2014-31

Your Town - Your Plan - Your Future

Referendum Version

May 2017

ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 1 Foreword by the Mayor of Alnwick and Chairman of the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group

The Neighbourhood Plan is a new type of plan for the local area which has been drawn up by a Steering Group of volunteers from the town and parish and in response to your input over the last three years. It is very much Your Plan for Your Town helping to shape Your Future. It’s a plan that looks forward optimistically and lays out policies and proposals for the future growth and development of Alnwick and Denwick whilst ensuring that our great heritage and fabulous environment continues to be protected. The Steering Group has put in a huge amount of work to get to this point and on behalf of the Town Council I would like to thank all those who have worked on it. Alan Symmonds Mayor of Alnwick

2 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 Table of Contents

CHAPTER PAGE

Foreword 2 Table of Contents 3 1 Introduction to the Neighbourhood Plan 4 2 The Future for Alnwick and Denwick 7 3 Sustainable Development for Alnwick and Denwick 9 4 Housing 11 5 Economy and Employment 20 6 Town Centre & Retail 28 7 Community Facilities 35 8 Transport 42 9 Environment 50 10 Heritage, Design and Culture 64 11 Delivering the Plan 80 Appendix 1 - Community Action Plan 84 Appendix 2 - Glossary 106

The Alnwick and Denwick Neighbourhood Plan has been prepared by a Steering Group of volunteers managed by Alnwick Town Council as the ‘Qualifying Body’ in consultation with Denwick Parish Council in accordance with the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 as updated. If you would like this document in a different format or larger print size please contact : Bill Batey, Chief Officer and Town Clerk, Alnwick Town Council, The Centre, 27 Fenkle Street, Alnwick NE66 1HW. Tel: 07971 810267. Email: [email protected]. Or visit the website: www.alnwick-and-denwick-plan.org.uk

ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 3 SECTION INTRODUCTION TO THE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 1 1.1 1.2 • not have a significant effect on a What is a How the Neighbourhood European Site (as defined in the Conservation of Habitats and Species Neighbourhood Plan? Plan fits into the Planning Regulations 2012) either alone or System in combination with other plans or The Alnwick and Denwick Neighbourhood projects. Plan (ADNP) is a new type of planning Although the Government’s intention is document. It is part of the Government’s for local people to decide what goes on in The Localism Act allows the ADNP to new approach to planning, which aims their town, the Localism Act sets out some provide more than the number of houses to give local people more say about important laws. One of these is that all and amount of employment land set out what goes on in their area. This is set neighbourhood plans must meet the ’basic in the Local Plan but it does not allow the out in the ‘Localism Act 2011’, which for conditions’. That is, Neighbourhood Plans Neighbourhood Plan to provide for less. Neighbourhood Planning came into force must: The Plan gives local people the power to in April 2012. q have regard to national policies and decide for example where new housing and The ADNP provides a set of clear aims advice contained in guidance issued by employment should go, and how the town for the future of the town, and sets out the Secretary of State in particular the centre should change. Without the ADNP, planning policies and proposals to realise National Planning Policy Framework Northumberland County Council would these aims. (otherwise known as the NPPF); make these decisions on behalf of the people of Alnwick and Denwick. The ADNP has been developed through • contribute to the achievement of extensive consultation with the people sustainable development; of Alnwick and Denwick and others with • be in general conformity with the 1.3 an interest in the town. Details of the strategic policies of the development What is in the consultation have been recorded in the plan for the area, in our case the Alnwick Neighbourhood Plan? consultation document that is available to District Core Strategy 2007 (ADCS). download from the plan website (The Northumberland Local Plan Core www.alnwick-and-denwick-plan.org.uk Strategy (NLPCS) for the County which Although deciding where new development will replace the ADCS is still developing should go is an important part of the ADNP, but the evidence base of the emerging it is about much more than this. The Plan is plan has been considered in preparing to guide the future of Alnwick and Denwick the ADNP policies and proposals; as a whole. It looks at a wide range of issues, including: • not breach, and must be otherwise compatible with, European Union (EU) • What level of growth in Alnwick would and European Convention on Human be sustainable Rights (ECHR) obligations; • How we ensure we can develop the economy and services of the town

4 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 • How we provide housing that is be possible. In other words some actions • Section 4-10: Neighbourhood Plan affordable and helps young people to could not be directly tackled through the Policies and Community Action stay in the town statutory neighbourhood plan. The Alnwick Proposals, which set out by topic: • How we future proof our housing, and Denwick Community Partnership q a brief description of the topic amenities, services, and public Plan Steering Group however felt it was summarising the key findings transport, to meet the needs of older important that all issues identified by the from evidence and from the issues people and disabled people community were responded to. The ADNP consultation; therefore has been structured in a way that • What we need to do to retain the q the national and county level sets out a number of ‘Community Action community facilities we have planning policy in relation to the Proposals’ (CAP) in each topic area alongside topic; • What we need to do to ensure the way the statutory Neighbourhood Plan to make we move around is more sustainable the area a more attractive place to live, q the objectives for the ADNP in each • How we do all this and still protect the work and visit. These will provide clear topic area; fabulous heritage and environment we indicators for other agencies as to what q policies and proposals to support all enjoy. the community wish to achieve in Alnwick the overall aims in each topic area; and The ADNP responds to these issues by and Denwick. The Community Action putting forward a set of policies that will be Plan setting out the Community Action q a set of community action applied through the planning application Proposals is set out at Appendix 1. proposals in each topic area. process as well as proposals about what • Section 11: Delivering the Plan, which land will be allocated for various uses or 1.4 sets out: protected for the future. How the Neighbourhood q the ways in which the ADNP and Neighbourhood plans will be used in Plan is organised the community action proposals making planning decisions. When a will be brought into life. development or change is proposed in the • To help you understand the ADNP there Plan Area Northumberland County Council After this Introduction the Plan is divided is a glossary at the back explaining the (as the Local Planning Authority) will be into the following sections: more technical terms the Plan refers to. required to refer to the ADNP and check • Section 2: The Future for Alnwick and There is a large amount of background whether proposals are in keeping with Denwick, which sets out: information that has helped in producing policies the community has developed. In • a brief description of the town and the ADNP. What is known as ‘the planning terms the policies set out in the village today; evidence base’ includes a large number ADNP are therefore the most important why Alnwick and Denwick need a of documents that the topic leaders part of the plan. The policies in the plan will q neighbourhood plan; used to prepare the Issues and Options apply for the next 15 years up until 2031. q the vision for Alnwick and Denwick Papers and also the sections of the draft In approaching the issues which the and its communities; and plan. Key documentation is held on the community identified, it was evident Neighbourhood Plan website at: q the overall plan aims. early on that finding complete answers www.alnwick-and-denwick-plan.org.uk to some of them through the policies • Section 3: Sustainable Development and proposals of the ADNP would not Strategy

ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 5 and Denwick Parish Council by the Alnwick The Town Council applied to be a 1.5 and Denwick Neighbourhood Plan Steering Neighbourhood Planning Front Runner How the Neighbourhood Group, a group of local people brought to gain funding from the government in Plan has been prepared together to work on the plan. summer 2011 and being successful with that decided in September 2011 to begin The Steering Group has been assisted the preparation of the ADNP and embarked throughout by Northumberland County The ADNP has been prepared for Alnwick on an initial round of consultation with Council officers. The plan preparation Town Council (The ‘Qualifying Body’ under residents in the plan area about what process involved a number of key steps. the Neighbourhood Planning Regulations) the issues were facing the town and the surrounding area. This took place over the winter of 2011. Alnwick Town Council and Denwick Parish Council jointly decided to prepare the ADNP for the full extent of both their areas for practical reasons because much of the current development on the south east side of the town as well as possible future areas for development actually falls within Denwick Parish (Detached) (See Map). An application was made to the County Council to officially designate the Neighbourhood Plan Area in summer 2012 and the area was subsequently designated on 11 April 2013. Members of the Steering Group worked together in topic groups in 2012 to research the issues raised and identify possible options to solve them. A further round of consultation was held on these issues and options in winter 2012 and the feedback used to prepare the pre-submission draft ADNP in 2013/14. The revised plan was submitted to the County Council in July 2015 and the Regulation 16 consultation was carried out in September 2015. The plan was examined by an independent examiner in winter 2015/16 and subject to modifications was recommended to proceed to referendum.

6 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 THE FUTURE FOR ALNWICK AND DENWICK SECTION 2 2.1 2.2 district. New and innovative models Why Alnwick and Denwick Vision of providing housing for older people need a Neighbourhood Plan will have been established to cater for Our Vision for the plan area is that: the rapidly increasing numbers of older residents in the plan area. There will Alnwick is identified as a main town in • In 2031 Alnwick and Denwick will be a be fewer households in housing need, Northumberland and in large part because more attractive place to live and work houses will be more affordable to heat of its fabulous environment and quality of offering a high quality of life in a safe, and power, and there will be a better life, it is a location that continues to attract healthy, inclusive, community. The match of housing type and size to need; people to live, work and retire here. As character of the town’s heritage and the • There will be a strong and more such it also attracts developers to build qualities of the natural environment diverse economy offering a wider homes and workplaces and for commerce will have been maintained and in range of quality job opportunities generally to view the town as an attractive some instances improved, protected and industrial sites to support rural base, not least in catering for the visitor by strong policies. The landscape innovation as well as the opportunity of and tourist market. Whilst development is setting will be protected and enhanced home-based working. The tourism and to be encouraged it needs to be managed where necessary, with development leisure industries will have developed in a way that can be sustained into the concentrated on previously developed sustainably to be a strong sector of future and in a way that our superb heritage land and land to the south and east employment opportunity; can continue to be enjoyed by future of the town. New development will generations. have contributed to a sense of place • The town centre will be thriving and and local distinctiveness and will be vibrant, providing a range of shopping Alnwick Town Council and Denwick Parish sensitively located, incorporating high and other services and facilities Council wish to take the opportunity standards of design, energy efficiency including living space; presented by Neighbourhood Plans to and sustainability; • A new high school will have been ensure their communities take ownership achieved with school sites fully used by for managing this change to the benefit of • The town and its immediate hinterland their communities for life-long learning, the future of the town. will have expanded its population to a level sufficient to sustain and develop recreation and community activities. the service and employment base; Vacated school sites will have been used for a mix of uses to the betterment • An increase in the provision of of their communities; affordable housing and housing suited to younger people in tandem with job • Alnwick will remain an active base opportunities will have reduced the for primary health care and will have flow of younger people leaving the area secured a network of high quality linked and offered opportunities for those who open spaces designed to allow the local wish to come and live and work in the community to reach improved levels of health and fitness;

ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 7 • The town will be well planned and accessible, promoting inclusion of all 2.3 sectors of the community in the life of Neighbourhood Plan Aims the town and promoting well-being and reducing dependency and isolation of To respond to the challenges facing Alnwick Sport and Recreation older people and disabled people; and Denwick and to achieve this vision by To improve the provision of good quality, • Links to and from and within Alnwick 2031 a number of plan aims have been affordable sports and recreation facilities. will have improved with more journeys developed. These fully reflect the principles undertaken by non-car modes of of sustainability: Transport transport, in particular by walking and cycling. Connectivity to the A1 and the Housing To improve movement around Alnwick east coast mainline and north and south and Denwick, enhance the pedestrian To provide a range of good quality housing, on these corridors will have improved, experience and improve the quality of particularly affordable housing, to meet helping to sustain the local economy public transport facilities and linkages. local need. and providing a choice of transport Environment opportunities; Economy and Employment • Sources of renewable energy will have To improve well-being and reduce the To support, strengthen and diversify been developed with strong local environmental impact of the people Alnwick as the principal employment and links between generation and efficient who live or work in and visit Alnwick and service centre for the wider area. use. Waste production will have been Denwick, to increase the amount of public reduced and recycling increased. Retail and Town Centre open space that is readily accessible to all, Alnwick and Denwick will be making protect and increase biodiversity, practice a positive contribution to the issue of To maintain and develop a vibrant mix of sustainable urban drainage and water climate change; retail and tourism facilities which provide management and make us more resilient to • Overall the town and village will a locally distinctive shopper & visitor increasing fuel prices and climate change. have become a more sustainable experience in the town centre whilst fully neighbourhood where the quality of meeting local needs. Heritage, Design and Culture life has improved through social and To protect and enhance the special community development, economic Community, Leisure and Education Facilities architectural and historic character of the growth and sensitive environmental area as a unique ducal town and promote management. To provide high quality, accessible and its key role in defining local identity and affordable community, leisure and underpinning the local economy. education facilities to meet the needs of all To secure a high quality in the design of all parts of the local community. development and change within the plan area. To sustain and enrich the cultural life of the area.

8 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 PLANNING FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT SECTION 3 3.1 However it is apparent that the town 3.3 faces some key challenges - achieving a The Strategic Policy Introduction population, with a good balance of age groups, maintaining a vibrant economy and Context Trying to make sure that we live in a meeting the future service needs of north more sustainable way has become the Northumberland. From the consultation At the heart of the NPPF is the ‘presumption challenge for us all and the way in which work on the plan so far, it is clear that in favour of sustainable development’ we plan development and change within people see it as essential that future change which is to be seen as a golden thread Alnwick and Denwick is no exception. The in the plan area at least responds to these running through both plan-making and National Planning Policy Framework (the challenges and maintains and where decision-taking. The Government believes NPPF) defines sustainable development possible, improves the quality of life. that the three dimensions to planning for as “meeting the needs of the present sustainable development - the economic without compromising the ability of future role, the social role and the environmental generations to meet their own needs”. 3.2 role - should not be undertaken in isolation The Newcastle Institute for Research on Objective because they are mutually dependent. Sustainability puts this more simply as Economic, social and environmental gains “Enough For All Forever.” should be sought jointly and simultaneously The vision for the ADNP concludes with the through the planning system. Alnwick and Denwick exhibit many of the following statement: characteristics of a sustainable place to live. The NPPF requires the ADNP to set out a Both sit within an unrivalled landscape; Overall the town and village will positive vision for the future of the area and the environmental quality of its air and have become a more sustainable through its policies and proposals ensure water resources is high; the town offers local communities can deliver a shared neighbourhood where the quality of a broad range of housing; the level of vision for their neighbourhood, deliver the life has improved through social and supporting services is generally good with sustainable development they need and set good schooling, shops and health services; community development, economic planning policies to determine decisions on the area has great heritage and cultural growth and sensitive environmental planning applications. management. assets which makes it an attractive visitor The Alnwick District Local Development destination; and the town offers many Framework Core Strategy sets out in its Thus the overarching objective of the plan opportunities for employment. Policies S1 - S3 the strategic principles that is : In many respects therefore the balance will apply to all development proposals in the plan area to ensure they can deliver of environmental quality, economic To contribute to the development of a opportunity and social provision is sustainable outcomes. The policies although sustainable future for the Plan area and reasonably good within the plan area predating the NPPF, are consistent with contributing to a good quality of life. an improving quality of life for all. it and can be taken as the basis on which

ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 9 the presumption in favour of sustainable Thus in implementing the Neighbourhood The ADNP will be the principal means development will apply. Plan we are trying to ensure that as far as by which we ensure that development possible Alnwick remains a sustainable and change can be managed in a way • Policy S1 requires new development to market town and that a balance of that delivers a sustainable future for the accord with the settlement hierarchy, economic, social and environmental residents and businesses of both the town in which Alnwick is a focus for improvements is maintained. To ensure and village. development and reflect the level of this can be achieved the town needs to services present, accessibility and the Accordingly the following Alnwick and accommodate development and change character of the settlement. Denwick Sustainable Development Strategy but to do this in an integrated way. We will guide all development and change and • Policy S2 prioritises previously should not simply accommodate new sets out the basis on which the presumption developed land and buildings over housing without encouraging employment in favour of sustainable development set other sites within the urban area and growth and the development of services to out in the NPPF will apply to the plan area: over sites outside but adjoining the support new and relocating residents. urban area. • Policy S3 of the Core Strategy sets out the criteria for ensuring sustainable Alnwick and Denwick development. Sustainable Development Strategy Some elements of policy S3 are covered by the emerging Northumberland Local Plan 1 The town of Alnwick will be the key location for development and regeneration where it can be supported by a range of services and facilities. Core Strategy but given that policy S3 is unlikely to be ‘saved’ after adoption of the 2 A range of land uses will be achieved within the plan area so that people can minimise the need to travel for employment, shopping, leisure, education and other activities. NLPCS it is proposed to build those policy principles not covered by the NLPCS into 3 Growth and development will achieve a balance between homes, jobs, services and green space and will be sustainable in the long term. the ADNP. 4 There is adequate existing or planned capacity in the physical, community and environmental infrastructure serving the plan area or that it can be provided in time to 3.4 accommodate the development. Building a Sustainable 5 The compact urban form of Alnwick will be maintained. Future for Alnwick and 6 Priority will be given to the effective use of previously developed land. Denwick 7 Full and effective use will be made of empty buildings. 8 Linkages will be made between key areas of the town via green corridors allowing safe walking and cycling. We cannot assume that retaining the status 9 Any physical or environmental constraints on development or change of use as a result quo will necessarily maintain the present of flood risk, contamination, land instability or biodiversity have been assessed and can quality of life in Alnwick and Denwick. We be accommodated by mitigation or adaptation. have seen some services removed from 10 Quality of heritage, ecological and environmental assets including water and air quality Alnwick in recent years, employment will be preserved and enhanced. opportunities changing, shops and other facilities closing, whilst others have opened.

10 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 HOUSING SECTION

4.1 in the housing sector whereas Denwick is 4.1.3 Policy context 4 typified by very small incremental change Context Key policy guidance is provided at National to the existing housing stock and very little level by the NPPF and at a local level by the new build. 4.1.1 Introduction adopted Alnwick District LDF Core Strategy. The ADNP will play a key role in ensuring The main points in relation to housing are Alnwick is a popular and attractive place to that sufficient housing land is delivered set out below: live and retire to, accessible to Tyneside and to meet housing requirements identified with an enviable natural and built heritage in evidence supporting the emerging NPPF which means there is a healthy demand for Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Neighbourhood Plans in the context of the housing from outside the area as well as in the period up to 2031, and local housing NPPF must at least provide for the level of demand from an anticipated growth in the needs identified by housing needs housing set out in the development plan number of households locally. It also has surveys. It will seek to guide new housing although it may provide for more. a thriving tourism economy resulting in a development to sustainable locations in significant demand for second and holiday Alnwick. It will also seek to target the use of The NPPF looks to boost the supply homes. previously developed land where available of homes and requires local planning authorities to ensure that plans meet the The town and its surroundings have whilst respecting the character and scale of full need for market and affordable housing historically had a constrained housing supply the surroundings. A broad mix of housing consistent with NPPF policies. The NPPF for various reasons plus currently continuing types suitable for different households will requires a 5 year supply of deliverable sites recessionary effects in the housing market. contribute to the creation of a mixed and to be maintained and where possible, a These factors together mean housing needs sustainable community. supply of developable sites beyond 5 years generally are not all met and the price of for up to 15 years ahead. The NPPF requires housing is high relative to incomes. 4.1.2 Constraints for the that plans provide for a mix of housing The continuing gap between household Neighbourhood Plan catering for different groups, identify the income levels and house prices results q Physical development constraints – the size, type, and, tenure of housing required in much of the local resident population historic landscape constraints north of and where an affordable housing need being unable to purchase or rent property the town and the A1 corridor means has been identified, plans should provide on the open market – a particular problem that most development options for for it. Plans should also make sure that for young people. The area also is seeing housing in Alnwick are to the south and empty vacant stock is brought back into use an increase in the average age of the east of the town. including through the use of Compulsory population which raises issues at the Purchase Order (CPO) powers. q Marketability and deliverability – the other end of the age spectrum in terms of limited strength of Alnwick as a housing The Plan area includes open countryside older persons’ housing needs and under- market means that new housing may and within these areas the NPPF supports occupation of existing stock. have to be phased in terms of its release the development of housing in limited Alnwick is characterised by ongoing change onto the market. circumstances, which includes meeting

HOUSING | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 11 the needs of rural workers, enabling The NLPCS takes the view that extending that a higher housing requirement than development to secure the future of choice in the housing market will assist that proposed in Policy S4 of the ADCS (30 heritage assets or and where development economic development and accordingly per year in Alnwick up to 2016 and 17 units would reuse redundant buildings, amongst seeks to ensure a mix of size and tenure per year up to 2021) may be deliverable. In other things. type in housing to be provided, as well as the spirit of guidance on Neighbourhood encouraging specialist housing provision Planning, as the ADNP wishes to deliver a The NPPF places significant importance to meet the needs of the elderly and higher volume of new houses, supported on ensuring quality sustainable design in vulnerable groups in the population. by the NLPCS evidence base it is not development and ensuring that housing considered that exceeding the control totals reflects local distinctiveness and improves In view of the ongoing need for affordable in Policy S4 raises an issue of conformity. the character of the area including guidance housing, particularly in the north and where necessary on housing density. west of the county, the NLPCS identifies The ADCS put in place a strong affordable an overall target need for 30% affordable housing policy (Policy S6) requiring 35% Northumberland Local Plan – Core Strategy – housing in the county although given provision on sites of 10 or more dwellings in (NLPCS) current provision in the pipeline only 15% Alnwick and over 0.33 hectares in area. The housing strategy for Northumberland affordable provision is to be required in the NLPCS is to ensure housing in the short term. 4.2 development supports diverse and resilient communities and complements Alnwick District Local Development Objectives for the Framework Core Strategy 2007 (ADCS) economic growth aspirations. In particular Neighbourhood Plan there is a need to boost significantly the For the present and until the NLPCS is supply of family housing to attract families adopted, the former Alnwick District Core In response to the research into housing into Northumberland increasing the Strategy (ADCS) remains the principal issues and in pursuit of the overall housing economically active population. policy document with which the ADNP aim for the plan, the following are the plan must conform. The ADCS is reflected in The spatial approach of the NLPCS is to objectives: the emerging NLPCS in that it proposes to focus development in the main towns and focus housing development in the main • Provide sufficient land to meet Alnwick service centres (including Alnwick) which settlements of Alnwick and Amble (Policy and Denwick’s housing requirements are the key hubs for services. New housing S1) and sets out a tiered approach to to 2031 particularly the need for development in the open countryside is to development giving priority to previously affordable housing; continue to be restricted. developed land, then other sites within • Provide a choice of sizes, types and The NLPCS sets the amount of housing for Alnwick before suitable sites adjoining the tenure of quality housing particularly each delivery area and each main town built up area (Policy S2). creating opportunities for young and and service centre, prioritises housing The ADCS was required to restrict housing older people. development on previously developed land growth in response to restrictions in the and seeks a mix of housing at appropriate Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS). However densities. the demise of the RSS and the greater flexibility proposed in the NLPCS means

12 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 | HOUSING demand that will attract families and majority of those commenting at the issues 4.3 younger economically active in-migrants and options stage considered the level of Policies and Proposals to the benefit of the town’s economy new homes proposed to be ‘about right’. and services, helping to offset the ageing population. 4.3.1 The Housing requirement 4.3.2 Providing the requirement The NLPCS strategy for Alnwick is therefore The evidence base for the NLPCS pulls The figure of 1000 -1100 homes covers to provide for a level of housing growth together a number of evidence strands to the period 2011-31. As at 30/9/14, 113 slightly above the national population inform the likely housing requirement for dwellings had been completed towards projection to support a diverse and resilient the North Northumberland delivery area this supply leaving 987 dwellings to be community and to complement economic and Alnwick. (See ADNP Issues and Options – provided of which 455 already have full growth aspirations. Housing Paper 2012 and NLPCS Evidence Base planning permission and are either under Documents.) This targeted increase in development construction or still to be started. The based on population growth trends for housing supply the plan must provide is It is clear from the evidence that the the area, with Alnwick receiving slightly therefore c530 units (See Table HSG1). previous housing requirement set out in more than its pro-rata share, means a figure the RSS sought to suppress the supply This supply can come from two sources – around 25% of the North Northumberland significantly below the level of projected allocations in the plan and windfall sites total and is justified in order to ensure more household growth in the north of the (i.e. those coming forward outside of housing is delivered where there is access County. Although actual completion rates, development plan allocations). to services and to encourage employment particularly in Alnwick, have been closer growth in the same location. Based on the The NPPF states that LPAs “may make an to projected household growth than evidence from the NLPCS, this means a allowance for windfall sites ... if they have elsewhere in the North Northumberland housing requirement of around 1000-1100 compelling evidence that such sites have delivery area, there are still clear signs in dwellings between 2011 and 2031. consistently become available in the local Alnwick of ‘overheating’ in the housing area and will continue to provide a reliable market where supply has not been able to We need to ensure that we get the housing source of supply. Any allowance should fully meet needs. supply right for a number of reasons be realistic having regard to the Strategic – too little and the problems above of The Housing Needs Study of 2012 identifies Housing Land Availability Assessment unmet needs arise – too much and the a housing market still squeezed by high (SHLAA), historic windfall delivery rates and development of Alnwick is unlikely to be demand from outside the plan area for expected future trends, and should not sustainable. Too much could simply result in both second/holiday homes and retirement include residential gardens”. Alnwick becoming a dormitory settlement homes, which with a constrained supply has for Tyneside, particularly with completion Although in the period since 2010 an led to unmet local housing needs. of A1 dualling. Housing growth needs to average of 34 units a year came from In addition to meeting local housing needs be supported by local jobs growth and windfall in Alnwick, discounting the 2 large to ensure the younger economically active by the right level of service provision. The brownfield sites at Lagny Street and New population stay in Alnwick, we also need to Neighbourhood Plan can ensure this level Row in 2010/11, the annual average from provide some stock to meet open market of housing growth is sustainable and the windfall is much lower at c3 units a year. Where a plan is being prepared, as in this

HOUSING | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 13 case, following a rigorous SHLAA process, was allocated in the ADNP but has now the opportunity for hitherto unidentified POLICY been granted full planning permission for sites to come forward as windfall is likely Quantity of 271 homes and 58 extra care apartments. to be extremely small. For these reasons H1 There are only 2 other areas of any size it is not proposed to count more than Housing that the site assessment identified as being c50 units of windfall towards the overall Housing sites will be brought forward available, developable and deliverable and Neighbourhood Plan housing supply over over the plan period at a rate to provide those are land east of Allerburn Lea and the plan period from 2015 to 2031. around 1100 new dwellings between 2011 land to the south of Ravensmount, both and 2031. accessed off Alnmouth Road. The allocated sites therefore need to provide c482 dwellings. (See Table HSG1.) These two greenfield sites inevitably adjoin existing development on the town’s Table HSG1 Housing Supply position forward on the current Duchess’s High fringes and as such it will be necessary School main site in association with the to use structural landscaping and green Total dwellings required 2011 - 31 1100 development of the new High School site. corridors between the existing and new Dwellings completed As set out in the Community Facilities development to protect the amenities and 1/4/11 to 30/9/14 113 chapter, potential changes in schooling may living conditions of existing residents on the result in the middle school sites becoming edge of the urban area. On both these sites Remaining Requirement 2014-31 987 available in part for housing. If the sites a masterplan or development brief will be a Dwellings under construction 93 were to come forward during the life of key initial requirement. the Neighbourhood Plan they would be Dwellings with planning permission considered against policy CF5 and ENV3. not started as at 30/9/14 (including POLICY Greensfield Full permission) 362 Because the majority of the available previously developed land is now on Location of Total known supply at 30/9/14 H2 smaller sites and constitutes a probable (including Greensfield) 455 Housing supply of about 130 homes it has been Outstanding requirement 532 necessary to allocate some greenfield Development land. Three such sites are proposed within Expected windfall dwellings Housing provision will be made on those areas identified in the Alnwick the sites allocated on the Proposals at c3 per year 50 Landscape Character Supplementary Map and follow the guidelines in Table Supply from allocated sites Planning Document as being capable of HSG2. In respect of the major greenfield in the plan 482 accommodating development without allocations, (H2-1 and H2-2) planning applications should be accompanied by undue impact on the landscape setting of a master plan or development brief that the town and following a site assessment demonstrates how the new development 4.3.3 Housing location process to ensure sites are in line with integrates with the town and respects the sustainable development principles. living conditions of existing residents on We want to be able to continue to give the urban edge. priority to remaining previously developed Land at Greensfield Farm accessed from land and land which needs to be brought the proposed new High School access road

14 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 | HOUSING Table HSG2 Housing Allocations

REF HOUSING SITE AREA GUIDE GUIDELINE (HECTARES) CAPACITY REQUIREMENTS

Large Sites over 1 hectare H2-1 Land east of Allerburn Lea 15.52 270 Design for site needs to leave extensive green corridor down east side of Allerburn Lea /West Acres housing, account for Fisher Lane Public Right Of Way, hedgerow and landscape structure, provide structural landscaping on and off site and provide access improvements to Alnmouth Road. The design may also have to account for A1 road noise. Improvements to public transport services to serve the site will be required. H2-2 Land south west of 4.5 70 Design for site needs to leave green corridor down south-east side of Oaky Balks housing, account Ravensmount and for Public Right Of Way through site towards former railway embankment, and provide access Alnmouth Road improvements to Alnmouth Road. The design will also have to account for A1 road noise and include acoustic fencing. The site adjoins a Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Habitat which must be preserved. H2-3 Duchess’s High School, 1.9 60 Design for this site must take into account important inward views of the town from the north, the Howling Lane Wash Burn corridor on the east side of the site, specimen trees and the future of the greenfield part of the site for recreation. H2-4 Allerburn House, 1.32 20 Design for the site must account for mature specimen trees, the retention of the main section of Denwick Lane Allerburn House given its importance as a local heritage asset and the elevated relationship of the site over Allerburn Lea. The site adjoins a Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Habitat which must be preserved. H2-5 Land at former 1.00 15 Site had full permission for 15 self build plots. Infrastructure has been provided but development Thomas Percy School, will now proceed via development as one site rather than as self build. Design needs to consider Blakelaw Road close elevated relationship over houses in Blakelaw Road and needs to protect greenspace to west as recreational land.

Small Sites under 1 hectare H2-6 Fire Station, South Road 0.67 15 Design needs to account for existing housing and its access and relationship to supermarket planned on adjoining site including delivery bay and service yard etc. H2-7 Former bus garage, 0.25 10 Site has permission on appeal for extra care elderly persons’ accommodation but the ADNP Lisburn Terrace preference is for the site to be developed for housing in a flatted or town house format. The site adjoins a Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Habitat which must be preserved and may be affected by a former mine entrance. The site is on a gateway into the conservation area and design will be expected to reflect this.. H2-8 Land adjoining Old 0.25 6 Design needs to account for tree’d nature of site, setting of conservation area, listed buildings and Vicarage, Ratten Row adjacent Wash Burn. H2-9 Roxburgh Place 0.14 10 Design brief for site needs to allow for elevated position over properties in Bondgate Within, Public Right Of Way through site, relationship to the listed Corn Exchange and retention of public car park. Given the location in the Conservation Area design to a high standard will be required. H2-10 Bank Top, Rugley Road 0.7 6 Mix of family size and smaller dwellings. Vehicular access to be taken from Rugley Road. Design intention is that this will be a low density with modest houses located in large plots.

Total Allocation 482 Balance of supply is made up by sites with planning permission or on windfall sites.

