LLooccaall PPllaann
Annual Monitoring Report 2014/2015
December 2015
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Local Authorities are required by the Planning and Compulsory Act to produce an Annual Monitoring Report (AMR).
The AMR provides an update of progress made in developing planning policies for the District, and uses information against a variety of indicators and targets to assess the extent to which policy objectives are being achieved.
This is Three Rivers District Council’s eleventh AMR covering the monitoring year 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015.
Progress on Developing Planning Policy
The Three Rivers Core Strategy was adopted on 17 October 2011, and was the first Core Strategy to be adopted in Hertfordshire.
The Development Management Policies Document was adopted on 26 July 2013.
The Site Allocations Local Development Document (SALDD) was adopted on 25 November 2014.
The Community Infrastructure Levy Charging Schedule was adopted on 24 February 2015 and came into force on 1 April 2015.
Of the 29 planning appeals that were decided in the monitoring year, eight were allowed (28%), 20 were dismissed (69%) and one was partly allowed (3%). These figures demonstrate the robustness of the planning policies in place for the District.
Provision of Homes
285 (net) new homes were built between 1 April 2014 and 31 March 2015. Once adjusted to take account of previous dwelling delivery, the residual annual housing target for Three Rivers is 146 dwellings per annum.
Housing land supply analysis shows that Local Plan documents are making progress towards addressing the housing needs of the District. At 9.0 years, Three Rivers is able to demonstrate a five year + 5% supply of deliverable housing. This is in line with the requirements of paragraph 47 of the National Planning Policy Framework.
87.3% of new homes were built on previously developed land.
93 new affordable homes were completed between 1 April 2014 and 31 March 2015.
Provision of Jobs
In total, there was a net loss of 4,085sqm floorspace for employment uses between 1 April 2014 and 31 March 2015. However, 2,500sqm of this recorded loss was at Homepark Industrial Estate, Kings Langley, which was to facilitate the construction of a new three storey office building, which falls within use class B1a.
Safeguarding the Environment
No applications were granted planning permission against Environment Agency advice on flooding or water quality grounds.
i
No new commercial renewable energy facilities were given planning permission or installed between 1 April 2014 and 31 March 2015. Within the District there is 3.105MW installed commercial renewable energy capacity provided by a wind turbine at Kings Langley and a co-firing biomass facility at Maple Cross.
Carbon emissions have continued to fall.
Maintaining the Green Belt
35 new dwellings were completed within the Green Belt. All of these completions were built on previously developed land (PDL).
Securing Good Services and Facilities
59% of units in identified retail centres across the District are in use for retail and the majority of the remaining units are complementary non-retail uses such as financial and professional services and restaurants and cafes. Only 4% of units in the District are currently vacant.
Achieving a Sustainable Transport Vision
99% of new residential developments were within 30 minutes public transport time of a GP surgery, primary schools, employment areas and major retail centres, exceeding the Core Strategy target of 90%.
96% of new residential developments were within 30 minutes public transport time of secondary schools.
22% of new homes were within 30 minutes public transport time of a hospital. Improving bus services to provide better access to Watford General Hospital is identified as a priority for the future in the Core Strategy.
Maintaining and Improving Quality of Life
Three Rivers as a whole has a low level of deprivation, however there are pockets of deprivation visible at the super output area scale within South Oxhey, Maple Cross, parts of Mill End and parts of Abbots Langley. These areas of deprivation in the District will be the focus for measures to address deprivation.
Levels of violence against persons, burglary, and theft of a motor vehicle have consistently fallen between 2008/09 and 2014/15.
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ...... 1
CHAPTER 2: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME ...... 2 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME (OCTOBER 2014) ...... 2 CORE STRATEGY ...... 2 GYPSY AND TRAVELLER DOCUMENT ...... 2 POLICY IMPLEMENTATION ANALYSIS ...... 2
CHAPTER 3: INFRASTRUCTURE DELIVERY...... 4
CHAPTER 4: DUTY TO COOPERATE ...... 7
CHAPTER 5: PROVISION OF HOMES ...... 8 INDICATOR H1: POPULATION ...... 8 INDICATOR H2: POPULATION PROJECTIONS ...... 10 INDICATOR H3: HOUSEHOLDS ...... 10 INDICATOR H4: HOUSING DEMAND ...... 11 INDICATOR H5: HOUSING AFFORDABILITY ...... 12 INDICATOR H6: PLAN PERIOD AND HOUSING TARGETS ...... 12 INDICATOR H7: HOUSING TRAJECTORY & HOUSING LAND SUPPLY ...... 12 INDICATOR H8: NEW AND CONVERTED DWELLINGS ON PREVIOUSLY DEVELOPED LAND (PDL) ...... 17 INDICATOR H9: COMMITMENTS ON PREVIOUSLY DEVELOPED LAND ...... 17 INDICATOR H10: COMPLETIONS BY SETTLEMENT ...... 17 INDICATOR H11: COMPLETIONS WITHIN THE EXISTING URBAN AREA ...... 18 INDICATOR H12: DENSITY OF HOUSING COMPLETIONS ...... 18 INDICATOR H13: SIZE OF COMPLETED DWELLINGS ...... 19 INDICATOR H14: AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMPLETIONS ...... 19 INDICATOR H15: NEW RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CONTRIBUTING TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING ...... 20 INDICATOR H16: TENURE MIX OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMPLETIONS ...... 20 INDICATOR H17: NET ADDITIONAL PITCHES FOR GYPSIES AND TRAVELLERS ...... 21
CHAPTER 6: PROVISION OF JOBS ...... 22 INDICATOR E1: ECONOMICALLY ACTIVE PEOPLE IN EMPLOYMENT ...... 22 INDICATOR E2: CLAIMANT COUNT ...... 22 INDICATOR E3: INCOME...... 23 INDICATOR E4: QUALIFICATIONS ...... 23 INDICATOR E5: GCSE ACHIEVEMENT ...... 24 INDICATOR E6: ACTIVE ENTERPRISES ...... 24 INDICATOR E7: INDUSTRY GROUPS ...... 25 INDICATOR E8: TOTAL AMOUNT OF ADDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT FLOORSPACE BY TYPE ...... 26 INDICATOR E9: EMPLOYMENT GROWTH BY SETTLEMENT ...... 26 INDICATOR E10: TOTAL AMOUNT OF EMPLOYMENT FLOORSPACE ON PREVIOUSLY DEVELOPED LAND (PDL) ...... 27 INDICATOR E11: AMOUNT OF EMPLOYMENT FLOORSPACE DEVELOPED IN EMPLOYMENT AREAS ...... 27 INDICATOR E12: AMOUNT OF EMPLOYMENT FLOORSPACE LOST IN EMPLOYMENT AREAS ...... 28 INDICATOR E13: AMOUNT OF EMPLOYMENT LAND LOST TO RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT ...... 28 INDICATOR E14: EMPLOYMENT LAND AVAILABLE BY TYPE ...... 28 INDICATOR E15: EMPLOYMENT LAND AVAILABLE ON PREVIOUSLY DEVELOPED LAND ...... 29
