BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031 BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031 Bury St Edmunds Vision 2031

RURAL VISION

September 2014

Prepared by: Planning and Growth, St Edmundsbury Borough Council West Suffolk House, Western Way, Bury St Edmunds IP33 3YU www.westsuffolk.gov.uk • [email protected] • Tel: 01284 757368 BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031 BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031 Bury St Edmunds Vision 2031

Foreword from Cllr John Griffiths, Leader of St Edmundsbury Borough Council

Bury St Edmunds Vision 2031 provides a framework for managing the expected growth in the town over the next two decades. Having this plan in place means that we will be in a stronger position to manage change locally, rather than having to react to pressures from others. It will also provide positive guidance for residents, investors, developers and infrastructure providers in terms of how and where the town develops, grows and continues to prosper, while protecting what we value most, including our rich heritage, environment and quality of life.

This Vision 2031 is the culmination of more than three years of hard work that was concluded through the examination of the document by a government planning inspector in early 2014. A series of consultation roadshows and drop-in sessions, as well as numerous written and online responses, helped to inform the content of the Vision document. As well as Bury St Edmunds Vision 2031, there are separate Visions for Haverhill and the rural areas.

I would like to thank everyone involved in the preparation of this plan and hope there will be a continued engagement as proposals within it are delivered over the coming years.

Councillor John Griffiths

September 2014

Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council 3 BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031 Contents

1. Introduction 6 2. Bury St Edmunds in 2013 12 3. Bury St Edmunds in 2031 18 4. Bury St Edmunds objectives 20 5. Homes and communities 21 6. Jobs and economy 39 7. Travel 48 8. Sustainability and climate change 54 9. Crime and community safety 56 10. Infrastructure and services 58 11. Culture and leisure 60 12. Health and wellbeing 64 13. Education and skills 67 14. Historic and natural environment 70 15. Bury St Edmunds town centre 75

Appendix 1. Glossary of terms 77 Appendix 2. Core Strategy Strategic Spatial Objectives 80 Appendix 3. Bury St Edmunds Area of Archaeological Importance 81 Appendix 4. Housing Trajectory 82 Appendix 5. Monitoring and Review Framework 83 Appendix 6. North-west Bury St Edmunds Concept Statement 86 Appendix 7. Moreton Hall Concept Statement 91 Appendix 8. West Bury St Edmunds Concept Statement 96 Appendix 9. North-east Bury St Edmunds Concept Statement 101 Appendix 10. South-east Bury St Edmunds Concept Statement 106 Appendix 11. Replacement of saved St Edmundsbury Local Plan (2016) Policies 112

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Policy BV1 Presumption in Favour of Sustainable Development 8 Policy BV2 Housing Development within Bury St Edmunds 23 Policy BV3 Strategic Site – North-west Bury St Edmunds 24 Policy BV4 Strategic Site – Moreton Hall Bury St Edmunds 25 Policy BV5 Strategic Site – West Bury St Edmunds 25 Policy BV6 Strategic Site – North-east Bury St Edmunds 26 Policy BV7 Strategic Site – South-east Bury St Edmunds 26 Policy BV8 Station Hill Development Area – Bury St Edmunds 28 Policy BV9 Tayfen Road – Bury St Edmunds 30 Policy BV10 Housing on Brownfield Sites – Bury St Edmunds 33 Policy BV11 Land at Ram Meadow 34 Policy BV12 New and Existing Local Centres and Community Facilities 37 Policy BV13 Strategic Site – Extension to Suffolk Business Park, Moreton Hall, Bury St Edmunds 42 Policy BV14 General Employment Areas – Bury St Edmunds 43 Policy BV15 Alternative Business Development within General Employment Areas 45 Policy BV16 British Sugar Site – Areas North of Compiegne Way 45 Policy BV17 Out of Centre Retail Proposals 47 Policy BV18 Community Infrastructure Levy and Allowable Solutions 55 Policy BV19 Land West of Rougham Road 61 Policy BV20 Rougham Airfield 62 Policy BV21 Allotments 63 Policy BV22 West Suffolk Hospital and St Nicholas Hospice 65 Policy BV23 West Suffolk College 68 Policy BV24 Safeguarding Educational Establishments 69 Policy BV25 Conserving the Setting and Views from the Historic Core 71 Policy BV26 Green Infrastructure in Bury St Edmunds 72 Policy BV27 Bury St Edmunds Town Centre Masterplan 76

Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council 5 BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031 1. Introduction

1.1 Welcome to Bury St Edmunds Working together • a profile of Bury St Edmunds giving Vision 2031, a comprehensive some key facts and figures about plan to guide the overall 1.4 The Vision 2031 documents the town; direction of future service were developed by working • a forward look to establish the key provision and management of with neighbouring authorities, challenges for the town over the growth in the town for the next partner organisations and local next 20 years; 20 years and beyond. communities. Where there were • thematic aspirations and actions areas of common interest the including town planning policies; 1.2 Bury St Edmunds Vision 2031 has council sought to actively engage • sections covering defined local been compiled by St Edmundsbury with its neighbours, to resolve any areas and larger development Borough Council, working with potential issues and ensure that areas. many other partners, and sets cross boundary issues were dealt out both the council’s vision for with coherently with strategic The theme topics are illustrated in the the future of Bury St Edmunds priorities aligned as far as possible. adjacent diagram. and is part of the statutory town This collaboration continues planning policy for the town. This through the local plan preparation Glossary of terms final draft is a result of work with process and on specific issues. The the local communities and other community input into the Vision 1.6 Planning policy documents stakeholders over the last two documents helped to develop frequently use jargon and years. what is considered to be a shared acronyms. To help understand vision for the future of the area, what these mean we have St Edmundsbury Local Plan with the priorities reflecting those included a glossary of terms in of the people that live and work in Appendix 1. 1.3 The Local Plan, formerly known the borough every day. as The Local Development Sustainability Appraisal and Framework (LDF), consists of a Document structure Habitats Regulations Assessment series of different documents as illustrated below. It will eventually 1.5 Bury St Edmunds Vision 2031 is 1.7 The policies in this document replace the existing Local Plan divided into these sections: were assessed in a Sustainability which was adopted in 2006. Report and a Habitats Regulations Assessment Screening (HRA),

St Edmundsbury Local Plan Documents

Joint Bury St Haverhill Vision Rural Vision Development Edmunds 2031 2031 Core Strategy Management Vision 2031 Policies (corporate (corporate (strategic Document (corporate vision and town vision and rural policies, vision and town site allocations, site allocations, adopted 2010) (development site allocations, adopted 2014) adopted 2014) control policies) adopted 2014)

Policies Map

Figure 1 St Edmundsbury Local Plan

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Homes and A number of policy documents Communities were already in place which provided an important baseline from which to formulate a new plan. The Bury St Edmunds Historic and Jobs and Vision 2031 document does not Natural Environment Economy contradict the content of national planning policy, nor does it seek to repeat it. The Vision document also Education Travel has regard to other local policy and Skills statements and strategies, which helped significantly to inform this holistic vision. Health and Sustainability and Wellbeing Climate Change 1.11 This document is in general conformity with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Crime and and St Edmundsbury’s Core Culture and Strategy. It supports the objectives Leisure Safety of the council’s partners such as Suffolk County Council, police, Infrastructure fire and the Suffolk Health and and Services Wellbeing Board.

1.12 The context provided by the relevant plans and strategies is provided below.

both of which accompany this Infrastructure Delivery Plan National Planning Policy document and can be seen on Framework (March 2012) the council’s website at www. 1.9 An Infrastructure Delivery Plan westsuffolk.gov.uk/vision2031 (IDP) accompanies the Bury 1.13 In March 2012 the Government St Edmunds Vision document published the National Planning 1.8 The Sustainability Appraisal and which sets out the infrastructure Policy Framework (NPPF) which Habitats Regulations Assessment requirements for the town, at aims to make the planning Screening apply to the planning the time the Vision was prepared, system less complex, more policy elements of this document and how these will be funded, accessible and which works to as required by the Strategic to ensure that the vision and promote sustainable growth. The Environmental Assessment (SEA) allocations in this document can NPPF states that the planning directive. The corporate aspirations be delivered. The IDP is available system should be based on and actions were not subject to on the council’s website at www. national policies, local and Sustainability Appraisal or HRA as westsuffolk.gov.uk/vision2031 neighbourhood plans and positive they set the corporate direction development management. for the council up to 2031, are Relationship with other plans and not specifically related to land use strategies 1.14 It places a presumption in favour planning and therefore did not of sustainable development which have to be subject to appraisal. 1.10 The preparation of this document all Local Plans should reflect and did not start from a blank canvas. be based on, and requires plans to

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include policies which guide how POLICY BV1: PRESUMPTION IN FAVOUR OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT this presumption will be reflected locally. There are three dimensions When considering development proposals the council will take a positive approach to sustainable growth in the NPPF that reflects the presumption in favour of sustainable development contained in the which the Bury St Edmunds Vision National Planning Policy Framework. It will always work proactively with applicants document addresses: jointly to find solutions which mean that proposals can be approved wherever possible, and to secure development that improves the economic, social and • an economic role – contributing environmental conditions in the area. to building a strong, responsive and competitive economy; Planning applications that accord with the policies in this Local Plan (and, where • a social role – supporting strong, relevant, with policies in Neighbourhood Plans) will be approved without delay, vibrant and healthy communities; unless material considerations indicate otherwise. and Where there are no policies relevant to the application or relevant policies are out an environmental role – • of date at the time of making the decision then the council will grant permission contributing to protecting and unless material considerations indicate otherwise – taking into account whether: enhancing our natural, built and historic environment. • any adverse impacts of granting permission would significantly and (NPPF, para 7, March 2012) demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in the National Planning Policy Framework taken as a whole; or 1.15 The presumption in favour of • specific policies in that Framework indicate that development should be sustainable development means restricted. that meeting the development needs of an area with sufficient Note: This policy has been published by the Planning Inspectorate and is required to be flexibility to adapt to change is a included in all Local Plans. key element of the development strategy in the Bury St Edmunds Vision document. During the 1.17 The NPPF explains that Regional Spatial Strategy preparation of the document cross factors such as infrastructure boundary issues were considered requirements, environmental 1.19 The Regional Spatial Strategy and the duty to cooperate with assessment, the historic was prepared by the former East neighbouring authorities was environment and the health and of England Regional Assembly. It demonstrated. wellbeing of residents should be formed part of the Development considered whilst ensuring viability Plan and established the level of 1.16 The NPPF also gives greater and deliverability of proposals in housing growth in each district powers to local communities line with sustainable objectives. within the region. In May 2010 the to develop visions for their Secretary of State for Communities neighbourhoods to deliver 1.18 Regard has therefore been had and Local Government wrote to all sustainable development. to the NPPF and the guidance local authority Leaders highlighting Communities should support the within it, including the objective the Coalition Government’s strategic development needs set of achieving sustainable commitment to ‘rapidly abolish out in Local Plans, plan positively development. Policy BV1 is Regional Strategies and return to support local development therefore an overarching policy decision making powers on housing and identify opportunities that seeks to enshrine at a local and planning to local councils’. to use neighbourhood level the council’s commitment The Regional Strategy for the East development orders to grant to the presumption in favour of of England was formally revoked planning permission for sustainable development. on 3 January 2013 but the council developments consistent with the took early steps in July 2010 to neighbourhood plan. investigate the potential impact of the removal of the Regional Spatial Strategy. This concluded that there is a robust local evidence base in place to justify the housing

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numbers in the Core Strategy and 1.22 More recently the Suffolk Health 1.26 Vision 2025 needed reviewing there was no reason why these and Wellbeing Board has been to see what’s changed and to numbers should not be continued formed and has produced a Suffolk extend the period that it covers. with at this time. The Planning Health and Wellbeing Strategy The Rural Vision 2031, Bury St Inspector examining the Core with the following vision: Edmunds 2031 and Haverhill 2031 Strategy concurred with this view. documents do this. “Our vision is that Suffolk Community Strategy people in Suffolk live The Replacement St Edmundsbury Borough Local Plan 2016 1.20 The Western Suffolk Sustainable healthier, happier Community Strategy, prepared by lives. We also want to 1.27 In 2006 the council adopted a new the Western Suffolk Local Strategic narrow the differences in Local Plan for the borough that Partnership (WSLSP), healthy life expectancy set out the planning policies and was referred to and used during between those living proposals for the area to 2016. the preparation of the Core in our most deprived This included the identification Strategy document. The WSLSP communities and those of sites for development in the has now been dissolved; its town as well as zoning areas with successor, the West Suffolk who are more affluent particular planning constraints. Partnership, has not produced a through achieving With only two years remaining, community strategy as there is no greater improvements there was a need to identify the longer a statutory requirement to in more disadvantaged longer term planning proposals do so and the vision element of communities.” for the town to meet the needs of the three Vision 2031 documents both current and future residents. fulfils that purpose. 1.23 We have used these strategies to Along with the Core Strategy, the ensure that where appropriate Bury St Edmunds Vision 2031 does 1.21 The Suffolk Strategic Partnership, the spatial elements of the this. and the organisations that form it, Community Strategy are reflected have worked together to produce in this Bury St Edmunds Vision. Core Strategy the document ‘Transforming Suffolk, Suffolk’s Community St Edmundsbury Vision 2025 1.28 This is a high-level strategic Strategy 2008 to 2028’. This planning framework for the whole strategy will deliver improvements 1.24 The council prepared a vision of St Edmundsbury and was to the quality of life in Suffolk, for document for the whole of St formally adopted by the council its people and for communities. Edmundsbury in 2005. Vision 2025 in December 2010 following local The overall ambition for the was designed to give a clear and consultation and examination strategy is: shared vision of ‘how we see the by an independent Planning beautiful and successful area of St Inspector. It sets out how many ‘By 2028 we want Edmundsbury in 20 years’ time – new homes and jobs are needed Suffolk to be recognised and to help realise the aspirations in St Edmundsbury, the locations of our community, be that for for the main areas of growth and for its outstanding local residents or local businesses’. how the environment will be environment and quality managed. Bury St Edmunds Vision of life for all; a place 1.25 It was prepared after talking to a 2031 develops this by looking where everyone can range of partner organisations and specifically at planning policies for realise their potential, the local community to identify Bury St Edmunds. benefit from and the main challenges that needed contribute to Suffolk’s dealing with by 2025. This resulted 1.29 The Core Strategy has already in the vision and the action plans determined the following strategic economic prosperity, for delivery contained in the final policies. and be actively involved Vision 2025 document. in their community.’ a. The town will grow by at least 6360 new homes between 2009

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and 2031 (now 5740 between tool which builds upon the 1.35 The outcomes from this work 2012 and 2031). area’s existing and potential helped identify the key challenges b. Most new housing will be community capital. Based on and inform the objectives and located in five strategic areas four dimensions – natural, social, vision for Bury St Edmunds, of growth located around the built and financial capital – this but only formed one part of town. provides a framework for achieving the information process in c. 68.28 hectares of land east of sustainable communities. Vision 2031. The full report Suffolk Business Park is allocated is on the council’s website for employment. 1.34 These five vision statements, at www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/ d. The town centre will be the below, were identified by the backgroundpolicyevidence main focus for new retail, leisure Prince’s Foundation work. and office development. Town planning context 1. ‘One town made up of Development Management Policies many villages’ - Bury will be 1.36 As explained earlier, planning a town made up of a series of policies that need to be taken 1.30 The Development Management walkable urban villages with into consideration in Bury St Policies document will contain local amenities such as a school Edmunds are contained in a those policies that are primarily and shop at their heart. Each number of documents both locally used on a day-to-day basis to of the villages or parishes will and nationally. Plans have been determine planning applications. be complementary and well in place to guide and manage They are not generally site or connected one to the other. development for many years, so in location specific. The borough 2. ‘Getting active – no sweat’ - preparing new planning policies for council is preparing this document active Bury residents will be able Bury St Edmunds we do not start in partnership with Forest Heath to enjoy a fast and safe network from a blank canvas. For example, District Council. of beautiful routes for walkers, the housing currently being built cyclists and mobility scooters at Moreton Hall comes from Vision 2031 which link all the local urban a masterplan published in the village centres together. 1970s. New plans must therefore 1.31 Vision 2031 comprises three 3. ‘Building tomorrow’s have regard to those that already documents, Bury St Edmunds heritage’ - the new urban exist as well as development that Vision 2031, Haverhill Vision villages will have added a key is in the pipeline. 2031 and Rural Vision 2031. part of Bury’s heritage by having These documents are part of involved good designers, builders 1.37 The most appropriate starting point the council’s Local Plan and and craftspeople in making the for Vision 2031 is the adopted St provide the vision and planning buildings and places. Edmundsbury Core Strategy, which framework, including site 4. ‘My place – respecting sets out a vision for the borough allocations, up to the period 2031. young people’s natural and Bury St Edmunds, which is development’ - 10-15 year shown on page 11. Prince’s Foundation Community olds will have a number of Capital visioning respected places and activities Bury St Edmunds Vision suited to their natural 1.32 The Prince’s Foundation was development. 1.38 A town-wide vision, which appointed to engage with borough 5. ‘Growing businesses that identifies how Bury St Edmunds councillors and staff to help work for us’ - Bury will have will grow and positively respond to increase understanding about how attracted new businesses and changing demands over the plan to create sustainable communities growing existing businesses that period to 2031, was established and through this identify key benefit the local economy, are within the adopted Core Strategy issues, assets and opportunities for suited to their environment and (2010) which had close regard to the borough. maximise the potential for local the Western Suffolk Local Strategic supply chains. Partnership’s objectives (in view of 1.33 The Prince’s Foundation used its the absence of an overall vision in Community Capital Framework the, now former, Western Suffolk

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Sustainable Community Strategy). a. the issues and challenges this document; and Since the adoption of that identified during the preparation c. the work The Prince’s Foundation document additional work has of the Bury Vision document; undertook in the autumn of 2011. been undertaken which includes: b. the aspirations identified in the themes and actions sections of 1.39 This vision is set out below:

BURY ST EDMUNDS • The town will respect its nationally important heritage to offer a town rich with employment and retail opportunities, green open spaces and historic and cultural assets. • The town will capitalise on its status as the sub-regional centre for West Suffolk and its position between Cambridge and Ipswich. • The town will develop employment opportunities at Suffolk Business Park and other new strategic limited use sites of a scale sufficient to reduce out-commuting. • Strategies will be developed to increase public transport, walking and cycling and promote a shift to non-car modes of travel. • Existing surrounding settlements will be protected from coalescence and have green buffer zones developed between them and Bury St Edmunds to maintain their integrity. • The educational offer of the town will be increased with the expansion of West Suffolk College and the provision of both further education and, crucially, higher education to retain skills and talent within the borough. • West Suffolk Hospital will be relocated to the west side of town to allow for the development of a modern health campus. • Development will be encouraged on previously developed land but greenfield urban extensions will take place to the north- west, west, north-east, east and south-east of the town within a framework whereby environmental capacity and respecting the identity of surrounding villages takes priority. • Existing green spaces along the Lark and Linnet Valley at the Leg of Mutton will be enhanced and new green infrastructure established at Fornham All Saints. • The historic core of the town will have high quality streets where the pedestrians and other non-car users can move around safely and comfortably. • Public transport, walking and cycling links will be improved to provide access to the town centre and better connect residents with other local and regional destinations. • The economy of the town will be carefully managed through the supply of appropriate land to develop a diverse, vibrant and modern economy to increase jobs and enhance prosperity.

St Edmundsbury Core Strategy, 2010.

Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council 11 BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031 2. Bury St Edmunds in 2013

2.1 Bury St Edmunds is an ancient that first time buyers would averaging just over 230 a year. market town and much of typically be earning and buying, The table below illustrates that its attraction lies with its based on 2012 data. there have been peaks and troughs historic buildings and abbey throughout the last 20 years and ruins, surrounded by the 2.3 In 2011, 17% of homes in Bury that, despite the recent economic Abbey Gardens. The town is St Edmunds were privately rented problems, house building in the well known for its national and 17% were rented from social town is still close to the long term and international floral and landlords. Housing associations average. environmental successes provide approximately 2500 Years Completions and the home of the Greene affordable homes in the town, 1991-1996 1318 King brewery, located in the which is just over a third of the 1996-2001 930 town centre. Large and small total for the borough. The housing 2001-2006 995 businesses are located in Bury register shows that as of March 2006-2011 1218 St Edmunds, including a British 2013, 760 households living in Totals: 4461 Sugar processing factory which, Bury St Edmunds have registered Average 223 together with the retail and their need for housing in the leisure opportunities, have town: this is over 36% of the total Jobs and economy traditionally given the town housing register. Evidence from the an affluent economy with low housing register and the Strategic 2.7 The largest employment sectors unemployment. The town is the Housing Market Assessment show are health (19.5%), retail main cultural and retail centre a significant need for further (14.2%), manufacturing (8.9%) for West Suffolk. Tourism affordable housing. and education (8.6%). (Business plays a major role in the town Register and Employment Survey, which also serves as a local 2.4 The rate of fuel poverty in Bury 2011). The public sector is large government administration St Edmunds is 14%1 compared as the town contains some sub- base and a centre for public to the borough average of 16%. regional public sector employers, services such as health and However, this is likely to mask such as West Suffolk Hospital education. neighbourhoods where the rate and West Suffolk College. The of deprivation and fuel poverty is latter, which became one of the Homes and communities much higher. University Campus Suffolk sites in 2007, has a strong focus on 2.2 In 2011, 67% of homes in Bury 2.5 The average SAP rating2 for Bury is employers and works with local St Edmunds were owned by their 51, close to the borough average businesses to offer students the occupants, either outright or of 52. 30.8% of the town’s homes skills that businesses need. with a mortgage. In 2012, 38% are non-decent3 and 46.7% of of property sales in the borough vulnerable people live in non- 2.8 As well as Greene King, many took place in Bury St Edmunds, decent homes. of the biggest commercial with an average price of over employers are food and drink £200,000. Median house prices of 2.6 The council has monitored the related, reflecting the town’s 3 to 3.5 times median income are delivery of new homes over the rural hinterland. There are some generally considered affordable, long term. Since the mid-1980s large technological companies, but in Bury St Edmunds, the ratio just over 6000 new homes have including Sealeys, Vintens, Roper is 6.6, using salaries and properties been built across the town, Industries and STL Technologies.

1 DECC Sub-regional fuel poverty data 2010 2 SAP is the Government’s Standard Assessment Procedure for energy rating of buildings. Higher ratings are better, so the low rural rating is a cause for concern 3 SEBC Private Sector Housing Stock Condition Survey, June 2008

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The supermarkets Asda, changed over the last 10 years. Plan which provides supporting Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose Unemployment is relatively low: evidence to the Bury St Edmunds are large employers. The retail 2.45% in June 2011, as measured Vision document. Experience from sector expanded considerably by the number of Job Seekers elsewhere suggests that increasing in 2009 with the opening of allowance claimants. road capacity only attracts more the arc development and a new traffic and does nothing to ease superstore and retail is now one of Travel congestion. The focus therefore the largest employment sectors. has to be upon encouraging The shop vacancy rate (10.2% 2.10 The town experiences significant people to travel by means other in January 2013) is below the benefits in terms of travel choices than the car wherever possible. The regional and national averages, but due to its location on the A14 A14 and railway line also acts as a the council is keen to work with and the Ipswich to Cambridge/ significant physical barrier to being Bid4Bury (the business-led town Peterborough rail line. Its historic able to move around the town by centre management company) importance as a market town is whatever means. Excluding the and landlords to reduce this rate. also demonstrated by the number A14 junctions, there are only three and quality of radial routes into roads and one dedicated footpath/ 2.9 There are 12 business parks and the town from local towns and cycle path across the A14. This industrial estates in the town. The villages. has implications for how the town newest is Suffolk Business Park, functions and the connectivity to close to the A14. A masterplan 2.11 Within the town itself there is services and facilities. However, in for a 68-hectare extension to the some congestion at peak times, April 2014 funding was granted business park along the A14 has especially in the vicinity of the from the Department for Transport been approved. The town has a A14 junctions, the Moreton Hall towards constructing a cycle self-contained labour market: in area and along Tayfen Road and bridge across the A14 linking 2001, a high proportion (almost Parkway that will limit the ability Northgate Avenue and Thingoe 70%) of Bury St Edmunds to accommodate growth unless Hill. residents worked in the town improvements are carried out. The and it was also an employment work that has been completed 2.12 The Core Strategy sets out that centre for commuters from the to identify these improvements all development proposals should surrounding villages. Data from is further dealt with in section prioritise modes of transport in the 2011 Census is not yet 7 of this document, ‘travel’, and the following order: available to compare how this has in the Infrastructure Delivery

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1. walking; and Peterborough. The station • Dealing with the consequences 2. cycling; is a fine 19th century building of climate change: Well-planned 3. public transport (including taxis); which is now listed and is actions to cut carbon emissions 4. commercial vehicles; and currently undergoing extensive and adapt to a changing climate 5. cars. refurbishment and improvement. can help save money and lives as Pedestrian links between the well as allowing the town to take 2.13 The 2011 Census identified that station and the town centre advantage of any benefits. the Moreton Hall ward has the are not good and require • Coping with a new era of second highest proportion of improvement in order to provide energy insecurity: The country people across Suffolk driving to a better initial welcome for train is now heavily reliant on oil and work. On average, 44% of Suffolk travellers arriving in the town. gas imports to meet electricity residents aged between 16 and and heating demand and fuel 74 drive to work, whereas in Sustainability and climate change transport. As prices are likely to Moreton Hall the figure is 60%. continue rising, households and Encouraging more walking, cycling 2.16 The town faces serious and businesses will find it increasing and better public transport would pressing global challenges to hard to afford energy and access help manage the congestion its quality of life. Increasing to some energy sources may caused by existing residents. demands for resources such as become more difficult. For example, if Moreton Hall’s land, food, energy and water • Resource depletion, and the figures were reduced to the necessitate a better balance associated environmental damage town’s average, there would be a between our economic and social caused by their extraction and use, reduction of 1,000 trips to work needs without compromising the is becoming a critical factor for by car every day. needs of others or the state of global and local communities. the environment. The changing • Water supply and quality: The 2.14 The historic streets in the town climate may also have significant eastern region is the driest in the centre were not built to cope implications, both positive UK and Bury St Edmunds relies with the modern demands of and negative, for residents and on underground water reserves the car. Many of the roads and businesses in Bury St Edmunds. and water transfer. Future water pavements are narrow and cannot availability and quality will have cope with the numbers of people 2.17 Suffolk’s goal of achieving a 60% a significant impact on local trying to use them. The award reduction in carbon emissions economic activity, particularly winning Historic Core Zone project has been set against a 2005 farming and the food industry. resulted in pavement widening baseline as part of its Creating the • The issue of flood risk is and reducing the impact of the Greenest County priority within particularly relevant to Bury St car through sign and line removal. the Suffolk Community Strategy Edmunds given that the town is Angel Hill, a public square of “Transforming Suffolk 2008- situated within two river valleys. international significance, in 2025”. To achieve this goal locally, While the average flow of the particular benefited from this the borough’s per capita CO2 watercourses is low, previous initiative, resulting in the creation emissions in 2025 would therefore experience has demonstrated of much more user-friendly space need to be approximately 4.5 the potential for extreme for people to walk, stop and talk tonnes. This presents a significant weather conditions to cause and appreciate their surroundings. challenge. damage through flooding. Where There are currently over 3300 development is likely to result car parking spaces in the town 2.18 The environmental issues faced in increased surface water run- centre which through a careful by Bury St Edmunds include the off and flooding, suitable flood management strategy of long and following. mitigation or alleviation measures short-stay opportunities, generate must be included to overcome this over 2 million separate car parking • Coping with growth: There risk. “events” each year. remains a need to ensure that • Contamination of land is new growth is constructed in a an important issue in the use 2.15 The town is directly connected way that limits the impact on the of previously developed land. by rail to Ipswich, Cambridge environment. Removing contamination

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through the development process 2.20 Crimes relating to the night-time providers. Bury St Edmunds has diminishes the threats posed by economy, including violent crime, grown from a medieval core contamination to health, safety rowdy and inconsiderate behaviour to a market town serving West and the environment. and criminal damage, account for Suffolk and beyond. Growth • Travel into and around Bury 40% of all recorded crime in Bury was particularly rapid during the St Edmunds is heavily reliant St Edmunds. It has a vibrant café second half of the 20th century. upon the private car. Although culture, including a busy night- Much of this growth has been congestion is not a significant time economy in the town centre matched by improvements to problem except at peak times, which is also a residential area. infrastructure and services, but as the town grows the areas Local businesses and residents elements are reaching the end affected are likely to get worse. need to be partners in solving of their useful lives. For example The construction of more roads to these problems. the gas network is currently ease congestion is not necessarily being upgraded to enable the a sustainable option and 2.21 Bury St Edmunds is on the A14 system to be able to cope with alternative means of access other corridor which can result in the required increase in pressure than the private car will need to easy access for organised crime to accommodate the additional be explored. coming from other areas, such growth in the town over the as purse thefts, Class A drugs and coming decades. Crime and safety distraction burglary where callers use falsehoods to gain access to Culture and leisure 2.19 Crime and safety are always high properties. The town is growing on the public agenda. Although in both population and diversity 2.23 Culture and leisure covers a huge Bury St Edmunds is an area which may mean that levels range of activities, including arts, with low crime rates, this is no and types of crime and disorder entertainments and festivals, consolation to victims of crime change in the future. heritage and museums, parks and or the communities they live in. countryside, allotments, children’s A debate is currently underway Infrastructure and services play areas, sports facilities and about where the responsibility tourism and visitor services. Bury for achieving a safe and crime- 2.22 Infrastructure is essential to meet St Edmunds has a rich cultural life. free environment lies and there the increasing demands of today’s It is an attractive medieval and is an increasing recognition that population and to accommodate cathedral town and is increasingly communities and individuals need growth. Infrastructure delivery a tourist destination. The most to play an active part. rests with several different popular attraction in the town is