HOUSING | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 15 4.3.4 Catering for specific needs at Greensfield will go a long way to meeting need but to date in Alnwick, only c100 Existing housing models and market sheltered units at Bondgate Without and delivery are not responding to specific Park View have been provided. needs for example from young, old and disabled people. There is a need for the In respect of both age groups and other ADNP to really make its mark by innovative specialist needs, housing partners in the approaches to produce working housing plan area will work to develop innovative models for these groups. models of housing provision and new methods of delivery. Homelessness is becoming a serious issue amongst young people particularly. For the first time in Alnwick, 2012 saw 7 cases 4.3.5 Ensuring choice of housing – of young people homeless and sleeping types, size and tenure rough. 59 young people are registered as Providing an appropriate quantity of needs to deliver choice and selection in the seeking housing related support. housing in sustainable locations is only part size, type and tenure of housing. At the other end of the age spectrum of the story. The NPPF makes it clear that External factors can have major implications COMMUNITY ACTION population projections in the 2012 there must be a choice of housing to ensure on the housing market in different and PROPOSAL Northumberland Housing Needs Survey that people can occupy housing that is best unexpected ways. For example the H CAP 1 indicate that between 2008 and 2031 there suited to their needs. recession and difficult employment will be a 46.6% increase in the over 65’s with Develop projects to provide For some time in Alnwick, in the years before prospects, coupled with devalued pensions the number of over 85 year olds doubling in young, elderly & disabled and after the millennium, new build housing means that people both in their working the same period. The 2012 Northumberland populations with appropriate largely took the form of family housing lives and in retirement may not be able to Housing Needs Survey also identified that types of supported for sale on larger estates such as Allerburn afford owner-occupation. It is not difficult 25.7% of Northumberland households had accommodation. Lea and Fairfields. It is true to say however to foresee a scenario, as a result of these someone in the property with a disability, of that, particularly with the development of factors, where there is a steep increase in which half were over the age of 65 and only some of the brownfield sites in the centre the need for both social rented property 11% of properties were suitably adapted, of the town, there has been a switch to the and quality privately rented stock as an leaving 16.6% not adapted. This means that development of smaller units in apartment alternative to owner-occupation. Another as well as additional extra care provision, and townhouse formats. There are mixed factor is the effect that changes to the housing developments will have to change views in the town as to whether the benefit system will have on housing choice. to see higher levels of well-designed pendulum has swung too far in this direction In recent years single bedroom properties specialist housing for example lifetime with a large number of apartments coming in the Alnwick area have dropped out of homes, sheltered housing and other forms on the market at the same time with the favour almost entirely with all households of assisted living. The David Couttie Study of development of the Gentoo sites under the wherever possible opting for the flexibility Alnwick District in 2008 set a requirement of Homes and Communities Agency Kick Start offered by a second bedroom. However 491 units of sheltered accommodation and Programme. However, the take-up of these the benefit changes are forcing an end to 123 units of extra care housing. The recent smaller units indicates that their provision this greater flexibility and a return to the grant of permission for the extra care facility was needed. The reality is that the ADNP construction of one bedroom units.

16 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 | HOUSING It is clear from these trends and the rapid increase in the demand for, and hence North Northumberland sub-area. The key national policy in the NPPF that the ADNP prices of, property in and around the town. issues identified by the assessment were must secure choice, particularly on all Pressure arose in particular as a result of the declining affordability in the housing major development sites through a policy people looking to acquire second / holiday market and the role that housing can play encouraging a range of house types, sizes homes or homes for retirement. With in regeneration. The assessment confirmed and tenures, but without the policy being people from further afield having a stronger that increased house prices and low wage too prescriptive as to specifics to ensure the purchasing power, the local house-buyer levels were effectively pricing out the ADNP can respond to differing needs over found it very hard to compete. Although resident population from the housing time. the recession has resulted in a slowing of market. the market and a slight drop in prices it Recent affordable delivery in Alnwick has also discouraged construction leading was given a major boost as a result of the POLICY to a reduced supply of new stock. With Gentoo developments at Ropery Court Ensuring a employment uncertainties this has also and Towergate under the Homes and H3 made it harder for people to afford housing Choice of Communities Agency Kickstart programme. and the ratio of prices to household income However affordable housing need remains Housing – a ratio of about 8:1 – continues to cause a an issue and in Alnwick, the main means On sites over 0.25 hectares in size severe affordability problem for Alnwick and of delivering affordable housing will residential developments will be required Denwick. to provide a mix of formats and sizes of continue to be through cross subsidy in dwellings to ensure a range of housing Providing for affordable housing is mixed developments of market housing choice is available to meet housing need. important in helping to retain younger such as Greensfield and Willoughby’s Bank. On larger sites over 1 hectare a mix of population and in recruiting staff, That means that developers of new market tenures will also be required to cater for particularly younger or lower skilled housing schemes will have to provide some different needs including market housing workers on whom the tourism and caring affordable housing as part of their scheme and affordable housing. An exception to professions depend. Both sectors are – thereby ensuring that the community these requirements will only be permitted significant employers in the Alnwick benefits from an increase in the stock of where the intention is to meet a specific economy. The housing provided needs to affordable housing. housing need which requires a particular increase the amount of affordable housing type or tenure of housing and which is Draft versions of the ADNP included an and seek to deliver smaller housing units supported by clear and recent evidence. affordable housing policy but for the appealing to the younger and first time following reason it is not necessary to retain buyers who wish to live and work in the it in the final plan. district. Recent work on the Alnwick and Denwick 4.3.6 Delivering affordability Northumberland County Council Housing Needs Survey which was a commissioned David Couttie Associates Prior to the recession house prices Community Action Proposal of this plan to carry out a Countywide Housing Needs nationwide, and in Alnwick District, rose has identified a lower level of need than Survey which reported in summer 2012. sharply. Country Life magazine voted previously expected and, given the The study used 3 sub areas as identified in Alnwick town the best place to live in the UK committed supplies of affordable housing the Strategic Housing Market Assessment in 2002. This contributed to a dramatic and in the Alnwick area, the level of provision (SHMA) and Alnwick forms part of the

HOUSING | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 17 COMMUNITY ACTION sought in the original ADNP affordable millennium being constructed to developer sustainable for the future e.g. ensuring PROPOSAL housing policy was too high. The level standard styles and not considering what homes are energy efficient and affordable required in the emerging NLPCS policy of complements and enhances the Alnwick to heat and run. H CAP 2 15% in the short term rising back to 30% in townscape nor considering how new The Government’s decision to revise Use the findings of the 2016 the longer term will be adequate to address housing integrates with the town and its Building Regulations as the statutory basis Alnwick and Denwick Housing affordability requirements in Alnwick and community. Since 2000 and on smaller for enforcing environmental sustainability Needs Survey in negotiations there is therefore no need for a locally brownfield sites, development has been in new housing design is welcomed but between developers and the specific policy in the neighbourhood plan. more successful in fitting with Alnwick’s quality in design and the need to create County Council on housing urban grain. Opportunities on previously Affordable housing delivery in Alnwick fully sustainable residential developments developments to determine developed sites however are decreasing and Denwick will therefore depend on the goes beyond this. CABE at the Design the appropriate size, type and and, in order to meet housing needs, the adopted policy S6 of the ADCS until the Council and its partners have produced tenure mix of affordable housing ADNP is allocating sites on the periphery of NLPCS is adopted. Building for Life 12 which provides a robust to be provided through the the town much of which will be in exposed basis to assess the overall quality of housing development. On all sites over 10 units therefore either a locations. This means that the design and design. This together with the Lifetime contribution of on-site affordable units or a landscaping of new housing will be critical if Homes Standard will give objective means financial contribution will be required. The it is to integrate with the existing fabric and to assess new housing and ensure that preference is that direct provision should develop a sense of place. we can provide sustainable housing that be made on site and this will apply to all Policy HD1, 6, 7, and 9 set out the principles will complement Alnwick and Denwick as allocated sites in the plan over 10 units. and criteria that must apply to the visual a place to live, ensuring that new living The findings of the Alnwick and Denwick design of new housing and its aesthetics. environments integrate with the facilities Housing Needs Survey will provide the The NPPF however stresses that good and context of the town and contribute to detailed information regarding the size, design is not just about the way housing its distinctiveness. type and tenure mix of affordable housing looks or sits in the landscape - it is about that is required to best meet affordable For the larger sites allocated in the plan it design as a whole. We must secure housing needs as required in HCAP2 and the survey is also proposed that we will encourage that provides a quality of life and that is evidence will be used in negotiating the developers to invite the North East Design appropriate mix on individual sites. POLICY COMMUNITY ACTION 4.3.7 Delivering quality in housing PROPOSAL design and local distinctiveness ExistingH4 Housing Design H CAP 3 Given the landscape character and heritage New housing, including conversions and the development of individual plots in the plan Introduce an annual award quality of Alnwick, if new housing is going area, will be required to demonstrate that a high standard of design will be achieved. scheme that celebrates high to be successfully incorporated into the quality new housing design. town, particularly on its periphery, we Design and Access Statements (to be submitted with planning applications for new have to address the quality of design and housing in all cases) and master plans and development briefs where appropriate should demonstrate that they have given consideration to Building for Life 12 and the Lifetime local distinctiveness. The town has not Homes Standard (or their successor documents). had a prestigious past in this respect, with the larger housing estates prior to the

18 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 | HOUSING Review and Enabling Service to consider benefits of helping to meet housing needs, Alnwick in the most sustainable locations. proposed designs at an early stage and regenerating the town centre and reducing However it is recognised that in drawing provide comments on them. the need for travel as people are co-located the Neighbourhood Plan area wider than with shops and services. the town, rural housing needs within Denwick Parish will arise periodically. 4.3.8 Making more effective use of It is also open to the County Council to use Given the extent of the housing allocations existing stock compulsory purchase powers as advocated proposed in the ADNP and the close in the NPPF to acquire vacant housing stock, In addition to providing new build housing relationship between Denwick and Alnwick refurbish it and bring it back into use. stock it is important that the ADNP ensures it is not considered that a general housing that the existing housing stock is used In order to ensure the existing stock can allocation or indeed a rural exception site effectively to help meet housing needs. assist in meeting needs more effectively the allocation in the village would be either Many households can meet their need for following policy will apply along with appropriate or necessary. H CAP 4: a new or larger house by extending the The NPPF requires planning authorities home they occupy. Permitted Development to avoid new isolated homes in the rights allow householders to extend their POLICY open countryside other than in special homes within certain limits. Additionally the COMMUNITY ACTION circumstances. PROPOSAL ADNP will allow extensions beyond these Existing limits that are in keeping with the scale H5 Stock It is accepted that from time to time the H CAP 4 needs of rural businesses may result in and design of the original house, respect Identify vacant and disused Extensions to existing dwellings beyond housing for rural workers being necessary. the street scene and respect the living permitted development limits will be accommodation within the town In addition redundant rural buildings do conditions of neighbours. supported where: centre suitable for refurbishment / offer the opportunity for the sustainable conversion for housing. In Alnwick, as elsewhere, there are cases • The scale and design of the reuse of existing built form in the where the existing stock is under-occupied extension complements and countryside to provide limited housing as a result of the household reducing respects the scale and design of the within the Plan area which is supported original property; in size - for example elderly households by national policy. Finally, there may be continuing to occupy large family housing. • The extension respects the character occasions where a dwelling which is still However more seriously in Alnwick there is of the street scene; and in use reaches the end of its useful life and a problem of properties being deliberately • The privacy, daylight, sunlight and cannot be repaired or refurbished and it left vacant. Stock that is held vacant is amenity of adjoining residents are may be reasonable to allow a replacement often in poorer condition and in need of safeguarded. dwelling to be constructed. refurbishment particularly in respect of its energy efficiency. Notwithstanding the normal restriction on new housing in the countryside, it is Encouraging owners to make underused appropriate for development in these 3 or vacant property particularly in the 4.3.9 Housing in the rural area circumstances to be allowed. town centre, available to a housing trust The expectation regarding housing in or association for refurbishment and the ADNP area is that it will be provided subsequent rental, will have the multiple essentially within and on the outskirts of

HOUSING | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 19 SECTION ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT

5 • The potential of the town to capitalise 5.1.3 Policy context 5.1 on local food and local energy sectors; Key policy guidance is provided at Context • The importance of expanding the national level by the National Planning town’s infrastructure including Policy Framework, (NPPF) and at a local 5.1.1 Introduction highways, parking and public transport level by the adopted Alnwick District to assist economic growth; This section considers the location, scale LDF Core Strategy, and the emerging and type of employment land to meet the • The potential to bring back underused Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy. needs of the town in its capacity as a main buildings in the town into economic use; The main points in relation to employment rural service centre. The town needs to meet • The wish to see continued support for land are set out below: both its own needs and that of a wider rural growth in the tourism sector by improving NPPF hinterland which it serves. The Plan also Alnwick as a tourist destination. Section 1 Building a strong competitive considers how existing employment assets economy sets out the Government’s and the town centre might contribute 5.1.2 Historical context commitment to growth and “ensuring that towards future economic prosperity. Employment land has, in the post war years, the planning system does everything it can Planning for sustainable development in been provided on a range of small scale to support sustainable economic growth”... Alnwick is critical to wider socio-economic industrial estates, generally comprising a “Significant weight should be placed on the objectives such as retaining an active variety of rural and service industries and need to support economic growth through working population, retaining young people suppliers. Like in many service centres, the planning system”. and attracting new investment to the town. modern requirements for employment Of particular relevance to Alnwick, the plan Responses to the Alnwick & Denwick land now requires a much wider range of should: Neighbourhood Plan issues and options businesses to be provided for, from general consultation stages provided the following industrial uses to sensitive office, service • “Set a clear economic vision and key comments: sector and tourism related uses. Other new strategy for their area which positively and proactively encourages economic • The importance of supporting growth uses, such as car showrooms and retail growth.” in the town generally; trade centres have also tended to gravitate towards employment locations. There is • “Set criteria or identify strategic sites for • The need particularly to provide therefore a requirement to meet the needs local or inward investment to match the more employment opportunity for of a much more diversified employment strategy and to meet anticipated needs young people, including graduates sector than in the past. Retail and service over the plan period.” and to counter an imbalanced ageing sector growth has also been an important population; • “Support existing business sectors component of recent economic and … and plan for new or emerging • The need to support new and employment growth and this is likely to sectors likely to locate in their area. existing businesses and facilitate continue in the future. The plan considers Policies should be flexible enough to entrepreneurship; how the potential growth in these sectors accommodate needs not anticipated in should be realised.

20 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 | ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT the plan and allow a rapid response to the period that the Neighbourhood Plan ELR also notes the preferred location to be changes in economic circumstances.” reviews the effectiveness and adequacy of areas adjacent to existing industrial/business that strategy. parks east of the A1 on the south side of the town. Alnwick Local Development Framework Core Tourism is recognised for its positive Strategy 2007 contribution to the economy accounting for The NLPCS predicts high tourism growth Key policies and objectives of the adopted some 13% of the former district’s economy. over the plan period. Pertinent to Alnwick Development Plan in respect of economy Tourism development such as hotels, health it notes: are to: and fitness, restaurants and accommodation • Tourism development: both attractions are generally directed to the main service • Provide sufficient land to meet and accommodation should be centres, including Alnwick. This has the employment needs, facilitate economic encouraged, in the first instance, to be dual effect of protecting sensitive areas diversification and achieve sustainable located within or adjacent to the county’s such as the coastal AONB, and facilitating levels of economic growth. large settlements or service centres; sustainability benefits by reducing travel to • Encourage the regeneration of and facilities and supporting the town’s services • Some tourism related developments enhance the role, vitality and viability of and shops. such as those associated with outdoor the district market towns as key service pursuits may also be appropriate in countryside locations within the plan centres. Northumberland Local Plan – Core Strategy • Promote the development of (NLPCS) area; sustainable tourism. • For tourist accommodation proposals The above document, issued for consultation on the edge of a settlement, the Council Alnwick is identified as a main rural centre in 2015 still does not carry the full weight of should assess these based on the which offers “the greatest range of housing, an adopted plan but but indicates emerging benefits that would be delivered given employment and service opportunities” policy direction at the County level. the pressing need for more bed spaces, and is identified as “a main focus for new With regard to economy the key points relate and the effect on the viability and development in the district”. In increasing to the role of Alnwick as a service centre, and vitality of any affected settlement. the former district’s employment allocation how it will meet future needs in respect of the Inspector advised “it is appropriate In summary there is support for economic economic development, recognising that for the majority to be in Alnwick where growth through the existing Alnwick market towns will be key drivers of economic demand is keenest and a wide area served”. LDF, and emerging NLPCS. However the activity. guidance published by Government in The Core Strategy recognises important The NLPCS relies upon an Employment Land the 2012 NPPF provides a much clearer links with education, communications, the Review (ELR) to inform future needs across economic growth agenda to which Alnwick availability of housing to attract an active the County. 10 Hectares of new employment as a main service centre must respond. workforce and the provision of a wide land for B-class uses is proposed for Alnwick. The Plan should therefore create conditions range of job opportunities to reduce out- The ADNP has however reviewed the to enable strong economic growth in the commuting and the loss of economically adequacy of supply, given developments future. active people, and allocates land for which have taken place or been granted employment development in the period planning permission since the 2009 ELR was 2004-21. It is important, mid-way through undertaken, amounting to around 5 ha. The

ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 21 and accessible year-round tourism retain young people and to retain a higher 5.2 destination proportion of economically active people. Objectives for the • To improve the range and quality of For younger people, and a socially mobile Neighbourhood Plan accommodation and other visitor- population, reducing opportunities in related services employment, leisure, retailing and services could lead to a reduction in the population • To encourage investment that will 5.2.1 The following have been in those groups, at a time when rural areas, enhance the appeal of visitor attractions including Alnwick, are following a national identified as the economic and activities objectives for Alnwick and trend of an ageing population. Creating • To encourage visitors to spend more the Plan the optimum level of economic growth time in Alnwick town centre is therefore seen as beneficial in creating • To encourage more visitors to walk, a socially balanced and economically Economy cycle and use public transport prosperous community. It will also reduce • To act as a main service centre to • To meet the above objectives in a the need for out-commuting for work and support the wider rural hinterland sustainable and environmentally maximise opportunity for employment and economy sensitive way. across the community and is sustainable in • To offer a range of employment that respect. The Plan also responds to the opportunities to assist in retaining a needs of business and delivery of diversity young and vibrant population and to 5.3 of employment in a way which is accessible create wealth within the town Plan Policies and to all residents and is also intended to be flexible enough to adapt, for example to • To provide a positive framework for Proposals rural diversification new business opportunities which could arise through an ageing population profile. • To meet the needs of potential new 5.3.1 The level of economic investment and new and existing The direction of economic policy at a development businesses within the town national and county level is to promote • To assist and enable growth and Historically Alnwick would have been growth, and this view is also reflected in diversification of the local economy similar in scale to other large market towns the public consultation responses to the such as Hexham and Morpeth, but growth Alnwick & Denwick Plan. • To provide flexibility to meet potential in Alnwick, particularly in the post war changes in demand through the plan An examination of actual physical years has been slower, partly due to its period development of employment land in location beyond the Tyneside commuter Alnwick over the past ten years shows that • To provide an integrated approach to belt. In recent years there has been an economic development with other around 11ha, or 1.1ha per year has been increased level of activity, mainly driven developed. The past 10 years has been a key topic areas of housing, retailing, by the tourism economy. The Plan to 2031 infrastructure and education. period of mixed economic fortunes and is to encourage a higher level of growth there is no reason to suppose that on Tourism with the objective of attracting new average the rate of development will be investment and employment. That would • To establish Alnwick as a high quality significantly less over the neighbourhood create greater opportunity to attract and plan period. Using this as a guide for

22 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 | ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT the plan period, 18.7ha of land would of 12 hectares is broadly consistent with free from constraints to development. Land be required, a little in excess of the level that report’s findings for Alnwick and the is therefore required in locations which are proposed in the NLPCS. emerging draft NLPCS. both easy and cost effective to develop and attractive to employers. Visibility and Currently around 6ha of land remains Policy E1 seeks to promote strong economic accessibility are important to some users, available on the town’s main employment growth, at a sustainable level. high levels of service infrastructure such as sites east of the A1, (see Table EM1), along electricity supply to others. This, along with with some small scale and constrained POLICY the sensitivity of the landscape, limits the sites elsewhere. In order to meet the Providing choice of locations for new employment identified needs for the period to 2031 the areas in Alnwick. Neighbourhood Plan therefore allocates E1 for Economic around 12ha of additional land. This will Growth Northumberland County Council has enable the town to offer a range of sites undertaken a landscape review which helps Development proposals which support to suit different employment needs and to guide development to less sensitive provision of job opportunities and the flexibility in line with National Guidance and sustainable development and economic areas, for example, away from the Capability past trends. growth of Alnwick as a major service Brown historic landscapes to the north of centre will be supported where they can the town. Other factors such as ownership, Table EM1 Employment Land be achieved without significant impact on accessibility and physical factors provide Supply the environment. more of a constraint to the west.

Site Area in Hectares Therefore with regard to location, the 5.3.2 The location of economic options of appropriate land allocations for Small scale sites 0.25 development employment use are limited to areas on the Lionheart Enterprise Park south side of the town. Phases 1 and 2 1.75 One of Alnwick’s key assets is the natural and historic environment within which The character of the towns’ main West Cawledge 2.40 it sits. Indeed this is important not just employment areas to the east of the A1 is that more mainstream (B2, B8) industrial Greensfield Moor 1.60 in tourism, but in attracting people to live and invest in the town. Yet North users have been directed to Lionheart, Total Existing supply 6.00 Northumberland continues to struggle although other users are also found there. to attract new investment – it does not The Aln Valley Railway may also provide Proposed additional land benefit from the level of commercial returns new job opportunities. In contrast (B1) at Greensfield/Cawledge 12.00 experienced in regional centres or the south office and service type users including tourism services have been built at Total Proposed of England, and much of the recent activity Cawledge. The plan would encourage this Employment land 18.00 to the south of the town has required some public funding to assist development and pattern of development to continue in the the provision of new infrastructure. future providing suitable land principally near to the A1 near to existing employment The ADNP has also been informed by Commercial and employment activity sites, on the south side of the town. the NCC Employment Land and Premises inevitably requires land which is relatively Demand Study May 2015. An allocation

ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 23 quality of employment sites varies and there POLICY is a need to encourage new investment to POLICY Location of maintain their long term future, requiring Future Use E2 Economic greater flexibility and adaptability in their E3 use, providing this leads to the retention / of Existing Growth creation of employment and reinvestment Employment Sites Land to the east of the A1 at Cawledge in the fabric and infrastructure of these Proposals for the re-use or Business Park and Lionheart Enterprise areas. redevelopment of existing main Park as shown on proposals map will be South Road provides a key artery between industrial sites will be supported provided to meet employment needs in provided that they contribute to the the period to 2031 and will be retained the town centre and the Willowburn area creation and retention of employment thereafter for employment-generating and major employment sites east of the and/or re-investment in the built fabric uses. A1. As the south of the town has expanded and infrastructure of these employment economically, the importance of the areas. Housing (C3) and retail (A1) will Land allocated for employment use at not be permitted on these sites. Lionheart shall be available for uses road has increased, and it is necessary to within Classes B1, B2 and B8, including ensure good connectivity between the trade warehouses. Land allocated for two areas. One way of achieving this is to employment use at Cawledge shall be promote improvements to public transport, available for Business B1, services and pavements and cycleways as well as POLICY associated employment generating uses. ensuring free flow of traffic. There are also Development opportunities to attract new investment to E4 on South Road sites along South Road some of which are 5.3.3 Existing employment sites Development which provides new already commercial in nature. Additional employment opportunities, commercial Most employment sites, particularly employment and commercial activity and business development (including more recent sites have been purposefully stimulating economic activity on South Road under policy TC3) along South Road will designed with traditional employment in would strengthen the links between the town be supported provided that proposals do mind. However the nature of employment centre and the Willowburn area encouraging not significantly impact upon the retail has greatly diversified - there are fewer greater interaction and shared trips. and commercial role of the town centre manufacturing uses and many businesses and do not have significant detrimental require sales or customer interface and impact on established housing areas in South Road. showrooms. One challenge facing some existing employment areas is how they adapt to changing demands and trends, and the need to look not just to present, but future needs. Generally, it is assumed that existing employment sites will remain in employment use in the plan period and should be supported as such. However the

24 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 | ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT 5.3.4 The role of the town centre in the leisure niche shops, often with marginal economy profitability, and cafes, which, though offering a year round service to residents Alnwick town centre provides the focus depend principally on summer tourism. for service, retail, catering and leisure employment, and its mix of traditional and High street conditions reflect the changed modern businesses is critical to maintaining shopping patterns that afflict high streets distinctiveness and viability. It is important everywhere, but the benefit of tourism is that the town centre is able, where possible that many businesses and services survive to continue to attract new businesses, not that would otherwise be unviable. The just in retailing. However the capacity for challenge facing the town is to improve the the centre to provide for new development appeal of the town centre outside the peak opportunities is relatively limited, due to tourist season. Efforts must continue to the historic layout of the town, the lack ensure that visitors to the major attractions of availability of larger sites and buildings are encouraged to visit the town centre, and issues associated with transport and by adequate signposting and cooperative car parking. Past policies have sought to working, together with the promotion of protect the town centre from non-retail uses the town via Northumberland Tourism but the Plan at section 6 encourages a wider and local initiatives such as the Alnwick International Music Festival, Alnwick Food range of uses within the town centre. This 5.3.5 Tourism in the local economy would have benefits in stimulating a more Festival and other events. Alnwick, as well as being situated in an vibrant economy and new services. The economic impact of tourism applies not attractive environment has a number of only to businesses directly serving visitors, Given the town centre’s physical constraints major attractions that will continue to draw but also to the local supply chain, and to expansion and the importance of the tourists for day trips and longer stays. This secondary impacts (tourism earnings spent centre to the town’s economy it is important must be encouraged but also managed on all kinds of goods and services). to identify ways in which it will compete so as to achieve a balance that sustains to attract new investment in the future. local employment but does not endanger The thrust of national and county policy is Competition will arise primarily from other the very features that make the town and to encourage tourism, and this is relevant town centres, but also from out of centre hinterland so attractive. for Alnwick as a key tourist destination in developments which the town is likely to North Northumberland, and it is likely that The facilities and infrastructure tourists attract in the plan period. Maintaining a such demands will continue to grow within require struggle to cope at peak times vibrant and healthy centre can be assisted the town. However it is equally important in summer, but visitor numbers fall through both the land use policies, in that tourism is not promoted to an extent away sharply from October until Easter. section 6 and encouraging physical and that has negative effects due to over- Attractions like the Alnwick Garden, and social changes to the environment. reliance on one sector for economic growth, Barter Books still attract many thousands or that it drives out other sectors which of off-peak visitors, but trading in the town contribute to the vitality of Alnwick as a centre is generally slower in the winter market town and service sector. A balance months. There is an increasing trend to

ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 25 is therefore needed which protects the most countryside. Accessibility, particularly for sensitive environments, but allows growth an ageing tourism population is also an POLICY within and adjacent to the town, in line with important consideration for the future. Tourism emerging Core Strategy policy. Initiatives The plan therefore needs to consider how E5 to extend the length of the tourism new accommodation and tourist amenities Development season could be promoted with little may be accommodated within the wider New tourism development in or adjacent COMMUNITY ACTION to the town, particularly that which will PROPOSAL environmental or land use impact upon the policy context including environmental and town. Encouraging investment in all year transportation considerations. help grow Alnwick and Denwick as a year round tourism destination, will be E CAP 1 round and all weather visitor attractions and However the type of tourism offer that may supported subject to all of the following Promote all year round and all- facilities should particularly be promoted. materialise is difficult to predict. Rather than being met: weather tourist attractions and The growth of tourism in Alnwick reflects allocating specific sites for tourism use, the facilities. i) Development is located where it will demand from several key types of travel, plan therefore takes a positive approach to complement business and services including holiday makers requiring tourism development supporting Alnwick in the town and will not adversely commercial accommodation, package as a centre for tourism development and as impact on the vitality and viability travel by coach and tour operators, limited a year round visitor destination. It proposes of the town centre; COMMUNITY ACTION business travel and visits to friends and a criteria-based policy which would allow ii) Development will contribute PROPOSAL families. Increasingly there is an emphasis tourism development subject to certain positively to the weekend and E CAP 2 on quality of product and services, tests, such as environmental impact or evening economy of the town; environment, and access to heritage and effects upon the town centre. Investigate ways to improve iii) The scale and character of development will not have an tourism facilities. unacceptable adverse impact upon the natural and historic environment; iv) Development can be accommodated COMMUNITY ACTION within the physical infrastructure of PROPOSAL the town; E CAP 3 v) Development will not have adverse Encourage businesses to maintain impacts on living conditions in residential areas; high standards of landscape, maintenance and design quality vi) Development will not have a on major approaches into significantly detrimental impact on the town. the transport network and travel patterns.

26 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 | ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT 5.3.6 Planning to facilitate the A positive policy to facilitate the above employment of young people objectives is therefore:

The problem of attracting and retaining COMMUNITY ACTION young people in Alnwick is common POLICY PROPOSAL to other rural areas. Addressing this E CAP 4 requires action across a number of areas Employment E6 Promote training for traditional including providing not only employment, and Training but also further education, training and skills alongside newly developing apprenticeship opportunities, and the for Young People skills in a ‘Skills Centre’. range of housing, social, leisure and service Development proposals that provide facilities which young people aspire to opportunities for the training, have access to. Alnwick is better placed employment and retention of young than many centres to do this, but has people within the plan area will be limited further education or dedicated supported subject to local character and residential amenity being protected from training facilities beyond school leaving significant harm. age. Although the plan can support this in a wider sense, it is not able to provide a funding mechanism to deliver for example youth training or apprenticeship schemes. The plan could encourage the use of local labour and contractors through developer agreements, but only to a limited degree as it is not the role of the planning system to unduly influence the labour market. In a wider context the plan should support development projects which are particularly attractive and beneficial to retaining and attracting younger people.

ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 27 SECTION TOWN CENTRE AND RETAIL

6 6.1 Context the existing town centre offer; with a good proportion of independent • The relocation of the High School retailers; 6.1.1 Introduction would be expected to have a noticeable • Alnwick shops are estimated to benefit impact on town centre retail trade and from just over 50% of the retail spend This section considers how the Plan can and would change the ‘centre of gravity’ of local residents although ideally this should support a locally distinctive retail of Alnwick’s local retail economy level of retention could be higher; offering and other town centre facilities, southwards; • commercial rents reflect Alnwick’s attractive both to residents and to visitors. • The fabric of the town centre, its 7th position (by value of retail Responses to the Alnwick Neighbourhood heritage character, its public services spend) amongst the market towns of Plan Consultation stages included some (eg bus station, public toilets) and the Northumberland. use of public spaces (eg Market Place) recurrent themes: However, some town centre retailers all impact upon the attractiveness of • There is an appetite for a wider choice have observed a loss of local trade since Alnwick as a retail destination; of retail shops particularly those selling the opening of supermarkets (Sainsbury comparison goods to serve the needs • Alnwick faces competition both from and Lidl) to the south of the town and an both of local residents and visitors; other Market Towns (eg Morpeth) and increased dependency on the tourist season large out of town retail centres. • There is sufficient choice of other to sustain town centre trade. services – eg banks/building societies, 6.1.2 Commercial context Shops to the north of the town centre (eg bars and restaurants; Fenkle Street, Narrowgate) historically see • The independent retailers in Alnwick Alnwick has effectively two retail zones, a lower footfall and struggle to achieve a were seen to contribute to the town’s the historic town centre (Bondgate, Market viable turnover. The Chamber of Trade has distinctive character and the Plan Street, Narrowgate, Fenkle Street and the drawn attention to the tendency for retail should encourage this sector; shops around the Bus Station), and out of units falling vacant to be re-let as charity town retail at Willowburn and the Lionheart • Some out of town centre retail shops, reducing the appeal and diversity of Industrial Estate. development may be necessary in order the Town Centre offer. to widen choice and to support the role Recent retail studies suggest that despite a In 2011, Alnwick town centre was of Alnwick as a service centre in North challenging external environment: recognised in awards from Google Earth Northumberland; • retailing in Alnwick is performing and BBC Countryfile Magazine as a • Retail and commercial development relatively well in a challenging successful centre for independent traders. towards the south of the town should economic environment and has a lower The Northumberland County Council Town favour trade outlets (eg building proportion of empty shops than many Centres Study (2011) suggested a need for supplies, machinery) rather than other centres; some increased capacity both in terms of consumer retail likely to compete with • the retail mix in the town centre is fair convenience and comparison retail space

28 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 | TOWN CENTRE AND RETAIL (although with the recent approval of the 6.1.4 Policy context • reinforce the vitality and viability of the Aldi store on South Road there is now town centres for retailing, leisure and National Planning Policy Framework unlikely to be any significant capacity left business. for convenience floorspace). The NPPF sets great importance on the • to reduce the impact of traffic and need to ensure the vitality of our town improve accessibility and 6.1.3 Spatial context centres. It requires plans to: • to enhance the quality of the environment • recognise town centres as the heart of The town centre of Alnwick is very compact. and character of the centres. There is very limited scope for new their communities and pursue policies development and major opportunities to support their viability and vitality; Alnwick is identified as the location for would depend on redevelopment of • define the extent of town centres and major town centre type developments existing buildings and underused areas to primary shopping areas, and set policies including up to 6000 square metres of their rear. Many of the retail premises are that make clear which uses will be comparison retail floorspace over the small, with a limited shop-frontage. permitted in such locations; plan period. The whole of the town centre is a • promote competitive town centres that The emerging Northumberland Local Plan designated conservation area and many provide customer choice and a diverse Core Strategy also identifies Alnwick as a of the retail units are located in listed retail offer; main town centre and as such one expected buildings. This has two implications: • retain and enhance existing markets to be the focus of retail development. ensuring that markets remain attractive • Small units are unlikely to attract The NLPCS defines a town centre which and competitive; some of the larger retail chains to is synonymous with that proposed in expand into the town centre. The • allocate a range of suitable sites to the ADNP and a primary shopping area ‘independent’ character of Alnwick’s meet the scale and type of retail, within which the ADNP’s primary shopping town centre shops may be a product of leisure, commercial, office, tourism, frontages will operate. The definition of the circumstance as much as of intention; cultural, community and residential town centre is important for the successful development needed in town centres; planning of its future. • any major expansion of retail and commercial capacity might need to • set policies for the consideration of proposals for main town centre uses be accommodated on the edge of the 6.2 town centre, out of town to the south which cannot be accommodated in or or as part of the further commercial adjacent to town centres; Objectives for the development along the line of South • recognise that residential development Neighbourhood Plan Road. can play an important role in ensuring the vitality of centres. The upper floors of some of the retail units The objectives for the Plan in respect of in the town centre are under-occupied or Alnwick Local Development Framework Town Centre and Retail are: unoccupied. This underutilised space may Core Strategy 2007 have attractions either for retail, commercial Key policies and objectives of the adopted • to provide a context which supports use or as housing. Alnwick Core Strategy in respect of town variety and a distinctive retail choice centres are to: encouraging both local residents and seasonal visitors to shop in Alnwick;

TOWN CENTRE AND RETAIL | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 29 • to provide a context which supports the town centre, the area of the centre has been The town centre retail trade is susceptible to range of commercial and trade services defined on the Proposals Map and will form erosion by development and expansion of necessary to ensure that Alnwick the basis for the operation of a number of out of town centre retail outlets – especially remains and grows as a service centre in policies. This area comprises some 180 retail large supermarkets. The town centre the north of the county; units, mostly small and many occupied has therefore been defined so that the • to preserve and enhance the historic by independent retailers. There are some sequential approach to considering town town centre and to ensure sympathetic national chains occupying units in Bondgate centre type developments as set out in the development of the retail and service Within. There are three supermarkets in the NPPF and the Northumberland Local Plan premises located there; town centre. Core Strategy can be implemented. • to encourage the viability and growth The town centre also accommodates a Within the town centre there is a core area of the independent retailers in the town; number of service retail providers (banks, in which retail use is the predominant • to meet the retail needs and aspirations building societies, estate agents) and cafes, activity at street level and which it is of the town as its population grows and pubs, restaurants and bars. There are several important to maintain if the vitality and as new areas are designated for housing community buildings serving the town viability of the town centre as a shopping development or as employment land; centre including the Northumberland Hall, area is not to be lost. Historically in previous the Town Hall and the Fenkle Street Centre. plans a Primary Shopping Area within • to provide a context which supports the which the main focus is on retail use has growth of the tourism industry locally Respondents to the consultation expressed been defined as an area bounded by the and to respond to the retail needs of overall satisfaction with the mix of services rear boundaries of the retail plots. However visitors. and cafés, pubs and bars in the town centre. this can have the effect of limiting the They expressed a wish to see more variety The over-arching objective is to ensure scope for redevelopment of say the rear in the retail offering and to see continued the Plan’s retail strategy supports and is section of a unit (eg for office or residential encouragement for independent retailers appropriately integrated with the objectives use). Accordingly the Neighbourhood trading in the Town. of other key topic areas such as economy Plan proposes to instead identify Primary and employment, tourism, transport, Retailers themselves have expressed Shopping Frontages. These have been community facilities and housing. concerns about the number of empty defined on the Proposals Map according shops in the town centre. Although to where there are concentrations of retail 6.3 the percentage of empty shop units units which the Plan wishes to see retained. (approximately 8% - January 2014 ) is lower Other historic town centres have Plan Policies, Proposals than many other towns, it has risen by successfully accommodated retail and and Actions approximately 50% since the start of the commercial expansion by supporting retail recession, and there is a particularly development into the backland behind the high turnover in some retail locations such Primary Shop Frontages. In Alnwick this may 6.3.1 Town Centre as Fenkle Street and Narrowgate. prove viable for instance between Bondgate The town centre is shaped by the Street parking, disabled access, the quality Within and Greenwell Road, between Fenkle geography of the old medieval town. Using of pavement services and the ‘legibility’ of Street and Dispensary Street, or to the rear principal routes, levels of footfall and the the town centre have all been issues raised of other frontages facing Market Street or patterns of land use that characterise a during the consultation. the Market Place. It is proposed that the

30 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 | TOWN CENTRE AND RETAIL Plan should encourage such proposals as a contribution of living space to the 6.3.2 Out of Town Centre retail strategy to make available more retail and sustainability of the town centre should not Alnwick already has two retail locations – commercial space within the town centre. be overlooked. the historic town centre and retail sites at The town centre also encompasses a The plan will therefore preserve and Willowburn and Lionheart Industrial Estate. significant number of homes, usually enhance the quality, choice and vibrancy If Alnwick is: situated above or to the rear of shop of Alnwick’s Primary Shopping Frontages COMMUNITY ACTION PROPOSAL premises. In considering the mix of uses and support retail, commercial, leisure and q to offer the wider choice of retail within the town centre and the economic residential development within the town (especially comparison retail – clothing, TC CAP 1 viability of individual retail units, the centre where it can be justified. household white goods) sought by To foster an integrated approach respondents to the Issues and Options to the stewardship and POLICY stage questionnaire development of Town Centre Primary Shopping Frontages q to respond to a growing population and assets TCR1 new housing in the Town Within the area defined on the Proposals Map as Primary Shopping Frontages q to create jobs and develop the economy the predominant use at ground floor level will remain A1 use. of the Town as a service centre In order to maintain a viable balance between retail shops, service providers, and food and it may need to accommodate some further hospitality in the town centre, and to contribute to the weekend and evening economy beyond retail development out of the town centre normal daytime opening hours, applications for change of use from retail within the Primary Shopping Frontages will be supported where the proposed use would: if no further town centre development opportunities are forthcoming due to space • maintain or contribute to high pedestrian footfall; considerations. • retain active frontages; and It will be important for the health of the • maintain the primacy of the area’s shopping activity. local economy that such development

POLICY Development Opportunities to Support TCR2 Primary Shopping Frontages In order to extend the opportunities to create a vibrant town centre, applications will be supported for the development or redevelopment of land and buildings to the rear of and above existing Primary Shopping Frontages for retail, commercial, leisure or residential use where the proposed development would: • support the commercial viability of the frontage for retail use; • respect the historic character of the town centre and its designation as a conservation area; • follow the design principles in HD7.

TOWN CENTRE AND RETAIL | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 31 genuinely represents a net gain in choice, 6.3.3 Convenience retail and new jobs and trade, and does not simply displace POLICY housing/school developments trading activity, vitality and employment Out of Centre currently provided for in the town centre. TCR3 As noted above when plans for the Retail relocation of the High School come to As noted in the Economy section of this Comparison A1 retail development fruition, this will have a material impact Plan there is already a natural ‘commercial outside the town centre along a corridor upon term-time retail trade in the town corridor’ along South Road linking the town following South Road and linking the centre. As new land is developed for centre with the retail outlets adjacent to the town centre and Willowburn will be housing, consideration will need to be A1. That corridor, and the adjacent industrial supported provided that : given to those new residents’ access to estates already accommodate a number • there are no suitable town centre or convenience retail outlets. of trade retail and trade service outlets edge of centre sites; Thus the retail implications of proposed (building supplies, car and machinery • the projected economic benefits of developments need to be planned for and showrooms, etc). the scheme can be achieved without negative impact on town centre appropriate provision made in proposals. A number of respondents to the vitality and the viability of town In relation to the new school site, consideration consultation expressed the view that centre trade; further expansion of trade retail rather than needs to be given as to whether there are • the scheme will enhance retail choice suitable adjacent retail outlets to meet the consumer retail would be preferred along and quality within the town as a whole. this corridor. needs of both pupils and staff. All out of town centre A1 retail In relation to the new housing development It has also been suggested that some of development proposals will be required the land – eg on the Willowburn Industrial to make proposals about how they will consideration should be given as to Estate – is relatively under-developed and incorporate provision for appropriate whether plans should include provision of that redevelopment and in-fill should be signage, information and/or transport local convenience retail units as part of the preferred to designated green field land for improvements between the out of centre development. site and the town centre. retail development. Trade retail development outside the Development that adds choice and capacity town centre will be supported on COMMUNITY ACTION to Alnwick’s retail offer where this cannot PROPOSAL industrial estates and business parks fully be satisfied within the town centre is linking to South Road where it is TC CAP 2 controlled by policy TCR3 as follows: consistent with the Plan’s designation of Mitigate the impact of the land for employment purposes, where there is good access and parking available proposed High School relocation and where the nature of the retailing is on the town centre economy and the sale of bulky goods only. retail trade. Proposals for more than 1000m2 net retail floorspace will be subject to sequential and retail impact testing.

32 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 | TOWN CENTRE AND RETAIL 6.3.4 Alnwick Market Place planning policy to : “Retain and enhance existing markets and, where appropriate, Alnwick is fortunate to have a historic re-introduce or create new ones, ensuring that Market Place situated at the heart of the markets remain attractive and competitive”. town but whilst most of Alnwick’s streets, It would also be in line with the Mary Portas when busy with vehicles and pedestrians, report on town centres, which sees vibrant have an innate vitality, this vitality is missing markets as part of the solution to the in the Market Place. Certainly the Market decline of our town centres. Place is used for regular street markets and seasonal festivals (Music Festival, The way ahead Food Festival, Christmas Lights). However, Reponses to the Plan’s various consultations it is only in use in this formal way for less have made frequent reference to the Market than a third of the year. In the winter time Place and its public buildings as under- its formal use is very limited. It is rarely in used assets of the Town. It was felt by many use on Sundays, even during the tourism that the car parking in the Market Place season. detracted from the character of the Town. The Market Place encompasses two historic The wish was expressed for more markets, public buildings: the Northumberland more variety of produce on sale and more Hall and Town Hall which could be vibrant festivals and events to be staged in the buildings but which lie unused for much of Market Place. the week. On non-market days, therefore The Plan suggests that the future use of the square lacks life and bustle during the the Market Place should not be viewed day and in the evening it has few lighted in isolation, but should be considered shop fronts to add excitement and interest. within the context of aspirations for the The recent uncontrolled use of the Market development of the Town’s community Place as a temporary car park has reduced spaces and community buildings, the the possibility of the facility being enjoyed conservation of its heritage assets, the by residents or visitors. The Market Place development of its tourism industry, the is designated as a highway and in order economic sustainability of town centre to control the worst impacts of this businesses and the creation of areas of uncontrolled parking it is now regulated to pedestrian priority within the town. There provide 12 parking bays. is also a continuing need for controlled vehicular access to service the needs of the Notwithstanding these current issues the neighbouring businesses and homes and Market Place offers the potential to become allow a controlled level of parking at times a natural focal point for commerce, for when the Market Place is not in use. entertainment, for festivals and as a place to meet. Achieving this would be fully in Refreshing the Market Place’s traditional accordance with the NPPF which requires role, preserving the intended character and

TOWN CENTRE AND RETAIL | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 33 regaining the space for pedestrian, market • develop to best effect the use of • use public art or lighting display to and entertainment use would support the the Market Place and surrounding supply changing visual interest and concept of a community hub, benefiting community assets as contributors excitement; Alnwick, Denwick and surrounding village towards the economic health and • improve the appearance of the shops residents and visitors alike. tourist appeal of Alnwick town centre; and surrounding businesses; As an open space, the Market Place has • improve the day and night use and • Increase the frequency of festivals and much to offer in the summer months as: appearance of the Market Place, as events in the Market Place. Alnwick’s principal historic space and • a ‘play space’ - where visitors and meeting place; townsfolk can enjoy festivals, events, • increase the use of Northumberland street musicians etc; Hall and the Town Hall; • a ‘heritage’ site – the chance to admire the Market Cross, historic buildings and Clock Tower; • a characterful ‘retail’ destination - with regular markets selling local produce; and • a place to meet, eat and drink with friends in pavement cafes. It must also be recognised however that as an uncovered open space, in the winter months: • there is insufficient footfall to attract COMMUNITY ACTION PROPOSAL many market traders; POLICY • it is too cold to browse, to ‘dwell’ or to Market Place TC CAP 3 spectate. TCR4 To develop a whole year strategy Proposals which improve the functionality, viability and vitality of for the formal and informal At these times the need is for the Alnwick Market Place and its frontage buildings throughout the year, including new use of the Market Place and surrounding buildings including the Town uses, renovation and refurbishment and associated lighting schemes and signage will be supported where they are designed to further the following principles: its surrounding assets in line Hall, Northumberland Hall and Market Place with the findings of this Plan, shops and cafes to offer the activity, vitality • the primary uses of the Market Place for shops and markets, food and drink outlets, including as appropriate parking and shelter. entertainment, community events, informal meeting and commercial business is arrangements. The Plan therefore concludes that the Town developed and strengthened; and needs a strategy for the formal and informal • the historic character and significance of the Market Place, Northumberland Hall and use of the Market Place and its surrounding Town Hall and other frontage buildings is respected and is preserved and enhanced. assets which reflects its changing potential across the seasons of the year which will:

34 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 | TOWN CENTRE AND RETAIL COMMUNITY FACILITIES SECTION

7.1 7.2 7 Context community facilities as an integrated part of Objective development, as well as protecting against loss of services. 7.1.1 Introduction The key objective of the Neighbourhood To this end the Northumberland Local Plan in respect of community facilities is Alnwick and Denwick play an important Plan Core Strategy protects against loss of that: role as a centre for community facilities and key services – supports new services and services to a large hinterland population By 2031, the people of Alnwick and facilities and encourages development to of around 30,000 people. Achieving a Denwick will have access to high quality contribute to the provision of community sustainable Alnwick and Denwick for the education provision and community facilities through developer contributions. future means it is important that existing facilities that meet their expectations service levels are maintained and new Alnwick District LDF Core Strategy seeks to and needs. services are encouraged for the expected secure the provision of new and improved growth of population. social and community services and the 7.3 infrastructure to facilitate them. The release Policies and Proposals 7.1.2 The strategic policy context of land for development will be dependent on there being sufficient capacity in The NPPF attaches high importance to plans existing services to meet the additional 7.3.1 Community buildings promoting interaction within communities requirements of the development. through mixed use development, in safe There are a wide variety of community and accessible environments At policy S18 it seeks to secure the provision buildings in Alnwick & Denwick available and positive planning of of new and improved social and community for use by the community, which are services to facilitate the development owned, managed and run by different strategy and meet the needs of all groups organisations, including local churches. within the community. The quality of some community buildings In relation to school sites redevelopment is poor in terms of physical accessibility, is permissible under policy S19 where energy efficiency, comfort and general replacement sites exist and repair and maintenance. In particular, where the redevelopment the Northumberland Hall, established for meets community needs. public benefit, is underused and in need of New or restructured school substantial investment. This building is the sites should allow for dual use key to successful regeneration of the of facilities. Market Place. (See also policy TCR4)

COMMUNITY FACILITIES | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 35 Despite their mixed condition a number 7.3.2 Sports and recreation facilities is within an area of change for the town of key buildings have been selected for adjoining new housing and new school site Alnwick is the centre for a wide range of protection under policy CF1 due to their and in order to safeguard the provision the sporting and recreation facilities which location and accessibility to all sections of site is designated on the Proposals Map. serve the town and the wider area. Many the community and the valuable role they of these sports have club facilities based to There are seven existing children’s play play within Alnwick and Denwick. the south of Alnwick. These include Alnwick areas in the town, the most modern of Rugby Football Club, Alnwick Cricket Club, which is at Swansfield Park. Some of the POLICY Alnwick Castle Golf Club and Alnwick Town older play areas particularly to the south of Protecting Football Club, all these clubs are thriving Alnwick, consist of only one or two pieces CF1 and have strong adult and junior sections. of equipment and need to be replaced or Key upgraded. The process of future housing The major provider of indoor sports in the development and developer contributions Community Facilities area is the Willowburn Sports and Leisure from these will be the principal means by The following community buildings Centre, which was built in 2003. This is which these are upgraded and new sites will be protected and developed a quality venue with high levels of user provided. To facilitate this, the Town Council as key community facilities and satisfaction. The centre is the base for the their redevelopment for other uses will carry out an audit of current and COMMUNITY ACTION local swimming clubs and also the Alnwick PROPOSAL will be refused unless appropriate expected needs. alternative provision is made or it can Harriers as they have no other permanent CF CAP 1 be demonstrated, further to 12 months base. The indoor facilities at Willowburn are Establish a register of Assets of proactive marketing, that the use is no supplemented by the Lindisfarne Sports POLICY Community Value including those longer viable: Centre which is part of the Lindisfarne Outdoor in Policy CF1. q Alnwick Community Centre Middle School complex. In other parts of CF2 Sports and the town there are a number of sports clubs q Willowburn Sport and Leisure Centre including Boxing, Bowls, Squash and Tennis. Leisure q Lindisfarne Adult Education Centre Existing sports and recreational buildings and Lindisfarne Sports Centre Whilst there is a good range of outdoor and land, including playing fields and q Alnwick Library sports on offer for residents and visitors, children’s play areas will be protected q The Centre, Fenkle Street many of the town’s existing outdoor sports from loss to development unless the pitches or courts are of poor quality and loss would be replaced by equivalent q Northumberland Hall some have inadequate changing facilities. or better provision, in terms of quantity q Alnwick Town Hall There are no playing facilities for hockey in and quality, in a suitable location; or the q Denwick Village Hall Alnwick. development is for alternative sports and COMMUNITY ACTION recreation provision, the needs for which PROPOSAL q Alnwick Playhouse The principal means by which this issue is clearly outweigh the loss. CF CAP 2 q Bailiffgate Museum to be addressed in the plan area is by the Carry out an audit of existing q Mechanics’ Institute provision of improved sports facilities at play areas and identify new Greensfield through a partnership of sports requirements. clubs. The area proposed for these facilities which has had the benefit of a previous planning permission (ref 11/03237/FUL)

36 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 | COMMUNITY FACILITIES 7.3.3 Education Community High School will relocate to a POLICY new site at Greensfield, on the southern Access to first class educational facilities is edge of the town adjoining the area Greensfield an aspiration of every community. Although CF3 proposed for outdoor sports pitches. The some of this chapter necessarily focuses on Playing construction started on site in February statutory provision for youngsters between 2015. The school’s existing Bailiffgate Pitches the ages of five to sixteen or eighteen it will building is in Northumberland Estates’ The site for the proposed improvement also consider the broader philosophy of ownership and the Howling Lane site is of outdoor playing pitch and changing education from cradle to grave. facilities at Greensfield is allocated on the owned by Northumberland County Council. Proposals Map for outdoor sports use. When we look at education in its widest Decisions about the development of these Where the development of the school site sense there are a multiplicity of agencies sites once the High School relocates are may require the alteration or relocation of throughout the town providing educational important aspects of the Neighbourhood the allocated site, equivalent alternative opportunities and resources from pre – Plan. land at Greensfield will be required to school children to adults of all ages. be safeguarded as part of any school In 2016, a decision was taken to move from development. Provision of education in the future in a three-tier education system to a two-tier Alnwick will, to an extent, depend on system. The Neighbourhood Plan must be Central Government and Local Authority sufficiently flexible to reflect any future policies. decisions taken on school sites. Notwithstanding the above, the scope of A two-tier education structure will result this plan should include choices available in in Swansfield Park and St. Michael’s C of relation to educational change in the town E. First Schools becoming 5-11 Primary and the implications arising from specific Schools. These schools, together with St proposals. The future use and development Paul’s, are well spaced through the town, of vacated school sites, should any arise, an arrangement convenient for must be addressed. school travel and with few disadvantages save Provision of Quality Statutory Education Facilities. some local traffic congestion. Quality educational provision is vital for residents of the town. It is an important With the Primary factor for employers wishing to relocate Schools accommodating to the town and wanting to attract an Year 5 and Year 6 pupils appropriate workforce. If the population of from 2017 onwards, the the town is to grow, adequate educational two Alnwick Middle Schools provision is essential and schools must have will be surplus to requirements. the capacity to accept increased numbers Both Middle Schools are situated and meet rising parental expectations. close together in the south of town in residential areas. Traffic congestion In September 2016, the Duchess’s

COMMUNITY FACILITIES | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 37 caused by large numbers of school coaches on narrow approach roads is a constant problem, together with associated road safety concerns for pupils. The Lindisfarne site is owned by the County Council. Part of the building forms the centre and base for Community Education and adult education services and should remain the central hub for that activity within the town. If some of the facilities currently used by the Middle School were of value to enhance Community Education provision then they should be retained and made available for that purpose. The POLICY remainder of the built area and some of the Developing Greensfield for Education playing field area would be available for CF4 housing redevelopment to fund expansion and Recreation of Greensfield into a multi-age learning The site of the new high school at Greensfield, its access and the land for outdoor playing campus but some of the green space should fields will be allocated for educational and community use. be retained for recreational purposes. The site should be designed in a way that does not preclude the provision of a full 11-18 education facility in the future. The site of the Duke’s Middle School is the property of Northumberland Estates. The building is listed and the redevelopment of it would be restricted although there is POLICY some scope for sensitive new development Future Development of the Middle Schools on the east side of the site. The playing CF5 field area, or at least a large part of it, When Lindisfarne and Duke’s Middle Schools vacate their present sites, the land is allocated for a mix of residential use, community education, should however remain an open greenfield open space and recreational uses. recreational space and as it adjoins Swansfield Park there is the opportunity for Any proposals for the conversion, extension or alteration of the Duke’s School shall respect the architectural and historic character of the listed building and its setting. it to become part of an extended park. On the Lindisfarne site the facilities for community education and community sports should Accordingly the following policies will apply: be retained and upgraded for ongoing community use or alternative equivalent or greater provision made within the site. Applications for the development of each of the sites should be accompanied by a master plan and/or a development brief that has emerged further to community engagement and consultation. Neither site will be exclusively developed for residential use. (See also policy ENV3.)

38 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 | COMMUNITY FACILITIES Sporting and recreational facilities. a myriad of centres have developed in Other education. COMMUNITY ACTION numerous locations throughout the town. In addition to the above there is an Adult PROPOSAL The building of a new High School brings Learning Centre on Howling Lane which with it the provision of playing fields and Pre-School education. provides a day service for adults with CF CAP 3 other sporting amenities and it is essential Nursery education is provided at a learning disabilities, Barndale House School, Maintain and improve facilities that they are made available for community number of locations including the Apple a Special School for pupils between the for all age learning and as well as school use. Had the former policy Blossom Day Nursery in Bailiffgate. There ages of 3 and 19, and the University of the special needs. of the Local Authority still existed then is a Surestart Children’s Centre next to St. 3rd Age. These are essential facilities for indoor school facilities could have had a Michael’s C of E First School. The Castle Club the town and should be preserved and shared use but that will no longer be the provides 24 places for children up to the protected in their current locations. case. The Willowburn Sports and Leisure age of eleven at the end of school day from Centre will make some provision to address 3.00 to 6.00pm. These facilities are vital in this shortfall. enabling the parents of young children to 7.3.4 Youth facilities remain in employment and it is likely that Responses to the questionnaire raised the POLICY there will be an increasing demand for such issue of a lack of facilities for young people provision at the southern end of the town, Dual Use of in Alnwick leading to problems at hotspots CF6 whether private or state run. such as the bus station. Greensfield Adult education. In the Alnwick area there are various clubs Facilities Provision for adults to continue Further and activities aimed at young people Education is essential whether it comes operating from different venues, some of Dual use of facilities at the new school immediately following statutory education, campus and adjoining fields by the school which are run by volunteers and others and the community will be supported. at various stages through working life or in with paid staff. The main venues are the retirement. Duchess's Community High School, Gallery It is organised by N.C.C. Adult Learning Youth, Alnwick Playhouse and the Alnwick Service and is based at the Lindisfarne Community Centre. The latter serves a Community education Centre. Irrespective of the future of valuable purpose to young people in a variety of ways. For youngsters living out Under this umbrella term, all other aspects Lindisfarne Middle School it is desirable that of the town but attending the Duchess’s of educational provision in the widest it is retained at this centrally located venue High School it offers a safe haven for times sense of the word will be considered. and the service could be enhanced if some between the end of the school day and the Besides adult education and recreation and current Middle School facilities became departure of buses to the wider catchment provision for pre-school children, all other available through reorganisation. area. It provides a place in which homework forms of participation in a wide range of Provision includes courses leading to can be done when a suitable facility is not activities have to be accommodated. Very examination qualifications, structured available in the pupil’s home. little of this will take place in the new High courses without an examination and School at the south end of the town as the informal self-determined classes. The removal of the High School will former County Council policy of basing obviously make some difficulties for the adult education on High School sites has Centre in continuing these provisions. been abandoned and as a consequence However, it is important that Gallery Youth

COMMUNITY FACILITIES | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 39 continues in its central location to enable cross track need to be moved forward, given • Effective pathways for discharge from it to fulfil one of its principal functions. It the availability of dedicated land and the hospital; offers housing support for homeless young site north of Alnmouth Road is allocated on • Access to good quality advice & people up to the age of 25 and for those the Proposals Map. advocacy particularly for welfare vulnerable young people who are at risk of benefits, housing, social & community becoming homeless. It is a centre of advice 7.3.5 Facilities for older people care, debt, financial management, for young people and plays an important energy efficiency; part in welfare support. Services for older people in Alnwick and Denwick will be put under considerable • Continued access to food banks; There is substantial organised activity COMMUNITY ACTION pressure during the plan period with • Continuing free handyperson service for PROPOSAL at sports clubs running football, cricket Alnwick continuing to attract elderly people older people for small tasks at home; and rugby, and recently a boxing club to retire here and the natural ageing of the • Free gardening service for older people; CF CAP 4 has become successfully established. population. Those over 80 are predicted Encourage improved facilities for • Landshare type scheme for older Additionally, well supported military cadets to increase by over 100% in the period young people. have a long history in Alnwick and have people to find younger people to tend up to 2031 and those over 65 by 50%. their gardens; good facilities. Conversely other uniformed Accordingly: organisations in the shape of Scouts / • Homeshare type schemes. Guides etc are not well provided for in terms Responses to the consultation and of facilities and accommodation. Long discussion with Age UK Northumberland POLICY standing proposals for an outdoor cycle show that a wide range of services are provided for older people in Alnwick & CF7 Facilities for Denwick. If the objective at 7.2 above is to Older People be met the following services will have to be COMMUNITY ACTION developed in Alnwick: Favourable consideration will be given PROPOSAL to the development of residential • Alnwick to become a Dementia Friendly accommodation or facilities for vulnerable CF CAP 5 Community; older people provided the following principles are met: Encourage improved facilities for • Shopmobility: free hire of wheelchairs the elderly. and motorised wheelchairs; q development is well designed to meet the needs of older people; • Digital inclusion including faster broadband for older members of the q accommodation and facilities are located in areas with good accessibility community; to services and public transport. • A greater focus on social prescribing via GP referrals into community services to improve the preventative agenda for older people; • Increased support in commissioning of community services supporting older people;

40 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 | COMMUNITY FACILITIES 7.3.6 Health facilities populated parts of the United Kingdom. COMMUNITY ACTION POLICY PROPOSAL Alnwick plays an important role in providing 50-60 burials take place in Alnwick each health facilities over a wide area including CF8 Public Toilet year. Alnwick’s town cemetery is owned CF CAP 6 outpatients, a small minor injuries unit and Facilities and administered by Alnwick Town Council, Improve the standards of public maternity unit as well as 2 major general with input and financial support from toilet provision. The development of new public toilet practices and related services. Denwick Parish Council. A new cemetery facilities and/or the improvement of area adjoining the existing cemetery is in Although health services are in transition in existing facilities, provided in partnership the process of development, and is likely to Northumberland with the development of with the Town Council and developers will begin use during 2016. This area is likely to the new Accident and Emergency Hospital be supported. COMMUNITY ACTION reach full capacity before 2031. PROPOSAL at Cramlington, the services in Alnwick have the advantage that they are co-located and 7.3.8 Community communication and The scope to re-use existing plots for CF CAP 7 which the lease has expired is legally very centrally placed and should be retained. awareness Improve community consultation restricted. Remains of Alnwick and Denwick and provision of information. 7.3.7 Public toilets A key concern in the community during residents usually cannot be interred in Public toilets not only provide a facility the issues and options consultation was neighbouring parish and town council for residents of Alnwick but are also an the need to establish better means of cemeteries without payment of a significant important facility for tourism. communication and raising awareness surcharge, typically doubling the cost. There amongst the community. The Community COMMUNITY ACTION are no County Council-managed cemeteries PROPOSAL The public toilets in both The Shambles Action Proposal CF CAP 7 (right) is proposed in the plan area – the nearest is in South and Greenwell Road have been highlighted to address this. Broomhill, more than 12 miles away. Other CF CAP 8 in responses to the consultation as being county, town and parish cemeteries are Identify and develop new burial of very poor quality. Some basic upgrade 7.3.9 Further land provision for likely to become full before 2031, which grounds and associated facilities works were undertaken to the facilities at Alnwick Cemetery could limit burial opportunities further. The in the plan area. the Shambles in 2014. closest crematorium serving the plan area is The lack of public toilets near to the bus The proportion of people choosing at Cowpen near Blyth, 26 miles away. to be buried rather than cremated in station is an issue for people arriving / There is therefore likely to be a departing Alnwick by bus. Northumberland appears to be around 40-50%, higher than in other more densely- demonstrable need for more burial space serving the plan area before 2031.