iii
CHAPTER 7: SAFEGUARDING THE ENVIRONMENT ...... 30 INDICATOR EN1: NEW DEVELOPMENT IN THE AONB ...... 30 INDICATOR EN2: IDENTIFIED HERITAGE ASSETS ...... 31 INDICATOR EN3: HERITAGE ASSETS AT RISK ...... 31 INDICATOR EN4: DEMOLITION OF LISTED OR LOCALLY LISTED BUILDINGS ...... 31 INDICATOR EN5: NUMBER OF CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISALS PREPARED .... 31 INDICATOR EN6: NUMBER OF PLANNING PERMISSIONS GRANTED CONTRARY TO ENVIRONMENT AGENCY ADVICE ON FLOODING AND WATER QUALITY GROUNDS ...... 31 INDICATOR EN7: HOUSEHOLD WATER CONSUMPTION ...... 32 INDICATOR EN8: CHANGE IN AREAS OF BIODIVERSITY IMPORTANCE ...... 32 INDICATOR EN9: CONDITION OF SITES OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST ...... 33 INDICATOR EN10: LOCAL BIODIVERSITY SITES IN POSITIVE CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT ...... 33 INDICATOR EN11: RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION ...... 33 INDICATOR EN12: TOTAL INSTALLED RENEWABLE ENERGY CAPACITY ...... 34 INDICATOR EN13: PER CAPITA CARBON EMISSIONS ...... 34 INDICATOR EN14: NUMBER OF PEOPLE LIVING WITHIN AQMAs ...... 35 INDICATOR EN15: NUMBER OF DAYS PER YEAR WHERE AIR POLLUTION IS MODERATE OR HIGH ...... 35
CHAPTER 8: MAINTAINING THE GREENBELT ...... 37 INDICATOR GB1: DWELLINGS IN THE GREENBELT ...... 37 INDICATOR GB2: AMOUNT OF EMPLOYMENT FLOORSPACE DEVELOPED IN THE GREENBELT ...... 37
CHAPTER 9: SECURING GOOD SERVICES AND FACILITIES ...... 38 INDICATOR S1: VITAILITY AND VIABILITY OF RETAIL CENTRES ...... 38 INDICATOR S2: TOTAL FLOORSPACE FOR TOWN CENTRE USES ...... 38 INDICATOR S3: LOSS OR INCREASE IN PUBLIC OPEN SPACE, SPORT AND RECREATION FACILITIES ...... 39 INDICATOR S4: PERCENTAGE OF PLANNING APPLICATIONS WITH PROVISION OF OR FUNDING FOR GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE, WILDLIFE AREAS OR ALTERNATIVE GREENSPACE ...... 39
CHAPTER 10: ACHIEVING A SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT VISION ...... 40 INDICATOR T1: TRAVEL TO WORK ...... 40 INDICATOR T2: JOURNEYS MADE BY BUS/TRAIN ...... 40 INDICATOR T3: NUMBER OF PEOPLE KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED IN ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS ...... 42 INDICATOR T4: AMOUNT OF NEW RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT WITHIN 30 MINUTES PUBLIC TRANSPORT TIME OF A GP; A HOSPITAL; A PRIMARY SCHOOL; A SECONDARY SCHOOL; AREAS OF EMPLOYMENT AND A MAJOR RETAIL CENTRE(S) ...... 42
CHAPTER 11: MAINTAINING AND IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE ...... 44 INDICATOR L1: INDEX OF DEPRIVATION ...... 44 INDICATOR L2: CRIME ...... 44 INDICATOR L3: RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT FOR 10 OR MORE DWELLINGS APPROVED CONTRARY TO SAFETY AND SECURITY ADVICE ...... 44 INDICATOR L4: COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT FOR 1,000SQM OR MORE APPROVED CONTRARY TO SAFETY AND SECURITY ADVICE ...... 45 INDICATOR L5: NUMBER OF APPEALS ALLOWED FOLLOWING REFUSAL ON DESIGN GROUNDS ...... 45 INDICATOR L6: BUILDING FOR LIFE ASSESSMENTS ...... 45
Glossary and Abbreviations ...... 46
iv
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 This is the Three Rivers District Council Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) for monitoring year 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015. The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 introduced a requirement for local authorities to prepare reports to assess the implementation of the Local Development Scheme (LDS) and the extent to which policies in Local Development Documents (LDDs) are being successfully implemented.
1.2 Monitoring is important for effective planning to ensure that policies remain relevant and respond to changing needs and circumstances. The Annual Monitoring Report identifies key challenges and opportunities for Three Rivers and provides the background against which to consider the need for any review of planning policies by highlighting any changing circumstances.
1.3 The adopted planning policy covering the 2014/2015 monitoring year for Three Rivers is set out in the adopted Local Plan, which constitutes the Core Strategy, the Development Management Policies LDD and the Site Allocations Local Development Document. The council also has a number of Supplementary Planning Documents.
1.4 The previous Local Plan, which covered the period 1996-2011, has now been completely superseded by the documents that form the new Local Plan. The Core Strategy, the Development Management Policies LDD and the Site Allocations LDD replaced all of the previous Local Plan 1996-2011 policies (set out in Appendix 1 of the Core Strategy, Appendix 8 of the Development Management Policies LDD and Appendix 1 of the Site Allocations LDD).
1.5 During the monitoring year, the policies within both the Core Strategy and Development Management Policies LDD were in place. As the Site Allocations document LDD was adopted in November 2014, this Annual Monitoring Report takes into account the monitoring framework for all of these documents. The monitoring framework from the previous Local Plan 1996-2011 is no longer being reported upon.
1.6 Following the publication of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in March 2012, the government launched the National Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG), in March 2014. This is a web-based tool, which is designed to provide additional guidance to the NPPF.
1
CHAPTER 2: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME
LOCAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME (OCTOBER 2014)
2.1 The Local Development Scheme (LDS) sets out what individual Local Development Documents the Council will prepare, together with a timetable for their production.
2.2 A revised LDS covering the 2014/2015 monitoring year was published in October 2014. The timetable for document production is shown in Table 2.1.
2.3 Due to changes in national planning legislation since the previous LDS was published in December 2012, (publication of the Localism Act 2011 and the 2012 local planning regulations) the revised LDS is much more concise than previous versions and no longer reflects the full Development Plans work programme. The revised LDS now only includes a revised timetable for the Gypsy, Traveller & Travelling Showpeople LDD and the anticipated timescale for the preparatory work on a revision to the Core Strategy.
2.4 The revised LDS also contains further information on other documents that include the Policies Map, Sustainability Appraisals and the Annual Monitoring Report.
CORE STRATEGY
2.5 The Core Strategy provides the over-arching strategy and policies and sets out the Council’s vision and objectives for future developments to 2026.