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the award-winning Abbey Gardens, Cathedral, the art gallery (Smiths Key Stage 2 are currently poor and and there is also a country park on Row) and the Georgian Theatre the county council is instigating the town’s outskirts, Nowton Park, Royal. Many voluntary groups initiatives, such as “Raising the as well as many sports grounds. are involved in leisure, such as Bar” to improve performance The Apex, an award-winning and choirs, historical societies and across all levels of school highly-acclaimed entertainment sports clubs, as well as individuals, education. and conference venue, recently including artists and craftspeople. opened in the town centre and 2.27 Bury St Edmunds has three Sure offers a programme of events and Health and wellbeing Start Centres, which provide entertainment. The town also has integrated services for children its own festival every spring and 2.25 Although Bury St Edmunds is a aged 0-5 and their parents. There an increasingly popular Christmas relatively affluent area, with low are 10 primary schools, six middle Fayre, both of which attract unemployment and general good schools, three upper schools and significant numbers of visitors. health, it has pockets of health two special schools, of which three The town’s Guildhall is widely inequality. Life expectancy has are Catholic schools. believed to be the oldest complete risen but there is a significant gap civic building in England. The in life expectancy between those 2.28 The county council is currently 18th century Athenaeum is also from the most affluent areas of reorganising Suffolk’s schools into still used as a public hall. There the town compared with those a two-tier system, with primary is a wide heritage offer, including from the most deprived. Moreton and high schools. Consultation Moyse’s Hall Museum which tells Hall residents, for example, on changes to schools’ structure the story of Bury St Edmunds. The have an average life expectancy in Bury St Edmunds began in leisure centre has recently been of 86.3 years, compared with September 2013 with the aim of refurbished and an athletics arena Eastgate ward residents with an having a decision by spring 2014. lies besides it that provides a average of 77.3 years. The main If approved the implementation high class facility for regional and health problems are caused by date would be September 2016 national competition. The town’s obesity and smoking and their at the earliest. The Core Strategy central location in the region attendant health problems: in St highlights the need for an means that it is well positioned to Edmundsbury about 22% of the additional upper school which host regionally significant cultural adult population smoke and about would be located on the eastern destinations, sporting facilities and 24% are obese. The town has a side of the town. Currently the events. strong voluntary and community three upper schools in the town sector offering a wealth of are located on the town’s north 2.24 There is an equally wide range of activities and support, but not western side which has created leisure providers. Some facilities everyone is in a position to take an education quarter, along with are both owned and managed advantage of these. West Suffolk College. by St Edmundsbury Borough Council, which has made a huge Education and skills 2.29 West Suffolk College is the investment in leisure and cultural main skills training and further facilities in recent years. Some 2.26 Education is currently a county education provider in the town, sporting facilities, owned by the council responsibility, although and is currently expanding council, are managed by a trust the Government has invited all its facilities for training in (Abbeycroft Leisure) while the maintained schools to apply for construction and performing private and charitable sector academy status, which would arts. Its masterplan sets out its offers many leisure facilities too, take them out of local authority vision and plans which have such as private fitness clubs, control. County Upper School, been adopted by the council. The sports grounds, restaurants Horringer Court and Westley college has also become the Bury and accommodation. Some middle schools and Barrow St Edmunds home of University of the town’s most important Primary School have already Campus Suffolk, bringing higher cultural facilities are managed by merged to become the Bury St education opportunities into the voluntary, charitable or religious Edmunds Academy Trust. School town. organisations, such as the attainment levels across Suffolk at

16 Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031

Historic and natural environment more popular in the town centre Vision 2031 document process, but need to be regulated to ensure has concluded that a small 2.30 Bury St Edmunds has two the very character that makes the increase in visitors to Breckland conservation areas and a wealth of spaces special is not destroyed. SPA is likely to be concentrated in fine listed buildings. It has a world areas closer to Bury St Edmunds, class historic core which also 2.32 The natural environment in and although not in sufficient extra benefits from the Abbey Gardens around the town are also of local numbers to cause any harm to which provides an exceptional significance, although there is no the SPA. Although the SPA does combination of heritage assets designated Green Belt. Bury St not fall within the area covered and green space. It is surrounded Edmunds lies at the confluence by the Bury St Edmunds Vision by attractive countryside and has of the rivers Lark and Linnet. document, impact on the SPA some good parks. However, it is The river corridors are a valuable resulting from the growth of the recognised that the north does not natural resource which can provide town will continue to be carefully benefit from the amount of park open space and links through the considered in appraising proposals space that the south does. town to Nowton Park, Ickworth for new development. Park, West Stow Country Park 2.31 One third of the borough’s listed and the wider countryside, but buildings are in Bury St Edmunds. the river valleys are often hidden The town centre has an extensive and inaccessible in the town. An conservation area with a high area to the south of the town is concentration of listed buildings designated as a Special Landscape and there is a second conservation Area, although this does not place area in Victoria Street. Both areas a restriction on development have been designated for some taking place in the designated time and they should be reviewed area. from time to time to ensure that they continue to be accurate. 2.33 Within St Edmundsbury Conservation area appraisals and borough there are several nature management plans have been conservation sites of international prepared for both conservation importance, one of which is the areas. These identify the qualities Breckland Special Protection which give the conservation areas Area (SPA) and Special Area for the distinctive characters that Conservation (SAC). The Brecks the council is trying to protect area supports the Stone Curlew, and enhance. Many more historic Woodlark and Nightjar species properties are protected by Article and as an area this has been 4 Directions that remove the given additional protection from normal rights to undertake works the potential impact of future to buildings without obtaining development through Policy CS2 planning permission, despite of the Core Strategy. Although the recent proposals nationally SPA does not fall within the area to increase the amount of covered by the Bury St Edmunds development that can take Vision document, impact on place without requiring planning the SPA, in terms of increased consent. It is not just the buildings recreational pressure resulting in the historic centre that are of from the strategic growth, will importance. There are many fine need to be carefully considered spaces that serve an important in appraising the proposals for social role in everyday life, such development on the site. A as the market area and places Habitats Regulations (Screening) where people can meet. Street Assessment of the strategic site, vending and cafes are becoming as part of the Bury St Edmunds

Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council 17 BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031 3. Bury St Edmunds in 2031

3.1 This part of Bury St Edmunds and other local and regional a. Provision of housing: There is Vision 2031 puts forward destinations; and a significant demand for new a comprehensive vision to l. has a diverse, vibrant economy housing in Bury St Edmunds guide the overall direction with increased jobs and prosperity. to meet the needs of existing of future service provision residents and a growing and investment in the town 3.3 Following extensive consultation, population. A variety of different for the next 20 years. It tries Bury St Edmunds Vision 2031 has house types and tenures will to combine all service and been compiled by the borough be required to meet needs and infrastructure requirements council, working with many address affordability issues. in the town into a single others, and it combines strategic b. Tackling congestion: Bury St holistic vision, so that service and corporate planning with Edmunds is a successful and providers work together to land-use planning so that the vibrant town. However, parts of achieve agreed aims and reduce council’s planning policies follow the town currently suffer from wastage and duplication. It is on from its strategic policies. It congestion at peak times. The A14 orientated towards the future: is acknowledged that the current cuts the town in half and much of it thinks about what people economic climate means there the congestion is centred around would like this historic market is little in the way of investment the junctions that serve the town to be in 2031, and how and development going on, but town. The A14 acts as a barrier to the planned growth can be this will change over the life of people in the northern and eastern accommodated, so that the this plan and it is important that neighbourhoods accessing the foundations can be laid for it this Vision is prepared for that. town centre as only a few crossing now. However, the population of Bury points exist. St Edmunds continues to grow c. The town centre: The town 3.2 To achieve people’s aspirations, in through people living longer, births centre of Bury St Edmunds is 2031 Bury St Edmunds will be a and people moving into the area a major asset for the town. place which: for work or to retire. Therefore, In the late 1990s the Angel doing nothing is not an option. It Hill area and several other a. has met people’s need for new is essential that a plan prepared nearby historic streets were housing; locally is in place to ensure that transformed. Much of this work b. respects its nationally important facilities and services are in place removed modern highway heritage; to meet the demands of this signage in the historic core and c. is a sub-regional centre for West change, otherwise there will be helped give back the streets Suffolk; little that can be done to resist to pedestrians from motorised d. has reduced out-commuting; speculative proposals for new transport. In recent years the e. has seen an increased shift to non- building from developers. arc shopping development has car modes of travel; been opened which has been f. retains skills and talents within the Key challenges for a major success and it is now town; Bury St Edmunds felt that the Buttermarket area g. has a modern health campus; needs improvements to remove h. has maintained environmental 3.4 Vision 2031 starts by looking unnecessary signage and create capacity and placed a priority at ten different themes which greater pedestrian areas. on respecting the identity of are closely interlinked and their d. An ageing population: surrounding villages; aspirations taken together add Population projections suggest i. has enhanced and new green up to a vision for the town. The that by 2031 over a quarter of infrastructure; key challenges are identified, and local residents will be aged 65 or j. has high quality streets; many of these apply to several of over. Older people may need their k. has good access links connecting the themes. homes to be improved, adapted people with the town centre and kept warm. They are likely to

18 Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031

need health care services. Many and during holidays will need to be i. Responsibility: Several of the of them would like jobs and they explored. themes identify the need for would also like leisure services g. Community facilities: Several of people and groups to take more tailored for them. the themes stress the importance responsibility for aspects of their e. Broadband: Better broadband is of community facilities not just own lives, for example, combating crucial for businesses. It enables as places where local people local crime and anti-social people to work from home and can meet but also as potential behaviour and promoting good the opportunities it offers help hubs for delivering services in health. The education section to reduce the need for travel. the community, as locations for suggests that educating young It also has important social leisure activities and as bases people in citizenship would be a benefits by enabling people to for community and voluntary good way to start this process. keep in touch and supporting groups. Community facilities can There is also a need to tackle other new technologies including be spaces as well as buildings and social exclusion which can be done tele-healthcare. BT/Openreach is do not have to be purpose-built most effectively through good currently upgrading the broadband or solely dedicated to community partnership working with other infrastructure to offer Fibre to the use. agencies and organisations. Cabinet (FTTC) technology, which h. Jobs: The local community is very j. Managing the environmental will give much of the town up to concerned about whether there impact of future growth: It 40MB broadband connectivity. will be enough jobs for all sectors will be important to manage any f. Dual use of schools: Maximising of the community in 2031. There future growth in and around the the use of facilities is a recurrent are concerns about whether the town to ensure any impact on the theme in this document as it is education system is equipping built and natural environment, far more cost-effective to open young people for the likely jobs including those areas with school facilities to community of the future. The separate worlds landscape and environmental use than to build new community of education and employment designations, is minimised. facilities. The use of these facilities need to be brought much closer after school hours, at weekends together.

Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council 19 BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031 4. Bury St Edmunds objectives

4.1 A set of objectives have been Objective 2 Objective 6 developed which sets the context for delivering the To maintain, develop and diversify the To ensure development is accessible to spatial vision and policies in economic base through the provision of the town centre, employment locations the Bury St Edmunds Vision employment sites to meet the needs of and other services and facilities to 2031 document. The objectives existing and future businesses. (CS: B) help reduce the need to travel by also provide a framework for unsustainable means. (CS: F) monitoring performance. Objective 3 Objective 7 4.2 The objectives were developed To ensure that the necessary taking into account the strategic infrastructure required to meet the needs To support and encourage all means of spatial objectives identified in the of new development is provided at the sustainable and safe transport, public adopted Core Strategy along with appropriate time. (CS: I) transport improvements, and cycleway background research, the issues and footway improvements. (CS: F) and priorities identified during Objective 4 the preparation of Vision 2031 Objective 8 and the council’s vision for Bury To meet the shopping, cultural and leisure St Edmunds. The objectives relate needs of residents of Bury St Edmunds To ensure that development is built strongly to those in the adopted and the wider West Suffolk sub-region. to high standards of environmental Core Strategy (the links in brackets (CS: E) sustainability. Guided by the need to below are the Core Strategy mitigate and adapt to a changing climate objective reference numbers). Objective 5 paying particular attention to reducing energy and water demand and ensuring Objective 1 To ensure that any new development their sustainable supply. (CS: D, I) conserves and, where opportunities To meet the housing needs of Bury St arise, enhances the natural, built and Objective 9 Edmunds with a particular emphasis on historic environment, local identity and the provision of affordable homes and an distinctiveness of Bury St Edmunds and To ensure residents have access to appropriate mix of house types for local improves access to green space and schools, further and higher educational people and of appropriate housing for an surrounding countryside. (CS: D, G, H) opportunities, vocational and technical ageing population. (CS: A) training. (CS: D, I)

20 Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031 5. Homes and communities

5.1 Secure and affordable identified and catered for as part influencing housing affordability housing is crucial to most of the planning process. This will is to assist registered housing people. People need to be support the creation of a series of providers to build and manage appropriately housed if they urban villages, as identified in the homes, as they can offer rents are to live meaningful lives Prince’s Foundation Community below market levels. and play their part in the Capital visioning which formed community. The borough part of the preparatory work for 5.7 The actions to achieve this council and its partners have this Vision. aspiration are: to ensure that enough housing is delivered in a sustainable 5.3 In 2031, Bury St Edmunds will be a a. identify and bring forward way to meet the needs of the place where: sufficient sites to provide at whole community. They have to least 5740 new open market and provide an adequate supply of Aspiration 1 affordable homes, as identified land for housing and maximise Every resident has a sustainable in the Core Strategy, at a steady the amount of previously and suitable home. rate throughout the 20 year developed (brownfield) land period; used. It is recognised that the Aspiration 2 b. work with developers and delivery of new homes in the Walkable neighbourhoods enable registered housing providers to current economic climate is communities to meet their day- maximise the delivery of both challenging, but the population to-day needs without necessarily open market and affordable continues to grow and the requiring them to drive. homes; demand for new homes does c. promote initiatives to help not go away. While the town Aspiration 3 facilitate self-build as a housing has continued to deliver a The best use is made of existing option; respectable amount of new homes. d. work with developers to provide homes through the current an appropriate mix of homes recession, the challenge in 5.4 The steps we need to take to meet which are flexible and adaptable the short term is to maintain these aspirations are set out as in terms of lifetime changes and opportunities to provide a mix actions which will be monitored needs. of new homes to meet need. to ensure we keep track of our e. ensure households in This will include affordable achievements and targets. housing need receive advice homes and for those with about housing options and special needs. Aspiration 1 improve housing advice and homelessness prevention EVERY RESIDENT HAS A SUSTAINABLE 5.2 Housing should not be considered services; AND SUITABLE HOME. in isolation but in the context f. invest in existing housing areas of the community in which it is 5.5 The main challenge is to maintain to maintain and create high located. It is in everyone’s interest delivery of new housing in a quality and safe environments; that strong communities are sustainable way to meet the and formed which can help deliver needs of the residents of Bury St g. work with the county council local services. It is important Edmunds. and other partners to ensure that there are appropriate that the specialist housing needs community facilities for people to 5.6 Housing affordability is a key of older and vulnerable people use without travelling far and to challenge, as also are preventing are planned for and met. offer a base for voluntary groups. and tackling homelessness, Where existing communities are reducing deprivation and Meeting housing need expanded, it is equally important improving health and social that community needs are exclusion. The main way of 5.8 Local planning authorities are

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required, under the context of housing growth. The Planning 5.12 The Core Strategy confirms how the National Planning Policy Inspector confirmed the planned the new homes will be distributed Framework, to “ensure that growth in the final Core Strategy. across St Edmundsbury, following their Local Plan meets the full, consultation on options for this objectively assessed needs for 5.10 In terms of the requirements of the growth in 2008. Policy CS1 of the market and affordable housing NPPF, St Edmundsbury is within Core Strategy identifies that 52% in the housing market area.” the defined Cambridge Sub-Region of the 2001-2031 growth will The planned growth within the Housing Market Area. A Strategic be in Bury St Edmunds, 34% in Core Strategy was calculated Housing Market Area Assessment Haverhill and the remaining 14% in the context of the projected (SHMAA) was prepared for the area across the rural area. However, population and economic growth in 2008 and has just been updated. taking account of the higher rates that was forecast to take place It identifies that the population of of house-building since 2001, across the borough by 2031. St Edmundsbury in 2031 is likely the number of new homes to be The draft Core Strategy was to be around 130,000 and that constructed in Bury St Edmunds in prepared at a time when it had the number of homes required to the period 2012 to 2031 will be to comply with the regional satisfy that population’s need will reduced to 50% of the borough spatial strategy but, at the time be around 58,000, representing total, or 5740 homes, in order to of examining the Core Strategy an increase of 11,000 new homes conform with the Core Strategy. (May 2010), the government between 2011 and 2031. This rate The Vision 2031 documents announced that regional plans of growth is in fact the lowest in provide the opportunity to were to be abolished and that the sub-region. turn a high level strategy into decisions on housing supply more detailed and site specific would rest with local planning 5.11 The Core Strategy makes provision proposals using up-to-date authorities. In the light of this, to build 12,240 new homes, information on site availability and the Planning Inspector sought including affordable homes, deliverability. As at 1 April 2012 the views of consultees and the between 2009 and 2031. Between there was planning permission council on the implications of the 2009 and 2012, 760 more homes for 390 new homes in the town announcement. had been built leaving 11,480 to be where development had either built across the borough by 2031. not commenced or was under 5.9 In 2008 the government Given the revised forecast in the construction and not complete. forecast that the population of SHMAA, it is considered that this This leaves a need to find sites St Edmundsbury would grow planned housing growth remains for a further 5350 homes that from an estimated 103,500 in appropriate in the recognition can be built by 2031. Vision 2031 2009 to 121,700 in 2031. This that forecasts will continue to be allocates sites that are estimated represented a 17% growth in produced on a regular basis during to have the ability to deliver at population over the 22 year the Vision 2031 period and that least 4985 homes. The shortfall period. The council reassessed the there is a requirement for local of 365 is expected to be made growth forecasts as a result of planning authorities to monitor up of new homes that will be the Planning Inspector’s question the delivery of plans and plan for built on mixed use developments and concluded that, based at least 15 years supply of housing allocated in the Vision document, on the published information land. where it’s too early in the planning available, they remained the most stage to precisely estimate appropriate figures given the Delivering St Edmundsbury how many might be built. In forecast changes to population housing need addition, it is expected that new Requirement and household formation in the 11,480 homes will continue to come borough. Regardless of the status 2012 - 2031 forward on small “windfall” and of the regional plan, the forecasts Sites with planning infill sites across the town that prepared to inform it had been permission at 900 occur through conversions and subject to scrutiny through the 1 April 2012 redevelopment opportunities. examination in public of the plan Additional sites 10,580 and so have some relevance in required 2012-2031 5.13 It is expected that the new predicting future population and development will be based upon

22 Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031

achieving key fundamental POLICY BV2: HOUSING DEVELOPMENT WITHIN BURY ST EDMUNDS objectives of creating sustainable Within the housing settlement boundary for Bury St Edmunds (defined on the development and, in particular, Policies Map) planning permission for new residential development, residential a development that is attractive, conversion schemes, residential redevelopment and replacement of existing safe, sustainable and healthy in dwellings with a new dwelling will be granted where it is not contrary to other accordance with the overall vision planning policies for the town.

Housing settlement boundaries Strategic growth greenfield sites masterplan for each growth area before planning applications 5.14 Housing settlement boundaries 5.15 The principle of growing the town will be considered. Effectively, define the extent to which new in five directions has already been this allows for a stage-by-stage housing development will be tested and agreed in the adopted approach to preparing detailed allowed in the town and provide Core Strategy, where Policy CS11 sets plans for each area, informed by a a basis for development control out their locations around the town rolling programme of community decisions. The development of and the numbers of new homes each engagement. under-used or developed land strategic site will provide. within these built areas will be 5.17 The Core Strategy identifies permitted provided that access, 5.16 Other than outlining the principal directions for strategic growth, but density and environmental uses to be planned for in each does not define specific boundaries requirements are satisfied and the growth area, the Core Strategy for that growth. The drawing proposed development is consistent contains little detail in respect of of those boundaries has been with other local planning policies. each site. Policy CS3 of the Core defined by local environmental Strategy requires the preparation constraints and opportunities of a concept statement and as part of the preparation of

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concept statements. This was a POLICY BV3: STRATEGIC SITE – NORTH-WEST BURY ST EDMUNDS community-led approach to define 76.5 Ha of land at north-west Bury St Edmunds as identified on the Policies Map is the most appropriate boundaries allocated for development in accordance with the provisions of Policy CS11 of the and shape of development. Core Strategy. Concept statements have been prepared as a result of close A buffer is identified on the Policies Map which could provide a variety of supporting working with local communities uses which may include amenity/recreational open space, agricultural land, and service providers. Policies landscaping, Sustainable Urban Drainage (SUDS). BV3, BV4, BV5, BV6 and BV7 and Applications for planning permission will only be determined once the their accompanying plans define masterplan for the whole site has been adopted by the local planning authority. the site boundaries for each of The masterplan should be prepared in accordance with the content of the adopted the strategic sites. The concept concept statement unless a material change in circumstances indicates otherwise. statements were adopted by the council in May 2013 and therefore do not form part of the Bury St Edmunds Vision 2031 document, but are contained in Appendices 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.

5.18 The housing settlement boundary has been defined for these strategic greenfield sites on the Policies Map to show the extent of housing development on these sites. The remaining part of the developable areas of these sites will be outside the housing settlement boundary and will provide various supporting uses, including amenity/recreational open space, agricultural land, landscaping, Sustainable Urban Drainage (SUDS) as indicated on the concept plans for the sites in the appendices outlined above.

5.19 Before development can commence, a masterplan will need to be prepared and adopted for each site identifying how an area is to be developed over the longer term. The content of the masterplan will have to accord with the Local Plan and the content of site concept statements.

24 Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031

POLICY BV4: STRATEGIC SITE – MORETON HALL, BURY ST EDMUNDS 34.1 Ha of land at Moreton Hall, Bury St Edmunds as identified on the Policies Map is allocated for development in accordance with the provisions of Policy CS11 of the Core Strategy. Applications for planning permission will only be determined once the masterplan for the whole site has been adopted by the local planning authority. The masterplan should be prepared in accordance with the content of the adopted concept statement unless a material change in circumstances indicates otherwise.

POLICY BV5: STRATEGIC SITE – WEST BURY ST EDMUNDS

54.3 Ha of land at West Bury St Edmunds as identified on the Policies Map is allocated for development in accordance with the provisions of Policy CS11 of the Core Strategy. This allocation includes a site for the provision of a sub-regional health campus (relocation of West Suffolk Hospital).

A buffer is identified on the Policies Map which could provide a variety of supporting uses which may include amenity/recreational open space, agricultural land, landscaping, Sustainable Urban Drainage (SUDS).

Applications for planning permission will only be determined once the masterplan for the whole site has been adopted by the local planning authority. The masterplan should be prepared in accordance with the content of the adopted concept statement unless a material change in circumstances indicates otherwise.

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POLICY BV6: STRATEGIC SITE – NORTH-EAST BURY ST EDMUNDS

89.5 Ha of land at north-east Bury St Edmunds as identified on the Policies Map is allocated for development in accordance with the provisions of Policy CS11 of the Core Strategy.

POLICY BV7: STRATEGIC SITE – SOUTH-EAST BURY ST EDMUNDS

74.9 Ha of land at south-east Bury St Edmunds as identified on the Policies Map is allocated for development in accordance with the provisions of Policy CS11 of the Core Strategy.

26 Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031

Mixed use redevelopment of distributing aggregates and it will brownfield sites be necessary to provide suitable alternative provision elsewhere 5.20 A number of sites which relate before any active sidings can be well to the town centre are redeveloped. expected to be available for redevelopment over the lifetime 5.22 Any redevelopment of Station of this plan. It is considered Hill should enable it to serve as a inappropriate for these to be solely transport interchange, improving redeveloped for housing given the links between rail and town their close proximity to the town bus services and other modes centre and the mixed use benefits of travel. Redevelopment should that they could bring to the town also allow for the provision of car as a whole. It is the opinion of the parking, encouraging the use of borough council that the sites can trains by people living in villages be delivered during the lifetime of around the town. Proposals for this Vision 2031 period and they a phased development of the are allocated in Policies BV8 and site should demonstrate that BV9 and identified on the Policies the objectives for achieving the Map. The development of each site wider redevelopment of the will be expected to accord with a area will not be compromised. masterplan. The design and development of the site should be sympathetic Station Hill to any surrounding sensitive environmental and heritage 5.21 Land around the railway station features, and ensure any potential offers significant potential for adverse effects are mitigated. To mixed use development including help achieve a comprehensive and new homes, shops and business high quality redevelopment of this use. The site is bounded by Station important gateway to the town, Hill, land off Tayfen Road and the the borough council has prepared Ipswich-Cambridge railway line. a concept statement to inform A significant proportion of the site the preparation of a masterplan is underused or vacant but there for the site. Some of the land may are a number of existing premises be contaminated and should be including a health and fitness club, investigated as appropriate with a nightclub and a mix of business suitable remedial measures taken units next to the rail sidings. The if contamination is identified. continuation of Station Hill as a rail freight depot will inhibit 5.23 In particular, the borough the wider regeneration of this council will seek co-ordinated important brownfield site and development in this area. There for this reason the continuation are a number of land ownerships will not be encouraged. However, involved and, if necessary, development will not be permitted compulsory purchase powers on the rail sidings until either will be used to deliver the alternative provision is made or development. it can be demonstrated that they are operationally redundant. Rail sidings are identified in the Suffolk Minerals Local Plan as a strategic site because of their use in

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STATION HILL

POLICY BV8: STATION HILL DEVELOPMENT AREA - BURY ST EDMUNDS The site bounded by Out Northgate, Tayfen Road and the Ipswich-Cambridge railway line is allocated for redevelopment that should seek to deliver the following:

a. residential (300 units indicative); b. offices and other B1 employment; c. leisure uses; d. small scale retail uses to serve local needs; e. parking ancillary to these uses and to supplement the requirements of the railway station; f. an improved public transport interchange; and g. strategic landscaping and public realm improvements.

Small scale retail development shall be interpreted as units not exceeding 150 sq. metres in net floor area. The amount of land available for development, phasing arrangements, location of uses, access arrangements, mix and design and landscaping will be informed by a masterplan for the site. Applications for planning permission will only be determined once the masterplan has been adopted by the local planning authority. The developer will be expected to prepare the masterplan which should be prepared in accordance with the content of the adopted concept statement for the site unless a material change in circumstances indicates otherwise. The rail sidings are identified in the Suffolk Minerals Local Plan as a strategic site for the handling of minerals. Proposals for development which limits the use of the rail sidings will not be granted until satisfactory alternative provision is made or it has been demonstrated that there is no demand for rail sidings in the area.

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Tayfen Road (gross) of retail warehousing and the improvement of pedestrian around 1500sq metres (gross) for linkages with the nearby 5.24 This site is located along the main a discount foodstore. However, town centre. In determining entrance corridor into the town any development proposals will development on this site the centre. A mix of commercial uses need to respect the amenity of borough council will consider the exists along this frontage, which residents in the area, especially need for the proposal and the way also includes the potentially adjoining the site to the west. it fits in the wider redevelopment contaminated site of the gas of the area. Proposals which holder and National Grid depot. 5.25 The borough council wishes to see include using the former Railway The 2012 retail appraisal, a comprehensive approach to the Club playing field as open space suggested that the environmental development of this site which will be welcomed. A masterplan quality of this area would benefit employs high quality design and has been adopted to inform the significantly from redevelopment materials to reflect the importance development of the site. and that the site has the potential of its location. The design and for retail and leisure uses which development of the site should be could not be accommodated sympathetic to any surrounding in the town centre. Such uses sensitive environmental and might include bulky goods retail heritage features, and ensure floorspace and a convenience any potential adverse effects are goods outlet, the floorspace for mitigated. Developers will also which should accord with the need to include enhancements recommendations in the approved to the public transport corridor Tayfen Road Masterplan and 2012 along Tayfen Road and will also Retail Appraisal of 3000sq metres be expected to contribute to

TAYFEN ROAD

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POLICY BV9: TAYFEN ROAD – BURY ST EDMUNDS Land at Tayfen Road, Bury St Edmunds, identified on the Policies Map, is allocated for redevelopment that should seek to deliver the following: a. retail warehousing floorspace; b. foodstore (around 1500sq metres (gross)); c. leisure uses; d. residential (100 units indicative); and e. strategic landscaping and public realm improvements. The amount of land available for development, any phasing arrangements, mix and location of uses, access arrangements, design and landscaping will be informed by the masterplan for the site. Applications for planning permission will only be determined once the masterplan has been adopted by the local planning authority. The developer will be expected to prepare the masterplan which should be prepared in accordance with the content of the adopted concept statement for the site unless a material change in circumstances indicates otherwise.

