and level of publicity.
All parts referred to within the GDPO 1995 (as amended) PART 1 DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE CURTILAGE OF A DWELLINGHOUSE PART 2 MINOR OPERATIONS PART 3 CHANGES OF USE PART 4 TEMPORARY BUILDINGS AND USES PART 5 CARAVAN SITES PART 6 AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS AND OPERATIONS PART 7 FORESTRY BUILDINGS AND OPERATIONS PART 8 INDUSTRIAL AND WAREHOUSE DEVELOPMENT PART 9 REPAIRS TO UNADOPTED STREETS AND PRIVATE WAYS PART 10 REPAIRS TO SERVICES PART 11 DEVELOPMENT UNDER LOCAL OR PRIVATE ACTS OR ORDERS PART 12 DEVELOPMENT BY LOCAL AUTHORITIES PART 13 DEVELOPMENT BY HIGHWAY AUTHORITIES PART 14 DEVELOPMENT BY DRAINAGE BODIES PART 15 DEVELOPMENT BY THE ENVIRONMENT AGENCY PART 16 DEVELOPMENT BY OR ON BEHALF OF SEWERAGE UNDERTAKERS PART 17 DEVELOPMENT BY STATUTORY UNDERTAKERS PART 18 AVIATION DEVELOPMENT PART 19 DEVELOPMENT ANCILLARY TO MINING OPERATIONS PART 20 COAL MINING DEVELOPMENT BY THE COAL AUTHORITY AND LICENSED OPERATORS PART 21 WASTE TIPPING AT A MINE PART 22 MINERAL EXPLORATION PART 23 REMOVAL OF MATERIAL FROM MINERAL-WORKING DEPOSITS PART 24 DEVELOPMENT BY ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS CODE OPERATORS PART 25 OTHER TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVELOPMENT PART 26 DEVELOPMENT BY THE HISTORIC BUILDINGS AND MONUMENTS COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND PART 27 USE BY MEMBERS OF CERTAIN RECREATIONAL ORGANISATIONS PART 28 DEVELOPMENT AT AMUSEMENT PARKS PART 29 DRIVER INFORMATION SYSTEMS PART 30 TOLL ROAD FACILITIES PART 31 DEMOLITION OF BUILDINGS PART 32 SCHOOLS, COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES AND HOSPITALS
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Appendix 4 - Planning application statutory consultees
Statutory Consultees as listed in Schedule 5 of The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2010, should be consulted.
For further information please see: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/2184/made/data.pdf
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Appendix 5 - Glossary
Development Plan Document (DPD) : Spatial planning documents that are subject to independent examination. They can include a Core Strategy, site specific allocations of land and Area Action Plans (where needed).
Consultation Statement: sets out details of who was consulted on a draft Plan, how they were consulted, the main issues and concerns raised, and how these have been addressed.
Duly made (comments) : Term referring to assessment of comments received during public consultation. To be considered ‘duly made’ they must:
• be received within the timescales set out; • relate to the document, its content, or its preparation; • not be anonymous; and • not be offensive, libellous or otherwise breach the law i.e. inadmissible.
Equality Act 2010 : An Act of Parliament of the United Kingdom. The primary purpose of the Act is to codify the complicated and numerous array of Acts and Regulations, which formed the basis of anti-discrimination law in Great Britain.
Examination (EiP) : An examination chaired and undertaken by an independent inspector into representations on a Local Development Plan document (LDD) including its legal compliance and the overall “soundness” of the LDD.
Exploratory Meeting : A meeting, which an Inspector will call where they have serious concerns about some aspect of the submitted DPD.
Independent Examination : An examination undertaken by an independent inspector into representations on a Development Plan Document (DPD), including its legal compliance and overall soundness. Likely to include ‘Hearing Sessions’.
Independent Inspector : Someone employed by the Planning Inspectorate, an independent agency of Government appointed by the Secretary of State to preside over inquiries into development plans and rule on planning appeals.
Legal Compliance : Before a Development Plan Document can be adopted it must be found to be 'Legally Compliant'. This means that the Council must have
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Page 393 Appendix 1 complied with all the legal requirements, set out in legislation, necessary to prepare and adopt a Development Plan Document.
Local Development Documents (LDD) : The collective term used to describe the Statement of Community Involvement, Supplementary Planning Documents and Development Plan Documents.
Local Development Order (LDO) : Local Development Orders are made by local planning authorities and give a grant of planning permission to specific types of development within a defined area.
Local Development Scheme (LDS) : This is a public statement of a local authority’s programme for the production of Development Plan Documents. The scheme will be revised when necessary, either as a result of the Monitoring Report, which should identify whether the local authority has achieved the timetable set out in the Scheme, or if there is a need to revise or prepare new development documents.
Local Plan : used to describe the DPDs produced by an individual Council. The purpose is to guide long-term decisions about the future of South Worcestershire and day to day development management decisions about individual planning applications. For more information see the SWDP website www.swdevelopmentplan.org
Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) : A group of public, private, voluntary and community organisations and individuals, who are responsible for preparing the Sustainable Community Strategy.
Localism Act 2011 : An Act of Parliament that changes the powers of local government in England.
Main Modifications : A stage of the Development Plan process.
Major Development : relates to planning applications and includes: a) Residential Development comprising 10 or more dwellings or if the number of dwellings is unknown, the site area is 0.5ha or more; OR b) Any other use where the floor space proposed is 1,000 square metres or more OR if the site area is one hectare or more.
National Planning Policy Framework (‘the Framework’) : This was adopted in March 2012 and replaces previous national planning guidance, formerly enshrined in a series of planning policy statements and guidance notes. The Framework sets out much of the Government’s planning policies for
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England and how these are expected to be applied. The Government expects it to provide a framework within which local people and their accountable councils produce their own local and neighbourhood plans. The Framework constitutes guidance for local planning authorities and decision-takers both in drawing up plans and as a material consideration in determining applications.
Neighbourhood Plan : A plan prepared by local neighbourhood groups, such as a Parish or Town Council or Neighbourhood Forum for a particular neighbourhood area (made under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004). These plans are created in partnership with local planning authorities and set within the context of a strategic plan and national policy framework. These plans provide a detailed account of local civic needs and wishes
Planning Obligations : Legally enforceable agreements between a planning authority and a developer, or undertakings offered unilaterally by a developer, which ensure that necessary mitigating works related to development are undertaken; these are sometimes called “Section 106 Agreements” (s.106 Agreements).
Planning Performance Agreements : An agreement set out between the local planning authority and applicant on large scale planning applications. Further information is provided via the ‘planning portal’ at: http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/planning/planningpolicyandlegislation/curre ntenglishpolicy/goodpracticeguides/performance+agreements
Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 :An Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It was promoted by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. It substantially reforms the town planning and compulsory purchase framework in the United Kingdom. It both amended and repealed significant parts of the existing planning and compulsory purchase legislation in force at the time, including the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, and introduced reforms such as the abolition of Local Plans and Structure Plans, and their replacement with Local Planning Policy Frameworks.
Pre-Hearing : A ‘Pre-Hearing’ meeting which occurs between the Inspector, local planning authority and those wishing to be involved in the examination of the submitted DPD, prior to the Hearing Session.
Preferred Options : The chosen options/ways forward to tackle issues identified in a guidance document.
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Pre – Submission Document : The final draft version of a Development Plan Document upon which the public, developers and landowners are consulted.
Protected characteristics : These include: age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity; race; religion/ belief; sex; and sexual orientation. See Equalities Act 2010.
Screen (Screening) : The process of deciding whether a plan or programme needs a strategic environmental assessment.
Site Allocations : Land shown on the policies map that has been allocated for a proposed land use in a Development Plan Document.
Soundness : A term used to describe that the production of a DPD is based on sound judgement, evidence, is consistent, and delivers its intentions.
South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP) : Will set out guidance and policies as to how the South Worcestershire authorities will replace their existing Local Plans once adopted.
Stakeholders : Groups, individuals or organisations who may be affected by, or have a key interest in, a development proposal or planning policy. They may often be experts in their field or represent the views of many people.
Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) : This sets out the standards to be achieved by the local authority in involving the community in the preparation, alteration and continuing review of all Local Development Documents and planning applications. The SCI is a clear 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 be consulted on planning applications. The SCI is not a Development Plan Document but is subject to an independent examination.
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) : The European Directive 2001/42/EC on 'the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment' is known as the Strategic Environmental Assessment or SEA Directive.
Sustainability Appraisal (SA) : The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 requires Local Development Documents to be prepared with a view to contributing to the achievement of sustainable development. Sustainability appraisal is a systematic appraisal process. The purpose of sustainability appraisal is to appraise the social, environmental and economic effects of the
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Page 396 Appendix 1 strategies and policies in a Local Development Document from the outset of the preparation process. This will ensure that decisions are made that agree with sustainable development requirements.
Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report : Establishes the scope of, and methodology for, the Sustainability Appraisal and guidance document in question, and identifies appropriate information that may be of relevance to the study.
Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) : SPDs are Local Development Documents that explain how policies in Development Plan Documents will be implemented. They do not form part of the Local Plan and cannot allocate land, but are material considerations when determining planning applications.
Sustainable Community Strategy (SCS) : The three partner authorities and the County Council has produced, in partnership with other service providers and local organisations making up their respective Local Strategic Partnerships, a Sustainable Community Strategy. The SCS outlines the needs and priorities of the community and also shape the activities of the organisations within the partnerships, to fulfil those requirements and achieve the visions set out in the strategy.
Transport Assessment (TA) : A comprehensive and systematic process that sets out transport issues relating to a proposed development. It identifies what measures will be required to improve accessibility and safety for all modes of travel, particularly for alternatives to the car such as walking, cycling and public transport, and what measures will need to be taken to deal with the anticipated transport impacts of the development.
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Contacts and where to view documents
Worcester Customer Service Centre The Hive Sawmill Walk The Butts Worcester WR1 3PB Telephone: 01905 722233 [email protected]
St Johns Library Warndon Library Worcester Library Glebe Close The Fairfield Centre The Hive St. John's Carnforth Drive Sawmill Walk Worcester Worcester The Butts WR2 5AX WR4 9HG Worcester WR1 3PB
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This page is intentionally left blank Page 399 Agenda Item 11
Report to: Council, 30 th September 2014
Report of: The Leader of the Council
Subject: REFERRAL REPORT FROM CABINET MEETING OF 16TH SEPTEMBER 2014: PERDISWELL SWIMMING POOL AND LEISURE CENTRE – FINANCIAL OPTIONS APPRAISAL
1. Background
1.1 At the meeting on 16 th September 2014, Cabinet considered a report on the latest financial modelling for the proposed swimming pool and leisure facilities on the Perdiswell site.
1.2 The full report is attached.
1.3 A number of options were presented. Cabinet considered these options and the financial analysis contained within the report, and agreed to recommend a preferred option to full Council.
2. Reason for Referral
2.1 The decision on a replacement swimming pool for the city is considered to be such a significant issue for the City Council that it is appropriate that the Cabinet’s preferred option is referred to full Council for decision.
3. THE LEADER OF THE COUNCIL, COUNCILLOR SIMON GERAGHTY, RECOMMENDS:
3.1 That Council agree Option C, (8 lane pool) which is in line with Council's original aspirations in March 2013.
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Report to: Cabinet, 16 September 2014
Report of: Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities
Subject: PERDISWELL SWIMMING POOL AND LEISURE CENTRE œ FINANCIAL OPTIONS APPRAISAL
1. Purpose of Report
1.1 The purpose of this report is to update Cabinet on the latest financial modelling for the proposed swimming pool and leisure facilities on the Perdiswell site. A number of options are presented, and Cabinet are asked to consider these options and the accompanying financial analysis and recommend a preferred option to full Council in September 2014.
1.2 All data and models contained within this report are forecasts and although they are based on benchmarking and best practice, the final and absolute financial position will not be known until the Council goes to the market to test both the construction model and the leisure partner model.
1.3 The financial modelling of a construction scheme and operator model of this size is complex, as there are multiple options and variations on those options that will potentially deliver different financial results.
1.4 However it is not possible to determine or finalise all of the numerous management and operational issues and factors connected with the pool at this stage. This will be done progressively as the project progresses and in due course in conjunction with the appointed leisure partner to operate the facility.
1.5 Therefore, this report aims to inform Cabinet of the key financial issues and implications so that a recommendation can be made as to which option should be progressed, knowing that financial certainty will not arise until the construction and operator markets have been fully tested.
2. Background
”New Build‘
2.1 At its meeting of 26 March 2013, full Council agreed a capital budget for a new swimming pool at Perdiswell of £10.5million. The preferred option for a new swimming pool for Worcester was an 8 lane twenty-five metre pool, and the minimum acceptable specification was a 6 lane twenty-five metre pool. The initial estimates of capital costs at that time were £13.5m for the 8 lane pool and £10.7m for the 6 lane pool respectively. These figures were based on —new build‘‘ assumptions.
2.2 At its meeting of 11 June 2013, Cabinet agreed that the new pool should be procured on a —Develop and Construct“ basis. At the same time Cabinet also agreed to appoint Turner and Townsend to be the lead consultant for project management and design services for the project.
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2.3 At its meeting of 15 October 2013, Cabinet noted that a contribution to capital funding might be available from Sport England. It was also noted that the Amateur Swimming Association had a preference for the eight-lane option.
2.4 Turner and Townsend completed a detailed and robust appraisal of the cost of building the pool and concluded that the cheapest ”new-build‘ option was £11.4m for a 6 lane pool which was nearly £1million over the £10.5 million approved in March 2013 by full Council.
”Extend & Refurbish‘
2.5 Given the affordability issues linked to the ”new build‘ proposal, it was considered prudent to re-investigate and assess other ”affordable‘ options. As a result a more affordable solution was identified in terms of an ”extend and refurbish‘ option.
2.6 The ”extend and refurbish' option maintains a greater level of service continuity, still provides a new swimming pool building adjoined to the existing Leisure Centre and, through the retention and refurbishment of the Leisure Centre and Sports Hall, will deliver a larger, flexible and modern leisure facility.
2.7 The full rationale for the ”extend and refurbish‘ option were laid out in a report to Cabinet at its meeting of 15 April 2014. At this meeting, Cabinet agreed to progress a detailed cost estimate and prepare a business case for the ”extend and refurbish‘ option based on a 6 lane pool.
2.8 A change in administration occurred in May 2014. At its meeting of 18 June 2014, the new Cabinet was informed by the new Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities that he was minded to ensure that a broader range of options were considered over and above those identified in the Cabinet Paper of 15 April 2014, before making any recommendation to full Council on how to proceed.
2.9 At its meeting of 29 July 2014, Cabinet agreed that the scope of the investigations into the ”extend and refurbish‘ option at Perdiswell should be broadened, to include an options appraisal of additional and enhanced facilities including increased water space and improved sports hall facilities, for consideration in a report to Cabinet in September 2014.
2.10 The purpose of this appraisal in respect of the facilities that can be provided in the ”extend and refurbish‘ model, is to ensure that Members can make a decision on which option to deliver.
The Professional Team
2.11 Officers have therefore instructed the retained consultants Turner and Townsend, to carry out this financial modelling. Turner and Townsend have significant project and cost management experience in delivering award winning leisure, recreation and community projects. Recent projects include a new pool at Wolverton for Milton Keynes Council, which was opened in April 2013, within budget and two months ahead of schedule.
2.12 To ensure the most cost effective and efficient design possible for the Perdiswell Swimming Pool and Leisure Centre, Turner and Townsend have used the same ”Wolverton‘ professional team of architects (Archial) and engineers (Hoare Lea).
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2.13 Archial are widely recognised in the leisure industry and specialise in multi-purpose sport and leisure complexes. They also have contacts with sports governing bodies and the majority of leading management leisure operators. Hoare Lea are a highly successful, award-winning firm of consulting engineers. They have worked on some of the highest profile projects in the industry ranging from small projects to those valued at more than £4billion.
2.14 The Turner and Townsend team has been complemented, for the purpose of the options appraisal, by Strategic Leisure, who have carried out the —participation and revenue“ modelling. This is based on a new and updated Latent Demand study carried out by the Leisure Database Company. The Leisure Database Company are widely considered to be the ”de-facto‘ authoritative source of leisure related demographics.
2.15 Part of the options appraisal process has been to seek advice, guidance and validation from industry bodies, including Sport England and the Amateur Swimming Association, which is the National Governing Body for swimming. This has ensured that the proposals being modelled satisfy their exacting criteria, and that they have not been ”over-engineered‘.
2.16 The options appraisal has also been informed and supported by information from Worcester Swimming Club and the Worcestershire Swimming Association and this has been verified and validated by the Amateur Swimming Association.
2.17 In addition, the financial information from stakeholders, the consultant teams and industry bodies, has been independently collated and appraised by a retained Accountant, who has a specialism in leisure and recreational projects. He is also currently advising Wyre Forest District Council on their current procurement process for the new Leisure Facility at the Glades in Stourport.
3. Options Analysis
3.1 The instructions from Cabinet on 15 April 2014 and 29 July 2014 have been progressed on the following basis:
o Review of options for enhanced facilities and increased water space, o Independently produced and updated latent membership demand figures, o Independent revenue and participation modelling, o Independent RIBA Stage A/B detailed construction cost estimates, o Medium Term Financial Forecast 2014-2019.
3.2 This analysis of additional and enhanced facilities has included reviewing the layout and size of the available water space and further improving the sports hall provision.
3.3 The review has included the capital and revenue cost implications as well as the effect on public participation. The review has also considered the wider economic and health benefits which may be accrued as a consequence of building a swimming pool.
3.4 The Worcester Swimming Club, Worcestershire Swimming Association and the Amateur Swimming Association suggest that 18 competitive swimming events could be held at a larger pool, with an average attendance of 162 spectators and 200 competitors. Of these 2 are local, 6 are County and 10 are regional competitions.
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Of these events, only the County Championship is held over a full weekend. There is little evidence therefore to suggest that Worcester City Centre will benefit from a significant increase in overnight visitor numbers as a result of a larger swimming pool. In terms of day to day leisure swimming it is projected that only 2-3% will come from outside of Worcester.
3.5 A new Sport England Economic Data Toolkit has been applied by Strategic Leisure which places a value on the health and participation benefits that the new pool can realise. This model shows the economic benefit from the improved health impact of the forecast number of Worcester residents who would be encouraged to swim as a result of a new swimming pool at Perdiswell, over and above the number using the current facilities in the City. For this calculation approximately 85% of the impact is achieved by the providing a new pool whether Option ”B‘ or ”C‘.
Extend and Refurb œ Options
3.6 The modelling work combined with consultant team discussions with Worcester Swimming Club, the County Swimming Association, industry bodies and other stakeholders, have led to the identification of 3 ”extend and refurbish‘ options for Perdiswell Swimming Pool and Leisure Centre. These 3 options have been taken forward for detailed appraisal.
3.7 The base option (Option A) outlined in the Cabinet Paper of 15 April 2014, has been retained, with two further options (Option B and Option C) presented, both of which provide for additional and enhanced facilities including increased water space and improved sports hall facilities.
3.8 The assumptions included in the financial modelling for all options are outlined in Appendix 1. The income and expenditure figures for all options are based on an annual average for a 10 year contract period.
3.9 Currently, there are 10 swimming events per year at Sansome Walk that result in the pool being closed to the public. These consist of 10 evenings and 2 days a year. The assumption for financial modelling purposes is that this level of events continues in the new facility options.
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3.10 The facility mix for each of the three options is summarised as follows:
Facility Existing Option A Option B Option C Facilities Base Model 6 Lane Base 8 Lane Base (PLC & SW) Plus Plus Diving Pool (closed) 11.9 x 10.9m N/A N/A N/A Main Pool 6 lane x 25m 6 lane x 25m 6 lane x 25m 8 lane x 25m Learner Pool 10m x 5m 13m x 8m 18m x 10m 18m x 10m Moveable Floor(s) None None Both pools Learner only Fun Pool 12.5m x 7m None Provided by Provided by moveable floor moveable floor Pool surrounds Standard Standard Part Comp‘tion Competition Standard Standard Water Space for 450m 2 429m 2 505m 2 630m 2 Swimming Spectators (poolside) 160 150 150 250 Gym Stations 100 120 120 120 Studios 2 fixed 2/3 (flexible) 2/3 (flexible) 2/3 (flexible) Catering Bar & Lounge Vending only Vending only Café plus vending at and vending both sites Sports Hall No No Upgraded & Upgraded & Refurbishment Refurbishment Refurbishment Refurbishment All Weather Pitches 2 2 2 2 No. Of members 2,459 2,571 2,571 2,571 Member throughput Being checked 292,550 292,550 292,550 Swimming throughput Being checked 232,656 288,885 304,132
OPTION A (6 lane —Extend & Refurb“ Base Option)
3.11 This option was produced as an ”indicator‘ of what might be possible, if the less affordable demolish and rebuild approach was dropped, in favour of exploring the ”refurb and extend‘ alternative, as proposed in the April 2014 Cabinet report.
3.12 Whilst Option A was only intended as a first iteration of a concept which could have been developed into a more detailed and fuller proposal, it is a useful as a baseline option from which the enhanced options ”B‘ and ”C‘, mandated by the July 2014 Cabinet, can be compared.
3.13 The baseline facilities included in Option ”A‘ are a 6 lane swimming pool and a learner pool with dimensions of 13m x 8m. In total the water space is 429m 2 The option allows for 150 spectators and 120 gym stations. The Sports Hall facility remains as it is and is not upgraded or refurbished, which means it therefore excludes the provision of a new indoor Cricket facility. Finally, the existing bar and lounge facility at Perdiswell is removed and onsite vending machines are provided. (The bar area will form part of the new gymnasium).
3.14 The estimated capital construction and project costs at RIBA Stage A/B design level, for the delivery of this option are £7.7m ( see Appendix 2 ).
3.15 The estimated surplus payment to the Council from the leisure partner of this facility option is £37k p.a. ( see Appendix 3 ). In arriving at this net surplus, the income generation p.a. is estimated at £1.81m and the expenditure is estimated at £1.773m.
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OPTION B (6 lane [as option A] with increased water facilities and Sports Hall refurbishment)
3.16 This option is broadly based on Option A. However in addition, it provides for a larger learner pool (18m x 10m), and includes moveable floors in both pools to provide improved flexibility of use. For the main pool this provides a shallow end for lessons and schools depth water for the whole length of the pool. For the learner pool, this enables use as a secondary conventional pool, and provides space for warm up/warm down for competitive swimming events, adult swimming lessons, and confidence water for toddlers. It also creates a greater capacity for children‘s swimming lessons and schools for the delivery of key stage 2 of the National Curriculum.
3.17 In total the water space is increased to 505m 2. This pool option has a forecast participation number of 107,625 casual swimming sessions p.a. and a total swimming throughput of 288,885 p.a. According to the Worcester Swimming Club, Worcestershire Swimming Association and Amateur Swimming Association, this option with a larger learner pool would provide a first class community swimming pool.
3.18 This option also provides for wider pool surrounds to competition standards (from 2m to 3m at the side) and (3m to 4m at the end of the pool), although for comparison purposes the modelling does not assume an increase to competition events.
3.19 Spectator and gym stations/size remain the same as for ”Option A‘ but it does include an upgrade to the Sports Hall facility. This upgrade would provide new flooring and lighting which would enhance the facility, bringing it up modern standards and making it more environmentally efficient. The upgrade would enable multi-sport and community use. In addition, the enhancements would provide flooring, lighting and netting for first class indoor cricket facilities. Discussions are continuing with potential stakeholders and funding partners as there is an identified need for this type of facility within the City, which would support everything from community cricket through to the professional side of the game. Again, this option allows for onsite vending machines.
3.20 The estimated capital construction and project costs at RIBA Stage A/B design level, for the delivery of this option are £9.234m (Appendix 2 ).
3.21 The estimated surplus payment to the Council from the leisure partner of this facility option is £138k p.a. ( Appendix 3 ). In arriving at this net surplus, the income generation is estimated at £2.007m p.a. and the expenditure is estimated at £1.869m p.a. The rise in income and expenditure largely relates to the increased learner swimming pool space and the ability to generate more swimming lesson and casual use income
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OPTION C (as above option B, with 8 lane swimming pool)
3.22 Option C is based on Option B but it also provides an 8 lane competition standard pool rather than a 6 lane community swimming pool. With the increase in the size of the main swimming pool, the moveable floor has been removed as this is not needed. In total the water space is increased to 630m 2. This pool has a forecast participation number of 128,993 casual swimming sessions per annum, an increase of 21,368 over Option B. The total swimming throughput for this option is 304,132.
3.23 As a fully competition standard pool, this option could see an increase in the number of events and galas that would be held at the pool, which would close it for use by the general public during these times. This increase has been estimated by the Worcester Swimming Club and the Worcestershire Swimming Association to be from 12 (10 evenings and 2 days) to 44 (19 evenings and 25 days). As the estimated net income gain from these events is minimal at £3k p.a. no allowance for this has been included in the financial modelling
3.24 The amount of spectator seating is increased accordingly from 150 to 250. This option also increases the size of the changing rooms and car park, the latter of which will have additional Highways implications. Finally, it also provides space for an onsite Café facility in addition to the vending machines. All other facility details remain as Option B.
3.25 The estimated capital construction and project costs at RIBA Stage A/B design level, for the delivery of this option are £10.45m (Appendix 2 ).
3.26 The estimated surplus payment to the Council from the leisure partner of this facility option is £88k p.a. ( Appendix 3 ). In arriving at this net surplus, the income generation is estimated at £2.080m p.a. and the expenditure is estimated at £1.992m p.a. The increase in income and expenditure relates to estimated extra swimming income and associated costs linked to the larger 8 lane pool, as well as allowing for an onsite Café facility.
Options Financial Appraisal
3.27 The options financial appraisal compares the three options against each other and compares the cost of capital over the life of the facility for each scheme, as well as a comparison of the surplus payment from the leisure partner to the Council for operating the facility. This modelling provides an annual net tax payer subsidy figure for comparison purposes.
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3.28 In summary, the key findings are:
Option A Option B Option C Base Model 6 Lane Base Plus 8 Lane Base Plus £000 £000 £000 Construction and £7, 714 k £9, 234k £10, 452k project costs Cost of Capital p .a. £429 k £513 k £581 k
Operator Return p .a. £37k £138k £88 k
Net Taxpayer Subsidy £392 k £375 k £493 k p.a.
3.29 Based on the above figures, option B provides the best financial return for the Council and the taxpayer over the life of the project.
Financial Appraisal Methodology 3.30 The options appraisal has been based on the revenue and participation models for the proposed facilities. The revenue and participation models form the basis of predicting membership numbers and other income from the facility and therefore the level of the management fee surplus and the level of taxpayer subsidy over the 40 year life of the new facility.
3.31 For this reason it has been assumed that all activities are delivered by the leisure partner of the centre and that all of the revenue from membership, swimming lessons and all sporting activities is retained by the leisure partner accordingly.
3.32 The costs of capital has been based on the equivalent of borrowing costs from the Public Works Loans Board over 40 years for the new build element and 25 years for the refurbishment. PWLB rates have been estimated for these elements including an allowance for inflationary pressures on annuity loan rates. This does not mean that the council will borrow all of the money to finance the capital project, but the estimated costs of capital are used as a comparator in the option appraisal process.
Further variations on the options
3.33 Options B and C both provide additional water space. They deliver opportunities to provide greater flexibility around how the swimming facilities are used by both the Worcester Swimming Club and the citizens of Worcester. The 8 lane pool would provide a competition standard pool and this would attract an increase in the number of galas/competitions/open meets held in the pool. An 8 lane competition pool would also put Worcester on the Regional ”Swimming Map‘. It should be noted that any corresponding increase in galas and events would decrease the amount of time the pool would be open to the public.
3.34 In recognition of this, the emerging Aquatic Strategy for the City of Worcester which is currently being formulated will be finalised in the context of the decision as to the operational scope of the new Perdiswell Swimming Pool. As part of the work on the Aquatic Strategy, the Council are involved in establishing a Worcester Aquatic Network.
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This initiative aims to coordinate programmes for the availability of water space with other facilities across Worcester, such as The Citizen‘s Pool at Lower Wick and school and education Pools, to ensure that there is always a pool available for leisure swimming and opportunities to learn and continue to be involved in aquatics based sports.
3.35 With the increased water space offered by Options B and C and the enhanced specification to competition standard of the 8 lane facility, there are a number of possible variations which could help to improve the financial position and net tax payers‘ subsidy.
3.36 The Council will continue to work on the different financial variations in order to optimise the commercial benefit of the new swimming pool and leisure facility. This will be taken forward during the procurement of a new leisure partner who will, subject to approval, operate across all of the Council‘s leisure facilities. Consideration will also be given to optimising the arrangements between the leisure partner operator and stakeholders such as Worcester Swimming Club.
4. Sources of Capital & Revenue Financing
Sport England Grant
4.1 An application for project funding support is being progressed with Sport England. Potentially, there is between £500k and £2m available from the Sport England Strategic Facilities Fund. The Swimming Pool project remains eligible for this funding as part of the whole scheme, and the inclusion of additional sports, such as indoor cricket provided by the upgraded Sports Hall, strengthens and improves the overall bid and subsequent amount we may be able to secure.
4.2 Discussions with Sport England remain positive. However, any grant will not be awarded until Sport England has certainty of delivery, which is reached after planning permission and successful construction tender. Therefore at this early stage of the process there is no absolute guarantee that any funding will be secured.
4.3 Alternatively, the extent of the facilities provided may be reduced, if no external grant funding is forthcoming. For example, the cost of providing the moveable floors has been included in the bid for financial support from Sport England, based on the additional participation it will provide. The extent of the inclusion of this item may depend on the level of support that Sport England give for this purpose.
Sports Hall Development
4.4 Discussions have also been held with other external funding partners regarding the development and upgrading of the Sports Hall for community and educational usage. These have also included an enhanced indoor cricket facility.
4.5 These discussions have therefore led to the Sports Hall being designed to English Cricket Board ”Indoor Facility‘ standards, as well as Sport England standards for other sports such as Badminton, Netball, and Basketball.
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Capital Receipts
4.6 The Sansome Walk site would become a surplus asset, and a sum of £0.5million has been forecast as a potential capital receipt from its disposal. In addition, the Council has recently sold its office HQ building (Orchard House Complex) for £2.8m, although some of this funding will be required to facilitate the move into alternative office accommodation.
4.7 Whilst there is therefore the potential to apply a significant sum of capital receipt to this swimming pool project, it should be noted, that capital receipts are not a —free good“. There is an opportunity cost of applying them to this project rather than an alternative project, and for this reason the options appraisal has focused on financial comparisons of the cost of capital of the 3 options, to allow Members to make a comparative judgement between the 3 options.
5. Construction Programme and Phasing
5.1 In order to achieve best value and ensure the largest leisure income areas are open and operational as quickly as possible, it is intended to deliver the ”extend and refurbish‘ option in a number of build phases in an effort to maintain continuity of provision and limit to manageable levels the disruption of the day to day provision of the existing leisure centre services.
5.2 Subject to detailed programming and planning permission, the construction of the new swimming pool extension would be delivered as Phase 1 and should see the opening of the Swimming Pool in mid/late 2016 subject to full Council agreeing a preferred option in September 2014 and subject to planning permission. As part of Phase 1, the proposal would also aim to refit some of the existing space to re- provide new gym facilities to ensure continuity of provision.
5.3 The refurbishment of rest of the existing Leisure Centre building would then form Phase 2 of the project. By splitting the construction and delivery into two phases, there would be no need to close access to the existing health and fitness facilities, therefore retaining the majority of membership revenue income during the construction period of the replacement gym facility.
5.4 At the point that the new gym facilities are open and operational, membership would automatically transfer over from the existing facility, ahead of the old leisure centre space being converted into more modern, flexible and functional activity space.
6. Equalities, Financial, Health and Safety, HR, Legal, Policy, and Risk Management Implications
Equalities
6.1 The new Swimming Pool will be designed to Sport England design standards with the principle of equality of access for all at its heart. This includes the approach and entry to the Centre, moving through the building and changing areas. A pool side lift has been added to both pools to ensure access to the water regardless of mobility. The proposed moveable floor(s) allow for water depth to be changed so that there will be opportunities for water time for everyone regardless of age, confidence or ability.
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6.2 The retention of the Sports Hall ensures that a wide range of sports can be catered for in support of the sporting interests of as broader spectrum of the community as possible.
6.3 A full Equalities Impact Assessment is inherent in the design process, but this will be regularly reviewed at each stage of the process to ensure compliance.
Financial
6.4 As outlined above, on a purely financial basis, the best swimming pool option, measured by overall Council Tax payer subsidy, is Option B, the enhanced 6 lane community swimming pool. It should be noted however, that this modelling does not include any non-tangible benefits that the 3 options may differentially offer.
6.5 Another financial implication is the affordability of the various options compared to the Council‘s budgets. Currently, the budgeted level of taxpayer subsidy for the existing Perdiswell and Sansome Walk facilities is £299k p.a. All 3 swimming pool options, as modelled, require a level of subsidy in excess of £300k p.a. with option B requiring £375k p.a. and option C requiring £493k p.a. These figures include the cost of capital on the full construction costs.
6.6 Therefore, for any of the modelled options to be affordable, within the existing budget, either a capital contribution would be required, which does not impact on our revenue budgets e.g. a capital grant, or, the market tender returns for construction and/or the leisure partner operator, would need to be more favourable than the modelled figures.
6.7 Whatever the outcome on securing a capital grant contribution or varying the income generation to achieve a better operating annual return, it is still highly likely that an annual tax payer subsidy of c£300k-£350k is required, over the estimated 40 year life of the new pool facility. This would therefore reduce the Council‘s financial flexibility for future year‘s budget setting and lock-in a significant annual subsidy on a discretionary service. In addition, trading income on leisure is a competitive area, and the level of return from an operator, as indicated in the modelling, cannot be guaranteed in the medium to longer term.
Health & Safety
6.8 There are no specific Health & Safety implications in selecting the preferred option for a new swimming pool and leisure centre for Perdiswell. Future construction activities will be in accordance with the regulations covering the construction industry and Construction Design and Management (CDM). The construction phasing plan will ensure that public areas are kept separate from works areas.
Human Resources
6.9 There will be additional resource implications for project/client management support, if the decision is made to proceed with the project to design, procure and construct a new facility at Perdiswell. Costs for this additional resource are estimated at c£100k and are included in the project costs of all 3 facility options.
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Legal
6.10 There are a number of complex legal issues which the Council will need to consider at the relevant point in the future. These include:
• Planning permission: the current outline planning permission is for the ”new- build‘ option. To avoid delay the ”extend and refurbish‘ proposal will need to satisfy the existing outline planning permission in place for the original new build proposal. The next stage will be to obtain detailed planning permission based on the agreed option.
• Turner and Townsend: the current agreement with Turner and Townsend was procured on the basis of providing for an option to extend their scope of works beyond the initial work to RIBA Stage D and on through the construction phase. This extension option will need to be implemented once planning permission is granted.