COMMUNITY FACILITIES | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 41 SECTION TRANSPORT

8 8.1 Context 8.1.2 The role of transport in the community whilst at the same time the Plan area protecting the interests and needs of minorities. Indeed, information technology 8.1.1 Introduction In Alnwick and Denwick, as in many other has already begun to reduce the need areas, we use travel and transport in a This chapter sets out the transport policies to travel and good planning can reduce wide variety of ways. Moreover, we don’t the need further whilst at the same time and associated proposals that have always associate the services from which been developed to reflect the needs and increasing the overall quality of life for the we benefit or the activities in which we community and its members. aspirations of the people in the community engage with the transport provision that when set within the context of the National makes them possible. Our use of transport Different modes of transport often Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is often indirect, which serves to underline present conflicts with each other, leading The policies and proposals have been the fact that travel and transport more often to accidents causing death and injury, derived from the community engagement facilitate other activities and services than inefficiency, ill health through polluting work carried out to date, together with form an activity justified in its own right. emissions, accelerated climate change published information and informal Some of the more obvious ways we use through exhaust emissions, inappropriate discussion. travel and transport are to: use of green spaces and damage to the townscape, all of which means that Further proposals for action are included compromises have to be reached to deliver in the associated Community Action Plan, the appropriate transport and travel to help ensure that transport can fulfil its network for the Plan area. role of facilitating the cohesion, health and well-being of the community of Alnwick In reaching the best possible compromise, and Denwick. extensive consideration of the current and potential infrastructure networks and Overall the developments and changes constructive interaction between them is of use proposed are expected to deliver a essential. significant improvement in the efficacy and sustainability of transport provision in the The relevant infrastructure for this purpose plan area and its links to the world beyond. consists primarily of: However there is no one mode of travel that can deliver all our objectives. Moreover, the disadvantages of a given mode may be greater than the advantages in some respects and so we have to make judgements about the overall provision that will achieve the greatest benefit for

42 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 | TRANSPORT Pipes and cables are included, not only q Encouragement should be given to q All developments that generate because they deliver many commodities to solutions which support reductions in significant amounts of movement many places but also because they often are greenhouse gas emissions and reduce should be supported by a Transport routed along existing roads and pavements. congestion. Statement or Transport Assessment; Any need for maintenance, repair, The following clause in the Framework is q Planning policies should aim for a replacement or enhancement consequently of particular relevance to this Transport balance of land uses within their area disrupts the normal use. Similarly, in their chapter: so that people can be encouraged respective ways all the infrastructure to minimise journey lengths for networks require cleaning, maintenance, “Plans should protect and exploit employment, shopping, leisure, enhancement and often, special treatment opportunities for the use of sustainable education and other activities; to manage winter weather and increasingly, transport modes for the movement of goods local flash flooding. or people. Therefore, developments should be q Local planning authorities should located and designed where practical to: identify and protect sites and routes which could be critical in developing 8.1.3 Policy context q accommodate the efficient delivery of infrastructure to widen transport choice. goods and supplies; National Planning Policy Framework The requirements of the NPPF give rise (NPPF) q give priority to pedestrians and cyclists, to general planning principles relevant and have access to high quality public The overarching planning policy context for to travel and transport that have been transport facilities; Transport is the NPPF. Specific requirements adopted for the Neighbourhood Plan in with direct relevance to Transport include: q create safe and secure layouts which policy SD1. minimise conflicts between motor vehicles Support the transition to a low carbon q and cyclists or pedestrians, avoiding Alnwick District Local Development future, contribute to conserving and street clutter and where appropriate Framework Core Strategy enhancing the natural environment establishing home zones; and reducing pollution, make the The adopted Core Strategy sets out a series fullest possible use of public transport, q incorporate facilities for charging plug-in of sustainable accessibility principles and walking and cycling, and focus and other ultra-low emission vehicles; policy S11 requires all development to be significant development in locations and located in accordance with these principles which are or can be made sustainable; to maximise accessibility and minimise q consider the needs of people with impacts from travel. q Transport policies have an important disabilities by all modes of transport”. Northumberland Local Plan Core role to play in facilitating sustainable The need for transport is often an Strategy (NLPCS) development but also in contributing indirect consequence of other actions to wider sustainability and health and developments. Further NPPF Nationally and across the North East Region, objectives. The transport system needs clauses of relevance to the provision and road traffic levels have remained essentially to be balanced in favour of sustainable improvement of transport facilities in the constant or reduced somewhat over the last transport modes, giving people a real Plan area consequently include: decade. Urban road traffic remains below choice about how they travel; the level a decade ago whilst rural road traffic remains less than in 2007.

TRANSPORT | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 43 It is in this context that the NLPCS and pedestrian experience and to improve Neighbourhood Plan are being developed the management of motor vehicle access 8.3 to be mutually supportive within the throughout the Plan area. Policies and Proposals requirements of the NPPF. Currently, the The objectives for transport in Alnwick and emerging NLPCS: Denwick are: 8.3.1 Walking q Supports the minimising of the overall q To improve access to homes, work and Approach need for journeys whilst promoting facilities for people and goods; investment in infrastructure for Whilst the health benefits of simple daily sustainable modes of travel such as q To contribute to the enhancement of exercise are well recognised, the provision walking, cycling and public transport; the viability and vitality of Alnwick town for walking is often of inadequate quality centre for residents and visitors; q Requires all major development in Alnwick and Denwick. Priority for proposals to be supported by a q To link residential, commercial, pedestrians is insufficient, crossing places Transport Assessment and Travel Plan; recreational and functional parts of the too often dangerous and motor vehicles Plan area; move too fast in the residential areas for the q Safeguards the route and alignment streets to be considered safe, shared space. of disused railway lines, together with q To improve conditions for walking, Traffic noise, pollution and intrusive signage land for associated stations, whilst cycling, wheelchair and buggy users; all reduce the quality of the public realm. supporting proposals for the use of q To improve the provision of public Pavement surfaces are too often damaged such routes for walking and cycling in transport and supporting facilities; and hazardous, pavements are too often the meantime; q To increase the priority given to blocked and dropped kerb facilities too pedestrians and cyclists and reduce car q Defines various mitigation measures often obstructed by illegally or insensitively dependence; and positive sustainable transport parked motor vehicles. The close proximity contributions to be accommodated by q To contribute to the development of a of moving vehicles to shoppers makes the developments that impact on the road sustainable future for the Plan area. shopping and recreational experience in network; the centre of Alnwick uncomfortable and q Supports the improvement of the puts at risk, the enjoyment of the historic County’s strategic highway routes. environment of the town centre and its associated conservation area. 8.2 Doing nothing would inevitably lead to a Objectives progressive decline in the quality of facilities available in Alnwick and Denwick and from that to a degradation of the Plan area as a The overall aim for transport in Alnwick and place to live, work and visit. Denwick is: Within the more general guidance, the To improve the facilities for the movement National Planning Policy Framework of people, goods and services within requires that: Alnwick and Denwick. To enhance the q Where practical, particularly within

44 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 | TRANSPORT COMMUNITY ACTION PROPOSAL TRA CAP 1 Walking Conflicting movements between pedestrians and vehicles throughout the town will be reduced.

Pedestrian priority will be enhanced.

Convenient walking routes and corridors will be protected and new routes developed.

large-scale developments, key facilities 8.3.2 Cycling such as primary schools and local POLICY shops should be located within walking Walking Approach distance of most properties; TRA1 Proposals for As with walking the provision for cycling is q Planning policies should protect and development will be often of inadequate quality in Alnwick and enhance public rights of way and required to have safe and convenient Denwick. Provision for cycle training and access. Local authorities should seek pedestrian access. The enhancement of testing is of limited availability and priority opportunities to provide better facilities provision for walking including public for cyclists on existing roads is insufficient. rights of way will be supported. for users. Suitable routes linking the main facilities are inadequately developed and signed. Developing safe and attractive opportunities to walk within the Plan Doing nothing would continue the effective area will fit the Framework, will help to exclusion of cycling as a useful way of improve the vitality of the town, to enhance getting around in the Plan area, increasing the ability to appreciate the fine historic unnecessarily the reliance on car travel for environment and to benefit the health & many journeys. quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

TRANSPORT | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 45 COMMUNITY ACTION PROPOSAL Within the more general guidance, the NPPF 8.3.3 Bus, coach and related services Within the more general guidance, the NPPF states that: notes that: TRA CAP 2 Approach Cycling q [To] support the transition to a low q [We are to] make the fullest possible Develop a local cycle route carbon future, contribute to conserving The provision of regular service buses has use of public transport, …. and focus network. and enhancing the natural environment been in decline in recent years, and an significant development in locations improvement in the service has become which are or can be made sustainable. Develop and promote longer and reducing pollution, [the Plan essential in order to provide a meaningful distance cycling routes. must] make the fullest possible use Developing the Alnwick Bus Station into of …. cycling, and focus significant alternative to car travel and to provide for a vibrant transport hub equipped for Signpost the cycling network development in locations which are or the many who do not have access to a car passengers in all weathers and for buses effectively, clearly but for the school, business, service and leisure unobtrusively. can be made sustainable; from rural communities, town services Progressively developing safe and attractive journeys they have to make. Moreover, and longer distance links would present a Promote safe cycling schemes. opportunities to cycle to and within Alnwick the visitor economy is much dependent modern gateway to the town, attractive to and Denwick, will fit with the NPPF and on private hire coaches, for which scant residents and visitors alike. contribute to an improvement in the vitality provision is made in the Plan area. The A review of passenger needs to assist the of the plan area for residents and to a useful facilities currently offered for passengers development of matching commercial and increase in the access options for visitors. to access the services are inadequate, providing little encouragement to use county supported bus services would help the bus or for coach tour operators to put make the bus the mode of choice for many. POLICY Alnwick into their itineraries. Similarly, progressively enhancing the provision for tour buses and coaches would COMMUNITY ACTION Cycling Doing nothing would contribute to the PROPOSAL TRA2 help ensure that Alnwick remains firmly Proposals for major reduction of the bus services available, to located in tour operators’ plans. TRA CAP 3 development will be required to have a decline in the visitor economy and to an Bus, coach and related safe and convenient cycle access. The increase in car dependence. services enhancement of provision for cycling including existing cycle routes will be Improve Alnwick Bus Station and supported. POLICY its management. Alnwick Bus Station Provide well-signed access to TRA3 visitor information and facilities. Proposals for the development of Alnwick Bus Station to provide a transport hub that improves access to and services for passengers using public buses, Investigate the potential of other private hire coaches and other public service vehicles will be supported, subject to the bus station sites in or near the achievement of high quality design. town centre to provide more The development of the site, as part of a wider comprehensive redevelopment scheme, space and reduce operating which involves the incorporation of an enhanced transport hub, including improved constraints. facilities for passengers will also be supported, subject to the achievement of high quality Improve the provision of bus design. and coach facilities and services throughout the Plan area.

46 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 | TRANSPORT 8.3.4 Goods and services car dependence for residents for longer 8.3.6 Environmental impact of COMMUNITY ACTION distance trips. transport PROPOSAL Approach Seeking continually to improve longer- Approach TRA CAP 4 Much of the movement of goods and range transport links by sustainable modes Goods and Services Transport is one of the many factors that services takes place in the background of not only benefits residents in their need Opportunities will be sought to influence the quality of the environment daily life and continued provision for these to travel but also helps to improve the develop appropriate overnight in which we live. Good, sustainable travel services is essential. Service vehicles need inbound visitor gateway and economy. parking facilities for lorries. access at inconvenient places and times and transport links can help improve the and large vehicles cause disruption when Although the Aln Valley Railway is primarily environment. However, negative aspects Provision for loading and delivering during the day. Longer distance planned as a heritage railway it potentially of current transport provision and use, not unloading trade vehicles will be vehicles have to stay overnight somewhere. offers the opportunity of a sustainable only include unsightly impacts on the urban reviewed. transport route to the East Coast Mainline at Modern farm vehicles, increasingly large in streetscape, but also excessive emissions Provision will be made for Alnmouth for Alnwick Station. Policy TRA 4 all dimensions, are a key part of the rural of greenhouse gases from motor vehicles maintenance access when therefore safeguards the route.. economy. Blending together all these that accelerate climate change, emission establishing traffic management demands on the transport facilities is set of motor vehicle pollutants that cause regulations. to become increasingly difficult as the POLICY respiratory disease, traffic incidents and crashes that cause injury and death. vitality of the Plan area is restored and the Transport envisaged growth is realised. TRA4 Doing nothing would mean continuing to Links accept these health and safety risks. COMMUNITY ACTION Recognising the needs of such traffic and PROPOSAL making appropriate provision offers the Where the original alignment exists, Whilst the resolution of many of the opportunity to accommodate an increased the former rail route towards Alnmouth problems is outwith the scope of the TRA CAP 5 Station within the plan area will be Transport Links & prosperity in the Plan area without Alnwick and Denwick Neighbourhood Plan, protected for potential re-use by the Aln Accessibility disrupting the normal daytime business of local changes particularly in facilitating residents and visitors. Valley Railway and compatible walking Improve the main line rail links and cycling use. informed choices of travel mode, can at Alnmouth for Alnwick Railway improve the travel environment for Station. 8.3.5 Transport links & accessibility residents and visitors alike. Support the completion of the Aln Approach Valley Railway (AVR). The Plan area does not exist in isolation but Consider park and ride facilities as in part relies for its prosperity on its links to a means of improving sustainable the world around it. Just as within the area, access to Alnwick town centre it is important for such links beyond the from the wider area. area to be made by more sustainable modes of travel. Hence it is necessary to recognise a hierarchy of preferred transport options appropriate to the distance to be travelled. Doing nothing would simply increase

TRANSPORT | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 47 COMMUNITY ACTION PROPOSAL TRA CAP 6 Environmental Impact of Transport Promote and support transport provision that generally enhances the health, wellbeing and quality of life for all.

Support proposals for transport provision that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

COMMUNITY ACTION PROPOSAL

TRA CAP 7 8.3.7 Maintenance and upkeep safe and convenient will contribute towards planning offering clear benefits in this Maintenance & Upkeep Approach making the town centre an attractive place respect. Excessive speed continues to be a A five-year strategic plan for to visit for business, shopping and recreation. hazard with the safety benefit of a 20mph the repair and maintenance Like all facilities, transport infrastructure limit being inadequately understood. has to be serviced and maintained to keep of footpaths and pedestrian 8.3.8 Traffic management Drivers seem not to understand the areas will be prepared and it clean, safe and fit for purpose. Hitherto, inconvenience and danger of vehicles Approach implemented. much of the maintenance undertaken parked illegally or inconsiderately by other has been concentrated on the roadways Effective traffic management holds the drivers, often to avoid walking a few yards. Pedestrian routes will be kept for motor vehicles at the expense of key to several of the traffic and transport clean year round and suitably Various cost effective options for much lower standards of maintenance related concerns in Alnwick and Denwick. treated to provide ready and safe improvement have been suggested during for pavements and pedestrian facilities In many cases, junction management is access for pedestrians the workshops, discussions and surveys generally. The Neighbourhood Plan dominant but there is a need to establish in the winter. carried out as the Plan has evolved. These presents an opportunity to change this the rights of pedestrians and cyclists to are reflected in the policies and community emphasis and put pedestrians and cyclists cross as well as to determine the optimum action proposals set out. first, thus encouraging a greater uptake of motor vehicle flows. Much of the need for walking and cycling. traffic management could be prevented by Ensuring that the pedestrian and cyclist better control at the planning stage with infrastructure is serviced and maintained to development concentrated at locations a standard that makes walking and cycling that reduce the need to travel and travel

48 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 | TRANSPORT 8.3.9 Public parking by parking in Alnwick indicate the direction to evolved, it has been noted that if the town COMMUNITY ACTION PROPOSAL Approach which such an approach would lead. centre offers what people want, they will walk from the available car parks to the The NPPF requires that: TRA CAP 8 The provision of public parking spaces in centre. Nevertheless, various options for Traffic management Alnwick appears to be adequate other than q If setting local parking standards improvement have been suggested and Guidance on the requirement at peak times such as during occasional for residential and non-residential these are reflected in the policies and for travel plans for major major events, although alternative parking development, local planning authorities community action proposals set out. developments will be produced. areas are not well signed from the most should take into account the availability central sites. The County now has a parking of and opportunities for public Traffic speed will be managed to strategy and its policy is to provide time- transport and an overall need to reduce POLICY prioritise road user safety. managed free parking. This will need to be the use of high-emission vehicles; Parking The traffic systems and signing monitored and kept under review. With q Local authorities should seek to TRA5 that bring people into the town the adoption of civic responsibility for improve the quality of parking in town The development of improved provision will be improved. parking, the County Council has begun to centres so that it is convenient, safe and of public parking facilities in Alnwick re-establish order into the system but much secure. They should set appropriate and Denwick that are sympathetic to the remains to be done to redress the scourge parking charges that do not undermine townscape character will be promoted of pavement parking particularly and illegal the vitality of town centres. Parking and supported. parking generally. enforcement should be proportionate. Doing nothing is possible as always but the During the workshops, discussions increasing lawlessness and obstruction caused and surveys carried out as the Plan has COMMUNITY ACTION PROPOSAL TRA CAP 9 Parking management The provision for parking within and around Alnwick town centre will be reviewed.

Parking management and related arrangements will be improved.

Parking regulations and associated traffic legislation will be enforced.

TRANSPORT | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 49 SECTION ENVIRONMENT 9.1 9 Context which help to make households and 9.1.3 Strategic planning approach businesses more self-reliant and Key policy guidance is provided at national sustainable. 9.1.1 Introduction level by the National Planning Policy • Like much of Northumberland, the area Framework, (NPPF) and at a local level by As an historic market town in a high boasts dark skies which are the envy of the Alnwick District Core Strategy and the quality landscape situated in a sparsely visitors from more densely-populated emerging Northumberland Local Plan Core populated part of England’s least areas – but these skies are threatened Strategy. The main points in relation to the densely-populated county, Alnwick and by poorly designed street lighting and environment are set out below: its neighbour Denwick present a paradox inappropriate floodlighting. in terms of how the plan should approach • Most people in Alnwick and Denwick NPPF environmental issues. would say that, as residents and visitors, The overall thrust of the NPPF to deliver • We are surrounded by green space and we have a commitment to conserving sustainable development and in particular reasonably good levels of biodiversity our environment and its natural beauty Sections 7 (Requiring good design), – but only limited amounts of it are – and yet remain a problem. 8 (Promoting healthy communities), publicly accessible, and we have no 10 (Meeting the challenge of climate local areas of nature conservation. 9.1.2 Constraints change, flooding and coastal change) and • Alnwick hosts popular restaurants and Some of the factors likely to limit the ability 11 (conserving and enhancing the natural a celebrated food festival each year, and of the plan to act are: environment) have relevance for this chapter. yet there remains unmet demand for Section 7 seeks high quality design in all allotments. • decreasing availability of public finance and staff resources; development and that it should be a key • Several areas of Alnwick are objective of the planning system, although characterised by attractive mature trees • weakness of incentives and other it does state that: “Local planning authorities – yet some of these are at risk. measures to support installation of low- should not refuse planning permission for carbon energy solutions and energy • Most of Alnwick is on higher ground buildings or infrastructure which promote efficiency measures; well-removed from the risk of river high levels of sustainability because of flooding – but the flash floods of • undervaluing of environmental assets concerns about incompatibility with an June 2012 and numerous lower-level when judged against economic existing townscape...unless the concern incidents show that we are at risk of objectives; relates to a designated heritage asset and the surface water flooding. • concentration of land ownership in impact... is not outweighed by the proposal’s economic, social and environmental benefits.” • The visual amenity of the plan area is a small number of hands can make a major source of appeal - but this can it difficult to ensure community Section 8 requires that assessments should cause opposition to some changes, for environmental needs are met. identify specific needs and quantitative example small-scale renewables (such or qualitative deficits or surpluses of open as solar photovoltaics and solar thermal) space, and sports and recreational facilities

50 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 | ENVIRONMENT in the local area. Information gained Alnwick District Local Development • High quality sustainable design – from the assessments should be used to Framework Core Strategy criteria for high energy efficiency and determine what open space, sports and low or zero carbon energy generation, The ADCS includes policies to protect and recreational provision is required.” for new and existing properties; enhance biodiversity and geodiversity – Section 10 proposes: “To support the policy S12 and to protect and enhance • Principles for the environment – move to a low carbon future, local planning the distinctive landscape character of the conserving, protecting and enhancing authorities should … actively support district in policy S13. In addition the general the character and significance of energy efficiency improvements to existing design principles in policy S16 are relevant Northumberland’s distinctive and buildings; …recognise the responsibility to the topic content of this Environment valued environment; on all communities to contribute to energy chapter, as is policy S20 on open space, • Biodiversity and geodiversity – generation from renewable or low carbon sport and recreation. Policy S21 sets out the avoiding unacceptable harm, adequate sources…. [and] take account of climate requirements for renewable energy to be mitigation; securing net biodiversity change over the longer term, including supported, whilst policy S22 seeks energy gains and applying the ecosystem factors such as flood risk, coastal change, efficiency in new residential and commercial approach; water supply and changes to biodiversity and developments throughout the district. • Flooding and Sustainable drainage landscape.” systems – requiring proposals to Northumberland Local Plan – Core demonstrate how they will minimise Finally, section 11 states that “the planning Strategy system should contribute to and enhance the flood risk to people, property and natural and local environment by recognising This emerging document proposes new infrastructure from all potential sources the wider benefits of ecosystem services and policy direction at the County level. With and incorporating Sustainable drainage minimising impacts on biodiversity and regard to the environment, the Core Strategy systems; providing net gains in biodiversity where seeks the following: • Open space and facilities for sport possible.” and recreation – seeking provision of recreational space for the development • Green infrastructure – protecting, improving and extending Northumberland’s green infrastructure network; • Renewable and low carbon energy development – to support such developments subject to evaluation of impacts on landscape, conservation etc.

ENVIRONMENT | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 51 • To reduce vulnerability to extreme temperatures and sunlight in urban 9.2 rainfall events; environments. They also contribute to Objectives • To reduce the environmental impact of sustainable urban drainage and water lighting; storage, particularly important as we increasingly experience extremes in 9.2.1 Environment objectives • To reduce the quantity of littering and our climate; Economy – high quality dog fouling. The overall environmental aim for the greenspace is an important and widely Alnwick and Denwick Neighbourhood Plan is: recognised element in successful 9.3 regeneration programmes, improving To improve well-being and reduce the Policies and Proposals the desirability of an area. 1 environmental impact of the people who live or work in and visit Alnwick 9.3.1 Green space However, Alnwick and Denwick fall far short and Denwick, to increase the amount of the national standards recommended Natural England, the government’s advisor of public open space that is readily by Natural England - Accessible Natural on the natural environment, states that accessible to all, protect and increase Green Space Standard. They also fall far accessible natural green space can be seen biodiversity, practice sustainable urban short of the levels recommended by to provide a range of social, economic and drainage and water management and Northumberland County Council in its Open environmental benefits: make us more resilient to resource Space, Sport and Recreational Facilities prices and climate change. PPG17 assessment, based on the current Environmental appreciation – with population of 8,500. Given expected levels The strategic objectives are: opportunities to learn about nature of housebuilding, we would do better to • To improve the resilience of Alnwick to and to help protect it in practical aspire towards the target based on an rising commodity prices by increasing ways; Securing biodiversity – naturally 11,000 population. the amount of food and energy vegetated areas help to ensure that There is also a danger that existing green produced locally, and by improving urban and rural areas continue to spaces will become even more fragmented energy efficiency of buildings in the function ecologically; Health – with as development occurs. Although Hulne plan area; opportunities for activities to improve Park is a 1620 hectare site, access is only • To increase the amount of publicly- health through physical activity and permitted for part of the year to four trails, accessible green space and increase the play; … Well-being – being in a natural and dogs and cycles are banned. A much biodiversity of Alnwick and Denwick environment outdoors can reduce stress wider range of fully accessible natural and through a range of designations; and mild depression, and frequent semi-natural green space is required within exposure to the natural environment • To reduce the greenhouse gas the plan area. reduces the incidence of depression;… emissions from housing and Climate regulation – green spaces are In the Issues and Options Community commercial premises by encouraging often some of the few areas of shade, Consultation which took place in Winter energy efficiency and appropriate on- of particular value to children and 2012/13, 83% of respondents (93% of those site renewables; the elderly. They are vital in reducing who expressed an opinion) supported the 1  NE265: Nature Nearby - http://publications. • To increase the percentage of Alnwick plan increasing the amount of publicly naturalengland.org.uk/publication/40004?cat the health impacts of increasing egory=47004 and Denwick waste that is recycled; accessible green space to achieve the

52 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 | ENVIRONMENT standards set by the County Council for the rest of Northumberland. POLICY The current and target levels of the different Providing New Green Space Through types of green space are shown below in ENV1 Table ENV1, based on both the current and Development projected population from proposed levels Plans for major developments will: of housebuilding in Chapter 4. • incorporate proposals for the provision of amenity green space and natural and semi- • Policy ENV1 ensures that future natural green space in the site, or developments continue to make • alternatively, include proposals for the improvement of existing parks and gardens provision for all types of green space. where they are in the vicinity of the development site and immediately accessible to it. • Policy ENV2 makes provision for the In both instances proposals should meet the standards recommended by Northumberland replacement of green space in case County Council in its 2011 Open Space, Sport and Recreational Facilities assessment or any COMMUNITY ACTION existing space is lost to development. successor replacement documents. PROPOSAL Finally the community action proposal ENV CAP1 outlines improvements which ENV CAP 1 the town and parish councils working The Town and Parish with Northumberland Estates will look to POLICY Councils in consultation with introduce to maximise access to natural and Northumberland Estates and Protecting Green Space Northumberland County Council semi-natural green space. ENV2 Development that results in the loss of existing valued and valuable parks as landowners will seek to create and gardens, or amenity green space will only be permitted when the and establish areas of publicly development makes provision for alternative green space in the vicinity, which is equivalent accessible natural and semi or larger in size, and with an equivalent or greater level of accessibility and quality. natural greenspace.

Table ENV1

Type Current level Target based on Target based on (Hectares) current 8,500 possible future population 11,000 population (Hectares) (Hectares) Parks and Gardens 5.72 18.19 23.54 Amenity Greenspace 5.58 9.27 11.55 Natural and semi-natural greenspace 1.64 64.18 83.05

ENVIRONMENT | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 53 9.3.2 Designated local green space The following areas are proposed for designation as Local Green Space Paragraphs 76 to 78 of National Planning (Table ENV2). Policy Framework (NPPF) create a new Local Green Space Designation. Table ENV2

Local communities through local and Source of specialness Sites neighbourhood plans should be able Beauty • Duke’s School Playing Field – southern section, for its to identify for special protection green mature trees [see proposals map]. areas of particular importance to them. • Pottergate Garden. By designating land as Local Green Historic significance • Column Field Space local communities will be able to • Gardens adjacent to The Pinfold rule out new development other than in very special circumstances. …. The Recreational value • Swansfield Park designation should only be used: • St Thomas Open Space near Alnwick Community Centre • Bullfield Community Orchard • where the green space is in • The Recreation Ground Lower Barresdale reasonably close proximity to the (Designated as common land) community it serves; Tranquillity • Woodland and adjoining grassland to the West of the • where the green area is former Thomas Percy School on Blakelaw Road Green Batt Garden demonstrably special to a local • community and holds a particular local significance, for example because of its beauty, historic POLICY significance, recreational value Local Green Space (including as a playing field), ENV3 The following areas are proposed to be designated as Local Green Space, tranquillity or richness of its and are shown on the proposals map: wildlife; and • Duke’s School Playing Field – southern section • Pottergate Garden • Column Field • Gardens adjacent to The Pinfold • Swansfield Park • St Thomas Open Space near Alnwick • where the green area concerned Community Centre • Recreation Ground Lower Barresdale • Bullfield Community Orchard is local in character and is not an • Woodland to the West of the former Thomas Percy School on Blakelaw Road • Green Batt Garden. extensive tract of land. Within these areas development will not be permitted other than in very special circumstances.

54 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 | ENVIRONMENT 9.3.3 Nature reserves areas will ensure that the plan area reaches extinction is a natural part of Earth’s history. the 11 hectare target: However, over the past centuries humans Alnwick and Denwick are poorly served have increased the extinction rate by 50 to by nature reserves. Natural England • Cawledge Burn between North 1,000 times compared to the natural rate. recommends 1 hectare of reserves per 1,000 Cawledge Bridge, East Cawledge Farm population, but there are no nature reserves and the River Aln; Much of Northumberland, including whatsoever in the plan area. • Woodland to the west of the former Alnwick and Denwick, has a very special Thomas Percy School on Blakelaw natural environment and we want to ensure The expected housing increase outlined in that any proposed development takes this COMMUNITY ACTION Road. PROPOSAL the Alnwick and Denwick Neighbourhood into account to preserve and enhance our • Hay meadow west of the Dunterns on Plan would result in a population increase to beautiful county. ENV CAP 2 approximately 11,000. In order to meet the Summer Seats Biodiversity boosts ecosystem productivity The Parish and Town Councils will ANGst green space standard, 11 hectares seek to create and manage new of areas for nature conservation need to be 9.3.4 Biodiversity where each species, no matter how small, all have an important role to play. sites for nature conservation in established on the periphery of Alnwick and The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Greater species diversity ensures natural partnership with landowners and Denwick. Such areas should be prioritised in 2005 concluded that virtually all of sustainability for all life forms and healthy local nature conservation bodies. where there is already ecological interest, Earth’s ecosystems have been significantly ecosystems can better withstand and for example along river and stream corridors transformed through human actions. recover from shock events. We therefore which are often marginal land which has no In the second half of the 20th century have an urgent need to preserve the development value, due to flooding, or poor ecosystems changed more rapidly than at diversity in wildlife. transport connections. These areas offer any other time in recorded human history. the prospect of protecting and increasing Within many species groups, the majority Although the plan area is poorly served by biodiversity whilst allowing some public of species have faced a decline in the size publicly-accessible nature reserves, Alnwick access along defined public rights of way of their population, in their geographical and Denwick are better served by areas and permissive paths. spread, or both. Certain species may not of wildlife interest more generally. Many of the areas outlined below are privately- In the issues and options consultation decline, for instance if they are protected in owned, with no public right of access, but which took place in Winter 2012/13, 82% natural reserves, if particular threats to them irrespective of access, the plan should in of respondents (92% of respondents are eliminated, or if they thrive in human- accordance with paragraph 117 of the NPPF, who expressed an interest) believed that modified landscapes. Within well-studied encourage the preservation, enhancement the plan should identify areas for nature groups, 10 to 50% of species are currently and creation of priority habitats wherever conservation. Designating the following threatened with extinction. Species these opportunities exist. The plan area contains four areas which are Local Wildlife and Geological Sites (formerly known as Sites of Nature Conservation Area Interest). The areas are highlighted in blue overleaf.

ENVIRONMENT | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 55 The semi-natural woodland and grassland beech in the east, each with a variety of species are present, along with grey wagtail of Hulne Park hosts a variety of habitats, species in the field layer. Water shrews have on the burn, and, again, historical records leading to a diverse bird and insect fauna. been recorded here, and there are historical of water vole. The main botanical area of The river is also of interest here, with records of water vole. interest is the mature deciduous woodland crayfish and otter recorded. Cawledge Burn is of both ornithological east of the A1 bridge, where there are many Rugley Wood is noteworthy for the ancient and botanical interest. There is a wide woodland species in the field layer. species-rich hedgerow community. Mixed range of birds with warblers particularly Reigham Quarry is of purely geological woodland predominates in the north, and well represented. Other typical woodland interest and no special protection is proposed.

56 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 | ENVIRONMENT The plan also hosts a number of areas of upland heath further west on Alnwick Moor. Habitats of Principal Importance in England, Some of these are shown shaded in green in POLICY as set out in section 41 of the Natural the map below. Protecting Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) ENV4 Act 2006. These are principally areas of Biodiversity deciduous woodland, although there are In considering development proposals also areas of lowland acid grassland and where exceptionally loss of biodiversity is unavoidable, provision should be made for creation of equivalent areas of habitat in the vicinity of the site, which are equal in size to, or larger than those lost.

ENVIRONMENT | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 57 9.3.5 Allotments This suggests that whilst retaining existing action proposal ENV CAP3 suggests that allotment sites, an increase in allotment Alnwick Town Council take responsibility Alnwick has a total of approximately 6.5 provision of 3.5 hectares is required to for letting all allotments, and ENV CAP4 hectares of allotments. Of this, around two- meet the expectations of respondents and proposes a schedule of improvements. thirds are on land held freehold by the Town new residents. As the focus of new housing Council; the other one-third are let directly 9.3.6 Trees development will be the south and north- by Northumberland Estates, or, in the east of the town and neither of these areas Trees are a wide-spread and characteristic COMMUNITY ACTION case of Ratten Row, on a short lease from are currently well-served with allotments, feature of Alnwick as well as its urban edges PROPOSAL Northumberland Estates to Alnwick Town the proposal is to focus development there. where the town and countryside meet. They Council. Denwick has no allotments. ENV CAP 3 This proposal was supported by Allerburn play an important role in contributing to the Consolidate waiting list and Although this area is above the Lea and Fairfields residents who character and appearance of the town and management arrangements for minimum level recommended by attended a plan engagement event in its surroundings, soften the landscape, offer allotments. Northumberland County Council, there summer 2013. a relief of green seasonal foliage amongst are still waiting lists for allotments in houses and industry, screen unattractive The division of responsibility for Alnwick. When residents of a municipal views and modify noise penetration. allotments between Northumberland authority request allotments, the At the edges of the town they can gently COMMUNITY ACTION Estates and Alnwick Town Council PROPOSAL authority is required under section 23 mark the boundary between town and is inconvenient for people seeking an of the Smallholdings and Allotments Act to country as well as positively help the town allotment, who have to sign up to two ENV CAP 4 actively seek land to satisfy that request. to merge comfortably into the surrounding lists and are unsure whether to take the Deliver improvements to existing landscape. In groups, screens and in field Demand for allotments is expected to first offer of an allotment or hold out for a allotments. boundaries, they are an essential building steadily increase between now and 2031, preferred site. It discourages economies of block of well-balanced and sustainable with increased house-building and an scale, by requiring two separate bodies to townscapes and landscapes. increasing resident population. 68% of collect rents and improve sites, and it can respondents to the Issues and Options create distortions when the two providers’ Furthermore, the limited green space consultation favoured an increase in the pricing policies differ. Therefore community which is open to the public in Alnwick and space allocated to allotments, at least in line with the increasing population in Alnwick or at a higher rate. The POLICY Alnwick and Denwick Future Allotment Provision Neighbourhood Plan ENV5 Existing allotment sites will be retained and protected. Where development proposes 1100 new affecting existing allotment sites is unavoidable, alternative sites in dwellings between the vicinity, which are equivalent or larger in size, with an equivalent or greater level of 2011 and 2031, accessibility and quality (including fertility and soil quality), and equivalent or superior which may lead facilities must be provided before the development can commence. to an increase in Land for the provision of a total of 3.5 hectares of additional allotments, located in the population of around south and east of the town, will be provided close to proposed housing developments as 25%. identified on the proposals map.