Previously developed land abandoned land that can occur during the course of the next 20 (brownfield) in other towns, but that does not years and these are identified mean that opportunities do not below. 5.26 Land is a finite resource and we exist for redevelopment. Further need to ensure that developing opportunities remain for more Bury St Edmunds Garden Centre on greenfield sites is a last resort, homes to be provided in this way while making sure that urban but care will be needed to ensure 5.28 This site is located to the areas are not so crammed with that, for example, houses with south east of the town and development that the quality large gardens are not developed will eventually be surrounded of life is deficient. In accordance on to the detriment to the overall by development once the with the NPPF residential character of that area. strategic site to the south-east gardens are no longer regarded is developed. It is acknowledged as previously developed land and 5.27 A number of sites have been that there may be traffic and ‘garden grabbing’ is not generally identified that provide a realistic environmental constraints to accepted. However, the council opportunity to be redeveloped overcome before the development will continue to encourage an appropriate amount of new homes to be built where opportunities exist on previously developed land, as long as the environmental and economic impact of such development is acceptable. The design and development of the sites below should be sympathetic to any surrounding sensitive environmental and heritage features, and ensure any potential adverse effects are mitigated. Where sites are located in areas of potential flood risk flood mitigation measures should be undertaken in advance of the development taking place. Bury St Edmunds does not suffer with BURY ST EDMUNDS GARDEN CENTRE having the large amounts of

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could proceed and these will need to be addressed at the planning JACQUELINE CLOSE application stage.

Land at Jacqueline Close

5.29 This site has been identified for many years as having the potential for development. It is a particularly difficult site to bring forward as it contains the remains of former chalk workings. However, although the costs of the development are high, it is considered that constructing new homes on the site will be viable. There are a number of potential access points into the site which would, if they were used, minimise the traffic impact on any one point. It is acknowledged that there may be traffic and environmental constraints to overcome before the development could proceed and these will need to be addressed at the planning application stage. It may HOSPITAL SITE be appropriate to combine the development with the adjoining former hospital site. Proposals which do not result in the redevelopment of the whole site SHIRE HALL will not be welcomed.

Hospital site, Hospital Road

5.30 Over the course of a number of years the site of the former hospital in Hospital Road has been redeveloped as premises become surplus to requirements. Part of the site remains in operational use but it is recognised that the opportunity may exist during the lifetime of this plan to redevelop the site for housing. It may be appropriate to combine the development with the neighbouring Jacqueline Close site.

WEYMED ROAD

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Shire Hall and Weymed site

5.31 The former county council offices are now vacant and a development brief has been adopted for their conversion to homes, including the construction of a small extension.

Land at School Yard

5.32 This site on the corner of Risbygate Street and School Yard is centrally located in the town and provides an opportunity to construct homes to meet the needs of those wanting a town LAND AT SCHOOL YARD centre location. Adjoining land to the east was developed in recent years. The planning application for that development had a vision for part of the School Yard site which includes retail and office uses which would enhance the vitality of this part of the town centre.

Almoners Barn, Cullum Road

5.33 This small site adjoins an area off Hardwick Lane that is already being redeveloped (the former Hardwick Industrial Estate). The provision of new homes would therefore be the most appropriate future use. ALMONERS BARN, CULLUM ROAD

Tayfen Road

5.34 It is anticipated that, as part of a section in Policy BV8. Because of of the Ram Meadow area that larger mixed use redevelopment the considerable costs in bringing would include an opportunity of this area, up to 100 new homes the site forward, it is expected to provide new homes. It may could be provided. A separate that housing will form the be possible to combine the policy BV9 is set out elsewhere in backbone of a mixed use scheme. redevelopment of this site with this section and a masterplan has It is estimated that around 300 the adjoining garages and bus already been adopted that makes new homes of mixed size could depot in Cotton Lane. provision for homes within the be constructed as part of this development. development. Garages and Bus Depot, Cotton Lane Station Hill Ram Meadow 5.37 These commercial uses occupy 5.35 This is an important site that 5.36 Policy BV11 identifies an a large area of land close to the is addressed elsewhere in this opportunity for the redevelopment town centre. Should, at any point

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during the lifetime of this plan, the owners consider relocating their businesses then the sites would be suitable for new homes. Given its proximity to the town centre and services, it may be appropriate to include provision within any development for people that do not need to rely on a car to access day to day services and facilities.

5.38 Land at Jacqueline Close and the Hospital Site, Hospital Road site will require development briefs due to the nature of the sites, their relationships with each other and the importance of creating permeable sites which open themselves up for pedestrians and cyclists.

Ram Meadow

5.39 The forthcoming relocation of Bury Town Football Club from their stadium at Ram Meadow in Cotton Lane presents an opportunity to reconsider how this area is used. The football stadium itself does not meet modern GARAGES AND BUS DEPOT, COTTON LANE requirements and therefore will become vacant when Bury Town move to their new stadium at POLICY BV10: HOUSING ON BROWNFIELD SITES - BURY ST EDMUNDS Moreton Hall, within a wider The following brownfield sites are allocated for residential development. community football project. The borough council owns the site and Indicative Site Area (ha) the adjacent car park. Capacity Gross a Bury St Edmunds Garden Centre 30 1.75 5.40 Access to the car park, which is b Land at Jacqueline Close 30 2.0 the main visitors’ car park for the c Hospital Site, Hospital Road 45 1.5 historic side of the town, is quite difficult and development that d Shire Hall 25 1.3 generates additional vehicles using e Weymed Site 14 0.27 Cotton Lane would potentially f Land at School Yard 32 0.64 cause unacceptable traffic impacts. g Almoners Barn, Cullum Road 12 0.24 Appropriate access arrangements for the car park will be considered Mixed Use Site (including residential) when preparing the development h Garages and Bus Depot, Cotton Lane 50 0.7 brief for the site. The football club These sites are identified on the Policies Map presents an opportunity to be redeveloped for car parking which Please note, allocations reflect situation as at 1 April 2012 would allow the existing parking

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to be redeveloped for housing. should be undertaken in advance should the opportunity arise, to However, the number of public of the development taking place. combine the development of this car parking spaces is critical to this The existing footpaths through area with the redevelopment of part of the town and should not the area would be retained and Cotton Lane, identified in Policy be reduced. It is considered that, enhanced. It may be appropriate, BV10(h). under the term ‘commercial uses’, retail uses on the site would not be appropriate. POLICY BV11: LAND AT RAM MEADOW 3.84 (net) Ha of land at Ram Meadow is allocated for mixed use development 5.41 The management of the open which may include residential development and commercial uses, public open space area between the football stadium and car parking. Numbers and distribution of uses and access arrangements will be and Compiegne Way should be informed by a more detailed development brief for the site. enhanced in association with any development. This could include The following studies should be undertaken prior to the preparation of the site restoring the meadow pasture development brief; and its watercourses, enhancing a. A transport assessment; areas of tree cover, and making b. A full site specific ecological survey; and the most of its connection with c. A site specific flood risk assessment. the river Lark which runs along the A wildlife management plan should be produced as part of any application for eastern boundary. Any necessary development on the site. This should include details of any required ecological flood, water quality or water mitigation measures. availability mitigation measures

RAM MEADOW

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Aspiration 2 in providing voluntary and 5.44 A community-led approach to community activities to promote some issues, especially in the new WALKABLE NEIGHBOURHOODS the health and wellbeing of local areas of growth (for example, ENABLE COMMUNITIES TO MEET residents. community composting or a THEIR DAY-TO-DAY NEEDS WITHOUT district heating system) could both NECESSARILY REQUIRING THEM TO 5.43 Partnership approaches to address practical issues and help DRIVE. providing community facilities to bring communities together. 5.42 The town is made up of a number need to be pursued, and all of neighbourhoods, some of which publicly funded buildings should 5.45 The actions to achieve this are much more distinctive than be considered for potential aspiration are: others. These neighbourhoods community use to maximise are often served by a local centre the investment. Some form of a. ensure there are sufficient new which may have a community community space is needed to facilities within walking distance centre, shop, takeaway facility and enable communities to flourish of homes to meet growth in post office. Where spaces around and provide local services. In the demand, including the creation the buildings are in good condition St Edmundsbury Infrastructure of community hubs, where and are safe and attractive, they Delivery Plan, a community centre appropriate; provide good opportunities is defined as any facility that has b. encourage the multi-purpose for meeting people, therefore an area of space available for use of public sector and enabling communities to flourish use by the community and hosts other buildings used by the and provide local services on a community activities regularly. community; day-to-day basis, negating the Community hubs can become the c. buildings will be accessible to need to travel elsewhere. These hubs for local service provision. all age groups and users through communities should be supported good design and access to

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services; centres within the development. combination of fuel prices, low d. existing facilities will be The design and development of incomes, poorly insulated homes safeguarded by development new sites should be sympathetic and expensive or inadequate management policies; and to any sensitive environmental heating systems. Households that e. work with voluntary and and heritage features and any fail the decent homes standard do community sector organisations potential adverse effects should be so primarily due to excess cold, to enable and support local mitigated. so it is important to improve the communities. thermal comfort of these homes. Aspiration 3 5.46 A number of existing local centres 5.48 Increasing age brings with it THE BEST USE IS MADE OF EXISTING have been identified around the a greater number of residents HOMES. town and it is felt that they should potentially with mobility be safeguarded to ensure the 5.47 A further key challenge is to difficulties and disabilities, who long term provision of facilities make best use of existing homes will need appropriate housing in local neighbourhoods. Where and extend housing options by and local services and support appropriate, new and existing improving housing conditions, from public bodies, their families community centres will be owned updating sheltered housing and and their local communities, and run by that community. The bringing empty homes back into particularly where there are development of new housing use. Fuel poverty is a key issue clusters of elderly residents living around the town will be expected, and occurs when households on estates designed for families. where appropriate, to provide cannot afford to heat their home There are many opportunities safe and attractive links to the to the level required for health for retired people to undertake nearby centres and/or provide new and comfort. It arises from a voluntary and charitable work

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which is recognised as making an POLICY BV12: NEW AND EXISTING LOCAL CENTRES AND COMMUNITY important contribution to society, FACILITIES as well as the health and wellbeing of those participating. Existing local centres are identified at: a) Barton Road 5.49 There continues to be a trend b) Cadogan Road of households becoming c) Glastonbury Road smaller, resulting primarily d) Hardwick Precinct from people living longer and e) Lake Avenue Parade families separating. This can f) Moreton Hall have a significant impact on the g) The Parade, Ridley Road need for homes. For example, h) St Olaves Precinct in a population of 35,000 if the i) Stamford Court average household size were Sites for new local centres will be provided at: to drop from 2.4 people to 2.3 j) North-west Bury St Edmunds strategic site people there would be a need k) Moreton Hall strategic site for an additional 6634 homes l) North-east Bury St Edmunds strategic site just to accommodate the same m) South-east Bury St Edmunds strategic site population. If this trend continues there may be a need to consider The locations of the new local centres will be identified through the masterplan how we make a more efficient use process. of existing homes.

5.50 The actions to achieve this aspiration are: Gypsy and Traveller sites the West Suffolk Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs a. ensure that homes needing 5.51 At the time of the Examination Assessment (GTANA) published improvement are identified and into the Core Strategy document in October 2011 and update occupants given the opportunity (2010) the East of England published in April 2012. and support to bring their Regional Plan was still in place properties up to standard; which set the required number 5.54 This document assessed the b. encourage the reporting of of authorised Gypsy and Traveller need for permanent pitches up empty homes and buildings and pitches in each authority area. to 2021 and provides guidance offer advice or assistance in on the projected need for the bringing them back into use; 5.52 National guidance ‘Planning Policy permanent pitches from 2021 c. help older and vulnerable people for Traveller Sites’ was published to 2031. Whereas the October to stay in their own homes in March 2012, at the same time 2011 document rounded figures by helping them to keep their as the National Planning Policy upward, the updated April 2012 homes safe, warm and in good Framework (NPPF). The guidance document rounded figures down. repair, and to adapt them if requires local planning authorities Consequently, the two versions necessary; to make their own assessment of of the document provide a broad d. help improve the thermal the need for Gypsy and Traveller range of figures. The figures set comfort of homes and reduce sites which is locally determined, out in the document are intended fuel poverty; and but has regard to the duty to to form the evidence base for e. work with groups and residents cooperate and cross boundary the authority in reaching its own to determine changing housing issues. figures, rather than providing a aspirations and their preferences target. for the future. 5.53 The East of England Plan was formally revoked on 3 January 5.55 The revised figures equate to a 2013 and the most up to need of 4 to 6 additional pitches date evidence now, in terms to 2021 and a further 3 to 6 of future requirements, is pitches to 2031. This total of 7 to

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12 pitches is significantly lower than that previously required under the East of England Plan.

5.56 The need for pitches for Travelling Showpeople up to 2016 remains at 1, the same as set out in the joint authority Cambridge sub- region Gypsy and Traveller Needs Assessment (GTNA) which was reviewed and published in October 2011. It is not feasible to assess longer term need for Travelling Showpeople beyond 2016 because of the small numbers involved.

38 Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031 6. Jobs and economy

6.1 Bury St Edmunds remains generally 6.4 In 2031, Bury St Edmunds will be a sector is responsible for generating prosperous and is coming through place where: economic activity and national the recession reasonably well. Government for the national For businesses, the town has two Aspiration 4 economic climate. The principal major selling points: its location The local economy is prosperous role of the council will be to on the A14 close to Cambridge and dynamic. deploy its resources to best and its quality of life. Investors effect, make maximum use of do not just consider economic Aspiration 5 the levers in its control and factors when making investment People have access to the skills work in partnership with other decisions, but like to go to places and training required to meet the organisations, including Local that have an identity and can needs of the local job market. Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs). It offer a good quality of life. Bury is now the public sector which St Edmunds scores highly on both Aspiration 6 is under pressure, with public counts. Inward investment has been spending being tightly constrained maximised through the provision and funds for investment 6.2 St Edmundsbury has been identified of a suitable range of business increasingly scarce, and Bury St as a growth area and government premises to meet the needs of Edmunds, with its high level of funding has been allocated to help both small and large employers. public sector employment, is develop infrastructure. In planning particularly vulnerable. for growth, it is important to get the 6.5 The steps we need to take to meet right balance between employment, these aspirations are set out as 6.8 The actions to achieve this housing and infrastructure. It is actions which will be monitored aspiration are: also important to ensure that to ensure we keep track of our economic growth does not spoil achievements and targets. a. ensure adequate land is made the environment, especially in Bury available to enable the economy St Edmunds where the historic Aspiration 4 to grow; environment is of such high quality b. encourage the regeneration THE LOCAL ECONOMY IS and is in itself a major attraction for and improvement of older PROSPEROUS AND DYNAMIC. businesses and for visitors. employment areas; 6.6 It is impossible to predict what the c. lobby and enlist help from 6.3 There continues to be a need to economic climate will be like in Government and economic make provision for a wide range 2031. The country is still emerging agencies; of jobs in the town to ensure from a recession which proved d. market the town as a sub- that the local economy is able very unpredictable. Recovery regional centre; to expand. The increase in the is slow and fragile and further e. continue to manage and improve local population will also require economic shocks and further the town centre; jobs in order to discourage the periods of recession are still f. improve public sector town being a dormitory for other possible. In particular, demand for procurement opportunities for employment locations. The town labour is likely to be low for some business; centre is a key economic driver time. Any economic policy has to g. support existing businesses to and acts as a preferred shopping be flexible enough to be applicable navigate barriers to growth; destination for a wide catchment in times of both recession and h. help local businesses access area. A section dedicated to the recovery. finance by researching its town centre is included towards availability and promoting it; the end of the Vision 2031 6.7 The role of local authorities i. work with business interest document. is limited: they can strongly groups, including the Chamber influence the local economy but of Commerce and Bid4Bury to not change it. The commercial understand their concerns;

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j. support existing businesses and town more sustainable. It is also Rookery Crossroads (Junction 45) help them use resources more important to recognise that only at Rougham. In allocating the efficiently; and a proportion of jobs are located site at Suffolk Business Park, the k. ensure that growth is not at on industrial estates. Some of the borough council recognises that the expense of the historic and larger employers in the town are development could extend beyond natural environment. located on stand-alone sites and it this plan period. This is justified by is important to safeguard these to the early provision of important 6.9 For Bury St Edmunds to fulfil ensure a balanced economy and infrastructure and the supply of its role as a sub-regional centre sustainable town. quality, well-serviced sites well- and as a location for major located within the borough and growth, there is a need to release 6.11 Bury St Edmunds is in a highly the region. This strategic site significant amounts of additional advantageous position to allocation will provide long-term employment land in town. As well expand and add to its business certainty and enable the town to as meeting general demand for and industrial parks. Sites will respond to changes in demand. It employment, there is also a need be needed to accommodate a will also allow the opportunity and to compensate for the relocation range of uses including a high flexibility for older, inappropriately of existing business uses where quality research park, an industrial located, and/or poor quality sites are redeveloped for housing park for general manufacturing, employment sites within the town and other uses. distribution and office uses, and to be regenerated and/or re-used a site for industrial uses which for other purposes. 6.10 The amount of land potentially require low value land. Provision required has been informed by the for further expansion of the 6.13 It will not be in the interests preparation of an Employment Suffolk Business Park is made in of developers to propose a Land Review for West Suffolk, Core Strategy Policy CS9 and this low standard of development jointly commissioned by the will be expected to accommodate or inappropriate uses. High council working with Forest Heath companies seeking a high profile technology firms require buildings and Mid Suffolk district councils location for Class B1 and B8 which exhibit high standards of and Suffolk County Council. This planning uses. design and materials set in a well fed directly into the preparation of landscaped site. A masterplan has the Core Strategy and has resulted Land east of Moreton Hall, been prepared covering site layout, in the identification of a strategic Bury St Edmunds building form and materials, employment site to the east of landscaping and environmental Moreton Hall. There will be a need 6.12 A strategic release of land at protection. There will be some to support existing employment Moreton Hall for employment flexibility of office, storage and areas around the town to use would have to provide the manufacturing uses within each ensure that there is a balance Bury St Edmunds eastern relief site, but developers of individual of opportunities and jobs are road linking both the existing plots will be required to show provided close to homes, thereby and proposed development that proposals conform to the contributing towards making the at Moreton Hall with the A14 masterplan. Achieving adequate

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public transport connections to employment area. A modest POLICY BV13: STRATEGIC SITE the site and an agreement with amount of land has been identified – EXTENSION TO SUFFOLK the developer will be sought in policy BV13 for employment BUSINESS PARK, MORETON to divert urban bus services to uses between the proposed relief HALL, BURY ST EDMUNDS guarantee good access from Bury road and the existing northern 68.28 ha of land east of Suffolk St Edmunds town centre. boundary of the Rougham general Business Park, Bury St Edmunds employment area. This land (but excluding the Rougham 6.14 The adjoining former Rougham could accommodate businesses Industrial Estate General Airfield to the east of Moreton associated with activities on the Employment Area) is allocated for Hall is used occasionally for airfield. The development of this Employment Uses (Use Classes B1 recreational and leisure events. land will not be allowed until the and B8). Policy BV20 sets out a strategy for eastern relief road linking the its future use in the Culture and site to the A14 at Junction 45 This is a long-term allocation, leisure section. has been completed. The design development of which is likely to and development of the site extend beyond this plan period. 6.15 The proposed eastern relief should be sympathetic to any Prior to the commencement road for Bury St Edmunds sensitive heritage features and any of development, a relief road could improve access to the potential adverse effects should be linking Bedingfeld Way with the former airfield and land next to mitigated. A14 Rookery Crossroads must be the existing Rougham general completed and available for use in accordance with Core Strategy Policies CS11 and CS14.

The amount of land available for development, location of uses, access arrangements, phasing of development, linkages to the airfield site, design and landscaping have been informed by a masterplan for the site.

A travel plan should be prepared and implemented to reduce dependency on access to the business park by the private car.

Developers will be expected to enter into a legal obligation to implement relevant sections of the road, drainage and service infrastructure in advance of business units on the site being occupied.

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General employment areas POLICY BV14: GENERAL EMPLOYMENT AREAS – BURY ST EDMUNDS 6.16 There are a number of established The following areas are designated as General Employment Areas centres of employment in the town, some of which have Use class opportunities for the further a Anglian Lane (B1,B8) development and intensification of use. In particular the occupation or b Barton Road (B1,B8) redevelopment of vacant premises c Blenheim Park (B1,B2,B8) and land will be encouraged in d British Sugar, Hollow Road (B1,B2,B8) advance of allowing development e Suffolk Business Park (B1,B8) on new sites. The design of f Chapel Pond Hill new development within these (B1,B2,B8) sites should be sympathetic to g Eastern Way (B1,B2,B8) any sensitive environmental h Enterprise Park, Etna Road (B1,B8) and heritage features and any i Mildenhall Road (B1,B2,B8) potential adverse effects should j Moreton Hall (B1,B2,B8) be mitigated. The location of these sites is indicated on the map k Northern Way (B1,B2,B8) below. l Western Way (B1,B2,B8) m Greene King, Friars Lane (B1,B2,B8) Alternative uses in employment n Rougham (B1,B2,B8) areas

6.17 The allocation of 62.28 hectares Within the General Employment Areas, the following land is available for of employment land to the east development as of 1 April 2012: of Suffolk Business Park provides Developable site area (hectares) the opportunity and flexibility Anglian Lane 0.40 for older inappropriately located and/or poor quality employment Blenheim Park 0.77 sites within the town to be Suffolk Business Park* 5.51 regenerated and/or re-used for Chapel Pond Hill 0.88 other purposes (that is, businesses Eastern Way 0.20 that may not fit neatly into B use Mildenhall Road 4.29 classes). However, such flexibility of use should not preclude the Northern Way 0.34 potential for development of the TOTAL AREA AVAILABLE 12.39 remaining employment sites for *Development at Suffolk Business Park will comprise the following: general industrial (Use Class B2) businesses where appropriate. a) light industrial, research and office use; The design and redevelopment b) units for new and small firms involved in high technology and related of employment sites should activities; and be sympathetic to sensitive c) extensive landscaping, particularly around the perimeter of the site. environmental features and Note: References to Classes B1, B2 and B8 are as defined in the Town and any potential adverse effects Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended). mitigated. Any necessary water quality or water availability Proposals for industrial and business development within the use classes mitigation measures should be identified for each of the General Employment Areas in the table above will undertaken in advance of the be permitted providing that parking, access, travel and general environmental development taking place. considerations can be met.

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6.18 An area of land at the eastern end space to residential use. Some of Western Way, centred on West existing employment premises Suffolk House, has been identified may not be suitable for instant as suitable for the development conversion due to the need to of a Public Service Village, bringing upgrade external features, such as together a linked cluster of public windows and cladding, which may service users on a single site. A require a planning application. masterplan for the development of the area was adopted in January 2007 and the first phase of development was completed in 2009. In considering proposals for public buildings on this site, careful consideration will need to be given to the potential to maximise the potential for links between new building uses with those at West Suffolk House, West Suffolk College and/or Bury St Edmunds Leisure Centre.

6.19 The Government is expected to shortly introduce legislation to allow the conversion of B1 office

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POLICY BV15: ALTERNATIVE POLICY BV16: BRITISH SUGAR SITE – AREAS NORTH OF COMPIEGNE WAY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT WITHIN The North Eastern and North Western areas of the British Sugar site in which the GENERAL EMPLOYMENT AREAS soakaway and soil conditioning areas are located are intrinsic to the operations of British Sugar. These areas are protected in the plan (as indicated on the Policies Within the following General Map) for uses in connection with the on-going operation and continued growth of Employment Areas, opportunities the factory. for the redevelopment or re-use of sites and buildings for alternative Appropriate forms of development/uses on these areas, which are connected commercial business/mixed activities to British Sugar’s operation, will be supported, having regard to the relevant which do not necessarily fit neatly requirements of the Local Plan. into B Use Classes will be considered The River Lark corridor and the adjoining fishing pond and meadow, identified on favourably where they; the Policies Map as a Local Wildlife Site, form an important link in the creation of the ‘Lark Valley Green Corridor’ (identified in the Green Infrastructure Strategy). This a) do not conflict with policies area will be safeguarded for appropriate management in the long term. elsewhere within the Development Plan; b) seek to maximise the sites’ potential for economic growth 6.22 Beyond the General Employment assessment and mitigation of any and/or support the continued Area covered by BV14(d) and potential effects. operation of the existing BV15(c), the British Sugar businesses and industrial operation extends to the northeast 6.24 The River lark corridor has been activities; and and the northwest of the A134 designated as a Local Wildlife Site c) do not generate potential conflict Compiegne Way, comprising the in the Green Infrastructure Strategy with existing or proposed general soakaway and soil conditioning and forms an important link in the industrial (Use Class B2) activities. areas which form a critical and creation of the Lark Valley Green integral part of the factory’s Corridor in Bury St Edmunds. The a Barton Road operation. In order to safeguard implementation of the creation b Blenheim Park the factory’s on-going operation of such corridor is the council’s and future growth, Policy BV16 long-term aspiration. As such, the c British Sugar, Hollow Road affords protection of the sites. River Lark corridor and adjoining d Eastern Way environs (i.e. the fishing pond and e Mildenhall Road 6.23 Development arising from changes the meadow) are safeguarded f Northern Way in the factory’s operational for an appropriate provision and g Western Way requirements or future growth management of nature conservation will be supported, subject to an and recreational uses in the future.

British Sugar

6.20 The British Sugar factory is a major employer in the town that makes a significant contribution to the local economy, both directly and indirectly through taking crops of sugar beet from farms in the wider area.

6.21 The council recognises British Sugar’s continued operation and the importance of the factory site to the borough and the wider area, and will support its continued operation and future growth.

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Shopping one of consolidation of the town test. In accordance with paragraph centre, and that any emerging 24 of the NPPF, demonstration 6.25 The 2012 St Edmundsbury Retail potential for new floorspace that the sequential test has Appraisal stated that: “With three should be steered towards the been applied to the selection of large foodstores outside the town existing centre as a first priority.” a site will need to be provided centre, and Waitrose on the edge to ensure that all other suitable, of the town centre, the town 6.26 The Retail Appraisal concluded available and viable sites have is now well provided with large that in the short term (to been evaluated. All proposals foodstore facilities, and there is 2021) there is likely to be little over 1,000sqm gross additional unlikely to be any demonstrable quantative need for additional retail floorspace will be required need for further facilities of this foodstores around the town, a to undertake a retail impact type before 2021. Although, limited need for out of town retail assessment. This threshold as a result of implementation warehouses and some additional is set in accordance with the of the Asda store, there is no need for town centre stores. The recommendations of the Retail overall quantitative need for new potential to accommodate this Appraisal and paragraph 26 of convenience floorspace in the additional town centre floorspace the NPPF. For the purpose of this town at the present time, there will be addressed in the town policy out of centre applies to is scope to widen the foodstore centre masterplan. all locations outside the defined offer in qualitative terms.” It also primary shopping area and local stated that “Implementation of 6.27 Shopping provision will be focused centres. It is not always possible the Arc has satisfied town centre on the town centre with local to locate bulky goods retailers in comparison goods shopping provision within neighbourhood a central location and, therefore, floorspace needs for the first part centres. Proposals for retail additional floorspace provision of the plan period, particularly floorspace in out of centre may be appropriate at Bury St in making provision for retailers locations will need to satisfy the Edmunds Retail Park to meet requiring larger units. We believe requirements of the National the needs as identified in the that the strategy for the first Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 2012 Retail Appraisal, subject part of the plan period should be including sequential and impact to satisfactorily demonstrating acceptability in terms of the NPPF sequential and impact tests and complying with criteria (a) and (b) of policy BV17. The requirement to demonstrate accessibility by a choice of means of transport for St Edmundsbury Retail Park does not apply, in view of its existing accessibility and the concentration of stores already there. The future design and development of the Bury St Edmunds Retail Park should be sympathetic to any sensitive heritage features and any potential adverse effects should be mitigated. Any necessary water quality or water availability mitigation measures should be undertaken in advance of the development taking place.

46 Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031

Aspiration 5 POLICY BV17: OUT OF CENTRE RETAIL PROPOSALS

PEOPLE HAVE ACCESS TO THE SKILLS Proposals for retail floorspace outside defined centres will only be permitted where AND TRAINING REQUIRED TO MEET they comply with the following criteria: THE NEEDS OF THE LOCAL JOB a that a sequential approach has been adopted in selecting the site demonstrating MARKET. that there are no suitable, viable and available sites in defined centres or edge- 6.28 Skills are important because there of-centre locations; is considerable evidence of the b proposals for additional floorspace in excess of 1,000 square metres gross will link between skills development be required to demonstrate that the proposal will not have a significant adverse and productivity. Bury St Edmunds’ impact on the vitality and viability of Bury St Edmunds Primary Shopping skills levels have improved recently Area and local centres, taking into account the cumulative impact of recently but improving skill levels is not completed developments and unimplemented planning permissions, the in itself enough: skills need to be results of a retail impact assessment and where appropriate an environmental focused on jobs and likely future assessment; and job opportunities. Businesses are asking for more vocational c that the site is accessible by a choice of means of transport. education, better basic skills A retail site is identified on the Policies Map bounded by Bedingfeld Way and the training, more workplace-based A14 and including Greyfriars Road (known as the St Edmundsbury Retail Park). training and more stability in the Proposals for additional floorspace on this site will be judged against criteria (a) and education system. (b) of this policy.