2.6 The Core Strategy was adopted on 17 October 2011, in line with the previous LDS, which was in effect at the time. It is the council’s intention to commence a review of the Core Strategy in summer 2017, which is programmed within the review of the current LDS.
GYPSY AND TRAVELLER DOCUMENT
2.7 As part of the examination into the Core Strategy, it was identified that a Gypsy and Traveller LDD should be produced to review targets for Gypsy and Traveller provision in the District and to identify and allocate appropriate sites.
2.8 In line with the LDS timetable, the Council consulted on the revised draft Gypsy, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople Local Development Document between 3 October and 14 November 2014. However, the Council has decided to postpone the submission of the document, in light of recent government guidance. It is anticipated that a revised LDS will be produced that will show a timetable for the document’s anticipated submission, examination and adoption.
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION ANALYSIS
2.9 To assess the continued usefulness of planning policies, and identify those which may need review or replacement, the extent to which policies are being implemented has been assessed.
2.10 Many of the policies will relate to effects monitored by indicators examined in more detail in chapters 4 to 10 of this AMR.
2.11 In the monitoring year 2014/2015, 29 planning appeals were decided. Eight were allowed, 20 were dismissed and one was party allowed. There were 829 full planning applications permitted and 69 refused.
2
Table 2.1: Local Development Scheme Timetable (October 2014)
2014 2015 2016 2017 O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O Gypsy, Traveller & Travelling Show People LDD Core Strategy
KEY FOR TABLE 2.1 Submission Preparation Pre-Hearing Meeting Public consultation Hearings Publication Adoption
3
CHAPTER 3: INFRASTRUCTURE DELIVERY
3.1 One of the key tasks of the Three Rivers AMR is to indicate how infrastructure providers have performed against the programme for infrastructure provision set out in the Core Strategy and to reprioritise any previous assumptions made regarding infrastructure delivery.
3.2 The adopted Core Strategy includes an Infrastructure Delivery Schedule which sets out what infrastructure is required to support the planned increase in new homes and jobs and the projected population growth within Three Rivers to 2026. The Infrastructure Delivery Schedule includes indicative delivery phasing periods that can be monitored against.
3.3 The Infrastructure Delivery Schedule was updated as part of the Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2012 to take account of the latest requirements and past delivery, however this was published at the end of the monitoring year 2011/12 and therefore Table 3.1 sets out the infrastructure projects identified in the Core Strategy Infrastructure Delivery Schedule that are phased to occur within the monitoring or reporting year, and the progress made on delivering these projects.
3.4 In addition to supporting the delivery of identified schemes, the Core Strategy requires development to provide, or make adequate contribution towards, infrastructure and services. Table 3.2 sets out financial contributions received and on site facilities provided for community services and infrastructure through development in the monitoring year.
3.5 Based on progress made, it is not considered necessary to reprioritise any assumptions about infrastructure made in the Infrastructure Delivery Schedule.
4
Table 3.1: Infrastructure Delivery against Infrastructure Delivery Schedule Infrastructure Project Indicative Estimated Proposed/Expected Lead Delivery Infrastructure Delivery Cost Funding Agency Delivered/Actions Phasing Arrangements Health Enlargement and 2010/2011 £338,000 Maple Cross LSP West Herts PCT Enlargement and Provision: redevelopment of Maple Cross to Capital and Maple Cross Club redevelopment of Maple Satellite Clinic Club to enable provision of 2012/2013 Revenue Cross Club completed, outreach services Performance but does not include Reward Grant outreach services. Strategic Metropolitan Line extension to 2016 to £284m Department for Transport for Funding secured in Transport: Watford Junction Station 2020 Transport/Transport London November 2015. Metropolitan for London/ Line Extension Hertfordshire County Council Local Transport: Extension of the cycle route TBA/Under Unidentified Capital/Developer TRDC Delayed to agree route Cycling Network between Rickmansworth and investigation Contributions and secure funding Improvements Chorleywood before obtaining permissions. New cycle route from Bedmond 2016/2017 £50,000 Capital/Developer TRDC Delayed to agree route to South Way via Abbots Contributions and secure funding Langley before obtaining permissions. Cycle route between Croxley 2016/2017 £150,000 Capital/Developer TRDC Delayed to agree route Green and Rickmansworth Contributions and secure funding Town Centre before obtaining permissions. Green New play area in Chorleywood 2016/2017 £95,000 Capital TRDC Anticipated 2016/17. Infrastructure: New play area in Ashridge 2012/2013 £95,000 Capital TRDC Project complete. Provision for Ward (South Oxhey) Children and Young People
5
Table 3.2: Financial Contributions Received and On Site Facilities Provided for Community Services and Infrastructure through Development in the Monitoring Year On Site Provision Facility Scheme n/a n/a Financial Contributions Type Amount Childcare £0 Education £0 Health £0 Library £0 Open Space and Play £31,757.35 Public Realm £0 Highways and Sustainable Transport £0 Youth £0 Affordable Housing £562,463.66 Total £594,221.01
6
CHAPTER 4: DUTY TO COOPERATE
4.1 The Localism Act 2011 introduced a Duty to Cooperate in relation to strategic planning. The Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 require monitoring reports to detail action taken to meet these requirements during the period covered by the report.
4.2 During the 2014/2015 monitoring year, officers have continued to meet with surrounding Local Planning Authorities under the Duty to Cooperate. The discussions focussed on the evolving Local Plans and set out to identify strategic cross boundary issues. The local planning authorities that surround Three Rivers are as follows:
Dacorum Borough; Hertsmere Borough; St Albans City & District; Watford Borough; London Borough of Harrow; London Borough of Hillingdon; Chiltern District; South Buckinghamshire District
4.3 Officers from the council have also had meetings with Hertfordshire County Council as Minerals & Waste Planning Authority.
4.4 Further joint working and information sharing has been facilitated by attendance at a number of countywide and more local groups including:
Hertfordshire Infrastructure Planning Partnership (HIPP) Hertfordshire Planning Group (HPG) Planning Hertfordshire Planning Group (HPG) Development Plans Hertfordshire Planning Group (HPG) Landscape Community Infrastructure Levy Reference Group Building Futures Group Hertfordshire Information Liaison Group Hertfordshire Economic Development Officers Group Housing and Regeneration Initiative Transport liaison groups including Transport and Access Partnership. STIBlet and South West Herts Partnership.
4.5 The council produced a Duty to Cooperate Statement, which formed part of the evidence base for the Site Allocations document. The Inspector’s final report on the examination into the Site Allocations Local Development Document concluded that the Council had complied with the Duty to Cooperate imposed by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. The Site Allocations document was adopted in November 2014.
.
7
CHAPTER 5: PROVISION OF HOMES
INDICATOR H1: POPULATION
5.1 The 2011 Census gave the resident population of Three Rivers as 87,317, a 5.4% increase on the 2001 Census population of 82,8481. This increase was below the Hertfordshire (7.93%) and England (7.88%) averages.