58 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 | ENVIRONMENT Denwick benefits from a variety of attractive Protection of existing trees within the town, as the creative use of tree management and sometimes historic trees. Although rare particularly ancient trees or trees of good agreements. Existing trees and landscapes within the public green spaces in Alnwick arboricultural and amenity value, is essential in the public realm are managed and COMMUNITY ACTION a further role of trees is to provide edible in maintaining the distinctiveness of the protected in most cases by the County PROPOSAL fruit. There is no reason why fruit and nut townscape and its setting. Many trees also Council although Alnwick Town Council has trees should be constrained to private possess heritage value, and are protected responsibility for care, maintenance and ENV CAP 5 gardens. Provision of fruit and nut trees in by legislation where they lie in conservation replacement of trees in the Cemetery. Complete tree identification and public spaces would have some effect in areas. The future of these trees should mapping survey. Tree cover can be strategically extended to mitigating increasing food prices. It would therefore be a key consideration in planning the benefit of the appearance of the town also support biodiversity, increasing the new development. On private land this can by increasing the landscaping expectations attractiveness of trees, and encouraging be maximised for the public benefit through on developers in new developments and COMMUNITY ACTION wider use of green spaces. Tree Preservation Orders, site development PROPOSAL by adding more street-trees in residential briefs for new-build development, as well streets and along the major entrance roads ENV CAP 6 into the town. This not only increases Manage and replace street trees. POLICY local distinctiveness but also enhances Protecting Trees the main roads as gateways into the ENV6 town. Where the countryside meets the Development that damages or results in the loss of ancient trees will not be town, a strategy of increasing the tree- permitted. Development that damages or results in the loss of trees of good COMMUNITY ACTION arboricultural and amenity value and which does not replace them with equivalent trees will cover should be developed to make any PROPOSAL not be permitted. proposed new developments merge both with the immediate and wider townscape ENV CAP 7 Proposals affecting ancient trees or trees of good arboricultural and amenity value should and landscape. Tree cover can be used as a Explore opportunities for diverse be accompanied by a tree survey that establishes the health and longevity of any affected structural planting in the town/ trees and proposals should be designed to retain ancient trees or retain or replace trees of thread visually binding the town together country edges of Alnwick and arboricultural and amenity value with equivalent trees. but also as a way of softening the harshness of any new outward growth proposed for Denwick.

the town on its fringes.

COMMUNITY ACTION POLICY PROPOSAL Landscaping of New Developments ENV CAP 8 ENV7 Major development should include as part of planning applications full Plant fruit and nut bearing species landscaping and tree planting proposals to add to the distinctive character of the plan area, including off site structural landscaping where the development is on the in off-street publicly accessible urban edge and where a common owner makes this possible. green spaces. Proposals should consider micro climate and specify a diverse range of species, flowering and fruiting at different periods, which enhance wildlife habitats and contribute to national and local biodiversity targets.

ENVIRONMENT | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 59 9.3.7 Green corridors proposals will need to demonstrate how POLICY they will minimise flood risk by avoiding Maintaining the local green infrastructure inappropriate development in areas at risk that sits alongside the strategic assets Protecting of flooding. They will also be required to makes sense in relation to the health and ENV8 Green incorporate Sustainable Drainage Systems well-being of local people but to enhance (SuDS) unless it is clearly demonstrated that the network, by creating new assets and Infrastructure these are not appropriate. links or creating new functions for existing Local green infrastructure including assets, will significantly improve the area as rivers and streams, former rail trackbeds, The flash floods which struck Alnwick in a place to live, work, visit and invest in. greenways, and woodland belts which June 2012 and uncertainty over the future COMMUNITY ACTION provide corridors and habitats for wildlife likelihood of similar events suggests that PROPOSAL Connectivity across the town to encourage will be protected and new provision we should also consider how to minimise improved pedestrian and cycle access, supported. ENV CAP 9 their impact. In several parts of the town, particularly in relation to the new school Implement and maintain cost- The enhancement of public rights of way blocked and partially-blocked drains have site, but also for residents of all ages, can be in the plan area will be supported. effective street drainage measures. contributed to localised flooding in the past. served by securing local green infrastructure Community Action Proposal ENV CAP9 corridors that join up existing open spaces. seeks to address this issue. These include the old railway lines and 9.3.8 Water routes across playing fields and parks but On the evidence of Environment Agency POLICY also include the burns feeding into the flood risk maps, only two small areas of the Sustainable River Aln, which add connectivity between built environment in Alnwick and Denwick the designated nature conservation sites are at significant risk of river flooding. These ENV9 Drainage and proposed local nature reserves. Such are the northern tip of Canongate and Systems local green infrastructure can add wildlife Golden Moor in Denwick. and biodiversity value as well as visual All proposals for major development amenity for example the watercourse that A number of other areas are at risk of should incorporate Sustainable flows through Sainsbury’s car park. Water surface water flooding, due to rising Drainage Systems (SuDS), unless it is groundwater, or more often run-off caused clearly demonstrated the SuDS are not is important in strengthening wildlife appropriate. habitat networks and for the enjoyment of by periods of heavy rain. Environment local people. Therefore the policy below Agency maps suggest that areas of high Where SuDS are provided, arrangements must be put in place for their whole seeks also to encourage the formation and risk include parts of Bondgate Without, lifetime management and maintenance. connectivity of ponds and wetland areas, Denwick Lane, Wagonway Road, Bondgate such as those to be created in Sustainable Within, Clayport Street, Howling Lane and Swansfield Park Road. Drainage Systems (SuDS) for new 9.3.9 Energy development. Proposed housing land is located in areas On-site renewables currently deemed to be at some risk of surface water flooding – in the south- Alnwick and Denwick have around 30KW of west and north-east of Alnwick. The installed hydro capacity, 45KW of installed emerging Northumberland Local Plan wind energy capacity and approximately Core Strategy proposes that development 150KW of installed solar photovoltaic

60 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 | ENVIRONMENT capacity. Combined, these renewable barriers to proceeding with installations Energy efficiency technologies deliver approximately of renewables which would help reduce Domestic greenhouse gas emissions 400MWh of electricity per year. Solar the neighbourhood’s total environmental statistics are not available for Alnwick and thermal installations deliver approximately impact. Denwick, but emissions for Northumberland 20MWh of heat per year, and there is an 71% of respondents to the Winter 2012/13 as a whole in 2012 were 2.6 tonnes of CO2 unquantified amount of biomass used as a consultation, (83% of respondents who per capita. This represents an 11% fall per heat source. expressed an opinion), agreed that the household on 2005 levels. Air source and ground source heat pumps plan should encourage local homes and However, domestic greenhouse gas (AS/GSHPs) will start to deliver an increased businesses to generate their own energy emissions for Northumberland remain share of domestic and commercial heat over from renewable sources. 15% higher than for England as a whole. the lifetime of the plan. Construction of a Whilst the plan cannot itself change Whilst the cooler climate accounts for a biomass generating plant on the outskirts the current national policy in respect small part of the difference our emissions COMMUNITY ACTION of Alnwick is also proposed. PROPOSAL of permitted development rights in are still higher than those of Scotland However, currently only around 1-3% conservation areas, it can give a more so this cannot account for the whole ENV CAP 10 of Alnwick and Denwick’s total energy positive message to encourage small-scale difference. A substantial factor is due to In responding to planning consumption comes from on-site renewables in the plan area including in the higher percentage of hard-to-treat applications the Town and renewables. conservation areas where there are no properties – especially pre-1930 solid wall Parish Councils will advise that significant adverse impacts to these and properties. The UK government has agreed Outside conservation areas, solar all proposals for residential other important assets. a 50% target reduction in greenhouse technologies and AS/GSHPs can be installed development should be gas emissions by 2030, with domestic as permitted development, subject to some encouraged to incorporate energy properties achieving an even larger saving. national requirements. In conservation conservation schemes for the areas, solar photovoltaic and solar POLICY An assessment of Building Research dwellings, including effective thermal panels currently require planning Establishment data carried out in 2009 by energy efficiency measures and permission whenever they are mounted on ENV10 Small Scale Northumberland County Council suggested proposals to source a proportion the principal or side elevation of a house Renewable that 18% of Alnwick households lived in of their energy from renewable and visible from a highway. Air source heat fuel poverty (on the traditional definition of sources, either on-site or from pumps require planning permission if they Energy needing to spend more than 10% of their guaranteed renewable sources are to be installed on a wall or roof which Small-scale renewables (up to 50kw income to maintain an adequate heating within the Plan area. fronts a highway or will be nearer to any for electricity and 300kw for heat) will regime). With above-inflation rises in fuel highway which bounds the property than be supported as long as the proposal’s prices and below-inflation rises in income, economic, social and environmental any part of the building. Alnwick already has benefits outweigh any material harm this figure will have risen significantly in a sizeable conservation area, and elsewhere to landscape character and sensitivity, the last 5 years. No disaggregated figures in this draft plan there is a proposal to designated nature conservation sites, are available for Denwick, but figures for review it. protected habitats and species and comparable areas such as Whittingham designated heritage assets and their and Hedgeley (off the gas main, with older Planning applications are time-consuming, settings. housing stock) suggest 45% of households and there is anecdotal evidence that might live in fuel poverty. the risk of refusal creates significant

ENVIRONMENT | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 61 9.3.10 Lighting Although statutory powers are available is subject to planning permission, and to to local authorities under The Clean confer additional protection on the rural Artificial light is an important part of Neighbourhoods and Environment Act part of the plan area. modern life. It has many uses including: 2005, which amended the Environmental illumination of streets, roads and hazardous Protection Act 1990 to bring artificial areas; for security; to increase the hours of POLICY light from premises under the statutory usage for outdoor sports and recreation nuisance regime, this legislation sets a Reducing facilities; and to enhance the appearance ENV11 high bar. For light at a premises to be a of buildings at night. The increased use Light statutory nuisance it must unduly illuminate of lighting, however, can cause problems. another premises so as to cause nuisance Pollution Light in the wrong place at the wrong time or be prejudicial to health. It does not take All street lighting in new developments can be intrusive. The Campaign to Protect account of impacts on the enjoyment of should be designed to be dimmable, Rural England has described “the night sky shared areas, longer term health impacts or capable of part-night operation and to as the ultimate Area of Outstanding Natural minimise upward light. on wildlife. There are also certain premises Beauty and Site of Special Scientific Interest.” 2 where lighting is exempt from statutory Where floodlighting is subject to planning Much of rural Northumberland is nuisance, including bus stations and permission it will only be permitted where characterised by dark skies. Given that military installations. the developer can robustly justify why it is necessary. the plan area’s commercial and residential Policy ENV11 seeks to ensure that street extent is set to grow further under In rural parts of the plan area, all new lighting in new developments meets high proposals in the Neighbourhood Plan, it street lighting and lighting within new standards which do not further contribute is right that we ought to seek protection developments should be set at the lowest to light pollution in the plan area. It also intensity compatible with community of night skies wherever possible. This is seeks to restrict floodlighting wherever this safety in order to preserve dark skies. reflected in the number of comments on this point in response to the plan consultation. As summarised by the British Astronomical Association in its campaign for dark skies, the arguments for minimising light pollution are not purely aesthetic. There is now significant evidence showing that light at night can disrupt the body’s production of the brain hormone melatonin and lead to restless nights and psychological stresses. Inefficient outdoor lighting is estimated to waste over £1bn per year in the UK, cause unnecessary carbon emissions, and have a 2 CPRE Night Blight Report - click here detrimental effect on nocturnal wildlife. for a link to the document

62 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 | ENVIRONMENT 9.3.11 Litter and dog fouling 9.3.12 Recycling 2012/13 Community Consultation, 72% of respondents (77% who expressed an Alnwick and Denwick have a widely- Recycling rates for Northumberland have COMMUNITY ACTION opinion) agreed that the plan should PROPOSAL perceived issue with dog fouling and increased from approximately 30% to 40% provide more town centre sites for recycling littering. Dog fouling has attracted in the past 5 years, but it is unlikely that glass, textiles and cartons to help improve ENV CAP 11 considerable local media attention rates will increase much further without recycling rates. Improve management of litter and and along with littering, was the most increased doorstep collection which is dog fouling. frequently cited environmental issue in currently confined to paper, card, cans and Community Action Proposal ENV the Alnwick and Denwick community plastic bottles, with garden waste collected CAP13 supports greater provision of consultation which ran in Winter 2011. 95% for an added charge. Doorstep collection recycling facilities as a condition of major COMMUNITY ACTION of respondents to the Neighbourhood Plan recycling policies are governed by a developments and seeks to reach a similar PROPOSAL options consultation in Winter 2012/13 said contract between Northumberland County standard for existing developments. While that they would support the provision of Council and Sita UK, the Council’s waste Community Action Proposal ENV CAP14 ENV CAP 12 appropriately designed bins in areas where management partners. requires that consideration is given to Develop a strategy to deal with there is a problem with dog fouling and combined waste/recycling bins when street dog fouling, chewing gum, Recycling sites in Alnwick are limited. litter. bins are replaced or added. littering and fly-tipping. The ‘bring site’ at Greenwell Road Research by Keep Britain Tidy suggests accommodates bins for glass bottles and that increased provision of bins reduces jars, shoes, textiles and beverage cartons littering, although the location of facilities is (tetrapaks). Similar sites for glass bottles and COMMUNITY ACTION PROPOSAL a significant factor. jars and textiles only are located behind Willowburn Sports Centre, in a A number of other options exist to help ENV CAP 13 corner of the Co-op petrol station and reduce dog fouling and littering, such as Improve provision for recycling. in the lay-by on Denwick Lane but no increased use of law enforcement, local supermarkets or other car parks have campaigns, use of positive publicity about recycling centres. people who clean up after their dogs and COMMUNITY ACTION negative publicity about those who don’t. Main walking routes in and around Alnwick PROPOSAL have no recycling facilities, which means Community Action Proposal ENV CAP11 ENV CAP 14 paper, cans and bottles may only be seeks to ensure increased provision of Consider the installation of disposed of in waste bins. dog and litter bins, whilst ENV CAP12 will combined waste and recycling develop a strategy to deal with dog fouling, Providing more town recycling facilities bins. chewing gum, littering and fly-tipping. for materials which are not collected on doorsteps and allowing limited recycling of materials ‘on the go’ are practical and proportionate measures to improve recycling rates in the town These facilities were proposed by attendees at the Neighbourhood Plan Consultation event in Summer 2013. In the Winter

ENVIRONMENT | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 63 SECTION HERITAGE, DESIGN AND CULTURE

10 10.1 Introduction

From any point of view, Alnwick with Denwick is undoubtedly a heritage and cultural hot spot. It is also a place of robust northern beauty – in both its townscapes and landscapes. As the only ducal town in the region and, traditionally, the County town of Northumberland, the area is of Part A - Heritage and Design huge heritage importance in both the County and Region. A unique combination of heritage features and architectural designs still remain from the area’s Saxon, 10.2 • Outstanding Historic urban approach medieval, post-medieval, Victorian and Context – entrance into Alnwick town from the 20th century past. Such significant historic north via B6341, across the Lion Bridge features and designs include the Castle, 10.2.1 Existing heritage assets and up The Peth into the town centre Market Place, Town Gates, Town Hall, several historic places of worship, public Key heritage evidence collected during the • Significant Historic urban views – water fountains (‘pants’) and the historic Neighbourhood Planning process includes including historic townscape views layout and ambiance of both Alnwick town the following existing designated and in Canongate, Bailiffgate, Pottergate, and Denwick village. Significant cultural undesignated heritage assets of Alnwick Bondgate Within and Bondgate Without attractions include Alnwick Playhouse, the and Denwick: • Landscape Heritage – Historic Park and Alnwick Garden, the Bailiffgate Museum, • Conservation Areas - Garden (Grade I and very large), several Aln Valley Railway, Barter Books and the Alnwick Conservation Area characterful landscapes, historic field Northumberland Hall, as well as annual • Protected Historic Buildings and boundaries and protected trees cultural events (Shrove Tuesday Football at Sites – 340 Listed Building entries,14 • Industrial Archaeology – combines Alnwick Castle, Alnwick International Music Scheduled Monuments and a number grand listed buildings like Alnwick Festival, Alnwick Food and Beer Festivals, of unlisted but Significant Buildings , Railway Station (former), the Heritage Open Days, Bonfire Fireworks some of which are in the conservation upstanding remains of previous railway display and Northumbrian Gathering) and area and others which could be buildings and the developing Aln a dedicated Town Crier. included in a Local List for Alnwick and Valley Railway with historic industrial Denwick (see HD CAP5) landscape features including track beds, • Historic Spaces – Market Place and bridges and embankments that remain other historic townscape spaces from previous rail routes.

64 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 | HERITAGE, DESIGN AND CULTURE 10.2.2 Factors constraining the proper • enhance and regenerate the settings of contribution made by the historic management of Heritage and this built heritage; environment to the character of a place. Design • inform the design of new development Section 7, headed ‘Requiring Good Design’, so that it is appropriate and adds value • Lack of available public finance and staff also indicates that The Government attaches to its townscape and landscape context; great importance to the design of the built • Fragmentation of responsibilities • monitor the condition of historic fabric environment. Good design is a key aspect between public and private agencies for timely action; of sustainable development, is indivisible • Limitation of existing conservation • promote the attraction of the historic from good planning, and should contribute controls environment of Alnwick and Denwick. positively to making places better for people. • Heritage skills shortage In particular, local and neighbourhood plans • Undervaluing of heritage assets as 10.2.4 Policy context should develop robust and comprehensive economic assets, leading all too often to National Planning Policy Framework policies that set out the quality of ‘development v heritage’ conflict (NPPF) development that will be expected for the • Unresolved conflicts between area. Such policies should be based on regulation and historic quality In Section 12 of the NPPF, Local Planning stated objectives for the future of the area Authorities are required to set out a • Our unique heritage of town and village and an understanding and evaluation of its positive strategy for the conservation and is too often taken for granted by those defining characteristics. enjoyment of the historic environment. for whom it has become the familiar Heritage assets should be conserved in a Alnwick District Council Core Strategy, backdrop to their lives. manner appropriate to their significance October 2007 10.2.3 Overall approach taken to so that they can be enjoyed for their Key Heritage and Design policies are: Heritage and Design contribution to the quality of life of this and future generations. Plans should recognise The consultation identified the need Policy S13 that heritage assets are an irreplaceable Need to protect and enhance landscape for a heritage-positive attitude in the resource and should take into account: Neighbourhood Plan. Because the character considerable heritage and design quality • The desirability of sustaining and Policy S14 of Alnwick and Denwick adds much to the enhancing the significance of heritage Development in the open countryside quality of life and economic well-being of assets and putting them to viable uses supports conservation and residents as well as greatly to the enjoyment consistent with their conservation; enhancement Alnwick Core Strategy (2007) of the many visitors to the town and village, • The wider social, cultural, economic policy S15 on the built and Policy S15 the approach here will be to cherish and and environmental benefits historic environment and Need to protect the built and historic add value to the historic environment of that conservation of the historic S13 on Landscape, although environment both town and village. So in this section environment can bring; still valid currently, are likely policies and proposals for this historic • The desirability of new development Policy S16 to be superseded entirely by environment are formulated which will: making a positive contribution to local Sets out strategic principles of the Northumberland Core good design to be applied to all Strategy policies which are • protect and sustain the use and fabric of character and distinctiveness; and developments also more detailed. the built heritage; • Opportunities to draw on the

HERITAGE, DESIGN AND CULTURE | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 65 Northumberland Local Plan – cherished through local action, effective Core Strategy 10.3 protection and planning, this circle may be broken and irreplaceable assets lost for ever. One of the seven Objectives which are Heritage and Design fundamental to the NLPCS is ‘Protecting Objectives Heritage and Design objectives are: and enhancing Northumberland’s • To optimise the potential of heritage distinctive and valued natural, historic Heritage adds value, directly and indirectly, in Alnwick and Denwick to contribute and built environment’. This quality to the quality of people’s lives in the UK. It to place-shaping and supporting and environment is regarded as a significant is not only the backdrop against which lives sustaining the visitor economy, as well asset to both people who live in the are played out but it is through regularly as encouraging local people to have County and the wider region. experiencing the enduring beauties of a sense of pride, involvement and It makes a significant contribution local historic architecture, townscapes and ownership; to the character, quality of landscapes that residents are reassured • To protect, conserve and enhance the life and sense of place of the continuity and stability of their setting, layout and character of the and the economy of town and village and develop a pride in historic town and village through the Northumberland. Finally, their home place. The sense of well-being integration of high quality development it is regarded as a valuable is always high in historically significant and refurbishment that reflects local, resource for commuters, environments. historic design qualities and makes businesses and visitors. Visitors in increasing numbers come to them more people friendly places for The NLPCS seeks to share these quality experiences and sense living, working and visiting; secure sustainable of well-being which contributes to the local • To ensure that the area’s historic development and economy. Consequently, the growth of and architectural design quality is high quality visitor attractions and facilities in response celebrated and promoted to sustainable to the growing visitor numbers, adds further proactively raise the unique design. It sets value to the daily lives of residents in a heritage profile of Alnwick out principles for virtuous circle of mutual benefit. However, if and Denwick. the environment the heritage is not protected, enhanced and and assessing landscape impact and seeks to support the historic environment and heritage assets.

66 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 | HERITAGE, DESIGN AND CULTURE impact when viewed from the main routes town and village. Views from these main 10.4 into and past Alnwick. These are therefore routes are included in Table HD1. Heritage and Design the priority for shaping visual coherence of Policies and Proposals Table HD1 Across the Plan Area Direction Route Views 10.4.1 Achieving a visually coherent town and village in the South A1 approach from the Town largely hidden by tree cover on A1 south. embankment, with gaps revealing trees and fields landscape along river banks with a large modern housing Past land use change has paid too little estate appearing in the background to the north. Cawledge Business Park and filling station/hotel attention to composing the appearance of are prominent, but Lionheart Enterprise Park only the town and village as visually cohesive glimpsed through trees. settlements in the landscape and has resulted in blurred edges and lack of environmental assessment of growth East B1340 approach from Undulating landscape with intermittent views Denwick. A1068 approach of parkland and tree-covered town as backdrop direction and landscape capacity. This from Alnmouth. Shilbottle particularly on approach from Denwick. Lionheart affects all views into the town from the Road approach from Enterprise Park is prominent on the final approach outside landscape except from the North Shilbottle Ridge. from Shilbottle. and North/East where the views inside and outside Alnwick Castle Historic Park and North B6341 (Old A1 – Great Iconic view of medieval castle dominating an COMMUNITY ACTION Garden are more coherent, being composed North Road) approach from unspoiled historic landscape and high quality PROPOSAL of a huge medieval castle dominating an the north. parkland. unspoiled historic landscape. HD CAP 1 A1 approach from the With the exception of some newer housing the Carry out a visual appraisal of key Challenges to the setting of the town north. buildings of the town are largely mixed with approaches listed in Table HD1. and village that have emerged as the intensive tree cover. Neighbourhood Plan has developed include the impact of proposed developments – West B6341 approach from Transition from upland sandstone ridge on Alnwick COMMUNITY ACTION particularly the significant housing and Rothbury entering Alnwick Moor to coastal plain, with periodic views of the PROPOSAL employment sites proposed to the south at Clayport Bank. North Sea, and uninterrupted views along the and east of Alnwick and public awareness of Aln valley across open landscape before plunging HD CAP 2 the impact of Onshore Wind Farms on the down into the town. Develop design guidelines for wider landscape views. A key finding in the new development on the key Neighbourhood Plan Consultation was that North-west B6346 approach from Road enclosed by long estate wall, with few distant approaches in Table HD1. the outward growth of the town and village Eglingham entering views. Glimpses of Alnwick Abbey followed by should sit well within the Alnwick/Denwick Alnwick at Canongate. direct views of St Michael’s iconic Church tower landscape. above before entering the urban enclosure of Canongate. The landscape setting has the greatest

HERITAGE, DESIGN AND CULTURE | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 67 COMMUNITY ACTION 10.4.2 Heritage assets – rescue and PROPOSAL POLICY increased protection POLICY Protecting Heritage HD CAP 3 HD1 As recorded in the Neighbourhood Plan HD2 Prepare a strategy to protect Landscape Consultation, some Listed Buildings (LBs) Assets at Risk heritage assets. Setting and Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs) Where a development proposal helps to are under threat from neglect, decay and secure a sustainable future for a heritage Development proposed in the Parishes of asset at risk, or threatened by decay and Alnwick and Denwick will be expected to under-use. Also, the consultation recorded under use, this will be a factor in its favour. be designed to avoid: that other historic structures of local value COMMUNITY ACTION lack any kind of protection and that this Such proposals are encouraged. PROPOSAL • visual harm to the landscape character and setting of town and should be remedied with the development HD CAP 4 village; of a list of locally valued undesignated • the loss of landscape features that historic assets. Set up a joint County and POLICY contribute to local distinctiveness voluntary local monitoring system or historic elements that contribute At present, two high grade LBs and one Protecting of the condition and use of to landscape character and quality SAM are on English Heritage’s official list HD3 heritage assets. and to the health and well-being of of Heritage at Risk and thus require urgent Non- residents and visitors. attention. There are also a further 9 Grade II Designated Heritage Development proposals that would LBs known to be decaying and/or seriously have an effect on the important underused and three other publicly used Assets Development affecting non-designated COMMUNITY ACTION views identified in Table HD1 should Grade I and II* LBs are threatened by under- PROPOSAL heritage assets, whether locally listed, demonstrate that they do not harm the use and decay. In addition, there are a distinctive landscape or historic character identified in the Historic Environment number of vacant upper floors throughout HD CAP 5 of Alnwick. Record, through characterisation studies Develop a list of locally valued the town centre that may be threatening or research, or identified as part of the historic assets to provide them the fabric and future of other historic application process, should have particular regard to the conservation of the heritage with protection. buildings too. asset, its features and its setting. The general level of building care and maintenance throughout the conservation area can only be described as patchy and COMMUNITY ACTION too often stone repairs and maintenance 10.4.3 Planning and traffic enforcement PROPOSAL have been carried out in such unskilled ways Much effort goes into refining planning HD CAP 6 that the repairs themselves may threaten decisions to show sensitivity to the historic the future well-being of the premises. Any Prepare an owners’ information setting of new development. However, if threats to other undesignated heritage campaign aimed at raising the care of such decisions is not matched by assets in the area registered in the official understanding of designated and equal and regular care in enforcing them on County Historic Environment Record (HERs), undesignated heritage assets. the ground, then a great deal is lost in the are currently unknown. process, leaving mediocrity to damage our townscapes and erode their economic and visitor value.