• The Restricted OJEU Procurement Route will be used by Turner and Townsend to procure a building contractor on behalf of the Council as agreed in the Cabinet Paper of 11 June 2013.
• Funding agreements: any agreement with external funders (such as Sport England) will require appropriate legal agreements to be entered into accordingly.
• Sansome Walk: agreeing to proceed with a new swimming pool facility will eventually release the Sansome Walk site as a surplus asset and available for disposal. This will be subject to a separate Cabinet Report.
• Existing leisure contract: contractual issues surrounding the timing of the closure of the existing leisure operator contract and the opening of the new leisure partner contract will need to be resolved. This is in respect of issues such as disruption to business during construction work, temporary facilities, moving of operations during the course of construction.
Policy
6.11 The decision on the new Perdiswell swimming pool will inform the emerging Worcester Aquatics Strategy, the process for which is due to start in September 2014.
Risk Management
6.12 This is a large, complex and high profile project which has significant financial implications. It was originally initiated in early 2012 and a number of reports and reviews have been undertaken to date. If the availability of a new swimming pool by 2016 is still to be achieved, a decision on the preferred option to be progressed needs to be made by full Council in September 2014.
6.13 Any further delay, including a request for additional options, will introduce the following risks:
• Tender costs may be higher as the construction market continues to recover;
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• The condition of Sansome Walk swimming pool deteriorates to a point that requires closure before the new Perdiswell facility is available and open; • Borrowing costs may increase over and above our inflation estimates and adversely affect the affordability of the preferred scheme, and; • The timing of the end of the current agreement with Leisure Connections and the resulting leisure partner procurement process does not match the timeline for the opening of the new facility, and; • The new pool facility is not opened in 2016 as planned.
6.14 Other risks associated with this project are:
• The timescales are tight to achieve a new pool by 2016. There is a risk of further delays to the project implementation if Cabinet do not approve the delegated decision making as outlined in section 8 below; • The detailed specification work to RIBA stage C/D results in higher costs than those modelled in this report. To mitigate this risk, the specification will be managed through a change control process by the professional team; • The market returns a worse financial return than those modelled for construction and/or the leisure partner operator. To mitigate this risk, professional expert consultants have been used to provide the financial modelling; • Trading income on leisure is a highly competitive area. The model is based on a 40 year borrowing lifecycle, which assumes a steady trading position and management fee payment to the Council over this period. This level of trading and management fee payment cannot be guaranteed in the medium to longer term. • A general provision for associated Highways improvement works has been included in the option costs. Cost certainty on this will not become clear until the detailed design work to achieve RIBA C/D is completed; • Stakeholder engagement is not effective resulting in reputational damage and partnership and relationship problems. To mitigate this, a Stakeholder Management Plan will be developed and approved by the Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities and the Chair of the Perdiswell Programme Board,
6.15 Given the size and complexity of this project, a comprehensive risk management plan will be produced and be actively managed by the Council‘s professional team. This will cover all specific and general risks identified including monitoring of the issues under the legal implications section of this report. Risks will be identified by a combined score of impact and probability to ensure the appropriate level of mitigation is attached to them.
7. Comments of Duncan Sharkey, Managing Director and Chair of the Perdiswell Programme Board
7.1 Members need to decide on whether to pursue the 6 lane community swimming pool (Option B) based on this detailed financial appraisal, or the 8 lane competition standard pool (Option C). It is important that this decision is taken now, to allow the project to move forward to a 2016 completion and to minimize future cost increases as best as possible.
7.2 Reaching this agreement will allow the project to proceed to tender stage, which will begin to firm up the costs and assumptions in this appraisal.
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7.3 Both options detailed are affordable in the sense that the Council can meet the costs involved. Clearly each option will have a corresponding impact on the Medium Term Financial Forecast with Option B being financially the most efficient option for the tax payer. How the project is eventually financed will need further work once the position regarding contract price, grants and other funding is resolved.
7.4 As this project and the leisure partner contract procurement progress, costs will become more certain but it must be recognized that there are still considerable uncertainties in a 40 year borrowing model underpinned by the trading performance of the facility over that period.
7.5 Members must make a value judgement about which option they believe is the best for Worcester over the 40 years the facility is planned for. This financial appraisal allows Members to see comparative financial information on both options but other factors such as a growing population, the potential trading activity over the 40 years and the changing needs of the City may be elements which Members choose to put weight on when reaching a decision.
8. THE CABINET MEMBER FOR SAFER AND STRONGER COMMUNITIES, COUNCILLOR DAVID WILKINSON, RECOMMENDS:
1. That Cabinet recommend to Council on 30 th September, Option C, (8 lane pool) which is in line with Council's original aspirations in March 2013.
2. That, assuming Council agree a preferred option in September 2014, Cabinet agree to delegate to the Chair of the Perdiswell Programme Board (Managing Director) in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities, to proceed with the following:
• to extend the Turner & Townsend scope of works beyond the initial work to RIBA Stage C/D, subject to the granting of planning permission ; • the finalisation and approval of the RIBA stage C/D design; • the development of an evaluation matrix for the construction contract procurement; • the market testing of the construction contract following the restricted OJEU procurement route, and; • the evaluation of the construction tender returns and the drafting of a further report to Cabinet for approval of the preferred construction contractor.
Ward(s): All Contact Officer: Duncan Sharkey, Managing Director 01905 722200
Background Papers: Strategic Leisure - Participation & Revenue Modelling Report Turner Townsend - Stage A/B Preliminary Feasibility Estimate of Costs Leisure Database Company - Latent Demand Report Worcester Swimming Club œ Events Mapping
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APPENDIX 1 FINANCIAL MODELLING ASSUMPTIONS
CONSTRUCTION & PROJECT COSTS
• New construction (Swimming Pool) areas are: o Option A 2188m2, Option B 2425m2, Option C 2856m2 • Level 1 Refurbishment œ making good and redecoration is for 375m2 at £250m2 • Level 2 Refurbishment œ minor alterations and redecoration is for 586-472m2 at £750m2 • Level 3 Refurbishment œ full refurbishment is for 297-411m2 at £1,100m2 • Allowances: Design Reserve 2.5%, Contractor Preliminaries 13.5%, Overhead and Profit 4% • Average construction cost: Options A/B £1600m2, Option C £1650m2. • Estimates based on RIBA stage A/B. • Stage D to be completed prior to tender due March 2015, subject to September decision • Contingency 10% of construction cost, recommended at RIBA stage A/B • Fixtures and fitting £100k • Inflation based on mid-point construction in Q3 2015, based on BCIS. • VAT on construction and project costs is excluded on the basis that an external provider will operate the facility when it opens. • Project management/client side costs are estimated for two years. • Highways: estimate based on discussions with County Highways during the process to obtain outline planning permission, estimated cost of likely required improvements. • Moveable floors are based on £236k for the learner pool and £661k for both pools.
INTEREST RATES
• The Public Works Loans Board interest rates are variable and updated on a daily basis. 40 year borrowing rates have been used for the new build element and 25 years for the refurbishment. New build equates to circa 80% of the total capital cost. • The Council qualifies for a PWLB certainty rate discount of 0.2%. The market forecast is that interest rates on long term loans are likely to increase by 0.5% by 2016. A Q2 2015 loan draw down is assumed on forecast interest rates of 4.23% for the refurb and 4.47% for the new build.
INCOME GENERATION AND RUNNING COSTS
• It is assumed that there will be an external Leisure Partner operator in place from the opening of the new facility. For the purposes of modelling it is assumed that the operator has charitable status to attract NNDR and VAT benefits. • Income generation estimates are based on latent demand analysis from Leisure Database Company and participation and revenue modelling from Strategic Leisure. • Income per fitness station is estimated at £7k per station p.a. at its peak operation (Strategic Leisure). • Utilities estimates have been benchmarked against other similar operations. • The modelling is based on average figures over a ten year contract period, and on income it assumes a five year maturity. The modelling is informed by comparative data from a number of recent similar facilities and tender bid submissions. • Profit for the operator is based on 8% of total income, and overheads are based on 4% of total income. • It is assumed that the building lifecycle costs will become an operator cost (i.e. on a full repairing lease basis), whereas it is not determined at this stage, who is responsible for the fit-out and equipment lifecycle costs. • No inflationary allowance has been built into the income or expenditure figures, it is assumed these will effectively cancel each other out. Growth at 2.5% has been applied to the income modelling. APPENDIX 2
Option A Option B Option C CONSTRUCTION & PROJECT COSTS 6 Lane 6 Lane 8 Lane Base Case Base Plus Base Plus £000s £000s £000s Demolition 50 50 85 Superstructure 3,549 3,880 4,712 Internal Finishes/Refurbishment 889 890 929 External Works 210 210 330 Total Build 4,698 5,030 6,056 Preliminaries/Overheads/Profit 960 1,056 1,250 Sports Hall 0 300 300 Total Construction 5,658 6,386 7,606 Professional Fees 732 769 911
Client FF&E 100 100 100 Page 415 Client Contingency 566 639 761 Inflation 281 302 336 Total Project Cost 7,337 8,196 9,714 Highways work provision 275 275 400 Project /Client Management 103 103 103 Moveable floors 0 661 236
Total Cost 7,714 9,234 10,452
Cost of Capital p.a. (average) 429 513 581 Management Fee payable to Council p.a. 37 138 88 see Appendix 3 Net Subsidy from Taxpayer p.a. 392 375 493 6 Lane 6 Lane 8 Lane Smaller Learner Pool Larger Learner Pool Larger Learner Pool No Sports Hall upgrade Sports Hall upgrade Sports Hall upgrade Café/Extra Space
APPENDIX 3
Option A Option B Option C ANNUAL INCOME & RUNNING COSTS 6 Lane 6 Lane 8 Lane (Average based on 10 year estimates) Base Case Base Plus Base Plus £000s £000s £000s Health & Fitness 851 851 851 Studios 50 50 50 Swimming 504 676 714 5 aside 61 61 61 Sports Hall 98 98 98 Secondary Spend 102 126 161 Net VAT Benefit 144 145 145 Total Income p.a. 1,810 2,007 2,080
Staffing (811) (817) (822) Page 416 Premises (443) (489) (550) Admin and Marketing (81) (83) (85) Supplies and Services (77) (92) (96) Support Costs (67) (75) (82) Management Fee/Profit (133) (151) (163) Lifecycle costs (162) (162) (192) Total Expenditure p.a. (1,773) (1,869) (1,992)
Management Fee payable to the Council p.a. 37 138 88 Increased lessons Increased lessons Increased casual Increased casual Increased costs Increased costs
Page 417 Agenda Item 11 Appendix 1
Report to: Council, 30 th September 2014
Report of: The Leader of the Council
Subject: REFERRAL REPORT FROM CABINET MEETING OF 16TH SEPTEMBER 2014: REDUCTION IN CAR PARK CHARGES
1. Background
1.1 At the meeting on 16 th September 2014, Cabinet considered a report on implementing reduced parking charges in a number of City Council managed car parks.
1.2 The full report is attached.
1.3 Cabinet recommend to Full Council that amendments to the Council’s car park tariffs are implemented from 1 st November 2014, to succeed the temporary reductions that are currently in place and are due to expire on 30 th October.
2. Reason for Referral
2.1 The proposed change is an amendment to the Council’s Budget Framework as agreed by Council in February 2014 and is therefore a decision for full Council.
3. THE LEADER OF THE COUNCIL, COUNCILLOR SIMON GERAGHTY, RECOMMENDS:
3.1 That Cabinet recommend to Full Council that the following amendments to the Council’s car park tariffs are implemented from 1 st November 2014, to succeed the temporary reductions that are currently in place and are due to expire on 30 th October.
Car Park Offer
Amber and Red Zone 30 minute tariff option – 60p red zone price band 40p amber zone price band
Amber Zone (excluding Croft Road) £1 for up to two hours between and Red Zone 19:00 and 21:00
Red Zone 4 hours - £5; 6 hours - £7.50; 24 hours - £10
Croft Road Coaches £5, Lorries £5
Croft Road (Green Zone) 1 hour 60p 2 hours £1.20 3 hours £1.80 4 hours £2.40 6 hours £3.00 24 hours £6.00
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6.2 That any shortfall on the annual car park budget arising from these changes is met from a one-off use of the New Homes Bonus grant funding in 2014/15.
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Report to: Cabinet, 16 th September 2014
Report of: Cabinet Member for Economic Prosperity
Subject: REDUCTION IN CAR PARK CHARGES
1. Decision Required
1.1 To implement reduced parking charges in a number of City Council managed car parks.
2. Background
2.1 The Council operates a range of parking tariffs and options across the portfolio of 15 car parks.
2.2 The base service offer was set by Council as part of the budgetary process in February 2014, which included a number of increases in charges that were implemented in April 2014.
2.3 During the 2014 local City Council elections one of the Conservative Party manifesto pledges was to reduce parking charges to those in place prior to April 2014
2.4 These were implemented as a temporary reduction to run from 21 st July until 30 th October 2014. This was an executive decision made by the Managing Director in consultation with the Leader of the Council dated 18 th June 2014.
3. Proposed Parking Charges
3.1 The following reductions and amendments to the Council’s Car Park charges are proposed. These mirror those within the temporary reduction referred to at paragraph 2.4 above:
a. A half hour tariff in red and amber zone car parks, increasing customer choice and reducing cost to customers wishing to stay for up to 30 minutes;
b. A flat rate of £1 in red and amber zone car parks between the hours of 19:00 and 21:00. Parking between 21:00 and 07:00 is free of charge in all Council car parks;
c. Coach and lorry parking in Croft Road at £5. Standard prices are £10 for coaches and £25 for lorries;
d. Red zone long stay charges to 4 hours - £5; 6 hours - £7.50; 24 hours - £10. Standard prices are 4 hours - £6; 6 hours - £10; 24 hours - £15, and;
e. Croft Road car park to revert from an amber zone to a green zone car park. Green Zone prices are 1 hour - 60p, 2 hours - £1.20, 3 hours - £1.80, 4 hours - £2.40, 6 hours £3.00, 24 hours - £3.50. Amber zone prices are 1 hour - 90p, 2 hours - £1.80, 3 hours - £2.70, 4 hours - £3.60, 6 hours £5.00, 24 hours - £6.00.
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Funding
3.2 Implementing the proposals within this report is likely to result in a shortfall on budgeted income. The budgeted income for the year, as approved by Council is £2.926m. This includes an extra £180k for the increase in tariffs which are now being reversed.
3.3 Performance at Q1 was a budget surplus of £11k, with June showing a deficit of £5k for the month. The new tariff arrangements were in place from 1 st April 2014 until 20 th July 2014. The July figures show a breakeven position. The August figures show a monthly deficit of £20k. It is interesting to note that the Croft Road car park appears to be driving a larger element of the deficit.
3.4 Assuming, that from August onwards the underlying position is breakeven and the tariff reversals take effect to reduce income thereafter, then the shortfall on budget could be some £120k, plus the cumulative deficit to date of £9k.
3.5 Further financial detail is provided under section 5 of this report as are the risks inherent in predicting car parking income.
3.6 Parking charges for 2015/16 will be set as part of the Council’s annual budget setting process.
4. Equalities, Financial, Health and Safety, HR, Legal, Policy, and Risk Management Implications
4.1 Equalities: no significant implications arise from the proposals in this report. The Council’s provision for disabled parking remains unchanged.
4.2 Financial: As stated in paragraph 4.2 above, assuming the car park volumes and income follow the same trends as last year, the shortfall on budget at year end could be c£129k.
4.3 This is broken down as follows:
Tariff Change Budgeted Annual Estimated Annual Income Impact 30 minute option £20,000 £13,000 shortfall £1 between 19:00 and 21:00 £50,000 £33,000 shortfall Croft Road zone change £85,000 £57,000 shortfall Red zone long stay changes £25,000 £17,000 shortfall Coach and Lorry parking Minimal Minimal Q1 surplus on budget £9,000 shortfall £180,000 £1 29,000 budgeted increase forecast shortfall
4.4 Also, built into the budget position, is a provision to set aside £50k of the extra income into a car park reserve to pay for much needed investment in car parks infrastructure in the future (replacement machines, resurfacing etc). With the reversal in tariffs and the estimated shortfall against the income budget, this provision into reserves would not be generated from the income figures.
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4.5 There will be no extra costs for changing signage and resetting machines as these changes have been made to implement the temporary reductions currently in place.
4.6 It is proposed that the shortfall on the car park income budget in 2014/15 is covered by one off use of New Homes Bonus grant. This will also enable the investment in car park infrastructure to be set aside as planned. The exact amount of New Homes Bonus funding required will be determined by year end when the final figures are known. At this stage, as stated above, the forecast shortfall is £129k.
4.7 Health & Safety and Human Resources : no significant implications arise from the proposals in this report.
4.8 Legal : the proposed change is an amendment to the Council’s Budget Framework as agreed by Council in February 2014 and is therefore a decision for full Council. The Council’s constitution states that a decision of Council cannot be changed within 6 months of the original decision, which means that the proposals cannot be agreed by Council before 25 th August 2014.
4.9 Policy : no significant implications arise from the proposals in this report.
4.10 Risk Management : there is a financial risk in reducing car park prices and consequently reducing income, equally there is a possibility that reducing tariffs will stimulate demand in car parking. For this reason, it is difficult to predict what impact the changes will have on demand and income generation. Weather conditions have a major impact on the usage of car parks by shoppers and recreational visitors, as do the number and type of events or attractions on offer. The strength of the wider economy also influences parking behaviour appreciably. However, for the purposes of this report, the same financial assumptions have been made that were made when the tariffs were increased in the 2014/15 budget papers.
5. Comments of David Sutton, Service Manager, Cleaner and Greener City
5.1 The proposals within this report will retain car park prices at the levels implemented by the temporary reduction currently in place, in line with the wishes of the Cabinet.
5.2 It is anticipated that retaining prices at these levels will be well received by local businesses and customers, and should stimulate demand in the medium term, though it will have an immediate detrimental impact on the Council’s income.
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6. THE CABINET MEMBER FOR ECONOMIC PROSPERITY, COUNCILLOR MARC BAYLISS, RECOMMENDS:
1. That Cabinet recommend to Full Council that the following amendments to the Council’s car park tariffs are implemented from 1 st November 2014, to succeed the temporary reductions that are currently in place and are due to expire on 30 th October.
Car Park Offer
Amber and Red Zone 30 minute tariff option – 60p red zone price band 40p amber zone price band
Amber Zone (excluding Croft Road) £1 for up to two hours between and Red Zone 19:00 and 21:00
Red Zone 4 hours - £5; 6 hours - £7.50; 24 hours - £10
Croft Road Coaches £5, Lorries £5
Croft Road (Green Zone) 1 hour 60p 2 hours £1.20 3 hours £1.80 4 hours £2.40 6 hours £3.00 24 hours £6.00
2. That any shortfall on the annual car park budget arising from these changes is met from a one-off use of the New Homes Bonus grant funding in 2014/15.
Ward(s): All Contact Officer: David Sutton, Service Manager, Cleaner and Greener City [email protected] 01905 722302
Background Papers: Strategic Review of the Car Park Service, Report to Cabinet, 13 th November 2012, http://committee.cityofworcester.gov.uk/uuCoverPage.as px?bcr=1 Budget and Policy Framework, Report to Council, 25th February 2014, http://committee.cityofworcester.gov.uk/uuCoverPage.as px?bcr=1 Car Park Charges Executive Decision, 18 th June 2014, http://committee.cityofworcester.gov.uk/documents/s26 463/CarParkChargesexecdecision.pdf
Page 423 Agenda Item 11 Appendix 2
Report to: Council, 30 th September 2014
Report of: Chairman of Audit Committee
Subject: REFERRAL REPORT FROM AUDIT COMMITTEE MEETING OF 11 TH SEPTEMBER 2014 – AUDITED STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS 2013/14
1. Background
1.1 At the meeting on 11 th September 2014 the Audit Committee considered the audited Statement of Accounts 2013/14 and recommended their formal adoption by full Council. The full report to the Committee is attached.
2. Reasons for Referral
2.1 In accordance with the Council’s Constitution (Part 2, Article 4) the approval of the Council’s Annual Statement of Accounts is a function of the full Council.
3. THE CHAIRMAN OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE, COUNCILLOR PAT AGAR, RECOMMENDS:
3.1 That the Council approve the formal adoption of the Statement of Accounts 2013/14.
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Report to: Audit Committee, 11 th September 2014
Report of: Finance Services Manager (Interim)
Subject: EXTERNAL AUDIT REPORTS AND STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS 2013-14
1. Purpose of Report
1.1 The Audit Committee is invited to consider the findings and associated recommendations of the external auditors ‘Annual Report to those charged with Governance’ shown at Appendix 1 and consider whether any feedback should be provided to Cabinet .
1.2 The Audit Committee is invited to review the ‘Audit Risk Assessment’ report shown at Appendix 2 and to consider the responses provided by management to ensure they are consistent with Audit Committee’s understanding and whether there are any other further comments it wishes to make.
1.3 The Audit Committee is invited to review the proposed ‘Letter of Representation’ to our external auditors, shown at Appendix 3, and to endorse the content and recommend approval by the Council’s statutory officers.
1.4 The Audit Committee is invited to note the audited ‘Statement of Accounts’ shown at Appendix 4, and consider whether in light of the report at Appendix 1, the Council's financial reporting arrangements are sufficient to recommend the formal adoption of the Statement of Accounts to full Council.
2. Background
2.1 In June 2014, the Audit Committee received the Audit Plan for 2013/14 from Grant Thornton. This identified the programme of work for the year, the approach to completing the work, and the results of the interim audit work undertaken during February and March 2014.
3. Interim Audit Report
3.1 The interim audit was undertaken prior to the start of work on the Statement of Accounts. The interim audit did not identify any significant findings or recommendations to bring to the attention of officers or the Audit Committee.
4. Annual Report to those Charged with Governance 2013/14
4.1 This report covers the key issues arising from the audit of the Statement of Accounts and on the Value for Money conclusion.
4.2 The key headlines from the report are:
1
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i. Grant Thornton’s work is substantially complete and they anticipate providing an unqualified audit opinion on the Statement of Accounts, and an unqualified Value for Money conclusion.
ii. The Statement of Accounts and the associated working papers were produced on time and in accordance with the CIPFA Code of Practice and IFRS.
iii. The were a number of adjustments made to improve the presentation of the financial statements and the final audited Statement of Accounts attached at Appendix 4. However, Grant Thornton acknowledged that the Council continues to have good arrangements in place to produce complete, and well supported accounts by the statutory deadline.
5. Letter of Representation 2013/14
5.1 The draft Letter of Representation is included as Appendix 3. The Managing Director and Corporate Director - Resources will sign off this letter after making appropriate enquiries of other officers and members that they are happy with the representations that are made in respect of the audit of the Statement of Accounts 2013/14. The Audit Committee are asked to formally record whether, to the best of their knowledge, it is satisfied that the letter may be signed in good faith.
6. Statement of Accounts 2013/14
6.1 The Statement of Accounts 2013/14 was prepared in accordance with the CIPFA Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the UK 2013/14 and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
6.2 In accordance with regulations, the draft (unaudited) Statement of Accounts 2013/14 was approved by the Council’s S151 Officer on 30 th June 2014 and was made available on the Council’s website. The accounts were then subject to independent audit by our external auditors; Grant Thornton. This majority of the audit work took place during July and August.
6.3 The Statement of Accounts will be presented for approval by Full Council via this Audit Committee on 30 th September 2014, and once formally approved, they will be placed on the Council’s website.
6.4 The Audit Findings report highlights the key matters arising from the audit of the Council’s financial statements and in summary these are as follows:
Adjusted misstatements
i. Grant Thornton identified an inconsistency in the way information was presented in the Movement of Reserves Statement and the comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement. This was corrected and although it meant a change on the Income and Expenditure statement, it is purely presentational and the adjustment made has no impact on the overall financial position;
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Misclassifications and disclosure changes
ii. As part of the 2012/13 audit, there was an inconsistency highlighted in some of the asset register records relating to the valuation of the Council’s Property Plant and Equipment. This was resolved during 2013/14 and the appropriate figures and notes in the Statement of Accounts were amended accordingly;
iii. The Other Creditors line on the balance sheet contained an amount for Business Rate valuation appeals. The auditor asked for this sum to be separated out and classified as a provision;
iv. The audit fee note disclosed in the accounts was not consistent with that shown in the audit plan. The note was amended but this change had no impact on any of the figures in the accounting statements; and
v. There were a few inconsistencies in numbering and cross referencing of notes which needed amending.
Value for Money
vi. The auditor was satisfied that in all significant respects the Council has in place proper arrangements to secure economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources for the year ending 31 March 2014.
7. Policy, Legal, Financial, Equalities and Risk Management Implications
7.1 Policy: it is the Council’s policy to comply with all codes of practice and financial reporting standards relating to the production and publication of the Statement of Accounts. 7.2 Legal: There is a statutory requirement for the Council to approve the Statement of Accounts prior to 30 th September each year. The Local Authorities (Functions and Responsibilities) (England) Regulations places a duty on Council to approve the Statement of Accounts and it is a function that cannot be delegated to Cabinet. 7.3 Financial: Included within the Statement of Accounts and this report. 7.4 Equalities: there are no direct equalities implications arising from this report. 7.5 Risk Management: The key risks relating to the accounts are qualification by the external auditors and significant and detrimental adjustments to the accounts by our external auditors. To mitigate these risks steps are taken to ensure our professionally qualified staff attend regular technical update training, including on compliance with relevant accounting and reporting standards, and we liaise regularly with Grant Thornton, especially when the accounts are being prepared. Risk management issues are also covered in the Annual Governance Statement, and in the ‘Annual report to those charged with Governance’.
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8. THE FINANCE SERVICES MANAGER RECOMMENDS THAT:
8.1 The Audit Committee consider the findings, recommendations and responses, in the external auditors ‘Annual Report to those charged with Governance’ and provides any feedback it feels necessary to Cabinet.
8.2 The Audit Committee consider the responses provided by management in the ‘Audit Risk Assessment’ report to ensure they are consistent with Audit Committee’s understanding and provides and feedback it feels necessary to Cabinet.
8.3 The Audit Committee review the proposed ‘Letter of Representation’, endorse the content and recommends approval by the Council’s statutory officers.
8.4 The Audit Committee note the audited ‘Statement of Accounts’ and recommends their formal adoption by Full Council.
Ward(s): All Contact Officer: John Moyles – Tel 01905 722007 Finance Service Manager (Interim) Background Papers: None
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DRAFT This version of the report is a draft. Its contents and subject matter remain under review and its contents may change and be The Audit Findings expanded as part of the finalisation of the report. for Worcester City Council Page 428
Year ended 31 March 2014 September 2014
Kyla Bellingall Director T +44 (0)121 232 5359 E [email protected]
Javed Akhtar Audit Manager T +44 (0)121 232 5426 E [email protected]
Avtar Sohal Audit Executive T +44 (0)121 232 5279 E [email protected]
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Audit Findings Report | September 2014 DRAFT Page 429
The contents of this report relate only to those matters which came to our attention during the conduct of our normal audit procedures which are designed primarily for the purpose of expressing our opinion on the financial statements. Our audit is not designed to test all internal controls or identify all areas of control weakness. However, where, as part of our testing, we identify any control weaknesses, we will report these to you. In consequence, our work cannot be relied upon to disclose defalcations or other irregularities, or to include all possible improvements in internal control that a more extensive special examination might identify.
We do not accept any responsibility for any loss occasioned to any third party acting, or refraining from acting on the basis of the content of this report, as this report was not prepared for, nor intended for, any other purpose.
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Audit Findings Report | September 2014 2 DRAFT Contents
Section Page 1. Executive summary 4 2. Audit findings 7 3. Value for Money 19 4. Fees, non audit services and independence 24 5. Communication of audit matters 26
Appendices Page 430 A Action plan B Audit opinion
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Audit Findings Report | September 2014 3 DRAFT Section 1: Executive summary
01. Executive summary Page 431
02. Audit findings
03. Value for Money
04. Fees, non audit services and independence
05. Communication of audit matters
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Audit Findings Report | September 2014 Executive summary DRAFT Executive summary
Purpose of this report This report highlights the key matters arising from our audit of Worcester City • obtaining and reviewing the final management letter of representation Council's ('the Council') financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2014. It • review of final version of the Annual Governance Statement is also used to report our audit findings to management and those charged with • updating our post balance sheet events review, to the date of signing the governance in accordance with the requirements of International Standard on opinion and Auditing 260 (ISA). • Whole of Government Accounts Page 432 Under the Audit Commission's Code of Audit Practice we are required to report We received draft financial statements and accompanying working papers at the whether, in our opinion, the Council's financial statements present a true and fair start of our audit, in accordance with the agreed timetable. view of the financial position, its expenditure and income for the year and whether they have been properly prepared in accordance with the CIPFA Code of Practice Key issues arising from our audit on Local Authority Accounting. We are also required to reach a formal conclusion Financial statements opinion on whether the Council has put in place proper arrangements to secure economy, We anticipate providing an unqualified opinion on the financial statements. efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources (the Value for Money conclusion). We identified one adjustments affecting the Council's reported financial position (details are recorded in section 2 of this report). Net expenditure Introduction changed from £12.204 million in the draft financial statements to £11.792 In the conduct of our audit we have not had to alter or change our planned audit million in the final version and usable reserves decreased by £10,000. approach, which we communicated to you in our Audit Plan dated 12 June 2014. Our audit is substantially complete although we are finalising our work in the There were also a number of adjustments to improve the presentation of the following areas: financial statements, including amendments to property plant and equipment • completion of our audit certification work on Housing Benefit Subsidy and disclosures. Overall the Council continues to have good arrangements in place Council Tax Reduction scheme to produce complete, well supported accounts by the statutory deadline. • confirmations supporting the information provided to the actuary on the Council's pension liability Further details are set out in section 2 of this report.
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Audit Findings Report | September 2014 5 Executive summary DRAFT
Value for Money conclusion The way forward We are pleased to report that, based on our review of the Council's arrangements Matters arising from the financial statements audit and review of the Council's to secure economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources, we propose arrangements for securing economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of to give an unqualified VfM conclusion. resources have been discussed with the Director of Resources.
Further detail of our work on Value for Money is set out in section 3 of this We have made a number of recommendations, which are set out in the action report. plan in Appendix A. Recommendations have been discussed and agreed with the Director of Resources and the finance team. Whole of Government Accounts (WGA) Page 433 We will complete our work in respect of the Whole of Government Accounts in Acknowledgment accordance with the national timetable. We would like to take this opportunity to record our appreciation for the assistance provided by the finance team and other staff during our audit. Controls The Council's management is responsible for the identification, assessment, management and monitoring of risk, and for developing, operating and monitoring the system of internal control.
Our audit is not designed to test all internal controls or identify all areas of control weakness. However, where, as part of our testing, we identify any control weaknesses, we report these to the Council.
We draw your attention in particular to control issues identified in relation to: • the reconciliation of the Fixed Asset Register to the financial statements; and • the IT control environment.
Further details are provided within section 2 of this report. Grant Thornton UK LLP September 2014
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Audit Findings Report | September 2014 6 DRAFT Section 2: Audit findings Page 434
01. Executive summary
02. Audit findings
03. Value for Money
04. Fees, non audit services and independence
05. Communication of audit matters
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Audit Findings Report | September 2014 Audit findings DRAFT Audit findings
In this section we present our findings in respect of matters and risks identified at the planning stage of the audit and additional matters that arose during the course of our work. We set out on the following pages the work we have performed and findings arising from our work in respect of the audit risks we identified in our audit plan, presented to the Audit Committee on 12 June 2014. We also set out the adjustments to the financial statements arising from our audit work and our findings in respect of internal controls.
Changes to Audit Plan Page 435 We have not made any changes to our Audit Plan as previously communicated to you on 12 June 2014.
Audit opinion We anticipate that we will provide the Council with an unmodified opinion. Our audit opinion is set out in Appendix B.
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Audit Findings Report | September 2014 8 Audit findings DRAFT Audit findings against significant risks "Significant risks often relate to significant non-routine transactions and judgmental matters. Non-routine transactions are transactions that are unusual, either due to size or nature, and that therefore occur infrequently. Judgmental matters may include the development of accounting estimates for which there is significant measurement uncertainty" (ISA 315). In this section we detail our response to the significant risks of material misstatement which we identified in the Audit Plan. As we noted in our plan, there are two presumed significant risks which are applicable to all audits under auditing standards.
Risks identified in our audit plan Work completed Assurance gained and issues arising
1. Improper revenue recognition Review and testing of revenue recognition policies Our audit work has not identified any issues in respect Under ISA 240 there is a presumed risk that revenue Testing of material revenue streams of revenue recognition. may be misstated due to improper recognition Review of unusual significant transactions Page 436
2. Management override of controls Review of accounting estimates, judgements and Our audit work has not identified any evidence of Under ISA 240 there is a presumed risk of decisions made by management management override of controls. In particular the management over-ride of controls Testing of journal entries findings of our review of journal controls and testing of journal entries has not identified any significant issues. Review of unusual significant transactions We set out later in this section of the report our work and findings on key accounting estimates and judgments.
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Audit Findings Report | September 2014 9 Audit findings DRAFT Audit findings against other risks In this section we detail our response to the other risks of material misstatement which we identified in the Audit Plan. Recommendations, together with management responses, are attached at Appendix A.
Transaction cycle Description of risk Work completed Assurance gained & issues arising
Operating expenses Creditors understated or not We have undertaken the following work in relation to Our audit work has not identified any significant issues in recorded in the correct period this risk: relation to the risk identified. documented our understanding of processes and key controls over the transaction cycle undertaken walkthrough testing of the key controls to assess the whether those controls are designed effectively Page 437 tested operating expenses included in the financial statements including testing of a sample of transactions
Employee remuneration Employee remuneration We have undertaken the following work in relation to Our audit work has not identified any significant issues in accrual understated this risk: relation to the risk identified. documented our understanding of processes and key controls over the transaction cycle undertaken walkthrough testing of the key controls to assess the whether those controls are designed effectively tested employee remuneration included in the financial statements including testing of a sample of transactions
Welfare expenditure Welfare benefit expenditure We are testing expenditure on welfare benefits Our audit work is in progress. We will report any improperly computed included in the financial statements. We have significant issues in relation to the risk identified to the documented our understanding of processes and key Audit Committee. controls and are testing of the final Housing Benefit Subsidy Claim using the Audit Commission's HBCOUNT methodology.
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Audit Findings Report | September 2014 10 Audit findings DRAFT Accounting policies, estimates & judgements In this section we report on our consideration of accounting policies, in particular revenue recognition policies, and key estimates and judgements made and included with the Council's financial statements.