5.2 The age structure of the Three Rivers population broadly follows the national pattern with a slump in population between the ages of 20 to 35 and a peak through ages 35 to 60 as shown in Figure 5.1.
Figure 5.1: Three Rivers Age Distribution Pyramid2
5.3 The Office for National Statistics (ONS) produces mid-year estimates of population. The estimated growth in the Three Rivers population since 2001 with age breakdown is shown in Table 5.1.
1 A 5.6% increase on the 1991 Census population of 78,457 2 Office for National Statistics Census 2011 [Online] http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/interactive/vp2- 2011-census-comparator/index.html 8
Table 5.1: Three Rivers Resident Population3 Mid - Mid - Mid- Mid - 2011 Mid - Mid- Mid- 2001 2004 2006 2008 2010 Census 2011 2013 2014 Total 87,900 82,848 84,100 85,000 87,100 88,900 87,317 89,495 90,423 population (87,921) Population 16,047 16,200 16,100 16,400 16,800 16,355 16,400 16,835 17,050 aged 0-14 Population aged 15- 13,374 13,300 13,600 14,00 14,200 14,372 14,500 14,562 14,610 29 Population aged 30- 19,002 19,300 19,200 19,200 19,000 18,269 18,400 18,336 18,367 44 Population aged 45- 16,813 17,300 17,600 17,900 18,600 18,301 18,400 19,188 19,429 59 Population aged 60- 10,958 11,100 11,500 12,200 12,800 12,641 12,700 12,880 13,113 74 Population 6,654 6,900 7,100 7,300 7,600 7,379 7,400 7,694 7,854 aged 75 +
5.4 The mid 2014 population estimates show that the Three Rivers population is estimated to have increased by 3.4% from the census recorded population in 2011.
5.5 The components of population change contributing to the increase in population between the 2011 Census and the mid-2014 population estimate are shown in Table 5.2 as natural change (births and deaths) and migration.
Table 5.2: Components of Three Rivers Population Change4 Net Migration Total Mid-2014 Census Day Live Births Deaths and Other Change Population Population (mid-2014) (mid-2014) (mid-2014) (mid-2014) 87,600 +1,043 -707 +596 +932 90,423
5.6 The ethnic composition of Three Rivers resident population is predominately ‘White’. While ‘Asian or Asian British’ are represented at higher percentages than for the East of England and England, ‘Black or Black British’ groups are represented at percentages lower than the English averages.
5.7 Figure 5.2 shows the ethnic composition of Three Rivers, East of England and England at the time of the 2011 Census.
3 Office for National Statistics (2015), MYE2: Population Estimates by single year of age and sex for local authorities in the UK, mid-2014. http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/re-reference- tables.html?edition=tcm%3A77-368259] 4 Office for National Statistics (2015), MYE3: Population Change for Local Authorities in the UK, mid-2014. http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/re-reference-tables.html?edition=tcm%3A77- 322718 9
Figure 5.2: Ethnic Composition of Three Rivers, East of England and England (2011 Census)5
100% 90% Three Rivers 80% East of England 70% England 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% White Mixed Asian or Asian Black or Black Other Ethnic British British Group
INDICATOR H2: POPULATION PROJECTIONS
5.8 The ONS have produced population projections to 2037 based on 2012 mid-year population estimates. This was released by the ONS in May 2014. The projections are trend based, so assume that future levels of births, deaths and migration will continue the observed pattern of the previous five years. The projections do not take into account any future policy changes that have not yet occurred.
5.9 Table 5.3 shows that by 2037, the population of Three Rivers is projected to reach 112,000 people.
Table 5.3: Three Rivers Population Projections 2012-20376 Year Projected Population 2012 89,000 2017 94,000 2022 99,000 2027 104,000 2032 108,000 2037 112,000
INDICATOR H3: HOUSEHOLDS
5.10 At the 2011 Census, there were 35,108 households in the District. Table 5.4 shows that Three Rivers has a higher proportion of owner occupied households than Hertfordshire, the East of England and England. A lower proportion of Three Rivers households are in rented and social rented accommodation than in Hertfordshire, the East of England and England.
5 Office for National Statistics 2011 Census Table KS201 [Online] http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/re-reference-tables.html?edition=tcm%3A77-286262 6 Office for National Statistics (2014). 2012-based Subnational Population Projections, Table 2: Local authorities and higher administrative areas within England. http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/re-reference-tables.html?edition=tcm%3A77-335242 10
Table 5.4: Three Rivers Household Occupation7 Total Owner Shared Social Private Living Households Occupied Ownership Rented Rented Rent Free Three 35,108 72.7% 0.6% 15.2% 10.6% 1.0% Rivers Hertford 453,817 66.8% 0.9% 18.2% 13.1% 1.0% shire East of 2,423,035 67.6% 0.7% 15.7% 14.7% 1.3% England England 22,063,368 63.3% 0.8% 17.7% 16.8% 1.3%
5.11 Table 5.5 shows that Three Rivers has a higher proportion of detached and semi-detached properties than Hertfordshire and England and has a lower proportion of terraced and flat/maisonette properties.
Table 5.5: Household Spaces and Accommodation Type8 Caravan/mobile/ Semi Flat or Detached Terraced temporary Detached Maisonette structure Three Rivers 26.3% 35.0% 19.1% 18.7% 0.9% Hertfordshire 21.1% 28.0% 28.1% 22.4% 0.4% East of England 29.4% 30.4% 22.8% 16.7% 0.8% England 22.3% 30.7% 24.5% 22.1% 0.4%
INDICATOR H4: HOUSING DEMAND
5.12 At the 2011 Census, there were 36,159 dwellings in Three Rivers, and only 1,051 household spaces with no usual residents9.
5.13 The number of households on the Three Rivers housing register is 859. The proportion of people requiring three bedrooms has increased while Three Rivers proportions requiring up to and including two bedrooms and more than three bedrooms have increased.
Table 5.6: Social Rented Housing Demand10 All Households on Households Households Households households register on register on register requiring an on housing requiring up to requiring 3 requiring unspecified register and including bedrooms more than 3 number of 2 bedrooms bedrooms bedrooms 2001/2002 1,002 88.6% 9.8% 1.6% 0% 2003/2004 1,573 83.4% 13.9% 2.7% 0% 2005/2006 1,760 81.0% 16.8% 2.2% 0% 2006/2007 1,825 86.7% 10.7% 2.6% 0% 2007/2008 1,825 79.1% 18.5% 2.5% 0%
7 Office for National Statistics 2011 Census Table KS402 [Online] http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/re-reference-tables.html?edition=tcm%3A77-286262 8 Office for National Statistics 2011 Census Table KS401 [Online] http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/re-reference-tables.html?edition=tcm%3A77-286262 9 Office for National Statistics 2011 Census Table KS401 [Online] http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/re-reference-tables.html?edition=tcm%3A77-286262 10 Communities and Local Government Social Rented Housing Demand and Supply [Online] https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/local-authority-housing-data 11
2008/2009 2,318 80.5% 16.8% 2.1% 0.6% 2009/2010 2,768 81.3% 16.8% 1.7% 0.1% 2010/2011 2,104 79.9% 18.8% 1.2% 0% 2011/2012 2,179 78.5% 16.7% 0.6% 4.2% 2012/2013 1,408 72.2% 20.2% 0.7% 6.9% 2013/2014 859 74.6% 19.1% 0.9% 5.4%
5.14 The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) have yet to publish an update to the local authority housing statistics: year ending March 2015. In light of this, paragraph 5.13 and table 5.6 have not been updated from the previous 2013/14 AMR.