68 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 | HERITAGE, DESIGN AND CULTURE Alnwick and Denwick have suffered no the twenty-first century urban edges Table HD2 more than their fair share of planning of almost every English town. Alnwick enforcement difficulties but improved deserves better. Heritage at Risk identified by performance will help safeguard the COMMUNITY ACTION English Heritage: With more development proposed by PROPOSAL townscape quality of the town and village. the Neighbourhood Plan, much of which • Bondgate Tower, Bondgate Without The most outstanding traffic enforcement – residential and employment – will be HD CAP 7 problem at present in the Green Batt (Listed Building Grade I) located on the southern and eastern Improve Planning and Traffic area, is vehicles parked partly or fully • General Lambert’s House, 31 and 33 edges too, the plan must direct some of Enforcement to protect the on pavements. Although such abuses Narrowgate (Listed Building Grade II*) this investment into increasing the feeling quality of heritage assets and may not be dangerous in all cases, they of ‘entrance’ on the main roads from the public realm. • Camp on Alnwick Moor do inconvenience pedestrians and, in south and east as they enter the edges (Scheduled Ancient Monument) particular, damage the historic fabric of of the town. Building in a recognisable Threatened Grade II Listed the public realm, adding to the general sense of ‘entrance’ would reinforce the Buildings: erosion of the townscape. Other planning distinctiveness of Alnwick as a visually enforcement such as serving Urgent Works • No 20 and Mill at rear, Dispensary Lane coherent town in the landscape. Notices or Building Repairs Notices on • Former Malthouse to north of building owners who are neglecting the Within the suburbs, the most heavily used No 20 Dispensary Lane repair and upkeep of their own designated route through the built-up area to the • Glebelands Lodge, Green Batt heritage assets, should also be pursued town’s historic core is along South Road • The Corn Exchange, 47 Bondgate Within more vigorously as the stock of such which is a mixed residential/commercial corridor. This links the town with the • High Pant, Clayport Bank heritage assets is finite. national transport infrastructure, and as • Eye Catcher, Swansfield Park wall 10.5 once part of the Great North Road, has long • Camphill Column, Swansfield Park Alnwick suburbs and played an important role in the economic • 5 Walkergate development of the town. It provides urban edges most visitors from the south with their first • 18 Narrowgate Policies and Proposals impression of the town of Alnwick. • Syon Meeting Hall, St Michael’s Lane A set of design guidelines will be developed Other publicly used Listed 10.5.1 Creating a ‘Sense of Arrival’ on for commercial and industrial developments Buildings threatened by underuse routes into Alnwick along the South Road commercial corridor to ensure that they maintain high standards, and/or decay: The significant development and growth on and enhance, rather than erode the quality • Former Council Chambers/Old Post Office, the southern and eastern edges of Alnwick of the streetscape. The guidelines should Clayport Street (Grade II*) has meant that no major roads as they cover aspects of scale, site layout, design, enter the edges of the built up area of the • Northumberland Hall/Assembly Rooms, materials, landscaping and tree cover. The town have any particular feel of ‘entrance’. Market Place (Grade I) aims will be to: From the south and east, the traveller is Town Hall, Market Place (Grade I) • faced with the general air of arbitrary space, • use this corridor to showcase the town; buildings and land uses which characterise • maintain an ability to adapt to

HERITAGE, DESIGN AND CULTURE | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 69 changing needs over the long-term Table HD3 Main suburban routes to the historic core of Alnwick by encouraging a variety of innovative proposals within a coherent framework; COMMUNITY ACTION Route to the historic core Approach through suburbs PROPOSAL • shape a gradual transition from sustainable commercial and industrial B6341 (West) approach from Rothbury and Varied residential buildings on Clayport, wide treed Edlingham to Clayport Bank borders along road. HD CAP 8 development along the edge of the Carry out a visual appraisal of built-up area, to conservation of the B6346 approach from Wooler and Historic views of 19th century Estate Village of recognisable gateways listed in townscape at the historic core. Eglingham to Bailiffgate Canongate, with 15th C. St Michael’s Church. Table HD2. B6341 (old Great North Road) approach Lion Bridge, and medieval castle POLICY from the north to Bailiffgate The Approaches B1340 approaching Denwick from the Historic village of Denwick, followed by open HD4 north and coast, entering Alnwick along agricultural land, and Alnwick Garden walls COMMUNITY ACTION to the Town Denwick Lane to Bondgate PROPOSAL In considering development proposals visible from the suburban routes to the A1068 approaching Alnwick from Varied residential development along treed HD CAP 9 Alnmouth to Bondgate Alnmouth Road and running into South Road Identify attractive and distinctive historic core of Alnwick listed in Table HD3, design that is in keeping with suburban townscapes and areas A1068 approach north from the A1/ Varied commercial light industrial development along local character and the use of structural Alnwick by-pass South Road for improvement. landscaping to reinforce attractive entrances and routes into the town and to Willowburn Avenue / Wagonway Road Modern commercial development followed by varied improve unattractive entrances and routes to Bondgate residential area. Expectation of increased traffic as a will be supported. result of proposed developments to the south

10.5.2  Improvement and new build in the suburbs New development is essential to the continuing economic health and well-being of Alnwick and Denwick but this must be of quality and be sustainable. Development may be a threat to the character of a settlement, even outside its designated conserved areas. Problems suburban townscape outside the Alnwick with inappropriate scale, materials, etc. improvements. For example, some of the Conservation Area where a less demanding may obviously damage established historic urban developments experienced from the regime for new build quality prevails, is in environments but may also be damaging A1 and from main roads into the town and many ways more vulnerable. to environments with a relatively attractive village also need identifying for possible attention in the interests of presenting a but fragile quality elsewhere in the In addition, there are areas in the well-cared for urban settlement.  suburbs too. The character of any attractive suburbs that are unattractive and require

70 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 | HERITAGE, DESIGN AND CULTURE boundaries of the Alnwick Conservation COMMUNITY ACTION POLICY 10.6 Area, as did the Neighbourhood Plan Issues PROPOSAL Design in the Alnwick Town Centre and Options consultation. Consequent HD CAP 10 HD5 upon this review, the opportunity should Wider Town and Conservation Area Review Alnwick Conservation be taken to prepare an Area Appraisal and a Outside the historic core Area boundaries and prepare Policies and Proposals Management Plan of the conservation area. of the town new development (including a new appraisal and extensions, alterations and changes of management plan. use to existing buildings) is encouraged to 10.6.1 Boundary of the Conservation 10.6.2 ‘Gateways’ take the following design principles into Area account: Although the main approaches into the a) Footprint: expected to respect the The Alnwick Conservation Area makes a southern and eastern fringes of Alnwick COMMUNITY ACTION density and grain of the surrounding significant and important contribution to lack much feeling of being a ‘gateway’ into PROPOSAL distinctive suburban townscape; the unique character of the town and gives the urban area, within the town, the main b) Design: expected to make a positive HD CAP 11 it a strong sense of place. As well as being approaches into the historic core of Alnwick contribution to local character and Establish a county wide important to the quality of life of residents, distinctiveness whilst not discouraging provide just the opposite. There is a strong Conservation Area Advisory the historic environment is important to appropriate innovation; sense of arrival/gateway on the following Group. c) Quality: expected to respect the town’s role as a visitor destination (as approaches into the historic core: and enhance the quality of the confirmed by the Northumberland Town surrounding suburban townscape Welcome Study undertaken in 2008). To maintain and improve these ‘gateway and any historic content, in design, streets’, an audit should be carried out of materials, detailing and finishes; Government legislation (section 69 (2) the quality of the streetscape along them d) Use: expected to be appropriate to of the Planning (Listed Buildings and into the historic core. This will include an the surrounding urban area and to Conservation Areas) Act 1990) requires inventory of landscape features, and historic function well not just in the short that conservation areas are kept under views at these most sensitive historic term but over the life-time of the review. The Alnwick Conservation Area development; entrances. was designated over 40 years ago (in 1972). e) Size and scale: expected to respond This audit should be used to produce a set of positively to local character; The Alnwick Conservation Area Character Appraisal (June 2006) confirms that whilst guidelines to ensure their gateway qualities f) Materials: expected to be sympathetic are not lost and are suitably enhanced. to the local materials that are the Conservation Area retains much of traditional in the surrounding its character and interest for which it was suburban townscape; originally designated, it includes areas POLICY g) Landscape and open space: expected which now make no positive contribution to enhance local character and Protecting to the Conservation Area and also excludes distinctiveness and create attractive HD6 Town Gateways a number of areas of architectural and places to live, work or pass through; The protection and h) Access and safety: expected to create historic importance which merit the special enhancement of the gateways to the a safe and accessible environment protection afforded by conservation area historic core identified in table HD4 will be where crime and disorder does not designation. sought when considering development undermine local quality of life and proposals in their vicinity. community. The results of consultation on the NLPCS confirm support for a review of the

HERITAGE, DESIGN AND CULTURE | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 71 Table HD4 ‘Gateways’ into Alnwick’s historic core

Street Gateway to historic core

Clayport Street Drops steeply down into the ‘bowl’ of Alnwick and gateway experience is enhanced by the modern development of shops and flats at the corner of Lagny Street COMMUNITY ACTION PROPOSAL Pottergate Pottergate Tower provides the complete gateway experience (now pedestrian only)

HD CAP 12 Canongate A very distinct rural/urban edge with the streetscape and tower of St Michael’s Church marking the open gateway into the town Carry out a gateway street audit and production of design The Peth The south end of the Lion Bridge and into The Peth makes for a strong gateway feeling from ‘outside’ to ‘inside’ the town. This is a significant part of Alnwicks’ unique outstanding historic urban approach from the north guidelines. Bondgate Without Bondgate Tower provides another complete gateway experience

COMMUNITY ACTION PROPOSAL Although it is obvious that major new of the town’s historic, architectural and HD CAP 13 buildings may damage the character and townscape character. appearance of conservation areas, it is less Carry out research into the New development can be a threat to the recognised that such character can also possible conflicts between character of the centre, particularly the be severely eroded by small incremental conservation and renewable conservation area and listed buildings. It is changes to buildings which collectively may energy generation in the vital that new buildings of quality modern reduce the quality of the general townscape. conservation area. design contribute positively to the historic This erosion is at its most severe in areas environment and that developers ensure of uniformity of period and features. In their designs respond to the historic context COMMUNITY ACTION Alnwick, such incremental problems as PROPOSAL and local distinctiveness. modernised windows and solar roof panels The use of design guides, which HD CAP 14 are already affecting the historic character were supported in principle in the of Alnwick’s Green Batt area. Investigate additional Article 4 Neighbourhood Plan Consultation, can planning powers for parts of the Additional planning control to prevent such ensure that new buildings are correctly Alnwick Conservation Area. erosion of character in the conservation proportioned and detailed and that area was supported in principle in the appropriate materials and methods are Neighbourhood Plan Consultation. used. Alnwick Civic Society in association with the former Alnwick District Council 10.6.3 Protection and enhancement of New Build in Historic areas produced a Design Guide for Shop Fronts The historic character of the town is one of historic townscape in 1995 and a Design Guide for Stonework the most important assets of the plan area. Erosion of Townscape Character by Repairs in 1997, as well as window and The Alnwick Conservation Area Character incremental change colour guides. Appraisal provides a thorough account

72 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 | HERITAGE, DESIGN AND CULTURE Enhancement of unattractive areas of the POLICY town centre Design in the Historic Centre Regular maintenance and upgrading of the HD7 New development in the historic centre of Alnwick (including extensions, alterations and changes of use to existing buildings) will be supported if it fabric and appearance of the environment adheres to the following design principles: is essential to the maintenance of the 1. Footprint: expected to respect the grain of Alnwick’s historic layout and to enhance the unique historic character of Alnwick. A connectivity of the town’s historic pattern of pedestrian lanes and alleyways; well cared for townscape is important both 2. Design: expected to make a positive contribution to local character and distinctiveness to the quality of life of residents and to and help to reinforce a strong sense of place whilst not discouraging appropriate maintaining the local visitor economy. innovation; However, there are a number of unattractive 3. Quality: expected to match the quality of Alnwick’s historic townscape in design, or rundown areas that require positive materials, detailing and finishes; enhancement in Alnwick town centre. The 4. Use: expected to be appropriate to the historic area and to function well not just in the Greenwell Road parking area, for example, short term but over the life-time of the development; is not pedestrian friendly and gives a poor 5. Size and scale: expected to respond to local character and history; first impression to visitors to the town. COMMUNITY ACTION 6. Materials: expected to be sympathetic to the local materials that are traditional in the Similarly the bus station area is unattractive PROPOSAL historic core; and gives a poor impression to bus-borne HD CAP 15 7. Landscape and open space: expected to enhance local character and distinctiveness and visitors. It is necessary that improvement create attractive places to live, work or visit; Establish an action programme for schemes for such areas are prepared revitalising Alnwick’s vital historic 8. Access and safety: expected to create a safe and accessible environment where crime and in advance and then implemented as disorder does not undermine local quality of life and community; spaces. resources become available. 9. Existing guidelines: development expected to be in accordance with guidelines on shop fronts, stonework, windows and colours produced by Alnwick Civic Society in association Maintenance of individual private with the former Alnwick District Council. properties is also important and should be COMMUNITY ACTION PROPOSAL encouraged by the statutory authorities through publicity, education, awards and HD CAP 16 Vital Historic Spaces its own special character. Essentially, the grant aid. Develop a programme of projects challenge should be to re-establish vitality One thing that particularly attracts people to enhance the historic where it has deteriorated and to strengthen The emerging NLPCS indicates public into towns is their feeling of vitality – their townscape. vitality where it exists. support for better enhancement as well festival atmosphere which makes a visit to as maintenance of Alnwick’s public spaces them special. When this buzz is missing, Although most of Alnwick’s streets when and floorscapes and for improvements to as is currently happening in a number of busy with vehicles and pedestrians have an the pedestrian environment, as did the High Streets in England with the closure of innate vitality, this vitality may be missing Neighbourhood Plan consultation. In retail outlets and other services, the place in spaces off them such as the Market particular, the latter consultation identified loses its special feel and thus its attraction. Place. The intention is to develop a strategy Alnwick’s many surviving medieval lanes Maintaining this feeling of vitality is not just and action plan to revitalise the town’s and alleyways for special enhancement a matter of economic viability but also of important historic spaces. See policy TCR4. to encourage more use and enjoyment of how a town works to create and maintain them.

HERITAGE, DESIGN AND CULTURE | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 73 COMMUNITY ACTION Tidying up the townscape by removing supported in the Neighbourhood Plan the plethora of signs which have grown PROPOSAL street clutter and improving poor consultation. up over the years. The need to remove floorscape ambiguity and increase legibility is a Trees in the conservation area HD CAP 17 problem across the whole of the town Street clutter, such as redundant street Prepare a strategy and Although there are splendid sets of mature centre but should ideally begin at the edges signs, obtrusive traffic markings, flyposting, management plan for improving woodland trees in church yards and in some of the centre first. The townscape can be illegal banners, and the clutter of street the overall appearance and gardens in the conservation area, there are made more meaningful by the addition of objects and advertising, are common in too quality of the conservation area. few trees in the historic core of the town, locational and historic interpretive street many of our historic commercial areas in especially in its well-used commercial material such as display banners, window the UK. Floorscape design and condition centre. Consequently, these trees make a badges and street-based or virtual maps also plays a surprisingly significant role in significant contribution to the street scene that define functional and historic districts. the appreciation of historic townscapes too. so they should be valued, maintained in COMMUNITY ACTION However, where clutter has been removed Encouraging the ‘reading’, understanding PROPOSAL life and replaced when too old. Being in the and/or rationalised and floorscape repaired, and appreciation of spaces, corners, conservation area they already have some HD CAP 18 improved or redesigned, it is startling how landmarks, links and thoroughfares through statutory protection but some could benefit the historic character almost magically re- a sophisticated integration of information Survey and develop a programme from the additional protection of Tree emerges. and street interpretation can bring great of maintenance and replacement Protection Orders (TPO’s). Trees and planters improvements for the legibility and thus of trees in the conservation area. Although Alnwick has a uniform scheme should be of species and appearance enjoyment of the town by locals and visitors of traditionally designed black and gold appropriate to urban areas and to the alike. A consequence of this could also be street furniture, it is now looking in need townscape setting. an increase in the vitality and economic of renewal or refurbishment. In addition, health of Alnwick’s town centre. COMMUNITY ACTION the commercial area has the usual rash 10.6.4 Increasing the legibility of the PROPOSAL of redundant objects and signage as well townscape HD CAP 19 as frequent flyposting on lamp-posts. 10.7 Although the flooring of the Market Place Being able to use a town conveniently, Develop and implement an Overall vision has been well laid and maintained, many comfortably and enjoyably is a function identity and interpretation sections of the public footways in other of not just its street information but also strategy for the town centre areas – especially those surrounding the the way it is possible to assist users to The downside of the issue-based approach incorporating a review of Market Place – have been damaged by understand and ‘read’ the spaces and the used in this section is that it can lead to signposting and information in heavy vehicles and inappropriate usage, and links between them. a fragmented view of how to improve the centre. now require repair and possibly upgrading Alnwick has a relatively small town centre, the historic townscape of the centre of while the extensive areas of whinstone sets but spatially it is surprisingly complex and Alnwick, thus making it more difficult to and cobbles in Market Street, Bondgate satisfyingly intricate for its size. Combined get a balanced approach to the proper Within and Fenkle Street could benefit from with the variety of its rich building heritage, management of the various environmental a fresh assessment and re-laying. this makes it attractive to both residents positives and negatives that operate here. Branding and promotion of the Removal of unnecessary street clutter and and visitors. However, improving and area’s townscape qualities, attractions and better management and maintenance rationalising street information requires unique identity must also be included as an of floorscapes and the public realm were clear thinking to remove the ambiguity of

74 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 | HERITAGE, DESIGN AND CULTURE essential element of the action package to Conservation Area contains the historic 10.8.2 Protection and enhancement of COMMUNITY ACTION achieve this overall vision. and commercial core of the town which is village townscape and landscape PROPOSAL used by all locals and visitors, it seems the Such a balanced and comprehensive Whether the historic village of Denwick is HD CAP 20 best place to begin the preparation of such approach offers an opportunity for designated or not as a conservation area, Investigate the designation of a comprehensive action. better management in the interests of it does deserve to be assessed for other conservation area for Denwick. maximising efficiency and convenience The Neighbourhood Plan consultation protection too. The Neighbourhood Plan without sacrificing the historic quality and supported this vision by identifying the offers the opportunity for Denwick village appearance we are so proud of. Although need not only for Alnwick/Denwick to be and its landscape to be properly assessed COMMUNITY ACTION on the surface, taking a visionary overview promoted as strongly as the Castle and for the future. PROPOSAL of the conservation area may seem Garden but also promoted as a single Resort Improvement tasks mentioned above for HD CAP 21 inappropriate in times of austerity, in reality Town studded with special attractions like the enhancement of Alnwick’s Conservation Carry out a comprehensive it is the best time to do this. It prepares the Castle, Garden and its Christian heritage Area would be relevant here but as Denwick appraisal of the village townscape ‘bottom drawer’ ideas and projects ready of churches, abbey and priory. is smaller and less intricate, not all would and its landscape setting. for better times as well as giving all involved be appropriate. Assessing environmental something to work towards together. 10.8 impact and mitigation of through-traffic The means of enhancing and better Denwick Village would be relevant and it would also be important to consider such factors as street composing the townscape of the Alnwick Policies and Proposals clutter, quality and condition of floorscape, conservation area is via seeking permission to enhancement of the townscape and quality designate the centre of the town an Historic and condition of trees and landscape Core Zone. This is an official designation 10.8.1 Proposed Conservation Area setting. supported by government, English Heritage None of the village of Denwick is currently and the Historic Towns Forum, which protected by conservation area designation. enables a comprehensive approach to all The majority of buildings date from the the design, enhancement, regeneration early 19th Century and the village has an and funding issues identified above and unspoilt character which derives mainly enables all agencies involved to deliver a from its historical development as an estate coherent long term vision for the town. In village. It is appropriate that an appraisal particular, this should also involve revisiting to consider the need for conservation the Alnwick Civic Society’s improvement area designation is carried out. The area plan for the centre of Alnwick, published in of appraisal should include the surviving 2007 and investigating the comprehensive medieval field patterns surrounding the opportunities for Heritage Lottery Fund’s village and its overall landscape setting. ‘Townscape Heritage’ funding programme Consultation for the NLPCS confirmed which can offer up to £2m in grant. support for the consideration of the need Such creative visioning can be done at both for a conservation area in Denwick and whole town/village scale or just within the the Neighbourhood Plan consultation also conservation area initially. As Alnwick’s indicated support for this too.

HERITAGE, DESIGN AND CULTURE | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 75 Factors constraining the sustainability Part B - Culture and development of Culture: • Lack of available public and private finance; • Lack of information on the cultural situation and future needs in Northumberland and specifically in the Alnwick/Denwick area; • Undervaluing of cultural assets as economic assets.

10.9.2 Policy context National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF): Cultural well-being has a place in the social role, the second of three basic roles the planning system needs to perform and both cultural well-being and cultural facilities are fundamental to the 12 ‘Core Planning on cultural infrastructure, both physical and Principles’ which underpin the achievement organisational. 10.9 of sustainable development. Finally, Context Cultural significance of Alnwick and the provision of cultural facilities that Denwick: communities wish to see is also presented 10.9.1 Introduction Although Newcastle provides the wide as an integral part of Planning’s role in cultural offer of a regional capital, Alnwick Section 8, ‘Promoting Healthy Communities’. Definition of culture used in the offers the next level of cultural offer to the Neighbourhood Plan: Northumberland County Council Draft people of north Northumberland and its Cultural Strategy and Northumberland For the purposes of the Neighbourhood visitors. In addition to a multiple-arts hub Local Plan Core Strategy (NLPCS): Plan, the Culture Section of this topic at the Playhouse, a grand Town Hall used for ‘Stronger Together Through Inspirational includes creativity, film, arts, events, cultural events and a local museum, Alnwick Culture’ was a draft Cultural Strategy for festivals, local clubs and traditional food and has a Castle/Garden and Assembly Rooms Northumberland that the County Council community pastimes ranging from leisure (Northumberland Hall) of cultural quality produced in 2010 for open consultation. The entertainment to personal inspiration appropriate to a ducal town. It also has a NLPCS generally supports and mentions and betterment. In addition, because all heritage railway in the shape of the Aln cultural facilities as a necessary element of topics of the Neighbourhood Plan are Valley Line. ‘spatially based’ this section concentrates the package of facilities that are essential to

76 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 | HERITAGE, DESIGN AND CULTURE Table HD5 Existing Cultural Assets to be addressed in the Neighbourhood Plan

Cultural buildings Specialised buildings Bailiffgate Museum, Alnwick Playhouse, Barter Books, Alnwick Castle, Alnwick Library Non-Specialised Mechanics’ Institute, Northumberland Hall, Town buildings Hall, churches and halls, Costello Centre, live music and community pubs, etc.

Cultural spaces Market Place, the Pastures, Alnwick Garden, Hulne Park, etc. Cultural assets Aln Valley Railway

Cultural events Major events Alnwick International Music Festival (August) Alnwick Food Festival (September) Heritage Open Days (September) Minor events Local concerts and entertainments

Local broadcasting Lionheart Radio

Cultural learning Public talks, learned societies, cultural classes and creative skills training

Performance groups Northumberland Theatre Company, etc

High Street Tourist shops and Information Centres

Cultural volunteers A tradition of local people helping to make things happen any sustainable community and indicates life of the area’s residents and visitors would be premature but the opportunity to that the Council will strongly resist the so it deserves its place here in the formulate Community Action Proposals will loss of such facilities and is also similarly Neighbourhood Plan. As recorded above, be taken. So the overall approach is to: committed to their provision where this this is also supported by national legislation • describe the range and variety of would address deficiencies. and Northumberland County Strategies. cultural facilities in Alnwick and Little information in the way of surveys Denwick; 10.10 and statistics is yet available that describes or analyses either the current cultural • record some of the current challenges Objectives of the Culture provision or the future cultural needs in that could affect their future well-being; Section Alnwick and north Northumberland. As • lay the foundations for an audit of the content of this Section relies mainly existing facilities for future proofing on what limited cultural information the and of the nature and extent of cultural The Neighbourhood Plan consultation general Neighbourhood Plan process itself needs not yet provided for. (December 2011) demonstrated the local has generated, policy making in this area importance of Culture to the quality of

HERITAGE, DESIGN AND CULTURE | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 77 involved in maintaining and delivering 10.11.2 Non-specialised Cultural 10.11 cultural infrastructure. buildings challenges Cultural Challenges Need to maintain steady and continuous Rental charges and choice of rooms and Community Action funding Concern was expressed about costs of Proposals The pressure to maintain funding creates bookable rooms and a lack of variety in sizes uneven delivery of services and soaks to choose from being deterrents to users. Cultural facilities that exclude sports and up much effort in seeking funds from a The voluntary establishment of common leisure do not generally call for much multiplicity of sources. At present, this is standards of charges according to room additional allocation of land. Certainly more demanding for those organisations size could be a stimulus to local cultural none of the major attraction managers which have some dependence on public development. interviewed as part of the Neighbourhood funds. Plan process indicated that they had any Poor condition and limited facilities Broadening and increasing the audience foreseeable needs for additional land for The interiors and facilities, as well as the expansion or consolidation. Also, none of The current demographic means that general building condition of publicly the other evidence collected demonstrated the audience for some attractions is bookable venues are below standard. This that Alnwick currently needs the allocation predominantly ‘concessionary’. A greater does not apply to every venue but mainly of further dedicated cultural space. The diversity of audience would help support to two of the major ones in the centre of only particular spatial reference related the attraction. This is less concerning for Alnwick. to the designated boundary of the town those attractions with a capacity to provide Conflicts with surrounding uses centre commercial area which could have a broader offer to suit a wider audience. implications is the conflict of loud music in Better accessibility to the attractions Venues which include loud performances a cultural building with other surrounding as part of their cultural offer and involve uses, particularly residential uses. Although none of the attractions numbers of patrons arriving and leaving, interviewed during the Neighbourhood can provide problems to other users nearby. 10.11.1 Specialised cultural buildings Plan preparation identified any problems Although the main problems arise with live challenges with access ON their sites, some identified music venues associated with residential challenges of access TO their sites because areas, this may be a more wide-spread Need to promote the cultural offer of the of poor signposting in the town or limited problem of land use allocation. town in its entirety availability of public parking and transport. Promoting individual cultural assets is This was mainly those without their own 10.11.3 Cultural spaces and major dedicated car park and a need to rely upon positive but promoting Alnwick as a single cultural events challenges ‘resort town’ would do more for the cultural public transport to bring a proportion of common good. ‘Show me a town in the their audience in. Managing demand for more events using North East that has as much to offer as our limited cultural space Alnwick!’ was an enthusiastic comment from To date, the competing demands from the consultation. To achieve this seamless markets and cultural events and activities cultural entity requires a strengthening of for the use of Alnwick’s premier open air partnership working between all parties

78 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 | HERITAGE, DESIGN AND CULTURE cultural space, the Market Place, has been 10.11.4 Other general cultural Make use of the gaps in the events managed through the calendar and by challenges Calendar over-spilling into the surrounding streets. Although Alnwick has several major COMMUNITY ACTION To accommodate increased outdoor cultural Development of creative industries in PROPOSAL festivals, there is still space in the calendar activity both the Market Place and Alnwick’s Alnwick for more. Other Northumberland towns other outdoor cultural spaces will need to C CAP 1 Other towns have taken the initiative have more seasonal festivals which Alnwick be carefully managed in an integrated way. to develop any local creative flair and Carry out an initial programme could emulate. of limited information gathering Managing pedestrian and vehicular experience they have to add creative value to their unique selling point as well Creative learning could be better developed and implementation in Alnwick traffic around events / festivals and Denwick to mitigate as new employment for residents and There is only a limited offer for formal Events and festivals bring more people the challenges to cultural newcomers alike. At present the town has creative learning in Alnwick. Too little is and vehicles into the centre of Alnwick, development identified no dedicated municipal gallery although known about the demand for such learning all of which need to be accommodated in 10.10.1 - 4. Bailiffgate Museum’s upstairs space and The but local learning has recently suffered from within its pattern of medieval roads and Playhouse’s foyer space fulfil this role. As a cuts in public funding. spaces, which in the summer, are already cultural attraction, archive and educational carrying the additional load of visitors and centre, the Bailiffgate Museum is rapidly Our ‘Way of Life’ could be better their vehicles. These peaks of intensive use developing and it is proving to be a strong explained and promoted need to be managed, not just for safety or stimulus to the development of research Heritage and culture is about people convenience, but also to ensure that the into local geneology and history, of local and families and not just the built value of the cultural experience of Alnwick artistic and musical culture as well as of environment. More opportunities to on these occasions is not damaged or Alnwick’s growing visitor offer. celebrate the distinctiveness of life in North severely reduced. Developing and promoting the Northumberland should be developed. Weather management of Alnwick’s opportunities presented by Aln Valley Shortage of cultural facilities cultural spaces Railway (AVR) As no study of cultural needs has been The effect of our northern weather on The developing AVR is already proving compiled before, there is only anecdotal COMMUNITY ACTION PROPOSAL our outdoor activities continues to be to be an important heritage and visitor evidence for what may be missing. of concern, particularly as the country’s attraction for the Alnwick and Denwick area. More ‘bottom up’ information is needed. C CAP 2 weather pattern now contains more Its growing role in encouraging research, Develop a future programme for extreme conditions. education and volunteer development 10.11.5 Future cultural infrastructure what provision should be made Weather-proofing the Market Place would needs to be further supported locally planning in the future to accommodate be the priority. Regular events/markets and and regionally so that it can become identified cultural needs. long festivals may be more at risk from the the all-round heritage railway for North The Community Action Proposal C CAP 1 will weather than individual one-off events or Northumberland celebrating community begin by gathering information and improving activities. railway history. the present situation. This needs to be backed up by a future programme of action designed to secure the long term development and success of cultural interests and opportunities in Alnwick and Denwick (C CAP 2).

HERITAGE, DESIGN AND CULTURE | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 79 SECTION DELIVERING THE PLAN 11 11.1 sites are considered viable to develop using Councils will work together to monitor Introduction conventional development assessment the progress of sites coming forward for techniques based on the Strategic Housing development. Land Availability Assessment criteria and 11.1.1 the Employment Land Review criteria. 11.2.6 The Alnwick and Denwick Neighbourhood Some of the development proposals which Plan will be implemented in the period up 11.2.3 will come forward over time will raise to 2031 through a combination of the Local In addition to National Planning Policy in complex issues which will require detailed Planning Authority’s consideration and the NPPF and the Northumberland Local guidance and control to ensure that determination of planning applications for Plan policies (once adopted), the Localism sustainable development is achieved. development and through steering public Act allows the ADNP policies, (if they are • Major development sites (both and private resources and investment in based on sound evidence and reflect the allocated and coming forward the plan area into the Community Action strategic policies, community input and over the life of the plan) - guidance Proposals set out in the plan. proper principles of planning), to have on proposed development will be statutory weight in determining planning necessary particularly on larger or and development outcomes in the Plan 11.2 complex sites and will take the form of Area. Development Management master plans, development briefs or design and access statements to give 11.2.4 clear direction at an early stage on the 11.2.1 When development is proposed within expected form of development. the Alnwick and Denwick Plan area either The vision and policies contained in the • Environmental statements and other by developers, private individuals or other ADNP for the Alnwick and Denwick area impact assessments – the Town and organisations, the ADNP policies will be will be delivered through landowners and Country Planning (Assessment of used by the County Council and by Planning developers responding to its allocation of Environmental Affects) Regulations Inspectors at appeal when the planning land and buildings for development and 1999 requires Local Planning decision is made. through the plans and proposals of the Authorities to request environmental County Council, utility companies and other statements on a wide range of public and private agencies. 11.2.5 developments such as windfarms, major Whilst the Local Planning Authority will be road construction, intensive livestock 11.2.2 responsible for development management, rearing etc. if it appears that significant In preparing the Plan, care has been taken the Town and Parish Councils will also impacts are likely. In addition, even to ensure, as far as possible, that the use the ADNP to frame their own views where a full environmental statement allocations are achievable. All the allocated on submitted planning applications. The is not required there is frequently a

80 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 need for detailed assessments to look in certain circumstances which are fully set changes to traffic infrastructure and at the specific impacts of development out in the Planning Practice Guidance but transport systems independent of the and the need for their mitigation e.g. all S106 agreements should be: planning system, as is the case with a transport assessments, retail impact • relevant to planning; number of other statutory bodies providing assessments, biodiversity and ecological services. However it is the intention that • necessary to make the proposed assessments etc. these agencies will apply the policies development acceptable; • Legal agreements and planning set out in this plan when preparing and • directly related to the proposed obligations – precise and enforceable implementing their plans and programmes. development; conditions which are reasonable, relevant and necessary will continue to • fairly and reasonably related in scale 11.3.2 be the most common form of control and kind; In terms of public agencies – utility bodies applied to planning permissions • reasonable in all other respects. and service providers are numerous. Some to control development at the provide services such as gas, electricity, implementation stage but in some 11.2.9 water and sewerage which are essential for cases closer control is required through S106 Agreements help to: development whilst others provide services a legal agreement or obligation under • offset any immediate negative impacts to people and businesses such as health, Section 106 of the Town and Country of the development on the Plan Area; education, transport etc. The ADNP will play Planning Act 1990. an important role in providing an agreed increase the capacity of infrastructure • spatial strategy to manage development and services in the Plan Area to cope and change. 11.2.7 with the additional demand from new Although proposals are under consideration development; for the County Council to prepare an contribute to local improvement 11.4 Infrastructure Delivery Plan and charging • projects such as the Community schedule for a Community Infrastructure Community Action Action Proposals that address local Levy (CIL), this remains some way off and Proposals needs which are a direct result of the S106 agreements will remain the main development; delivery mechanism for the time being for any matters that are necessary to make • secure the provision of affordable 11.4.1 a development acceptable in planning housing in the Plan Area. The community has demonstrated real terms. These will be indispensable in enthusiasm to see projects brought forward securing the provision of highways and 11.3 to implement the ADNP. Through the process of preparing the Plan many helpful transport infrastructure, recreation facilities, The Use of the ADNP in education, health, affordable housing, ideas have been proposed. These have been environmental improvement, etc. in the Other Decision Making listed in the Community Action Plan (CAP) plan area. and will be the focus of community action 11.3.1 to implement the Plan. It is recognised that Northumberland 11.2.8 County Council as Local Highways Authority A planning obligation may only be sought has considerable powers to implement

ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 81 11.4.2 is spent. Parish and town councils will has funding through its Community Led The CAP at Appendix 1 presents an receive the money directly and the Localism Project Support Funding for Community ambitious list of projects but it is not the Act sets out that neighbourhood CIL can be Led Housing and Community Right to Build expectation that work will start on all of spent on: Order projects. them in the early years of the plan. Thus the provision, improvement, the plan indicates the expected timescale replacement, operation or maintenance 11.5.7 and who will be the partners involved of infrastructure or anything else that is Finally some of the community led projects in delivering each project. The speed of concerned with addressing demands that will be eligible for funding through lottery progress will depend to a large extent on development places on an area. programmes such as the Big Lottery available funding. Some of the proposals Reaching Communities Fund etc. within the CAP will in due course be funded 11.5.3 through the CIL. In the meantime, it is important that the existing S106 Planning Obligation 11.6 mechanism is used to capture financial Monitoring and Review 11.5 contributions to contribute to the physical Funding Sources and social infrastructure requirements of development proposals set out in the Plan. 11.6.1 The Neighbourhood Plan covers the period 11.5.1 Other sources of funds 2014 to 2031. Development will take place To deliver the Plan the County Council, during this time in the Plan Area and will Town and Parish Councils and their partners have an impact on the community as will seek funding for, and bring forward, 11.5.4 well as on the physical fabric of the town projects which will make a real difference to Other sources of funds include the capital and village. Each new development will Alnwick and Denwick. programmes of the County Council. influence what happens next and where. However, the availability of this funding 11.5.2 will be limited and uncertain in the coming years. It may however be possible to obtain 11.6.2 Major development proposals on the edge a proportion of the New Homes Bonus for It is, therefore, essential to the long-term of Alnwick in the future offer the prospect homes built in the plan area up to 2016. success of the Plan that developments in of S106 and CIL funding to address major the Plan Area are monitored and reviewed issues such as public realm enhancements against the Plan’s objectives and against and transport and other infrastructure 11.5.5 the policies designed to implement improvements. Once the Neighbourhood It may also be possible to align the them. Northumberland County Council Plan is completed and ‘made’ and the Community Action Proposals with planned will determine planning applications CIL is in place in Northumberland, 25% investments through the Local Transport in the Neighbourhood Plan Area and is of CIL funding raised in the Plan Area on Plan or other programmes of the Council. responsible for monitoring delivery of the all qualifying residential and commercial policies and proposals. The Town and Parish development will be made available to the 11.5.6 Councils will also make arrangements to community itself to decide how the money The Homes and Communities Agency also monitor developments and report progress

82 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 against policies and proposals to their annual meetings. Assistance in this process will be sought from community partners.