Accounting area Summary of policy Comments Assessment
Revenue recognition Amounts due to the Council during the year The accounting policy is appropriate and has been adequately are recorded whether or not the cash has disclosed. actually been received during the year. In particular: (Green) • Fees, charges, rents and other income are accounted for as income at the point the Council provides the goods or service; Page 438 • Interest receivable on investments is accounted for as income on the basis of the effective interest rate for the investment ; and • Government grants and other contributions are accounted for on an accruals basis and recognised in the accounting statements when there is reasonable assurance that the Council will comply with any conditions attached to the payments and that the payments will be received. Where revenue and expenditure have been recognised but cash has not been received or paid, a debtor or creditor for the relevant amount is recorded in the Balance Sheet. Where it is doubtful that a debtor balance will be recovered, the balance is written down and a charge made to revenue for the income that might not be collected.
Assessment Marginal accounting policy which could potentially attract attention from regulators Accounting policy appropriate but scope for improved disclosure Accounting policy appropriate and disclosures sufficient
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Audit Findings Report | September 2014 11 Audit findings DRAFT Accounting policies, estimates & judgements
In this section we report on our consideration of accounting policies, in particular revenue recognition policies, and key estimates and judgements made and included with the Council's financial statements.
Accounting area Summary of policy Comments Assessment Judgements and estimates Key estimates and judgements include: The accounting policy is appropriate and has been adequately • pension fund valuations and settlements disclosed. • accruals and prepayments The accounting policy for Business Rates valuation appeals does (Amber) not include estimating the impact on Business Rate income of appeals relating to past valuations that had not been submitted by the balance sheet date. In our view this increases the risk that the provision is understated. Judgements and estimates - PPE Page 15 of the accounts sets out the We expect a ‘short period’ to be within a single financial year. The authority’s rolling programme of revaluations. purpose of simultaneous valuations is to ‘avoid reporting a mixture of Page 439 This shows that the date of valuations vary costs and values as at different dates’. This purpose is not met (Red) between 31 March 2009 and 31 March 2014. where a revaluation programme for a class of assets straddles more This approach is similar to many other than one financial year. authorities and we are satisfied that the carrying amount of Property, Plant and Equipment (based on these valuations) does not differ materially from the fair value at 31 March 2014. In our view, however, this rolling programme does not meet the Code’s requirement in paragraph 4.1.2.35 to value items within a class of property, plant and equipment simultaneously. This paragraph of the Code, which is based on IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment, does permit a class of assets to be revalued on a rolling basis provided that: • the revaluation of the class of assets is completed within a ‘short period’; and • the revaluations are kept up to date.
Assessment Marginal accounting policy which could potentially attract attention from regulators Accounting policy appropriate but scope for improved disclosure Accounting policy appropriate and disclosures sufficient
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Audit Findings Report | September 2014 12 Audit findings DRAFT Accounting policies, estimates & judgements
In this section we report on our consideration of accounting policies, in particular revenue recognition policies, and key estimates and judgements made and included with the Council's financial statements.
Accounting area Summary of policy Comments Assessment
Other accounting policies We have reviewed the Council's policies Our review of accounting policies has not highlighted any issues against the requirements of the CIPFA Code which we wish to bring to your attention. and accounting standards. (Green) Page 440
Assessment Marginal accounting policy which could potentially attract attention from regulators Accounting policy appropriate but scope for improved disclosure Accounting policy appropriate and disclosures sufficient
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Audit Findings Report | September 2014 13 Audit findings DRAFT Adjusted misstatements
A number of adjustments to the draft financial statements have been identified during the audit process. We are required to report all misstatements to those charged with governance, whether or not the financial statements have been adjusted by management. The table below summarises the adjustments arising from the audit which have been processed by management.
Impact of adjusted misstatements All adjusted misstatements are set out below along with the impact on the primary statements and the reported financial position.
Detail Comprehensive Balance Sheet Impact on total net Income and £'000 expenditure Expenditure Account £000 £'000 1 A £61k unreconciled difference was noted on the Movement (52) 10 (412) Page 441 of Reserves statement, which meant that the surplus on the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Account did not reconcile to the movement on the balance sheet. Overall impact (£52) £10 (£412)
There are no unadjusted misstatements that we need to bring to the Audit Committee's attention.
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Audit Findings Report | September 2014 14 Audit findings DRAFT Misclassifications & disclosure changes
The table below provides details of misclassification and disclosure changes identified during the audit which have been made in the final set of financial statements.
Adjustment type Value Account balance Impact on the financial statements £'000 1 Misclassification Property Plant and Equipment There were differences between Note 9 and the Fixed Asset Register. Opening balances for 2012/13 were £310k different and closing balances for 2013/14 £261k different in Note 9 compared to the Fixed Asset Register. The note has been amended.
2 Misclassification Other Creditors The other creditor balance of £3,632k included a balance of £2,128k for Business Rate Page 442 valuation appeals. This should be recognised separately on the face of the balance sheet as a provision. The balance sheet has been amended. 3 Disclosure Audit Fee The audit fee disclosed in the accounts is not consistent with the 2013/14 Audit Plan. The fee is now amended to £86k. 4 Disclosure Narrative Inconsistencies We noted seven inconsistencies in the numbering and cross referencing of notes. We brought these to management's attention and the final version of the accounts has been amended for these errors.
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Audit Findings Report | September 2014 15 Audit findings DRAFT Internal controls
The purpose of an audit is to express an opinion on the financial statements. Our audit included consideration of internal controls relevant to the preparation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of internal control. The matters reported here are limited to those deficiencies that we have identified during the course of our audit and that we have concluded are of sufficient importance to merit being reported to you in accordance with auditing standards. These and other recommendations, together with management responses, are included in the action plan attached at Appendix A.
Assessment Issue and risk Recommendations
1. Our review of the fixed asset registers found that there was a • Ensure the Property Plant and Equipment disclosures in the financial statement are discrepancy in the reconciliation with what was shown in the reconciled to the fixed asset register.
(Amber) financial statements Page 443 2. Our review of your shared IT systems found weaknesses in: • Require IT management to confirm that the issues arising from our review of IT • Formal acknowledgement of IT security policies controls are being addressed. (Amber) • Lack of automated notification of leaver and movers • The issues highlighted are consistent with prior year findings and have not being addressed as per recommendations in the 2012/13 audit findings report. • Procedures around change management processes are yet to be finalised • Lack of an overarching Disaster Recovery Plan between the organisation • Generic administrator accounts
Assessment Significant deficiency – risk of significant misstatement (Red) Deficiency – risk of inconsequential misstatement (Amber)
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Audit Findings Report | September 2014 16 Audit findings DRAFT Other communication requirements
We set out below details of other matters which we are required by auditing standards to communicate to those charged with governance.
Issue Commentary
1. Matters in relation to fraud We have discussed the risk of fraud with the Audit Committee when have presented our Informing the Audit Risk Assessment document alongside the audit findings report. We have not been made aware of any significant incidents in the period and no other issues have been identified during the course of our audit.
2. Matters in relation to laws and We are not aware of any significant incidences of non-compliance with relevant laws and regulations. regulations
3. Written representations A letter of representation has been requested from the Council. Page 444
4. Disclosures Our review found no material omissions in the financial statements.
5. Matters in relation to related We are not aware of any related party transactions which have not been disclosed. parties
6. Going concern Our work has not identified any reason to challenge the Council's decision to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis.
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Audit Findings Report | September 2014 17 DRAFT Section 3: Value for Money
01. Executive summary Page 445
02. Audit findings
03. Value for Money
04. Fees, non audit services and independence
05. Communication of audit matters
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Audit Findings Report | September 2014 Value for Money DRAFT Value for Money
Value for money conclusion The Code of Audit Practice 2010 (the Code) describes the Council's Overall our work highlighted that the Council has adequate arrangements for responsibilities to put in place proper arrangements to: securing financial resilience.
• secure economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources; Challenging economy, efficiency and effectiveness • ensure proper stewardship and governance; and We have considered the Council's arrangements to challenge economy, efficiency • review regularly the adequacy and effectiveness of these arrangements. and effectiveness against the following themes: • Prioritising resources We are required to give our VFM conclusion based on two criteria specified by the • Improving efficiency & productivity Audit Commission which support our reporting responsibilities under the Code. Page 446 These criteria are: Overall our work highlighted that the Council has sound arrangements in place for challenging economy, efficiency and effectiveness. The Council has proper arrangements in place for securing financial resilience - the Council has robust systems and processes to manage effectively Overall VFM conclusion financial risks and opportunities, and to secure a stable financial position that On the basis of our work, and having regard to the guidance on the specified enables it to continue to operate for the foreseeable future. criteria published by the Audit Commission, we are satisfied that in all significant respects the Council has put in place proper arrangements to secure economy, The Council has proper arrangements for challenging how it secures efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources for the year ending 31 March economy, efficiency and effectiveness - the Council is prioritising its resources 2014. within tighter budgets, for example by achieving cost reductions and by improving efficiency and productivity.
Key findings Securing financial resilience We have considered the Council's arrangements to secure financial resilience against the following themes: • Key financial performance indicators • Financial governance • Financial planning • Financial control
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Audit Findings Report | September 2014 19 Value for Money DRAFT
We set out below our detailed findings against six risk areas which have been used to assess the Council's performance against the Audit Commission's criteria. We summarise our assessment of each risk area using a red, amber or green (RAG) rating, based on the following definitions:
Green Adequate arrangements Amber Adequate arrangements, with areas for development Red Inadequate arrangements
The table below and overleaf summarises our overall rating for each of the themes reviewed:
Theme Summary findings RAG rating
Key indicators of performance The Council monitors its financial performance on a regular basis and has managed its cash flow effectively. The VFM Green profile tools collated by the Audit Commission show that the Council is performing in line with other district councils with Page 447 regard to financial performance and spending on its residents. Strategic financial planning The five year Medium Term Financial Plan has been updated to reflect the Council's changing financial environment. Green Over the last two years the Council has had to make budget reductions of £4.5 million and it faces a challenging future. A robust approach is taken to the management of strategic and financial risks.
Financial governance The Council has a Risk Management Strategy which sets out the framework within which the council manages its Green strategic risks and ensures that these do not adversely hinder progress towards achieving the council’s corporate priorities. Cabinet is regularly updated on financial performance and risks.
Financial control The Council has effective financial control in place. This includes its budget planning, the monitoring of its financial Green position and its financial forecasting, including savings planning. Cash management is also effective.
Prioritising resources Resource prioritisation is aligned to the five key priority themes. The Council is continuously seeking to improve Green efficiency through changing the way that it works including shared services and working in partnership with neighbouring councils.
Improving efficiency & productivity The Council is working towards embedding within its performance (and financial) management framework a better Green understanding of high spending areas in comparison with other benchmark councils. The Council is participating in a benchmarking exercise we are completing and our findings will be reported later in the year.
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Audit Findings Report | September 2014 20 DRAFT Section 4: Fees, non audit services and independence Page 448
01. Executive summary
02. Audit findings
03. Value for Money
04. Fees, non audit services and independence
05. Communication of audit matters
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Audit Findings Report | September 2014 Fees, non audit services and independence DRAFT Fees, non audit services and independence
We confirm below our final fees charged for the audit and confirm there were no fees for the provision of non audit services
Fees Fees for other services
Per Audit plan Actual fees Service Fees £ £ £ Council audit 67,260 67,260 None Nil Grant certification 12,600 11,088 Fee variation- Business - 900 rates *
Independence and ethics Page 449 Total audit fees 79,860 79,248 We confirm that there are no significant facts or matters that impact on our independence as auditors that we are required or wish to draw to your attention. We have complied with the Auditing Practices Board's Ethical Standards and therefore we confirm that we are independent and are able to express an * There is an additional fee of £900 in respect of work objective opinion on the financial statements. on material business rate balances. This additional work was necessary as auditors are no longer required to We confirm that we have implemented policies and procedures to meet the requirements of the certify NDR3 claims, as demonstrated by the grants Auditing Practices Board's Ethical Standards. certification fee reduction also shown above.
Overall, the actual fee has reduced by £612.
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Audit Findings Report | September 2014 22 DRAFT Section 5: Communication of audit matters Page 450
01. Executive summary
02. Audit findings
03. Value for Money
04. Fees, non audit services and independence
05. Communication of audit matters
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Audit Findings Report | September 2014 Communication of audit matters DRAFT Communication of audit matters to those charged with governance
International Standard on Auditing (ISA) 260, as well as other ISAs, prescribe matters Audit Audit which we are required to communicate with those charged with governance, and which Our communication plan Plan Findings we set out in the table opposite. Respective responsibilities of auditor and management/those The Audit Plan outlined our audit strategy and plan to deliver the audit, while this Audit charged with governance Findings report presents the key issues and other matters arising from the audit, together with an explanation as to how these have been resolved. Overview of the planned scope and timing of the audit. Form, timing and expected general content of communications Views about the qualitative aspects of the entity's accounting and Respective responsibilities financial reporting practices, significant matters and issues arising The Audit Findings Report has been prepared in the context of the Statement of during the audit and written representations that have been sought Responsibilities of Auditors and Audited Bodies issued by the Audit Commission Confirmation of independence and objectivity (www.audit-commission.gov.uk ). Page 451 We have been appointed as the Council's independent external auditors by the Audit A statement that we have complied with relevant ethical Commission, the body responsible for appointing external auditors to local public bodies requirements regarding independence, relationships and other in England. As external auditors, we have a broad remit covering finance and matters which might be thought to bear on independence. governance matters. Details of non-audit work performed by Grant Thornton UK LLP and Our annual work programme is set in accordance with the Code of Audit Practice ('the network firms, together with fees charged Code') issued by the Audit Commission and includes nationally prescribed and locally Details of safeguards applied to threats to independence determined work. Our work considers the Council's key risks when reaching our conclusions under the Code. Material weaknesses in internal control identified during the audit It is the responsibility of the Council to ensure that proper arrangements are in place for Identification or suspicion of fraud involving management and/or the conduct of its business, and that public money is safeguarded and properly others which results in material misstatement of the financial accounted for. We have considered how the Council is fulfilling these responsibilities. statements Compliance with laws and regulations Expected auditor's report Uncorrected misstatements Significant matters arising in connection with related parties Significant matters in relation to going concern
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Audit Findings Report | September 2014 24 Appendices DRAFT
Appendices Page 452
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Audit Findings Report | September 2014 25 Appendices DRAFT Appendix A: Action plan
Priority Significant deficiency – risk of significant misstatement Deficiency - risk of inconsequential misstatement
Rec Implementation date & No. Recommendation Priority Management response responsibility
1 Audit Committee to require IT Deficiency Page 453 management to report what action has been taken on the following issues identified by our review: • Lack of formal acknowledgement of IT security policies • Lack of automated notification of leavers and movers • Finalisation of change management processes • Lack of an overarching Disaster Recovery Plan between the organisation • Use of generic administration accounts
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Audit Findings Report | September 2014 26 Appendices DRAFT Appendix B: Audit opinion
We anticipate we will provide the Council with an unmodified audit report
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF WORCESTER CITY knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing the audit. If we become aware of any apparent COUNCIL material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report. Opinion on the Authority financial statements Opinion on financial statements We have audited the financial statements of Worcester City Council for the year ended 31 March 2014 under the Audit Commission Act 1998. The financial statements comprise the Movement in Reserves Statement, In our opinion the financial statements: the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and • give a true and fair view of the financial position of Worcester City Council as at 31 March 2014 and of Collection Fund and the related notes. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their its expenditure and income for the year then ended; and preparation is applicable law and the CIPFA/LASAAC Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in • have been properly prepared in accordance with the CIPFA/LASAAC Code of Practice on Local Page 454 the United Kingdom 2013/14. Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom 2013/14 and applicable law.
This report is made solely to the members of Worcester City Council in accordance with Part II of the Audit Opinion on other matters Commission Act 1998 and for no other purpose, as set out in paragraph 48 of the Statement of Responsibilities of Auditors and Audited Bodies published by the Audit Commission in March 2010. To the In our opinion, the information given in the explanatory foreword for the financial year for which the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Authority financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements. and the Authority's Members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. Matters on which we report by exception
Respective responsibilities of the Director of Resources and auditor We report to you if: • in our opinion the annual governance statement does not reflect compliance with ‘Delivering Good As explained more fully in the Statement of the Director of Resources Responsibilities, the Director of Governance in Local Government: a Framework’ published by CIPFA/SOLACE in June 2007; Resources is responsible for the preparation of the Statement of Accounts, which includes the financial • we issue a report in the public interest under section 8 of the Audit Commission Act 1998; statements, in accordance with proper practices as set out in the CIPFA/LASAAC Code of Practice on • we designate under section 11 of the Audit Commission Act 1998 any recommendation as one that Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom, and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair requires the Authority to consider it at a public meeting and to decide what action to take in response; or view. Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial statements in accordance with • we exercise any other special powers of the auditor under the Audit Commission Act 1998. applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors. We have nothing to report in these respects.
Scope of the audit of the financial statements Conclusion on the Authority’s arrangements for securing economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the use of resources An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether Respective responsibilities of the Authority and the auditor caused by fraud or error. This includes an assessment of: whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Authority’s circumstances and have been consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the The Authority is responsible for putting in place proper arrangements to secure economy, efficiency and reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the Director of Resources; and the overall effectiveness in its use of resources, to ensure proper stewardship and governance, and to review regularly presentation of the financial statements. In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information the adequacy and effectiveness of these arrangements. in the explanatory foreword to identify material inconsistencies with the audited financial statements and to identify any information that is apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, the We are required under Section 5 of the Audit Commission Act 1998 to satisfy ourselves that the Authority © 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Audit Findings Report | September 2014 27 Appendices DRAFT
has made proper arrangements for securing economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources. The Certificate Code of Audit Practice issued by the Audit Commission requires us to report to you our conclusion relating to proper arrangements, having regard to relevant criteria specified by the Audit Commission. We certify that we have completed the audit of the financial statements of Worcester City Council in accordance with the requirements of the Audit Commission Act 1998 and the Code of Audit Practice issued We report if significant matters have come to our attention which prevent us from concluding that the by the Audit Commission. Authority has put in place proper arrangements for securing economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources. We are not required to consider, nor have we considered, whether all aspects of the Authority’s arrangements for securing economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources are operating effectively. Kyla Bellingall Scope of the review of arrangements for securing economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the use of Director Page 455 resources for and on behalf of Grant Thornton UK LLP, Appointed Auditor
We have undertaken our audit in accordance with the Code of Audit Practice, having regard to the guidance Colmore Plaza on the specified criteria, published by the Audit Commission in October 2013, as to whether the Authority 20 Colmore Circus has proper arrangements for: Birmingham B4 6AT
• securing financial resilience; and • challenging how it secures economy, efficiency and effectiveness.
The Audit Commission has determined these two criteria as those necessary for us to consider under the Code of Audit Practice in satisfying ourselves whether the Authority put in place proper arrangements for securing economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources for the year ended 31 March 2014.
We planned our work in accordance with the Code of Audit Practice. Based on our risk assessment, we undertook such work as we considered necessary to form a view on whether, in all significant respects, the Authority had put in place proper arrangements to secure economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources.
Conclusion
On the basis of our work, having regard to the guidance on the specified criteria published by the Audit Commission in October 2013, we are satisfied that, in all significant respects, Worcester City Council put in place proper arrangements to secure economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources for the year ended 31 March 2014.
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Audit Findings Report | September 2014 28 DRAFT Page 456
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP. All rights reserved. 'Grant Thornton' means Grant Thornton UK LLP, a limited liability partnership. Grant Thornton is a member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd (Grant Thornton International). References to 'Grant Thornton' are to the brand under which the Grant Thornton member firms operate and refer to one or more member firms, as the context requires. Grant Thornton International and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. Services are delivered independently by member firms, which are not responsible for the services or activities of one another. Grant Thornton International does not provide services to clients. grant-thornton.co.uk
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Audit Findings Report | September 2014 Page 457
Informing the audit risk assessment for Worcester City Council Page 458
2013/14 September 2014
Kyla Bellingall Director T +44 (0)121 232 5359 E [email protected]
Javed Akhtar Audit Manager T +44 (0)121 232 5426 E [email protected]
Avtar Sohal Audit Executive T +44 (0)121 232 5279 E [email protected]
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Informing the audit risk assessment| September 2014 Page 459
The contents of this report relate only to the matters which have come to our attention, which we believe need to be reported to you as part of our audit process. It is not a comprehensive record of all the relevant matters, which may be subject to change, and in particular we cannot be held responsible to you for reporting all of the risks which may affect your business or any weaknesses in your internal controls. This report has been prepared solely for your benefit and should not be quoted in whole or in part without our prior written consent. We do not accept any responsibility for any loss occasioned to any third party acting, or refraining from acting on the basis of the content of this report, as this report was not prepared for, nor intended for, any other purpose. . Contents
Section Page Purpose 4 Fraud 5 Fraud Risk Assessment 6 Laws and Regulations 8 Impact of Laws and Regulations 9
Going Concern 10 Page 460 Going Concern Considerations 11 Accounting Estimates 13 Relate Parties 14
Appendix A: Accounting estimates 15
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Informing the audit risk assessment| September 2014 33 Purpose
The purpose of this report is to contribute towards the effective two-way communication between auditors and the Council's Audit Committee, as 'those charged with governance'. The report covers some important areas of the auditor risk assessment where we are required to make inquiries of the Audit Committee under auditing standards.
Background Under International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) (ISA(UK&I)) auditors have specific responsibilities to communicate with the Audit Committee. ISA(UK&I) emphasise the importance of two-way communication between the auditor and the Audit Committee and also specify matters that should be communicated. Page 461
This two-way communication assists both the auditor and the Audit Committee in understanding matters relating to the audit and developing a constructive working relationship. It also enables the auditor to obtain information relevant to the audit from the Audit Committee and supports the Audit Committee in fulfilling its responsibilities in relation to the financial reporting process.
Communication As part of our risk assessment procedures we are required to obtain an understanding of management processes and the Audit Committee's oversight of the following areas: • fraud • laws and regulations • going concern.
This report includes a series of questions on each of these areas and the response we have received from the Council's management. The Audit Committee should consider whether these responses are consistent with the its understanding and whether there are any further comments it wishes to make.
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Informing the audit risk assessment| September 2014 44 Fraud
Issue
Matters in relation to fraud
ISA(UK&I)240 covers auditors responsibilities relating to fraud in an audit of financial statements.
The primary responsibility to prevent and detect fraud rests with both the Audit Committee and management. Management, with the oversight of the Audit Committee, needs to ensure a strong emphasis on fraud prevention and deterrence and encourage a culture of honest and ethical behaviour. As part of its oversight, the Audit Committee should consider the potential for override of controls and Page 462 inappropriate influence over the financial reporting process.
As auditor, we are responsible for obtaining reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement due to fraud or error. We are required to maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit, considering the potential for management override of controls. As part of our audit risk assessment procedures we are required to consider risks of fraud. This includes considering the arrangements management has put in place with regard to fraud risks including:
• assessment that the financial statements could be materially misstated due to fraud • process for identifying and responding to risks of fraud, including any identified specific risks • communication with the Audit Committee regarding its processes for identifying and responding to risks of fraud • communication to employees regarding business practices and ethical behaviour.
We need to understand how the Audit Committee oversees the above processes. We are also required to make inquiries of both management and the Audit Committee as to their knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud. These areas have been set out in the fraud risk assessment questions below together with responses from the Council's management.
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Informing the audit risk assessment| September 2014 55 Fraud risk assessment
Question Management response
Has the Council assessed the risk of material Although there is an on-going risk of fraud being committed against the Council there are arrangements misstatement in the financial statements due to fraud? in place to both prevent and detect fraud. This includes the work carried out by Internal Audit on What are the results of this process? National Fraud Initiative (NFI) and assessing the control environment. No areas have been highlighted which would have a risk of material misstatement in the financial statements.
What processes does the Council have in place to All staff at the council are given access to the Fraud Policy and Whistleblowing policy. Staff are also identify and respond to risks of fraud? giving training on fraud where required and the majority of staff at the council have signed up to the councils corporate values.
Have any specific fraud risks, or areas with a high risk of No specific areas of high risk over fraud have been identified. fraud, been identified and what has been done to mitigate these risks? Page 463 Are internal controls, including segregation of duties, in Throughout the council there are segregation of duties in place and devolved responsibility in place, with place and operating effectively? clear authorisation chains. If not, where are the risk areas and what mitigating actions have been taken? Are there any areas where there is a potential for None identified due to controls over segregation of duties and devolved responsibilities. override of controls or inappropriate influence over the financial reporting process (for example because of undue pressure to achieve financial targets)? Are there any areas where there is a potential for None identified due to controls over segregation of duties and devolved responsibilities. misreporting override of controls or inappropriate influence over the financial reporting process? How does the Audit Committee exercise oversight over Internal Audit, Worcestershire Internal Audit Shared Services (WIASS) will investigate and report management's processes for identifying and responding directly to the Audit Committee on areas of fraud. to risks of fraud? What arrangements are in place to report fraud issues and risks to the Audit Committee?
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Informing the audit risk assessment| September 2014 66 Fraud risk assessment
Question Management response
How does the Council communicate and encourage The council gives staff access to various HR Policies and Procedures, whistleblowing, fraud and ethical behaviour of its staff and contractors? employee conduct which are all available on the staff intranet or available in hard copy. How do you encourage staff to report their concerns Staff are given access to whistleblowing polices and fraud policies through the intranet. There are about fraud? Have any significant issues been reported? posters on noticeboards and information on the intranet to inform staff the process on reporting fraud. Staff are encouraged to report any fraud or suspected cases of fraud to Internal Audit, managers, service mangers or to the S151 officer. Issues identified will be investigated by Internal Audit.
Are you aware of any related party Nothing has been identified.
relationships or transactions that could give Page 464 rise to risks of fraud? Are you aware of any instances of actual, suspected or Nothing has been identified. alleged, fraud, either within the Council as a whole or within specific departments since 1 April 2012?
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Informing the audit risk assessment| September 2014 77 Laws and regulations
Issue
Matters in relation to laws and regulations
ISA(UK&I)250 requires us to consider the impact of laws and regulations in an audit of the financial statements.
Management, with the oversight of the Audit Committee, is responsible for ensuring that the Council's operations are conducted in accordance with laws and regulations including those that determine amounts in the financial statements.
As auditor, we are responsible for obtaining reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement due to Page 465 fraud or error, taking into account the appropriate legal and regulatory framework. As part of our risk assessment procedures we are required to make inquiries of management and the Audit Committee as to whether the entity is in compliance with laws and regulations. Where we become aware of information of non-compliance or suspected non-compliance we need to gain an understanding of the non- compliance and the possible effect on the financial statements.
Risk assessment questions have been set out below together with responses from management.
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Informing the audit risk assessment| September 2014 88 Impact of Laws and regulations
Question Management response
What arrangements does the Council have in place to prevent The council have an in-house legal service team to prevent and detect non-compliance with and detect non-compliance with laws and regulations? laws and regulations.
How does management gain assurance that all relevant laws As part of the decision making process due diligence is carried out by the legal team and signed and regulations have been complied with? off by a lawyer to show compliance with laws and regulation. Page 466 How is the Audit Committee provided with assurance that all All reports presented to the Audit Committee have policy and legal sections. In priors years relevant laws and regulations have been complied with? where they have been significant changes to laws and regulations, for example the Localisation Act and the implementation of IFRS specific briefings are given to the Audit Committee
Have there been any instances of non-compliance or None identified which would have a material impact on the financial statements for 12/13 or suspected non-compliance with law and regulation since 1 April earlier. 2012, or earlier with an on-going impact on the 2012/13 financial statements?
What arrangements does the Council have in place to identify, Individual service areas will prepare a file with supporting evidence to be prepared for evaluate and account for litigation or claims? assessment by the legal team. The legal team will then carry out an impact assessment for the litigation or claim.
Is there any actual or potential litigation or claims that would None identified which would have a material impact on the financial statements. affect the financial statements?
Have there been any reports from other regulatory bodies, such No reports have highlighted non compliance. as HM Revenues and Customs which indicate non- compliance?
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Informing the audit risk assessment| September 2014 99 Going Concern
Issue Matters in relation to laws and regulations ISA(UK&I)570 covers auditor responsibilities in the audit of financial statements relating to management's use of the going concern assumption in the financial statements.
The going concern assumption is a fundamental principle in the preparation of financial statements. Under this assumption entities are viewed as continuing in business for the foreseeable future. Assets and liabilities are recorded on the basis that the entity will be able to realise its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business.
The code of practice on local authority accounting requires an authority’s financial statements to be prepared on a going concern basis. Although the Council is not subject to the same future trading uncertainties as private sector entities, consideration of the key features of
the going concern provides an indication of the Council's financial resilience. Page 467
Going concern considerations have been set out below and management has provided its response. .
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Informing the audit risk assessment| September 2014 1010 Going Concern Considerations
Question Management response
Does the Council have procedures in place to assess the The council has produced a 5 year Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) which confirms the Council's ability to continue as a going concern? councils ability to operate as a going concern.
Is management aware of the existence of other events or Management are not aware of the existence of other events or conditions that may cast doubt conditions that may cast doubt on the Council's ability to on the Council's ability to continue as a going concern. continue as a going concern? Page 468 Are arrangements in place to report the going concern The council report the MTFP which confirms they are a going concern assessment to the Audit Committee?
OR Has management reported on going concern to the Audit No Committee?
Are the financial assumptions in that report (e.g., future levels of The MTFP financial assumptions are based on information received by the council. income and expenditure) consistent with the Council's Business Plan and the financial information provided to the Council throughout the year?
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Informing the audit risk assessment| September 2014 1111 Going Concern Considerations
Question Management response
Are the implications of statutory or policy changes appropriately Medium Term Financial Plan takes into account the impact of the Localisation Act 2012 and reflected in the Business Plan, financial forecasts and report on what changes that means for the council over the next five years. going concern?
Have there been any significant issues raised with the Audit No significant issues raised with the audit committee which would cast doubts on the Committee during the year which could cast doubts on the assumptions made. assumptions made? (Examples include adverse comments raised by internal and external audit regarding financial
performance or significant weaknesses in systems of financial Page 469 control).
Does a review of available financial information identify any Review of the financial monitoring report for quarter 3 does not indicate that council will have a adverse financial indicators including negative cash flow? negative cash flow. The council have significant reserves in place to mitigate the possibility of If so, what action is being taken to improve financial negative cash flow. performance?
Does the Council have sufficient staff in post, with the The Council has sufficient staff in post for 13/14 to ensure they deliver the Council's objectives. appropriate skills and experience, particularly at senior manager level, to ensure the delivery of the Council’s objectives? If not, what action is being taken to obtain those skills?
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Informing the audit risk assessment| September 2014 1212 Accounting estimates Issue Matters in relation to accounting estimates Council's need to apply appropriate estimates in the preparation of their financial statements. ISA (UK&I) 540 sets out requirements for auditing accounting estimates. The objective is to gain evidence that the accounting estimates are reasonable and the related disclosures are adequate. Under this standard we have to identify and assess the risks of material misstatement for accounting estimates by understanding how the council identifies the transactions, events and conditions that may give rise to the need for an accounting estimate.
Accounting estimates are used when it is not possible to measure precisely a figure in the accounts. We need to be aware of all material estimates that the council is using as part of its accounts preparation; these are detailed in Appendix A to this report. The audit procedures we
conduct on the accounting estimate will demonstrate that: Page 470 • the estimate is reasonable; and • estimates have been calculated consistently with other accounting estimates within the financial statements.
Accounting estimates considerations have been set out below and management has provided its response.
Question Management response
Are the management aware of transactions, events and The valuation of certain assets (such as sports centres) based upon Modern conditions (or changes in these) that may give rise to Equivalent Asset method of valuation are subject to significant estimation uncertainty recognition or disclosure of significant accounting estimates that require significant judgment? Are the management arrangements for the accounting Yes. The Council follows relevant accounting standards as set out in the Accounting estimates, as detailed in Appendix 1 reasonable? Code of Practice. No changes are proposed in the accounting estimates as detailed in the Appendix.
How is the Audit Committee provided with assurance that the Through the annual financial statements report and any specific reports. arrangements for accounting estimates are adequate?
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Informing the audit risk assessment| September 2014 Related Parties Issue Matters in relation to Related Parties Health bodies are required to comply with IAS 24 and disclose transactions with entities/individuals that would be classed as related parties. These may include: ■ entities that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, control, or are controlled by the council (i.e. subsidiaries); ■ associates and/or joint ventures; ■ an entity that has an interest in the council that gives it significant influence over the council; ■ key management personnel, and close members of the family of key management personnel, and ■ post-employment benefit plans (pension fund) for the benefit of employees of the council, or of any entity that is a related party of the council. Page 471 A disclosure is required if a transaction (or series of transactions) is material on either side i.e. if a transaction is immaterial from the council perspective but material from a related party viewpoint then the council must disclose it. ISA (UK&I) 550 requires us to review your procedures for identifying related party transactions and obtain an understanding of the controls that you have established to identify such transactions. We will also carry out testing to ensure the related party transaction disclosures you make in the financial statements are complete and accurate. Related party considerations have been set out below and management has provided its response.
Question Management response
What controls does the council have in place to identify, Management compile and reviewing the registers of employee and member interests received account for, and disclose related party transactions and through their annual declaration process. The declarations of interests for Members are all relationships? published on the council internet site for public access. The council then reviews these declarations to their financial systems to see if any transactions with any potential related parties have occurred and considers whether this requires disclosure in the financial statements
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Informing the audit risk assessment| September 2014 Appendix A Accounting Estimates
Estimate Method / model used Controls used to identify Whether Underlying Has there been a to make the estimate estimates Management assumptions change in accounting have used an : - Assessment of method in year? expert degree of uncertainty - Consideration of alternative estimates Non adjusting The council follows the This would be This would be considered N/A events - events after the requirements of the Local considered on. on. individual balance sheet date Government Code. individual circumstances
circumstances Page 472 Measurement of The council follows the No Take advice from finance No Financial requirements of the Local professionals Instruments Government Code. . Bad debt provision A provision is estimated No Consistent proportion using a proportion basis of used across aged debt. an aged debt listing The degree of uncertainty used in the selection of the percentage rate to use is medium. Property Plant and The council follows the Yes - Worcester The life and condition of Equipment requirements of the Local County Council the asset Government Code. Property Shared Services Pensions The council follows the Yes - Mercer Rate of CPI inflation, requirements of the Local Human Resource increase in salaries, Government Code. Consulting Limited increase in pensions and discount rate on liabilities
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Informing the audit risk assessment| September 2014 Appendix A Accounting Estimates (continued)
Estimate Method / model used Controls used to identify Whether Underlying Has there been a to make the estimate estimates Management assumptions change in accounting have used an : - Assessment of method in year? expert degree of uncertainty - Consideration of alternative estimates
Provisions for Provisions are made where Charged in the year No Estimated settlements are No liabilities an event has taken place that the council becomes aware reviewed at the end of
that gives the council a of the obligation each financial year – where Page 473 legal or constructive it becomes less than obligation that probably probable that a transfer of requires settlement by a economic benefits will transfer of economic now be required (or a benefits or service lower settlement than potential, and a reliable anticipated is made), the estimate can be made of provision is reversed and the amount of the credited back to the obligation. Provisions are relevant service. Where charged as an expense line some or all of the payment in the CI&ES in the year required to settle a that the council becomes provision is expected to be aware of the obligation, recovered from another and are measured at the party (e.g. from an best estimate at the insurance claim), this is balance sheet date of the only recognised as income expenditure required to if it is virtually certain that settle the obligation, taking reimbursement will be into account relevant risks received by the council and uncertainties © 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Informing the audit risk assessment| September 2014 A Appendix A Accounting Estimates (continued)
Estimate Method / model used Controls used to identify Whether Underlying Has there been a to make the estimate estimates Management assumptions change in accounting have used an : - Assessment of method in year? expert degree of uncertainty - Consideration of
alternative estimates Page 474 Accruals The Council will collate Activity is accounted for in No Accruals for income and accruals of expenditure the financial year that it takes expenditure are and income. place not when money is paid principally based on or received. known values. Where Activity is accounted for accruals have had to be in the financial year that estimated the latest it takes place not when available information has money is paid or been used. received. Degree of uncertainty is usually low, although alternative estimates may be considered.