INDICATOR H5: HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
5.15 The affordability ratio provides a measure of affordability for different types of housing over time. Table 5.7 shows that affordability ratios have increased since 2005 indicating worsening affordability in Three Rivers. In 2013, housing in Three Rivers is less affordable than Hertfordshire and England averages. Regional averages are no longer available.
Table 5.7: Ratio of Lower Quartile House Prices to Lower Quartile Earnings11 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Three Rivers 7.92 8.16 9.43 9.77 8.34 9.30 9.31 10.27 11.15 Hertfordshire 9.37 9.43 10.00 10.04 9.02 9.25 9.63 9.40 9.37 East of 8.01 8.07 8.55 8.25 7.23 7.70 7.61 - - England England 6.82 7.15 7.25 6.97 6.28 6.69 6.57 6.59 6.45
5.16 DCLG have yet to publish an update to Chart 576, which details the ratio of median house price to median earnings by local authority from 1997. Paragraph 5.15 and Table 5.7 have not been updated from the previous 2013/14 AMR.
INDICATOR H6: PLAN PERIOD AND HOUSING TARGETS
5.17 The adopted Core Strategy sets a target of 4,500 dwellings to be provided over the period 2001 to 2026. The Inspector’s report on the examination of the Core Strategy found that the reduction in the housing target against the East of England Plan level was justified by an up to date assessment of urban capacity and the need to avoid major incursions into the Green Belt.
Table 5.8: Plan Period and Housing Target Start of Plan End of Plan Total Housing Source of Target Period Period Required 2001 2026 4,500 Adopted Core Strategy
INDICATOR H7: HOUSING TRAJECTORY & HOUSING LAND SUPPLY
5.18 A housing trajectory demonstrates delivery of policies relating to housing provision and can be used to inform forward planning by highlighting shortfalls or oversupply of housing over the plan period.
11 Communities and Local Government Ratio of lower quartile house price to lower quartile earnings by district from 1997 [Online] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live-tables-on- housing-market-and-house-prices 12
5.19 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) requires local planning authorities to illustrate the expected rate of market and affordable housing delivery through a housing trajectory for the plan period (paragraph 47).
5.20 The Core Strategy sets out that the AMR will set out the latest information on housing supply, including an assessment of whether there is a deliverable five-year supply of land for housing. Although adopted outside of the monitoring year, the housing sites within the Site Allocations Local Development Document have been included in the housing trajectory.
5.21 Table 5.9 shows the housing trajectory for Three Rivers. Since 2001, there have been 2,89712 dwellings completed in the District. In the remaining 11 years of the Core Strategy plan period to 2026, 1,603 dwelling completions are required to meet the Three Rivers housing target, an average of 146 dwellings per year.
5.22 The Council’s housing land supply position is set out in Appendix 1 of this report. The Council currently has a 9.0 year housing land supply, which exceeds the 5 year + 5% target in paragraph 47 of the NPPF.
12 This figure incorporates historical completions within the C2 use class. The methodology and reasoning for incorporating C2 units in the housing land supply is set out in a separate paper, titled: Housing Land Supply Update December 2015 (Appendix 1 of this report). 13
Table 5.9: Housing Trajectory against Three Rivers Housing Target 01/02 14/15 - 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13 13/14 15/16 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20 20/21 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 25/26 Total Cur 08/09 Completions 1926 48 107 185 176 142 285 2869 (Net) C2 Completions 28* 28 (Dwelling Equivalent)13 C2 Extant Planning 11 - - - - 11 Permission * Projected Supply – Extant 163 107 66 40 25 401 Planning Permission * Projected Supply – 38 38 38 38 38 190 Windfall Allowance * Site Allocations** 35 131 131 111 111 101 71 71 71 70 70 973 Cumulative additions 1926 1974 2081 2266 2442 2612 2897 3144 3420 3655 3844 4018 4119 4190 4261 4332 4402 4472 4472 Cumulative target 1440 1620 1800 1980 2160 2340 2520 2700 2880 3060 3240 3420 3600 3780 3960 4140 4320 4500 4500
* Denotes supply that form part of the five year housing land supply. ** Sites included in the adopted Site Allocations LDD (excluding 425 dwellings that are under construction at the former Leavesden Aerodrome and 260 dwellings at Killingdown Farm and Fairways Farm which are phased post 2026).
13 The methodology used to determine the dwelling completions is detailed in Appendix 1 of this report
14
Figure 5.4: Housing Trajectory 2001-2026 against Three Rivers Housing Target with Managed Delivery Target
15
Figure 5.5: Cumulative Housing Trajectory 2001-2026, Actual/Projected Completions and Three Rivers Housing Target
16
INDICATOR H8: NEW AND CONVERTED DWELLINGS ON PREVIOUSLY DEVELOPED LAND (PDL)
5.23 The Core Strategy sets a target for at least 60% of new and converted dwellings to be on previously developed land (PDL).
5.24 Table 5.10 shows that in 2014/2015, 87.3% of gross dwelling completions were on PDL. This is slightly down over the 2013/2014 monitoring year where 92% of dwellings were delivered on PDL.
Table 5.10: Dwelling Completions on Previously Developed Land Gross dwelling completions on Gross dwelling completions PDL 2014/2015 269 308 87.3% 2001-2015 3027 3,357 90.2%
INDICATOR H9: COMMITMENTS ON PREVIOUSLY DEVELOPED LAND
5.25 Table 5.11 shows that currently 93% of dwellings with an extant planning permission are on PDL indicating that Three Rivers should continue to exceed the 60% target for new dwellings to be on PDL.
Table 5.11: Commitments on Previously Developed Land Gross dwelling commitments Gross dwelling commitments on PDL 545 2014/2015 585 93%
INDICATOR H10: COMPLETIONS BY SETTLEMENT
5.26 The Core Strategy sets targets for new dwellings to be completed at different levels of the settlement hierarchy. 15% of dwelling completions should be in the Principal Town (Rickmansworth), 60% in the Key Centres (South Oxhey, Croxley Green, Abbots Langley, Chorleywood, Leavesden and Garston and Mill End), 24% in the Secondary Centres (Kings Langley, Carpenders Park, Eastbury, Maple Cross, Moor Park and Oxhey Hall and 1% in the Villages (Bedmond and Sarratt).