6.29 Policy BV23 seeks to safeguard West Suffolk College.

6.30 The actions to achieve this aspiration are:

a. support the county council to develop young people with the skills for work, to ensure that young people have a good grounding in basic skills, have a good work ethic and are as flexible as possible; b. articulate the skills needs of businesses and bring employers Aspiration 6 position to respond to changes in and skills providers together to the economy. INWARD INVESTMENT HAS encourage the development of BEEN MAXIMISED THROUGH THE skills that local employers need; 6.32 The actions to achieve this PROVISION OF A SUITABLE RANGE c. enhance the training offer aspiration are: OF BUSINESS PREMISES TO MEET THE and increase the number of NEEDS OF BOTH SMALL AND LARGE apprenticeships; and a. support the development of EMPLOYERS. d. work with schools and the Suffolk Business Park and the college to inspire young people 6.31 The development of Suffolk eastern relief road; to consider business careers. Business Park offers a tremendous b. promote the development of a opportunity to improve the new incubation centre on Suffolk town’s attractiveness for inward Business Park; and investment. However, further c. ensure the planning process opportunities for investment will provides an adequate range of need to be examined throughout employment sites within the the lifetime of this Vision to town. ensure that the town is in a strong

Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council 47 BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031 7. Travel

7.1 People need to travel to 7.3 Peak hour congestion is listed and measures to influence the reach their homes, places of as a key challenge for the town. choice that people make about work, schools, health services It is an ongoing problem that is how to travel – known as “smarter and leisure facilities. Travel more difficult to resolve in historic choices” programmes. is particularly important towns such as Bury St Edmunds for businesses, which have and one that this plan alone will 7.6 Another important measure in identified the cost of transport, not resolve. One aim stated in assessing the detailed transport congestion and the condition the Core Strategy (policy CS8) is implications from development of roads as issues. The A14 is that the borough council will work around Bury St Edmunds is extremely important to them, with the county council and the ensuring that each proposal takes but it has only two lanes for Highways Agency to relieve the full account of the others and most of its length and it is adverse impacts of traffic in Bury government guidance requires liable to become congested or St Edmunds. The Core Strategy this. However, the separate to seize up after an incident. also identifies actions to achieve assessments will also need to Three junctions give access to this aim such as: relate to each other and use, or Bury St Edmunds, but two are incorporate, the same methods if very congested at peak times. • the Eastern Relief Road to junction the precise impacts and necessary 45 of the A14; mitigation measures are to be 7.2 5740 homes are planned in Bury • improving public transport, foot readily considered. St Edmunds over the lifetime and cycle linkages, and of this plan and a large area of • better links north of the railway Local Transport Plan strategic employment will be line. completed. Leisure and retail 7.7 The Suffolk Local Transport Plan provision will also grow and put 7.4 The Vision document provides 2011-2031 produced by Suffolk pressure on the capacity of the more detail on how spatial County Council identifies three road network. Although many planning and design will reduce priorities to support sustainable people and businesses have asked the need to travel – the walkable development of the town: for improvements to the road neighbourhood approach. Through network to relieve congestion, its Local Transport Plan, the county • reducing demand for travel; experience from elsewhere council is making improvements • efficient use of transport networks; suggests that improving roads what will help to relieve and within the town attracts more congestion, such as the new bridge • improving infrastructure. traffic and does nothing to ease over the A14 to link Northgate congestion. The focus should Avenue and Thingoe Hill. 7.8 Under each priority it lists a be upon encouraging people Improvements to the efficiency number of key initiatives, which to travel by means other than of the transport network, such are endorsed in Vision 2031. the car wherever possible. The as Intelligent Transport Systems, Core Strategy sets out that all are inherent to relieving adverse Reducing demand for travel development proposals should impacts and developers are prioritise modes of transport in expected to contribute towards • Ensure that future developments the following order: funding such improvements. for housing and employment include adequate facilities so • walking; 7.5 The new developments around people can travel more easily on • cycling; the town will also need to support foot, by bicycle or by bus. • public transport (including taxis); improvements to the cycle • All new developments to • commercial vehicles; and network, improvements to the implement travel plans to achieve • cars. public transport system (such as some shift from the dominance of Real Time Passenger Information), car driver trips in the peak periods.

48 Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031

• Work with the borough council services could include town centre congestion at particular locations and the train operating company routes that complement the and provide access to new to develop a station travel plan existing network. developments. Specific efforts are to improve access to the railway • Real time passenger information also needed to improve traffic station. will be considered for circulation, access and public • Work with the borough council to implementation when funding transport integration in the central establish appropriate policies for permits. area. on and off street parking provision • We will work with the Highways and charges to reduce long stay Improving infrastructure Agency, borough council and parking, while recognising the other partners to find solutions to importance of short and medium • Further walking and cycling lorry parking issues, particularly stay parking for the town’s retail facilities are required to enhance associated with Tayfen Road, economy. and complete the existing Western Way and Moreton Hall. network, particularly to connect Efficient use of transport networks the railway station with the town Bury St Edmunds junction centre. assessment • Seek to maintain key transport • Work with the borough council links within the town, in particular to ensure that infrastructure, 7.9 In September 2012, Suffolk County those between the town centre in particular at the bus station Council and St Edmundsbury and West Suffolk Hospital, West in St Andrews Street North, is Borough Council jointly Suffolk College, key employment improved and expanded where commissioned an independent areas and all existing and/or necessary. Increased capacity and assessment of 11 key junctions in proposed housing developments. accommodation for larger buses and around Bury St Edmunds likely • Directing any developer may need to be considered in the to be under pressure as a result contributions through contractual medium term. of the town’s future growth. This arrangements towards the • The road improvement work confirmed that it is possible expansion and underpinning of schemes associated with future to undertake improvements to the commercial network. Future development will alleviate key junctions around the town

Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council 49 BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031

that will ensure that the planned Aspiration 8 unsightly and dysfunctional. growth in this Vision document Walking and cycling links are The station is on the Ipswich to can be accommodated. The improved in and around the Peterborough and Cambridge lines. assessment looked at current town, linking the town centre, The rail link to Cambridge is single- highway capacity with the addition residential areas, schools and the track and there is no direct link to of forecast background traffic employment areas, minimising London. The current rail operator growth and traffic associated congestion and the need for car franchise has recently been with the five major developments use. extended to 2016 and Network around the town planned for the Rail have recently published a period to 2031. Aspiration 9 Route Strategy for the Anglia The town can be accessed by a franchise area which recommends 7.10 In assessing the impact of well-maintained transport and that further work is undertaken in development up to 2031, the road network. the future to consider the benefits assessment concluded that from electrifying the Stowmarket improvements: 7.14 The steps we need to take to meet to Peterborough line. Meanwhile these aspirations are set out as New Anglia LEP has published • can be made to the junctions, actions which will be monitored a “Once in a generation – A where required; to ensure we keep track of our rail prospectus for East Anglia” • can be made to the management achievements and targets. which seeks the provision of an of traffic in the town; hourly service on the Ipswich to • can be made to facilities for Aspiration 7 Peterborough service via Bury St pedestrians and cyclists; and Edmunds in the short term and PUBLIC TRANSPORT AROUND • can be facilitated through the the longer term electrification of THE TOWN AND TO OTHER development of travel plans for the Ipswich to Peterborough and DESTINATIONS IS RELIABLE AND the new developments to help Cambridge lines. AFFORDABLE. promote sustainable travel. 7.15 Bus services across the town have 7.17 The actions to achieve this 7.11 All of the above measures will recently been reduced because of aspiration are: allow the level of growth in funding cuts, but the remaining the Bury St Edmunds Vision services could be made more a. introduce real-time information document to be accommodated attractive and easier to use. Many and improve the availability and by improving movement around cross-town journeys require a usability of bus timetables and the town without necessarily change at the bus station which how they relate to other bus and encouraging people to travel by is both inconvenient and not rail services; unsustainable means. conducive to transferring trips b. enhance, where possible, bus from car to bus. For example, to shelters around the town; 7.12 The junctions’ assessment study travel by bus from Moreton Hall to c. improve the size and facilities is a supporting document to the West Suffolk Hospital requires of the bus station and make it a Vision 2031 and can be viewed such a change. It may be feasible more integrated transport hub on the council’s website at to introduce a circular route that to encourage people to combine www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/ would make such journeys more different methods of transport; backgroundpolicyevidence attractive to customers. The town d. improve the cycling facilities and surrounding villages are also at the railway station by 7.13 In 2031 Bury St Edmunds will be a served by community transport introducing secure, covered and place where: – minibuses, dial-a-ride and a illuminated bicycle shelters to personalised, assisted door to door encourage people to travel to Aspiration 7 service. the station by bicycle; Public transport around the town e. improve the public spaces and to other destinations is 7.16 The train station is a major outside the railway station to reliable and affordable. gateway into, and introduction enhance visitors’ perception of to, Bury St Edmunds, but the the town; area outside the station is both f. work more closely with the

50 Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031

rail providers to improve or walk to school would both giving priority to pedestrians and infrastructure and services; and improve their health and benefit cyclists; g. lobby for improvement of the rail the town. It would help to b. increase the number and length link to Cambridge and London. combat childhood obesity, which of pedestrian and cycle routes has reached record levels, and around the town; Bury St Edmunds Bus Station congestion at peak times, much c. create safe routes from villages of which is attributable to the close to the town to promote 7.18 It is likely that there will be a need school run. Safety is the key issue cycling and walking; to extend the bus station in St because parents will not allow d. increase the number of Andrews Street North during the their children to cycle unless they pedestrian and cycle routes next 20 years. The most obvious think the roads are safe. The town across the A14 and other main location for this expansion is to is relatively flat and so lends itself roads; extend into the public car park to the potential for high levels of e. introduce conveniently located, at the rear, but this would need cycle journeys, but improvements secure, covered and illuminated to be part of the consideration to the network will be required in bicycle shelters; as to how the whole of this area order to encourage more trips to f. introduce safe routes to schools functions. work and school to be made by where possible; cycle. The Government recently g. provide facilities at schools to Aspiration 8 announced a grant towards the encourage students and staff to construction of a new cycle bridge walk or cycle; WALKING AND CYCLING LINKS ARE across the A14 which will link h. introduce more spaces for low IMPROVED IN AND AROUND THE Northgate Avenue with Thingoe emission cars and electric car TOWN, LINKING THE TOWN CENTRE Hill, providing more direct and charging points to encourage RESIDENTIAL AREAS, SCHOOLS safe cycle routes between north- more low emission vehicles in AND THE EMPLOYMENT AREAS, west Bury St Edmunds, the station the town centre; MINIMISING CONGESTION AND THE and the town centre. i. reduce the need to travel by NEED FOR CAR USE. car, by improving local service 7.19 If the town is to cope with the 7.20 The actions to achieve this provision and communications; increasing demands that growth aspiration are: and will bring, more trips need to be j. improve cycling and walking made by walking and by bicycle a. ensure new and existing opportunities when developing instead of by car. Increasing the neighbourhoods are safe, well- redundant or unused school number of children who cycle integrated places with streets sites.

Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council 51 BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031

of space available for pedestrians. measures, such as closing the Town centre streets This could be achieved through road to vehicles at certain times physical works, such as pavement in the day or certain days of the 7.21 Investment has been made widening and/or legal measures week. The town centre masterplan over the years to improve the such as part or permanent referred to in Policy BV27 will amount of space for pedestrians pedestrianisation of streets. address in more detail the need for in the historic streets of the further pedestrian improvements town centre. However, there 7.22 The Cornhill/Buttermarket is and traffic management across the remain areas where there is one area in particular where it town centre. conflict between motor vehicles, is considered there is a need to pedestrians and other users and increase the space for pedestrians Aspiration 9 this is to the detriment of the and reduce the pedestrian/vehicle THE TOWN CAN BE ACCESSED BY A town centre environment as a conflict. For pedestrians to walk WELL-MAINTAINED TRANSPORT AND whole. As referred to elsewhere, from one side of the area to the ROAD NETWORK. the population of the town and other it is often necessary to walk surrounding area is to continue between parked cars and cross 7.24 The A14 is the major route into to grow and it is to be hoped wide areas of road. the town from the east and west. that similar proportions of the It is liable to become congested population will be attracted to 7.23 In other streets, such as Abbeygate and the junctions giving access to visit the town centre for shopping, Street, it may be appropriate to the town are prone to congestion financial, cultural and leisure consider increasing the time it at peak times. There will be a need reasons. In order to accommodate is closed to traffic. Other town to resolve the capacity issues of this growth, it will be necessary to centre shopping streets might be the central and eastern (Moreton consider increasing the amount suitable for pedestrian priority Hall) interchanges in order to

52 Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031

accommodate traffic generated the construction of relief roads 2001/2 and 2011/12 moving up by additional development. There that will have wider benefits for from the 917th busiest station are potentially long term issues for the town as a whole. In particular, in the UK to the 827th. Although the A14 in that any proposals for the construction of the Eastern additional capacity on trains has widening it to three lanes along its Relief Road between Moreton been provided, there is evidence route from Felixstowe to the M1/ Hall and the A14 at Rougham is of overcrowding on trains at peak M6 would be difficult to achieve essential before development in times and the lack of availability of as it passes through the town. the area identified in the Bury diesel trains across the UK means St Edmunds Vision 2031 can be that this is unlikely to be resolved 7.25 Within the town there are a occupied. in the short term. The frequency number of roads that are vital and quality of services remains to the free flow of traffic around 7.27 All developers of strategic sites are a concern for users and, if the the town. Widening these encouraged to work together, and town is to accommodate further roads to increase capacity will with the highway authorities, to economic growth sustainably, not necessarily resolve traffic assess the potential impact on the there will be a need to plan for congestion, as experience road network of these proposals further investment in the rail elsewhere demonstrates that often and to identify acceptable infrastructure and services to when roads are built or widened solutions that will need to be support it. In particular, the line additional trips are generated. For funded by them to accommodate to Cambridge has capacity issues, example, widening Tayfen Road the planned growth. This work being only single track between would not necessarily improve the is in addition to the junction Kennet and Cambridge. A new flow of traffic as the capacity of assessment work jointly long term operator’s franchise will the roundabouts along the route is commissioned by the borough be let in the coming years and constrained. However, it would be council and Suffolk County Council the borough council will use this appropriate to introduce measures which is referred to earlier in this appointment as an opportunity to that would help manage the flow section. Some of the developers lobby for service improvements. of traffic along these routes. have already jointly commissioned survey work and it would be 7.29 The actions to achieve this 7.26 Strategic development areas appropriate for the others to join aspiration are: around the town, as identified in so that a common approach to in the Core Strategy, will need managing the impact can be used. a. lobby for improvement of the to ensure that an appropriate A14 and the access routes from road infrastructure is provided in 7.28 The use of trains for journeys to it to the town; and response to managing the impact and from the town continues to b. safeguard primary road corridors on the town’s transport network increase. The number of people in the town to ensure that as a result of the development. In using Bury St Edmunds station congestion on these routes is some instances this will include more than doubled between minimised.

Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council 53 BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031 8. Sustainability and climate change

8.1 There are many global low/zero carbon energy supplies use of the building, through challenges facing us over the and local renewable energy the application of any relevant next 20 years that will have generation. development plan policies; an impact at a local level. c. provide services which help One particular challenge 8.6 The steps we need to take to residents, communities and is combating the effects of meet our aspirations are set out as businesses improve their climate change and, in turn, actions which will be monitored environmental performance sustaining the environment. to ensure we keep track of our and adopt more resourceful and achievements and targets. resilient practices; and 8.2 This section addresses what we d. manage waste from all can do at a local level in terms of Aspiration 10 development (construction sustainability and climate change. and operation) in accordance BOTH NEW AND EXISTING with waste hierarchy principles DEVELOPMENT HAVE HIGH 8.3 We have endeavoured to tackle and the Joint Municipal Waste ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS the challenges of sustainability Management Strategy for OF RESOURCE EFFICIENCY, ARE and climate change where they Suffolk, 2003-2020, to minimise MAKING A MINIMAL CONTRIBUTION arise in the Vision 2031 for Bury St landfill. TO CLIMATE CHANGE AND ARE Edmunds. Set out below are some RESILIENT TO A CHANGING CLIMATE. of the key unifying concerns that Aspiration 11 Bury St Edmunds faces which are 8.7 The energy and water efficiency EVERYONE BENEFITS FROM SECURE, not covered elsewhere. of new development and existing LOW/ZERO CARBON ENERGY buildings needs to be improved to SUPPLIES AND LOCAL RENEWABLE 8.4 Increasing demands for resources cut the use of resources and make ENERGY GENERATION. such as land, food, energy and savings in running costs. water necessitate a better balance 8.10 The actions to achieve this between our economic and social 8.8 There are policies in the emerging aspiration are: needs without compromising the Joint Development Management needs of others or the state of Policies document which require a. where appropriate promote the environment. The changing proposals for new development to onsite/local renewable/low climate may also have significant demonstrate how it will minimise carbon energy generation in implications, both positive energy and resource consumption new development through the and negative, for residents and and use sustainable construction application of any relevant businesses in Bury St Edmunds. methods to minimise the impact development plan policies. on the surrounding environment 8.5 In 2031, Bury St Edmunds will be a and community. Links with other themes place where: 8.9 The actions to achieve this 8.11 Sustainability and climate change Aspiration 10 aspiration are: issues need to be considered in Both new and existing conjunction with most if not all of development have high a. where appropriate, set standards the other themes in Vision 2031. environmental standards of for sustainable construction Many of the options put forward resource efficiency, are making a and water efficiency through in those sections are responses minimal contribution to climate the application of any relevant which are sustainable; for example, change and are resilient to a development plan policies; improving the resource efficiency changing climate. b. where appropriate, set CO2 of homes and businesses, moving emission and carbon footprint away from dependence upon the Aspiration 11 standards for major development car and preserving the natural Everyone benefits from secure, during the construction and environment.

54 Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031

POLICY BV18 – COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE LEVY AND ALLOWABLE SOLUTIONS Money raised through the CIL and, in future, from Allowable Solutions may be required to contribute towards energy efficiency and carbon dioxide reduction projects identified by the council in future. It may also contribute towards the development of the strategic district heating networks. Further details will be set out in the forthcoming CIL Charging Protocol and a future Allowable Solutions SPD.

Opportunities for district heating 8.14 Other documents which are network relevant to local energy generation and resource efficiency within the 8.12 District heating could, in the Local Plan are: long term, play a strategic part in delivering secure energy • joint St Edmundsbury Borough supplies. Research commissioned Council and Forest Heath by the council with partners District Council Development has identified opportunity areas Management Policies Document; where district heating could be • the Bury St Edmunds District developed. Implementation of any Heating Feasibility Study; and identified opportunities for district • the East of England Renewable heating will be achieved through and Low Carbon Energy Capacity the application of any relevant Study. development plan policies.

Community Infrastructure Levy

8.13 The new financial arrangements created by recent changes introducing the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), creates opportunities to support renewable and low carbon energy in the town.

Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council 55 BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031 9. Crime and community safety

9.1 This section looks at our policing in the county is efficient Aspiration 12 aspirations for how Bury St and effective. The council will LEVELS OF CRIME AND DISORDER Edmunds will look and feel in work with Suffolk Constabulary, REMAIN LOW COMPARED TO 2031 in terms of crime and the PCC and other partners to NATIONAL AVERAGES. safety. implement the plan. It is known that the Police are also seeking the 9.6 Currently, most people see 9.2 Fortunately Suffolk experiences efficient use of their buildings and community safety as an issue low rates of crime and anti-social are looking to share with partners primarily for the police and they behaviour by national standards, where possible. want policing to be more visible. and Bury St Edmunds is a safe place The funding for community safety to live with a low incidence of 9.4 In 2031 Bury St Edmunds will be a partnerships has been greatly crime. Crime and safety are always place where: reduced, however, increasingly high on the public agenda, however, the community is being asked to and being in an area with low crime Aspiration 12 identify and provide some of the rates is no consolation to victims of Levels of crime and disorder solutions to issues which give rise crime or the communities they live remain low compared to national to crime or threaten the safety in. A debate is currently underway averages. of local people. Other ways to about where the responsibility provide some uniformed presence for achieving a safe and crime- Aspiration 13 in the community are being free environment lies and there Residents and visitors both are, sought, such as special constables. is an increasing recognition that and feel, safe. communities and individuals need 9.7 Anti-social behaviour related to to play an active part. 9.5 The steps we need to take to meet alcohol consumption during the these aspirations are set out as evening is frequently raised by 9.3 From November 2012 Suffolk actions which will be monitored the community as a concern. In has had a directly elected Police to ensure we keep track of our conjunction with other partners, and Crime Commissioner (PCC) achievements and targets. the council, as licensing authority, who is responsible for ensuring strives to maintain a balance between supporting the night time economy and regulating the premises where alcohol is sold, to ensure that people feel safe in the town at any time. Litter, graffiti and vandalism can also create localised problems that impact on both the quality of life and the environment. The council invests heavily in cleansing but there remains a need to continue initiatives to reduce incidences of such activities.

9.8 The actions to achieve this aspiration are:

a. working with, and supported by statutory partners, involve local groups in combating crime and

56 Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031

finding solutions to issues of local concern. For example, if speeding is seen as an issue, local people can form a Community Speed Watch group; b. offer advice and support to local people to engage with young people, making sure that the type of engagement meets the needs of young people. For example, asking young people what provision they want, and, if the resources are not available to provide it, getting them involved in making grant applications; c. encourage both school and community projects that teach and promote good citizenship addressing issues such as vandalism and littering and safety of the area than several to put out positive community encouraging neighbourliness; serious crimes in a higher crime safety messages; and d. look at crime prevention in area would have. c. promote the installation of its widest sense, starting sprinkler systems in all new with good design to remove 9.10 Safety at work and home can buildings including homes. the opportunities for crime. also be assisted by addressing (Secure by Design – a police potential life threatening events initiative which encourages the such as fire. All new domestic building industry to adopt crime properties are required to provide prevention measures in the smoke detection devices and design of developments); means of escape, and commercial e. encourage community input into premises are required to provide issues associated with the night- safe means of escape and fire time economy, for example, the fighting equipment. However, Town Pastors scheme; and opportunities exist to prevent the f. ensure that Suffolk Family Focus spread of fire at an early stage and is a priority, so that identified reduce the potential risk to life families received a premium and property. service. 9.11 The actions to achieve this Aspiration 13 aspiration are: RESIDENTS AND VISITORS BOTH ARE, a. work with partners and AND FEEL, SAFE. communities to dispel 9.9 The fear of crime far outstrips the myths, and promote greater reality of crime levels, although in understanding between the a low crime area a single serious generations; crime can have a far greater b. encourage the local media, impact on the perception of the community groups and partners

Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council 57 BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031 10. Infrastructure and services

10.1 Infrastructure is essential to to set out how infrastructure and can cope with proposed meet the increasing demands requirements would be met. growth levels, but the existing of today’s population and to A more detailed IDP has been sewerage system for transferring accommodate growth while produced to support this waste water to the treatment maintaining a good quality of document and is available on works has limited capacity life. Infrastructure delivery the council’s website at www. particularly in the town centre. rests with several different westsuffolk.gov.uk/vision2031 Development to the north and providers. Bury St Edmunds west of the town can connect has grown from a medieval 10.4 For the purposes of this section to the treatment works, but core to a market town serving of the document, infrastructure development to the south and West Suffolk and beyond. includes external services, provided east is limited by the town centre Growth was particularly by third parties, required directly restriction. rapid during the second half to service existing and proposed of the 20th century. Much development. It does not 10.8 National Grid is responsible of this growth has been include roads, travel networks or for supplying gas to the town, matched by improvements to education, which are considered and a programme of gas main infrastructure and services, but separately. replacement is currently underway. elements are reaching the end Gas is supplied from a large of their useful lives. 10.5 In 2031, Bury St Edmunds will be a gasholder at Tayfen Road, which place where: is a major hazard and restricts 10.2 The Government is introducing development opportunities in the a new method of collecting Aspiration 14 vicinity. It is also within an area contributions towards The provision of infrastructure of former gasworks land which infrastructure required for new and services helps to facilitate and is now largely redundant, but is development. This is called the meet the growing needs of the heavily contaminated. Policy BV9 Community Infrastructure Levy town, and, where applicable, the identifies land at Tayfen Road (CIL). Authorities that wish surrounding hinterland. that includes the gasholder for to charge a levy will need to redevelopment, but there will be develop and adopt a CIL charging Aspiration 14 a need to provide a gas pressure schedule. Councils must spend reduction facility on site when the THE PROVISION OF INFRASTRUCTURE any income raised from the CIL development takes place. AND SERVICES HELPS TO FACILITATE on infrastructure to support the AND MEET THE GROWING NEEDS OF development of the area but they 10.9 The town’s broadband THE TOWN, AND, WHERE APPLICABLE, can decide what infrastructure to infrastructure is currently being THE SURROUNDING HINTERLAND. spend it on. St Edmundsbury has upgraded with high speed decided to become a CIL charging 10.6 Bury St Edmunds is located in the fibre-optics, which will improve authority and is intending to driest region of the country and connections for both business and implement the proposals by 2014, obtains its water from boreholes. domestic users. although it is envisaged that the Responsibility for supply rests use of Section 106 agreements on with Anglian Water who say that, 10.10 Bury St Edmunds lies at the certain sites will still serve a useful subject to supply development confluence of two rivers, the Lark role in securing infrastructure schemes and demand and Linnet. Flood risk mapping has investment resulting from management, there is sufficient identified areas at risk, including development. capacity to accommodate growth existing sites and property. to 2031. Increased water run-off from hard 10.3 An Infrastructure Delivery Plan surfaces can increase the risk of (IDP) was produced for the 10.7 The town’s principal sewage flooding. Core Strategy (adopted 2010) treatment works is at Fornham

58 Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031

10.11 The borough council collects 10.14 It is important that such impacts e. replace the existing gas holder waste from households whilst are managed to ensure that by a gas pressure reduction the county council treats and required infrastructure is sited in system, which would both disposes of it. Domestic users the best location for the provider remove a major hazard and can dispose of, or recycle, bulky with the least visual impact. The enable redevelopment; waste at the household waste need to protect archaeological f. ensure that high speed site at Rougham Hill. The county remains when providing broadband connections are council plans that by 2026 new infrastructure should be extended to new development; untreated waste will no longer go recognised as there are many g. locate all new development to landfill and residual waste will areas of archaeological interest away from areas at greatest risk be managed to recover value from in and around the town. The area from flooding; that which cannot practicably be of archaeological importance in h. address existing areas of flood recycled or composted. At the Bury St Edmunds is identified in risk, including the provision of end of 2014 the Great Blakenham Appendix 3. advice to owners of current Energy from Waste Plant is due properties that are at an to become operational, from 10.15 It is noted that early in the plan increased risk of flooding, which point no municipal waste period, it will be necessary to and adopt flood prevention should go to landfill. At present, make land available for a new measures; much effort goes into reducing cemetery. The borough council will i. work with National Grid to landfill by sorting waste and continue to investigate identifying ensure that supply is able to removing material for recycling or the most appropriate location for maintain pace with demand; composting. It is most efficient to a cemetery. j. ensure that any new achieve this at source, but it relies development makes adequate upon co-operation from all users. 10.16 The actions to achieve this provision for the sensitive aspiration are: provision of electricity sub- 10.12 UK Power Networks is responsible stations to meet demand; for supplying electricity. No major a. ensure new infrastructure is k. work with Suffolk County Council projects are required to meet visually unobtrusive and does to ensure that household waste planned growth to 2031, but not adversely affect amenities disposal/recycling will meet the local sub-stations will have to be of adjacent areas by reason of needs of the town; upgraded to increase capacity. noise, smell, overshadowing or l. encourage the utility companies Unsightly overhead power lines other forms of pollution; to relocate the electricity bring power from the east to a b. support Anglian Water’s supply underground beyond major sub-station at Raingate programme of managing water the south western strategic site Street. Development to the east and reducing mains leakage; area as a continuance from the of Bury St Edmunds could enable c. ensure water recycling (e.g. development; and these to be relocated underground. rainwater harvesting and m. promote the importance of The developer could probably be greywater recycling) and run- waste prevention and, where persuaded to do this within the off of water management such produced, its segregation. development area, but not the line as Sustainable Urban Drainage between the development area Systems (SUDS) or other natural 10.17 For completeness, the aspirations and Raingate Street sub-station. drainage system are used on new and actions in this section should development; be read alongside those in section 10.13 The location of certain types of d. upgrade the town centre 8, ‘Sustainability and Climate infrastructure, such as overhead sewerage system, including the change’. power lines, telephone lines and provision of new trunk sewers mobile phone masts, can have an were appropriate, and manage impact on visual amenity. the associated disruption;

Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council 59 BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031 11. Culture and leisure

11.1 Culture and leisure covers Aspiration 15 a regional significance. The town’s a wide range of activities, A wide range of top quality population will increase from including arts, entertainments cultural and leisure opportunities 37,000 to about 50,000 by 2031. and festivals, heritage are offered to residents and There has already been a 22% and museums, parks and visitors. increase in those over 65 since countryside, allotments, 2001. It is desirable to increase children’s play areas, sports Aspiration 16 the amount of leisure provision to facilities and tourism and More people access cultural and match the increased population, visitor services. In many leisure opportunities. and to tailor the type of provision instances they are an essential to the age groups likely to contribution to creating 11.4 The steps we need to take to increase. Many national leisure healthy communities. Bury meet our aspirations are set out as organisations publish calculators St Edmunds has a wealth of actions which will be monitored suggesting what level of provision cultural and leisure assets, to ensure we keep track of our is desirable. Sport England’s some of which have national achievements and targets. facilities calculator suggests that significance. people in Bury St Edmunds lack Aspiration 15 access to swimming pools, sports 11.2 As the town grows, it will pitches and sports halls. The Arts A WIDE RANGE OF TOP QUALITY be essential to manage the Council has a similar calculator to CULTURAL AND LEISURE availability and quality of provision work out developer contributions OPPORTUNITIES ARE OFFERED TO to ensure, in particular, that the for culture and heritage. The RESIDENTS AND VISITORS. cultural heritage remains of the community running of the Victory highest quality and that additional 11.5 Bury St Edmunds has hosted a Sports Ground and the proposed sport and leisure facilities are number of sporting and cultural Moreton Hall Community Football provided as befits the town’s events over recent years and Project are successful examples regionally important position. its location in the centre of the of ways in which the provision East of England means it is well and management of facilities is 11.3 In 2031, Bury St Edmunds will be a placed to continue to host such changing. The council will support place where: events and to provide facilities of proposals for the expansion or

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relocation of existing privately or to deliver an inclusive service community-run sports facilities and support the ambitions of POLICY BV19: LAND WEST OF provided that they are not the Suffolk Health and Wellbeing ROUGHAM ROAD contrary to local and national Strategy. planning policies. 15 Ha of land to the west of 11.7 The area of land bounded by the Rougham Road is allocated for use 11.6 The actions to achieve this A14, Rougham Hill and the River as amenity public open space for aspiration are: Lark (known as Leg of Mutton) informal outdoor recreation. Any forms an important open area, development on the land will be a. work in partnership with the protecting views of the town limited to development directly private and voluntary sector centre and will be protected from related to that use, and must not to identify opportunities to inappropriate development in have a detrimental impact on the maximise the use of, and accordance with Policy BV26. It setting of the Bury St Edmunds safeguard, existing cultural and also forms part of the Lark Valley town centre conservation area in leisure facilities including open which is identified in the adopted accordance with Policy BV25. space and sports facilities; Green Infrastructure Strategy as b. maximise the use of libraries, an important corridor for both Initiatives will be supported that schools and other public biodiversity and recreational promote: Land West of Rougham Road sector facilities as important access. The area has potential to contributors to strong, vibrant cater for informal recreation and a. public access to the land for and healthy communities; habitat improvement, securing its informal outdoor recreation; c. build new cultural and leisure future as publicly accessible open b. the provision of a cycle route facilities in areas of population space for the benefit of the town and footpath linking Rougham growth; as a whole. Road and cycle route 51; and d. integrate new cultural and c. the provision of new areas leisure facilities with new school of habitat and biodiversity and community provision; and opportunities in appropriate e. work with other public services locations across the site.