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP | Informing the audit risk assessment| September 2014 Page 475
© 2014 Grant Thornton UK LLP. All rights reserved. 'Grant Thornton' means Grant Thornton UK LLP, a limited liability partnership. Grant Thornton is a member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd (Grant Thornton International). References to 'Grant Thornton' are to the brand under which the Grant Thornton member firms operate and refer to one or more member firms, as the context requires. Grant Thornton International and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. Services are delivered independently by member firms, which are not responsible for the services or activities of one another. Grant Thornton International does not provide services to clients. grant-thornton.co.uk Page 476
Grant Thornton UK LLP Colmore Plaza 20 Colmore Circus Email: [email protected] Birmingham Tel: 01905 722007 B4 6AT Fax: 01905722370
xx September 2014
Dear Sirs
Worcester City Council Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2014
This representation letter is provided in connection with the audit of the financial statements of Worcester City Council for the year ended 31 March 2014 for the purpose of expressing an opinion as to whether the financial statements give a true and fair view in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards.
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge and belief having made such inquiries as we considered necessary for the purpose of appropriately informing ourselves:
Financial Statements i We have fulfilled our responsibilities for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with proper practices as set out in the CIPFA/LASAAC Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in Great Britain ("the Code") as adapted for International Financial Reporting Standards; in particular the financial statements give a true and fair view in accordance therewith. ii We have complied with the requirements of all statutory directions and these matters have been appropriately reflected and disclosed in the financial statements. iii The Council has complied with all aspects of contractual agreements that could have a material effect on the financial statements in the event of non-compliance. iv We acknowledge our responsibility for the design, implementation and maintenance of internal control to prevent and detect fraud. v Significant assumptions used by us in making accounting estimates, including those measured at fair value, are reasonable. vi We are satisfied that the material judgements used by us in the preparation of the financial statements are soundly based, in accordance with the Code, and adequately disclosed in the financial statements. There are no further material judgements that need to be disclosed.
www.worcester.gov.uk Location: Orchard House Complex, Farrier Street, Worcester WR1 3BB
Page 477 vii Except as stated in the financial statements: a There are no unrecorded liabilities, actual or contingent b None of the assets of the Council has been assigned, pledged or mortgaged c There are no material prior year charges or credits, nor exceptional or non- recurring items requiring separate disclosure. viii We confirm that we are satisfied that the actuarial assumptions underlying the valuation of pension scheme liabilities for IAS19 disclosures are consistent with our knowledge. We confirm that all settlements and curtailments have been identified and properly accounted for. We also confirm that all significant retirement benefits have been identified and properly accounted for. ix Related party relationships and transactions have been appropriately accounted for and disclosed in accordance with the requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards and the Code. x All events subsequent to the date of the financial statements and for which International Financial Reporting Standards and the Code require adjustment or disclosure, have been adjusted or disclosed. xi Actual or possible litigation and claims have been accounted for and disclosed in accordance with the requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards. xii We have not adjusted the misstatements brought to our attention in the Audit Findings Report, as they are considered to be immaterial to the results of the Council and its financial position at the year-end. The financial statements are free of material misstatements, including omissions. xiii We have no plans or intentions that may materially alter the carrying value or classification of assets and liabilities reflected in the financial statements. xiv We believe that the Council’s financial statements should be prepared on a going concern basis on the grounds that current and future sources of funding or support will be more than adequate for the Council’s needs. We believe that no further disclosures relating to the Council's ability to continue as a going concern need to be made in the financial statements.
Information Provided xv We have provided you with: a Access to all information of which we are aware that is relevant to the preparation of the financial statements such as records, documentation and other matters; b Additional information that you have requested from us for the purpose of your audit; and c Unrestricted access to persons within the Council from whom you determined it necessary to obtain audit evidence. xvi We have communicated to you all deficiencies in internal control of which management is aware. xvii All transactions have been recorded in the accounting records and are reflected in the financial statements.
www.worcester.gov.uk Location: Orchard House Complex, Farrier Street, Worcester WR1 3BB
Page 478 xviii We have disclosed to you the results of our assessment of the risk that the financial statements may be materially misstated as a result of fraud. xix We have disclosed to you all information in relation to fraud or suspected fraud that we are aware of and that affects the Council and involves: a management; b employees who have significant roles in internal control; or c others where the fraud could have a material effect on the financial statements. xx We have disclosed to you all information in relation to allegations of fraud, or suspected fraud, affecting the Council’s financial statements communicated by employees, former employees, regulators or others. xxi We have disclosed to you all known instances of non-compliance or suspected non- compliance with laws and regulations whose effects should be considered when preparing financial statements. xxii We have disclosed to you the entity of the Council's related parties and all the related party relationships and transactions of which we are aware. xxiii We have disclosed to you all known actual or possible litigation and claims whose effects should be considered when preparing the financial statements.
Annual Governance Statement xxiv We are satisfied that the Annual Governance Statement (AGS) fairly reflects the Council's risk assurance and governance framework and we confirm that we are not aware of any significant risks that are not disclosed within the AGS.
Approval
The approval of this letter of representation was minuted by the Council's Audit Committee at its meeting on 11 th September 2014.
Signed on behalf of the Council
Lesley Meagher Duncan Sharkey Corporate Director – Resources Managing Director
Xx September 2014 Xx September 2014
www.worcester.gov.uk Location: Orchard House Complex, Farrier Street, Worcester WR1 3BB
Page 479
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Making Worcester a first rank Cathedral and University City
Making Worcester , 'A great city with a great future'
Audited STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS 2013/14
Containing post-audit adjustments
V1.9 - 18 September 2014 Page 481
WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS 2013/14
CONTENTS Page
STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS 1
EXPLANATORY FOREWORD 2 - 6
ANNUAL GOVERNANCE STATEMENT 7 - 13
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES 14 - 25
MOVEMENT IN RESERVES STATEMENT 26 - 27
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE STATEMENT 28 - 29
BALANCE SHEET 30
CASH FLOW STATEMENT 31
NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 32 - 75
COLLECTION FUND 76 - 79
ACCOUNTING DEFINITIONS 80
APPROVAL OF STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS 81 Page 482
WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS 2013/14
We are always interested in hearing from users of the Accounts, especially if they have comments or suggestions that could help us make these necessarily complicated statements easier for readers to use and understand. Please send your comments to:
Corporate Accountant Worcester City Council Orchard House Farrier Street Worcester WR1 3BB Page 483
WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES
The City Council’s responsibilities
The City Council is required:
• to make arrangements for the proper administration of its financial affairs and to ensure that one of its officers has the responsibility for the administration of those affairs. In this Council, that officer is the Corporate Director Resources.
• to manage its affairs to secure economic, efficient and effective use of resources and safeguard its assets.
• to approve the Statement of Accounts.
The Corporate Director - Resources responsibilities
The Corporate Director Resources is responsible for the preparation of the Council's Statement of Accounts in accordance with proper practices as set out in the CIPFA/LASAAC Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in Great Britain (“the Code”). The Corporate Director Resources is required to present the financial position of the Authority at the accounting date and its income and expenditure for the year ended 31st March 2014.
As the responsible officer, I certify that in preparing this Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2014, I have:
• selected suitable accounting policies and then applied them consistently,
• made judgements and estimates that were reasonable and prudent, and
• complied with the Code.
I have also:
• kept proper accounting records which were up to date,
• taken reasonable steps to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.
These accounts present fairly the financial position of Worcester City Council at 31st March 2014 and its income and expenditure for the year then ended.
Lesley Meagher Corporate Director - Resources 22 September 2014
1 Page 484
WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL EXPLANATORY FOREWORD
1. Introduction
This Statement of Accounts presents the financial position of the Council for the year ended 31 March 2014. The Accounts are produced in the format stipulated by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) in accordance with best accounting practice. This foreword provides a brief explanation of the financial aspects of the Council’s activities and a guide to the significant matters reported in the accounts.
2. The Accounting Statements
The accounting statements included in the accounts are listed below along with an explanation of their purpose:
Movement in Reserves Statement. This shows how the Council has used or added to the different reserves it holds, which are either ‘usable reserves’ (those that can be applied to cover costs or reduce local taxation) or 'unusable' reserves (which are mainly accounting adjustments). The MiR Statement starts with the 'Surplus (or Deficit) on the Provision of Services', which comes from the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement, and ends with the total usable and unusable reserves shown on the Balance Sheet.
Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement. This statement shows the true economic cost of providing the authority’s services. It summarises the resources that the Council has generated and used in providing services and managing its business during 2013/14. It includes all expenditure and income on an accruals basis, as well as transactions measuring the value of fixed assets used, and the projected value of retirement benefits earned by employees in the year.
Balance Sheet. This shows the Council’s financial position on 31 March 2014. It shows the balances and reserves held by the Council at that date, and summarises the assets used by the Council to provide its services.
Cash Flow Statement. This summarises the cash received and payments made by the Council during 2013/14, and includes both revenue and capital items.
Collection Fund. By law, this this fund is kept separate from other funds and accounts. The Collection Fund summarises the income received from council taxpayers and business ratepayers and shows how it has been distributed between this council, the county council, parish and town councils, the police and fire authorities and central government. For 2013/14 there have been significant changes by central governent to the way that business rates (Non-Domestic Rates) are administered and accounted for.
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3. Budget Performance - Net Revenue Budget
For 2013/14 the Council has delivered a budget surplus of £367k on operational budgets, despite the challenging financial climate and year-on-year budget savings. The Council has planned throughout the year how to save money in the following year, and as a consequence taken steps in-year to deliver future budget savings. This has resulted in underspends in a number of areas across most activities.
The net impact on the General Fund balance is a budgeted transfer of £6k (£8k in 2012/13), which was in line with the budget approved by full Council in February 2013 and increased the balance to £1.266m (£1.260m in 2012/13). The Council's current policy is to hold a General Fund balance of about £1m (but not less than £600k). The current balance is in place to provide some one-off cover against the risk of future government funding reductions arising from the Local Government Resource Review changes. This practice has been maintained to carry forward into 2014/15.
At a headline level, the budget surplus of £367k is comprised as follows:
£481k underspend on operating expenditure (2% of the £22m budget) across most areas of activity;
£9k shortfall on income against a target of £12.9m;
£84k shortfall on net Housing Benefit subsidy of £31.4m, and;
£22k deficit on net interest, capital charges and movement on reserves.
On expenditure, the key points are an underspend on employees of £149k (2% of budget) largely relating to Services holding vacancies pending a restructuring which is underway in 2014/15, and a non-pay underspend of £332k (3% of budget) occurring across most Services.
On income, the key points are that Fees & Charges delivered a surplus of £57k on budget (against a deficit of £408k for 2012/13) and Planning Fees income increased significantly in the final quarter of the year to £479k in total against a budget of £361k. Car Park income achieved a budget surplus of £99k and an improvement on last year’s actuals of £57k despite a significant downturn in February due to the floods, while Leisure centre income improved in the final quarter to reduce the year end shortfall on budget to £151k. Finally, Court summons fees in Revenue & Benefits totalled £249k, £49k in excess of budget.
4. Impact of the economic climate
The continued economic climate has had an impact on the Council's finances, and the weather and floods of February 2014 added to the difficulties. Going forward, the Council has taken steps (in its Medium Term Financial Strategy) to manage any further detrimental impacts and the situation will continue to be closely monitored in the coming financial year.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL EXPLANATORY FOREWORD
5. Gross Revenue Expenditure
The Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement shows the gross cost of service provision:
Expenditure Type 2013/14 2012/13 £000 £000 Employee expenses 9,407 9,909 Premises related expenses 1,875 2,155 Transport related expenses 785 792 Supplies and services 1,622 2,184 Third party (including shared services) 8,022 7,792 Housing Benefit and Council Tax payments 31,375 37,017 Capital charges 3,970 5,046 Gross Cost of Services 57,056 64,895 The main reason for the overall reduction in expenditure is the change Government made to replace Council Tax Benefit with Council Tax Support. This removed some £6.7m from expenditure and replaced it with Council Tax Discounts.
Employee expenses include all payments for the City Council's employees including salaries, employer's national insurance and pension contributions, training, professional subscriptions, recruitment, and health and safety costs.
Premises, transport related expenses and supplies and services costs include the cost of maintaining buildings, of operating vehicles and of buying goods and services. Third party payments mainly comprise payments to partners delivering services for the Council.
Capital charges are net servicing of finance costs, impairments and depreciation, and represent the real cost of using assets to provide the Council's services.
6. Gross Revenue Income
The Council received gross income of £44.996m (2012/13 £50.479m) :
Income 2013/14 2012/13 £000 £000 Government Grants 33,633 39,316 Rent Income 458 387 Fees and Charges 8,020 7,956 Other Income 2,892 2,820 Total Income 45,003 50,479
Government grants include £31.987m towards the cost of Housing Benefits and administrating those payments. Last year's Government Grants included a £6.740m payment of Council Tax Benefits grant which is no longer paid following a change in the national scheme of Council Tax support. This also explains the reduced payments in the Expenditure Type table above.
Rent income is mainly rents from industrial and commercial properties.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL EXPLANATORY FOREWORD
Fees and charges and other service income comes from users paying for Council services like leisure facilities, building control, car parking, planning, land charges fees and licensing.
Other income includes miscellaneous items such as recharges to external bodies, contributions from shared services, and other partnership contributions.
7. Pension Fund
The Council’s share of the assets and liabilities of its Pension Fund is a net liability and has been calculated in accordance with International Accounting Standard 19. The net liability has decreased by £6,611 to £33.924m (in 2012/13 it increased by £5.967m to £38.972m). A further explanation can be found in Note 20 to the Core Financial Statements.
It is important to understand that the net pensions liability is a position taken at just one point in time and based on many assumptions about the future. Market prices can move up as well as down in the short term and it is therefore not possible to quantify what long term effect the movement in market prices will have on the Pension Fund.
8. Borrowing
The Council borrows for cash flow purposes within specified limits or to fund capital expenditure. Note 20 (Long Term Borrowing) in the Notes to the Core Financial Statements shows details of the Council’s outstanding loans and when they mature.
9. Capital Expenditure and Source of Funding
Capital expenditure for 2013/14 was £1.016m (2012/13 £0.792m). This compares with an original estimate of £1.702m for the year, and the difference largely relates to delayed expenditure on capital projects managed in partnership with other local authorities. Funding will be carried forward to 2014/15 complete these items.
A summary of the capital expenditure in 2013/14 is shown below. Of the £1.016m spend, £0.585m added to the value of the Council's own assets, and the balance of £0.431m charged in year to the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement as 'revenue expenditure funded from capital under statute' created assets owned by others - for example, grants to homeowners, or contributions to capital projects managed by other local authorities. The sources of funding for the Council's capital expenditure are also shown below:
Capital Expenditure £000 Source of Funding £000 Housing and building grants 254 Earmarked reserves 648 Fort Royal/North Riverside 408 Grants 244 High Street improvements 177 Usable capital receipts 10 Vehicles, ICT and equipment 134 Other resources 49 Other smaller capital items 43 S.106 contributions 65 Total 1,016 Total 1,016
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL EXPLANATORY FOREWORD
9. Capital Expenditure and Source of Funding (continued)
The comparative figures for 2012/13 are:
Capital Expenditure £000 Source of Funding £000 Housing and building grants 446 Usable capital receipts 275 Fort Royal/North Riverside 36 Grants 361 Bridge lighting completion 25 Earmarked reserves 156 Riverside improvements 23 Vehicles, ICT and equipment 262 Total 792 Total 792
10. Significant Changes in Accounting Policies
The Council reviews its accounting policies from time to time, but there have been no significant changes to accounting policies in the financial year.
11. Further Information
Further information about the accounts is available from the Corporate Director - Resources, Orchard House, Farrier Street, Worcester, WR1 3BB. Interested members of the public also have a statutory right to inspect the draft accounts before the audit is completed, and this has been advertised in the local press and on the Council's website.
In the 'City Council Finances' pages under 'Council and Democracy' on the Council's website, readers can find copies of audited Annual Accounts going back to 2010/11 as well as a wide range of information about the Council's budgets, medium term planning, fees and charges and annual reports. The 'Council reports' pages also has reports and documents covering the full spread of the Council's management and activities.
The website is at
http://www.worcester.gov.uk
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL ANNUAL GOVERNANCE STATEMENT
Scope of Responsibility
Worcester City Council is responsible for ensuring that its business is conducted in accordance with the law and proper standards, and that public money is safeguarded and properly accounted for, and used economically, efficiently and effectively. Worcester City Council also has a duty under the Local Government Act 1999 to make arrangements to secure continuous improvement in the way in which its functions are exercised, having regard to a combination of economy, efficiency and effectiveness.
In discharging this overall responsibility, the Council is responsible for putting in place proper arrangements for the governance of its affairs, facilitating the effective exercise of its functions, and which includes arrangements for the management of risk.
Worcester City Council has approved and adopted a Code of Corporate Governance, consistent with the principles of the CIPFA/SOLACE guidance The Code of Corporate Governance is available on the Council’s website at www.worcester.gov.uk or can be obtained from the Service Manager, Transformation and Strategy, Orchard House, Farrier Street Worcester, WR1 3BB.
This statement explains how Worcester City Council has complied with the code and also meets the requirements of regulation 4(2) of the Accounts and Audit (England) Regulations 2011, regulation 4(3), which requires all relevant bodies to prepare an annual governance statement.
The purpose of the Governance Framework
The governance framework comprises the cultural values, systems and processes by which the Council is directed and its activities through which it accounts to, engages with and leads its communities. The framework allows the Council to monitor the achievement of its strategic objectives and to consider whether those objectives have led to the delivery of appropriate services and value for money.
A significant part of the framework is the Council’s system of internal control which is designed to manage risk to a reasonable level. It cannot eliminate all risks of failure to achieve policies, aims and objectives, but can provide reasonable, though not absolute, assurance of effectiveness. The system of internal control is based on an on-going process designed to identify and prioritise the risks to the achievement of the Worcester City Council’s policies, aims and objectives, to evaluate the likelihood and potential impact of those risks being realised, and to manage them efficiently, effectively and economically.
The Council’s approach to corporate governance is underpinned by our values of delivering the results people want; one Council; challenge to improve and empowerment with accountability. The revised governance framework is built around the following core principles:
• Focus on the outcomes for Worcester City and create a vision for the area which the Council can play a leadership role in helping to implement • Members and officers working together to achieve a common purpose with clearly defined roles. • Promoting values for the Council and demonstrating values of good governance through upholding high standards of conduct. • Taking informed and transparent decisions which are subject to effective scrutiny and managing risk. • Developing the capacity and capability of members and officers to be effective • Engage with local people to ensure robust public accountability.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL ANNUAL GOVERNANCE STATEMENT
A Governance framework has been in place at Worcester City Council for the year ended 31 st March 2014 and up to the date of approval of the 2013/14 report and Statement of Accounts.
The Governance Framework The key elements of the systems and processes that comprise the Council’s governance framework are described below.
In 2013/14 the Council approved a new Strategic Framework this replaced the Corporate Plan and is the Council’s strategic plan, it sets out Worcester City Council’s vision for Worcester - “Worcester is a Great City with a Great Future”, and sets out three key priority areas that will deliver this vision. The three key priorities are:
Prosperity – Growing our economy and reducing unemployment; Ambition – Delivering on our aspirations for the whole City; Opportunity – making sure no Community is left behind.
The Strategic Framework also identifies how the Council will address the challenging financial context by delivering with less, and sets out the various approaches we will take for example, working in partnership, making the best use of our assets, ensuring services are efficient and effective, strong financial management and a good understanding of costs and being a sustainable Council. Delivery against the priorities in the plan is regularly reviewed and cascaded through the Corporate Planning Process into Service Plans, Service Managers’ objectives and cascaded to service teams and staff objectives through the appraisal process.
The Council Constitution – The Council constitution sets out how the Council operates, how decisions are made and the procedures followed to ensure these are transparent and accountable to local people. The agendas and minutes of all the public meetings of the Council and its committees are available on our website.
Council Structure – The Council operates a Leader and Cabinet model with Cabinet members responsible for individual portfolios.
Policy development and Scrutiny - The Council has three Scrutiny committees: • Scrutiny Committee • Performance Management and Budget Scrutiny Committee • Audit Committee
In 2013/14 it was agreed that in line with CIPFA guidance, the Council will review the role of the Audit Committee with a view to it being a Committee of the Council rather than an overview and scrutiny committee. Work to deliver on this will take place in 2014/15 and the Council’s constitution will be amended to reflect this change.
The Standards Committee - This committee’s role is to promote and maintain high standards of conduct by Members and to monitor the operation of the Members Code of Conduct.
Head of Paid Service – The Managing Director is designated Head of Paid Service and has overall corporate management and operational responsibility. He provides professional advice to all parties in the decision making process and together with the Monitoring Officer is responsible for the system of record keeping for all Council decisions.
Monitoring Officer - The Council has designated the Service Manager – Transformation and Strategy as Monitoring Officer. It is the function of the Monitoring Officer to ensure compliance with established policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
Chief Finance Officer – The Corporate Director, Resources is designated as Chief Finance Officer in accordance with Section 151 of the Local Government Act 1972. The S151 Officer has responsibility for establishing sound financial management within the Council and ensuring
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL ANNUAL GOVERNANCE STATEMENT
Code of Corporate Governance – The local code sets out the Council’s definition of Corporate Governance, the values it stands for and the key principles of corporate governance that it has adopted.
Anti Fraud and Corruption Arrangements – The Council continues to review and update its Anti Fraud and Corruption Policy to ensure it demonstrates a commitment to tackling fraud and corruption whether within or external to the Council.
Corporate Complaints – The Council has a complaints policy and procedure which describes how complaints can be made and how they will be monitored.
Stakeholder Communication – The following main methods are used to communicate the Council’s objectives and achievements to local people:
• City Life, a quarterly newsletter sent to all households • The Council Website • Social media including Facebook and Twitter • The Annual Council Tax leaflet
The Council also undertakes consultation exercises for example, the Viewpoint satisfaction survey and budget consultation.
Partnership Governance – Partnerships are a key component of service delivery. The Council is engaged in a wide range of partnerships including shared service arrangements with other Councils and a public private partnership for Revenuesand Benefits.
Performance Management - The Council’s approach to performance management and the Performance Management Framework is being revised for 2014/15. The framework now aligns performance management with the Council’s priorities as set out in the Strategic Framework and the Council’s Transformation Plan, it is intended to:-
• Enable Managers and Members to keep track of the overall performance of the Council and its services, adjust priorities and resources and direct improvement actions accordingly. • Better integrate financial and performance reporting in order that resources are effectively aligned to priorities. • Support effective scrutiny, with the opportunities to take a more in depth look at a service or function • Provide Managers and Members with current and relevant data to support informed decision making.
Risk Management - Worcester City Council’s risk management strategy has been refreshed to reflect the Council’s re-structure and the changed Local Government environment, it was approved in January 2012 and is being reviewed in 2014/15. The Corporate Risk Register is monitored by Management on a quarterly basis; with Cabinet asked to review the register on a six monthly basis, Audit Committee also receive a risk management report on a six monthly basis. Cabinet will approve the Management Action Plan each year, with risks and progress to date reassessed in all the areas. The Corporate Risk Register is designed to be a live document, therefore any risks that are brought to CMT’s attention as being strategically important will be added to the register. The Transformation and Strategy Service Manager has responsibility for corporate risk management.
Internal Audit – Worcester City Council’s responsibility for maintaining an adequate and effective internal audit function is set out in Regulation 6 of the Accounts and Audit (England) Regulations 2011. The Council’s External Auditor will assess Internal Audit against these regulations and the United Kingdom Public Sector Internal Audit Standards.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL ANNUAL GOVERNANCE STATEMENT
The Review of Effectiveness
Worcester City Council has responsibility for conducting, at least annually, a review of the effectiveness of its governance framework including the system of internal control. The review of effectiveness is informed by the work of the executive managers within the Authority who have responsibility for the development and maintenance of the governance environment, the Service Manager of Internal Audit’s annual report, and also by comments made by the external auditors and other review agencies and inspectorates. The review has been carried out through the Council’s Corporate Governance Assurance Board and has incorporated a review of actions taken against all of the ten areas of improvement identified in last year’s annual governance statement.
Corporate Governance Assurance Board, What we said we would do and What we have done - the 10 areas for improvement for 2013/14 were:
1) Anti-Fraud and corruption, including whistleblowing 2) Partnership Governance 3) Contract and Client management 4) Information governance and the role of the Chief Information Officer 5) Embedding Risk Management 6) Improving Business continuity Planning 7) Decision Making 8) Hopmarket 9) Workforce Development 10)Value for Money
Anti Fraud and Corruption. A revised whistleblowing policy was approved by Personnel and General Purposes Committee at its meeting on 17th October 2013. The Whistleblowing Policy has been refreshed to reflect some minor changes in legislation and structural changes internally. The new policy sets out how our commitment to the highest possible standards of openness, probity and openness and describes how we will deal concerns raised by employees. It seeks to ensure that we responding appropriately to whistle blowers and protect them from victimisation, discrimination or other disadvantage as a consequence of their actions.
The Internal Audit Service have also been working with the Revenues and Benefits Shared Service to improve and enhance anti fraud work and to ensure the accuracy and efficacy of benefit processing. This area for improvement has now been addressed and is now part of business as usual arrangements.
Partnership Governance – in 2013/14 we have continued to build on improvements in governance arrangements in relation to shared services for example, feedback from shared service joint committees is now part of the Cabinet Agenda. The Revenues and Benefits shared service public/ private partnership with CIVICA went live on 1st October. A revised partnership framework has been developed and was approved by the Corporate Governance Assurance Board in 2013/14. It is being implemented currently work is on-going to review all of the Council’s key partnerships in line with the framework and we have reviewed and refreshed the partnership register.
Contract and Client Management - A contract register is now in place, the Council is required to publish details of all procurement contracts over £50k on our website, this is reviewed annually and officers are currently reviewing and updating the register to ensure that it includes all contracts awarded since October 2012. Each service manager holds a register of the contracts for their service area.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL ANNUAL GOVERNANCE STATEMENT
The Council also has a number of contracts in place with Voluntary and Community sector organisations for example Worcester Community Trust currently have a 3 year SLA with WCC to consistently deliver appropriate Community & Youth activities and services across the City of Worcester. Quarterly meetings are held to review finance and community provision, funds are paid in quarterly instalments. A one year Grant agreement is in place for all of the other organisations currently receiving funding from WCC. Quarterly monitoring forms are in place for organisations to complete and return with details including attendance figures, user numbers, group sessions held, good news stories and case studies.
Information Governance and the role of the Chief Information Officer - an Information Management Position statement has been developed in 2013/14, this includes an action plan, identifying clear timescales for delivery of improvements. Positive progress is being made, for example, the following policies have now been approved by the Corporate Governance Assurance Board; Data Protection Act, Environmental Information Regulations and Freedom of Information Act policies. Staff guidance documents have been produced to cover theses areas, and staff that compile responses to requests have received training. The Council’s publication scheme is currently being reviewed and updated. Management of Freedom of Information Requests continues to improve and performance in responding to FOIs is now monitored and reported in monthly performance summaries. The Council continues to review documents currently kept in storage to significantly reduce the costs associated with this. The Council has undertaken work with the ICT shared service to ensure that the Council complies with Government requirements for electronic data security as set out in the Public Sector Network Code of Compliance (PSNCOCO).
Risk Management – Work to strengthen the Council’s approach to risk management continued in 2013/14, a range of training has been delivered including: Risk Management training session for Members in July 2013; Risk Surgeries in November 2013; these sessions aimed to support and provide guidance to services on the service risk register and ensure that the service risks are comprehensive and risk scores are robust. Other training included, risk training for risk owners, designed to support risk owners in identifying and managing risk. We have also developed a risk training module which will be included in the induction programme and an e-learning module. We have fully established the mechanism for reporting and escalating risk (risk reports sent to CMT on quarterly basis and six monthly to Audit Committee and Cabinet). Guidance on report writing is also in development and will include instructions on what should be included in the risk implications section of reports. Risk Management is no longer considered an area for improvement though work will continue to ensure it is fully embedded in the organisation.
Improving Business Continuity - Service Managers have received training in business continuity planning in 2013/14 and are currently reviewing and revising service business continuity plans this inform the review and refresh of the Corporate Business Continuity plan. The South Worcestershire ICT shared service have carried out a business continuity exercise in September, this was observed by the Council’s internal auditor a number of improvement areas were identified in the Audit which are being addressed.
Decision Making - In accordance with the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to information) (England) Regulations 2012, a procedure for recording and publishing executive decisions taken by Portfolio Holders and Officers was agreed by CMT October 2013. The procedure, related guidance and template for recording decisions are available on through the Council’s intranet compliance with the procedure will be monitored by the Committee Administration Section. This was the core action identified to be addressed in 2013/14 and this action is now completed
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL ANNUAL GOVERNANCE STATEMENT
Hopmarket - External legal advisers were appointed in May 2013 to advise on the governance arrangements for the Hopmarket. They have recommended a number of changes to the governance of the Hopmarket charity. A briefing session for the trustees of the charity was held on 22 October 2013 where the trustees agreed to move ahead with the recommendations of external advisers and to implement changes to the governance arrangements between the Hopmarket Charity and the City Council.
Workforce Development - Progress has been made in linking workforce development more closely to overall service delivery and improvement. The 2013/14 service plans require services to record any significant workforce change or development implications and plan to deliver the changes needed. Take up of the new Performance and Development Review (appraisal) scheme had been patchy though improving. To drive further improvement new formats for the PDR’s have been developed and were rolled out in early 2014. Outputs from PDRs will be used to develop the corporate learning and development plan for 2014/15. Funding for learning is limited, so one of main areas of development in 2013/14 has been the Learning Pool e-learning system. This will allow us to access hundreds of local authority tailored learning programmes as well as develop our own. Management development training has continued to be rolled out with the new focus being on front line managers. In 2014/15 the focus for improvement will be on learning and development.
Value for Money – work is on-going to develop the full suite of value for money indicators and these are now in place for some service areas. The service plan format was reviewed in 2013/14 and now includes value for money measures for all service areas.
In addition to the areas for improvement identified in the Council’s AGS action plan the Council has also ensured the effectiveness of governance arrangements through continued improvements in project management arrangements. The Strategic Programme Board has supported effective project delivery through robust overview of delivery of corporate projects. Project delivery has also been incorporated into quarterly performance reporting to ensure there is visibility of delivery against key corporate plan projects. We have successfully delivered a range of projects and have ensured that were there have been delays or issues in project delivery that we have focussed on capturing lessons learned to ensure we can continue to improve our approach.
Internal Audit - The Internal Audit function has operated as a shared service since 2010/11, is hosted by Worcester City, and, provides the Internal Audit function for five district councils as well as the Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service. The shared service operates in accordance with the Institute of Internal Auditors International Standards and the United Kingdom Public Sector Internal Audit Standards (PSIAS) and objectively reviews on a continuous basis the extent to which the internal control environment supports and promotes the achievement of the Council’s objectives and contributes to the proper, economic and effective use of resources as well as ensuring there is protection of the public purse.
The Internal Audit Plan for 2013/14 was risk based (assessing audit and assurance factors, materiality risk, impact of failure, system risk, resource risk fraud risk, and external risk) using a predefined scoring system, which is embedded in the methodology, and was approved by the Audit Committee. It included: a number of core systems which were designed to suitably assist the external auditor to reach their ‘opinion’; other corporate systems for example governance and a number of operational systems for example Car Parking and Procurement were looked at to maintain and improve its control systems and risk management processes or reinforce its oversight of such systems.
The 2013/14 audit plan, agreed by Audit Committee, was delivered with a small amendment due to the requirement to provide an assurance service with regard to the Client side of the Revenue and Benefits Partnership with Civica. The coverage provided sufficient assurance to assist in arriving at the audit and overall governance opinion. Audits across the corporate spectrum have been undertaken, the outcomes of which have been reported to Audit Committee where appropriate. Core financial audits provided overall reasonable assurance.
Based on the audits performed in accordance with the audit plan the Worcester Internal Audit Shared Services Service Manager concludes that the Council’s governance framework arrangements during 2013/14 have not always provided full assurance but are satisfactory in many areas with any identified issues being addressed by the management team as part of the process of continuous
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL ANNUAL GOVERNANCE STATEMENT
Transformation Plan – In 2013/14 the Council developed a new Strategic Framework which identified a clear priority to deliver with less resource; the Council also reviewed the Medium Term Financial strategy and identified a savings requirement of £4.1 million by 2018/19. In order to deliver these savings the Council has developed a Transformation Plan. The plan sets out the various ways that savings will be delivered in coming years and all the actions for delivery in 2014/15 or where work needs to begin in 2014/15 are captured in service plans. The Transformation Plan and the Strategic Framework have been developed with members and been subject to scrutiny before being adopted by full Council. They have also been shared with partners and communicated to staff through a series of Staff Conferences. Delivery of the Transformation plan will be a key area for focus in 2014/15.
Website – In 2013/14 the Council has worked closely with partners in the ICT shared Service to develop a new website, this is due to go live in summer 2014. The new website is much more transactional and will enable greater volumes of self service transactions. A number of online self service developments have been developed in 2013/14 for rollout in 2014/15 for example in relation to reporting missed bins. These developments form a key part of the Council’s plans for Channel shift and for improving the efficiency of the services we provide. The launch and on-going development of the website and self service transactions is an area for improvement for 2014/15.
Significant Governance Issues
The statutory duties of the Monitoring Officer and the Section 151 Officer require them to draw to members’ attention any improper practices, financial imprudence or problems with the systems of internal control. No significant weaknesses or issues have been identified.