5.27 Table 5.12 shows that in the monitoring year, the greatest proportion of completions took place in the Key Centres (87.3%). The Key Centres also had the greater number of completions in the monitoring year than the target. The Principal Town (Rickmansworth), the Secondary Centres and Villages have all fallen short of the targets outlined in the paragraph above. This could be attributed to the large number of outstanding completions that were permitted before the Core Strategy was adopted in 2011 and the large number of completions on the former Leavesden Aerodrome site, which has increased the overall net dwelling completion figure.
5.28 Over the plan period, the completions match the Core Strategy targets more closely, although there have been fewer completions in the Key Centres and more completions in the Secondary Centres when compared against the target.
17
Table 5.12: Dwelling Completions by Settlement Net Dwelling Percentage Net Dwelling Percentage Net Completions Net Dwelling Completions Dwelling 2014/2015 Completions 2001-2015 Completions 2014/2015 2001-2015 Principal Rickmansworth 33 11.5% 468 16.2% Town South Oxhey 0 173
Croxley Green 23 307 Abbots Langley 0 402 Chorleywood 4 87.3% 152 55.7% Leavesden & 193 500
Key Centres Key Garston Mill End 29 80 Kings Langley 0 395
Carpenders Pk 0 14 Eastbury 6 101 1.7% 24.5% Maple Cross 0 126
Centres Moor Park -1 5 Secondary Secondary Oxhey Hall 0 69 Villages Bedmond 0 10 0.7% 0.6% Sarratt 2 8 Other -4 0% 59 2% C2 Completions (Dwelling 0 0% 28 1% Equivalent) Total 285 2,897
INDICATOR H11: COMPLETIONS WITHIN THE EXISTING URBAN AREA
5.29 The Core Strategy indicates that over the plan period, approximately 75% of housing will be provided from within the existing urban area, and approximately 25% will be provided at the most sustainable locations on the edge of existing settlements, in the Green Belt.
5.30 Within the monitoring year, 109 of 308 gross dwelling completions were within the urban area (35%). Since 2001, 2,997 out of 3,357 gross dwelling completions have been within the urban area (89%).
5.31 The Core Strategy target that 75% of completions should be within the urban area has not been met during this monitoring year. This can be attributed to the fact that a large portion of these completions are located on the former Leavesden Aerodrome, which up until the adoption of the Site Allocations LDD in November 2014, was located within the Green Belt.
INDICATOR H12: DENSITY OF HOUSING COMPLETIONS
5.32 Core Strategy Policy CP3 seeks to promote high quality residential development that respects the character of the District and caters for a range of housing needs. Development should make the most efficient use of land without compromising the quality of the environment and existing residential areas. Higher density development is promoted in locations that are highly accessible to public transport, services and facilities, however there is no specific density target included in the Core Strategy.
18
5.33 The average density of dwelling completions in 2012/13 was 30 dph. Figure 5.8 shows that within the 2014/2015 monitoring year there was a higher proportion of completions at densities of between 30 & 50dph.
Figure 5.8: Density of Dwelling Completions
100% 90% 80% <30 dwellings per hectare 70% 60% 50% 30-50 dwellings per hectare 40% 30% >50 dwellings per hectare 20% 10% 0%
INDICATOR H13: SIZE OF COMPLETED DWELLINGS
5.34 Core Strategy Policy CP3 states that new development should provide a range of house types and sizes to reflect the existing and future needs of the District’s population and the characteristics of housing in the area.
5.35 As an overall target, the Core Strategy seeks 30% of completions to be 1-bed, 35% to be 2- bed, 34% to be 3-bed and 1% to be 4-or more bed.
5.36 Table 5.13 shows that both in the monitoring year and since the start of the plan period the proportions of 1-bed and 3-bed completions have been below target and the proportion of 4 or more bed completions has been above the target. The high levels of 4 or more bed completions are partly a result of replacement dwellings which are included in the gross dwelling completions figures and which tend to be larger units.
5.37 Despite the variation from the Core Strategy target, during 2014/2015 completions did take place across all dwelling sizes indicating that a range of house sizes and types are being provided in line with Core Strategy objectives.
Table 5.13: Gross Dwelling Completions by Size Gross Dwelling Not C2 1 bed 2 bed 3 bed 4+ Completions known Comp Core Strategy 4,500 30% 35% 34% 1% 0% N/A Target 14 94 95 104 0 0 2014/2015 308 4.5% 30.5% 30.8% 33.8% 0% 0 370 1126 842 704 286 28 2001/2015 3,357 11% 33.5% 25% 21% 8.5% 0.8%
INDICATOR H14: AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMPLETIONS
5.38 Core Strategy policy CP4 requires 45% of all new housing on sites resulting in a net gain of one or more dwellings to be affordable. The policy recognises that on-site provision of 19
affordable housing may not always be possible and allows the potential for financial contributions in lieu of on-site provision.
5.39 Table 5.14 shows 93 dwellings (30% of gross completions) in the monitoring year were affordable. This is below the Core Strategy targets and was a result of the number of dwellings completed on small sites which, at the time the permissions were granted, were not required to contribute to affordable housing provision.
Table 5.14: Affordable Dwelling Completions Monitoring Year Gross Dwelling Gross Affordable Percentage of Gross Completions Dwelling Dwelling Completions: Completions Affordable 2001/02 381 71 18% 2002/03 255 91 36% 2003/04 186 42 23% 2004/05 94 18 19% 2005/06 229 57 25% 2006/07 369 123 33% 2007/08 286 13 5% 2008/09 351 83 24% 2009/10 69 0 0% 2010/11 160 25 16% 2011/12 261 55 21% 2012/13 208 39 19% 2013/14 172 48 28% 2014/15 308 93 30% Total 2001/15 3,329 758 23%
5.40 Since 2001, 23% of all dwellings completed have been affordable. This is a result of the high number of completions that were delivered from sites that fell below the threshold for the provision of affordable housing at the time of approval.
INDICATOR H15: NEW RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CONTRIBUTING TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING
5.41 The Core Strategy sets out that all development resulting in a net gain of one or more dwellings should contribute to affordable housing.
5.42 In the monitoring year, dwelling completions were recorded on 26 sites where the overall development would result in a net gain of one or more dwellings. Of these, five sites contributed to on-site affordable housing provision, totalling 93 dwellings.
5.43 The remaining 21 sites did not contribute to on-site affordable housing.
INDICATOR H16: TENURE MIX OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMPLETIONS
5.44 In addition to the overall target, the Core Strategy also includes a tenure split target that 70% of affordable housing completions should be social rented and 30% should be intermediate.
5.45 Following the submission of the Core Strategy, the definition of affordable housing was amended to include ‘affordable rent’, in addition to social rent and intermediate housing. The Core Strategy does not include affordable rent in the tenure split target, however levels of provision will be monitored.
20
5.46 During the monitoring year, 24 homes completed were shared equity. 15 social rented homes were provided and no intermediate homes completed. This is broadly in line with Policy CP4 of the Core Strategy, whereby 70% of the affordable housing provided to be social rented and 30% intermediate.