11.6.3 A suite of monitoring indicators is proposed in the ADNP Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment and will be used to monitor the plan.

11.6.4 The need to review the ADNP periodically, especially in association with the publication of future stages of the Northumberland Local Plan, to ensure the Neighbourhood Plan and the Local Plan continue to work effectively together will be kept under consideration by the County, Town and Parish Councils. The process of review will follow whatever process is set out in the Neighbourhood Planning Regulations and the Planning Practice Guidance at that time.

ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 83 Alnwick and Denwick Neighbourhood Plan Community Action Proposals

The Neighbourhood Plan process Action Proposals have been within which projects might come has raised a number of issues from identified. The purpose of this forward. Within this action plan the the community consultations section is to put those proposals following delivery timescale bands APPENDIX 1 which, while not capable of being into a Community Action Plan are used – Year 1 (2015-16), Years part of the statutory plan, the Town which sets out how the proposals 2-5, and Years 6-10 – it is accepted and Parish Council want to try will be put in place, who will that some of these items will be and address. As such, throughout be responsible for delivery and reviewed over time and extend into the Plan, a number of Community an indication of the timescale Years 11-15.

Community Action Detailed Lead Project Delivery Potential Sources Proposal Project Body Partners Timescale of Funding

HOUSING

Develop projects to provide Develop specific sites in appropriate and accessible County Registered Providers/ Ongoing Homes and H young, elderly & disabled locations for independent assisted living, sheltered Council Housing Trusts/ through Communities CAP populations with appropriate housing and extra care for the elderly and supported Housing Gallery Youth plan period Agency/ 1 types of supported housing through a registered provider for young Development accommodation. people. finance

Use the findings of the 2016 North’land Alnwick Ongoing H Alnwick and Denwick Housing County Town Council through plan CAP Needs Survey in negotiations Council period Denwick between developers and the 2 Parish Council County Council on housing developments to determine the appropriate size, type and tenure mix of affordable housing to be provided through the development.

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H Introduce an annual award The County Council, developers and architects will be Alnwick Alnwick Year 1 and Alnwick Civic scheme that celebrates high invited to nominate schemes for the award that accord Civic Society Town Council ongoing Society and CAP quality new housing design. with the highest levels of Building for Life 12 and the Sponsorship County Council 3 Lifetime Homes Standard. Identify vacant and disused Priority will be given to identifying and acquiring County Alnwick Years 2-5 NCC Finance H accommodation within the vacant and unused property in the town centre and Council Town Council and ongoing CAP town centre suitable for renovating it for priority housing needs thus reducing Housing through plan 4 refurbishment /conversion the need to travel. Compulsory Purchase and other period for housing. powers will be used where necessary.

ECONOMY, EMPLOYMENT & TOURISM

Northumberland Tourism and accommodation and Northumber- Alnwick Tourism Years 2-5 E Promote all year round facilities providers will promote investment in all year land Tourism Association round and all- weather visitor attractions and facilities. CAP and all-weather tourist Tourism Facilities 1 attractions and facilities. and Accommodation providers

The County Council will investigate the potential to County Alnwick Tourism Years 2-5 Council Tax on E Investigate ways to improve fund any improvements found necessary in tourism Council Association Second Homes CAP tourism facilities. facilities, from a local tourist tax and from council tax 2 revenue on second homes. Encourage businesses to Alnwick Town Council to monitor Alnwick Town Local businesses Year 1 and E maintain high standards Council ongoing CAP of landscape, maintenance 3 and design quality on major approaches into the town. E Promote training for The County Council will consider opportunities to County Education and Year 2 and CAP traditional skills alongside maintain and co-ordinate training Council Training providers ongoing 4 newly developing skills in a ‘Skills Centre’.

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RETAIL & TOWN CENTRE

The Town Council will delegate to the Town Team or Town Team Town Team Partners Years 2-5 National a similar action partner responsibility to research, (or other Government Civic Society cost and propose a three year rolling plan with body County/ specific proposals to: designated Chamber of Trade Community by Town q improve accessibility and pedestrian flows Local Businesses Chest around the town; Council) To foster an integrated Festival Groups Town Council TC approach to the stewardship q develop public facilities and use of public spaces; Local Business CAP and development of Town q encourage independent retail outlets; 1 Centre assets q actively promote the Town Centre (and any Heritage vacant retail units) to retail businesses expected Funding to enhance the appeal and diversity of the Town Sponsorship Centre. The Town Team will lead/support the implementation Event income of an overall plan to stimulate/increase use of public facilities and public space.

Mitigate the impact of When The High School plans have been approved Town Council Town Team Year 1 and TC the proposed High School the Town Council will take a leadership role with onwards CAP relocation on the town interested parties. centre economy and retail 2 trade.

To develop a whole year The Town Council will work through the Town Team, Town Council Town Team Year 1 and TC strategy for the formal town centre businesses and other representative onwards CAP and informal use of the community organisations to develop the strategy. Market Place and its 3 surrounding assets in line with the findings of this Plan, including as appropriate parking arrangements.

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES

Alnwick Town Council and Denwick Parish Council Alnwick Representative Year 1 and N/A will facilitate the process of identifying and Town Council Community Bodies. ongoing registering buildings listed in policy CF1. & Denwick through NCC CF Establish a register of If any of these building are being disposed of Parish Council plan period CAP Assets of Community Value Alnwick Town Council and Denwick Parish Council Alnwick Civic Society including those in Policy CF1. will ensure information is widely circulated and, 1 where appropriate invoke the Community Right to Bid and facilitate the development of partnership working to secure these buildings for the future.

Undertake an audit of need for improvements and Town Council Local Residents Year 1 Developer CF Carry out an audit of existing new provision of children’s play areas which will be contributions CAP play areas and identify new used as the basis for securing new provision through Alnwick Town requirements. housing development in the town or other funding. 2 Council

Maintain and improve Adequate facilities for all age learning and special County Alnwick Ongoing County CF needs facilities must be maintained at least to the Council Adult Education through the Education CAP facilities for all age learning current standard, with potential for growth, on the Association plan period Budget 3 and special needs. Lindisfarne site

Encourage the provision of facilities for young people Gallery Youth NCC Year 1 and Big Lottery Fund to meet – facilities to include: ongoing Other organisations EU including q Seating, shelter, lighting and open wifi access; through that involve or LEADER q Continued provision of advice and support in a plan period support young CF central location; Grant making trusts Encourage improved people CAP facilities for young people. q Provision of youth work in association with the new school campus; Central and local 4 Government q Provision of outdoor cycle cross track north of Alnmouth Road; Potential for q Negotiation of pub schemes to allow access for enterprising young people to socialise for soft drinks. activities

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Encourage the provision of facilities for the elderly NCC NCC Year 1 and Big Lottery Fund to include: Clinical ongoing EU including LEADER q Development and sustainability of services to Commissioning through Grant making trusts CF Encourage improved reduce loneliness and isolation in Alnwick and Group plan period Denwick, and ensure referrals to these schemes. Central and local CAP facilities for the elderly. Age UK and other q Development of community sharing/inter- Government 5 organisations that generational activities, such as Landshare schemes. Potential for involve or support q Ensuring access to good quality advice, advocacy enterprising activities older people and support CF Improve standards of public toilet provision and NCC Alnwick Town Council Year 1 Sponsorship Improve the standards of signage to toilets over the plan period and to explore Chamber of Trade and ongoing Chamber of Trade CAP with retail outlets and food and drink establishments public toilet provision. Local businesses Alnwick Town 6 wider public access to toilet facilities. Council

Develop a Community website for Alnwick & Denwick Alnwick Local Living NE Year 1 and Alnwick Town Council Town Council ongoing & Denwick Parish Establish community notice boards and use empty Town Team retail space to promote community activity and & Denwick through Council services. Parish Council NCC plan period Sponsorship Explore the preparation of welcome packs for new Big Lottery Fund CF Improve community Chamber of Trade residents – matching interests of people with CAP consultation and provision EU including LEADER activities/volunteering opportunities/organisations. Businesses Grant making trusts 7 of information. Explore the use of the Community Stall during market Developers Central and local days for campaigns and consultation Government Explore the potential to use new technology to provide Voluntary Potential for information- e.g. via QR codes on buildings, a virtual Organisations enterprising activities town trail, augmented reality etc.

Identify and develop new Alnwick Town NCC Years 6 - 10 Alnwick Town CF Council & Council / Denwick CAP burial grounds and associated Denwick Parish Council / NCC 8 facilities in the plan area. Parish Council

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TRANSPORT

WALKING This to include: NCC Alnwick Town Council q Review of the current use of the Cobbles in Market Alnwick Civic Society Years 2 to 5 Alnwick Civic Street, the parking area in Fenkle Street and the Society English Heritage footways on the Lion Bridge and implement NCC measures to favour pedestrian use;

q Introduction of a 20mph speed limit, wider footways Years 2 to 5 NCC LTP and

and central refuges to simplify pedestrian crossing NCC Highways Conflicting movements arrangements along the route through the town maintenance between pedestrians and from the South Road/Alnmouth Road (A1068) vehicles throughout the roundabout to and along Bondgate Without, town will be reduced. Bondgate Within, Market Street and Clayport Bank;

q Provide additional signal controlled pedestrian Years 6 to 10 NCC LTP/ crossings over the through routes approaching and NCC Highways TR in the town centre; maintenance/ CAP Developer Review the potential impact of increasing numbers Alnwick Town Council Years 11 q Contributions 1 of mobility scooters on footway provision. Age UK to 15 Mobility charities

Pedestrian priority will be This to be achieved through the introduction of traffic NCC Alnwick Town Council Years 2 to 5 NCC LTP and calming measures where speed limits are abused and NCC Highways enhanced. Denwick Parish the introduction of consistent type and operation of maintenance Council pedestrian crossings which will enhance pedestrian priority. Alnwick Chamber Years 2 to 10 of Trade A pedestrian priority shared space scheme for the town centre will be developed including a review of Narrowgate and the use of differential surfaces in parts of Bondgate Within.

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WALKING contd Provide safe and pleasant access from all residential NCC Alnwick Town Council Rolling NCC LTP areas to the town centre, and the trading estates and programme Denwick Parish NCC highways between areas. Convenient walking routes Council maintenance and corridors will be Upgrade to continuous hard surface, the strategic Year 1 Developer protected and new routes foot- way link between the Leisure Centre/Sainsburys TR contributions CAP developed. area and the town centre on the western side of South Road. Years 6 to10 1 CONTD Develop longer distance walking routes between Alnwick and Denwick, and the surrounding countryside for leisure use. Years 6 to 10 Sign the individual and whole network of walking routes tastefully, unobtrusively but comprehensively.

CYCLING q Progressively develop safe and continuous cycle NCC Alnwick Town Council Years 2 to 5 NCC LTP routes suitable for functional use between the and ongoing Denwick Parish NCC Highways residential areas of Alnwick and Denwick, Develop a local cycle route Council maintenance network. the town centre and the educational, industrial, business and commercial locations in and Sustrans CTC Developer around the town. contributions q In developing the safe cycle routes, use residential and town centre restricted speed-limit streets, to reduce the need for cycle tracks and cycle lanes. TR q Provide appropriate facilities for cycle parking, CAP particularly in Alnwick town centre. q Progressively develop safe and continuous cycle 2 routes suitable for functional use between the residential areas of Alnwick and Denwick, the town centre and the educational, industrial, business and commercial locations in and around the town. q In developing the safe cycle routes, use residential and town centre restricted speed-limit streets, to reduce the need for cycle tracks and cycle lanes. q Provide appropriate facilities for cycle parking, particularly in Alnwick town centre.

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Develop and promote longer Develop a safe and continuous network of cycle routes Sustrans NCC Years 5 to 10 NCC LTP, NCC distanceCYCLING cycling contd routes. for longer daily and leisure journeys between Alnwick, Alnwick Town Council Highways Denwick, Shilbottle, Alnmouth and the nearby coastal maintenance, Denwick Parish villages. Council, CTC, Sustrans Northumberland Northumberland Tourism Tourism TR Aln Valley Railway CAP Signpost the cycling network q Identify and signpost the current cycling network. NCC Alnwick Town Council Years 1 to 5 NCC LTP 2 effectively, clearly but and ongoing CONTD q Keep signposting up-to-date as the network Denwick Parish NCC Highways unobtrusively. evolves. Council maintenance Sustrans CTC Developer contributions

Promote safe cycling Promote local cycle training, testing and safety NCC Road Sustrans, CTC Years 2 to 5 NCC LTP, CTC schemes. compliance schemes to reduce road safety risk safety Sustrans

BUS, COACH AND RELATED SERVICES

TR Improve Alnwick Bus Station q Develop an improved management plan for Alnwick NCC Public Alnwick Town Council Years 2 to 5 NCC CAP bus station to deliver a clean environment, free Transport and its management. Bus Operators Bus Operators 3 from litter and vandal misuse, which will ensure enhanced safety and security for staff and users. Site Owner Site owner Police User focus group

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COMMUNITY ACTION PROPOSALS | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 91 Community Action Detailed Lead Project Delivery Potential Sources Proposal Project Body Partners Timescale of Funding

BUS, COACH AND Ensure that the available toilet facilities are well Alnwick Town NCC, Site owner, Years 2 to 5 Alnwick RELATED SERVICES signed from the bus station, coach drop-off/pick-up, Council Northumberland Town Council, CONTINUED lay-over and parking places. Tourism, User focus Northumberland group Tourism Provide well-signed access In a weather protected area at the bus station, provide Alnwick Town Northumberland Years 2 to 5 Alnwick Town to visitor information and information on: Council Tourism, TIC, NCC, Council facilities. Denwick Parish the available bus services; Denwick Parish q Council, Alnwick Council q the location of town centre facilities and tourist Chamber of Trade, attractions. Bus operators Northumberland Tourism, NCC, User Focus group Alnwick Chamber of Trade, Bus operators Provide a marked-up display version of the town map Alnwick Town Northumberland Years 0 to 5 Northumberland at the bus station and coach drop-off/pick-up, layover Council Tourism, TIC, NCC, Tourism, Alnwick and parking places. Alnwick Chamber of Chamber of Trade, TR Trade, Bus operators Sponsors CAP Investigate the potential Consider any other potentially suitable sites for the NCC Alnwick Town Years 6 to 10 NCC LTP, Section 3 of other bus station sites bus station within or close to the town centre and Council, Landowners, 106, CIL CONTD in or near the town centre tourist facilities including: Bus Operators to provide more space and q the Greenwell Road car parking areas, (decked reduce operating constraints. over) as potentially offering more space for a new, improved bus station that will also avoid the constraint of operating regular service buses through Green Batt.

Improve the provision of Facilities to include: bus and coach facilities throughout the Plan area. reviewing coach and tour bus drop off/pick up sites NCC CPT Years 6 to 10 NCC LTP, Alnwick with weather protection for passengers; Chamber of Trade, CPT reviewing layover/parking provision for coaches NCC CPT Years 6 to 10 NCC LTP, Alnwick and tour buses, separate from the drop-off point if Chamber of Trade, necessary; CPT reviewing bus shelter provision within the Plan area; Alnwick Town Bus operators Ongoing ATC Budget Council

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BUS, COACH AND RELATED SERVICES CONTINUED

Improve the provision of evaluating a potential park and ride collection and NCC Bus operators Years 2 to 5 NCC LTP, Bus bus and coach facilities drop-off stop in the Willowburn area for Newcastle operators buses; throughout the Plan area. Developer Contributions developing school bus stops and lay-over provision to NCC Alnwick Town Years 2 to 5 NCC LTP, NCC improve safety for all and reduce traffic conflicts; Council, Bus Highways operators maintenance

continuing to press for improved provision until all NCC Alnwick Town Years 2 to 5 Developer TR scheduled bus services are operated by vehicles that Council Contributions CAP are fully compliant with the requirements of the Denwick Parish 3 Disability Discrimination Act. Council CONTD Improve the provision of Services to include: NCC Alnwick Town Year 1 and NCC LTP, Bus Council, Denwick Ongoing operators bus and coach services Review with the County Council and service Parish Council, Bus throughout the Plan area. providers the existing commercial, supported, service providers school, community and on-demand bus and taxi services serving the town and Denwick with a view Alnwick Chamber to developing an optimised plan for access to work, of Trade, leisure and visitor provision. Northumberland In reviewing services, take into account weekday, Tourism evening, Saturday and Sunday provision, service frequency and seasonal variations together with early and late services for shift workers and leisure journeys.

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GOODS & SERVICES Opportunities will be sought Promote the provision of formal lorry parking facilities NCC Alnwick Town Years 5 to 10 Commercial to develop appropriate in a trading or similar estate in or near Alnwick Council, Denwick Venture, NCC LTP, overnight parking facilities to reduce the abuse of road-side waiting areas Parish Council, RHA, FTA for lorries. provided at public expense but without hygiene or Road Haulage accommodation facilities. Association, Freight Transport Association

TR Provision for loading and This to include review of: NCC Alnwick Town Years 2 to 5 NCC LTP, NCC CAP Council, Denwick Highways unloading trade vehicles will q Royal Mail collections; 4 be reviewed. Parish Council, maintenance q The management of delivery times; and Royal Mail, Alnwick Chamber q Trade waste collections. of Trade Provision will be made In planning walking, traffic and parking schemes, due NCC Alnwick Town Year 1 and NCC, Sustrans for maintenance access recognition will be given to the need for maintenance, Council, Denwick Ongoing when establishing traffic service and trade vehicles to have direct access to Parish Council pavements, streets and adjacent premises, commonly management regulations. Alnwick Chamber by parking equipment vans at the site. of Trade

TRANSPORT LINKS & ACCESSIBILITY

Improve the main line Work to continue the improvement of main line rail NCC Alnwick Town Ongoing NCC LTP, TR rail links at Alnmouth for links and facilities at Alnmouth for Alnwick Railway Council, Self funding Alnwick Railway Station. Station, to encourage more sustainable longer Denwick Parish CAP distance journeys by rail. Council, 5 ARUG, Work with the railway, other towns and the County Rail operators, Council to develop the calling patterns of the trains Network Rail along the East Coast Main Line to provide a service between Morpeth, Alnmouth for Alnwick and Berwick upon Tweed.

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Support the completion of Work with the AVR to support its completion as a AVR Alnwick Town Years 2 to 5 NCC LTP, the Aln Valley Railway (AVR). railway, together with an associated footpath and cycle Council, Denwick AVR grant support track, from its current Lionheart terminal station to the Parish Council, NCC TR northbound platform at Alnmouth for Alnwick Station. CAP Consider park and ride Evaluate the potential for park and ride sites at key NCC Alnwick Town Years 2 to 5 NCC LTP, 5 facilities as a means of locations to provide improved access to and enhanced Council, Denwick Bus operators. CONTD improving sustainable access pedestrian priority in, Alnwick town centre. Parish Council, Bus to Alnwick town centre from operators, User the wider area. focus group, Alnwick Chamber of Trade

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF TRANSPORT Promote and support Recognise the impact of low exercise (obesity) and NCC Public Alnwick Town Ongoing NCC Public Health’ transport provision that air quality (respiratory disease) on general health; health, NHS Council/Denwick NHS Trust Budgets generally enhances the promote and support active travel (walking, cycling, Trust Parish Council health, wellbeing and jogging etc) options accordingly. quality of life for all. Improve the policing of Alnwick, in the centre in Northumbria Alnwick Town Ongoing Police budgets particular, making better use of Community Support Police Council/Denwick TR Officers to combat litter, vandalism, dog fouling and Parish Council CAP anti-social behaviour thus encouraging active travel. 6 Support proposals for Promote and support the provision of electric NCC Alnwick Town Years 1 and NCC LTP, transport provision that charging points in all main car parks in Alnwick Council, RAC ongoing Government Grant reduce greenhouse gas to encourage and reflect the uptake of electrically Foundation support, RAC powered vehicles. Foundation emissions . Private Car Park Promote and support the provision of electric and Operators gas re-fuelling provision for freight and public service vehicles at vehicle fuelling stations.

COMMUNITY ACTION PROPOSALS | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 95 Community Action Detailed Lead Project Delivery Potential Sources Proposal Project Body Partners Timescale of Funding

MAINTENANCE & UPKEEP A five-year strategic plan for This plan to include: NCC Alnwick Town Council Year 1 and NCC LTP, NCC ongoing Highways the repair and maintenance eliminating the many safety hazards that currently Denwick Parish maintenance of pavements and pedestrian exist for pedestrians and cyclists; Council areas will be prepared and bringing the quality of pavement surfaces up to an Developer User focus group, implemented. acceptable, safe standard; contributions CTC, Living Streets, keeping areas of motor vehicle carriageway in good Sustrans TR repair, where they are most used by pedestrians to CAP cross and by cyclists; 7 repairing soft verge damage caused throughout the Plan area; consider installing physical barriers at frequently abused locations. Pedestrian routes will be Give priority to the convenience and safety of NCC Alnwick Town Year 1 and NCC LTP, NCC kept clean year round and pedestrians when carrying out maintenance on or Council, Denwick Ongoing Highways suitably treated to provide near pavements and roads. Parish Council maintenance ready and safe access for Continue to improve the winter treatment of pedestrians in the winter. pedestrian routes and roads throughout the Plan area.

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Guidance on the requirement This to include: NCC Alnwick Town Council Year 1 and NCC Highway ongoing budgets for travel plans for major requiring travel plans for the proposed housing Denwick Parish developments will be areas, new employment sites and any other major Council Developer TR produced. development; contributions reviewing the provision of roundabouts and traffic signs CAP at the War Memorial junctions as part of the travel 8 plans for any proposed new housing, employment or other major development areas to the south of Alnwick.

Traffic speed will be This to include: NCC Alnwick Town Years 2 NCC LTP, NCC managed to prioritise road introducing 20mph speed restriction throughout Council, User focus to 5 then Highways user safety. the residential areas and town centre of Alnwick, group, Police, ongoing maintenance, Developers providing 30mph through routes where essential; Developer Contributions

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using traffic calming measures where necessary, preferably in combination with measures to facilitate pedestrian crossing opportunities; aiding the observance of the 20mph speed restriction through publicity and at critical points by speed indicators; managing road junctions and crossings in favour of pedestrians.; locating or relocating 30mph signs such that they better protect all road users. The traffic systems and Consider the impact of illegally and inconsiderately NCC Alnwick Town Council, Year1 and NCC LTP and TR signing that bring people parked vehicles on traffic movement when Police ongoing Parking policy unit CAP into the town will be establishing parking regulation enforcement policies. 8 improved. Explore the potential for one way streets and ‘access NCC Alnwick Town Council Years 2 to 5 NCC LTP only’ restriction for the town centre. Alnwick User focus CONTD group Consider the possibility of sensitively relocating the NCC Alnwick Civic Society, Years 6 to 10 war memorial to a more appropriate site. NCC Introduce unobtrusive signing systems that will give NCC Alnwick Town Council, Years 6 to 10 NCC, English real meaning to the ‘shared space’ concept throughout Denwick Parish Heritage Alnwick and its approaches. Council, NCC, Alnwick Civic Society Enforce existing speed, parking and movement NCC Alnwick Town Year 1 and NCC LTP regulations, using speed indicators and cameras Council, Police ongoing where appropriate.

PUBLIC PARKING The provision for parking Assess the need for further parking space and NCC Alnwick Town Years 6 to 10 NCC LTP, NCC within and around Alnwick alternatively the scope for management of demand. Council, User focus Parking, Developer Provision for cycle parking is group, Alnwick Contributions TR town centre will be Consider proposals for the commercial provision of covered at TRA CAP 2: Item 1: Chamber of Trade CAP reviewed. aesthetically acceptable decked public car park(s) Bullet 3 9 where the terrain is suitable. Make provision elsewhere for mobility impaired drivers or passengers for whom the parking spaces on the cobbles in Alnwick (Bondgate Within, Market Street and Fenkle Street) are unsuitable.

COMMUNITY ACTION PROPOSALS | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 97 Community Action Detailed Lead Project Delivery Potential Sources Proposal Project Body Partners Timescale of Funding

Work with Network Rail, Northern Rail, the County NCC Alnwick Town Years 2 to 5 NCC LTP, Network Council, and adjacent Parish Councils to extend the Council, Denwick Rail parking provision at Alnmouth for Alnwick Railway Parish Council, Other Station. relevant Parish Councils, Network Rail, Northern Rail, ARUG Parking management and Work with the County Council to manage the Alnwick Denwick Parish Years 1 and NCC Highways and related arrangements will be permitted use of car parks more selectively, to vary the Town Council, NCC, User ongoing Parking Services improved. availability and length of stay appropriately across the Council focus group, Alnwick budgets day and across the week. Civic Society, Alnwick Chamber Extend resident-only permit parking schemes to the of Trade whole of the town centre and adjacent residential area. Improve the signs to car parks and parking areas, NCC Alnwick Town Council, Years 2 to 5 including on street parking not reserved for residents. User focus group Provide signs between the town centre car parks, NCC ATC, Denwick Parish Years 2 to 5 to help visiting drivers in particular find alternative, Council, User focus TR possibly more suitable provision. group, Northumbd CAP Tourism 9 Improve the walking routes and signs to the town NCC Alnwick Town Years 2 to 5 CONTD centre from the more peripheral car parks; use longer Council, Denwick permitted parking times as a device to encourage Parish Council, their use by visitors. User focus group, Northumberland Tourism Parking regulations and Enforce on- and off-street parking and related NCC Alnwick Town Council, Years 1 and Current NCC and associated traffic legislation regulations and eradicate parking abuse throughout Denwick Parish ongoing Police task will be enforced. the Plan area. Council, Police Encourage considerate parking to protect green NCC Alnwick Town Ongoing Alnwick Town verges, keep access to premises clear and drop Council,Denwick Council kerbs free. Parish Council, User focus group Alnwick Civic Society Work to eliminate illegal parking, especially on NCC Alnwick Town Council, Ongoing Current NCC and pavements, at drop kerbs, at corners, at junctions and Denwick Parish Police task in the Market Place. Council, Police

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ENVIRONMENT

ENV Make improvements to the following designated areas Northumber- Denwick Parish Years 2-5 Northumberland of natural and semi-natural green space: land Estates Council Bridge Estates / Grant CAP feasibility funding Cawledge Burn between North Cawledge Bridge, East Alnwick Town Council 1 Cawledge Farm and the River Aln: (and, if Alnwick Wildlife appropriate, q extend existing permissive path to reach railway Group construction) viaduct over Cawledge Burn; within years q create new permissive path from public footpath Northumberland 6-10 along the north bank of burn to eastern edge of site; Wildlife Trust q create permissive path from centre of proposed Northumberland space to south-western edge, linking up to existing County Council. public rights of way; q investigate feasibility of bridge at eastern edge The Town and Parish crossing burn to create loop. Councils in consultation with Northumberland Estates The Willow Burn from the Aln Valley Rail Terminal to Northumber- Denwick Parish Years 2-5 Northumberland and Northumberland County the River Aln land Estates Council Estates / Grant ENV Western funding CAP Council as landowners will q remove fences where possible; Alnwick Town Council footpath seek to create and establish q provide railway crossing point at embankment; feasibility 1 Aln Valley Railway areas of publicly accessible (and, if q create new permissive path from railway Society natural and semi natural embankment down to Willow Burn, running appropriate, greenspace. alongside to join up with existing public footpaths; local tenant farmers construction) within years investigate feasibility of a footpath through q Northumberland 6-10. westernmost wooded area to allow easier access. County Council.

South side of the River Aln from the A1 underpass to Northumber- Alnwick Town Council Years 2-5 Northumberland Denwick Bridge: land Estates Estates / Grant local tenant farmers Bridge funding q create new permissive path to link to existing feasibility Northumberland permissive paths; (and, if County Council. q create exit point from northern end of site to appropriate, Denwick Lane; construction) q investigate feasibility of additional footbridge to within years connect to existing paths, and provide variety of 6-10 walks of different distances.

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Alnwick Town Council in partnership with Alnwick Town Alnwick Wildlife Years 2-5 Big Lottery Fund The Parish and Town Councils landowners, wildlife groups and Denwick Parish Council Group Awards for All Council will explore the management of these areas Denwick Northumberland Alnwick Town will seek to create and of nature conservation. ENV manage new sites for nature Parish Council Wildlife Trust Council grants. CAP conservation in partnership Alnwick Town Council 2 with landowners and local Northumberland nature conservation bodies Estates Northumberland County Council

Work towards a management agreement under which Alnwick Town Northumberland Years 2-5 None required – Alnwick Town Council will manage all allotments in Council Estates covered by existing ENV Consolidate waiting list and the plan area on a long lease in order to maximise Alnwick Town CAP management arrangements the benefit of a single public waiting list. Alnwick Council funding 3 for allotments Town Council will set allotment rents and reinvest any and allotment surplus in improving allotments. rents.

Possible improvements include security and anti- Alnwick Town Local allotment Year 1 and None required - dumping measures, and extending provision of water Council holders ongoing already budgeted ENV to all plots at Ratten Row; collective or individual allotment through plan for in Alnwick Town Deliver improvements to water provision at St George’s allotments and associations where period Council precept. CAP existing allotments. establishment of allotment associations if there is a these are in place desire amongst allotment holders. 4 Northumberland Estates, where they are the freeholders.

Undertake an exploratory tree identification and Alnwick Town Local environmental Years 2-5 No funding mapping exercise, gathering evidence about Council and groups; required. ENV Complete tree identification tree locations, species, the significance of their Northumber- CAP and mapping survey. contribution to Alnwick’s setting and how they can be land County 5 best protected – whether through Tree Preservation Council Orders, management agreements or other means.

Replace highly significant street trees which are dead, Northumber- Alnwick Town Council; Years Existing county ENV dying or dangerous in an annual planting programme land County 2-5 and council funding. Manage and replace street local environmental CAP using appropriately engineered planting pits. Council Neigh- ongoing trees. groups 6 bourhood Services

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Explore opportunities for Explore opportunities for diverse structural planting Northumber- NCC Years 2-5 Funding in ENV which enhances wildlife habitats in the town/country land Estates and ongoing association with diverse structural planting in Alnwick Town Council CAP the town/country edges of edges of Alnwick, particularly where new development development 7 Alnwick and Denwick. may be proposed. Denwick Parish proposals Council

Areas for planting will be decided in consultation with Local environ- Alnwick Town Council Years 2-5 Limited funding owners/ leaseholders and could include Swansfield mental and ongoing required. Trees Park, Column Field, Green Batt Gardens, and privately groups to be provided owned, but publicly accessible, land and or in public by Big Lottery ENV Plant fruit and nut bearing areas on allotments. Fund, Awards for CAP species in off-street publicly All, Alnwick Town accessible green spaces. Council, other grant 8 applications. Planting to be carried out by volunteers.

This will include ensuring drainage systems are Northumber- Alnwick Year 1 and Existing county maintained, cleared regularly (bi-annually), and land County Town Council ongoing. council funding. considering measures to increase drain numbers Council Local residents. ENV Implement and maintain at hotspots – e.g. foot of Wagonway Road, dip on (Highways CAP cost-effective street drainage South Road, intersection of Swansfield Park Rd and and Neigh- measures. Lindisfarne Road; the foot of Ratten Row; Denwick bourhood 9 Lane beside the Alnwick Garden entrance; and the Services) road between nos. 70 and 75 Chapel Lands. to allow surface water run-off at all times.