However, Worcester City Council seeks to strengthen its governance arrangements by monitoring internal and external assurance gathering throughout the year. For focus in 2014/15 the Council has identified two categories actions are divided into areas requiring continuous improvement while others are new improvement initiatives as follows:
Improvement Initiatives
1. Delivering the Transformation Plan 2. Pay Review 3. Website 4. Implementing the scrutiny review action plan 5. New Partnership arrangements
Continuous Improvement
6. Contract and Client management 7. Improving Business continuity Planning 8. Hopmarket 9. Learning and Development 10. Value for Money
Signed: Signed:
Duncan Sharkey, Managing Director Councillor Simon Geraghty, Leader of the Council
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
1. General
The Statement Statement of of Accounts Accounts summarises summarises the theCouncil’s Council’s transactions transactions for the for 2011-12 the 2013/14 financial financial year and year its andposition its positionas at 31st as March at 31st 2012. March The 2014. Statement The Statementof Accounts of is Accoupreparednts isin preparedaccordance in with accordance the Code with of thePractice Code on ofLocal Practice Authority on Accounting Local Authority 2011-12, Accounting relevant International 2013/14, relevant Financial InternationalReporting Standards Financial Reportingand the Service Standards Reporting and Code the Service of Practice Reporting (SERCOP) Code. of Practice (SeRCOP). The accounts generally useThe accounting 'historical convention cost' figures, adopted except is principally for certain historical categori cost,es modified of non-current by the revaluation assets and of certa financialin instrumentscategories of whichnon-current are revalued assets and differently financial as inst requiredruments. by accounting rules. 2. Accruals of Income and Expenditure 2. Accruals of Income and Expenditure All revenue expenditure and capital transactions are accounted for on an accruals basis. That is, sums Alldue revenue to or from and the capital Council transactions during the year are accountedare recorded for whether on an 'accruals'or not the basis.cash has This actually means been that the Council'sreceived or costs paid andduring income the year. due In in theparticular: year are recorded whether or not the cash has actually been received or paid during the year. In particular: • Fees, charges, rents and other income are accounted for as income at the point the Council provides •the Fees, goods charges, or service; rents and other income are shown as income at the point the Council provides the goods or service; • Supplies and services provided to the Council are treated as expenditure as they are consumed; • Supplies and services provided to the Council are treated as expenditure as they are consumed; • Interest receivable on investments is accounted for as income on the basis of the effective interest •rate Interest for the receivableinvestment on rather investments than the cash is accounted flows fixed for or asdetermined income using by the the contract; effective interest rate for the investment rather than the cash flows set by the contract; • Where revenue and expenditure have been recognised but cash has not been received or paid, a •debtor Where or incomecreditor andfor the costs relevant have beenamount recognised is recorded but in cashthe Balance has not Sheet.been Where received it is or doubtful paid, a that debtor a ordebtor creditor balance for thatwill be amount recovered, is recorded the balance in the is Balancewritten down Sheet. andWhere a charge it is made doubtful to revenue that a debtorfor the will payincome in full,that themight balance not be duecollected. is reduced and the income that might not be collected is charged to revenue. 3. Government Grants 3. Government Grants Government grants and other contributions in relation to revenue expenditure are accounted for on an accruals basis and recognised in the accounting statements when there is reasonable assurance that Government grants and other contributions to revenue expenditure are shown on an accruals the Council will comply with any conditions attached to the payments and that the payments will be basisreceived. and recorded in the accounting statements when it is reasonably sure that the Council will comply with any conditions attached to the grants and that the grants will be received. Amounts recognised as due are not credited to the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Account Grantsuntil any that conditions are due attached are not to shown the grant in theor contr Comprehensiveibution have been Income satisfied.and Expenditure If conditions Account have not until thebeen Council satisfied has the met amounts any conditions are carried attached in the balan to thece sheet grant as or a cocreditor.ntribution; When until conditions then, theare expectedsatisfied, grantthe grant is shownor contribution in the balanceis credited sheet to the as releva a creditor.nt service Then line when (attributable conditions revenue are met,grants the and grant or contributioncontributions) isor shownTaxation in and the Non-Specific Comprehensive Grant Income Income (non-ringfenced and Expenditure grants Account and all capital either in the relevantgrants) in service the Comprehensive line if it is a Income grant for and a specificExpenditure service Statement. ("ring-fenced"), or in the line Taxation and Non-Specific Grant Income if it is a general ("non-ringfenced") grant or a capital grant. Where capital grants are credited to the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement, they are Thereversed Movement out of the in General Reserves Fund Statement Balance in then the takesMovement capital in Reserves grants credited Statement. to theWhere Comprehensive the grant Incomehas yet to and be Expenditureused to fund capital Statement expenditure, out of the it is General posted to Fund the Capital Balance. Grants Where Unapplied the grant reserve. has been usedWhere to it payhas been for capital applied, spending, it is posted it isto postedthe Capi total the Adjustment Capital A Account.djustment Amounts Account. in the When Capital the grant hasGrants not Unapplied yet been reserve used by are the transferred end of the to the year, Cap itital is heldAdjustment in the Account Capital Grantsonce they Unapplied have been Reserve andapplied transferred to fund capital to the expenditure. Capital Adjustment Account once it has been used to pay for capital spending. Revenue Support Grant is a general grant allocated by central government. As such it is non-ringfenced Ofand the credited main to Government Taxation and grants Non-Specific received Grant each Inc year,ome in Revenue the Comprehensive Support Grant Income is aand general Expenditure grant Statement. Area Based Grant is allocated against the relevant service within net cost of services. allocated by central government, so it is 'non-ringfenced' and credited to Taxation and Non- Specific Grant Income in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
4. Assets - Property, Plant & Equipment
This describes all assets that have physical substance and are used by the Council in providing its goods and services, rented to others, or used for administration, and that are expected to be used in more than one financial year.
Recognition
All spending on buying, creating or enhancing Property, Plant and Equipment has been capitalised on an accruals basis at the time the cost is incurred, provided that the Council expects to gain future economic benefits or service potential from the asset and the cost of the asset can be measured reliably. However, spending on repairing or maintaining assets is charged direct to revenue accounts as there is no increased future benefit. Assets costing less than £5,000 are treated as 'de minimis' - the amount is too small to be recorded as a capital asset - and charged to the revenue costs of services in the year .
Measurement
Property, Plant and Equipment are first measured at cost, which includes purchase price and any costs needed to bring the asset into use.
Assets are then carried in the Balance Sheet using these measurement bases:
• Community assets (mainly open land) – depreciated historical cost;
• Heritage assets (things with historical, artistic, scientific, technological, geophysical or environmental qualities that are held and maintained principally for their contribution to knowledge and culture) – historical cost or insurance value;
• All other assets – fair value, which means the amount that would be paid for the asset in existing use ("existing use value").
Assets included in the balance sheet at fair value are revalued as often as needed to be sure that their carrying amount is not materially different from their fair value at the year- end, and as a minimum revalued every five years. Any increases in fair value are not taken as income but are held in the Revaluation Reserve as an "unrealised gains". Balance-sheet values are useful for general purposes, but are not usually used for decison-making - for example, if the Council was considering selling an asset, it would first refer to the balance- sheet value but then use an up-to-date valuation.
The Revaluation Reserve was set up on 1 April 2007, and only holds gains after that date. Gains before then have been consolidated into the Capital Adjustment Account.
Impairment
Impairment happens when the value of an asset suddenly drops, and where it comes from a “clear consumption of economic benefits” (the asset will not last as long as had been expected) it is charged to the relevant service revenue costs.
Other impairments are first charged against any revaluation gains in the Revaluation Reserve for the same asset, with any excess over the gain in the Revaluation Reserve then charged to the relevant service revenue costs.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Disposals
When it becomes probable that an asset will soon be sold, it is reclassified as an Asset Held for Sale. The asset is revalued immediately before reclassification and then carried at the lower of the revaluation or of 'fair value less costs to sell'. If the 'fair value less costs to sell' is less than the revaluation, the loss is posted to the Other Operating Expenditure line in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement. Gains in fair value are only recognised up to the amount of any previous losses recognised in the Surplus or Deficit on Provision of Services. Depreciation is not charged on Assets Held for Sale, as they are not being used.
When an asset is disposed of or decommissioned, the carrying amount of the asset in the Balance Sheet is written off to Other Operating Expenditure in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement as part of the gain or loss on disposal. Any receipts from disposal are credited to the same line in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement as part of the gain or loss on disposal. Any revaluation gains accumulated for the asset in the Revaluation Reserve are transferred to the Capital Adjustment Account.
The Local Government Act 2003 states that amounts received when an asset is sold are classed as capital receipts. A share of receipts from housing disposals is payable to central Government; the remaining receipts must be credited to the Capital Receipts Reserve and can then only be used for new capital investment.
The Movement in Reserves Statement shows when all these amounts are taken out of the General Fund Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement and put into reserves.
The written-off value of disposals is not a charge against Council Tax, because there are separate arrangements for capital financing. Any losses on disposals are shown in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement outside the costs of services, and then charged to the Capital Adjustment Account through the Movement in Reserves Statement. Any gains can only be spent on capital assets, so they too do not affect Council Tax.
5. Assets - Charges to Revenue for Fixed Assets
Service revenue accounts are charged with depreciation on assets used to record the real cost of holding fixed assets during the year. Where capital expenditure is funded by Government Grants or other contributions the depreciation charge is offset by writing down the grant.
Impairment losses are charged to revenue. Impairment losses are losses attributable to the clear consumptions of economic benefits and other losses where there are no accumulated gains in the Revaluation Reserve to which they can be matched.
The Council is not required to raise Council Tax to cover depreciation or impairment losses.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
6. Assets - Depreciation
Depreciation is the annual charge for using assets, and spreads the cost of an asset over the time it is used. It is calculated for all assets with a finite useful life on a straight line basis - the charge each year is the value of the asset divided by its expected useful life. Newly acquired assets are not depreciated in the year of acquisition, but all assets are fully depreciated in the year of disposal. Assets under construction are not depreciated until they are ready to be used. The life expectancy of the main asset classes is:
Buildings - 10 to 90 years; Vehicles - 5 to 7 years; Plant - 5 to 30 years; Equipment - 4 to 15 years.
Community Assets and Investment Properties are not depreciated as the assets do not have an identifiable working life.
Where an item of Property, Plant and Equipment has major components whose cost is significant in relation to the total cost of the item, the components are depreciated separately. A component is classed as significant if its value is greater than 20% of the total value of the asset or is over £200,000, whichever is higher.
7. Assets - Investment Properties
Investment properties are those that are used solely to earn rentals and/or for capital appreciation. The definition is not met if the property is used in any way to facilitate the delivery of services or is held for sale.
Investment properties are measured initially at cost and subsequently at fair value, based on the amount at which the asset could be exchanged between knowledgeable parties at arm’s- length. Properties are not depreciated but are revalued annually according to market conditions at the year-end. Gains and losses on revaluation are posted to the Financing and Investment Income and Expenditure line in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement. The same treatment is applied to gains and losses on disposal.
Rentals from investment properties are credited to the Financing and Investment Income and Expenditure line and result in a gain for the General Fund Balance. However, revaluation and disposal gains and losses are not permitted by statutory arrangements to have an impact on the General Fund Balance. The revaluation gains and losses are therefore reversed out of the General Fund Balance in the Movement in Reserves Statement and posted to the Capital Adjustment Account and, for any receipts, the Capital Receipts Account.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
8. Revenue Expenditure Funded from Capital under Statute
To be classed as 'capital', spending normally has to create an asset of long-term benefit to the Council. Exeptionally, some costs that do not meet that definition can be capitalised by law, and for the City Council that is usually the costs of Disabled Facilities Grants, housing renovations grants, and grants to other bodies for their own capital spending - these create assets that are not owned by the City Council. The payments are charged as expenditure to the relevant service revenue account, and any grant funding the Council receives to support its own payments is credited to the same account. Where the Council funds its grants from existing capital resources or by borrowing, a transfer through the Movement in Reserves Statement takes the costs out of the revenue accounts into the Capital Adjustment Account, so is no impact on Council Tax-payers.
9. Operating Leases
Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to the relevant service revenue account on an accruals basis (i.e. when the rents are due, not when they are paid). 10. Reserves
In addition to its general revenue balances the Council has set aside specific ‘earmarked reserves’ for future identified expenditure. Expenditure is not charged directly against reserves. When expenditure is incurred it is first charged against the relevant service revenue account, so that the costs are recorded in the right place. The Movement in Reserves Statement then shows the appropriate transfer from the reserve into the General Fund Balance, so that there is no net charge against council tax for the expenditure.
The pension reserve, employee benefit reserve and capital adjustment account do not represent useable revenue resources for the Council.
11. Estimation Techniques
In line with FRS18, a distinction is made between accounting policies and estimation techniques. Accounting policies set out how things should be included and recorded; estimation techniques are about "how much?", using expertise and information to come up with a £p figure for assets, liabilities, gains, losses and changes in reserves where exact figures are not available - for example, in valuing an asset that accounting policies say should be recorded at 'fair value' but is not actually on the market. Where estimation techniques are used, the notes to the accounts explain when and how this has been done.
There have not been any material changes to the basis of the estimation techniques used since the preparation of the last Statement of Accounts.
12. Inventories
Inventories are valued at the latest price paid for the items held in stocks and stores, with an allowance made for slow moving and obsolete items.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
13. Costs of Central Support Services
When readers are comparing the costs of front-line services provided by different councils or other providers, it is essential that the elements of costs are all treated the same way. Worcester City Council follows the costing principles of the CIPFA SeRCOP, and so fully charges the cost of central support services and overheads to the services that receive the supply or service, with the exception of certain costs that cannot be charged to front-line services and so stay shown within Corporate and Democratic Core and Non Distributed Costs.
These are more fully explained in note 28 'Amounts reported for resource allocation decisions'.
14. Employee Benefits
Benefits Payable During Employment
Short term employee benefits are those due to be settled within 12 months of the year-end. They include such benefits as salaries, paid annual leave, paid sick leave, and non-monetary benefits for current employees. They are recognised as an expense for services in the year in which employees render service to the Council. An accrual is made for the cost of holiday entitlements and other forms of leave earned by employees but not taken before the year-end which employees can carry forward into the next financial year. The accrual is made at the salary rates applicable in the following accounting year, being the period in which the employee takes the benefit. The accrual is charged to the Surplus or Deficit on the Provision of Services, but then reversed out through the Movement in Reserves Statement so that holiday benefits are charged to revenue in the financial year in which the holiday absence occurs.
Termination Benefits
Termination benefits are amounts payable as a result of a decision by the Authority to terminate an officer’s employment before the normal retirement age or an officer’s decision to accept voluntary redundancy. Termination benefits are charged on an accruals basis to the relevant service line in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement when the Authority is demonstrably committed to the termination of employment of an officer or a group of officers.
In the Movement in Reserves Statement, appropriations are required to and from the Pensions Reserve to remove the notional debits and credits for pension enhancement termination benefits and replace them with debits or the cash paid to the pension fund and pensioners and any such amounts payable but unpaid at year-end.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Post Employment Benefits
The Council participates in one defined benefits scheme for its employees, administered by Worcestershire County Council. Pension costs are assessed in accordance with the advice of an independent qualified actuary using the projected unit method. A new actuarial valuation was undertaken by the funds actuaries Mercer Human Resource Consulting Limited as at 31 March 2013. This has revised contribution rates payable by the Council in future financial years.
The liabilities of the Worcestershire County Council Local Government Pension Scheme attributable to the Council are included in the Balance Sheet on an actuarial basis using the projected unit method – an assessment of future payments based on assumptions. Liabilities are discounted to their value at current prices using a discount rate prescribed by the actuary.
The assets of the pension scheme are included in the Balance Sheet at their fair value.
The total pension cost recognised in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement has several elements changed for 2013/14, and is now made up of:
• The current service cost represents the future cost to the employer of one year's accrual of pension benefits for active members, calculated on the actuarial assumptions used at the start of the year for accounting standard IAS19 purposes. Interest on the service cost is now included within the service cost. This cost is allocated in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement to the services for which the employees worked.
• The net interest cost is the difference between the interest paid on pension liabilities and earned on penson assets. The costs are included in the the Financing and Investment Income and Expenditure line in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement.
• The administration expenses are the costs of running the fund payable by the employer. This does not include any investment management expenses. These charges are spread across services along with the current service cost.
• The past service and curtailment costs are normally the costs of increased benefits being awarded if members retire early during the year. These costs could also come from changes in scheme benefits or augmented benefits for active members. Any past service costs would be shown in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Account as the 'Non-distributed costs' line' withiin Net Cost of Services.
The Balance Sheet includes actuarial gains and losses – changes in the net pensions liability that arise because events have not coincided with assumptions made at the last actuarial valuation or because the actuaries have updated their assumptions. These are debited or credited to the Pensions Reserve.
Contributions paid to the pension scheme (the cash paid as employer’s contributions to the pension fund in settlement of liabilities) is budgeted and accounted for as an in-year expense.
Note 21 on pages 51 to 54 gives the details of assumptions, changes and costs for the current year and comparatives for the previous year.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
In relation to retirement benefits, statutory provisions require the General Fund Balance to be charged with the amount payable by the Council to the pension fund or directly to pensioners in the year, not the amount calculated according to the relevant accounting standards. In the Movement in Reserves Statement, this means that there are appropriations to and from the Pensions Reserve to remove the notional debits and credits for retirement benefits and replace them with the debits for the cash paid to the pension fund and pensioners and any such amounts payable but unpaid at the year-end. The negative balance that arises on the Pensions Reserve thereby measures the beneficial impact to the General Fund of being required to account for retirement benefits on the basis of cash flows rather than as benefits are earned by employees.
Further information can be found in Worcestershire County Council’s Superannuation Fund Annual Report, available on request from:
Mr P. Birch C.P.F.A., Director of Resources, Worcestershire County Council, County Hall, Spetchley Road, Worcester, WR5 2NP. www.worcestershire.gov.uk
15. Bad debt provisions
Provision is made for bad and doubtful debts in relation to council tax, business rates, housing benefit overpayments and sundry debts. These provisions reduce the value of total debtors shown on the Balance Sheet. The provisions have been estimated in accordance with recommended practice and past experience and where necessary, a charge is made to the service that is receiving the income. When debts are written-off the same amount is released from the provision.
16. Financial Liabilities (loans)
Financial Liabilities are initially measured at fair value and carried at their amortised cost. Annual charges to the Income and Expenditure Account for interest payable are based on the carrying amount of the liability, multiplied by the effective interest rate for the instrument. For the borrowings that the Council has, this means that the amount presented in the Balance Sheet is the outstanding principal repayable and the interest charged to the Income and Expenditure Account is the amount payable for the year in the loan agreement.
17. Financial Assets (investments)
Loans and receivables are measured at fair value and carried at their amortised cost. Annual credits to the Income and Expenditure account for interest receivable are based on the carrying value of the asset multiplied by the effective rate of interest for the instrument.
18. VAT
VAT is included within the accounts only if it cannot be recovered, and then it is charged to service expenditure or capital expenditure as appropriate.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
19. Associated and subsidiary companies, group accounts
In considering the requirement to prepare Group Accounts, the Council has adopted FRS2 and the CIPFA Code of Practice. The Council is of the opinion that it does not have any material interests in companies and other entities and need not prepare group accounts.
20. Accounting for Council Tax
As a billing authority, the Council acts as an agent, collecting and distributing Council Tax income on behalf of its major preceptors - Worcestershire County Council, West Mercia Police Authority, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Authority, and itself.
Council Tax income for the year is the Council’s accrued income for the year and not the amount required to be transferred from the Collection Fund under regulation. The difference between the amount included in the Income and Expenditure account and the amount required by regulation to be credited to the General Fund is taken to the Collection Fund Adjustment Account and included as a reconciling item in the Movement in Reserves Statement.
The cash collected by the Council from Council Tax debtors belongs proportionately to the billing authority and major preceptors. This results in a debtor/ creditor position between the Council and major preceptors for the difference between the cash collected from Council Tax debtors and the precept paid over during the year. The Balance Sheet includes the Council’s share of Council Tax arrears and impairment for bad debts, Council Tax over payments and prepayments and the debtor/ creditor from the preceptors.
The Council’s share of net cash collected from Council Tax debtors in the year is included within the Cash Flow Statement. The difference between the major preceptors’ share of net cash collected and amounts paid to precepting authorities is included in the Net Increase/ Decrease in Other Liquid Resources within Management of Liquid Resources.
21. Accounting for National Non-Domestic Rates
For 2013/14 the National Non-Domestic Rates scheme was changed from a national 'pool' to a regime where Councils can retain elements of Business Rates - for Worcestershire, central government takes 50%, the billing authority and local pool take 40%, the County Council takes 9% and Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Authority takes 1%. (Police Authorities take a share of business rates direct from central government.) The cost of collection allowance is included within the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Account.
The Council has made a provision for the likely cost of refunds following successful appeals by businesses against their NNDR assessment.
The cash received in respect of cost of collection allowance is included within Revenue Activities in the Cash Flow Statement. The difference between the amount of cash collected from NNDR taxpayers and the amount paid over to central government and other parties is included in the Net Increase/ Decrease in Other Liquid Resources within Management of Liquid Resources.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
22. Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash is represented by cash in hand and deposits with financial institutions repayable without penalty on notice of not more than 24 hours. Cash equivalents are investments that mature in 3 months or less from the date of acquisition and that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash with insignificant risk of change in value.
23. Accounting for Jointly Controlled Operations
The City Council receives Shared Services for Revenues and Benefits, Building Control, ICT, Worcester Regulatory Services, a Joint Museum Service, and the Worcestershire Hub under a separate shared services contract, from the relevant host Council within Worcestershire. These partnership contractual arrangements are defined as a ‘Joint Arrangement that is Not an Entity’ (JANE). Under these partnership arrangements, each Council accounts separately for its own transactions arising within the agreement, including the assets, liabilities, income, expenditure and cash flows.
Worcester City Council hosts the Internal Audit Shared Service and so accounts for the costs incurred for Malvern Hills District Council, Bromsgrove District Council, Redditch Borough Council and Wychavon District Council, its partners in the arrangement.
The arrangements are consolidated into the City Council’s accounts, and where appropriate, the notes to the accounts show both the details to support the accounts and the comparative details excluding the amounts for the Shared Service.
24. Heritage Assets
All of the Council's heritage assets are held due to their cultural, environmental or historical associations making their preservation for future generations important. The Council holds a number of assets at its two museums in the City. The Council also holds a number of other assets, including furniture, art works and ceramics at the Guildhall.
Where the Council has information on the cost or value of heritage assets, these assets are recognised on the balance sheet otherwise a disclosure is made and the notes to the financial statements will explain the significance and nature of those assets not reported on the balance sheet.
Heritage Assets are recognised and measured (including the treatment of revaluation gains and losses) in accordance with the Council’s accounting policies on property, plant and equipment. The value on the balance sheet is on a valuation or cost basis if this information is available. Where a valuation is not practical the assets are held on the balance sheet at the valuation provided for insurance purposes.
Any impairment of heritage assets is recognised and measured in accordance with the Authority’s general policies on impairment.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
25. Other Accounting Matters
The Hopmarket Charity is administered by the Council. Once completed, summary accounts for this charity will be reported to the Hopmarket Charity.
26. Critical judgements in applying accounting policies
In applying the accounting policies set out in the Statement of Accounting Policies, the Council has had to make certain judgements about complex transactions or those involving uncertainty about future events. The critical judgements made in the Statement of Accounts are:
• The Council has determined that the South Worcestershire Shared Services Joint Committee and the Worcestershire Shared Services Joint Committee both meet the definition of a Jointly Controlled Operation. The Council has therefore accounted for its share of the Joint Committee’s assets and liabilities and income and expenditure as documented in the Legal Agreement.
• The Council has not consolidated the Hopmarket Charity accounts under IAS27 Consolidated and separate financial statements as these balances are not material to the accounts as a whole.
• The valuation of certain assets (such as sports centres) based upon Modern Equivalent Asset method of valuation is subject to significant estimation uncertainty.
27. Impact of changes in accounting standards during 2013/14
Accounting standard IAS19 Employee Benefits was amended for accounting periods begining on or after 1 January 2014 and the Council has adopted the amendments, which for the Council primarily affect the way pensions are shown. The changes bring in new classes of components of defined benefit cost that are recognised in the financial statements, and new definitions or recognition criteria for service costs and termination benefits.
The Council's pensions advisors have provided estimates of the effect of the changes, and the Council has shown these in a restated comparative Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Account; the changes mean that 'Net Cost of Services' has increased by £659k while 'Other Comprehensive Income and Expenditure' has gone down by the same amount, leaving the 'Total Comprehensive Income and Expenditure' unchanged.
The Council's auditors have stated that the changes to items in the Balance Sheet are not material enough to require the Balance Sheet to be restated as well.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
28. Events after the balance sheet date
The accounts have taken into consideration any material event after the balance sheet date i.e. those that:
• provide evidence of conditions that existed at the balance sheet date for which the Council adjusts the amounts recognised in its financial statements or recognise items that were not previously recognised (adjusting events);
• indicate conditions that arose after the balance sheet date for which the Council would not adjust the amounts in its financial statements (non-adjusting events).
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL MOVEMENT IN RESERVES STATEMENT
The Movement in Reserves Statement on the next page shows the movement in the year across the different reserves held by the Council, analysed into ‘usable reserves’ (which are cash reserves kept ready to fund spending or reduce local taxation) and 'unusable' reserves (which generally represent accounting entries and not cash). The General Fund Balance is available for anything; Earmarked Reserves have been held back by the Council to set against specific areas of future spending; while the Capital Receipts Reserve holds money from the sale of assets that can only be spent on new assets or to reduce the Council's debt.
26 WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL MOVEMENT IN RESERVES STATEMENT For the year ended 31st March 2014 General Capital Total Total Total Earmarked Fund Receipts Usable Unusable Authority Reserves Balance Reserve Reserves Reserves Reserves Note £'000s £'000s £'000s £'000s £'000s £'000s Balance at 31 March 2012 1,252 5,131 1,851 8,234 30,695 38,929 Movement in Reserves During 2012/13 Surplus on the provision of services (4,772) (4,772) (4,772) Other Comprehensive Income and Expenditure - (4,553) (4,553) Total Comprehensive Income and Expenditure (4,772) - - (4,772) (4,553) (9,325) Adjustments between accounting basis and funding basis under regulations 4,566 - 59 4,625 (4,625) - Net Increase/(Decrease) before Transfer to
Earmarked Reserve (206) - 59 (147) (9,178) (9,325) Page 509 Transfers to/(from) Earmarked Reserves 214 (370) 0 (156) 156 - Increase/(Decrease) in 2012/13 8 (370) 59 (303) (9,022) (9,325) Balance at 31st March 2013 1,260 4,761 1,910 7,931 21,673 29,604
Balance at 1st April 2013 1,260 4,761 1,910 7,931 21,673 29,604 Movement in Reserves During 2013/14 Surplus (deficit) on the provision of services (2,904) (2,904) (2,904) Other Comprehensive Income and Expenditure - 8,161 8,161 Total Comprehensive Income and (2,904) (2,904) 8,161 5,257 Expenditure Adjustments between accounting basis and 4,946 - 1,363 6,308 (6,308) - 1 funding basis under regulations Net Increase/(Decrease) before Transfer to Earmarked Reserve 2,042 - 1,363 3,404 1,853 5,257 2 Transfers to/(from) Earmarked Reserves (2,036) 1,388 - (648) 648 (0) Increase/(Decrease) in 2013/14 6 1,388 1,363 2,756 2,501 5,257 Balance at 31st March 2014 1,266 6,149 3,273 10,687 24,174 34,861
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE STATEMENT For the year ended 31st March 2014
Restated 2013/14 2013/14 2013/14 2012/13 Gross Gross Net Net Expenditure Income Expenditure Expenditure Note £000s £000s £000s £000s
27 Service Expenditure Analysis Central services to the public 3,084 (1,592) 1,492 1,980 Cultural and related services 8,408 (2,952) 5,456 7,848 Environmental and Regulatory Services 5,241 (3,085) 2,156 3,238 Planning Services 1,727 (770) 957 1,433 Highways and transport services 2,403 (3,414) (1,011) (2,016) Housing services 34,438 (33,190) 1,248 932 Corporate and democratic core 1,755 (21) 1,734 1,620 Non-distributed costs - 21 21 40 27 NET COST of SERVICES 57,056 (45,003) 12,053 15,075
3 Other operating expenditure 113 116
4 Financing and investment income and expenditure 1,758 1,071
5 (Surplus) on discontinued operations (868) (188)
6 Taxation and non-specific grant income (10,151) (10,643)
28 DEFICIT ON PROVISION OF SERVICES 2,904 5,431
Surplus on revaluation of non current assets (1,551) (766)
20 Actuarial (gains) or losses on pension assets and liabilities (6,611) 4,660 Reduction in long term loans relating to house purchases 1 1
Other Comprehensive Income and Expenditure (8,161) 3,895
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE (5,257) 9,326
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE STATEMENT Restated Comparative for the year ended 31st March 2014
Showing the effect on 2012/13 of changes Restated Original in accounting standard IAS19 2013/14 2012/13 2012/13 (described in Accounting Policy 28 on page 24) Net Net Net Expenditure Expenditure Expenditure Note £000s £000s £000s
27 Service Expenditure Analysis Central services to the public 1,492 1,980 1,968 Cultural and related services 5,456 7,848 7,662 Environmental and Regulatory Services 2,156 3,238 3,073 Planning Services 957 1,433 1,371 Highways and transport services (1,011) (2,016) (2,049) Housing services 1,248 932 894 Corporate and democratic core 1,734 1,620 1,457 Non-distributed costs 21 40 40 27 NET COST of SERVICES 12,053 15,075 14,416
3 Other operating expenditure 113 116 116
4 Financing and investment income & expenditure 1,758 1,071 1,071
5 (Surplus) or deficit on discontinued operations (868) (188) (188)
6 Taxation and non-specific grant income (10,151) (10,643) (10,643)
28 DEFICIT ON PROVISION OF SERVICES 2,904 5,431 4,772
Surplus on revaluation of non current assets (1,551) (766) (766) Actuarial (gains) or losses on pension assets and 20 liabilities (6,611) 4,660 5,319 Reduction in long term loans relating to house purchases 1 1 1
Other Comprehensive Income and Expenditure (8,161) 3,895 4,554
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AND (5,257) 9,326 9,326 EXPENDITURE
The IAS19 restatement moves some pension costs from 'actuarial gains or losses' into Net Cost of Services.
29 Page 512
WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL BALANCE SHEET as at 31st March 2014
2013/14 2012/13 Note £000s £000s
Long term assets 9 Property, plant & equipment 54,244 56,055 10 Heritage assets 6,883 6,883 11 Investment property 4,302 3,901 12 Long term debtors 1,002 1,003 66,432 67,842
Current assets 13 Short term investments 6,000 2,000 14 Assets held for sale 8 505 15 Inventories 16 28 16 Short term debtors 5,534 3,754 17 Cash and cash equivalents 8,895 9,103 20,453 15,390
Current liabilities 18a Short term creditors 7,383 6,051 18b Provisions 2,128 - 9,511 6,051
Long term liabilities 19 Long term borrowing 8,588 8,605 20 Pensions liability 33,924 38,972 42,512 47,577
NET ASSETS 34,861 29,604
Financed by: 21 Usable reserves 10,687 7,931 22 Unusable reserves 24,174 21,673 TOTAL RESERVES 34,861 29,604
30 Page 513
WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL CASH FLOW STATEMENT For the year ended 31st March 2014
2013/14 2012/13 Note £000s £000s
Net deficit on the provision of services 2,904 4,772
Adjustments to net surplus or deficit on the provision of services for non-cash movements (3,006) (4,335)
Adjust for items included in the net surplus or deficit on the provision of services that are investing and financing activities (242) 121
Net cash flows from:
23 23 Operating activities 251 211
24 24 Investing activities 284 461
25 25 Financing activities 17 (934)
Net decrease in cash and cash 208 296 equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the 9,103 9,399 beginning of the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the 26 26 8,895 9,103 end of the reporting period
Figures in (brackets) show money 'in'; other figures show money 'out'.
The Cash Flow Statement shows the changes in cash and cash equivalents of the Council during the reporting period. The statement shows how the Council generates and uses cash and cash equivalents by classifying cash flows as; operating, investing and financing activities. The amount of net cash flows arising from operating activities is a key indicator of the extent to which the operations of the authority are funded by way of taxation and grant income or from the recipients of services provided by the authority. Investing activities represent the extent to which cash outflows have been made for resources which are intended to contribute to the authority’s future service delivery. Cash flows arising from financing activities are useful in predicting claims on future cash flows by providers of capital (ie borrowing) to the authority.
The 2012/13 figures have not been restated for the IAS19 non-cash changes as set out in the 'Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement.
31 Page 514
WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
1. Adjustments between accounting basis and funding basis under regulations The following table details the adjustments that are made to the total comprehensive income and expenditure recognised by the Council in the year in accordance with proper accounting practice to the resources that are specified by statutory provisions as being available to the Authority to meet future capital and revenue expenditure.
Usable Reserves 2013/14
General Capital Movements Fund Receipts in unusable Balance Reserve reserves £000s £000s £000s Adjustments involving the Capital Adjustment Account
Reversal of items debited or credited to the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement (CIES): Changes for depreciation and impairment of non current assets 3,540 (3,540) Revenue expenditure funded from capital under statute 431 (431)
Statutory Provision for repayment of Debt (491) 491 Amounts of non current assets written off on disposal or sale as part of the gain/loss on disposal to the Comprehensive Income and (505) Expenditure Statement 505 Insertion of items not debited or credited to the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement: Payments to Housing Capital Receipts Pool 1 (1) -
Adjustments involving the Capital Grants Unapplied Account Capital grants and contributions unapplied credited to the CIES (309) 309 Application of grants to capital financing transferred to the Capital Adjustment Account
Adjustments involving the Capital Receipts Reserve Transfer of sale proceeds as part of the gain/loss on disposal to the (1,373) 1,373 - Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement
Transfer from Deferred Capital Receipts Reserve - Use of the Capital Receipts Reserve to finance capital expenditure (10) 10
Adjustments involving the Pensions Reserve Reversal of items relating to retirement benefits debited or credited 2,855 (2,855) to the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement.
Employers’ pension contributions and direct payments to pensioners (1,292) 1,292 payable in the year
Adjustments involving the Collection Fund adjustment account
Amount by which council tax income credited to the Comprehensive 1,096 (1,096) Income and Expenditure Statement is different from council tax income calculated for the year in accordance with statutory requirements.
Adjustment primarily involving the Accumulated Absences Account Amount by which officer remuneration charged to the CIES on an (16) 16 accruals basis is different from remuneration chargeable in the year in accordance with statutory requirements
Total adjustments 4,946 1,363 (6,308)
32 Page 515
WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
1. Adjustments between accounting basis and funding basis under regulations (cont'd) These adjustments were made in the previous year to the total comprehensive income and expenditure recognised by the Council in that year in accordance with proper accounting practice to the resources that are specified by statutory provisions as being available to the Authority to meet future capital and revenue expenditure.