INDICATOR H17: NET ADDITIONAL PITCHES FOR GYPSIES AND TRAVELLERS
5.47 The Core Strategy sets out that the Council will seek to make provision for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation in order to meet identified needs.
5.48 At the start of the monitoring year there were five authorised Gypsy and Traveller sites within Three Rivers providing 28 pitches, all of which were privately owned and managed. The only transit site in Hertfordshire is the Hertfordshire County Council transit site at South Mimms in Hertsmere Borough which provides 15 pitches.
5.49 Table 5.15 gives details of authorised Gypsy and Traveller sites in the District as of March 2015.
Table 5.15: Authorised Gypsy and Traveller Sites at March 2015 Site Pitches Permission The Oaklands, Bedmond Road, Bedmond 20 Permanent (02/00482/FUL and 09/0831/FUL) Fir Trees, Dawes Lane, Sarratt 1 Permanent (04/0404/FUL) Rear of 59 Toms Lane, Kings Langley 3 Temporary (08/1740/RSP, 11/0040/FUL and 11/2317/FUL) Land Between Langleybury Lane and Old 3 Temporary (13/2256/FUL) House Lane, Langleybury Lane Land Adjacent to 321B Uxbridge Road, 1 Permanent (13/0522/RSP) Mill End Road, Rickmansworth Total 28
21
CHAPTER 6: PROVISION OF JOBS
INDICATOR E1: ECONOMICALLY ACTIVE PEOPLE IN EMPLOYMENT
6.1 The Core Strategy seeks to encourage the sustainable growth of the Three Rivers economy and includes a monitoring target that the District should have a higher percentage of economically active people in employment than the East of England and Great Britain.
6.2 Figure 6.1 shows that the economic activity rate in Three Rivers for 2014/2015 at 80.8% is above the national average at 77.4% and the East of England at 80%, but is slightly below the Hertfordshire average at 81.5%. Despite this, the Core Strategy target was fully met within the monitoring year.
Figure 6.1: Economic Activity Rates (aged 16-64) in Three Rivers, Hertfordshire, East of England and Great Britain14
INDICATOR E2: CLAIMANT COUNT
6.3 Claimant Count information can be used as an indicator of unemployment levels. Figure 6.2 shows that while Claimant Count rates have steadily decreased since 2010, the Three Rivers Claimant Count has been consistently below Hertfordshire, East of England and national rates.
14 Office for National Statistics Annual Population Survey [Online] www.nomisweb.co.uk 22
Figure 6.2: August Claimant Count15
INDICATOR E3: INCOME
6.4 The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) provides income and pay data by residence. Table 6.1 shows that at 2015, the provisional mean and median gross weekly pay of Three Rivers residents is higher than Hertfordshire, regional and national levels.
Table 6.1: Income levels in Three Rivers, Hertfordshire, East of England and England 201516 Gross Weekly Pay of Full Time Workers (£) Median Mean Three Rivers 556.5 661.1 Hertfordshire 551.8 642.5 East of England 517.5 606.7 England 532.4 636.0
INDICATOR E4: QUALIFICATIONS
6.5 The Core Strategy seeks to promote skills and learning of the local workforce. Comparison of the qualifications obtained by the working age population of Three Rivers, Hertfordshire, East of England and England in Figure 6.3 shows slight variations between populations. Three Rivers has a higher proportion of residents who have obtained an NVQ4 and above, and a lower proportion of residents with other qualifications when compared to rest of Hertfordshire, the East of England and England.
Figure 6.3: Qualifications of Working Age Population in Three Rivers, Hertfordshire, East of England and England17 18
15 Herts LIS Claimant Count Proportions (Total, Male and Female) [Online] http://atlas.hertslis.org/IAS/dataviews/view?viewId=537 16 Office for National Statistics (2015) Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (provisional) Table 7.1a - Place of Work by Local Authority Weekly Pay-Gross [Online] http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/re-reference- tables.html?edition=tcm%3A77-400803 17 Office for National Statistics Annual Population Survey Jan-Dec 2014 [Online] www.nomisweb.co.uk.
23
INDICATOR E5: GCSE ACHIEVEMENT
6.6 In support of the Core Strategy intention to promote skills and learning of the local workforce, the Core Strategy includes a monitoring target for a year on year increase in the percentage of 15 year old pupils in schools maintained by the local education authority achieving five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C.
6.7 In 2014, 81.4% of pupils at the end of Key Stage 4 in state funded schools within Three Rivers achieved five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C. This was a decrease of 4.2% on the previously recorded figure for Three Rivers which was 85.6%. However the 2014 figure was higher than the Hertfordshire average for state-funded schools in 2014 of 66.5%19.
INDICATOR E6: ACTIVE ENTERPRISES
6.8 The Core Strategy seeks to support development that sustains parts of the District as attractive areas for business and provides for a range of small, medium and large business premises.
6.9 Table 6.2 shows that over a ten year period between 2005 and 2014, the stock of active enterprises in Three Rivers has increased by 1,275 to reach 5,215 active enterprises20.
Table 6.2: Active Enterprises in Three Rivers21 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Active 3,940 4,040 4,240 4,465 4,635 4,710 4,785 4,820 5,055 5,215
18 NVQ4 and above: e.g. HND, Degree and Higher Degree level Qualifications NVQ3 and above: e.g. 2 or more A Levels, advanced GNVQ, NVQ3 NVQ2 and above: e.g. 5 or more GCSEs at Grades A-C, intermediate GNVQ, NVQ2 Other qualifications: includes foreign and some professional qualifications. 19 DfE 2014 School and College Performance Tables [Online] http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/performance/ 20 ONS (2015) Business Demography 2014 [Online] http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/bus-register/uk- business/2015/stb-uk-business--activity--size-and-location--2015.html 21 ONS (2015) Business Demography 2014 [Online] http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/bus- register/business-demography/2014/index.html
24
Enterprises
6.10 Figure 6.4 shows there are a range of businesses within the district, with a slightly higher proportion of small businesses than Hertfordshire, the East of England and England.
Figure 6.4: Business Size in Three Rivers, Hertfordshire, East of England and England22
6.11 The growth in business stock and the variety of business sizes in the District indicates that generally there is a healthy business population in the District.
INDICATOR E7: INDUSTRY GROUPS
6.12 Figure 6.5 shows that ‘Professional, Scientific & Technical Services’ was the largest industry group in Three Rivers at March 2015 representing 21.4% of stock.
22 ONS (2015) UK Business: Activity Size and Location 2015 [Online] http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/bus-register/uk-business/2015/stb-uk-business--activity--size-and- location--2015.html 25
Figure 6.5: Local Units by Broad Industry Group 23
INDICATOR E8: TOTAL AMOUNT OF ADDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT FLOORSPACE BY TYPE
6.13 Core Strategy policy CP6 relates to employment and economic development and seeks to support the sustainable growth of the Three Rivers economy.