LAND WEST OF ROUGHAM ROAD

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11.8 The former Rougham Airfield to POLICY BV20: ROUGHAM AIRFIELD the east of Moreton Hall is used Land at Rougham Airfield, as identified on the Policies Map, is safeguarded for: occasionally for recreational airfield uses; and leisure events. This area • sporting and recreational uses; could provide recreational open • leisure activities, including entertainment and the creative arts; and space on the eastern side of • showground and outdoor events. Bury St Edmunds and any formal • proposals for this use will be Proposals for new buildings on the site associated with these uses will be considered in the context of conditioned so that they cannot be brought into use until the Eastern Relief Road this plan. There may also be (Core Strategy Policies CS11 and CS14) is constructed. an opportunity for the parking facilities required for this use to provide off-site event parking for 11.10 Running leisure facilities is do alone and all the actions below town centre events, such as the expensive and accounts for a will need to be in partnership with Christmas Fayre. The design of large proportion of the borough a range of other organisations. any new development within this council’s revenue budget at a Amongst others, the council will area should be sympathetic to time when funding for local need to work with the group sensitive environmental features authorities is being cut sharply. aiming to make Suffolk the Most and any potential adverse effects Moreover, most leisure services are Active County, an aim supported mitigated. Any necessary water discretionary and local authorities by the Suffolk Health and quality or water availability are under no obligation to provide Wellbeing Board. mitigation measures should be them. Customers’ expectations undertaken in advance of the are rising all the time, however, 11.13 The actions to achieve this development taking place. and they expect leisure facilities aspiration are: and activities to be of a high Aspiration 16 standard. For all these reasons, the a. promote active cultural and council’s leisure services are under leisure participation as a way of MORE PEOPLE ACCESS CULTURAL considerable financial pressure and achieving good health; AND LEISURE OPPORTUNITIES. new approaches may be required, b. work together with partners 11.9 Leisure and cultural services play in partnership with the public, and stakeholders to provide or an important part in improving voluntary and private sectors. The promote services that better the local quality of life through: Rugby Club, Victory Sports Ground, help to reduce anti-social Guildhall and the Moreton Hall behaviour; • promoting economic Community Football Project are all c. deliver cultural and leisure development, by making the good examples of community-led facilities and an events area attractive for tourists and leisure or cultural initiatives. programme that promotes businesses; tourism and maximises the local • promoting social cohesion and 11.11 If leisure service providers are to economic impact; helping to prevent anti-social meet their aims of increasing the d. promote leisure activity that behaviour; number of users and the amount enables access to, but safeguards, • good health in every sense – of money raised, and also their the diverse range of habitats/ physical, emotional and mental, social objectives, they need to environments; and and helping to combat obesity ensure that leisure activities are e. encourage space to be made through physical activity; widely publicised not just to available for children to play • bringing people together and people who are used to taking part safely and creatively. creating a sense of belonging to a in them, but also to hard-to-reach distinctive local community; and groups, especially in the more Allotments • caring for the environment deprived areas and those that see through parks, green spaces and participation as unaffordable. 11.14 Allotments, both public and countryside stewardship. private, have traditionally 11.12 None of these are things that the played an important role in borough council can, or should, urban areas, providing the

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opportunity for individuals to POLICY BV21: ALLOTMENTS grow their own produce. Concerns Proposals that will result in the loss of allotments will not be allowed unless: about genetic modification of foodstuffs, chemical pollution and a. it can be demonstrated that there is no local demand for the allotment; or contamination of food and the b. suitable alternative allotment provision can be identified and made available. desire for freshness has seen a resurgence in their popularity. Any replacement provision should take account of the needs of the locality, accessibility and suitability. 11.15 The standard plot of 10 rods provides about 250 square metres Sites for the provision of additional allotments will be identified, where appropriate, area, which will generally meet in masterplans and development briefs. the requirements of the most demanding gardener. However, their potential, giving them the roundabout in 2010. In many for many, this may exceed their basis for a successful life as active instances when working with individual requirements and members of their community’. residents and property owners, consideration should be given to artists can help to interpret and the provision of a wider range of 11.18 Play doesn’t always require a improve local perceptions of an plot sizes, including smaller plots. formal playground with swings area, in order to generate and and roundabouts. Often things enhance a sense of place. There Children’s play such as a fallen tree trunk can are also many examples elsewhere spark imaginative play that will in which public art has been used 11.16 Play is crucial to children’s stimulate the senses even if it in new housing developments healthy development and does not require physical activity. to give quality, character and happiness. Evidence demonstrates It may be appropriate to consider a human dimension to new that one of the best ways for whether it would be good to development. They can make children to stay both physically introduce more unstructured a positive contribution to the and mentally healthy is opportunities for play in addition character of the place, especially through access to a variety of to the traditional equipped if they draw inspiration from local unstructured play experiences. playground. For example, in themes or associations. Generally accepted claims of introducing earth banks alongside the benefits acknowledge that a footpath, or a swing in a town 11.20 House builders in particular will play allows children to use their centre street where there are often be encouraged to include public creativity while developing more children accompanying art projects in new development their imagination, dexterity, and adults on a shopping trip areas. In the more traditional physical, cognitive and emotional than might be found in a cultural quarters of the town, strength. (Play England 2008). neighbourhood play area. including the town centre, it may also be appropriate to consider 11.17 The council’s planning policies for Public art whether public art can enhance the provision of play are contained the cultural offer. The town centre in the Joint Development 11.19 The installation of public art masterplan will need to address Management Policies document. in towns can make a major this in more detail. However, the borough council has contribution to giving a place an important role in the town in character and identity. There are the provision and management already many examples of public of play areas and equipment. A art installed around the town and countywide play strategy was they can often be combined with published in 2010 which set out functional purposes, such as the a vision ‘to create and sustain traffic signs on Angel Hill. On other inclusive play opportunities to occasions, public art can take the contribute to enabling all children form of temporary installations and young people in Suffolk to such as the beehive that was enjoy themselves and develop placed on Southgate Green

Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council 63 BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031 12. Health and wellbeing

12.1 Health is about much more than being free from illness. Its wider determinants include food, exercise, housing standards, health and safety, air quality, noise and environmental issues, all services in which the borough council plays an important role and which are discussed elsewhere in this document. Wellbeing is generally considered to be closely linked to quality of life and its indicators include wealth, employment, the built environment, physical and mental health, education, Aspiration 20 upon prevention may reduce the recreation and leisure time, and Issues of deprivation are need for treatment, but this is social belonging – all subjects considered and dealt with likely to take a generation to show discussed elsewhere in this appropriately. results. document. It is in improving quality of life that local people, 12.3 The steps we need to take to 12.5 Local facilities and activities make community groups and public meet our aspirations are set out as an important contribution to sector bodies can have a real actions which will be monitored health and wellbeing and provide a impact on the health and to ensure we keep track of our focus for people who want to keep wellbeing of the town. achievements and targets. The healthy and active. aspirations and supporting actions 12.2 In 2031, Bury St Edmunds will be a will contribute to the delivery of 12.6 All residential developments have place where: the Suffolk Health and Wellbeing an impact on the capacity of Strategy. healthcare services and facilities Aspiration 17 and this is especially the case for All residents, visitors and those Aspiration 17 specialist accommodation for older working in the borough, have people and certain Use Class C2 ALL RESIDENTS, VISITORS AND THOSE access to good quality health developments, comprising nursing, WORKING IN THE BOROUGH, HAVE facilities, information and residential and care homes. ACCESS TO GOOD QUALITY HEALTH activities. FACILITIES, INFORMATION AND 12.7 The extent of these impacts ACTIVITIES. Aspiration 18 needs to be assessed at an early A good quality environment will 12.4 Health services face increasing stage of the planning process and help to enhance people’s lives and calls on limited resources and necessary mitigation secured to support a sustainable economy. health care provision will have to ensure that an appropriate level change in response. Health has of healthcare service capacity Aspiration 19 been seen as the responsibility continues to be provided for the An ageing population is of healthcare professionals, but whole community. adequately provided for. community groups and individuals will have to take an increasing 12.8 The actions to achieve this responsibility. A greater emphasis aspiration are:

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a. encourage a debate about how enable services to be provided POLICY BV22: WEST SUFFOLK healthcare resources are best at the existing site. Should there HOSPITAL AND ST NICHOLAS’ used; be major development proposals HOSPICE b. exploit advances in technology, at the existing hospital we will to support elderly people, those require a masterplan to be Within the site shown on the with long term conditions, and prepared which would need to Policies Map at Hardwick Lane, the wider community; take account of increased demand Bury St Edmunds (known as the c. develop a coherent approach for parking, traffic generation Hospital Site), support will be given to preventative measures and and environmental impacts on for the provision of new buildings promoting wellbeing; the site. The future design and and extension of existing premises d. engage and support voluntary development of the site should for health care and associated uses and community groups in the be sympathetic to sensitive where: local delivery of support services; environmental and heritage e. work with partners to remodel features and any potential adverse a. efficient use of land is maximised; health provision as the effects mitigated. Any necessary b. additional and adequate car population changes and in line water quality or water availability parking is provided; with the four priorities of the mitigation measures should be c. a travel plan to reduce Suffolk Health and Wellbeing undertaken in advance of the dependency on access to the Strategy; development taking place. Hospital Site by the private motor f. provide a site of sufficient size car is prepared and implemented; and to accommodate a new West Aspiration 18 Suffolk Hospital; d. the proposal would not have A GOOD QUALITY ENVIRONMENT g. encourage schools to establish an unacceptable impact on the WILL HELP TO ENHANCE PEOPLE’S patterns of healthy exercise; amenity of the hospital site and LIVES AND SUPPORT A SUSTAINABLE h. encourage sports and outdoor the surrounding area. ECONOMY. clubs to enable people of all ages to stay active; and 12.10 The quality of the environment i. ensure that residential is a key determinant of health: impact of all planning applications developments and certain a good quality environment can in the town. Use Class C2 developments help enhance people’s lives and (comprising nursing, residential support a sustainable economy. 12.12 Good quality public spaces also and care homes), make In Bury St Edmunds the quality of provide significant benefits, appropriate provision for the built environment is generally whether they are hard or soft healthcare infrastructure good, although there are areas landscapes. In this respect, the and funding to mitigate the where footpath and cycling routes, council’s Green Infrastructure healthcare capacity impacts for example, are not conducive to Strategy makes provision for arising. providing realistic choices of how the improvement of green to travel. spaces in and around the town 12.9 West Suffolk Hospital provides for both public access and the accident and emergency services 12.11 The Joint Development enhancement of wildlife. The for a wide area. The Foundation Management Policies Document, Historic and Natural Environment Trust has indicated that in the which is part of the Local chapter and Policy BV26 addresses long term they wish to relocate Plan, contains policies that how we can implement the to a new, purpose-built health require development proposals strategy. It is recognised that rural campus. Provision for this is to minimise environmental footpaths, bridleways and river made in the Core Strategy near impact, as well as the impact on paths have an important role in the Westley A14 interchange. In residential amenity. These policies providing opportunities for walking the meantime it is important to will be used to judge the potential and improving fitness levels for

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those that live in the town. This support. Those reliant on public Aspiration 20 is further covered in section 14 transport may also need help to ISSUES OF DEPRIVATION ARE of this document ‘Historic and access services. CONSIDERED AND DEALT WITH natural environment’. In the town APPROPRIATELY. centre, the council has adopted a 12.15 As people get older the need to Streetscape Strategy that defines remain independent becomes an 12.17 Compared to many parts of the a hierarchy of streets and provides important factor in maintaining country Bury St Edmunds has few guidance on the materials to a sense of wellbeing. It should areas of deprivation. However, be used when environmental be recognised that it is both our where pockets of deprivation do improvements are carried out. homes and communities that have exist it is important that these This will help to maintain the high a role to play in helping maintain issues are dealt with appropriately. quality of streets and spaces in the this independence and ‘lifetime One instance where differences historic core, thereby providing an neighbourhoods’ (ensuring good in levels of deprivation have been environment where people can access to social networks, services well reported is in respect of the be safe in streets and enjoy the and facilities) in the town should differences in life expectancy environment. be developed by working with across the town. Life expectancy in key partners and developers. Moreton Hall ward is amongst the 12.13 The actions to achieve this This should be read within the highest not only across the town, aspiration are: context of the aspirations and but across the whole country at actions within the Homes and 86.3, whilst other parts of the a. tackle environmental issues Communities of this document. town, such as Eastgate Ward have affecting residents’ lives; a much lower life expectancy at b. ensure that environmental 12.16 The actions to achieve this 77.3, and resources should be impacts are properly considered aspiration are: concentrated on improving this. for all new developments, attaching conditions to mitigate a. encourage self-help and 12.18 The actions to achieve this the impact where appropriate; volunteering to help provide aspiration are: c. work with highway engineers to services for older people; reduce traffic congestion and b. support affordable community a. use Census results and improve air quality; transport initiatives; and other available data to d. make land available for c. work with developers and local inform collective decisions allotments to allow residents to partners, and use development on programmes to tackle grow their own food; and management policies, to deprivation; and e. facilitate the provision of local implement the ‘lifetime b. focus available resources on markets offering reasonably- neighbourhoods’ concept in Bury dealing with the existing pockets priced good quality food. St Edmunds. of deprivation across the town.

Aspiration 19 AN AGEING POPULATION IS ADEQUATELY PROVIDED FOR. 12.14 Increased calls on healthcare generally, and from the ageing population in particular, mean that innovative and cost-effective methods of delivering care to people in their own homes need to be explored. Older people may also need opportunities to socialise, for example, day centres and lunch clubs, and an increasing numbers of carers will need

66 Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031 13. Education and skills

13.1 The town is playing an 13.4 In 2031, Bury St Edmunds will be a does not meet the county and increasingly important role place where: national averages. in education provision. At the higher end of the process, Aspiration 21 13.7 The action to achieve this considerable investment is Local schools and West Suffolk aspiration is: being made in West Suffolk College are successful and College which has a long educational attainment exceeds a. provide support, where tradition of further education national averages. necessary, to the county council provision and has expanded and other education providers to accommodate its partner, Aspiration 22 to encourage and facilitate University Campus Suffolk, Existing schools are supported high educational ambition and through which it delivers through periods of change and attainment. higher education courses. efficient use is made of vacant Schools are, however, in a state school sites. 13.8 West Suffolk College’s role in of flux as the county council the town is growing increasingly is implementing a countywide Aspiration 23 important. In recent years there Schools Organisation Review. Education facilities are of a has been significant investment This will result in the three- high standard and fulfil a wider in the site in Out Risbygate and tier system in the town being community role. at the Milburn Centre, where replaced, in some cases, by two the construction skills offer has tiers, primary and secondary. Aspiration 24 been consolidated to ensure the Education providers raise future supply of the trades people 13.2 There remains a need to make aspirations and create the citizens needed to support growth. A provision for further school places and workforce of the future. recent investigation into the socio- to accommodate the growth in economic impact of the college population during the next 20 years Aspiration 25 has identified a £193.2 million and beyond. The county council Adult skills levels are enhanced. benefit to the region. A masterplan advise the borough council on for the future development of the needs for new sites based on the 13.5 The steps we need to take to main campus has been adopted population projections and it is the meet our aspirations are set out as by the borough council, which role of documents such as this to actions which will be monitored will provide a planning framework safeguard sites for new schools. to ensure we keep track of our for how the site is developed. achievements and targets. With a changing skills agenda 13.3 Family support, pre-school nationally and locally, the college facilities and specialist schools Aspiration 21 will need to retain the flexibility also play an important role in to adapt to new trends and LOCAL SCHOOLS AND WEST SUFFOLK the overall education structure in opportunities as they emerge. The COLLEGE ARE SUCCESSFUL AND the town and there is a need to future design and development EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT EXCEEDS ensure that sufficient spaces are of the site should be sympathetic NATIONAL AVERAGES. available in the most appropriate to sensitive environmental and locations. Investment in support 13.6 Educational attainment is heritage features and any potential for families and children in their generally good in the town, with adverse effects mitigated. The early years is increasingly being GCSE results well above both the proximity of other major public seen as the longer term route to Suffolk and England averages at sector facilities and sites, such improve educational attainment all the town’s secondary schools. as the public services village on and the health and wellbeing of However, performance in Key Western Way and the Leisure the children and their families. Stage 2 Maths and English SAT Centre and Athletics Track may tests at the middle schools often provide the opportunity for an

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enhanced offer including the POLICY BV23: WEST SUFFOLK COLLEGE potential for developments that Within the site shown on the Policies Map at Out Risbygate (known as the College are closely related to further Site), permission for the expansion of educational premises and associated uses will and higher education. The site is be permitted where: a major generator of trips from a wide catchment area and the a. the proposal would not have an unacceptable impact on the amenity of the promotion of sustainable travel to college site and the surrounding area; and from the college will continue b. the travel plan to reduce dependency on access to the college site by the private to be encouraged. motor car is updated as necessary and implemented; c. additional car parking is provided; and d. the wooded area referred to as the Copse in the masterplan and identified on Aspiration 22 the Policies Map shall be retained and protected from development. EXISTING SCHOOLS ARE SUPPORTED The amount of land available for development, location of uses, access THROUGH PERIODS OF CHANGE AND arrangements, design and landscaping has been informed by a masterplan for EFFICIENT USE IS MADE OF VACANT the site. Applications for planning permission will be required to adhere to the SCHOOL SITES. requirements of the masterplan. 13.9 Schools reorganisation and the increasing number of academies and free schools present both the town, which exacerbates a. identify and support the challenges and opportunities. If traffic congestion at the start growth of existing educational the Schools Organisation Review and finish of the school day. The establishments; for Bury St Edmunds goes ahead, planned schools reorganisation b. ensure that future new school the borough and county councils may leave some sites vacant and development is on the eastern will need to work together to available for other educational or side of the town: Core Strategy ensure that the remaining schools community uses. At the remaining Policy CS11 provides for a new have space to expand and take schools, taking on additional secondary school at Moreton on extra year groups from the year groups may be difficult for Hall; closed middle schools, and that schools on constrained sites. c. work with the county council the former school sites are used Throughout schools reorganisation and community groups to ensure appropriately. and establishment of academies, that suitable educational or the county council must ensure community uses are found for 13.10 Bury St Edmunds’ existing schools that there are enough school vacant school sites; are almost at full capacity. The places and the borough council d. work with the county council to county council estimates that has to allocate sites that are large ensure that remaining schools the growth planned for Bury St enough. are able to take on additional Edmunds will require the provision year groups as a result of schools of a new secondary school. 13.11 The actions to achieve this reorganisation; Currently, all the upper schools aspiration are: e. find new sites for existing are located on the west side of schools, or help facilitate the upgrade of existing sites to help meet the demands of an increasing population; and f. enhance leisure provision and community facilities by sharing school facilities.

13.12 During the lifetime of this Vision document, it is quite likely that school buildings and facilities will become surplus to education requirements, especially if the Schools Organisation Review is

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POLICY BV24: SAFEGUARDING EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENTS 13.16 The actions to achieve this aspiration are: Existing and proposed schools and educational establishments will be safeguarded for educational and community use. Development will be considered favourably a. work with local employers and where: key partners to improve the a. the development is for buildings and/or facilities ancillary to, or enhancing the information about work received educational or community use; or by school pupils, for example b. the facility which would be lost as a result of the proposed development would through the county council’s be replaced by an establishment of an equivalent or better quality, in a suitable aspiration escalator model; and location; or b. promote awareness of c. there is clear evidence through a quantified and documented assessment that apprenticeship schemes in now, and in the future, the site will no longer be needed for its current purpose schools, improve existing and there is no community need for the site. schemes and increase the number of employers taking on apprentices. fully implemented. The existing of facilities through sharing with buildings have the capability of local communities. Aspiration 25 being adapted to community ADULT SKILLS LEVELS ARE ENHANCED. facilities serving the local area. Aspiration 24 The straight redevelopment of 13.17 Although the number of people EDUCATION PROVIDERS RAISE sites without first considering in the town with qualifications ASPIRATIONS AND CREATE THE such possibilities is not considered up to NVQ2 level is above the CITIZENS AND WORKFORCE OF THE to be an efficient use of building county figure, too few residents FUTURE. resources. The county council have higher level technical is therefore encouraged to 13.15 4.9% of 16-18 year olds in qualifications. A lack of skilled explore all possibilities for viable the town are not in education, labour means that in some sectors alternative community uses before employment or training (NEET, a skilled workforce has to be considering other development November 2012). NEET status brought in from elsewhere which options. is associated with youth crime, discourages some companies from long-term unemployment locating in the town. Aspiration 23 and, for the individual, reduced income over their whole working 13.18 The actions to achieve this EDUCATION FACILITIES ARE OF A life. Apprenticeships provide aspiration are: HIGH STANDARD AND FULFIL A an excellent employment and WIDER COMMUNITY ROLE. education opportunity for a. work with relevant organisations 13.13 Many schools have facilities such young people, but there is still a to develop the skills needed as playing fields and school halls disappointingly low take-up in to run community sector which are underused out of school Bury St Edmunds and about a organisations; hours. There is an opportunity third of young people who take b. work with partners to improve for local communities to work up apprenticeships in the borough access to adult learning courses, with the education authority and never finish them. There is also a particularly for sectors identified local schools to facilitate the use public perception that there are as future growth areas in the of these facilities by the local not enough apprenticeship places. town; community. Some actions relating From 2013 the participation age c. support West Suffolk College in to this aspiration are included for apprenticeships has been raised its plans for further and higher elsewhere in this document. to 17 and from 2015 it will rise education in the town; and again to 18. There will be a need d. ensure that skills training meets 13.14 The action to achieve this to create relevant provision to the needs of a rapidly changing aspiration is: meet this need aligned with the economy. needs of the local economy. a. work with education providers to enhance and make greater use

Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council 69 BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031 14. Historic and natural environment

14.1 This section looks at our Aspiration 26 Local Plan which also seek to aspirations for how Bury St minimise impacts on biodiversity, THE HISTORIC AND NATURAL Edmunds will look and feel the majority of which are in the ENVIRONMENT IS MANAGED, in terms of the historic and Joint Development Management PROTECTED, MAINTAINED AND natural environment. Policies document. ENHANCED. 14.2 The people of Bury St Edmunds 14.5 Connecting historical assets 14.7 King’s Forest and Thetford have long perceived their town increases their significance as a Forest provide important open as both historic and green, group. Connecting historical and space for residents of Bury St celebrating Saint Edmund, the natural assets with each other Edmunds, and the forests and Abbey and more recently Bury brings together two of the town’s Breckland are an unusual habitat in Bloom. For local people, the most important attractions. with distinctive species of flora historic and natural environment is Connecting historical and natural and fauna. The borough council what makes the town unique and assets with local people links the owns a large quantity of the special. Many spaces combine the environment to the people who open space and woodland in and natural and historic environment, enjoy it and can help protect it. around the town, and it is much for example, the Abbey Gardens Although residents and visitors enjoyed by residents, but it is and Great Churchyard. The historic value the town, it is often hard for expensive to maintain and there and natural environment is also them to identify and articulate can be a conflict between nature closely linked to other themes in exactly what makes it special. conservation and public use. this document as an important Improving their knowledge attraction for visitors, as part of and understanding can help 14.8 Bury St Edmunds is recognised the cultural and leisure offering to increase their appreciation. as a town of considerable and as helping to maintain health There are several local amenity archaeological importance and and wellbeing. It is also a finite groups interested in the historic the archaeological remains form resource which needs protection. and natural environment. They an essential and valuable part represent a valuable resource of of Suffolk’s identity. Attention 14.3 In 2031, Bury St Edmunds will be a local knowledge which could be is drawn to Appendix 3 which place where: better used. shows the part of the town which is of particular archaeological Aspiration 26 14.6 For most people, the natural significance is the historic core, The historic and natural environment is best represented the majority of which lies within environment is managed, by the trees close to their homes the former town walls defences. protected, maintained and and the open spaces, parks and Beyond this area, the town lies in enhanced. woodlands to which they have the wider landscape of the Lark access. There are many different Valley, and there are Prehistoric, Aspiration 27 types of landscape around the Anglo-Saxon and other period The new pressures on the town are town which provide a diverse archaeological sites within and managed and new development is range of habitats and species, near the modern town boundaries. responsive to local distinctiveness. some of which require special protection. The Breckland Special 14.9 The actions to achieve this 14.4 The steps we need to take to Protection Area (SPA) is one aspiration are: meet our aspirations are set out as of these areas which has been actions which will be monitored given additional protection from a. working with partners, develop to ensure we keep track of our the potential impact of new theme-based trails for both the achievements and targets. development through Policy historic and natural environment CS2 of the Core Strategy. There and heritage attractions; are policies elsewhere in the for example, a Georgian

70 Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031

trail, medieval trail or Great early stage in the design process; Aspiration 27 Churchyard trail; and THE NEW PRESSURES ON THE b. connect elements of the k. ensure that new development TOWN ARE MANAGED AND NEW natural environment, physically, seeks to minimise any impacts DEVELOPMENT IS RESPONSIVE TO for wildlife, for example by on biodiversity, providing a net LOCAL DISTINCTIVENESS. woodland and through hedge gain wherever possible. planting; c. use new technology to provide Conservation Area Management 14.12 Development represents the connectivity and interpretation Plans greatest threat to the natural where appropriate; environment and even infill and d. work in partnership with local 14.10 Conservation Area Management brownfield developments can groups to implement historical Plans have been produced for the have an impact. Although the and environmental projects; two conservation areas within most important sites and species e. continue to support and Bury St Edmunds. These contain are protected by law, the loss develop community-led appraisals of the special character of incidental habitats and trees initiatives to protect, promote and appearance of the two can lead to increasing isolation. and enhance the historic and conservation areas and include The design and development of natural environment and its summaries of key features and new sites should be sympathetic interpretation; characteristics to guide future to any sensitive environmental f. enable provision of a new development in the conservation and heritage features and any country park to the north of the areas. The two conservation areas potential adverse effects should be town where there is currently in Bury St Edmunds have recently mitigated. limited access to open areas; been reviewed and the boundaries g. work with partners to manage are shown on the Policies Map. 14.13 The actions to achieve this open spaces and woodland in aspiration are: ways that protect their wildlife, 14.11 There is a strong visual relationship whilst allowing the public to between the historic centre a. ensure that new green enjoy them; of Bury St Edmunds, with its infrastructure linking to existing h. explore different options for important groups of medieval open spaces is integral to all new managing the town’s open space buildings, and the open views development; and and woodland, particularly of open countryside to the east. b. improve access to the when planning new green There are also significant views countryside, walking and cycling infrastructure; into the town including those routes. i. produce character appraisals across the water meadows of for the conservation areas to the Lark and Linnet. It is vital Green infrastructure identify their special qualities; that the important townscape j. support and encourage and landscape setting of Bury St 14.14 Now more than ever before, we developers to carry out Edmunds is maintained. must plan positively for green archaeological assessment at an infrastructure (GI) and ensure its delivery. Green infrastructure is recognised as a ‘must have’ for POLICY BV25: CONSERVING THE SETTING AND VIEWS FROM THE HISTORIC communities and for sustainable CORE development. The council will seek to preserve or enhance the townscape and landscape setting of the Bury St Edmunds Town Centre Conservation Area. Special care will be taken to • Our environmental resources are ensure that views from and into this historic centre remain unspoilt with particular under increasing pressure in the regard to the vista along Abbeygate Street and from the water meadows of the Lark face of development and climate and Linnet. change.

Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council 71 BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031

• Green infrastructure can help POLICY BV26: GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE IN BURY ST EDMUNDS adapt to and mitigate climate In and around the town of Bury St Edmunds the integrity and connectivity of the change. strategic green infrastructure network will be maintained, protected and enhanced, • Green infrastructure plays a key which includes the creation of new habitats, through the implementation of the St role as a life support system, able Edmundsbury Green Infrastructure Strategy. to deliver multiple environmental functions. Opportunities to extend the coverage and connectivity of the strategic green infrastructure network should be undertaken in association with new development, 14.15 The green infrastructure approach where appropriate. is widely recognised for its multifunctional possibilities in Green Infrastructure projects will: relation to our environment, and a. enhance the character of the Green Infrastructure Action Zones identified in the for its contribution to the three Green Infrastructure Strategy; pillars of sustainable development b. enhance and extend, where practical, the wetland landscape character of the – the economic, social and urban River Lark and River Linnet; environmental agendas. c. provide new community parklands on the strategic growth areas in the town, the areas for which will be determined at the concept and masterplan stage; 14.16 The Green Infrastructure Strategy d. connect multifunctional green infrastructure routes/corridors in the town to (September 2009) was produced existing and future green spaces; and as a response to increasing e. promote access to, and appreciation of, local history and heritage assets within development pressure within the landscape as part of a multi-functional approach. the borough which is likely to have significant implications The council will work with its partners to develop the green infrastructure network for the area’s landscape and and implement proposed network improvements including those set out in the environmental assets and to Green Infrastructure Strategy. capitalise on any associated opportunities for environmental Planning permission for development that would harm the Green Infrastructure enhancement. Part one of the GI network will only be granted if it can incorporate measures that avoid the harm Strategy includes an inventory of arising or sufficiently mitigate its effects. existing GI themed on landscape, biodiversity, recreation, access and cultural heritage and an analysis Areas of special character of the two conservation areas of future need and demands. Part there are areas of unique special two of the strategy focuses on a 14.17 The character of Bury St character and quality. There are green infrastructure vision for the Edmunds varies considerably policies elsewhere in the Local borough and includes an action from one neighbourhood to Plan which seek to protect such plan for the delivery. another. As identified above, areas, many of which sit within the two areas have been designated Joint Development Management as conservation areas. Outside Policies document.

14.18 We have not sought to specifically identify and define these areas of special character and quality. Such an approach can mean different things in different areas and it is considered the protection of such areas is addressed through policies in other documents in the Local Plan which offer the safeguards and criteria for assessing whether a proposal would have a detrimental impact on the wider area.

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74 Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031 15. Bury St Edmunds town centre

15.1 Bury St Edmunds acts as a actions which will be monitored town, help balance the presence focus for shopping, leisure, to ensure we keep track of our of national retailers in the main business and cultural activities. achievements and targets. shopping streets. It acts as a sub-regional centre serving both the town itself Aspiration 28 15.7 The actions to achieve this and surrounding smaller aspiration are: THE TOWN CENTRE IS VIBRANT AND settlements, as well as the ATTRACTIVE WITH A VARIED RETAIL needs of residents outside the a. develop the town centre as a OFFER. borough. The centre serves as destination for shoppers and more than just a destination for 15.4 Many of Bury St Edmunds’ leading visitors by maintaining and shopping trips. The buildings businesses are in traditional enhancing the current retail, have a rich diversity of uses industries, such as food and drink, leisure and culture offer; which together give the centre and it has few businesses in more b. work with market traders to its own local distinctiveness. modern industries, such as ICT. promote widely and develop the The borough council wishes Since the opening of the arc and street market to attract shoppers to maintain and improve the other shops, retail has become and new stallholders; vitality of the town and local increasingly important as an c. plan for additional retail centres in the borough and employment sector, but trends floorspace in accordance with will encourage a mix of uses towards more online shopping up-to-date appraisals of need which satisfy this aim. Bury St could threaten High Street trading. and ensure the sequential Edmunds town centre has seen It is likely that the shape of future approach to development significant change in the last employment will be very different is applied, to ensure that few years with the completion and the town may find its offering is the option of directing new of the arc shopping, leisure unsuited to the demands of 2031. development to the town centre and housing centre which is considered first; has added significantly to the 15.5 The street markets on Wednesdays d. provide for other town centre public realm. We will prepare and Saturdays also play an activities such as specialist a separate and more detailed important part in making markets (which do not compete town centre masterplan at a Bury St Edmunds town centre with the regular provisions later date in full consultation a destination of choice for markets), street cafes, and with the many organisations residents and visitors. As well as entertainment in a managed and and businesses that operate in providing a range of provisions co-ordinated way in consultation or rely on the town centre. and goods, the market can also with other users and operators; act as a place for small businesses, and 15.2 In 2031 Bury St Edmunds will be a especially retailers, and potential e. encourage uses above shop place where: entrepreneurs to experiment premises to maximise the use before moving on to take over of space and ensure the town Aspiration 28 fixed shops or other outlets. centre has life and natural The town centre is vibrant and surveillance after shops have attractive with a varied retail offer. 15.6 The town centre environment is a closed. huge asset that, in itself, attracts Aspiration 29 many visitors. Shopping streets Aspiration 29 Streets in the historic core are of such as St Johns Street, Abbeygate STREETS IN THE HISTORIC CORE high quality and give priority to Street, Hatter Street and Whiting ARE OF HIGH QUALITY AND GIVE pedestrians. Street provide an attractive PRIORITY TO PEDESTRIANS. pedestrian friendly setting where 15.3 The steps we need to take to a range of independent shops and 15.8 The historic town centre streets meet our aspirations are set out as businesses, largely unique to the of Bury St Edmunds were not

Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council 75 BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031

designed to be used by cars. Heavy areas and shared space by A town centre masterplan will traffic both contributes to the reducing the number of parking therefore be developed at a later degradation of the historic fabric spaces; date in full consultation with the and detracts from enjoyment of b. we will continue to investigate many businesses, representative it. Significant sums were invested the potential for the introduction groups and amenity organisations in the public realm of the historic of a park and ride scheme on a that operate in or rely on the town core in the late 1990s. Large areas regular basis; and centre. The 2012 Retail Appraisal of Angel Hill were set aside for c. through widespread consultation, identified that there is unlikely to pedestrians and shared spaces we will prepare a separate, more be a need for further significant were introduced in Abbeygate detailed, masterplan for the town centre shopping floorspace Street, reducing the dominance of town centre. in the short term. Therefore the car and encouraging walking. d. Town Centre Masterplan the masterplan will provide Despite being the subject of some 15.11 The town centre is so important the framework for individual controversy at the time, this is to the town as a whole that this development proposals to come now widely regarded as a success. Vision document could not do forward in the town centre, justice to the potential long term including longer term sites for 15.9 It is likely that further issues and any potential solutions. additional retail floorspace. investment will be required in the environment during the lifetime of the plan if the town POLICY BV27: BURY ST EDMUNDS TOWN CENTRE MASTERPLAN is to continue to attract visitors A detailed masterplan will be prepared for Bury St Edmunds town centre to provide from a wide area. There are areas the context for the future development of the area and provide the framework for where the width of pavement individual development proposals to come forward. struggles to cope with the number of pedestrians wanting to use it The masterplan will also address: and where moving or parked cars reduce the ability to walk around • town centre traffic management, including car parking; comfortably and safely. • the quality of the environment; • art and the public realm; and 15.10 The actions to achieve this • town centre uses. aspiration are: Applications for planning permission for sites, other than already identified a. redress the balance between for development in this Plan, and which would have a strategic impact on the the car and the pedestrian on development of the masterplan will only be determined once the masterplan has Cornhill/Buttermarket through been adopted as planning guidance by the local planning authority following public the creation of wider pavement consultation.

76 Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031 Appendix 1. Glossary of terms

List of acronyms and technical terms used in St Edmundsbury documents. Items in italics each have a separate definition.

Term Definition Accessibility The ability of everybody to go conveniently where they want. Adoption The final confirmation of a Local Development Document as having statutory (legal) status by a Local Planning Authority. Affordable housing Affordable housing includes social rented and intermediate housing, provided to specified eligible households whose needs are not met by the market. Affordable housing should: meet the needs of eligible households, including availability at a cost low enough for them to afford (determined with regard to local incomes and local house prices); and include provision for the home to remain at an affordable price for future eligible households or, if these restrictions are lifted, for the subsidy to be recycled for alternative affordable housing provision. Allowable Solutions A Government concept which would enable developers to pay into a fund to help deliver carbon-saving projects on other sites in order to qualify for a less stringent emissions target for their on-site work. Amenity open space An area that is primarily of visual importance but may also be used for recreation, either formally or informally. Rural Site Preferred Options DPD/ The document within the St Edmundsbury Local Development Framework that will contain Rural Vision 2031 site specific allocations for rural areas. It will have the status of a Development Plan Document. Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) Report produced every year on the progress of preparing the Local Plan Report and the extent to which policies are being achieved. Areas subject to planning restrictions A former Local Plan Policy (DS3 – now adopted as SPD) Gardens, open areas with grass and trees, greens, and other areas of visually important gaps and open spaces within housing settlement boundaries where proposals for development will not be considered favourably. Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) A strategy prepared for a local area aimed at conserving biological diversity. Brownfield land Brownfield land (also known as previously developed land) is that which is, or was, occupied by a permanent structure (excluding agricultural or forestry buildings), and associated fixed surface infrastructure (such as mains water pipes). The definition covers the curtilage of the development. Opposite to greenfield land. Community Action Plan Community-led processes for identifying local needs and priorities, prepared within the context of the Community Plan. Community Capital The term 'capital' is most commonly used to refer to money and material goods. However, in the context of sustainability, communities have several different types of capital that need to be considered - natural, human, social, and built capital. Together, these types of capital are referred to as community capital. Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) A levy placed on development to fund new infrastructure, based on identified need and expectations of site viability. This will largely, but not completely, replace S106 agreements. Community Plan (CP) The long term vision and action plan for St Edmundsbury articulating the aspirations, needs and priorities of the local community – prepared by the Local Strategic Partnership. Community Right to Build Communities may wish to build new homes or new community amenities, and providing they can demonstrate overwhelming local support, the Community Right to Build will give communities the powers to deliver this directly through the Localism Act. Conservation Area Areas of special architectural or historic interest, of which we want to preserve the character, appearance or setting.

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Term Definition Core Strategy The Local Development Framework document which sets out the long term spatial vision for the local planning authority area, and the spatial objectives and strategic policies to deliver that vision. The Core Strategy will have the status of a Development Plan Document. Development Plan The statutory Development Plan comprises the Development Plan Documents contained in the Local Plan Development Plan Document (DPD) Development Plan Documents outline the key development goals of the Local Plan. Development Management DPD The document within the St Edmundsbury Local Plan which will contain detailed policies guiding particular forms of development. It will have the status of a Development Plan Document. Greenfield land Land (or a defined site) which has never been built on before or where the remains of any structure or activity have blended into the landscape over time (opposite of brownfield land). Applies to most land outside the housing settlement boundary. Housing Needs Study A study which assesses the future housing needs of the district, in terms of the size, type and affordability of dwellings. The St Edmundsbury Housing Needs Study was published in 2005. Housing settlement boundary (HSB) Housing Settlement Boundaries represent the development limits or residential areas within which development proposals would be acceptable, subject to complying with other policies contained in the Development Plan. They seek to prevent development from gradually extending into the surrounding countryside. Issues and options Document(s) produced during the early production stage of the preparation of Development Plan Documents and issued for consultation. Local Development Document (LDD) The various individual documents (DPD, SCI, SPD) in the Local Plan Local Development Framework (LDF) The name for the portfolio of Local Development Documents formerly produced under the 2008 Town and Country Planning Act. It consisted of Development Plan Documents, Supplementary Planning Documents, a Statement of Community Involvement, the Local Development Scheme and Annual Monitoring Reports. Local Development Scheme (LDS) A public statement setting out which documents will make up the Local Plan, and when they will be produced. Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) A voluntary partnership between councils and businesses formed in 2011 by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to help determine local economic priorities and lead economic growth and job creation within its local area. Local Plan The plan produced under the current 2012 Town and Country Planning Regulations and the National Planning Policy Framework. The Council’s current Replacement Local Plan (2016) was adopted in 2016 Local Planning Authority The local council whose duty it is to carry out the planning function for its area Local Transport Plan (LTP) The transport strategy prepared by the local transport authority (Suffolk County Council). Localism Act The Localism Act introduces a number of changes to planning, including the abolition of Regional Spatial Strategies and the introduction of Neighbourhood Plans. National Planning Replaced the suite of PPGs and PPSs as the national planning policy framework. Policy Framework (NPPF) Neighbourhood Development Order A ‘qualifying body’ – in this instance a parish council or an organisation designated as a neighbourhood forum – may initiate the process for requiring a local planning authority to create a neighbourhood development order. A neighbourhood development order grants planning permission in a particular neighbourhood area for development specified in the order. Neighbourhood Plan A neighbourhood plan for an area can be prepared by local communities and, subject to a referendum, planning permission is automatically granted without the need for a planning application.

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Term Definition Out Commuting The movement of people to and from their place of work where they live in one town and work in another. Planning Policy Guidance (PPG) Former guidance produced by the Government on planning matters (being replaced by PPSs). Planning Policy Statement (PPS) Former Statements of National Planning Policy issued by the Government (to replace PPGs). Preferred Options Document(s) produced as part of the preparation of Development Plan Documents, and issued for formal public participation. It shows the preferred direction of a Development Plan Document. Princes Foundation An architecture school and trust founded by the Prince of Wales (UK) to promotes a return of human values to architecture Recreational Open Space An area that is primarily used for children’s play, and/or formal or informal organised games, but may also be visually important. Regional Planning Guidance/Regional The former strategic plan for the region prepared under the former planning system. Spatial Strategy (RPG/RSS) Section 106 planning obligations These are a means of ensuring otherwise unacceptable development could be made acceptable through the use of planning obligations, in line with legislation and national Planning Polwicy Framework (paragraphs 203-206 inclusive). At present, adopted guidance is in place in Suffolk in the form of the ‘Developers Guide to Infrastructure Contributions in Suffolk’. Secured by Design A police initiative to encourage the building industry to adopt crime prevention measures in the design of developments to assist in reducing the opportunity for crime and the fear of crime, creating a safer and more secure environment. Sustainability Appraisal (SA) Identifies and evaluates the effects of the strategy or plan on social, environmental and economic conditions. Statement of Community Document setting out how and when stakeholders and other interested parties will be Involvement (SCI) consulted and involved in the preparation of the Local Plan (and in the consideration of individual planning applications). Strategic Environmental Assessment An assessment of the environmental effects of a plan or programme required by EU Directive (SEA) 2001/42/EC. Combined with the Assessment Sustainability Appraisal. Site specific allocations Allocations of sites for specific or mixed uses or development, to be contained in the Allocations DPD. Policies will identify any specific requirements for individual proposals. The sites themselves will be shown on a Policies Map. Supplementary Planning Document Elaborates on policies or proposals in DPDs, and gives additional guidance. (SPD) Supplementary Planning Guidance Provides guidance or development briefs to supplement policies and proposals in a Local (SPG) Plan (being replaced by SPD). Structure Plan The strategic plan produced under the former planning system by county councils. Planning and Compulsory Purchase Puts in place the new statutory framework for preparing planning documents. Act 2004 The Regulations The formal Government regulations that define how the Local Plan is produced. Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) Regulations 2004 and 2012 Urban Capacity Study (UCS) A study produced (and kept under review) to assess the amount of land available for housing on brownfield land. The latest St Edmundsbury Urban Capacity Study was published in September 2005.

Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council 79 BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031 Appendix 2. Core Strategy Strategic Spatial Objectives

Strategic Objective A Strategic Objective E Strategic Objective I

To meet the communities’ need for To provide opportunities for people to To ensure that new development housing in a sustainable way, including shop for all their needs by sustainable only occurs where there is adequate specialist and affordable housing, by means in thriving and economically viable capacity in existing services, facilities and providing an adequate and continuous town, local and district centres. infrastructure or where this capacity can supply of land for housing. reasonably be provided where necessary Strategic Objective F before development is occupied. Strategic Objective B To enable people and goods to move Strategic Objective J To secure economic vitality and growth around efficiently and safely to the by delivering an adequate and continuous benefit of the economy and community, To ensure new development addresses supply of land for employment to meet with minimum harm to the environment and tackles environmental and the needs and demands of different by seeking to reduce car dependency and sustainability issues including climate sectors of the economy and reduce the encouraging more sustainable forms of change adaptation, carbon emissions need for out-commuting. transport. reduction, renewable energy provision, recycling, waste reduction and water Strategic Objective C Strategic Objective G efficiency.

To sustain and enhance rural communities To maintain and protect built and natural by providing, where infrastructure environment and ensure that new and environmental capacity exists, development maximises the opportunity new housing to grow settlements to re-use previously developed land and and safeguard existing rural services protects and enhances assets of local while maintaining and, where possible, design, cultural, historic and conservation improving the rural environment. importance, and character of the landscape and townscape. Strategic Objective D Strategic Objective H To maintain and develop leisure, cultural, educational and community To maintain, protect and enhance the facilities, including access to green space, biodiversity, geodiversity and natural commensurate to the level of housing environment and seek opportunities to and employment growth to meet the increase the provision of green open needs of residents and visitors. space and access to the countryside.

80 Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031 Appendix 3. Bury St Edmunds Area of Archaeological Importance

Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council 81 BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031 Appendix 4. Housing Trajectory

Projected housing completions across St Edmundsbury 2012-2031

Annual Projected completions Vision 2031 Other potential Total Annual requirement taking into requirement from commitments allocations / windfall completions account projected completions 2012/13 604 193 0 0 193 604 2013/14 604 164 190 0 354 593 2014/15 604 239 339 49 627 583 2015/16 604 162 417 25 604 565 2016/17 604 82 510 25 617 564 2017/18 604 18 572 25 615 560 2018/19 604 0 547 25 572 557 2019/20 604 0 566 25 591 556 2020/21 604 0 585 25 610 550 2021/22 604 0 590 25 615 543 2022/23 604 0 635 25 660 536 2023/24 604 0 700 25 725 522 2024/25 604 0 600 25 625 500 2025/26 604 0 595 25 620 500 2026/27 604 0 595 25 620 480 2027/28 604 0 645 25 670 449 2028/29 604 0 650 25 675 381 2029/30 604 0 565 25 590 267 2030/31 604 0 530 25 555 14

Housing Trajectory Diagram

82 Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031 Appendix 5. Monitoring and Review Framework

Future monitoring of planning policies is required to enable an understanding of the extent to which the Bury St Edmunds Vision 2031 policies deliver what is intended over the lifetime of the plan period.

The table below sets out the indicators for monitoring the effectiveness of policies, including, where applicable, performance against targets. These policies will be monitored annually through the authority’s Annual Monitoring Report (AMR).

Monitoring the Bury St Edmunds Vision 2031 policies enables the following issues to be considered: the impact the plan is having in helping to achieve targets, milestones and success factors as identified in the monitoring framework; whether the policies are working effectively or require adjusting to a more flexible approach; and whether any wider national policy changes are having an impact on the application of the Bury St Edmunds Vision 2031 Policies. Policy Edmundsbury St Objective Strategy Core Vision Edmunds Bury St Objective 2031 Indicators/Source Targets reporting. for Timescale is St Body (Responsible unless Edmundsbury indicated below) Policy BV1 Presumption in favour of A-J 1-9 See below 1. Direct measure 1. Annually Sustainable Development Policy BV2 Housing Development in A 1 1. Geography of housing completions 1. Direct measure 1. Annually Bury St Edmunds 1. Masterplan for North-west Bury St Edmunds 1. Direct measure 1. Annually Policy BV3 approved Strategic Site A, D 1, 6 North-west Bury St Edmunds 2. Annual net dwelling completions 2. Policy target 2. Annually 3. Geography of housing completions 3. Direct measure 3. Annually 1. Masterplan for Moreton Hall Bury St 1. Direct measure 1. Annually Policy BV4 Edmunds approved Strategic Site - A, D 1, 6 Moreton Hall Bury St Edmunds 2. Annual net dwelling completions 2. Policy target 2. Annually 3. Geography of housing completions 3. Direct measure 3. Annually 1. Masterplan for West Bury St Edmunds 1. Direct measure 1. Annually Policy BV5 approved Strategic Site A, D 1, 6 2. Annual net dwelling completions 2. Policy target 2. Annually West Bury St Edmunds 3. Geography of housing completions 3. Direct measure 3. Annually 1. Masterplan for North-east Bury St Edmunds 1. Direct measure 1. Annually Policy BV6 approved A, D Strategic Site 1, 6

North-east Bury St Edmunds 2. Annual net dwelling completions 2. Policy target 2. Annually 3. Geography of housing completions 3. Direct measure 3. Annually 1. Masterplan for South-east Bury St Edmunds 1. Direct measure 1. Annually Policy BV7 approved Strategic Site – A, D 1, 6 2. Annual net dwelling completions 2. Policy target 2. Annually South-east Bury St Edmunds 3. Geography of housing completions 3. Direct measure 3. Annually

Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council 83 BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031 Policy Edmundsbury St Objective Strategy Core Vision Edmunds Bury St Objective 2031 Indicators/Source Targets reporting. for Timescale is St Body (Responsible unless Edmundsbury indicated below) 1. Masterplan for Station Hill Bury St Edmunds 1. Direct measure 1. Annually Policy BV8 approved 1, 2, Station Hill Development Area A, G 4, 6 2. Annual net dwelling completions 2. Policy target 2. Annually – Bury St Edmunds 3. Geography of housing completions 3. Direct measure 3. Annually 1. Annual net dwelling completions 1. Policy target 1. Annually Policy BV9 A, G 1, 4, 6 Tayfen Road – Bury St Edmunds 2. Geography of housing completions 2. Direct measure 2. Annually

Policy BV10 1. Annual net dwelling completions 1. Policy target 1. Annually Housing on Brownfield Sites – A, G 1, 5, 6 Bury St Edmunds 2. Geography of housing completions 2. Direct measure 2. Annually 1. Site Development Brief approved 1.Direct measure 1. Annually Policy BV11 1, 5, A, G, H 2. Annual net dwelling completions 2. Policy target 2. Annually Land at Ram Meadow 6, 7 3. Geography of housing completions 3. Direct measure 3. Annually Policy BV12 New and Existing Local Centres D, E 3, 4, 7 1. Audit of existing local centre facilities 1. Direct measure 1. Annually and Community Facilities Policy BV13 Strategic Site – Extension B, F 2, 3, 7 1. Employment completions 1. Direct measure 1. Annually to Suffolk Business Park, Moreton Hall, Bury St Edmunds Policy BV14 General Employment Areas – B 2, 6 1. Employment completions 1. Direct measure 1. Annually Bury St Edmunds

Policy BV15 Alternative Business 1. Number of applications approved for B, D, E 2, 4, 6 1. Direct measure 1. Annually Development Within General alternative uses on employment land Employment Areas

Policy BV16 1. Development Brief approved 1. Direct measure 1. Annually H 5 British Sugar – Compiegne Way 2. Planning approval granted 2. Direct measure 2. Annually Policy BV17 1. New retail floorspace in the town centre and E, F 4, 7 1. Direct measure 1. Annually Out of Centre Retail Proposals in out of town locations Policy BV18 1. Percentage contribution from CIL towards Community Infrastructure Levy J 8 1. Direct measure 1. Annually CO2 reduction measures and Allowable Solutions

Policy BV19 1. Development Brief approved 1. Direct measure 1. Annually D, H 4,5 Land West of Rougham Road 2. Planning permission granted 2. Direct measure 2. Annually Policy BV20 D, H 3, 5 No current monitoring N/A N/A Rougham Airfield Policy BV21 1. Loss of allotments where no replacement D, H 4 1. Direct measure 1. Annually Allotments provision has been provided

84 Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031 Policy Edmundsbury St Objective Strategy Core Vision Edmunds Bury St Objective 2031 Indicators/Source Targets reporting. for Timescale is St Body (Responsible unless Edmundsbury indicated below) Policy BV22 West Suffolk Hospital D 4 No current monitoring N/A N/A and St Nicholas’ Hospice Policy BV23 D 9 No current monitoring N/A N/A West Suffolk College Policy BV24 Number of schools and educational Safeguarding Educational D 4 establishments where alternative educational 1. Direct measure 1. Annually Establishments or community uses have been approved Policy BV25 Conserving the setting and D 5 No current monitoring 1. Direct Measure 1. Annually views from the historic core 1. Number of green infrastructure projects 1. Direct measure 1. Annually Policy BV26 implemented Green Infrastructure in D 5 2. Number of planning applications where Bury St Edmunds contributions to green infrastructure are 2. Direct measure 2. Annually included 1. Masterplan approved 1. Direct measure 1. Annually Policy BV27 A, B, 1, 2, 4, Bury St Edmunds Town Centre 2. Number of site development briefs adopted D, E 5, 6, 7 in accordance with existing or revised 1. Direct Measure 2. Annually Masterplan Masterplan

Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council 85 BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031 Appendix 6. North-west Bury St Edmunds Concept Statement

This concept statement has been development and Fornham All a. achieving integration of the prepared to provide the parameters and Saints; development into existing framework for the development of the • provides traffic relief for Fornham residential areas on Mildenhall North-west Bury St Edmunds strategic All Saints in the form of a relief Road / Howard estate; site as defined in Policy BV3. Its purpose road between the A1101 south- b. determining the nature of the is to inform the preparation of more east of the village and the B1106 buffer between the development detailed development proposals for the to the south; area and Fornham All Saints site within the context of current and • delivers around 900 homes of village; and emerging national and local planning mixed tenure and size, including c. providing direct off road footpath/ policies and local environmental and affordable homes; cycle links to Fornham All Saints. infrastructure constraints. • provides opportunities for B1 use class local employment; Policy context 1.1 The borough council expects that • delivers additional education, the issues raised in this concept community and leisure facilities 1.6 It is not the purpose of the statement will be given full to meet the needs of this concept statement to repeat consideration in the masterplan development and is located in all relevant planning policies which will be developed for this a way that can achieve positive published elsewhere. However, site at a later date and prior to any integration with the wider area; in preparing this document, the planning applications for this site and following local policies are of being determined. • provides improved public particular relevance. transport, foot and cycle links to 1.2 This concept statement has the town centre and other locally 1.7 Core Strategy (December 2010): been prepared in accordance significant leisure, employment • Policy CS2 – Sustainable with the requirements of the and service destinations. Development council’s adopted protocol for the • Policy CS3 – Design and Local preparation of concept statements 1.4 The policy notes that the Distinctiveness and the emerging policies relating development is likely to • Policy CS5 – Affordable Housing to the preparation of concept commence early in the plan • Policy CS7 – Sustainable Transport statements and masterplans in the period and the actual amount • Policy CS11 – Bury St Edmunds Joint Development Management of development will be Strategic Growth Policies Submission Document determined by environmental • Policy CS14 – Community (October 2012). The concept and infrastructure capacity Infrastructure Capacity and Tariffs statement will inform the considerations and the preparation of a masterplan for preparation and adoption of a 1.8 Replacement St Edmundsbury the area. detailed masterplan in which the Borough Local Plan (2006): community and other stakeholders • Policy DS4 – Masterplans 1.3 Policy CS11 of the St Edmundsbury have been fully engaged. • Policy H5 – Mix of Housing Core Strategy (December 2010) • Policy L4 – Standards of Open identifies the area to the north- 1.5 The Core Strategy neither defined Space and Recreation Provision west of Bury St Edmunds for the boundary, nor the extent of • Policy L7 – Public Rights of Way development that: the site, which has been achieved • Policy T1 – Transport Assessments in the preparation of this concept • Policy T2 – Hierarchical Approach • maintains the identity and statement and the draft Bury St to Site Access segregation of Fornham All Saints; Edmunds Vision 2031 local plan. • Policy T5 – Parking Standards • provides new high quality In doing so, careful regard has • Policy T8 – Cycling and Pedestrian strategic public open space and been paid especially to: Strategies recreation facilities between the • Policy NE2 – Protected Species