Usable Reserves 2012/13
General Capital Movements Fund Receipts in unusable Balance Reserve reserves £000s £000s £000s Adjustments involving the Capital Adjustment Account
Reversal of items debited or credited to the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement: Changes for depreciation and impairment of non current assets 4,599 (4,599) Revenue expenditure funded from capital under statute 446 (446)
Statutory Provision for repayment of Debt (536) 536 Amounts of non current assets written off on disposal or sale as part of the gain/loss on disposal to the Comprehensive Income and 146 (146) Expenditure Statement Insertion of items not debited or credited to the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement: Payments to Housing Capital Receipts Pool 1 (1)
Adjustments involving the Capital Grants Unapplied Account Capital grants and contributions unapplied credited to the CIES -- Application of grants to capital financing transferred to the Capital Adjustment Account (361) 361 Adjustments involving the Capital Receipts Reserve Transfer of sale proceeds as part of the gain/loss on disposal to the (188) 188 Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement
Transfer from Deferred Capital Receipts Reserve 1 (1) Use of the Capital Receipts Reserve to finance capital expenditure (275) 275
Adjustments involving the Pensions Reserve Reversal of items relating to retirement benefits debited or credited 1,996 (1,996) to the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement.
Employers’ pension contributions and direct payments to pensioners (1,348) 1,348 payable in the year
Adjustments involving the Collection Fund Adjustment Account
Amount by which council tax income credited to the Comprehensive (29) 29 Income and Expenditure Statement is different from council tax income calculated for the year in accordance with statutory requirements.
Adjustment primarily involving the Accumulated Absences Account Amount by which officer remuneration charged to the CIES (14) 14 Statement on an accruals basis is different from remuneration chargeable in the year in accordance with statutory requirements
Total adjustments 4,566 59 (4,625)
33 WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
2. Transfers to or from Earmarked Reserves
This note sets out the amounts set aside from the General Fund in earmarked reserves to provide financing for future expenditure plans and the amounts posted back to earmarked reserves to meet General Fund expenditure in 2013/14.
Balance at Transferred Transferred Balance at 31st March in out 31st March Purpose of reserve 2013 2014 £000’s £000’s £000’s £000’s Revenue Reserves Regeneration Grants 122 - (32) 90 For town centre improvement scheme Cleaner & Greener Operations - 55 - 55 For investment in road sweeping and play areas HMO Reserve - 26 - 26 For risk reserve, HMO licensing for 1st year of operation Land Charges 73 17 - 90 For ring-fenced risk reserve, pending Government changes
Recreational Improvements 49 - (13) 36 For improvements, including sports equipment replacement Page 516 Three Choir/Elgar Choral Festivals 8 8 - 16 For agreed contribution on 3 year cycle Elections Reserve 18 56 - 74 For equalising the cost of elections over a four year period Art & Museum Specimens 13 - - 13 For acquisition of exhibits and initiatives Housing & Planning Delivery Grant 406 - (60) 346 For support to various SWDP, staffing and ICT developments Climate Change Initiatives 17 - - 17 For initiatives to improve climate change performance Pension Backfunding 630 231 - 861 For funding pensions deficit, cash payments to start April 2014 Change Programme Reserve 124 418 - 542 For transformation and commissioning costs LAMS - 22 (16) 6 For potential mortgage defaults on LAMS Environment Warranty Insurance 985 - - 985 For insurance premiums and claims on former housing land Corporate Plan priority projects 650 80 (506) 224 For projects (e.g. Angel Place) committed but not drawn down Subtotal Revenue Reserves 3,094 912 (626) 3,380 Capital/Other Reserves Capital Replacement 177 10 (107) 80 For urgent capital replacement and maintenance Asset Reserve - Swimming Pool 79 (33) 46 For swimming pool business case and implementation Asset Reserve - Crematorium Filters/Burners - 69 69 For required investment in crematorium facilities Asset Reserve - Car Park Infrastructure 108 (51) 57 For required investment in car park infrastructure Nunnery Lane Deposits 19 - 19 For developer deposits towards making up road for adoption Guildhall Floodlights & Tourism 30 - 30 For Guildhall improvements New Homes Bonus 833 1,065 (420) 1,478 For investments from the New Homes Bonus grant funding Localised Business Rates - 578 - 578 For economic growth/risk reserve, pending review of recurring impact Regional Housing Pot Allocation 423 (10) 413 For ringfenced grant payments For home improvements Subtotal Capital/Other Reserves 1,668 1,723 (621) 2,769
Total Earmarked Reserves 4,761 2,635 (1,248) 6,149
34 WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
2. Transfers to or from Earmarked Reserves (cont.)
For comparison, this note sets out the amounts set aside in the previous year from the General Fund in earmarked reserves to provide financing for future expenditure plans and the amounts posted back to earmarked reserves to meet General Fund expenditure in 2012/13.
Balance at Transferred Transferred Balance at 31st March in out 31st March Purpose of reserve 2012 2013 £000’s £000’s £000’s £000’s Revenue Reserves Regeneration Grants 80 56 (14) 122 For town centre improvement scheme Cleaner & Greener Operations 12 (12) - For investment in road sweeping and play areas Land Charges 74 (2) 72 For a ring-fenced programme Building Control 33 (33) - For a rolling programme Recreational Improvements 114 (66) 48 For improvements, including sports equipment replacement
Three Choir/Elgar Choral Festivals 0 8 8 For agreed contribution on 3 year cycle Page 517 Elections Reserve 18 18 For equalising the cost of elections over a four year period Art & Museum Specimens 15 (2) 13 For acquisition of exhibits and initiatives Housing & Planning Delivery Grant 566 (160) 406 For support to various SWDP, staffing and ICT developments Climate Change Initiatives 17 17 For initiatives to improve climate change performance Pension Backfunding 480 150 630 For funding pensions deficit, cash payments to start April 2014 Change Programme (Priority Reserve) 360 51 (287) 124 For transformation and commissioning costs Environment Warranty Insurance 985 985 For insurance premiums and claims on former housing land Corporate Plan priority projects 779 (128) 651 For projects (e.g. Angel Place) committed but not drawn down Subtotal Revenue Reserves 3,533 265 (704) 3,094
Capital/Other Reserves Capital Replacement 390 50 (263) 177 For urgent capital replacement and maintenance Asset Reserve - Swimming Pool 250 (171) 79 For swimming pool business case and implementation Asset Reserve - Crematorium Filters/Burners - - For required investment in crematorium facilities Asset Reserve - Car Park Infrastructure 50 58 108 For required investment in car park infrastructure Nunnery Lane Deposits 19 19 For developer deposits towards making up road for adoption Guildhall Floodlights & Tourism 30 30 For Guildhall improvements New Homes Bonus 406 676 (250) 832 For investments from the New Homes Bonus grant funding Regional Housing Pot Allocation 454 50 (81) 423 For ringfenced grant payments for home improvements Subtotal Capital/Other Reserves 1,599 834 (765) 1,668
Total Earmarked Reserves 5,132 1,099 (1,469) 4,762
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
Analysis of non-service lines in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement: 2013/14 2012/13 £000’s £000’s 3. Other operating expenditure
Precepts from Council Tax paid to parish councils 112 115 Payments to the Government Housing Capital Receipts Pool 1 1 Total 113 116
4. Financing and investment income and expenditure
Interest payable and similar charges 373 360 Pensions interest cost and expected return on pensions assets 1,610 966 Interest receivable and similar income (121) (149) Other investment income (104) (106) Total 1,758 1,071
The pensions figure includes actuarial estimates of long-term performance, and so may change singifcantly from year to year.
5. Surplus or deficit on discontinued operations
Gains on disposing of non-current assets (868) (188) (868) (188)
This gain comes from the sale of investment assets.
6. Taxation and non-specific grant income
Council tax income (4,833) (5,511) Non-domestic rates (4,828) (5,132) Non-ringfenced government grants (490) - Total (10,151) (10,643)
The change in Council Tax is primarily because council tax support is now a discount for those eligible, rather than a benefit payment of their Council Tax. Does not agree!!Does not agree!!
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
7. Material items of income and expenditure
There were no material items of income and expenditure that have not already been highlighted in these Notes.
8. Grant income The Council credited the following grants, contributions and donations to the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement:
2013/14 2012/13 Shown within 'Taxation and non £000’s £000’s specific grant income'
SBRR (Small Business Rates Relief grant) (334) - Flood relief grant (12) - Total (345) 0
2013/14 2012/13 £000’s £000’s Shown within the 'Service Expenditure Analysis' lines
DWP Housing Benefit Grants (31,284) (37,234) DWP Housing Benefit Admin (689) (758) DCLG Council Tax Freeze Grant (54) (134) DCLG Local Services Support Grant - (162) DCLG Council Reform New Burden Grant - (84) DCLG-Mary Portas Pilot - (10) DCLG Regional Housing (18) - DCLG New Homes Bonus (1,046) (622) DCLG Disabled Facilities Grant (242) (298) DCLG Community Right to Challenge (9) (9) DCLG Community Right to Bid (8) (5) DWP Discretionary Housing Payments (158) (66) Total (33,508) (39,382)
37 WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
9. Analysis of PPE and movement on non-current assets The changes in the Council’s non-current asset base is detailed in the table below. All of the assets of the Council were used during 2013/14 by one or more of the services shown in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement.
Total Property Land and Vehicles, Plant Community Assets under Heritage Investment Plant & Buildings & Equipment Assets Construction Assets Assets Equipment £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s Cost or valuation At 1 April 2013 57,477 12,038 409 50 69,974 6,883 3,901 Additions 245 158 182 585 Revaluation increases to revaluation reserve 1,141 1,141 410 Revaluation (decreases) to surplus/deficit on provision of services (1,230) (3) (1,233) (9) Page 520 Derecognition - disposals - Derecognitions - other 228 (228) - Other movements (4,876) (343) (2) (5,221) At 31 March 2014 52,985 11,853 406 2 65,246 6,883 4,302
Accumulated depreciation At 1 April 2013 5,796 8,123 - - 13,919 - Depreciation charge for year 957 1,078 2,035 Depreciation written out to the revaluation reserve (2,299) (2,299) Other movements (2,415) (238) (2,653) Derecognition – disposals - Derecognition – other - At 31 March 2014 2,039 8,963 - - 11,002 - -
Net book value At 31 March 2014 50,946 2,890 406 2 54,244 6,883 4,302
At 31 March 2013 51,681 3,915 409 50 56,055 6,883 3,901
38 WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
9. Analysis of PPE and movement on non-current assets (cont'd)
Total Property Land and Vehicles, Plant Community Assets under Heritage Investment Plant & Buildings & Equipment Assets Construction Assets Assets Equipment £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s Cost or valuation At 1 April 2012 59,722 11,751 409 888 72,770 6,883 3,595 Additions - 287 - 60 347 - Revaluation increases/(decreases) to revaluation reserve 710 - - - 710 - Revaluation increases/(decreases) to surplus/deficit on provision services (2,952) - - - (2,952) 61 Derecognition - disposals (150) - - - (150) - Derecognition - other ------Other reclassifications 147 - (898) (751) 245
At 31 March 2013 57,477 12,038 409 50 69,974 6,883 3,901 Page 521
Accumulated depreciation At 1 April 2012 5,182 7,088 12,270 Depreciation charge for year 983 1,035 2,018 Depreciation written out to revaluation reserve (58) - (58) Derecognition – disposals (4) - (4) Derecognition - other (307) - (307) At 31 March 2013 5,796 8,123 0 0 13,919 0 0
Net Book Value At 31 March 2013 51,681 3,915 409 50 56,055 6,883 3,901
At 31 March 2012 54,540 4,663 409 888 60,500 6,883 3,595
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
9. Movement on non-current assets (cont'd)
Capital commitments
As at 31st March 2014 the Council had approved the following capital budget: at 31 March 2014 at 31 March 2013 Approved Contractual Approved Contractual schemes commitments schemes commitments £000s £000s £000s £000s Housing renovation 380 - 380 - Riverside improvements - - 210 210 ICT investment 30 - 100 - Vehicle/plant/bin replacements 1,110 - 300 - CCTV - - 16 - Perdiswell Culvert 160 - - - Crematorium 150 - 100 - Infrastructure replacement 67 - 225 - Angel Place regeneration 100 - 100 - Cornmarket regeneration 78 - - - Swimming Pool 5,500 - 300 - Fort Royal Park improvements - - 225 - 7,575 - 1,956 210 Asset valuation
The Council's property portfolio is valued by Andrew Harding, the council's estates valuation manager, who is a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The valuations are carried out in accordance with the requirements of the RICS Appraisal and Valuation Manual and the Accounting Code of Practice. Asset valuations are reviewed on a regular basis having regard to use and type of asset. Plant and machinery are included in the valuation of buildings.
Increases in the value of 'built for sale' homes and investment properties came from market movements, while increases in the value of most other items came from an increase in building costs. The car park valuations have changed significantly. Thirteen car parks were re-valued, ten downwards on the basis of changes in future income streams owing to changes in the patterns of use. The increase relating to Investment Properties is mainly from industrial units whose value is heavily dependent on the wider economic market driving demand for units up or down.
2013/14 2012/13 Revaluations and impairments were: Change Change Operational Properties £000s £000s Community centres 175 - Sports facilities 100 - Car parks (2,689) - Depots (142) - Offices - (200) Museums - (1,750) Other 159 595 Non-Operational Properties - Buildings (Investment Properties) 398 61 (1,999) (1,294)
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
10. Heritage Assets Cost or Valuation Memorials Museums Guildhall Total £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 1 April 2012 15 5,840 1,028 6,883 Additions - - - - Disposals - - - - Revaluations/Impairments - - - - Depreciation - - - - 31 March 2013 15 5,840 1,028 6,883 1 April 2013 15 5,840 1,028 6,883 Additions - - - - Disposals - - - - Revaluations/Impairments - - - - Depreciation - - - - 31 March 2014 15 5,840 1,028 6,883
General Heritage assets are things of historical, artistic, scientific, technological, geophysical or environmental qualities that are held and maintained principally for their contribution to knowledge and culture. They are rarely sold and are held at 'valuation' or, if valuation is impractible, at historical cost.
St Andrew's Spire - In the opinion of the Council, St Andrew's Spire cannot be valued. This is a church spire of cultural value for which there is no alternative use that could be used to inform a valuation on market or fair value basis, and it is most unlikely that in the event of total destruction the spire would be rebuilt. Cost or valuation information is therefore not available and conventional valuation techniques are not reliable in these cases. The Council has decided that the costs of obtaining valuations for this item would be disproportionate in terms of the benefit derived.
Memorials - A memorial in memory of a former council employee, the Stuart McNidder Memorial, located on the Sidbury canal bridge, features helmets, breastplates and pikes to represent the opposing sides of the Civil War. The memorial is reported in the balance sheet at insurance valuation.
Museums - The Council's museums collections are reported in the balance sheet at insurance valuations. The museums collections are managed as part of the Joint Museums Service shared service of the City and Worcestershire County Council. The collections include archaeology, social history, natural sciences, fine and decorative arts. There is more detail of the museums collections on the following pages of this Note.
Guildhall - The Guildhall collections are reported in the balance sheet based upon historic valuations provided in May 1999 by Andrew Grant Fine Art. The collection held at the Guildhall includes oil paintings, water colours, prints, antiques, furnishings, porcelain, silver and Civic Regalia.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
10. Heritage Assets: Further information on the Councils' collections Natural History
Herbarium
A large and significant part of the collections, with at least 10,000 individual specimens comprising a wide variety of flowering plants, mosses, algae, lichens, liverworts, ferns and fungi, the majority from Worcestershire and including the earliest recorded specimens of several species. The nineteenth century collections of local naturalists include those of William Matthews, Harvey Buchanan Holl, and J.H. Thompson. The collection of over 300 specimens of flora from Wyre Forest was amassed by George Jordean, butler to a surgeon from Bewdley. The herbarium is now generally very fragile and the greatest priority is to improve its storage.
Geology
The geological collection was mainly assembled in the 19th century. It holds important scientific material including type, figured and cited specimens. It has historical significance because of the association with the early pioneers of the science including Murchison, Phillips, Lyell, Buckland and Owen. The individual collections of well known local geologists can still be recognised, including Strickland, Hastings, Symonds, Buchanan Hall, Allies, Roberts, Reece and Winnington-Ingram.
Stratigraphical Collection A large collection of British rocks and fossils dating from the Precambrian to the Pleistocene. The majority are from Worcestershire and the neighbouring counties. They include material collected during the construction of the Malvern and Ledbury railway tunnels in the nineteenth century. Many individual collections have been amalgamated to form this reference collection.
Vertebrate Collection A small collection of mainly British and local vertebrate fossils determined and listed by Delair. It contains some of the most spectacular specimens as well as important scientific and historical material. The particular strengths are local Old Red Sandstone fish, Liassic ichthyosaurs and Pleistocene mammal remains from the River terrace deposits of the Severn and Avon.
Birds, Mammals, Fish, Shells and Insects
A substantial collection of birds both full mounts and study skins. The largest single part of the collection, including most of the study skins, was bequeathed to the Museum in 1907 by Robert Fisher Tomes, a local Justice of the Peace and collector.
A selection of British, particularly local, mammal specimens purchased mainly in the late twentieth century. This is further enhanced by groups of horns and bones.
A small collection of mainly British freshwater fish, but including the amazing sturgeon, nearly 2 metres in length, which was caught in Worcester in the 1830s.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
10. Heritage Assets: Further information on the Councils' collections (cont'd) A small group of mainly British corals, sponges, sea urchins and crustaceans.
Some 10,000 examples of land, sea and freshwater shells, including collections by Whitmore, Gale, Martin, Moseley and Thomas. This includes examples from Worcestershire, and is one of the largest such collections in a provincial museum.
Several thousand specimens of mainly British butterflies, moths and beetles, including the collections of Carlton Rea and Bloom, and those from the former Malvern Museum.
Fine Art
Early work includes two 17th century views of the city and a Dutch interior by David Teniers III (1638-85), as well as a landscape attributed to Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788).
A good collection of 19th century landscape paintings by important local artists including, Benjamin Williams Leader, Henry Harris Lines, Harry Adams, David Bates.
A significant collection of late 19th century and early 20th century landscape and interior paintings showing the influence of French plein-air naturalism, alongside a British concern for social realism. This area of the collection includes work by Alexander Stanhope Forbes (1857 - 1947), William Blandford Fletcher (1858-1936), Charles Napier Hemy (1841-1917), Arthur Mead (1864-1948), Julius Olson (1864- 1942) Laura Knight (1877-1970) and Sir Arnesby Brown (1866 -1955). Many of these artists were of national importance and were members of the New England Art Club (NEAC). This area of the collection is important as it represents the start of modernism in British art, providing a link between the strengths of the 19th century collections and the contemporary collection of landscape based work.
The Sale Bequest of 19th century English watercolours is one of the strongest and most coherent elements of the collection. There are 87 watercolours altogether, including 29 works by David Cox (1783-1859), and works by Samuel Prout (1783- 1852), Peter de Wint (1784-1849), Thomas Sidney Cooper, William Callow (1812- 1908) and W.J. Muller (1812-1845).
A small collection of 20th century watercolours including work by Lamorna Birch and Eileen Lawrence.
A significant collection of contemporary work in all medias acquired through the Contemporary Art Society Special Collections Scheme with funding from the Arts lottery and the Elmley Foundation. This collection focuses on work which explores the imagery of contemporary landscape, particularly that which contrasts with the often idyllic rural scenes already represented in the rest of the art collection. This collection includes works by Paul Seawright, Sophy Ricketts, Willie Doherty, Heather & Ivan Morrison, Carol Rhodes and Dan Holdsworth.
Topographical paintings, prints, drawings and photographs of Worcester, many of exceptional artistic merit and documentary value.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
10. Heritage Assets: Further information on the Councils' collections (cont'd)
Archaeology Includes:
Large deposits from the key city centre excavations Lychgate, Crown Gate, Blackfriars, Sidbury, Copenhagen Street, High Street, Deansway and the Magistrates Court.
Significant collections of flints by three key collectors: A.E. Jones, Bruton and Bowen. Stone axes from several sites across Worcestershire.
Bronze age pottery and axes from sites both in the city and wider county; a Bronze Age sword dredged from the River Severn.
Roman pottery, glass, metalwork, glassworking and bronzeworking waste plus a rural Roman milestone. Roman Severn Valley and Samian ware are also well represented.
Anglo Saxon jewellery, metalwork, a sword and scabbard and a saggy-bottomed pot from sites both in the city and wider county.
Medieval pottery, floortiles, domestic metalwork, glass, shoes and a rare barrel latrine from sites within the city walls.
Post medieval pottery and glass bottles. Eighteenth and Nineteenth porcelain waste and kiln furniture from the city industry.
Human remains including Roman cremations and skeletons demonstrating industrial and social illnesses and medical interventions. The nature of the city site is that burial grounds have been filled and subsequently redeveloped for alternative uses. A more detailed policy to cover this complex area of human history collecting is currently in draft format.
Associated documentary archives of pro-forma site records, notes, maps, plans, drawings, photographs, written reports and digital material.
Social History & Applied Art Includes:
Working Histories
Large industrial and agricultural machinery from key Worcester firms including items from Lee & Perrins, Fownes Glovemakers, Spetchley Bros Brewery and Guinness Hop Farm. In some cases they represent the first stage of mechanisation and demonstrate local enterprise and creativity in the design of the process.
Sizeable collections from individual Worcester tradesmen and small firms, including the Stewards Chemist Shop, Littlebury printers, early twentieth century offices and a cobbler’s shop.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
10. Heritage Assets: Further information on the Councils' collections (cont'd)
A large and important collection of gloves - the Ring Glove collection – and a range of glovemaking tools both from factories and outworkers. This reflects Worcester’s international recognition between the 18th and 20th century as a centre for the manufacture of gloves.
A small collection of shoes drawn from Worcester’s late nineteenth and early twentieth century shoemaking factories.
A representative collection of Royal Worcester porcelain (a comprehensive collection is held by the Museum of Worcester Porcelain) from 1751 to the present day alongside interesting examples of work by other local, English and international manufacturers, with a particularly strong collection of Boehm of Malvern.
Ephemera from Worcester firms such as Kays.
Community, Domestic and Personal Histories
Architectural fragments, particularly from churches, in Worcester. In some cases the area has been redeveloped and the building no longer exists. Together with photographic records recording architectural change in the city, these form a physical record of the urban landscape.
Weaponry, armour and historic items relating to the Civil War period and the particular role of Worcester.
Coins, tokens and medals, both with a Worcester connection and from wider England, including coinage from the earliest times.
A moderately-sized costume collection including some examples of agricultural costume and a small collection on long-term loan collected by the Worcester Women’s Institute.
Domestic items with a particular strength in kitchen items and cookery.
A small collection of furniture, including a varied school collection.
Preservation and Management
Appropriate storage, handling and, when required, conservation ensure that the collections continue to be accessible to the people of Worcestershire and beyond. Budget and staff time are allocated each year towards achieving a professional level based on exceeding the minimum standard in Benchmarks in Collections Care for Museums, Libraries and Archives and on raising the Fast Forward benchmark score.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
10. Heritage Assets: Further information on the Councils' collections (cont'd)
With many artefacts, a balance must be reached to enable access today and preservation for the future. Curatorial judgements are made about loans, displays, educational activities and storage methods on an object-by-object basis but with an overarching presumption that access should be increased wherever possible.
Specialist expert advice is sought whenever collections require active intervention or conservation. Use is made of professional networks and of staff funded through Arts Council England Renaissance funding streams.
The number of objects requiring active conservation is larger than resources available and additional funding is sought through grant applications and public appeals. Prioritisation of spend is based on a triage judgement of damage and is planned alongside the exhibition and display programmes. Museums Worcestershire will display items requiring conservation in their damaged state if to do so will not further increase the damage, but these will always be accompanied by an explanation of the issue for the public. Active conservation work is commissioned from professional conservators on the Conservation Register either to train in- house staff and volunteers or to undertake specialised work.
The Worcester City Museums Acquisition and Disposal Policy 2008-2013 and the Museums Worcestershire Collections Management Policy detail procedures and policy for collection development, care, research and conservation.
Heritage Assets: Summary of Transactions
Transaction Information is not provided before 1 April 2010 as it is not practical to provide this information.
There have been no significant acquisitions or disposals of Heritage Assets since 1 April 2010. The Joint Museums Service annual report identifies changes to the museums collections.
11. Investment properties - income
The following items of income and expense have been accounted for in the Financing and Investment Income and Expenditure line in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement.
2013/14 2012/13 £000’s £000’s Rental income from investment property (104) (106) (104) (106)
There are no restrictions on the Council’s ability to realise the value inherent in its investment property or on the Council’s right to the remittance of income and the proceeds of disposal. The Council has no contractual obligations to purchase, construct or develop investment property or repairs, maintenance or enhancement.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
12. Long Term Debtors
The Council's long term debtors are due to pay in more than one year and include:
2013/14 2012/13 £000’s £000’s Local Authority Mortgage Scheme Deposit 1,000 1,000 Deferred Capital Receipts 2 3 1,002 1,003
In November 2012 the Council approved Worcester City Council to participate in the Local Authority Mortgage Scheme (LAMS), a scheme to provide help to first time buyers who can afford mortgage payments but not the initial deposit. The Scheme has a maximum indemnity value of £2,000,000 with an initial scheme value of £1,000,000 in 2013/14, a maximum loan size to an individual borrower of £171,000, and is restricted to properties with postcodes falling within the district boundary.
13. Investments
The Council does not have any long term investments. The Council's short term investments on 31st March were:
2013/14 2012/13 £000’s £000’s Bank/Building Society balances at amortised cost - invested: Over 3 months and up to 12 months 6,000 2,000 6,000 2,000 Joint ventures :
Worcester Racecourse Ltd (WRL) is a joint venture company owned 81% by Arena Leisure Plc and 19% by Worcester City Council. The purpose of the venture is to operate National Hunt Racing at the Racecourse on Pitchcroft, an activity which is authorised by the Worcester City Council Act 1985. The Council has 19 £1 shares with voting rights. The latest available set of Audited Accounts is as at 31st December 2012 and shows that the shareholders deficit at that time had increased to £3,810,253 from £3,675,415 on 31st December 2012. Therefore, the Council has not revalued the fair value of the investment.
WRL is a company with limited liability and so in the event of losses or deficits the Council’s liability is restricted to the £19 value of its shareholding. Copies of the audited accounts for WRL are available from Companies House.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
14. Assets held for sale 2013/14 2012/13 £000’s £000’s Current assets Opening balance 505 -
Assets newly classified as held for sale 8 530 Revalued on re-classification (25) Property, Plant & Equipment disposals (505) Closing balance 8 505
Assets that are available for immediate sale in their present condition, and where a sale is highly probable, are shown separately from the assets that the Council uses to deliver its services or to provide future income.
15. Inventories £000’s £000’s Miscellaneous stock 1 3 Operational stock 15 15 IT consumables - 10 16 28 Most of the 'operational stock' carried by the Council is used day-to-day in providing its services to the people of Worcester. IT consumables are no longer held in stock now that IT support is provided by a shared services arrangement with Malvern Hills District Council and Wychavon District Council.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
16. Debtors The money owed to the Council and due for payment in less than one year is:
2013/14 2012/13 £000’s £000’s
Council taxpayers 266 184 Government departments 2,825 1,258 Local authorities 114 103 Worcester Community Housing 631 194 Payments in advance 124 94 Other debtors 2,632 2,610 6,592 4,443 Less: provision for doubtful debts (1,057) (689) 5,534 3,754
The amount due from Worcester Community Housing is the City Council's share of the proceeds from the sale of former Council dwellings.
The provision for doubtful debts is based upon an age analysis of the arrears. 100% is provided on sundry debts that are over one year old, and 100% is provided on Council Tax arrears, Housing Benefit overpayments and National Non-Domestic Rates arrears that are over eight years old. The percentage provision on debts that are more recent is based on a sliding scale according to the year due.
17. Cash and cash equivalents Cash equivalents are investments that can be cashed within 3 months of deposit - the balances of cash and cash equivalents are:
2013/14 2012/13 £000’s £000’s
Cash and bank held by the Council (105) 2,003 Short term investments 9,000 7,100 8,895 9,103
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
18a. Creditors
The money owed by the Council and due for payment in less than one year is:
2013/14 2012/13 £000’s £000’s
Government departments 200 208 Local Authorities 1,488 1,077 Receipts in advance 2,115 1,736 Section 106 planning obligations 2,076 1,842 Other creditors 1,504 1,188 7,383 6,051
18b. Provisions
2013/14 2012/13 £000’s £000’s
Non Domestic Rates - Appeals Provision 2,128 0 2,128 0
This is a new requirement in 2013/14, arising from changes to the national scheme for managing business rates.
19. Long term borrowing
An analysis of loans by lender category and by maturity is as follows:
2013/14 2012/13 £000’s £000’s
P.W.L.B. 3,515 3,532 Money market 5,073 5,073 8,588 8,605
Maturing within one year 5,140 5,116 Maturing in 1-2 years 41 41 Maturing in 2-5 years 1,114 1,114 Maturing in 5-10 years 253 253 Maturing in more than 10 years 2,040 2,081 8,588 8,605 P.W.L.B. is the Public Works Loans Board, an Executive Agency of HM Treasury which lends money from the National Loans Fund to local authorities at cheaper rates than are usually available from commercial banks and other lenders.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
20. Pension costs
As part of the terms and conditions of employment, the Council offers retirement benefits to its employees. Although these benefits will not be payable until the employee retires, the Council has a commitment to make the payments that need to be disclosed at the time that employees earn their future entitlement.
The Council participates in the Worcestershire County Council Pension Fund, which is a defined benefit scheme. This means that retirement benefits are determined independently of the investments of the fund and the Council has an obligation to make contributions where assets are insufficient to meet employee benefits. The Council and employees pay contributions into the fund which are calculated at a level intended to balance pensions liabilities and investment assets.
Transactions relating to retirement benefits
The Council recognises the cost of retirement benefits in the Net Cost of Services when they are earned by employees rather than when the benefits are eventually paid as pensions. However, the charge we are required to make against council tax is based on the cash payable in the year, so the 'earned' cost of retirement benefits is reversed out in the Statement of Movement in the General Fund Balance. The following transactions have been made in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement during 2013/14:
Included in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Account 2013/14 2012/13 £000’s £000’s Net cost of service Current service cost 1,224 990 Past service and curtailment costs 21 40 Net operating expenditure
Net interest cost 1,610 966
Appropriations Movement on pensions reserve (1,563) (648)
Net charge to the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure account 1,292 1,348
Included in the Movement in Reserves Statement
Reversal of net charges made for retirement
Amount charged against council tax Employer’s contribution payable to the scheme 1,313 1,348
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
20. Pension costs (cont'd)
Assets and liabilities in relation to retirement benefits The underlying assets and liabilities for retirement benefits attributable to the Council at 31st March are as follows:
31st March 31st March 31st March 31st March 31st March 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 £000's £000's £000’s £000’s £000’s Market value of assets 51,647 54,527 49,177 52,615 50,812 Estimated liabilities (85,571) (93,499) (82,182) (77,499) (84,599) Net liability (33,924) (38,972) (33,005) (24,884) (33,787)
The net liability of £33,924m is a measure of the extent to which the pension fund's existing assets do not meet estimated future liabilities. The deficit in the scheme is not payable immediately and it will be made good by future pension contributions made over the remaining working lives of employees, as estimated by the schemes actuaries.
The Worcester City Council Pension fund is managed over a significant period and an estimated deficit position on the pension fund at this stage has no direct impact upon the level of the Council’s General Fund reserves.
Basis for estimating assets and liabilities
The pension fund liabilities have been assessed on an actuarial basis using the projected unit method, an estimate of the pensions that will be payable in future years dependent on assumptions including the future number of pensioners and salary levels etc. The pension fund liabilities have been assessed by Mercer Human Resource Consulting Limited, an independent firm of actuaries. The estimates for the fund are based upon the latest actuarial valuation of the scheme as at 31st March 2013.
The expected return on scheme assets is determined by considering the expected returns available on the assets underlying the current investment policy. Expected yields on fixed interest investments are based on gross redemption yields as at the Balance Sheet date. Expected returns on equity investments reflect long term real rates of return experienced in the respective markets.
The principal assumptions used by the actuary are:
2013/14 2012/13 % % Rate of CPI inflation 2.4 2.4 Rate of increase in salaries 3.9 3.9 Rate of increase in pensions 2.4 2.4 Discount rate on liabilities 4.4 4.2
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
20. Pension costs (cont'd) Proportion Proportion of assets of assets 2013/14 2012/13 % % Equities 91.3 90.8 Bonds - Government 0.0 0.0 Bonds - Other 6.3 7.4 Cash / Liquidity 2.4 1.8 Mortality assumptions: 2013/14 2012/13
Life expectancy (years) at 65 : current pensioners: Men 23.3 22.5 Women 25.7 25.0
Life expectancy (years) at 65 for future pensioners: Men 25.5 24.3 Women 28.0 27.0
Commutation of pension for lump sum at retirement 50% 50%
2013/14 2012/13 £000’s £000’s
Movement in liability Net pensions liability at 1st April (38,972) (33,005) Current service costs (1,224) (1,014) Employer's contributions 1,313 1,348 Administration expenses (21) (16) Past service / curtailment cost (21) (40) Net interest / return on assets (1,610) (1,585) Actuarial gain (loss) 6,611 (4,660)
Net pensions liability at 31st March (33,924) (38,972)
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
20. Pension Costs (cont'd)
31st March 31st March 31st March 31st March 31st March 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 % %%%% Difference between expected and actual return on assets 7.5 7.5 9.4 (0.8) (27.4) Experience Gains/losses on Liabilities 0.0 0.0 0.0 6.9 0.0
Pensions liability relating to shared services
For those Shared Services governed by Joint Committees this Council transferred its staff to the host authorities (Wychavon District Council – Revenues and Benefits, Worcestershire County Council – Worcestershire Hub, Museums and ICT, Malvern Hills District Council - Building Control and Bromsgrove District Council for Regulatory Services) on a fully funded basis for pension’s purposes.
The shared services were admitted to the pensions fund as a ghost admitted bodies, and as such any liability or surplus that accrues is the responsibility of the partners to those shared services. This arrangement has now changed for the shared services within the South Worcestershire Shared Service Joint Committee and on 1st April 2011 each partner council’s share of the ghost admitted bodies’ assets and liabilities in the pension scheme was transferred back to them. The staff of each shared service are now included within the host council’s scheme.
The tables below show the overall deficit of the remaining shared service still in a ghost admitted body – Worcestershire Regulatory Shared Service. The council’s share of assets and liabilities in this scheme represents 11.11% of the total.