In responding to planning Alnwick Town NCC Developers Ongoing Funding in applications the Town and Council through association with Parish Councils will advise that plan period development Denwick all proposals for residential proposals development should be encouraged Parish Council ENV to incorporate energy conservation CAP schemes for the dwellings, including effective energy efficiency 10 measures and proposals to source a proportion of their energy from renewable sources, either on-site or from guaranteed renewable sources within the Plan area.

COMMUNITY ACTION PROPOSALS | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 101 Community Action Detailed Lead Project Delivery Potential Sources Proposal Project Body Partners Timescale of Funding

Identify litter/dog fouling hotspots and, in partnership Alnwick Town Northumberland First audit No funding with NCC, Alnwick Town Council will provide dog/litter Council County Council Year 1 and required for bins, taking account of the proximity of other existing Neighbourhood on a biennial surveys; dog/litter ENV bins and any access issues. Services basis bins are already CAP Improve management of litter and dog fouling. thereafter. the responsibility 11 of, and funded by, Alnwick Town Council.

Strategy will, amongst other things: encourage Alnwick Town Northumberland Years 2-5 No funding the public and businesses to report offences for Council County Council required. enforcement action; work with NCC dog wardens and Neighbourhood ENV Develop a strategy to deal enforcement teams to monitor progress; use other Services and Waste with dog fouling, chewing imaginative measures to reinforce positive behaviour Management CAP and discourage negative behaviour; organise and gum, littering and fly- Alnwick Chamber of 12 encourage clean-up events; partner with businesses tipping. Trade and takeaways to keep shop fronts clear and promote safe disposal of food and packaging waste. local environmental groups

Install recycling facilities for domestic packaging and Northumber- Alnwick Town Council Years 2-5 Bin installation textiles which are not covered by kerbside collections land County to be funded by Private car park but may be recycled at local authority sites at: Council Waste sponsorship owners Management q existing car parks of more than 30 spaces; business donations/ and Parking Local petrol stations, Corporate Social existing petrol stations, supermarkets and business/ Services supermarkets and ENV Improve provision for q Responsibility CAP recycling. retail parks. business/retail parks Collections These sites will also provide recycling facilities for glass Local environmental 13 to be funded bottles and jars, unless these cannot be located on site groups from existing in agreement with NCC Waste Management without Northumberland subjecting adjacent dwellings to unacceptable noise County Council levels. budget.

Each time a bin is due to be installed or replaced, Alnwick Town Northumberland Year 1 and None required - consideration will be given to existing success stories Council County Council Waste ongoing bins are already ENV Considering the installation and issues with on-street recycling bin provision, to Management funded and CAP of combined waste and identify the viability and cost-effectiveness of the budgeted for by 14 recycling bins. proposal. Alnwick Town Council.

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HERITAGE & DESIGN

Carry out a visual appraisal of Prepare a comprehensive visual appraisal of key Alnwick Civic County Council Year 1 Locality Grant HD approaches listed in Table HD1 where there are felt Society Design Team Funding CAP key approaches listed in Table to be opportunities to improve the appearance of the 1 HD1. town & village in the landscape.

Develop design guidelines for new commercial Alnwick Civic County Council Year 1 and residential developments particularly on the Society Design Team southern and eastern edges of Alnwick, with the aim Develop design guidelines for Alnwick Town Council HD of mitigating the impact of developments in this CAP new development on the key area on views in Table HD1. These guidelines would 2 approaches in Table HD1. cover aspects of scale, site layout, height, design, materials, roofing, colour, landscaping and tree-cover as appropriate.

Prepare a strategy to encourage the rescue, repair, County Alnwick Civic Society Year 1 Heritage Lottery regeneration or re-use of threatened designated Council Fund grants HD Prepare a strategy to protect & undesignated heritage assets and to secure the Conservation programme CAP heritage assets. necessary resources of expertise and finance to deliver Team 3 the strategy. This would draw on the recent EH funded Grade II HAR Assessment in Northumberland

Monitor the condition and use of currently County Alnwick Civic Society Years 2-5 NCC Conservation Set up a joint County and unthreatened designated heritage assets with a view Council Budget HD to identifying properties and land for early action and Conservation CAP voluntary local monitoring system of the condition and also as the basis for regular monitoring of the stock Team 4 use of heritage assets. of designated heritage assets into the future using a shared guardianship approach.

Develop a list of locally valued A local list will be prepared by inviting suggestions County Alnwick Town Council Years 6-10 NCC Conservation HD from the public and heritage agencies and setting up a Council Budget Alnwick Civic Society CAP historic assets to provide them review panel of historians and architects, etc. Conservation 5 with protection. Team Northd Estates

Prepare an owners’ Preparation of a guidance and awareness raising County Alnwick Civic Society Years 2-5 Heritage HD information campaign aimed campaign to assist heritage owners care for their Council Lottery Funding CAP at raising understanding of properties better. Conservation Programmes / Team sponsorship 6 designated and undesignated Review of current available guidance including heritage assets. guidance already prepared by Alnwick Civic Society.

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HD Improve Planning and Traffic Prepare a system of improving Planning and Traffic County Alnwick Civic Society Years 2-5 NCC conservation CAP Enforcement to protect the Enforcement, combined with an improved surveillance Council budget quality of heritage assets and of heritage assets by conservation staff. Conservation 7 public realm. Team Carry out a visual appraisal Explore ideas and methodologies for achieving Alnwick Civic County Council Years 2-5 recognisable gateways into Alnwick from the Society Design Team HD of recognisable gateways approaches listed in Table HD2. This could link with Alnwick Town Council CAP listed in Table HD2, including HD CAP1 and HD CAP2, and could lead to design 8 encouraging improved guidelines and improved maintenance to achieve the maintenance and upgrading. ‘gateway’objectives.

This includes: Alnwick Civic County Council Years 6-10 Identification and evaluation of distinctive urban Society Design Team townscapes and unattractive areas for improvement; Identify attractive and Alnwick Town Council HD Establish an understanding and evaluation of the distinctive suburban Denwick Parish defining characteristics of each townscape to provide CAP townscapes and areas for Council 9 guidance which assists the application of the principles improvement. required for new development in Policy HD 7; Preparation of programmes of support for Policy HD7 and improvement of unattractive areas.

Review Alnwick Conservation Review of areas to be removed or added to County Alnwick Town Council Years 2-5 NCC Conservation HD conservation area. Council Budget Area boundaries and Alnwick Civic Society CAP Conservation prepare a new appraisal and Commission conservation consultants to prepare an Team 10 management plan. Appraisal and a Management Plan.

Promote the setting up of a County-wide Conservation County Alnwick Town Council Years 2-5 NCC conservation Establish a county wide Area Advisory Group (CAAG) to assist the County Council budget HD Denwick Parish Council in their ongoing management and Conservation CAP Conservation Area Advisory Council ACS voluntary in improvement of conservation areas in Alnwick and Team Group. kind resource 11 throughout Northumberland. Alnwick Civic Society

Audit the qualities and features of ‘gateway streets’ Alnwick Civic County Council Years 6-10 Heritage Carry out a gateway street to be used to produce a set of guidelines for Society Design Team Lottery funding HD development to ensure the distinctiveness of these Programmes audit and production of Alnwick Town Council CAP gateways is protected and enhanced. 12 design guidelines. Denwick Parish Council

104 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 | COMMUNITY ACTION PROPOSALS Community Action Detailed Lead Project Delivery Potential Sources Proposal Project Body Partners Timescale of Funding

Carry out research into the possible Explore recent research and practices by EH and others Alnwick Civic NCC Conservation Years 2-5 NCC Conservation HD conflicts between conservation to establish ways of satisfactorily reconciling energy Society Team budget CAP and renewable energy generation efficiency and historic integrity. 13 in the conservation area. Article 4 designation will be considered to halt the County Alnwick Town Council Years 2-5 NCC Conservation incremental erosion of Alnwick’s historic character. Council budget Alnwick Civic Society Local voluntary agencies will assist the statutory Conservation Investigate additional Article ACS voluntary in HD agencies in identifying the appropriate parts of the Team 4 planning powers for parts kind resource CAP of the Alnwick Conservation conservation area as well as advising on the building 14 Area. operations to be included in the additional powers. Preparation of documentation to be presented to the National Government.

Alnwick Town Team or other local agency to: Alnwick Town Alnwick Town Council Years 2-5 Heritage Establish an action programme HD Identify suitable areas for treatment; Team Alnwick Civic Society Lottery Funding CAP for revitalising Alnwick’s vital Programmes historic spaces. Develop options for action; Northumberland 15 Programme and implement actions. Estates

Identify areas of the historic townscape of Alnwick Alnwick Civic Alnwick Town Council Years 2-5 Heritage HD Develop a programme of conservation area for enhancement. Society Lottery Funding CAP projects to enhance the historic Develop options for action; Programmes townscape. 16 Programme and implement actions.

Identifying unnecessary clutter and preparing a Alnwick Civic Alnwick Town Council Years 2-5 Heritage programme for its removal. Society Lottery Funding Alnwick Town Team Prepare a strategy and Programmes management plan for Reviewing the condition and future of Alnwick’s (ATT) HD current street furniture. CIVIC VOICE funding CAP improving the overall sources 17 appearance and quality of the Assessing the condition of the floorscape in the conservation area. historic core and retaining or repairing where NCC Neighbourhood appropriate. Services Budget ATC Budget

Commission a survey of Conservation Area trees to NCC Alnwick Civic Society Years 2-5 NCC Neighbourhood Survey and develop a assess their condition, health, expected life span and Conservation Services Budget/ Alnwick Town Council HD programme of maintenance management requirements and identify where felling Team and Developer CAP and replacement of trees in and replacement is the only option. Neighbour- Contributions/ 18 the conservation area. Establish a programme of maintenance and hood Services Land and property replacement based on the survey. owners

COMMUNITY ACTION PROPOSALS | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 105 Community Action Detailed Lead Project Delivery Potential Sources Proposal Project Body Partners Timescale of Funding

Commission an urban design/ consultant to survey the Alnwick Civic Alnwick Town Team/ Years 2-5 Heritage centre and make recommendations on identity and Society Lottery Funding Alnwick Town Council interpretation, integrating signage, maps, designation Programmes of ‘town quarters’, etc. to remove ambiguity and NCC Conservation Heritage Townscape make the town more legible and easier to use and and Highways Initiative understand. In detail this will include: Develop and implement an Historic Towns Forum Programme HD identity and interpretation Preparing an outline proposal for a Historic Core CAP strategy for the town centre Zone in Alnwick centre based on the Civic Society’s incorporating a review of Streetscape Study; 19 signposting and information An audit of all signage to seek improvements and in the centre. reduce visual clutter; Celebrating and demonstrating examples of good practice in townscape design; Developing a promotional ‘branding’ of the historic area that treats it as a single resort town with a new image of quality and vitality. HD Investigate the designation Audit the quality and vulnerability of Denwick and County Denwick Parish Years 2-5 NCC Conservation of a conservation area for its landscape setting to see if Conservation Area Council Council Budget CAP protection is justified. Conservation ACS voluntary in Denwick. Alnwick Civic Society 20 Team kind resource This includes: County Northumberland Years 6-10 NCC Conservation Comprehensive appraisal of the village townscape and Council Estates Budget Design Team Carry out a comprehensive landscape; Denwick Parish Heritage HD appraisal of the village Review of need for more protection of individual Council Lottery Funding CAP features; Programmes townscape and its landscape Alnwick Civic Society 21 setting. Identification of areas for improvement/enhancement; Development and implementation of a programme of protection and improvement.

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CULTURE

Carry out an initial programme This to include : NCC unless County Council Years 2- 10 County and stated and ongoing Regional arts/ of limited information Ensuring that the existing cultural infrastructure in Alnwick Town Council C gathering and implementation Alnwick and Denwick has a viable future; through plan cultural funding CAP in Alnwick and Denwick to Identifying any cultural facility and supporting infra- Denwick Parish period 1 mitigate the challenges to structure needs not served by the current provision; Council cultural development identified Adopting a more effective approach through Cultural Services in 10.10.1 - 4. partnership.

Identifying what provision should be made in the County Council Years 2- 10 County and future to accommodate these cultural needs; and ongoing Regional arts/ Alnwick Town Council Building on our cultural strengths – musical heritage, Alnwick through plan cultural funding literature heritage, allotment culture, traditional pub Town Council Denwick Parish period heritage, warrior heritage, local food and produce Council heritage; Cultural Services Maximising the cultural use potential of the Market Local Living Place e.g. increasing the use of the Market Place for Local cultural and more evening music events and with the surrounding attraction providers Halls, for more specialist markets for food, antiques, Alnwick Civic Society books, crafts, etc.; Investigating Alnwick as a festival town and explore Alnwick Town Local Living Develop a future programme more seasonal events such as an Alnwick Christmas Council C for what provision should be Market and a Halloween celebration, accompanied by CAP made in the future to associated and appropriate cultural events; 2 accommodate identified Developing better branding and increased promotion cultural needs. of Alnwick/Denwick; Developing more collaboration and joint programmes Attraction between the major attractions; Providers Seeking agencies and investment to upgrade the facilities and condition of the two major public halls in the Market Place; Reviewing the need for dedicated studio space to encourage artists and designers to stay and work here, as the beginnings of an Alnwick creative industry; Considering a stronger focus on training and promoting local artistic skills; Investigating and developing programmes of funding support.

COMMUNITY ACTION PROPOSALS | ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 107 GLOSSARY

A1, A2, B1, B2 and B8 Uses contribute to the positive character Plan and Charging Schedule in based on those in the Sustainable These refer to land use classifications of an area, such as lack of noise and place. Once the CIL is in place Community Strategy and on housing under the Use Classes Order for retail, disturbance, openness, landscape, and the Neighbourhood Plan is market areas. In the case of the ADNP, industrial and commercial activity. townscape, opportunities for made, 25% of CIL funds raised in North Northumberland is the delivery A1 – relates to retail use recreation etc. the Neighbourhood Plan Area will area. be made available to be spent on A2 – relates to financial and Ancient trees Demographic patterns / changes infrastructure projects in the plan professional services The Woodland Trust defines ‘Ancient The make-up of the population of a area. trees’ as those that are: particular area in terms of birth-rates,

APPENDIX 2 B1 – relates to office and light industrial uses q of biological, aesthetic or cultural Comparison retail the age profile, new migrants etc. and means clothing, footwear, giftware, how this changes over time. B2 – relates to general industrial uses interest because of their great age electrical and white goods, q in the ancient or third and final Density (of development) B8 – relates to warehousing and furnishings, etc. storage uses stage of their life or The amount of building within q old relative to others of the same Convenience retail an area of land. For housing it is Affordable housing species means food & drink, newspapers & expressed as the number of dwellings Social rented, affordable rented and periodicals, household and personal per hectare. intermediate housing, provided to Biodiversity consumables. eligible households whose needs The whole variety of life Designated area are not met by the housing market. encompassing all genetics, species Conservation Area An area defined by a line on a Eligibility is determined with regard and ecosystem variations, including Areas of special architectural or map which, by virtue of statute, to local incomes and local house plants and animals. historic interest, the character, enjoys a degree of protection prices. Affordable housing should appearance or setting of which it is from development that would Coalescence include provisions to remain at an desirable to preserve or enhance. impact adversely on the wildlife, The situation where the built-up landscape or other natural asset affordable price for future eligible Core Strategy areas of two or more towns or villages within its boundary. There are also households or for the subsidy to be A Development Plan Document spread out and merge with each built heritage designations such as recycled for alternative affordable setting out the spatial vision, other. Conservation Areas. housing provision. objectives and key strategic policies Community Action Proposal Affordable rented housing for an area. ‘Preferred Options’ is the Development Proposals to be carried out in tandem One aspect of affordable housing, second stage in the production of the Defined under the 1990 Town and with the Neighbourhood Plan to this is housing let by local authorities Core Strategy. Country Planning Act as “the carrying resolve issues raised in community out of building, engineering, mining or private registered providers of Countryside consultation but which relate to or other operation in, on, over or social housing to households who For the purposes of the matters that cannot be part of the under land, or the making of any are eligible for social rented housing. Neighbourhood Plan countryside statutory Neighbourhood Plan. material change in the use of any Affordable Rent is subject to rent is everything within the Plan Area building or other land.” Most forms controls that require a rent of no more Community Infrastructure Levy beyond the limits of the Alnwick built of development require planning than 80 per cent of the local market A tariff charged on development to up area. This includes the village of permission (see also “permitted rent (including service charges, where secure funding towards infrastructure Denwick. applicable). that is essential to meet the needs development”). Delivery Area of the development. The CIL will Development Management Amenity Any of four areas defined for planning be set by the County Council once The process through which a local A positive element or elements that purposes for the Core Strategy, it has an Infrastructure Delivery planning authority considers a

108 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 planning application and whether it housing requirements over a Greenfield Land or Site Household should be given permission specified five year period, collated Land (or a defined site) which A person living alone or a group annually. has never been built on before or of people living together at the Development Plan where the remains of any structure same address and with common This includes adopted council Floorspace or activity have blended into the housekeeping. development plan documents such The floor area (on all floors) of a landscape over time. as core strategies and any future building or set of buildings. Gross Housing Needs Survey adopted neighbourhood plans floorspace includes areas ancillary to Gypsy, Roma and Traveller A survey of households which setting out the authority’s policies for the main use. Net floorspace excludes Communities (for planning assesses affordable housing needs the development and use of land. ancillary areas. purposes) across a defined area, looking at Communities consisting of persons criteria such as housing conditions, Development Plan Documents Front Runner of nomadic habit of life whatever overcrowding and household (DPDs) The government established the their race or origin, including such incomes and comparing these with DPDs are adopted plans and Neighbourhood Planning Front persons who on grounds only of their housing costs and availability. documents that form part of the Runner Project in 2011 to provide own or their family’s or dependants’ development plan. Once adopted, resources to assist communities Housing requirement educational or health needs or old planning decisions must be made in prepare Neighbourhood Plans. The amount of housing that has to be age have ceased to travel temporarily accordance with them unless material Alnwick and Denwick’s bid was built in a given period to meet needs or permanently, but excluding considerations indicate otherwise. successful in July 2011 and has and demands. This is now calculated members of an organised group DPDs can include core strategy, land provided funds principally to the separately for Northumberland, based of travelling showpeople or circus allocation and delivery plans, area County Council to provide staff to on evidence, although the Council people travelling together as such. action plans, and neighbourhood support the project. must cooperate with neighbouring plans. Habitat authorities and other relevant bodies Geo-diversity An area or natural environment in arriving at the final requirement Employment land The range of rocks, minerals, fossils, in which an organism, species or figure(s). Land allocated / reserved for soils and landforms. population normally lives. Habitats industrial and business use. Independent Examination Grain: take many forms and should not be The process by which an Independent Employment Land Review (ELR) Some parts of a town have streets, considered in isolation as they are Examiner examines a Neighbourhood Study identifying the level of walkways as well as the buildings linked and overlap with each other. Plan to ensure it meets the basic employment land required, between them that are parallel and Habitats Regulations conditions. considering past levels of point in a similar direction, giving A set of government regulations employment land take up and other a distinctive appearance to the Infill development (currently the Habitats and Species factors. It also identifies parts of the resulting townscape. This common Building on a relatively small site Regulations 2010), which sets County with an over- or under-supply axis of routes, buildings and resulting between existing buildings. out requirements within England of employment land. townscape is known as the ‘grain’ regarding the protection and Information and Communication of this area of development and is Evidence base enhancement of important natural Technologies (ICT) usually one of its defining design The information and data gathered by assets, giving expression to various Telecommunications networks such features to be recognized and valued. local authorities and used to inform European Directives, international as telephone lines, mobile phone policy development. It includes Green Infrastructure (GI) Conventions and national statutes. masts and broadband infrastructure. a wide range of numerical data Green spaces in towns, villages or Hinterland Infrastructure and other information, including, elsewhere, serving different purposes, A term used to describe the area The physical entities (for example surveys, studies, discussions and which together form a network that which falls within the influence of a roads, railways, sewers, pipes, consultations. can provide local communities with a town – especially the area from which telecommunications lines) that better environment and quality of life Five Year Housing Land Supply the town draws most of the people are necessary for communities to and help wildlife. An identified supply of specific who work there or use its services. function and move around. deliverable sites sufficient to meet

ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 109 Intermediate housing street information. Second, the also describes older planning Masterplan One aspect of affordable housing, townscape has also been made more documents prepared by the former A detailed plan setting out how a this comprises homes for sale and understandable and meaningful by Northumberland authorities. Many particular area is developed, mapping rent provided at a cost above social the addition of such locational and policies in these plans continue the phasing of the development, (i.e. rent, but below market levels subject historic interpretive street material as to be ‘saved’ and form part of the the order in which different parts of to certain criteria. These can include display banners and window badges Development Plan for decision- the development are to be built) and shared equity (shared ownership and that define distinctive functional and making purposes. setting out an action plan explaining equity loans), other low cost homes historic districts and easy-to-read how, when and by whom different Local Planning Authority for sale and intermediate rent, but not street-based or virtual maps capable requirements are triggered / funded. The council which is charged with affordable rented housing. Homes of continually orientating and plan making and determining National Planning Policy that do not meet the above definition inspiring the user. planning applications for an area. In Framework (NPPF) of affordable housing, such as ‘low Limited infilling the case of the Neighbourhood Plan it A Government document that sets cost market housing’, may not be Infill development which is is Northumberland County Council. out the Government’s planning considered as affordable housing for particularly small in scale, occupying policies for England and how these planning purposes. Low Carbon Economy a small gap between buildings –on are expected to be applied. The development within an area Knowledge-based industries the scale of one or two, (rather than or local economy of processes and Natural and semi-natural Defined by the OECD/Work several) dwellings. technologies, which can assist in greenspace Foundation as high to medium Local Green Space reducing the release of carbon tech manufacturing, finance, Places where human control and Areas of green space of particular dioxide into the environment. telecommunications, business activities are not intensive so that a importance to the community which services, education and health. Low Cost Market Housing feeling of naturalness is allowed to are special and locally significant However the knowledge-based Usually refers to new build dwellings predominate. Natural and semi- because of their beauty, historic economy may spread over into other that are sold for 100% owner natural greenspace exists as a significance, recreational value, sectors such as energy supply, retail occupation but at a price that is distinct typology but also as discrete tranquility or richness of wildlife. The and the cultural / creative industries. discounted from the price that they areas within the majority of other NPPF allows the ADNP to rule out could be sold for on the open market. greenspace typologies. (Natural Landscape sensitivity development of these areas other These are not part of the definition of England) Based on the Landscape Character than in very special circumstances. affordable housing. Assessment for the County as a In the Neighbourhood Plan it is Local Housing Need whole, the Key Land Use Impact Main Towns intended that these areas should also Study, (part of the evidence base for A need for housing from the The most important settlements be publicly accessible. the NLPCS), assessed the edges of population resident in the parish in Northumberland with a key Neighbourhood Plan main towns and service centres to areas of Alnwick and Denwick. In housing, employment and service A plan prepared for a defined area ascertain which parts would be likely other words this would not include role across often wide areas. They by a Parish or Town Council – the to be more sensitive than others to housing need generated from other include Alnwick, Amble, Ashington, “qualifying body”. Once it has been additional built development. areas. The usual way in which local Bedlington, Berwick-upon-Tweed, accepted by the local community housing need is identified is through Blyth, Cramlington, Haltwhistle, Legible townscape: through a Referendum, the a local housing needs survey and it Hexham, Morpeth, and Prudhoe. This is a townscape that is, first, easy neighbourhood plan will form part of is intended to carry out a survey for and convenient to use because it Major Development the Development Plan. the Neighbourhood Plan Area under has been made more navigable for Major residential development is HCAP 2. North East Design Review & pedestrians by the creation of safe, defined as 10 or more dwellings and Enabling Service vehicle-free areas, the marking of Local Plan Major commercial development The service offers to review the significant ‘entrances’ and ‘arrival’ The documents and maps that is defined as 1000m2 or more of design of major development places, as well as the addition make up the plan for the future commercial floorspace. proposals at an early stage. of relevant and appropriately development of a local area such The review is carried out by a panel of integrated street signage and other as Northumberland. The term

110 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 architects and others from the design actually sold. control procedures; land in built- themselves in the face of an professions. up areas such as private residential emergency. However in this Permitted Development gardens, parks, recreation grounds document it refers more to the North East Independent Economic Certain limited or minor forms of and allotments; and land that was degree to which communities can be Review development that may proceed previously-developed but where the self-sustaining through the retention A critical review of the North East without the need to make an remains of the permanent structure of a working population, workplaces, economy carried out by the North application for planning permission. or fixed surface structure have services etc. East Local Economic Partnership (LEP), Phasing (housing) blended into the landscape in the in order to identify opportunities Rural exception sites How the building of housing is process of time. for and barriers to the boosting of Small sites where housing use would spread over time within a defined employment and productivity. Qualifying Body not normally be granted permission, area or on a large housing site. The The Neighbourhood Planning which are nevertheless released for North East LEP(Local Economic orderly development of housing Regulations 2012 require a affordable housing in order to meet Partnership) can be achieved through a phasing Qualifying Body to be appointed the local community’s housing needs. A business-led strategic organisation, plan – hence ‘Phase 1’ or ‘Phase 2’ of a to be responsible for preparing the spanning the North East, apart from development. Safeguarding neighbourhood plan and taking the Tees valley area, responsible for The protection of valuable areas Planning Obligation decisions relating to it. Alnwick Town promoting and developing economic of land from disturbance and/or A planning obligation is a binding Council is the Qualifying Body for the growth and funded by the seven local development, due to the presence legal agreement under Section 106 of ADNP in consultation with Denwick authorities and Central Government. of natural assets, mineral resource or the Town and Country Planning Act Parish Council. possible future proposals (such as a Open market residential 1990. It binds one or more parties to Regeneration bypass line). development an agreement to deliver either actions The economic, social and Housing for sale or rent on the open or financial contributions required in Saved policies environmental renewal and market, without any restrictions association with development. Policies of a previous development improvement of rural and urban regarding occupation or price. plan can be ‘saved’ by the Local Planning Practice Guidance areas. Planning Authority in order that Open Space The PPG was published as an online Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) they will continue to apply, usually Usually used in relation to built- guide to the planning system in 2014 The former regional tier of the for a short period of time pending up areas. Refers to all open areas and is regularly updated. It replaces development plan (the RSS for the the preparation of a replacement of public value, which can offer most of the guidance previously North-East) was abolished in 2013, planning document. opportunities for sport, and given in circulars. using powers in the Localism Act recreation, as well as a visual amenity Scenarios Previously Developed Land (PDL) 2011. The RSS set the overall scale and haven for wildlife. Public open Different possible outcomes – in or ‘Brownfield’ Land and distribution of new development space is where public access may or this case regarding the growth and Land which is or was occupied by across the North-East, as well as many may not be formally established. health of communities – depending a permanent structure, including other strategic aspects of planning on different ‘inputs’ – in this case the Overage Clause the curtilage of the developed land – matters which must now be dealt amount of land allocated for housing A clause inserted in an affordable (although it should not be assumed with in the Core Strategies of the and employment and the ability for housing planning obligation allowing that the whole of the curtilage should various Councils across the region, those houses and workplaces to be the Council to clawback an affordable be developed) and any associated who now have a duty to cooperate on delivered on the ground. housing benefit where affordable fixed surface infrastructure. This strategic planning issues. provision had previously been agreed excludes: land that is or has been Sequential approach Renewable energy at a level below that sought by policy occupied by agricultural or forestry A planning principle that seeks to Energy produced using renewable H4 on the grounds that the policy buildings; land that has been identify, allocate or develop certain sources such wind, water or biomass. level would render the development developed for minerals extraction or types or locations of land before the non-viable. The clause is invoked waste disposal by landfill purposes Resilient communities consideration of others. For example, where the estimated sale value of where provision for restoration has This term is sometimes applied town centre type uses (Retail , Leisure, units is exceeded when they are been made through development to communities’ ability to help Commercial) being accommodated

ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017 111 in the town centre before considering once adopted have statutory weight implications in relation to the likely costs and constraints, in order edge of centre or out of centre under Section 38 . In other words environment, the economy and to understand the deliverability of locations or housing locations in planning decisions must be made in society, incorporating a Strategic the plan and provide certainty and relation to various levels of flood risk. accordance with these plans once Environmental Assessment (SEA) to sustainability. they have been adopted. comply with EU Directive 2001/42/EC. Site thresholds (affordable housing) Visually coherent town or village: The minimum size that a market Strategic Housing Land Availability Sustainable development A visually coherent place is one that housing site must be (in terms of Assessment (SHLAA) Defined by the World Commission has been thoughtfully developed its area or the number of dwellings Identifies sites with potential for on Environment and Development and composed to give a sense of proposed) in order to trigger a housing, and assesses their housing in 1987 as “development that meets meaningful urban order and visual requirement for affordable housing to potential and when they are likely the needs of the present without delight. This is the opposite of a be provided as part of / in association to be developed, with a view to compromising the ability of future sprawling settlement which covers with the development, (assuming achieving a five year supply of generations to meet their own the landscape in a visually unplanned that a local need for affordable deliverable housing land. needs”. The Government makes clear and unconsidered way like the housing has been identified in an that sustainable development has southern approaches to Alnwick. Strategic Housing Market up-to-date assessment). The provision economic, social and environmental Although it has been functionally Assessment (SHMA) is secured through a legal agreement dimensions which are further planned, it is without any visual unity, An assessment of the scale and mix of following negotiation between the explained in the NPPF. recognizable shape or composed housing and the range of tenures that Council and the developer, which skyline. Surprisingly, this southern an area (in this case Northumberland) Tenure (housing) must take account of viability. view is totally unlike that of Alnwick is likely to need over the plan The ownership or rental status of when viewed from the north on the Social rented housing period in order to meet household dwellings – i.e. whether they are old North Road route. Here the visual One aspect of affordable housing, this and population projections, owner-occupied (owned outright coherence of grand castle, planned is housing owned by local authorities taking account of migration and / being bought with a mortgage), landscape and historically walled or other registered providers for demographic change. privately rented, rented from housing town from a moving view-point, is which guideline target rents are associations or rented from local Superfast Broadband nothing less than outstanding. determined nationally or locally. authorities. Superfast broadband infrastructure Windfall Housing Sites Stalled sites (housing) is infrastructure capable of delivering Town centre Sites that have planning permission speeds higher than 24Mbps. An area defined in a main town or a So called windfall sites are those for housing but where building Superfast broadband speeds are service centre that includes the key housing sites that come forward has not started or has ceased. This headline download speeds of greater shopping area and adjacent areas during the life of the plan and have may reflect the changing economic than 24Mbps. where other town centre uses, such not been allocated through the plan climate, whereby obligations as leisure uses, cafés, restaurants and process. Typically these are very Supply chain previously secured, or certain professional services are located. small sites such as a subdivision of The sequence or network (across planning conditions add to the cost a larger plot or on occasion a larger space and time) of people, businesses Urban edge: of implementing the development to site arising from a change of use of a or other organisations involved in This is the outer margins of a town the point where it becomes unviable larger area of land which could not moving products or services from where the suburban areas and and is ‘stalled’. have been identified in advance. The suppliers to customers. The customers countryside meet. It could also NPPF allows an element of windfall Statement of Consultation may themselves be manufacturers be thought of as the ‘countryside to be factored into housing supply The Town Council’s approach to or service industries supplying edge’ too. In essence, it is the town calculations where there is evidence involving the community in the consumers with products or services. boundary where town meets country. that such sites have consistently neighbourhood planning process. Sustainability Appraisal (SA) Viability Assessment become available in the local area Statutory Weight The process of weighing and Compares the likely broad value of and will continue to provide a reliable Policies and plans prepared under assessing policies for their global, planned development likely to come source of supply. the Town and Country Planning Acts national and local sustainability forward over the plan period with the

112 ALNWICK AND DENWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN | REFERENDUM VERSION | MAY 2017