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• Policy NE3 – Protection of the 1.11 The site lies on the border of the site mean that the site itself, Landscape plateau estate farmlands and is visible from a wide area with • Policy IM1 – Developer rolling estate sandlands as defined potential to have a significant Contributions in the Suffolk Landscape Character impact upon the surrounding Assessment. Characteristics of landscape unless compensatory 1.9 Submission Draft Joint these areas which are evident in measures are put in place as part Development Management the locality are: of the development. Policies Local Plan: • Policy DM2 – Creating Places – • large scale rectilinear field pattern; 1.15 The site is separated from the Development Principles and Local • flat landscape of light loams and exiting urban edge of Bury St Distinctiveness sandy soils; and Edmunds by an established tree • Policy DM3 – Masterplans • network of tree belts and coverts. belt. This could present difficulties • Policy DM6 – Flooding and in achieving integration of the new Sustainable Drainage 1.12 The site forms part of the shallow development with the existing • Policy DM7 – Sustainable Design valley of the River Lark, which is community and access to local and Construction located to the north-east. The services. New connections will be • Policy DM8 – Improving Energy land rises gently from the north- required for footpath and cycle Efficiency and Reducing Carbon east frontage to the south-west access, together with a connecting Dioxide Emissions with a plateau in the southern bus route. • Policy DM13 – Mitigation, part. A linear covert adjoins the Enhancement, Management and plateau and lines of hedgerow 1.16 The setting and identity of the Monitoring of Biodiversity trees indicate former field village of Fornham All Saints • Policy DM14 – Landscape Features boundaries. The north-eastern needs to be protected to avoid • Policy DM21 - Archaeology boundary, fronting Mildenhall coalescence with the town. This • Policy DM23 – Residential Road, is marked by mature trees can be provided through the • Policy DM36 – Protection of Local predominantly of oak and ash. creation of an effective green Centres buffer, although the nature of • Policy DM41 – Community Constraints and opportunities that buffer will require careful Facilities and Services treatment to ensure a balance • Policy DM45 – Transport 1.13 The varying topography with between protecting the identity Assessments and Travel Plans subtle ridgelines and valleys, and integrity of the village and • Policy DM46 – Parking Standards together with the natural establishing a new neighbourhood landscape features, provide a for the town. Landscape context strong framework to assist in guiding the form of development. 1.17 The construction of the relief road 1.10 The site is located on the north- This will assist in providing a connecting Mildenhall Road to western edge of Bury St Edmunds, strong visual structure as well as Tut Hill presents opportunities to bound by the Mildenhall Road adding benefit through providing divert traffic from Fornham All (A1011) to the north-east, the the site with green infrastructure Saints. village of Fornham All Saints and opportunities. Tut Hill (B1106) to the north-west, Community engagement Bury St Edmunds Golf Club to the 1.14 The site has attractive long south-west and the existing urban distance views over arable 1.18 The community consultation edge to the south-east. The village farmland, with views of key carried out by the developer, of Fornham All Saints is clearly landmarks both within the town including stakeholder workshops, visible from most parts of the site. and in surrounding villages. were well attended and However, long views out from demonstrated a strong desire

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to protect the identity and respects the setting of Fornham All creating place making features integrity of Fornham All Saints Saints and the existing adjoining and movement connections, and integrate with the Howard neighbourhoods. together with the creation of and Mildenhall Estates. Other interconnected habitats to key issues arising from the 1.20 Within St Edmundsbury encourage both flora and fauna consultation include: borough there are several nature within the built environment. conservation sites of international These areas also provide • open land between the importance, one of which is the opportunities for informal play development and Fornham All Breckland Special Protection shaping throughout the site. Saints should be maintained. The Area (SPA) and Special Area for majority of residents in the village Conservation (SAC). The Brecks 1.23 Consideration will need to be expressed the view that this land area supports the Stone Curlew, given to the incorporation of should be retained as agricultural Woodlark and Nightjar species sustainable urban drainage land; and as an area this has been systems (SUDS) from the outset. • residents of Mildenhall and given additional protection from This can incorporate features Howard estates should have direct the potential impact of future such as rainwater capture and access to significant new areas of development through Policy CS2 integrated attenuation systems. public open space; of the Core Strategy. Although the • the topography and ridgelines SPA does not fall within the area 1.24 In accordance with the principle of should be used to minimise the covered by the Bury St Edmunds walkable communities identified visual impact of the relief road; Vision document, impact on in Bury St Edmunds Vision 2031, a • the existing tree belts should be the SPA, in terms of increased community hub is identified. This retained and enhanced; recreational pressure resulting should provide a focus for the new • connections to Mildenhall and from the strategic growth, will community and activities such Howard estates should be bus, need to be carefully considered as shops, community facilities, pedestrian and cycle only; in appraising the proposals for primary school and healthcare • the priority of Tut Hill should be development on the site. A facilities. It would also provide a downgraded or closed after the Habitats Regulations (Screening) focus for any employment uses. relief road is built; Assessment of the strategic site, as The design of the community • green walking and cycling routes part of the Bury St Edmunds Vision hub should allow flexibility of use should be created; 2031 document process, has and help engender community • the local centre should be located concluded that a small increase in interaction and strong sense of close to, but not on, the relief visitors to Breckland SPA is likely place. It is acknowledged that at road; to be concentrated in areas closer the time of writing, the future • a green radial route for Bury St to Bury St Edmunds, although structure of the education system Edmunds should be proposed as not in sufficient extra numbers to in Bury St Edmunds is yet to part of the green infrastructure cause any harm to the SPA. be determined and alternative network; and opportunities for primary school • post offices, doctors’ surgeries and 1.21 It will provide a modern, high provision may arise. However, until dentists are currently lacking in quality, sustainable, energy such decisions have been made, the area. These facilities should be efficient community where it is necessary to make provision considered in the local centre. development areas will be within the site. informed by the shape of the Place making landscape and the urban form of 1.25 In addition to the community hub Bury St Edmunds and surrounding identified above, the southern 1.19 The vision for the growth area villages. end of the site falls within 400m is to deliver a fully integrated walking distance of existing new community with a strong 1.22 Mature trees and tree belts will facilities at St Olaves Precinct. sense of local identity, a vibrant be retained and provide the Every opportunity should be taken local centre, an environment that opportunity for linear parks, to improve pedestrian and cycle encourages a healthy lifestyle public open space and allotments, links with that existing facility. and a sensitive urban edge that informing the layout and

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1.26 The masterplan should address course provide an opportunity traffic calming measures through how opportunities will be created to construct homes within a to an outright ban on through to achieve the establishment landscape setting. traffic by closure of Tut Hill at of local community governance one point. The most appropriate groups and other community run 1.30 Opportunities to reduce short solution will be informed through initiatives, so that individuals feel trips by car will be an important consultation with the local able to get involved in managing factor in measuring the community and the design of the the community they live in. environmental sustainability of relief road should not preclude any the development. Movement of these options being achieved. 1.27 In order to achieve a balanced through the site will be facilitated community, the new by a network of footpaths and 1.32 The green buffer between the neighbourhoods will provide a cycleways which will connect development area and the village mix of housing types and sizes, through to the Howard and of Fornham All Saints has a including affordable housing Mildenhall estates and the town dual role, being the separation (30%), general market housing, centre. Development of the between the urban edge of Bury St executive housing and self site also presents opportunities Edmunds and the village, but also build housing. Provision also to improve footpath and cycle providing a new and important needs to be made to meet the links to Fornham All Saints. The area of open space in a part of the accommodation needs of the layout of the site should facilitate town which has been identified older generation. bus movement, with a bus link as being deficient in access between the site and the Howard to parkland (St Edmundsbury 1.28 Successful neighbourhoods estate. Notwithstanding the annual Parks and Open Space have a sense of place that helps future of Howard Middle School, Audit (December 2012)). The residents feel a sense of identity. opportunities should be fully masterplan will need to address The separation of this site from explored in the preparation of how this dual role will be best the existing urban edge of Bury the masterplan, to achieve a achieved and the measures which St Edmunds by tree belt, coupled bus connection through the will be required to ensure that the with the size of the site, provides site. General vehicular access relief road does not act as a barrier an opportunity for the creation of between the site and the Howard to access. a variety of distinctive character and Mildenhall estates will not areas to be created, making it be permitted. The focus will be 1.33 Development in the north-eastern possible for people to recognise on encouraging the use of public part of the site will need to different parts of the development transport, cycleways and footpaths take account of the unrestricted and know where they are. This can within the town and reducing commercial activities contained be assisted through high quality dependence on cars. This may within the Northern Way Industrial urban design, the use of public art require appropriate contributions Estate. These have potential and the creation of high quality towards off-site improvements to to give rise to disturbance and public realm. However, there is links with the town centre, upper noise. This could be addressed by a need to balance the variety of schools and the allocated hospital utilising the adjoining land for different parts with a coherence site. recreation purposes incorporating of character for the place as a formal play provision or other whole, particularly where the 1.31 A relief road is required between non-noise sensitive forms development will be built out in the A1101 and Tut Hill which will of development, including phases. also provide the vehicular access commercial development. points to the development. The 1.29 The overall density of the provision of this road will also development will be higher present opportunities for the close to the community hub and introduction of traffic mitigation lower at the margins of the site, measures in the village of Fornham particularly to the south and west. All Saints, particularly along Tut The areas at the extreme margins Hill. This could take the form of adjoining the countryside and golf traffic management ranging from

Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council 89 BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031

90 Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031 Appendix 7. Moreton Hall Concept Statement

This concept statement has been affordable homes; Policy context prepared to provide the parameters • providing improved public and framework for the development transport, foot and cycle links to 1.6 It is not the purpose of the of the Moreton Hall strategic site as the town centre and other locally concept statement to repeat defined in Policy BV4. Its purpose is to significant leisure, employment all relevant planning policies inform the preparation of more detailed and service destinations; and published elsewhere. However, development proposals for the site within • enabling potential transport links in preparing this document, the the context of current and emerging to the north of the railway line. following local policies are of national and local planning policies and particular relevance. local environmental and infrastructure 1.4 The policy notes that the constraints. development is likely to 1.7 Core Strategy (December 2010): commence early in the plan • Policy CS2 – Sustainable 1.1 The borough council expects that period, but that the additional Development the issues raised in this concept housing will not be permitted until • Policy CS3 – Design and Local statement will be given full the completion of the Eastern Distinctiveness consideration in the masterplan Relief Road to junction 45 of the • Policy CS5 – Affordable Housing which will be developed for this A14 (Rookery Crossroads). The • Policy CS7 – Sustainable Transport site at a later date and prior to any actual amount of development • Policy CS11 – Bury St Edmunds planning applications for this site will be determined by Strategic Growth being determined. environmental and infrastructure • Policy CS14 – Community capacity considerations and the Infrastructure Capacity and Tariffs 1.2 This concept statement has preparation and adoption of a been prepared in accordance detailed masterplan in which the 1.8 Replacement St Edmundsbury with the requirements of the community and other stakeholders Borough Local Plan (2006): council’s adopted protocol for the have been fully engaged. • Policy DS4 – Masterplans preparation of concept statements • Policy H5 – Mix of Housing and the emerging policies relating 1.5 The Core Strategy neither defined • Policy L4 – Standards of Open to the preparation of concept the boundary, nor the extent of Space and Recreation Provision statements and masterplans in the the site, which has been achieved • Policy L7 – Public Rights of Way Joint Development Management in the preparation of this Concept • Policy T1 – Transport Assessments Policies Submission Document Statement and the draft Bury St • Policy T2 – Hierarchical Approach (October 2012). The concept Edmunds Vision 2031 local plan to Site Access statement will inform the document. In doing so, careful • Policy T5 – Parking Standards preparation of a masterplan for regard has been paid especially to: • Policy T8 – Cycling and Pedestrian the area. Strategies a. ensuring the flying operations • Policy NE2 – Protected Species 1.3 Policy CS11 of the Core Strategy at Rougham Airfield are not • Policy NE3 – Protection of the proposes limited further growth at compromised by the development; Landscape Moreton Hall that will complete b. the development is easily • Policy IM1 – Developer the recent growth by: accessible for cyclist and Contributions • making provision for a secondary pedestrians from the existing school; Moreton Hall development, the 1.9 Submission Draft Joint • providing additional recreation and future strategic growth area to Development Management community facilities, including the the north of the railway line, the Policies Local Plan: relocation of Bury Town Football Suffolk Business Park and the • Policy DM2 – Creating Places – Club; strategic growth area south west Development Principles and Local • delivering around 500 homes of of the A14. Distinctiveness mixed tenure and size, including • Policy DM3 – Masterplans

Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council 91 BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031

• Policy DM6 – Flooding and these areas which are evident in but also from the requirement to Sustainable Drainage the locality are: avoid development below flight • Policy DM7 – Sustainable Design approach paths. and Construction • large scale rectilinear field pattern; • Policy DM8 – Improving Energy • flat landscape of light loams and 1.15 The open nature of the site on Efficiency and Reducing Carbon sandy soils; a plateau, with little screening, Dioxide Emissions • network of tree belts and coverts; means that any development has • Policy DM13 – Mitigation, and the potential to be visible from a Enhancement, Management and • former airfields. wide area, particularly from the Monitoring of Biodiversity north and east, with potential to • Policy DM14 – Landscape Features 1.12 The site forms part of a plateau have a significant impact upon • Policy DM21 - Archaeology with a gentle slope at its northern the surrounding landscape, unless • Policy DM23 – Residential end, truncated from land beyond, compensatory measures are put in • Policy DM36 – Protection of Local to the north by the railway. The place as part of the development. Centres northern portion of the site north Those natural landscape features • Policy DM41 – Community of Mount Road is open arable which do exist should be retained Facilities and Services land with no physical features to and significantly enhanced to • Policy DM45 – Transport identify the eastern boundary. provide a strong visual structure Assessments and Travel Plans Two private properties are located as well as adding benefit through • Policy DM46 – Parking Standards on the frontage with Mount Road. providing the site with green The larger part of the site to the infrastructure opportunities. Landscape context south of Mount Road is open arable land with evidence of field 1.16 The existing built development 1.10 The site is located on the east side boundaries along its eastern edge, to the west of the site provides of Bury St Edmunds, bound by with a section of tree belts and access to primary school facilities the Ipswich to Cambridge railway remnants of hedges, separating it and open space, but is located line to the north and existing from the airfield. A single building, at some distance from existing residential development to the the Flying Fortress Public House community facilities centred west. To the south of the site is site in the north-west section of around Lawson Place. The existing a large parcel of land extending this part of the site, is served by a public house facility within the eastwards, which is allocated vehicular access from Mount Road. site provides a focus for the siting for development as a strategic of community facilities accessible employment site incorporating Constraints and opportunities to both the existing and proposed the Eastern Relief Road, which will development. connect Moreton Hall with the 1.13 Until such time as the Eastern A14 at Junction 45. The site is Relief Road has been provided Community engagement bisected by Mount Road (C692) linking Moreton Hall directly with and National Cycle Network route Junction 45 of the A14 (Rookery 1.17 The community consultation number 51 which connects Bury Crossroads), any development events carried out by the St Edmunds with the villages of within the site will increase traffic developer included two public Thurston and Beyton to the east. flows onto Junction 44 of the exhibitions, one held at Rougham To the east of the site, south of A14 which is already operating at and one at Moreton Hall. These Mount Road, is Rougham Airfield, a capacity. identified six issues which were former WWII airfield, now used for ranked in order as follows: open air events and shows and to 1.14 The proximity of Rougham Airfield, the north of Mount Road is open which is used as an outdoor 1. road congestion arable land. entertainment venue for vehicle 2. road infrastructure shows, air displays, country shows, 3. parking 1.11 The site lies within the plateau music events and farmers’ markets 4. public transport estate farmlands as defined in has an influence on adjacent land 5. open space the Suffolk Landscape Character uses. This arises not only from 6. community facilities. Assessment. Characteristics of potential noise and disturbance,

92 Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031

1.18 A subsequent workshop for Conservation (SAC). The Brecks areas associated with the adjacent invited stakeholders discussed the area supports the Stone Curlew, airfield. With planning permission six issues identified above and Woodlark and Nightjar species already in place for the football identified further issues as follows: and as an area this has been academy in the southern part of given additional protection from the site, accessed directly from • current school locations are not the potential impact of future the Eastern Relief Road, the focus spread throughout the town and development through Policy CS2 for residential development will be parents feel they have to use their of the Core Strategy. Although the at the northern end to either side cars for the school run; SPA does not fall within the area of Mount Road. • an additional school on the east covered by the Bury St Edmunds side of Bury St Edmunds would Vision document, impact on 1.25 In accordance with the principle of assist in resolving one of the main the SPA, in terms of increased walkable communities identified in contributors to the congestion recreational pressure resulting the Bury St Edmunds Vision 2031, problem; from the strategic growth, will a community hub is identified. • improvements to school transport, need to be carefully considered This is identified in close proximity particularly for middle schools in appraising the proposals for to the existing public house and would assist where children development on the site. A should provide a focus for the cannot be expected to walk alone; Habitats Regulations (Screening) new community activities such and Assessment of the strategic site, as shops, community facilities • improved pedestrian access/cycle as part of the Bury St Edmunds and healthcare facilities. The routes, particularly for high school Vision 2031 document process, has location of the community hub routes would enable those who concluded that a small increase in would be accessible to both the can walk to school to do so safely. visitors to Breckland SPA is likely to proposed community, the existing be concentrated in areas closer to community to the west and users Place making Bury St Edmunds, although not in of Mount Road and cycle route sufficient extra numbers to cause 51. The design of the community 1.19 The vision for the growth any harm to the SPA. hub should allow flexibility of use area is to provide a place that and help engender community people choose as a place to live 1.22 Mature trees and the tree belt on interaction and a strong sense of that provides attractive well- the eastern boundary of the site place. designed houses, employment will be retained and extended opportunities, recreation and to provide a screened edge to 1.26 The masterplan should address community facilities, set within build development to the east how opportunities will be created an attractive environment with and north. These should be to achieve the establishment open space, trees, landscaping extended into the development of local community governance and other green infrastructure, to create place making features groups and other community run including allotments. and movement connections, initiatives, so that individuals feel together with the creation of able to get involved in managing 1.20 It will provide a modern, high interconnected habitats to the community they live in. quality, sustainable, energy encourage both flora and fauna efficient development which within the built environment. 1.27 In order to achieve a balanced integrates with the existing community, the new development to the west and 1.23 Consideration will need to be neighbourhoods will provide a provides an attractive edge to the given to the incorporation of mix of housing types and sizes, urban form of Bury St Edmunds. sustainable urban drainage including affordable housing systems (SUDS) from the outset. (30%), general market housing, 1.21 Within St Edmundsbury This can incorporate features executive housing and self borough there are several nature such as rainwater capture and build housing. Provision also conservation sites of international integrated attenuation systems. needs to be made to meet the importance, one of which is the accommodation needs of the Breckland Special Protection 1.24 Built development will need to older generation. Area (SPA) and Special Area for avoid the flight path safeguarding

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1.28 The overall density of the amenity open space, linking with should also be provided from Lady development will be higher the open space on the opposite Miriam Way. close to the community hub and side of Lady Miriam Way to the lower at the eastern margins of west. 1.31 A relief road is required between the site. The extreme margins Moreton Hall (Skyliner Way) and at the eastern part of the site, 1.30 Opportunities to reduce short trips junction 45 of the A14 trunk road north of Mount Road, provide an by car will be an important factor (Rookery Crossroads), which will opportunity to construct homes in measuring the environmental provide access to the football within a landscape setting. sustainability of the development. academy and secondary school. Movement through the site will The provision of this road will 1.29 Policy CS11 of the adopted St be facilitated by a network of also accommodate existing traffic Edmundsbury Core Strategy footpaths and cycleways, which which currently uses junction identifies the requirement for a will connect with the existing 44 of the A14 and Mount secondary school. This could be system which provides access Road. The relief road will also accommodated to the south of to the town centre. Links should provide access to the eastward the flight path safeguarding area, also be made to development extension to Suffolk Business Park north of the football academy, proposed to the north of the providing significant employment enabling shared use of amenities railway line. Vehicular access to the opportunities. with the football academy. secondary school will be provided The area within the flight path from the Eastern Relief Road to safeguarding area would be the east of the football academy, used as school playing field and but footpath and cycle access

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Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council 95 BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031 Appendix 8. West Bury St Edmunds Concept Statement

This concept statement has been • provides traffic relief for Westley a. ensuring the segregation and prepared to provide the parameters and in the form of a relief road to the distinctiveness of Westley is framework for the development of the east of the village; maintained as a result of the West Bury St Edmunds strategic site as • delivers around 450 homes of development; defined in Policy BV5. Its purpose is to mixed tenure and size, including b. ensuring that the buffer between inform the preparation of more detailed affordable homes; the development and Westley is development proposals for the site within • makes provision for the long term attractive and effective; the context of current and emerging development of a sub-regional c. links to the Westley estate national and local planning policies and health campus (relocation of the to enable support of existing local environmental and infrastructure West Suffolk Hospital) of landmark facilities; constraints. buildings set within high quality d. integration of Westley Middle landscapes; School site and any future uses; 1.1 The borough council expects that • delivers additional education, and the issues raised in this concept community and leisure facilities e. the health campus is accessible by statement will be given full to meet the needs of this a range of modes of travel. consideration in the masterplan development and is located in which will be developed for this a way that can achieve positive Policy context site at a later date and prior to any integration with the wider area; planning applications for this site and 1.6 It is not the purpose of the being determined. • provides improved public concept statement to repeat transport, foot and cycle links to all relevant planning policies 1.2 This concept statement has the town centre and other locally published elsewhere. However, been prepared in accordance significant leisure, employment in preparing this document, the with the requirements of the and service destinations. following local policies are of council’s adopted protocol for the particular relevance. preparation of concept statements 1.4 The policy notes that the and the emerging policies relating development is likely to 1.7 Core Strategy (December 2010): to the preparation of concept commence early in the • Policy CS2 – Sustainable statements and masterplans in the medium term and the actual Development Joint Development Management amount of development will be • Policy CS3 – Design and Local Policies Submission Document determined by environmental Distinctiveness (October 2012). The concept and infrastructure capacity • Policy CS5 – Affordable Housing statement will inform the considerations and the • Policy CS7 – Sustainable Transport preparation of a masterplan for preparation and adoption of a • Policy CS11 – Bury St Edmunds the area. detailed masterplan in which the Strategic Growth community and other stakeholders • Policy CS14 – Community 1.3 Policy CS11 of the St Edmundsbury have been fully engaged. Infrastructure Capacity and Tariffs Core Strategy (December 2010) identifies the area to the West of 1.5 The Core Strategy neither defined 1.8 Replacement St Edmundsbury Bury St Edmunds for development the boundary, nor the extent of Borough Local Plan (2006): that: the site, which has been achieved in the preparation of this Concept • Policy DS4 – Masterplans • maintains the identity and Statement and the draft Bury St • Policy H5 – Mix of Housing segregation of Westley; Edmunds Vision 2031 local plan • Policy L4 – Standards of Open • provides new high quality document. In doing so, careful Space and Recreation Provision public open space and regard has been paid especially to: • Policy L7 – Public Rights of Way recreation facilities between the • Policy T1 – Transport Assessments development and Westley; • Policy T2 – Hierarchical Approach

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to Site Access edge of Bury St Edmunds (known 1.14 The site has attractive long • Policy T5 – Parking Standards as the Westley Estate), and the distance views over arable • Policy T8 – Cycling and Pedestrian western edge adjoins the village of farmland to the south designated Strategies Westley. Westley village is served as a Special Landscape Area. • Policy NE2 – Protected Species by a road which runs in a north- However, long views out from • Policy NE3 – Protection of the south direction adjoining the site, the site mean that the site itself, Landscape connecting the A1302 and the is visible from a wide area with • Policy IM1 – Developer A14 at junction 42 to the north potential to have a significant Contributions with Westley Road and Westley impact upon the surrounding Lane to the south which connect landscape, unless compensatory 1.9 Submission Draft Joint with the A143 at Horringer. measures are put in place as part Development Management of the development. Policies Local Plan: 1.11 The site lies predominantly within the plateau estate farmlands 1.15 The site has a continuous open • Policy DM2 – Creating Places – as defined within the Suffolk boundary with the urban edge of Development Principles and Local Landscape Character Assessment, Bury St Edmunds which should Distinctiveness but is also partly within the assist in integrating development. • Policy DM3 – Masterplans undulating estate farmlands at its However, much of this boundary • Policy DM6 – Flooding and southern end. Characteristics of is formed by the rear gardens Sustainable Drainage these areas are: of houses fronting Oliver Road • Policy DM7 – Sustainable Design and opportunities for access to and Construction • large scale rectilinear field pattern; permeate between the two areas • Policy DM8 – Improving Energy flat landscape of light loams and is limited. New connections will Efficiency and Reducing Carbon • sandy soils (plateau estate); be required for footpath and Dioxide Emissions • undulating arable landscape cycle access, but not for vehicular • Policy DM13 – Mitigation, (undulating estate); and access. An existing footpath and Enhancement, Management network of tree belts and coverts. part cycleway adjacent to Westley and Monitoring of Biodiversity • Middle School has potential for • Policy DM14 – Landscape Features 1.12 The northern part of the site upgrading to a full footpath/ • Policy DM21 - Archaeology is typical of the plateau estate cycleway. • Policy DM23 – Residential farmland, being a flat landscape • Policy DM36 – Protection of containing a rectilinear field pattern 1.16 The eastern part of the site is Local Centres with hedges and tree belts. The within 400 metres of existing • Policy DM41 – Community southern part of the site, however, community facilities located at Facilities and Services sits on the edge of the Linnet valley Oliver and Ridley Road. • Policy DM45 – Transport and falls away to the south. Assessments and Travel Plans 1.17 The setting and identity of • Policy DM46 – Parking Standards Constraints and opportunities the village of Westley must be protected to avoid coalescence Landscape context 1.13 The varying topography together with the town. This can be with natural landscape features, achieved through the creation of 1.10 The site is located on the western provides a strong framework to an effective green buffer. edge of Bury St Edmunds, bound assist in guiding the form of the by Newmarket Road (A1302) and development. This will assist in 1.18 The need to reserve a site to the Ipswich to Cambridge railway providing a strong visual structure accommodate a future sub- line to the north and Westley Road as well as adding benefit through regional health campus for to the south. The eastern side of providing the site with green West Suffolk requires careful the site adjoins the western urban infrastructure opportunities. consideration. However, its

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early identification provides an Place making 1.24 That part of the site which sits opportunity to integrate the site on the plateau above the ridge of with its surroundings through the 1.21 The vision for the growth area the south facing river valley has early provision and establishment is to deliver a sustainable and the greatest impact upon long of green infrastructure. vibrant new community, set distance views from the south. within an attractive environment This area should be kept clear 1.19 The construction of the relief with a sensitive urban edge of built development and offers road connecting Westley Road which respects the adjoining an opportunity for significant with Newmarket Road presents neighbourhoods and the identity landscape enhancement through an opportunity to divert through and setting of Westley village. the provision of parkland which traffic from Westley. would reinforce the visual 1.22 It will provide a modern, high separation between Bury St Community engagement quality, sustainable, energy Edmunds and Westley. The efficient development which masterplan should fully explore 1.20 The community consultation integrates with the existing opportunities for varied tree was carried out by the developer development to the east and planting in this area in the and included a two-day public provides an attractive urban edge form of coverts, tree belts and exhibition which identified to Bury St Edmunds. specimen trees. These should be local assets and issues which extended into the development were then tested and explored 1.23 Within St Edmundsbury to create place making features through a workshop session. borough there are several nature and movement connections, The key themes which emerged conservation sites of international together with the creation of from the exhibition were a importance, one of which is the interconnected habitats to desire for a buffer zone to keep Breckland Special Protection encourage both flora and fauna Westley separate from Bury St Area (SPA) and Special Area for within the built environment. Edmunds, ensuring open space is Conservation (SAC). The Brecks retained near to Oliver Road and area supports the Stone Curlew, 1.25 Consideration will need to be a desire for a mixture of onsite Woodlark and Nightjar species given to the incorporation of and offsite community facilities. and as an area this has been sustainable urban drainage Other key issues arising from the given additional protection from systems (SUDS) from the outset. consultation include: the potential impact of future This can incorporate features development through Policy CS2 such as rainwater capture and • new and improved bus services of the Core Strategy. Although the integrated attenuation systems. to the new neighbourhood and SPA does not fall within the area Westley; covered by the Bury St Edmunds 1.26 In accordance with the principle of • cycleways connecting Westley to Vision document, impact on walkable communities identified Bury St Edmunds; the SPA, in terms of increased in the Bury St Edmunds Vision • the whole local road infrastructure recreational pressure resulting 2031, residential development is needs improving; from the strategic growth, will located within the eastern part • any new relief road must need to be carefully considered of the site within 400m of the accommodate HGVs; in appraising the proposals for existing community facilities • significant permanent buffer development on the site. A located at Oliver Road and Ridley needed between Westley and new Habitats Regulations (Screening) Road. The nearest schools are development; Assessment of the strategic site, as located in Oliver Road and Greene • Westley must retain village status; part of the Bury St Edmunds Vision Road. Although within easy reach • access to the hospital should be 2031 document process, has of existing facilities, the proposed from Newmarket Road; and concluded that a small increase in development will be required • HGVs should be restricted from visitors to Breckland SPA is likely to contribute to enhancement Oliver Road. to be concentrated in areas closer of those services to meet the to Bury St Edmunds, although additional demands created. not in sufficient extra numbers to cause any harm to the SPA.