As at 31 March 2014 As at 31 March 2013
Regulatory Regulatory Services Services £'000 £'000 Present value of liabilities (21,545) (21,858) Fair value of assets 17,397 19,618 Deficit in scheme (4,148) (2,240) Worcester City Council share of deficit (461) (249)
No provision is made to recover the deficits within this account. The deficit will be made good over time, either through improved fund performance or through higher contribution rates being paid into the fund as advised by the independent actuaries.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
21. Usable reserves 2013/14 2012/13 £000’s £000’s Earmarked Reserves 6,149 4,762 General Fund Balance 1,265 1,260 Useable Capital Receipts 3,273 1,910 10,687 7,931
The Council's 'usable reserves' represent money that can be used to pay for services or reduce the amounts that have to be raised from taxation.
Earmarked reserves have been set aside for specific spending in the future, and Note 2 lists all the earmarked reserves and shows the changes during the year.
There is no legal minimum or maximum level of reserves that a local authority is expected to keep: each Council chooses its own working balance to help smooth out uneven cash flows, avoid unnecessary temporary borrowing and be ready for any unexpected events or emergencies.
22. Unusable reserves 2013/14 2012/13 £000’s £000’s
Revaluation Reserve 13,814 12,263 Capital Adjustment Account 45,565 48,583 Pensions Reserve (33,924) (38,972)
Deferred Capital Receipts 2 3 Accumulating Compensated Absences Adjustment Account (191) (207) Collection Fund Adjustment Account (1,092) 4 Balance at 31 st March 24,174 21,673
The Council's 'unusable reserves' cannot be used to provide services or reduce the amounts that have to be raised by taxation. They are shown in more detail on the following pages.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
22. Unusable Reserves (cont'd)
Revaluation Reserve The revaluation reserve contains the gains made by the Council arising from increases in the notional value of its Property, Plant and Equipment. The balance is reduced when assets with accumulated gains are:
• revalued downwards or impaired, and the gains are lost; • used to provide services, and the gains are consumed through depreciation, or • disposed of and the gains are realised.
The Reserve contains only revaluation gains accumulated since 1 April 2007, the date that the reserve was created. Accumulated gains arising before that date are consolidated into the balance on the Capital Adjustment .
2013/14 2012/13 £000’s £000’s
Balance at 1 st April 12,263 11,747 Gained after revaluing assets 1,551 766 Loss after disposing of assets - (250) Balance at 31 st March 13,814 12,263
Capital Adjustment Account
The Capital Adjustment Account absorbs the timing differences arising from the different arrangements for accounting for the consumption of non-current assets and for financing the acquisition, construction or enhancement of those assets under statutory provisions. The Account is debited with the cost of acquisition, construction or enhancement as depreciation, impairment losses and amortisations are charged to the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement (with reconciling postings from the Revaluation Reserve to convert fair value figures to a historical cost basis). The Account is credited with the amounts set aside by the Council as finance for the costs of acquisition, construction and enhancement.
The Account contains accumulated gains and losses on investment properties and gains recognised on donated assets that have yet to be consumed by the Council.
The Account also contains revaluation gains accumulated on Property, Plant and Equipment before 1 April 2007, the date that the Revaluation Reserve was created to hold such gains.
The figures on the next page show details of the source of all the transactions posted to the Account, apart from those involving the Revaluation Reserve.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
22. Unusable Reserves (cont'd)
Capital Adjustment Account
2013/14 2012/13 £000’s £000’s
Balance at 1 st April 48,583 52,196 Reversal of items relating to capital expenditure debited or credited to the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement: Charges for depreciation and impairment of non current assets (3,540) (4,371) Revenue expenditure funded from capital under statute (431) (446) Accumulated Depreciation written out 22 Statutory provision for repayment of debt 491 536 Amounts of non current assets written off on disposal as part of the gain on disposal to the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement (505) (146)
Capital financing applied in the year: Use of the Capital Receipts Reserve to finance new capital expenditure 10 275 Capital contributions - - Use of earmarked reserves 648 156 Application of grants to capital financing 309 361 Balance at 31 st March 45,565 48,583
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
22. Unusable Reserves (cont'd)
Pensions Reserve
2013/14 2012/13 £000’s £000’s
Balance at 1 st April (38,972) (33,005) Actuarial gains or losses on pension assets and liabilities 6,611 (5,319) Reversal of items relating to retirement benefits debited or credited to the Surplus or Deficit on the Provision of Services in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement (2,876) (1,996) Employer’s pension contributions and direct payments to pensioners payable in the year 1,313 1,348 Balance at 31 st March (33,924) (38,972)
Deferred Capital Receipts These are debts being repaid and relating to loans for the purchase and improvement of Council House dwellings. Loans are no longer given for these purposes. 2013/14 2012/13 £000’s £000’s
Opening Balance 3 4 Council house purchaser payments (1) (1) Closing Balance 2 3
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
22. Unusable Reserves (cont)
Accumulating Compensated Absences Adjustment Account
This account absorbs the differences that would otherwise show in the General Fund Balance from accruing for compensated absences earned but not taken in the year i.e. annual leave entitlement carried forward at 31 March. As this is not a cash charge to taxpayers, statutory arrangements require transfers to or from this account so that there is no impact on the General Fund Balance.
This account is required by International Financial Reporting Standards.
2013/14 2012/13 £000’s £000’s
Balance at 1st April (207) (221) Amounts accrued at the end of the current year Amount by which officer remuneration charged to the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement on an accruals 16 14 basis is different from remuneration chargeable in the year in accordance with statutory requirements Balance at 31st March (191) (207)
Collection Fund Adjustment Account
The Collection Fund Adjustment Account manages the differences from the council tax income being shown in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement as it falls due from council tax payers, compared with the statutory arrangements for paying amounts to the General Fund from the Collection Fund.
2013/14 2012/13 £000’s £000’s Balance at 1 st April 4 (25) Amount by which Collection Fund council tax and business rates income credited to the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement is different from council tax income calculated for the year in accordance with statutory requirements: - Council Tax 28 29 - NNDR (Business rates) (1,124) - Balance at 31 st March (1,092) 4
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
23. Cash Flow Statement - operating activities The cash flows for operating activities come from: 2013/14 2012/13 £000’s £000’s
Interest received (121) (149) Interest paid 373 360 251 211
24. Cash Flow Statement - investing activities The cash flows for investing activities come from: 2013/14 2012/13 £000’s £000’s
Purchase of property, plant and equipment 585 347 Other payments for investing activities 431 446 Payments to capital receipts pool 1 1 Proceeds from the sale of Property, Plant and Equipment and of Investment Property (733) (333) Capital grants received - Other receipts from Investing Activities - Net cash flows from investing activities 284 461
25. Cash Flow Statement - financing activities The cash flows for financing activities come from: 2013/14 2012/13 £000’s £000’s
Receipts of short & long term borrowing - (1,000) Other receipts from financing activities - - Repayments of short and long-term borrowing 17 66 Other payments for financing activities - - Net Cash Flow from financing activities 17 (934)
26. Cashflow - cash and cash equivalents The total movements and balances each year are: 2013/14 2012/13 £000’s £000’s
Opening balance 9,103 9,399 Changes in year (208) (296) Closing balance 8,895 9,103
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
27. Amounts reported for resource allocation decisions - segmental analysis
The Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement (CIES) shows how the Council has used its resources to deliver services to the public. This shows the cost in the year of providing services, and the income and expenditure against each service.
The following tables detail the Council's net revenue expenditure by service as it was reported to management, and show how this reconciles to the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement and the subjective analysis within the explanatory foreward.
Corporate Corporate Managing Director - Director - Total Director Service Resources Segmental analysis Delivery £000’s £000’s £000’s £000’s 2013/14 Fees, charges and other service income (389) (8,072) (204) (8,665) Government grants (914) (2,272) (33,005) (36,191) Employee expenses 1,589 6,327 1,470 9,386 Other expenses 5,855 5,547 32,542 43,944 Support service recharges (2,735) 1,833 902 0 Net cost of services 3,406 3,363 1,705 8,474 Amounts not reported in-year 3,579 Net cost of services 12,053
Corporate Director - Corporate Managing Commissioning, Director - Total Director Customer Service & Service Delivery Communication 2012/13 £000’s £000’s £000’s £000’s Fees, charges and other service income (1,034) (9,785) (450) (11,269) Government grants (38,433) (319) (99) (38,851) Employee expenses 1,445 6,716 1,707 9,868 Other expenses 38,635 5,168 6,136 49,939 Support service recharges (3,584) 2,375 1,209 0 Net cost of services (2,971) 4,155 8,503 9,687 Amounts not reported in-year 4,728 Net cost of services 14,415
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
28. Amounts reported for resource allocation decisions Reconciliation to deficit on CIES provision of services
The table below shows income and expenditure that applies to the whole Council and not just its operating segments.
The total line below matches the "Deficit on provision of services" line in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement.
On the next page is the comparative table for the previous year.
Not reported Segmental Net Cost of Corporate in-year to Total Analysis Services Amounts Management Subjective analysis - type of income and expenditure £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 2013/14 Fees, charges & other service income (8,020) - (8,020) - (8,020) Interest and investment income - - - 1,489 1,489 Rents (458) - (458) (104) (562) Income from council tax - - - (4,833) (4,833) Housing and council tax benefits (31,297) - (31,297) - (31,297) Benefits administration (689) - (689) - (689) Other government grants (1,647) - (1,647) (5,318) (6,965) Other income (2,885) (7) (2,892) - (2,892) Total income (44,996) (7) (45,003) (8,766) (53,769)
Employee expenses 9,386 21 9,407 - 9,407 Premises related expenses 1,979 (104) 1,875 - 1,875 Transport related expenses 785 - 785 - 785 Supplies and services 1,923 (301) 1,622 373 1,995 Third party payments 8,022 - 8,022 - 8,022 Transfer payments 31,375 - 31,375 (756) 30,619 Capital charges - 3,970 3,970 - 3,970 Gross cost of services 53,470 3,586 57,056 (383) 56,673
Deficit on the provision of services 8,474 3,579 12,053 (9,149) 2,904
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
28. Amounts reported for resource allocation decisions (cont) Reconciliation to surplus (deficit) on CIES provision of services
The table below shows comparative figures for the previous year.
Not reported Segmental Net Cost of Corporate in-year to Total Analysis Services Amounts Management £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 2012/13 Fees, charges & other service income (7,956) - (7,956) - (7,956) Interest and investment income - - - 818 818 Rents (387) - (387) (106) (493) Income from council tax - - - (5,511) (5,511) Housing and council tax benefits (37,234) - (37,234) - (37,234) Benefits administration (758) - (758) - (758) Other government grants (1,324) - (1,324) (5,132) (6,456) Other income (2,462) (358) (2,820) - (2,820) Total income (50,121) (358) (50,479) (9,931) (60,410)
Employee expenses 9,869 40 9,909 - 9,909 Premises related expenses 2,155 - 2,155 - 2,155 Transport related expenses 792 - 792 - 792 Supplies and services 2,184 - 2,184 361 2,545 Third party payments 7,792 - 7,792 - 7,792 Transfer payments 37,017 - 37,017 (73) 36,944 Capital charges - 5,046 5,046 - 5,046 Gross cost of services 59,809 5,086 64,895 288 65,183 Deficit on the provision of services 9,688 4,728 14,416 (9,643) 4,773
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
29. Members' allowances Councillors (or Members) are not paid but do receive allowances. Part 6 of Worcester City Council's Constitution sets out the rules for the Members' Allowance Scheme, and is available on the Council's public website. The allowances paid are recommended by an independent remuneration panel and approved by full Council.
The amount paid to members for basic allowances, special responsibility allowances and attendance allowances, travel and subsistence and ICT allowance in 2013/14 was £207,724 (2012/13 £207,746).
30. Employees' remuneration
The number of Council employees whose remuneration (excluding employers pension contributions) was in excess of £50,000 was:
Number of employees Remuneration Band 2013/14 2012/13 £50,000 - £54,999 2 2 £54,999 - £59,999 1 3 £60,000 - £64,999 2 1 £65,000 - £69,999 - 1 £70,000 - £74,999 2 1 £75,000 - £79,999 - - £80,000 - £84,999 - - £85,000 - £89,999 - - £105,000 - £109,999 1 1 £120,000 - £124,999 - - 8 9
Remuneration for these purposes means all amounts paid to or receivable by an employee except for pensions contributions, and includes any allowances and the money value of any other benefits received other than in cash.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
30. Employees' remuneration (cont.)
The total remuneration of senior management (including employers pension contributions) earning between £50,000 and £150,000 per year was:
2013/14 Salary, Allowances, Loss of Sub Pension Total Benefits Office Total Contributions Post Title £ £ £ £ £ Managing Director 105,784 - 105,784 24,118 129,902 Corporate Director - SD * 72,483 - 72,483 16,504 88,987 Corporate Director - Resources 72,736 - 72,736 16,516 89,252 PIE Service Manager ** 64,875 - 64,875 14,792 79,667 315,878 - 315,878 71,930 387,808
* SD - Corporate Director - Service Delivery ** Also the Council's Monitoring Officer These are the managers who make up the Corporate Management Team (CMT).
2012/13 Salary, Allowances, Loss of Sub Pension Total Benefits Office Total Contrib'ns Post Title £ £ £ £ £ Managing Director 105,824 - 105,824 23,175 128,999 Corporate Director - CCC * 66,403 59,491 125,894 14,542 140,436 Corporate Director - SD ** 72,440 - 72,440 15,864 88,304 Corporate Director - Resources / Finance Services Manager *** 65,295 - 65,295 14,235 79,530 309,962 59,491 369,453 67,816 437,269 * CCC = Commissioning, Customer Services & Communication; post redundant 01 March 2013 ** SD = Service Delivery *** Finance Service Manager appointed to new Corporate Director - Resources role 18 March 2013.
31. Exit Packages
Number of exit packages agreed: 2013/14 2012/13 Number £000's Number £000's In the band £0-£20k 9 76 13 64 In the band £20k-£40k - - 4 101 In the band £40k-£60k - - 1 59 9 76 18 224
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
32. Fees payable to auditors
Grant Thornton UK LLP are the Council's auditors appointed by the Audit Commission for 2013/14. The Council has incurred the following fees for the audit of the Statement of Accounts, certification of grant claims and statutory inspections and non audit services provided by the Council's external auditor:
** * 2013/14 2012/13 £000’s £000’s Work relating to each financial year Accrued external audit fees 56 67 Work carried out in each financial year Statutory inspection fees and NFI 1 1 Certification of grant claims fees 29 25 86 93 The figures above exclude VAT. * In March 2013 the Council received a £5.9k rebate from the Audit Commission. ** In March 2014 the Council received an £11.1k rebate from the Audit Commission.
33. Related party transactions
The Council is required to disclose material transactions with related parties - bodies or individuals that have the potential to control or influence the Council, or to be controlled or influenced by the Council. Disclosure of these transactions allows readers to assess the extent to which the Council might have been constrained in its ability to operate independently or might have secured the ability to limit another party’s ability to bargain freely with the Council.
Central Government
Central government has effective control over the general operations of the Council. It is responsible for providing the statutory framework within which the Council operates. It provides the majority of its funding in the form of grants and it prescribes the terms of many of the transactions that the council has with other parties (e.g. housing benefits). Grants received from government departments are set out in the subjective analysis in Note 28 and in detail in Note 8.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
33. Related party transactions (cont'd)
Members
Members of the Council have direct control over the Council's financial and operating policies. The Council maintains a register of interests for Councillors which is regularly updated and available for public inspection.
Some Council members are also members of Worcestershire County Council, St Peter's and Warndon Parish Councils, West Mercia Police & Crime Panel and Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Authority. The Council collects and distributes precepts on behalf of these bodies.
The Council also has member representatives on various outside bodies, such as Worcester Community Housing (which became known as Fortis Living on 1 April 2014, with different governance arrangements from WCH), St Richard’s Hospice, Worcester Racecourse, and Citizens Advice Bureau. Members also represent the Council on the South Worcestershire Shared Services Joint Committee, the Joint Museum Committee and Worcestershire Regulatory Shared Service Joint Committee. There are usually only one or two Member representatives on each outside body. All Members of the Council are also Trustees of the Hopmarket Charity.
Entities Controlled or Significantly Influenced by the Council
The Council is a partner in the South Worcestershire Shared Services Joint Committee, the Joint Museums Shared Service and the Worcestershire Regulatory Shared Service Joint Committee. All of these partnerships are jointly controlled operations. Under the South Worcestershire Shared Services Joint Committee, Revenues and Benefits, Customer Services (through the Worcestershire Hub), Building Control, and ICT are provided as shared services by the partner Councils.
During 2013/14 the Council paid £1.528m to Wychavon District Council the host of the Revenues and Benefits Shared Service, £104k to Malvern Hills District Council for South Worcestershire Building Control Service, £461k (net) to Worcestershire County Council for the Worcestershire Hub and £533k (net) to Worcestershire County Council for the provision of the ICT Shared Service and £1.053m to Worcestershire County Council for provision of Property services. Under the Worcestershire Regulatory Shared Service Joint Committee the Council paid £608k (net) to Bromsgrove District Council, the host authority. Under the Joint Museums Shared Service the Council paid £488k to Worcestershire County Council, the host authority.
The Council provided management and adminstration support services to the Hopmarket Charity, for which it recovered costs of £35,000 in 2013/14 (£35,000 2012/13).
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
34. Leases
The Council no longer uses leased commercial vehicles, under the terms of an operating lease. Operating lease payments in 2013/14 are therefore nil (2012/13 £846). The Council has no outstanding liability in future years.
35. Financial Instruments
The Council has adopted CIPFA’s Treasury Management in the Public Services: Code of Practice, and has set treasury management indicators to control key financial instruments risks in accordance with CIPFA’s Prudential Code
The Council's investments (financial assets) are detailed in note 13 with cash and cash equivalents explained in note 18 . The Council has short term investments but no long term investments. The Council's borrowings (financial liabilities) are detailed in note 19. The Council has both short term and long term borrowings.
Financial assets and financial liabilities represented by loans and receivables are carried in the Balance Sheet at nominal value plus accrued interest. Their fair value has been assessed by calculating the net present value of the cash flows that will take place over the term of the instruments using the following assumptions:
• Interest is calculated using the most common market convention - actual over 365 days • Where interest is paid/received every 6 months on a day basis, interest is rounded to 2 equal instalments • For fixed term deposits it is assumed that interest is received on maturity • Interest value and date has not been adjusted where a relevant date occurs on a non working day.
The discount rate used in the present value calculation is the rate applicable in the market on the date of valuation (31 March 2014) for an instrument with the same duration, same structure and terms (or as similar as possible).
Accrued interest to 31 March 2014 has been included in the fair value calculation in order to provide a comparison with the Balance Sheet carrying value. The interest rates quoted in the calculation were provided by Capita Asset Services, the Council's treasury management advisors, from the market on 31 March 2014 using bid prices where applicable.
Fair values as at 31 March 2014 are set out on the next page.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
35. Financial Instruments (cont'd)
Fair values of financial assets and liabilities as at 31 March 2014 are set out below:
Nominal Balance Fair Value Sheet Value £000 £000 £000 Financial asset - loans & receivables 15,000 15,000 15,017 Financial liability at amortised cost- LOBO loan 5,000 5,073 5,208 Financial liability at amortised cost - PWLB loan 3,489 3,515 3,690
The fair value of the LOBO loan is higher than the carrying amount because it has been calculated over the full term of the loan which is 50 years.
The new borrowing rate has been used as the discount factor for PWLB loans. The fair value is higher than the carrying value because the Council’s portfolio of PWLB loans include a number of fixed rate loans where the interest rate is lower than the new borrowing rate used in the fair value calculation.
Risk Management
The Council’s financial instrument activities expose it to a variety of financial risks:
• Credit risk - the possibility that other parties might fail to pay amounts due to the authority • Liquidity risk - the possibility that the Council might not have funds available to meet its commitments to make payments • Re-financing risk - the possibility that the Council might be required to renew a financial instrument on maturity at disadvantageous interest rates or terms • Market risk- the possibility that a financial loss might arise from changes such as adverse interest rates and stock market movements
The Council’s overall risk management procedures focus on the unpredictability of financial markets and implementing restrictions to minimise these risks. The procedures for risk management are through a legal framework set out in the Local Government Act 2004 and associated regulations. These require the Council to comply with the CIPFA Prudential Code, the CIPFA Treasury Management in the Public Services Code of Practice and Investment Guidance issued through the Act.
These procedures require the Council to manage risk in the ways explained on the next page.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
35. Financial Instruments (cont'd)
Risk Management
The Council manages risk in the following ways:
• by formally adopting the requirements of the Code of Practice • by approving annually in advance prudential indicators for the following three years limiting: - The Council’s overall borrowing - Its maximum and minimum exposures to fixed and variable rates - Its maximum and minimum exposures to the maturity structure of its debt - Its maximum annual exposure to investments maturing beyond a year • by approving an investment strategy for the forthcoming year setting out its criteria for both investing and selecting investment counterparts in compliance with Government Guidance.
The Council’s Treasury Management Strategy and Prudential Indicators are approved by Council annually prior to the start of the year to which they relate. This document outlines the detailed approach to managing risk in relation to the Council’s treasury activity and any financial instrument exposure.
i. Credit risk Credit risk arises from deposits with banks and financial institutions, as well as credit exposures to the Council’s customers. This risk is minimised through the annual investment strategy which requires that deposits are not made with financial institutions unless they meet identified minimum credit criteria, in accordance with credit ratings from recognised credit rating agencies. The annual investment strategy also imposes a maximum amount and time to be invested within each category. Investments must be in sterling and have a maturity of no more than one year.
Deposits are not made with banks and financial institutions unless they meet the minimum requirements of the investment criteria outlined above. The Council has no experience of default concerning its investments. The Council does not generally allow credit for its trade debtors. The Council’s approach to determining appropriate provisions for bad and doubtful debts is outlined in note 16.
ii. Liquidity risk The Council manages its liquidity position through the risk management procedures above (the setting and approval of prudential indicators and the approval of treasury and investment strategy reports), as well as through a comprehensive cash flow management system, as required by the Code of Practice. This seeks to ensure that cash is available when it is needed.
The Council has ready access to borrowings from the Money Markets to cover any day to day cash flow need, and the PWLB provides access to longer term funds. The Council is also required to provide a balanced budget through the Local Government Finance Act 1992, which ensures sufficient monies are raised to cover annual expenditure. There is therefore no significant risk that it will be unable to raise finance to meet its commitments under financial instruments.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
35. Financial Instruments (cont'd)
iii. Re-financing Risk The Council currently has long term debt and a limited investment portfolio, with all investments being in sterling and short term. Financial liabilities also included operating leases and short-term creditors. Cash flow procedures are in place and the approved treasury and investment strategies address the main risks around re-financing and maturity. The Finance Service manage the operational risks within the treasury management portfolio through monitoring investments to ensure sufficient liquidity is available for the Council’s day to day cash flow needs.
iv. Market risk Interest rate risk - the Council is exposed to interest rate movements on its investments and borrowings (upon maturity). The Council has strategies in place for managing interest rate risk. The Annual Treasury Management Strategy draws together the Council’s prudential indicators and its expected treasury operations, including an expectation of interest rate movements. The Finance Service monitor the market and forecast interest rates within the year to adjust exposures appropriately.
Price risk - the Council, excluding the pension fund, does not generally invest in equity shares but it does hold 19% of the issued share capital (19 shares at £1 each) in Worcester Racecourse Limited. The holding is generally illiquid but the Council is exposed to decreases in the value of shareholders funds.
Foreign exchange risk - the Council has no financial assets or liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and therefore has no exposure to loss arising from movements in exchange rates.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
36. Capital expenditure and financing
2013/14 2012/13 Capital expenditure adding to non- £000’s £000’s current asset valuation Land and buildings 182 - Vehicles, plant and equipment 158 286 Work in progress 245 60 Additions to fixed assets 585 346
Capital expenditure not adding to fixed asset valuation Revenue expenditure funded from capital under statute 431 446 Total Capital expenditure 1,016 792
Financed by: Usable capital receipts 10 275 Grants and other contributions 293 361 Capital reserves 648 156 Section 106 funds 65 Total capital financing 1,016 792
"Revenue expenditure funded from capital under statute" covers items that would not normally be treated as capital spend under the usual rules of accounting, but are set as 'capital' by law. This is usually items that create an asset which is not owned by the Council - for example, when the Council makes a Disabled Facilities Grant payment to a householder, or when the Council works in partnership with another local authority to improve community facilities owned by several authorities.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
37. Contingent Assets and Liabilities
Contingent assets or liabilities are possible benefits or obligations arising from past events and which depend on uncertain future events not wholly within the control of the Council.
At 31 March 2014 the Council had no contingent assets.
At 31 March 2014 the Council had the following contingent liabilities:
• At 31 March 2013 a group of Property Search Companies were seeking to claim refunds of fees paid to the Council to access land charges data. Proceedings have still not been issued. The claimants have intimated that they may bring a claim against all English and Welsh local authorities for alleged anti-competitive behaviour. It is not clear what the value of any such claim would be against the Council. It is possible that additional claimants may come forward to submit claims for refunds, but none have been intimated at present.
• On 30 September 1992, the Council’s then insurer, Municipal Mutual Insurance (MMI), announced that it had ceased taking new business or issuing renewals and placed a moratorium on claims payments. On 6 October 1992 MMI resumed the full payment of claims. MMI have now fallen into insolvency and been placed into administration. A Scheme of Arrangement has now been triggered. This means a levy on all former customers of a proportion of claims paid on the councils behalf. Based upon information provided by the administrators a potential liability may occur, but the timing and the amount could not be defined. As at 31 March 2013 no provision had been made for this liability; in January 2014 the Council paid £81,702 as a levy payment under the Scheme of Arrangement. This may not be the final figure and the Council may receive a refund or be required to pay a further amount. No provision has been made for either a refund or a payment during 2014/15.
• National Non Domestic Rate Appeals - Under the new Business Rates Retention System for financing local councils, introduced for 2013/14, the Council has been required, for the first time, to make a separate provision for outstanding appeals by local businesses against their rating liability. These appeals have been lodged with the relevant government agency (the Valuation Office) and if successful, would reduce the amount of income due to the Council. The Council’s provision for these known appeals has been made on the basis that they will all be upheld, which is considered to be a prudent approach. Some appeals are likely to be rejected and therefore, this will release the provision in future years. It is possible that future appeals will be made by local businesses as valuations are changed by the District Valuer. Although there is a likelihood of this occurring, it is not possible to quantify the amount or value. In addition, there are no specific issues known about any local business that may give rise to a future appeal. Therefore, no provision has been made in the accounts for future appeals that may or may not arise. The overall provision will be reviewed each year and adjusted depending on any new appeals that have actually arisen, together with those current appeals that have been unsuccessful.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
38. Assumptions made about the future and other major sources of estimation uncertainty Effect if actual results differ from Item Uncertainties assumptions Pensions Estimation of the net liability to pay The effects on the net pensions liability Liability pensions depends on a number of of changes in individual assumptions complex judgements relating to the the can be measured, and used to inform discount rate used, the rate at which judgements. As an example, for salaries are projected to rise, changes 2013/14, a 0.1% increase in the in retirement ages, mortality rates and discount rate (the value today of expected returns on pension fund assets in the future) would reduce the assets. A firm of consulting actuaries pension liability by £1.414m, while the is engaged to provide the Council with same increase in the rate of inflation expert advice about the assumptions to would raise the liability by £1.437m be applied. and an increase of 1 year in life expectancy of pensioners would raise the pension liability by £1.710m. However the assumptions interact in complex ways, and the overall effect of changes in all the various elements of pension cost and investment return is impossible to predcit with any certainty.
Provision for Central Government has introduced a If refunds are greater than the backdated local pool system for non-domestic provision made in the Collection Fund appeals - rates, and at the same time there is a then there will be a further loss to the business requirement to provide for the costs of Council; if refunds are less than the rates refunds going back five years. provision then the Council will receive more than provided for. A provision for the costs of refunds has been made in the Collection Fund, based on the information available to date about the likely number and success of appeals.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO THE CORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st March 2014
39. Impact of future Accounting Standards to be introduced after 1 January 2014 Several accounting standards have been updated or issued but not yet adopted by the Code of Practice that applies to local authorities. These are:
IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements (May 2011) IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements (May 2011) IFRS 12 Disclosures of Interests in Other Entities (May 2011) IAS 27 Separate Financial Statements (as amended in May 2011) IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures (as amended in May 2011) IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation – Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (as amended in December 2011) IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements — (as amended in May 2011)
The changes to accounting standards are being prepared for but are not yet implemented.
IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement - the CIPFA/LASAAC Local Authority Accounting Code Board (CIPFA/LASAAC) decided at its meeting in January 2014 to defer the implementation of IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement to the 2015/16 Code.
40. Events after the Balance Sheet date
The Statement of Accounts was authorised for issue by the Corporate Director - Resources on 30 June 2014. Events taking place after this date are not reflected in the financial statements or notes. Where events taking place before this date provided information about conditions existing at 31 March 2014, the figures in the financial statements and notes have been adjusted in all material respects to reflect the impact of this information.
We are aware that there is likely to be settlement of the contingent liability regarding Municipal Mutual Insurance towards the end of June 2014, but at the time of preparing these accounts the precise outcome was uncertain. We have therefore not crystallised the contingency into a provision.
In July 2014 the Council will decide whether or not to accept an offer from the University of Worcester for the purchase of the Orchard House complex.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL COLLECTION FUND For the year ended 31st March 2014
2013/14 2013/14 2013/14 Business Council Rates Tax Total Note £000’s £000’s £000’s Income 1, 2 Council Tax Receivable - (42,608) (42,608) 3 Business Rates receivable (40,126) - (40,126) Transitional Protection Payments 252 - 252 (39,874) (42,608) (82,482) Expenditure Precepts, demands and shares Central Government 20,104 20,104 Billing authority (Worcester City Council) 16,083 4,698 20,781 County Council 3,619 30,114 33,733 Parishes - 112 112 Police Authority - 5,180 5,180 Fire Authority 402 2,134 2,536 40,208 42,238 82,446 Charges to Collection Fund Less: Losses in collection 207 - 207 5 Increase in bad debt provision - 117 117 Increase in provision for appeals 2,128 - 2,128 Allowance for Cost of Collection 140 - 140 2,475 117 2,592
Deficit or (surplus) for the year 2,809 (253) 2,556
Surplus b/fwd at 1 April 2013 - (34) (34)
Deficit (surplus) c/fwd at 31 March 2014 2,809 (287) 2,522
The Collection Fund is an agent’s statement that reflects the statutory obligation for billing authorities to maintain a separate Collection Fund. The statement shows the transactions of the billing authority in relation to the collection from taxpayers and distribution to local authorities and the Government of council tax and non-domestic rates.
Business Rates are also known as Non-Domestic Rates (NDR) or National Non- Domestic Rates (NNDR).
The notes on the following pages explain some of the detail behind the numbers above.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL COLLECTION FUND For the year ended 31st March 2014
Comparative with 2012/13 2013/14 2012/13 £000’s £000’s Note Income 1,2,6 Council Tax (42,608) (48,500) 3,6 Business Rates (39,874) (38,769) (82,482) (87,269) Expenditure 1 Precepts and demands County Council 30,114 34,406 City Council and Parishes 4,810 5,482 Police Authority 5,180 5,920 Fire Authority 2,134 2,438 42,238 48,246 Business rates Payments to: Central Government 20,104 38,629 Billing authority (Worcester City Council) 16,083 - County Council 3,619 - Fire Authority 402 - Cost of collection allowance 140 140 40,348 38,769 Provisions Council Tax - bad & doubtful debts 117 - Business Rates - write-offs 207 - 5 Business Rates - current and backdated appeals 2,128 - 2,453 -
4 Deficit or (surplus) for the year 2,557 (254)
(Surplus) or deficit as at 1 April (34) 220
Fund deficit or (surplus) as at 31 March 2,522 (34)
1. Council Tax Base: basic principles
The Council Tax is a tax set by local councils according to the vaue of residential properties.
Each local authority that issues Council Tax bills by law has to set a Council Tax Base every year. The Tax Base is the number of chargeable dwellings in the local area, assessed into one of eight bands according to the estimated or actual property value as at 1st April 1991. As each band is charged a proportion of the Band D charge for Council Tax, the total Tax Base is reported as a single number allowing for the different proportions and for discounts such as 'single persons'.
The Local Government Act 2012 replaced the national Council TaxBenefit scheme with local Council Tax Support (CTS) schemes intended to help people on low incomes. This new Council Tax reduction scheme has increased the 'discounts' taken off the Tax Base and so reduced the total Tax Base from 2013/14 onwards by around 4,000 Band D equivalents.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL COLLECTION FUND For the year ended 31st March 2014
1. Council Tax Base: basic principles (cont'd)
The basic amount of Council Tax for a Band D property (£1,453.52 in 2013/14, unchanged from 2012/2013) is multiplied by the proportion specified by legislation for the particular band to give an individual amount due.
Council Tax bills were based on the following proportions for Bands A to H: Number of properties Band D equivalents Proportion Amount 2013/14 2012/13
Band A 6/9 £969.03 2,564 4,258 Band B 7/9 £1,130.53 8,027 9,606 Band C 8/9 £1,292.02 7,935 8,669 Band D 1 £1,453.52 4,535 4,643 Band E 11/9 £1,776.54 3,544 3,557 Band F 13/9 £2,099.54 1,779 1,785 Band G 15/9 £2,422.55 589 583 Band H 18/9 £2,907.05 8 8 28,981 33,109 2. Council Tax
The Council Tax income is made up of the following amounts:
2013/14 2012/13 £000’s £000’s
Due from taxpayers 42,608 41,854 Council Tax benefit 0 6,646 Total Council Tax 42,608 48,500
3. Business Rates
Business rates are organised on a national basis. The Government specifies an amount (2013/14 47.1p, 45.8p in 2012/2013) and, after allowing for the transition arrangements that 'smooth' any major changes year-on-year, local businesses pay rates calculated by multiplying their rateable value by that amount.
Up until 2013/14 the City Council collected rates due from the ratepayers in its area and paid the proceeds into a national pool administered by the Government. Central Government redistributed the sums paid into the Pool back to local authorities’ General Funds on the basis of a fixed amount per head of population.
In 2013/14 Central Goverment replaced the national pool with Localised Business Rates. The income shown in the Collection Fund statement is the income reported to Central Goverment in the City Council's "NNDR3" return: the 'precepts, demands and shares' are those paid out and reported to Central Government in the City Council's "NNDR1" return.
The Business Rates income (after reliefs and provisions) of £39.874m (£38.769m for 2012/2013) was based on an average rateable value for the Council’s area. The rateable value was £102,245,279 at 31st March 2014 (£103.17m at 31st March 2013).