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1.27 The masterplan should address 1.30 Opportunities to reduce short trips delivery and appropriate traffic how opportunities will be created by car will be an important factor mitigation measures in Westley, to achieve the establishment in measuring the environmental ranging from traffic calming, to an of local community governance sustainability of the development. outright ban on through traffic by groups and other community run Movement through the site will the closure of Fornham Lane at initiatives, so that individuals feel be facilitated by a network of one point. able to get involved in managing footpaths and cycleways, which the community they live in. will connect with the existing 1.32 The north west portion of the system at Newmarket Road and site is identified for the provision 1.28 In order to achieve a balanced Oliver Road which provide access of a sub-regional health campus. community, the new to the town centre. In addition, Although this facility is unlikely neighbourhoods will provide a an enhanced footpath/cycle link to be required until the latter mix of housing types and sizes, should be provided to the village part of the plan period, the including affordable housing of Westley through the area of masterplan will need to address (30%), general market housing, parkland/open space. how it will be integrated with the executive housing and self rest of the development site and build housing. Provision also 1.31 Policy CS11 of the adopted Core Westley village. This will include needs to be made to meet the Strategy requires traffic relief for consideration of the landscape accommodation needs of the Westley through the delivery of infrastructure and its potential for older generation. a relief road to the east of the delivery in advance of the health village in the medium term. This campus. Consideration will also 1.29 The overall density of road will connect Newmarket need to be given to a movement development will vary through Road to the north with Westley strategy for the health campus. the development, being lower Lane to the south and will provide at the margins of the site and in direct access to the development. particular, the south eastern part The masterplan will need to of the site most prominent from address the full nature and route views from the south. of this road, together with its

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100 Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031 Appendix 9. North-east Bury St Edmunds Concept Statement

This concept statement has been • facilitates the provision of an A143 a. preventing coalescence of prepared to provide the parameters and Great Barton bypass; development with Great Barton; framework for the development of the • contributes to reducing congestion b. improving linkages to Moreton North-east Bury St Edmunds strategic site at appropriate junctions on the Hall and rest of the town; as defined in Policy BV6. Its purpose is to A14 in Bury St Edmunds; c. walkable neighbourhoods; and inform the preparation of more detailed • provides improved public d. delivery of services and facilities development proposals for the site within transport, foot and cycle links with the development. the context of current and emerging to the town centre and south national and local planning policies and towards the A14 and strategic Policy context local environmental and infrastructure employment sites; constraints. • delivers around 1250 homes of 1.6 It is not the purpose of the mixed tenure and size, including concept statement to repeat 1.1 The borough council expects that affordable homes; all relevant planning policies the issues raised in this concept • provides opportunities for B1 use published elsewhere. However, statement will be given full class local employment; in preparing this document, the consideration in the masterplan • provides new, high quality following local policies are of which will be developed for this strategic public open space and particular relevance. site at a later date and prior to any recreation facilities; and 1.7 Core Strategy (December 2010): planning applications for this site • delivers additional education, being determined. community and leisure facilities • Policy CS2 – Sustainable to meet the needs of this Development 1.2 This concept statement has development and is located in • Policy CS3 – Design and Local been prepared in accordance a way that can achieve positive Distinctiveness with the requirements of the integration with the wider area. • Policy CS5 – Affordable Housing council’s adopted protocol for the • Policy CS7 – Sustainable Transport preparation of concept statements 1.4 The policy notes that the • Policy CS11 – Bury St Edmunds and the emerging policies relating development is likely to Strategic Growth to the preparation of concept commence in the latter part of • Policy CS14 – Community statements and masterplans in the the plan period and the actual Infrastructure Capacity and Tariffs Joint Development Management amount of development will be 1.8 Replacement St Edmundsbury Policies Submission Document determined by environmental Borough Local Plan (2006): (October 2012). The concept and infrastructure capacity statement will inform the considerations and the • Policy DS4 – Masterplans preparation of a masterplan for preparation and adoption of a • Policy H5 – Mix of Housing the area. detailed masterplan in which the • Policy L4 – Standards of Open community and other stakeholders Space and Recreation Provision 1.3 Policy CS11 of the St Edmundsbury have been fully engaged. • Policy L7 – Public Rights of Way Core Strategy (December 2010) • Policy T1 – Transport Assessments identifies the area to the north- 1.5 The Core Strategy neither defined • Policy T2 – Hierarchical Approach east of Bury St Edmunds for the boundary, nor the extent of to Site Access development that: the site, which has been achieved • Policy T5 – Parking Standards in the preparation of this concept • Policy T8 – Cycling and Pedestrian • maintains the identity and statement and the draft Bury St Strategies segregation of Great Barton Edmunds Vision 2031 local plan • Policy NE2 – Protected Species and creates a new, high quality document. In doing so, careful • Policy NE3 – Protection of the entrance to Bury St Edmunds; regard has been paid especially to: Landscape

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• Policy IM1 – Developer • large scale rectilinear field pattern; 1.15 The site is separated from the Contributions • flat landscape of light loams and existing urban edge of Bury St sandy soils; Edmunds by the railway line, 1.9 Submission Draft Joint • network of tree belts and coverts; which provides a physical barrier. Development Management and This could present difficulties in Policies Local Plan: • clustered villages with a scattering achieving integration of the new • Policy DM2 – Creating Places – of farmsteads around them. development with the existing, Development Principles and Local 1.12 Although located within an area with opportunities for footpath Distinctiveness characterised as flat landscape, the and cycle connection limited. • Policy DM3 – Masterplans site is gently rolling in character, The existing level crossing point • Policy DM6 – Flooding and falling from north-east to south- at Cattishall and footpath tunnel Sustainable Drainage west. A green lane crosses through should be utilised. • Policy DM7 – Sustainable Design the site and divides it between and Construction north and south. The southern 1.16 The physical separation created • Policy DM8 – Improving Energy part is largely open in character by the railway offers opportunities Efficiency and Reducing Carbon with remnants of former field for the development to create its Dioxide Emissions boundaries, a tree belt, small tree own independent character and • Policy DM13 – Mitigation, clumps and a hedge at its eastern identity. Enhancement, Management and end which forms the edge of Monitoring of Biodiversity the former Cattishall Green. The 1.17 The setting and identity of the • Policy DM14 – Landscape Features northern part of the site retains it village of Great Barton and the • Policy DM21 - Archaeology rectilinear field pattern, hedges and hamlet of Cattishall need to be • Policy DM23 – Residential coverts and includes views of Holy protected to avoid coalescence • Policy DM36 – Protection of Innocents Church to the north east. with the town. This can be Local Centres This part of the site is the most provided through the creation of • Policy DM41 – Community prominent from distant views. effective green buffers, although Facilities and Services the nature of those buffers will • Policy DM45 – Transport Constraints and opportunities require careful treatment to ensure Assessments and Travel Plans a balance between protecting the • Policy DM46 – Parking Standards 1.13 The varying topography, historic identity and integrity of the village and natural landscape features, and hamlet and establishing a new Landscape context provide a strong framework to neighbourhood for the town. assist in guiding the form of 1.10 The site, which is roughly development. This will assist in 1.18 Development of the site will have triangular in shape, is located on providing a strong visual structure an impact upon Junction 43 of the the north-east side of Bury St as well as adding benefit through A14 which is operating at capacity Edmunds bound to the north-west providing the site with green and routes into the town centre. by Bury Road (A143) and to the infrastructure opportunities. Mitigation will be required to south by the Ipswich to Cambridge address these. railway line, with the modern 1.14 The site has attractive long development at Moreton Hall distance views over arable 1.19 The development must be capable beyond. To the east is the small farmland, with views of key of accommodating a route for any hamlet of Cattishall. landmarks both within the town bypass proposed for Great Barton. and in surrounding villages. 1.11 The site lies within the plateau However, long views out from Community engagement estate farmlands as defined in the site mean that the site itself, the Suffolk Landscape Character is visible from a wide area, with 1.20 The community consultation Assessment. Characteristics of potential to have a significant carried out by the developer these areas which are evident in impact upon the surrounding included three separate well the locality are: landscape unless compensatory attended drop-in exhibitions and measures are put in place as part a workshop, designed to test and of the development. develop the outcomes of the

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exhibition/open days. The key Breckland Special Protection 1.26 In accordance with the principle of ideas and visioning raised from the Area (SPA) and Special Area for walkable communities identified consultation are as follows: Conservation (SAC). The Brecks in Bury St Edmunds Vision 2031, a area supports the Stone Curlew, community hub is identified. This • traffic relief to Great Barton, for Woodlark and Nightjar species should provide a focus for the new example, through a bypass or and as an area this has been community and activities such diversion of traffic to other routes; given additional protection from as shops, community facilities, • additional, complementary the potential impact of future primary school and healthcare and accessible facilities such as development through Policy CS2 facilities. It would also provide schooling, childcare, shopping and of the Core Strategy. Although the the location for any employment leisure opportunities; SPA does not fall within the area uses. The design of the community • improved pedestrian and cycle covered by the Bury St Edmunds hub should allow flexibility of use routes; Vision document, impact on and help engender community • improved bus services, the SPA, in terms of increased interaction and strong sense of for example, through the recreational pressure resulting place. development of a shuttle bus from the strategic growth, will service; need to be carefully considered 1.27 In addition to the community • improvements to bottlenecks with in appraising the proposals for hub identified above, the south the local highway system such as development on the site. A eastern part of the site falls within the Orttewell Road – Barton Road Habitats Regulations (Screening) walking distance of the proposed A143 area; Assessment of the strategic site, as community hub for Moreton Hall • the development of a rail halt at part of the Bury St Edmunds Vision identified in the Moreton Hall Cattishall – potentially linked to a 2031 document process, has Concept Statement. Opportunities park and ride service; and concluded that a small increase in should be fully exploited to • a mix of house type including visitors to Breckland SPA is likely provide pedestrian and cycle links sheltered housing for the elderly to be concentrated in areas closer to that proposed facility. as well as starter homes for young to Bury St Edmunds, although families. not in sufficient extra numbers to 1.28 The masterplan should address cause any harm to the SPA. how opportunities will be created Place making to achieve the establishment 1.24 Mature trees and tree belts, hedges of local community governance 1.21 The vision for the growth area is and the green lane will be retained groups and other community run to deliver a new community with and provide the opportunity initiatives, so that individuals feel a village character that is its own for linear parks, public open able to get involved in managing identifiable place and yet is well space, and allotments, informing the community they live in. connected to its hinterland. the layout and creating place making features and movement 1.29 In order to achieve a balanced 1.22 It will provide a modern, high connections, together with community, the new quality, sustainable, energy the creation of interconnected neighbourhoods will provide a efficient community where habitats to encourage both mix of housing types and sizes, development will be informed flora and fauna within the built including affordable housing by the shape of the landscape development. These areas will also (30%), general market housing and the urban form of Bury St provide opportunities for informal and executive housing. Provision Edmunds and surrounding villages, play shaping throughout the site. also needs to be made to meet to create a sensitive transition the accommodation needs of the between urban, semi-rural and 1.25 Consideration will need to be older generation. The masterplan rural. given to the incorporation of should make provision for self sustainable urban drainage build properties and opportunities 1.23 Within St Edmundsbury systems (SUDS) from the outset. for community build projects borough there are several nature This can incorporate features should be explored. conservation sites of international such as rainwater capture and importance, one of which is the integrated attenuation systems.

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1.30 Successful neighbourhoods of the site to the north adjoining the site should facilitate bus have a sense of place that helps the buffer zone and to the east movement and accessibility. The residents feel a sense of identity. closest to Cattishall provide an focus will be on encouraging the The separation of this site from opportunity to construct homes use of public transport, cycleways the existing urban edge of Bury within a landscape setting. Existing and footpaths within the town and St Edmunds by the railway line landscape features including reducing the dependence on cars. and the size of the site, provides field boundaries, the green lane, an opportunity for the creation of and coverts will be retained and 1.33 All vehicular access points will a variety of distinctive character utilised to inform the shape of the be from the A143 connected areas to be created making it development and develop a sense via a spine road which will allow possible for people to recognise of place. circulatory access for cars and different parts of the development buses. This spine road will provide and know where they are. This can 1.32 Opportunities to reduce short trips access to the community hub and be assisted through high quality by car will be an important factor a connected network of streets. urban design, the use of public art in measuring the environmental and the creation of high quality sustainability of the development. 1.34 The green buffer between the public realm. However, there is Movement through the site will development area, the village of a need to balance the variety of be facilitated by a network of Great Barton and the hamlet of different parts with a coherence footpaths and cycleways which Cattishall will serve a dual role, of character for the place as a will connect through to the being the separation between whole, particularly where the proposed secondary school at the urban edge of Bury St development will be built out in Moreton Hall and connect with Edmunds and the village/hamlet, phases. the footpath and cycle network but also providing a new and including national Cycle Network important area of open space. The 1.31 The overall density of the site routes 13 and 51 to the town masterplan will need to address will vary, with lower density centre. Development of the site how this dual role will be best development towards the margins also presents opportunities to achieved and provide details of its of the site, particularly to the east. improve footpath and cycle links delivery at an early stage. The areas at the extreme margins to Great Barton. The layout of

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Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council 105 BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031 Appendix 10. South-east Bury St Edmunds Concept Statement

This concept statement has been including maintaining significantly 1.5 The Core Strategy neither defined prepared to provide the parameters and important open spaces that the boundary, nor the extent of framework for the development of the provide the setting of the historic the site, which has been achieved South-east Bury St Edmunds strategic site centre; in the preparation of this concept as defined in Policy BV7. Its purpose is to • makes a positive contribution to statement and the draft Bury St inform the preparation of more detailed reducing the potential for flooding Edmunds Vision 2031 local plan development proposals for the site within both in the area and downstream document. In doing so, careful the context of current and emerging in the Lark Valley; regard has been paid especially to: national and local planning policies and • contributes to reducing congestion local environmental and infrastructure at appropriate junctions on the a. an overall neighbourhood of constraints. A14 in Bury St Edmunds; approximately 1250 new homes; • delivers a relief road that reduces b. defining two distinct walkable 1.1 The borough council expects that levels of through traffic using the neighbourhoods connected by a the issues raised in this concept Rougham Road and Sicklesmere public green; statement will be given full Road; c. a relief road which addresses consideration in the masterplan • provides improved public congestion along A1302 / A134 which will be developed for this transport, foot and cycle links (Rougham Road/Sicklesmere site at a later date and prior to any to the town centre and north Road) and provides a strategic link planning applications for this site towards the A14 and strategic into the new development; being determined. employment sites; d. a generous public central • provides new high quality strategic green which functions as a 1.2 This concept statement has public open space and recreation neighbourhood centre whilst been prepared in accordance facilities; enhancing visual access to the with the requirements of the • delivers additional education, landscape; council’s adopted protocol for the community and leisure facilities e. a primary school with adjacent preparation of concept statements to meet the needs of this playing fields at the back of the and the emerging policies relating development and is located in block; to the preparation of concept a way that can achieve positive f. a landscape-led plan with statements and masterplans in the integration with the wider area; aspirations for drawing the Joint Development Management and surrounding landscape into the Policies Submission Document • delivers around 1250 homes of masterplan and creating an (October 2012). The concept mixed tenure and size, including amenity for local people; statement will inform the affordable homes. g. walkable neighbourhoods which preparation of a masterplan for consist of recognisable streets the area. 1.4 The policy notes that the and paths throughout the development is likely to development and which connect 1.3 Policy CS11 of the St Edmundsbury commence in the latter part of strategically to the town centre Core Strategy (December 2010) the plan period and the actual and out into the surrounding identifies the area to the south- amount of development will be countryside; east of Bury St Edmunds for determined by environmental h. a mixed use community with a development that: and infrastructure capacity mix of retail, employment and considerations and the community facilities; • positively uses the framework for preparation and adoption of a i. a footpath and cycle route along new development provided by detailed masterplan in which the the river corridor straight to the the existing natural environment community and other stakeholders town centre and links to the and character of the area, have been fully engaged. existing pedestrian and cycle

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network into the surrounding • Policy CS2 – Sustainable Monitoring of Biodiversity countryside; Development • Policy DM14 – Landscape Features j. creating newly located garden • Policy CS3 – Design and Local • Policy DM21 - Archaeology allotments and food producing Distinctiveness • Policy DM23 – Residential spaces; • Policy CS5 – Affordable Housing • Policy DM36 – Protection of Local k. sports fields and playing fields • Policy CS7 – Sustainable Transport Centres making use of the flood plains; • Policy CS11 – Bury St Edmunds • Policy DM41 – Community l. making use of the River Lark Strategic Growth Facilities and Services by providing access and a local • Policy CS14 – Community • Policy DM45 – Transport amenity; Infrastructure Capacity and Tariffs Assessments and Travel Plans m. relocation of the large lorry park; • Policy DM46 – Parking Standards n. currently the household recycling 1.8 Replacement St Edmundsbury site is not seen as contributing Borough Local Plan (2006): Landscape context negatively to the site and is not • Policy DS4 – Masterplans proposed to be removed in the • Policy H5 – Mix of Housing 1.10 The area which comprises two early stages; • Policy L4 – Standards of Open distinct parcels of land, is located o. two new bus stops and a Space and Recreation Provision on the south-eastern side of Bury new bus route through both • Policy L7 – Public Rights of Way St Edmunds broadly between neighbourhoods; • Policy T1 – Transport Assessments Sicklesmere Road (A134) to the p. travel planning developed in • Policy T2 – Hierarchical Approach south west and the A14 to the order to encourage other non-car to Site Access north east. The northern boundary modes of transportation; • Policy T5 – Parking Standards is formed by Rougham Hill and q. creating the potential for links to • Policy T8 – Cycling and Pedestrian Rushbrooke Lane, which includes the eastern side of Moreton Hall Strategies a number of properties and runs and the business park, avoiding • Policy NE2 – Protected Species through the centre of the site. the A14 junction; • Policy NE3 – Protection of the r. creating a green buffer to the Landscape 1.11 The site lies within the plateau south of the site in order to • Policy IM1 – Developer estate farmlands as defined in prevent further housing expansion Contributions the Suffolk Landscape Character into the special landscape ribbon Assessment. Characteristics of thereby discourages sprawl; and 1.9 Submission Draft Joint these areas which are evident in s. incorporating flood attenuation Development Management the locality are: south-east of the disused railway Policies Local Plan: line. • Policy DM2 – Creating Places – • flat landscape of light loams and Development Principles and Local sandy soils; Policy context Distinctiveness • large scale rectilinear field pattern; • Policy DM3 – Masterplans • network of tree belts and coverts; 1.6 It is not the purpose of the • Policy DM6 – Flooding and and concept statement to repeat Sustainable Drainage • 18th – 19th and 20th century all relevant planning policies • Policy DM7 – Sustainable Design landscape parks. published elsewhere. However, and Construction in preparing this document, the • Policy DM8 – Improving Energy 1.12 The site forms part of the shallow following local policies are of Efficiency and Reducing Carbon valley of the River Lark, which particular relevance. Dioxide Emissions both crosses the site and forms • Policy DM13 – Mitigation, part of the northern and southern 1.7 Core Strategy (December 2010): Enhancement, Management and boundaries of each of the two

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parcels of land. The northern area point. This provides a strong link existing roads, but to provide rises gently to the north east with the urban fabric of Bury St an alternative relief route for from the river with established Edmunds. traffic wishing to access the A14 hedgerows. Beyond the site to from the A134, which currently the east are significant tree belts 1.17 The site is separated from the converges on Southgate Green and coverts. The southern portion existing urban edge of Bury St roundabout, sharing the route of the site is separated from the Edmunds by the river. Although with traffic wishing to access northern area by the river and an this could present difficulties in Bury St Edmunds, the West embankment carrying a former achieving integration with existing Suffolk Hospital and the A143 to railway. This area includes flood communities, the river could Haverhill. plains along its northern edge, with provide an opportunity to create wetland vegetation and habitats. To footpath and cycle links through Community engagement the south of this, the land is formed the site and connecting with the by a single large open arable field. town and the countryside beyond. 1.22 The community consultation events were carried out by The 1.13 The northern part of the site is 1.18 The area around Rougham Hill Prince’s Foundation for the Built crossed by high voltage electricity includes a household waste Environment on behalf of the cables supported by pylons. recycling centre and a lorry park. developers which included two The lorry park is located within public meetings which included Constraints and opportunities the boundaries of the site. The facilitated exercises to identify integration of the household and map positive and negative 1.14 The varying topography with the waste site will require careful issues and opportunities. This was river and valley, together with consideration and a suitable new followed by two Enquiry by Design natural and man-made landscape location will be required for the Workshops. These identified five features, provides a strong lorry park. key issues as follows: framework to assist in guiding the form of development. This 1.19 The high voltage electricity cables • landscape and ecology; will assist in providing a strong which cross the site currently • transport and movement; visual structure as well as adding detract from the appearance • employment; benefit through providing the site and character of the landscape. • community facilities; and and the land beyond, with green The relocation of these cables • development and design. infrastructure opportunities. underground would result in a significant improvement to the 1.23 Detailed consideration was given 1.15 The site has long distance views locality. to a range of issues arising under over arable farmland and parkland each of the above headings. to the south. This area, which 1.20 The site is located at the furthest extends into the site is designated point from the waste water Place making as a Special Landscape Area. treatment works located at However, long views out from Fornham St Martin. The existing 1.24 The vision for the growth area is to the site mean that the site itself, sewerage network through the create an attractive, cohesive and is visible from a wide area with centre of Bury St Edmunds will well-balanced community that is potential to have a significant not accommodate significant influenced by the surrounding high impact upon the surrounding additional flows. Alternative quality natural environment, which landscape, unless compensatory sewage network provision will be sits sympathetically around the measures are put in place as part required to link the site with the existing properties on Rushbrooke of the development. treatment works. Lane.

1.16 The northern part of the northern 1.21 A relief road is required between 1.25 It will provide a modern, high portion of the site, has views Rougham Road to the north quality, sustainable, energy towards the historic core of Bury and Sicklesmere Road to the efficient community where St Edmunds across open meadows, south. The purpose of this road development will be informed with the cathedral forming a focal is not intended to bypass the by the shape of the landscape

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and the urban form of Bury shaping throughout the site. 1.32 In order to achieve a balanced St Edmunds, and provide an community, the new attractive urban extension to the 1.28 The existence of the river through neighbourhoods will provide a town. the site should be capitalised mix of housing types and sizes, on to provide a continuous including affordable housing 1.26 Within St Edmundsbury riverside walk, providing a green (30%), general market housing borough there are several nature corridor linking a series of open and executive housing. Provision conservation sites of international spaces, tree belts and plantations, also needs to be made to meet importance, one of which is the with potential to enhance the the accommodation needs of the Breckland Special Protection biodiversity of the area. These older generation. The masterplan Area (SPA) and Special Area for open spaces should link in should make provision for self Conservation (SAC). The Brecks with existing open space and build properties and opportunities area supports the Stone Curlew, river corridor beyond the site, for community build projects Woodlark and Nightjar species in accordance with the Green should be explored together and as an area this has been Infrastructure Strategy. with opportunities for Gypsy and given additional protection from Traveller accommodation should the potential impact of future 1.29 Consideration needs to be given a need be identified at the time of development through Policy CS2 to the incorporation of sustainable the development. of the Core Strategy. Although the urban drainage systems (SUDS) SPA does not fall within the area from the outset. This can 1.33 Successful neighbourhoods covered by the Bury St Edmunds incorporate features such as have a sense of place that helps Vision document, impact on rainwater capture and integrated residents feel a sense of identity. the SPA, in terms of increased attenuation systems. The separation of this site from recreational pressure resulting the existing urban edge of Bury from the strategic growth, will 1.30 In accordance with the principle of St Edmunds by the river, but need to be carefully considered walkable communities identified close affinity with the historic in appraising the proposals for in Bury St Edmunds Vision 2031, a core through visual and footpath development on the site. A community hub is identified.This links, coupled with the size of Habitats Regulations (Screening) should provide a focus for the new the site, provides an opportunity Assessment of the strategic site, as community and activities such for the creation of a variety of part of the Bury St Edmunds Vision as shops, community facilities, distinctive character areas to be 2031 document process, has primary school and healthcare created, making it possible for concluded that a small increase in facilities.It would also provide a people to recognise different visitors to Breckland SPA is likely focus for any employment uses. parts of the development and to be concentrated in areas closer The design of the community know where they are. This can to Bury St Edmunds, although hub should allow flexibility of use be assisted through high quality not in sufficient extra numbers to and help engender community urban design, the use of public art cause any harm to the SPA. interaction and strong sense of and the creation of high quality place. Given the distances involved, public realm. However, there is 1.27 Mature trees and tree belts will a second hub may need to be a need to balance the variety of be retained and provide the considered, supported by further different parts with a coherence opportunity for linear parks, employment opportunities towards of character for the place as a public open space and allotments, the southern end of the site. whole, particularly where the informing the layout and development will be built out in creating place making features 1.31 The masterplan should address phases. and movement connections, how opportunities will be created together with the creation of to achieve the establishment 1.34 The overall density of the site will interconnected habitats to of local community governance be higher close to the community encourage both flora and fauna groups and other community run hub(s) and lower at the margins within the built environment. initiatives, so that individuals feel of the site, particularly to the east These areas also provide able to get involved in managing and west. The area at the extreme opportunities for informal play the community they live in. margin to the north at the highest

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part of the site provides an Moreton Hall. This could also serve for cars and buses. This spine road opportunity to construct homes to provide improved cycle links to may double as the relief road within a landscape setting. the village of Rougham. The layout and will provide access to the of the site should facilitate bus community hubs and connected 1.35 Opportunities to reduce short trips movement and accessibility. The network of streets. That part of by car will be an important factor focus will be on encouraging the Rushbrooke Lane serving the in measuring the environmental use of public transport, cycleways existing properties will be retained sustainability of the development. and footpaths within the town and by-passed by the spine road. Movement through the site and reducing dependence on will be facilitated by a network cars. This may require appropriate 1.37 The proximity of Nowton Park of footpaths and cycleways, contributions towards off-site to the south-west of the site will which will connect to the town improvements to improving the provide access to a significant centre. Opportunities to provide links identified above. informal parkland recreation a footpath/cycleway link to facility. However, provision will the existing bridleway crossing 1.36 The principal vehicular access be required for sports fields and of the A14 to Suffolk Business points will be from the Rougham recreation facilities within the site, Park should be fully explored, to Road to the north and Sicklesmere which could be sited within the provide a direct connection to Road to the south, connected via a flood plain accessible from the the proposed secondary school at spine road which will allow access community hub.

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Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council 111 BURY ST EDMUNDS VISION 2031 Appendix 11. Replacement of saved St Edmundsbury Local Plan (2016) Policies

The St Edmundsbury Local Plan was adopted in 2006. In 2009 St Edmundsbury Borough Council made representations to the Secretary of State to save a number of policies from the Replacement Local Plan beyond the transition period from the implementation of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act (2004).

The following saved policies are superseded on adoption of the Bury St Edmunds Vision 2031 document.

Replacement Policy Heading Where policy is St Edmundsbury superseded by the Bury Local Plan 2016 St Edmunds Vision 2031 policy reference document BSE1 Housing on brownfield sites – Bury St Edmunds BV10 BSE2 Vinefields Farm Deleted BSE3 Strategic Site – Suffolk Business Park, Moreton Hall, Bury St Edmunds BV13 BSE4 General Employment Area BV14 BSE5 British Sugar BV16 BSE6 Station Hill Development Area BV8 BSE7 Town Centre Development Area, Bury St Edmunds BV27 BSE8 St Edmundsbury Retail Park BV17 BSE9 Tayfen Road, Bury St Edmunds BV9 BSE10 St Andrews Street North Deleted BSE11 Park and Ride Bury St Edmunds Deleted BSE12 New Railway Station Deleted BSE13 Bury St Edmunds Eastern Relief Road BV13 BSE14 West Suffolk Hospital BV22 BSE15 New Schools Site Deleted BSE16 West Suffolk College BV23 BSE17 Western Way BV15

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Produced by St Edmundsbury Borough Council 115 Prepared by: Planning and Growth, St Edmundsbury Borough Council West Suffolk House, Western Way, Bury St Edmunds IP33 3YU www.westsuffolk.gov.uk • [email protected] • Tel: 01284 757368