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL COLLECTION FUND For the year ended 31st March 2014
4. Collection Fund surpluses and deficits for Council Tax
The surplus on the Fund of £287k at 31st March 2014 in respect of Council Tax transactions will be distributed in subsequent financial years to Worcestershire County Council, West Mercia Police Authority, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Authority and the City Council in proportion to the value of the respective precepts and demands made by the Councils on the Collection Fund. The allocations are as follows:
2013/14 2012/13 £000’s £000’s Surplus Surplus
Worcestershire County Council 205 24 West Mercia Police Authority 35 4 Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Authority 15 2 Worcester City Council 32 4 287 34
5. Provision for Council Tax Bad Debts and Write Offs
The Provision for Bad Debts and Write Offs as at 31 March 2013 is as follows:
2013/14 2012/13 £000’s £000’s
Brought forward at 1 April 539 539 Charge/credit for year 117 - Carried forward at 31 March 656 539
6. Write Offs
The amounts written off during the year were as follows: 2013/14 2012/13 £000’s £000’s Council Tax 120 127 NNDR 211 423 331 550 The Council's Financial Regulation 11.10 allows for the writing off of debts deemed irrecoverable. Although written out of the accounts, the debts are still due in law and recovery action will continue.
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WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL ACCOUNTING DEFINITIONS
The Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting 2013 /14 uses some technical terms that all readers may not be familiar with. Some of these are:
Cash comprises cash on hand and demand deposits.
Cash equivalent s are short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.
Cash flows are inflows and outflows of cash and cash equivalents.
Financing activities are activities that result in changes in the size and composition of the principal, received from or repaid to external providers of finance.
Investing activities are the acquisition and disposal of long-term assets and other investments not included in cash equivalents.
Material . Omissions or misstatements of items are material if they could, individually or collectively, influence the decisions or assessments of users made on the basis of the financial statements. Materiality depends on the nature or size of the omission or misstatement judged in the surrounding circumstances. The nature or size of the item, or a combination of both, could be the determining factor.
Notes contain information in addition to that presented in the Movement in Reserves Statement, Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Statement. Notes provide narrative descriptions or disaggregations of items presented in those statements and information about items that do not qualify for recognition in those statements.
Other Comprehensive Income and Expenditure comprises items of expense and income (including reclassification adjustments) that are not recognised in the Surplus or Deficit on the Provision of Services as required or permitted by the Code. Examples include changes in revaluation surplus; actuarial gains and losses on defined benefit plans; and gains and losses on remeasuring available-for-sale financial assets.
Operating activities are the activities of the authority that are not investing or financing activities.
Reclassification adjustments are amounts reclassified to Surplus or Deficit on the Provision of Services in the current period that were recognised in Other Comprehensive Income and Expenditure in the current or previous periods.
Surplus or Deficit on the Provision of Services is the total of income less expenses, excluding the components of Other Comprehensive Income and Expenditure.
Total Comprehensive Income and Expenditure comprises all components of Surplus or Deficit on the Provision of Services and of Other Comprehensive Income and Expenditure.
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Making Worcester , 'A great city with a great future'
Approval of Statement of Accounts 2013/14
I confirm that this Statement of Accounts including the Annual Governance Statement were approved by Council at its meeting held on 30th September 2014.
Signed on behalf of Worcester City Council
…………………………………………………………………………
Councillor Alan Amos Mayor and Chair of the Council
81 This page is intentionally left blank Page 565 Agenda Item 11 Appendix 3
Report to: Council, 30 th September 2014
Report of: The Leader of the Council
Subject: REFERRAL REPORT RELATING TO THE CABINET MEETING OF 29 TH JULY 2014 – TREASURY MANAGEMENT REPORT 2013/14
1. Background
1.1 At the Cabinet Meeting on 29 th July 2014 the Cabinet agreed that the Treasury Management Annual Report for 2013/14 be referred to the September meeting of Performance Management and Budget Scrutiny Committee and for information to full Council. The full report to Cabinet is attached.
2. Reasons for Referral
2.1 The Council has adopted the CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management in the Public Services (2009). The code stipulates that Council should receive regular treasury management reports, including an annual review report after the close of the year.
3. THE LEADER OF THE COUNCIL, COUNCILLOR SIMON GERAGHTY, RECOMMENDS:
3.1 That the Council note the Treasury Management Annual Report for 2013/14.
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Report to: Cabinet, 29 th July 2014
Report of: Cabinet Member for Delivering Value for Money
Subject: TREASURY MANAGEMENT ANNUAL REPORT œ 2013/14
1. Decision Required
1.1 That the Cabinet notes the details included within the Treasury Management Annual Report for 2013/14, and consider any action that they wish to take as a result of that information.
1.2 That the Treasury Management Annual Report for 2013/14 be referred to the September meetings of PMBS and for information to full Council.
2. Background
2.1 In February 2010 the Council formally adopted the principles and practices from the CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management, including clause 2 which stated:
—the production of regular treasury management reports to Council, including as a minimum, an annual strategy, prudential indicators and limits and MRP policy in advance of the year, a mid-year review, and an annual review report after the close of the year, all in the form specified in the Treasury Management Practices.“
2.2 This report sets out, in accordance with the above, a report on Treasury Management performance for 2013/14.
2.3 Treasury Management is the management of all money and capital market transactions in connection with cash and funding resources of the Council. The Council conducted its Treasury Management affairs in accordance with the CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management and the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities.
2.4 A copy of the Treasury Management Policy Statement 2013/14 and the Annual Strategy Statement 2013/14 can be obtained from the Finance Services Manager.
3. The Council‘s Treasury Management Performance in 2013/14
INVESTMENTS
3.1 The Council manages its investments in-house and invests with the institutions listed in the Council‘s approved lending list. The Council invests for a range of periods from overnight to 365 days, dependent on the Council‘s cash flows, its interest rate view and the interest rates on offer.
3.2 When investing with local authorities and building societies the Council uses money- market brokers, to ensure a competitive rate is achieved. This policy ensures a balance between optimizing the return to the Council commensurate with the need to safeguard the capital sum (i.e. avoidance of risk to the principal sum). The Council, when investing with banks, contacts the banks directly, to compare and obtain a competitive rate.
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3.3 The Council‘s average investment for the year was £1.30m (2012/13: £1.15m). The running return earned at the year end was 0.58% (2012/13: 0.96%) which is in excess of the bank base rate of 0.50% and approximately 0.11% above the benchmark average 7 day LIBOR (London Inter Bank Offer Rate) for the year.
3.4 The Council achieved £100k of interest from its cash investments in 2013/14 (2012/13: £149k). This was some £54k short of the budget target of £154k. This was mainly due to the continuing effect of the government scheme called ”Funding for Lending‘ launched in July 2012. This supplies banks with cheap money meaning the rates they offer to local authorities on taking in deposits dropped significantly and these have stayed low ever since. Further lowering of rates occurred during 2013/14 as banks continued to strengthen their balance sheet positions resulting in a weakened appetite for cash.
3.5 It should be noted that the 0.58% return, along with last year‘s return of 0.96% are the lowest rates of return the Council has experienced for a number of years. In 2007/08 the interest rate was in excess of 5% and the interest earned was £727k. There has been a drop in interest income of more than £600k in 6 years.
3.6 Tables 1, 2 and 3 below, provide further details on our monthly investments and our lending investment portfolio as at 31 st March 2014. Appendix 1 provides a summary of money market dealings as at 31 March 2014.
Table 1: Investment Details 2013/14
Interest Principal Average Earned (Cash) Invested Int. Rate Investments (up to and £ £m % including 365 days) Apr Total 4,019 6.90 0.51% May Total 1,841 5.70 0.52% June Total 4,186 3.30 0.63% July Total 0 2.90 0.56% Aug Total 3,693 0.00 0.00% Sep Total 8,994 1.80 0.75% Oct Total 13,657 5.05 0.56% Nov Total 5,820 4.40 0.62% Dec Total 2,855 4.85 0.54% Jan Total 12,759 3.40 0.47% Feb Total 2,117 1.80 0.70% Mar Total 15,694 2.80 0.70% Total 75,635 42.90 0.58%
Table 2: Summary Interest Received and Investment Balances 2013/14
Interest Investment Received Balances £ £m Interest received in year (cash) 75,635 Investments as at 1 st April 9.1 2013 Accruals for interest received 24,254 Investments made in 42.9 not due 2013/14 Interest received œ reported in 99,889 Investments returned in (37.0) accounts 2013/14 2013/14 Budget 2013/14 153,900 Investments as at 31 st 15.0 March 2014
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Table 3: External Lending Investment Portfolio (position as at 31 March 2014)
Lender Issue Maturity Investment Interest Date Date £m Rate Bank of Scotland 18/02/14 18/11/14 1.20 0.80% Lloyds TSB 07/10/13 07/10/14 1.15 0.98% Bank of Scotland 28/03/14 29/09/14 1.80 0.70% Lloyds TSB 11/12/13 11/09/14 0.85 0.83% Lloyds TSB 05/03/14 05/09/14 1.00 0.70% Royal Bank of Scotland 18/02/14 Call 0.60 0.60% Natwest Bank 24/01/14 Call 0.80 0.40% Royal Bank of Scotland 09/07/13 Call 0.80 0.60% Royal Bank of Scotland 10/01/14 Call 1.60 0.60% Natwest Bank 07/02/14 Call 1.20 0.40% Natwest Bank 10/01/14 Call 1.00 0.40% Santander UK 01/10/13 Call 1.00 0.40% Public Sector Deposit Fund 10/12/13 Call 2.00 0.32%
LOANS
3.7 The Council did not raise any new borrowing during 2013/14. As at 31 st March 2014 the Council‘s loans are a £5m Lender Option Borrower Option (LOBO) loan and £3.489m of Public Works Loans Board (PWLB) loans. The LOBO was taken on for a period of 50 years from the 3 rd December 2004.
3.8 The Cabinet has approved a strategy for the replacement of the LOBO loan in the event that the lender exercises their option and increases the interest rate. The agreed action, in this event, is to replace the loan with a shorter dated loan and keep the rate as low as possible bearing in mind the Financing Requirement contained in the Council‘s Treasury Management Strategy (Prudential Borrowing Limits).
3.9 The interest payable in 2013/14 on existing loans was £373k (2012/13: £360k). This slight increase was due to the new interest payment on the £1m PWLB loan relating to LAMS. This is offset against the interest received from investing the money with Lloyds. The lender of our £5m LOBO loan did not exercise their right to increase the rate from the current 4.50% at any point during the year.
4. Treasury Management Performance Indicators
4.1 The Code of Practice on Treasury Management requires the Council to set performance indicators to assess the adequacy of the treasury function over the year. These are distinct historic indicators, as opposed to the prudential indicators, which are predominantly forward looking.
4.2 Performance on our key Treasury Management Performance Indicators for 2013/14 is as follows:
Performance Indicator Benchmark / Out turn Budget Average rate of return on 0.5 0% in MTFS 0.58 % investments
Investment management costs per £1.47 per £ ‘000 £1. 25 per £ ‘000 average sum invested
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Annual cost of borrowing (including £887k £864 k minimum revenue provision)
FTE staff involved in Treasury 0.43 FTE 0.43 FTE Management function
5. Prudential Indicators
5.1 The purpose of the indicators is to provide a framework to support decision making on capital expenditure and treasury investments. The indicators highlight the level of capital expenditure, the impact on borrowing, investment levels, and the overall controls in place to ensure the activity remains affordable, prudent and sustainable. Details of the indicators are included below.
Actual and Estimated Capital Expenditure
5.2 The actual and estimated capital expenditure (CapEx) for 2013/14 is as follows:
Actual CapEx PI CapEx Actual CapEx 2012/13 2013/14 2013/14 £‘m £‘m £‘m
0.792 2.702 1.016
5.3 Further detail on capital expenditure is included in the Q4 Financial Monitoring report 2013/14 and the draft Statement of Accounts 2013/14.
Ratio of Financing Costs to net revenue stream
5.4 The net revenue stream is the amount of the budget to be met from Formula Grant and Council Tax income (also known as the Budget Requirement). Financing cost is the net of interest payable, interest receivable and minimum revenue provision.
2012/13 2013/14 2013/14 2014/15 Actuals Estimate Actuals Estimate £000‘s £000‘s £000‘s £000‘s Financing costs (net) 717 694 743 844 Net revenue stream 10,477 10,198 10,006 9,846 Ratio of financing costs to net 6.84% 6.81% 7.43% 8.57% revenue stream
Capital Financing Requirement
5.5 The Capital Financing Requirement is a gauge of the Council‘s requirement to take on long term borrowing for capital purposes. This is calculated from the draft Balance Sheet for 2013/14, which has been approved by the Council‘s Section 151 officer by the deadline date of 30 th June 2014, and which is subject to independent audit. The actual Capital Financing Requirement at 31 March 2014 (again subject to audit) and estimates for future years are:
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2012/13 2013/14 2013/14 2014/15 Actuals PI/Budget Actuals Estimate £000‘s £000‘s £000‘s £000‘s Capital Financing 7,501 8,163 7,059 12,927 Requirement
Minimum Revenue Provision
5.6 The Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) represents a charge to Council Tax payer‘s equivalent to the estimated repayment of prudential borrowing associated with the purchase of capital assets (i.e. reducing the loan principal in instalments).
5.7 The MRP charge for 2013/14 was £491k (2012/13: £536k) against a budget of £526k.
Authorised Limit/Operational Limit for External debt
5.8 The Council approved Authorised Limit in 2013/14 for external debt, gross of investments, is £15.5m. Our approved Operational Limit is £11.5m . The Operational Limit is calculated on the same basis as the Authorised Limit, but differs in that it excludes short term borrowing.
5.9 The Council‘s external debt as at 31 st March 2014 is £8.489m which is within the limits set in our Treasury Management Strategy.
6. Equalities, Health and Safety, HR, Financial, Legal, Policy, and Risk Management Implications
6.1 Equalities, Health and Safety, HR: there are no direct implications arising from this report.
6.2 Financial: The income generated by the Council‘s investments and the interest paid on loans and MRP are all key elements of the Council‘s financial resources. Details are contained in the MTFS and annual budget each year.
6.3 Legal/Policy: As set out in the Council‘s Treasury Management Policy and Strategy 2014-15 to 2016-17. The effective management of our investment and loans portfolio is critical to the overall success of the Council‘s service objectives. In accordance with paragraph 2.1 above, the CIPFA code requires that Council should receive an annual performance report on Treasury Management.
6.4 Risk management: The continued uncertainty in the financial markets and the global economic downturn has given rise to a crisis of confidence which has spread throughout global money markets. The Council‘s treasury strategy will ensure that the management of risk is paramount in all of the Council‘s treasury management operations.
7. Comments of Corporate Director œ Resources
7.1 The Council continues to manage its Treasury function as effectively as possible in the current economic climate where the prime objectives are to manage risks to safeguard our investments alongside optimising our returns and borrowings. Appendix 2 provides further details from our treasury advisors on the economic climate and interest rates.
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7.2 Our budget position has suffered significantly over the past few years with the interest rate reductions. The assumptions built into next year‘s MTFS are modest and at this stage there is no reason to believe they will not be achieved.
8. THE CABINET MEMBER FOR DELIVERING VALUE FOR MONEY, COUNCILLOR CHRIS MITCHELL, RECOMMENDS:
1. That Cabinet note the details included within the Treasury Management Annual Report for 2013/14 and consider any action that they wish to take as a result of that information.
2. That the Treasury Management Annual Report for 2013/14 be referred to the September meeting of Performance Management and Budget Scrutiny Committee and for information to full Council.
Ward (s): All Contact Officer: Lesley Meagher, Director of Resources, 01905 722595
Worcester City Council TREASURY MANAGEMENT - Money Market Dealings Report Appendix 1
Actuals - as at 31st March (Q4) 2013/2014 Current Borrowings KA Finanz AG (LOBO) £5,000,000 Interest paid 1st April 2013 - 31st March 2014 £356,840 P.W.L.B. £3,489,039 Interest paid budget 1st April 2013 - 31st March 2014 £357,000 £8,489,039 Year end surplus (160)
Current Lendings Deal Type Amount Borrower From To Days Rate 13-14 Return Fixed Term Deposit £1,000,000 Lloyds TSB Bank 05.03.14 05.09.14 184 0.70% £518 Fixed Term Deposit £850,000 Lloyds TSB Bank 11.12.13 11.09.14 274 0.83% £2,145 Fixed Term Deposit £1,800,000 Bank of Scotland 28.03.14 29.09.14 185 0.70% £138 Fixed Term Deposit £1,150,000 Lloyds TSB Bank 07.10.13 07.10.14 365 0.98% £5,434 Page 572 Fixed Term Deposit £1,200,000 Bank of Scotland 18.02.14 18.11.14 273 0.80% £414 Money Market Fund £2,000,000 Public Sector Deposit Fund 10.12.13 20.05.14 161 0.32% £2,101 Instant Access £1,000,000 Santander UK 01.10.13 30.04.14 211 0.40% £1,995 Instant Access £1,000,000 Natwest Bank 10.01.14 22.05.14 132 0.40% £2,130 Instant Access £1,200,000 Natwest Bank 07.02.14 22.05.14 104 0.40% £697 Instant Access £1,600,000 RBS 10.01.14 30.06.14 171 0.70% £888 Instant Access £800,000 RBS 09.07.13 08.07.14 364 0.70% £3,818 Instant Access £800,000 Natwest Bank 24.01.14 05.08.14 193 0.40% £587 Instant Access £600,000 RBS 18.02.14 12.08.14 175 0.70% £1,105 £15,000,000 Exposure Profile Current Market Rates for Fixed Term Deposits Lloyds TSB £3,000,000 20.0% Overnight 0.20% 2 Months 0.40% Bank of Scotland £3,000,000 20.0% 1 Week 0.20% 3 Months 0.44% Natwest £3,000,000 20.0% 2 Weeks 0.20% 6 Months 0.65% RBS £3,000,000 20.0% 3 Weeks 0.25% 9 Months 0.75% PSDF £2,000,000 13.3% 1 Month 0.38% 12 Months 0.90% Santander UK £1,000,000 6.7% £15,000,000 100% Interest earned 1st April 2013 - 31st March 2014 (99,890) Interest earned budget 1st April 2013 - 31st March 2014 (153,900) Year end shortfall 54,010 LAMS (5,600) Net Interest - Adverse Variance for 2013/14 48,250 Page 573
Appendix 2
Treasury Management Annual Report Background information from our Treasury advisors; Capita Asset Services.
Economic Background for 2013/14
I. Market expectations for the first increase in Bank Rate varied during the year but those expectations started and ended at around quarter 1. Bank rate therefore remained unchanged at 0.50% for the fifth successive year. Economic growth in the UK was virtually flat during 2012/13 but has surged strongly during 2013/14. As a result, there has been no additional quantitative easing during 2013/14.
II. CPI inflation remained stubbornly high and substantially above the 2% target during 2012/13 but by January 2014 it had at last fallen below the target rate to 1.9% and is expected to remain slightly below the target rate for most of the next two years.
III. The UK government maintained its tight fiscal policy stance but the recent strong economic growth has led to a marked improvement on previous forecasts of the speed with which the public sector net borrowing will move to a balanced annual position.
Investment Interest Rates
IV. Expectations are that an increase in bank rate is not likely before the tail end of 2015. The Funding for Lending Scheme resulted in a flood cheap credit being made available to banks which then resulted in money market investment rates falling drastically in the second half of 2012/13 and continued into 2013/14. That part of the scheme which supported the provision of credit for mortgages was terminated in the first quarter of 2014 as concerns rose over resurging house prices.
1 This page is intentionally left blank Page 575 Agenda Item 11 Appendix 4
Report to: Council, 30th September 2014
Report of: Worcestershire Regulatory Services Shared Services Joint Committee Representatives
Subject: REFERRAL REPORT RELATING TO THE WORCESTERSHIRE REGULATORY SERVICES SHARED SERVICES JOINT COMMITTEE – WORCESTERSHIRE REGULATORY SERVICES BUSINESS MODEL
1. Background
1.1 At the Worcestershire Regulatory Services Shared Services Joint Committee Meeting on 26th June 2014 the Committee endorsed the revisions to the Worcestershire Regulatory Services (WRS) business model and recommended partner Councils to approve the changes to the Worcestershire Shared Services Partnership Agreement at the earliest opportunity. The full Committee report is attached (Appendix 1).
1.2 The proposed changes provide for differentiated partner service levels and attendant financial contributions by replacing the current common “core matrix” service as the basis for agreed variations with a “core base plus” service. This will involve reducing the current “core matrix” service to a much lower “core base” cost and service level, with the flexibility to build back up from this core base to meet individual partner requirements on a “core base plus” basis. The “core base” will be the fundamental minimum managerial and technical infrastructure on which scaleable service delivery is then built.
2. Reasons for Referral
2.1 The changes proposed to the partnership agreement require unanimous approval of all participating authorities to enable them to be incorporated.
3. Equalities, Health and Safety, HR, Policy, Legal, Financial, and Risk Management Implications
3.1 Equalities, Health and Safety, HR, Policy: None arising directly from this report 3.2 Legal: Changes to the agreement, once approved, will be undertaken by Bromsgrove District Council Legal Services 3.3 Financial: There are no budget implications from this decision. Going forward, partners will have greater flexibility to consider how they will fund WRS in excess of the “core base” levels, to a level of service that is required and affordable. This approach will incorporate existing Transformation Plan savings and is consistent with the existing activity based cost sharing model for WRS. 3.4 Risk: Failure to implement the recommendations in this report is very likely to result in difficulty in securing a mutually acceptable financial settlement for WRS for 2015/16 and beyond. Page 576
4. THE WORCESTERSHIRE REGULATORY SERVICES SHARED SERVICES JOINT COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES, COUNCILLORS ANDY ROBERTS AND DAVID WILKINSON, RECOMMEND:
4.1 That the Council approve the changes to the Worcestershire Shared Services Partnership Agreement set out in Appendix 1, the Worcestershire Regulatory Services Shared Services Joint Committee report.
Page 577 Agenda Item 11 Appendix 5
Joint Committee: 26 June 2014
Worcestershire Regulatory Services – Business model review
Recommendation The Joint Committee is recommended to:
1. Endorse the revisions to the WRS business model detailed in this report and; 2. Recommend partner Councils approve the changes to the Worcestershire Shared Services Partnership Agreement set out in appendix 1 to this report at the earliest opportunity.
Contribution to The recommended changes to business model directly Priorities support delivery of current WRS priorities.
This report sets out proposals for modification to the Introduction / Summary business model of WRS to reflect changing needs of the partnership.
These proposals are intended to provide an interim solution recognising that further changes will be necessary once the outcome is known of the current procurement for a strategic partnership.
WRS was established on 1 June 2010 when the county and Background six district councils delegated their environmental health, licensing and trading standards functions to the South Worcestershire Shared Services Partnership Joint Committee (hereafter referred to as the Joint Committee).
The Joint Committee is established under section 101 of the Local Government Act 1972. The arrangements governing the operation of the Joint committee, how it discharges its functions and the relationship between the Joint Committee and partner councils including how the Joint Committee is funded are set out in a detailed partnership agreement. Part I of the agreement contains general provisions relating to the Joint Committee and Part II contains provisions relating specifically to WRS.
With the exception of minor revisions to the scope of work contained within the Statement of Partner Requirements, the agreement has not been revised since it was completed in 2010. Significant revisions to the agreement are now needed to ensure it continues to be fit for purpose given the substantial changes that have occurred in the operating 1 Page 578
environment over the last four years.
The partnership agreement reflects the business model Report underpinning the detailed business case for WRS developed in 2009/10. This model achieves cost reductions by vigorous pursuit of a common approach to service delivery. Part I, clause 9.2 commits the participating authorities to work together to achieve consistent and standardised service delivery.
This commitment to a common approach is reinforced by other checks and balances built into the agreement, in particular the variation provisions in Part II, clause 9 which permits a participating authority to vary the nature and extent of services that it receives from the partnership but also obliges it to meet all the contingent financial consequences. This clause further permits the Joint Committee to decline to implement any variation sought by a participating authority if it considers it impracticable or to do so would have an adverse impact upon other participating authorities. These provisions follow through into the arrangements for apportionment of costs which were modified by this committee in 2013.
There is no doubt that this business model for WRS has enabled delivery of savings well in excess of the planned 17% over baseline in the detailed business case. It is however increasingly difficult to achieve a common approach to service delivery because of the marked difference in financial pressures confronting partner councils compared to 2010.
Negotiating agreement on the “Core Matrix” service level and new activity based cost sharing mechanism agreed by this committee in September 2013 was both complex and challenging because of these increasing differences in financial pressures faced by partners. Management Board considers that these challenges and pressures mean continued pursuit of a common approach can no longer be sustained and recognises that by 2016/17 there needs to be a greater differentiation in partner contributions to, and associated service levels received from, WRS. A new business model is required which will accommodate these different requirements as well as deliver current savings and efficiency plans. This view is echoed by Worcestershire Chief Executives who are concerned to avoid repetition of the difficulties in agreeing a WRS budget and service position for the current year.
Management Board proposes achieving differentiated partner service levels and attendant financial contributions by replacing the current common “core matrix” service as 2 Page 579
the basis for agreed variations with a “core base plus” service. This will involve reducing the current “core matrix” service to a much lower “core base” cost and service level and building back up from this base to meet individual partner requirements. The “core base” will be the fundamental minimum managerial and technical infrastructure on which scaleable service delivery is then built.
The currently identified future gross running cost envelope of £3.250m in 2016/17 agreed by this Committee in February 2014 will be used to establish the new lower cost “core base” level of service. This will inevitably be significantly below the current “core matrix” service level and carry higher risks. Partners wishing to maintain, and fund, a level of service above this “core base” will purchase agreed additional services from WRS. As noted this approach will incorporate existing efficiency plans and is consistent with the revised activity based cost sharing model. These proposals also accord with recommendation 6 of the draft report of the Joint Worcestershire Regulatory Services Scrutiny Task Group.
Incorporation of the changes to business model and business processes described above into the partnership agreement to provide the necessary clarity and accountability will be accomplished through the revisions detailed in appendix 1.
The recommendations in this report will ensure that the Financial Implications Worcestershire Shared Services Partnership and WRS can respond effectively to the financial pressures facing individual participating authorities.
The changes proposed to the partnership agreement will Legal Implications require unanimous approval of all participating authorities to enable them to be incorporated. Partners are requested to progress recommendations from the Joint Committee as quickly as possible.
Changes to the agreement, once approved, will be undertaken by Bromsgrove District Council Legal Services.
Risk Failure to implement the recommendations in this report are very likely to result in difficulty in securing a mutually acceptable financial settlement for WRS for 2015/16 and beyond.
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Not only will this make setting of a budget for WRS this November exceptionally challenging but it also risks setting of individual partner budgets in 2015.
Sustainability Management Board believes the recommendations in this report will ensure the financial sustainability of the Worcestershire Shared Service Partnership and WRS for the immediate future.
Contact Points Ivor Pumfrey Chairman, WRS Management Board 01684 862296 [email protected]
Background Papers Worcestershire Shared Service Partnership Joint Committee – 26 September 2013 – Item 8 “Core Service Matrix for WRS”
Worcestershire Shared Service Partnership Joint Committee – 26 September 2013 – Item 9 “WRS Financial Planning Assumptions”
Worcestershire Shared Service Partnership Joint Committee – 26 September 2013 – Item 10 “Review of Apportionment of Costs”
4 Page 581
Appendix 1 Schedule of proposed revisions to partnership agreement
Part, clause, schedule Proposed revision Part I, clause 3.4 Delete clause as partners no longer wish partnership to be expanded Part I, sub-clause 6.1.3 Delete sub-clause as roles have not rotated and this is not advantageous as linked to hosting costs. Part I, clause 8 Revise 8.1 requirement for annual business plan to incorporate requirement for production of rolling 3 year financial plan setting gross running cost envelopes linked to future partner contributions. Part I, clause 9.2 Modify to make clear no obligation on consistency beyond new reduced “core matrix” Part II, clause 8.1 Reference to replacement schedule 4 Part II, clause 8.2 Delete clause as its provisions are satisfied by the new schedule 4 Part II, clause 9.1 Modify to refer to individual partner service agreement based on new reduced “core matrix” plus additional components. Part II, schedule 3 Update to reflect current service standards Part II, schedule 4 Replace with new cost sharing arrangements schedule Part II, Appendix 1 Replace statement of partner requirements with new reduced core matrix and statement of individual additional partner requirements.
This page is intentionally left blank Page 583 Agenda Item 11 Appendix 6
Report to: Council, 30 th September 2014
Report of: Chairman of Licensing and Environmental Health Committee
Subject: REFERRAL REPORT FROM LICENSING AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH COMMITTEE MEETING OF 11 TH JUNE 2014: DELEGATION TO OFFICERS TO SUSPEND HACKNEY CARRIAGE/PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE DRIVER’S LICENCE
1. Background
1.1 At the meeting on 11 th June 2014, the Licensing and Environmental Health Committee considered amending the Council’s Constitution with regards to suspension with immediate effect, of Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver’s Licences.
1.2 The full report is attached.
1.3 The Committee agreed to recommend the Council to amend the Constitution for the reasons set out in the report.
1.4 On 2nd July 2014 a report was presented to Council to amend the Constitution in line with the recommendation from the Licensing and Environmental Health Committee. Due to a concern being raised by Councillor J. Squires that the taxi trade may not have been fully aware of the meaning of the original proposal, a decision was made to defer the item and for it to be reconsidered by the Council at its meeting on 30 th September 2014. This was to allow further communication of the proposal and its implication to the taxi trade.
1.5 Since that time a trade meeting has taken place with official Worcester Taxi Association representatives where the implications of the above proposal were discussed in full. The meeting concluded with the Association representatives endorsing the proposal and the necessary amendment to the Constitution.
1.6 A letter has also been sent to all of Worcester’s licensed drivers explaining in full the change in officer delegation and the impact it will have on a very small proportion of the Worcester licensed taxi trade. To date no adverse comments have been received by the Licensing Office.
2. Reason for Referral
2.1 In accordance with the Council’s Constitution (Part 2, Article 14) this matter requires a decision by Council as the Scheme of Delegation forms part of the Constitution.
3. THE CHAIRMAN OF LICENSING AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH COMMITTEE, COUNCILLOR ALLAH DITTA RECOMMENDS:
3.1 That the Council amend the Constitution to delegate authority to the Head of Worcestershire Regulatory Services to suspend a hackney carriage/private hire vehicle driver’s licence with immediate effect under section 61 (2B) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 in consultation with the Chairman of the Licensing Committee or his deputy subject to a Licensing Sub-Committee (Taxis) being convened if the circumstances of the case change in such a way as to require it. Page 584
Report to: Licensing and Environmental Health Committee: 11 th June 2014
Report of: Head of Worcestershire Regulatory Services on Behalf of Worcester City Council ______
Subject: DELEGATION TO OFFICERS TO SUSPEND HACKNEY CARRIAGE/PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE DRIVER’S LICENCE
1. Purpose of Report
1.1 For Members to consider amending the Council’s constitution with regards to suspension with immediate effect, of Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver’s Licences.
2. Background
2.1 Worcester City Council issue licences to drive hackney carriage and private hire vehicles under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.
2.2 Section 61 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 provides the Council with the power to suspend, revoke or refuse to renew the licence of a driver on any of the following grounds:
(a) that he has since the grant of the licence—
(i) been convicted of an offence involving dishonesty, indecency or violence; or
(ii) been convicted of an offence under or has failed to comply with the provisions of the Act of 1847 or of this Part of this Act; or
(b) any other reasonable cause.
2.3 When such a decision is made, a suspension or revocation does not normally take effect during the period of 21 days during which the licence holder can appeal against the decision. If an appeal is lodged then the suspension or revocation will not take effect until any such appeal is dismissed.
2.4 However the Council does have the power to suspend or revoke licences with immediate effect under section 61 (2B) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 where it appears that the interests of public safety require it.
2.5 Under the Council’s current constitution, authority is delegated to the Head of Worcestershire Regualtory Services to suspend with immediate effect the licence of any Hackney Carriage and Private Hire driver where it is considered that the interests of public safety require it.
2.6 This delegation is however, subject to a requirement that the decision is taken in consultation with the Chair of the Licensing and Environmental Health Committee and that a Licensing Sub-Committee (Taxis) is convened within 14 days to consider the matter.
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2.7 Following developments in case law, updated legal advice has been received which indicates that holding a Sub-Committee within 14 days as required by the constitution, is an unnecessary and unhelpful step.
2.8 The reasoning behind this advice is that once a decision to suspend a licence has been made by the Head of Worcestershire Regulatory Services, in consultation with the Chair of the Licensing and Enviromental Health Committee, the only right of appeal available to the driver is to the Magistrates Courts and not to a Sub- Committee.
2.9 This is because the Council has already made a decision to suspend the licence under delegated powers. Therefore the Sub-Committee can only consider whether new evidence has arisen since the decision was taken that requires the suspension to be lifted or requires a further decision to revoke the licence to be made.
2.10 Given that a Sub-Committee is being convened just 14 days after the decision to suspend has been taken, the facts of the case are highly unlikely to have changed significantly since the decision was taken. For example any criminal investigation or prosecution involving the licence holder is likely to still be ongoing at that stage.
2.11 It is right and proper for the suspension to be kept under review by officers and for the matter to be referred back to a Sub-Committee at such a time as the circumstances change. For example this could be at the conclusion of any legal proceedings or when the investigation is concluded and no further action is being taken against the licence holder.
2.12 However, this change of circumstances should provide the trigger for a Licensing Sub-Committee to be convened, rather than an automatic hearing within 14 days. Therefore it is recommended that the Council’s constitution be amended accordingly.
3. Legal Background and Government Guidance
3.1 The legal implications are set out in the report.
4. Financial Implications
4.1 If a licence holder successfully appeals against any decision to suspend their licence, the Council may be liable to pay legal costs.
5. Comments of the Head of Worcestershire Regulatory Services
5.1 Where the police notify the Council that a serious allegation of misconduct has been made against a hackney carriage/private hire vehicle driver, the Council may need to immediately suspend the driver’s licence, in the interests of public safety. As it may take several days to arrange for a Licencing Sub-Committee to consider the matter, it would be appropriate to delegate to officers authority to immediately suspend the licence, in consultation with the Chairman of the Licencing and Environmental Health Committee.
5.2 It is right and proper for the suspension to be kept under review by officers and for the matter to be referred back to a Sub-Committee at such a time as the circumstances change and a further decision is required. Page 586
6. RECOMMENDATION OF THE HEAD OF WORCESTERSHIRE REGULATORY SERVICES (ON BEHALF OF WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL):
6.1 That the Licensing and Environmental Health Committee RECOMMEND to Council that the constitution be amended to delegate authority to the Head of Worcestershire Regulatory Services to suspend a hackney carriage/private hire vehicle driver’s licence with immediate effect under section 61 (2B) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 in consultation with the Chairman of the Licensing Committee or his deputy subject to a Licensing Sub-Committee (Taxis) being convened if the circumstances of the case change in such a way as to require it.
Ward(s): All Contact Officers: Niall McMenamin, Senior Licensing Practitioner – 01527 548282. Background Papers: Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976