6.14 Monitoring the supply of employment land ensures the needs of businesses in the District will be met. Table 6.3 shows changes to employment floorspace completed during the monitoring year.
Table 6.3: ‘B’ Use Classes Employment Floorspace Completions B0 B1 B1a B1b B1c B2 B8 Total Gross (sqm) 0 5,723 3,302 0 10,359 0 0 19,384 Net (sqm) -2,500 5,723 2,670 0 9,934 0 -528 15,299
6.15 In the monitoring year 2014/2015, a net gain of 15,299sqm employment floorspace was recorded. The most significant gain was 6,120sqm of B1c floorspace at Warner Brothers Studios on the former Leavesden Aerodrome.
6.16 The largest loss of employment generating floorspace was 2,500sqm of unclassified B floorspace at Home Park Industrial Estate, Station Road, Kings Langley. However, this proposal was for the demolition of the existing building and erection of a new three storey B1 office building.
INDICATOR E9: EMPLOYMENT GROWTH BY SETTLEMENT
6.17 The Core Strategy refers to the employment needs of different settlements in the District. Table 6.4 shows where in the District employment floorspace completions took place.
23 ONS (2015) UK Business: Activity Size and Location 2015 [Online] http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/bus-register/uk-business/2015/stb-uk-business--activity--size-and- location--2015.html 26
Table 6.4: Employment Floorspace Completions by Settlement Gross (sqm) Net (sqm) Principal Rickmansworth Town 0 -243
South Oxhey 0 0 Croxley Green 0 -633 Abbots Langley 32 0 Chorleywood 0 0 Leavesden & Garston 15,298 14,873 Key Centres Key Mill End 0 0 Kings Langley 3,270 770 Carpenders Park 0 -133 Eastbury 0 0 Maple Cross 0 0
Centres Moor Park 0 -151 Secondary Secondary Oxhey Hall 0 0 Villages Bedmond 0 0 Sarratt 0 0 Other 784 0 Total loss - 4,085 Total 19,384 15,299
6.18 Within the monitoring year, the completions listed in Leavesden & Garston, were situated on the former Leavesden Aerodrome site.
INDICATOR E10: TOTAL AMOUNT OF EMPLOYMENT FLOORSPACE ON PREVIOUSLY DEVELOPED LAND (PDL)
6.19 The Core Strategy includes a target that 60% of all development should be on previously developed land (PDL).
6.20 Table 6.5 shows that within the monitoring year, 100% of new employment floorspace was on PDL, exceeding the Core Strategy target of 60%.
Table 6.5: Employment Floorspace Completions on Previously Developed Land B0 B1 B1a B1b B1c B2 B8 Total Gross (sqm) 0 5,723 3,302 0 10,359 0 0 19,384 Gross on 0 5,723 3,302 0 10,359 0 0 19,384 PDL (sqm) % on PDL 0% 100% 100% 0% 100% 0% 0% 100%
INDICATOR E11: AMOUNT OF EMPLOYMENT FLOORSPACE DEVELOPED IN EMPLOYMENT AREAS
6.21 The Core Strategy states that employment use will continue to be focused within the key employment areas.
6.22 Table 6.6 shows that only 17% of employment floorspace completed in the monitoring year was within the five employment site allocations identified in section 5 of the adopted Site Allocations document. It should be noted that 15,298 sqm of employment floorspace was completed at the Warner Brothers Studios on the former Leavesden Aerodrome site. This accounts for 79% of the total employment floorspace completed within the monitoring year.
Table 6.6: Employment Floorspace Developed in Employment Areas
27
B0 B1 B1a B1b B1c B2 B8 Total Gross (sqm) 0 5,723 3,302 0 10,359 0 0 19,384 Gross in Employment 0 0 3,270 0 0 0 0 3,270 Area (sqm) % in Employment 0% 0% 99% 0% 0% 0% 0% 17% Area
INDICATOR E12: AMOUNT OF EMPLOYMENT FLOORSPACE LOST IN EMPLOYMENT AREAS
6.23 Table 6.7 shows that 62% of employment floorspace lost in the monitoring year was from key employment areas identified in the Core Strategy. Although there was a recorded loss of 2,500sqm of floorspace at Homepark Industrial Estate, Kings Langley, this was to facilitate the construction of a new three storey office building, which falls within use class B1a..
Table 6.7: Employment Floorspace Losses in Employment Areas B0 B1 B1a B1b B1c B2 B8 Total Loss (sqm) 2,500 0 632 0 425 0 528 4,085 Loss in Employment 2,500 0 0 0 0 0 0 2,500 Area (sqm) % in Employment 100% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 62% Area
INDICATOR E13: AMOUNT OF EMPLOYMENT LAND LOST TO RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
6.24 Balancing employment and housing land is one of the key issues for the District identified in the Three Rivers Core Strategy.
6.25 Table 6.8 shows that within the monitoring year, 22.1% of the employment land lost was lost to residential. If all sites are completed, seven dwellings will be provided on these former employment sites.
Table 6.8: Employment Floorspace Lost to Residential B0 B1 B1a B1b B1c B2 B8 Total Loss (sqm) 2,500 0 632 0 425 0 528 4,085 Loss to
residential 0 0 376 0 0 0 528 904 (sqm) % lost to 0% 0% 59.5% 0% 0% 0% 100% 22.1% residential
INDICATOR E14: EMPLOYMENT LAND AVAILABLE BY TYPE
6.26 Core Strategy policy CP6 relates to employment and economic development and seeks to support the sustainable growth of the Three Rivers economy.
6.27 Table 6.9 shows that there is -2,823sqm net floorspace with extant planning permission for employment uses. 11,175sqm of floorspace was lost during the period of this AMR. The
28
largest single loss was B1a floorspace at Swan House, Rickmansworth, which was converted to 59 residential units (use class C3).
Table 6.9: Employment Land with outstanding planning permission B0 B1 B1a B1b B1c B2 B8 Total Gross (sqm) 0 434 6,625 0 0 0 1,293 8,352 Net (sqm) 0 434 -3,152 0 0 0 -105 -2,823
INDICATOR E15: EMPLOYMENT LAND AVAILABLE ON PREVIOUSLY DEVELOPED LAND
6.28 Table 6.10 shows that 100% of commitments for employment floorspace are on previously developed land, exceeding the Core Strategy target (60%) and indicating that future completions in the District should continue to exceed targets for previously developed land. When compared to the 2013/2014 monitoring year there has been a 20% increase in employment commitments on PDL.
Table 6.10: Employment Land Available on Previously Developed Land B0 B1 B1a B1b B1c B2 B8 Total Gross (sqm) 0 434 6,625 0 0 0 1,293 8,352 Gross on 0 434 6,625 0 0 0 1,293 8,352 PDL (sqm) % on PDL 0% 100% 100% 0% 0% 0% 100% 100%
29
CHAPTER 7: SAFEGUARDING THE ENVIRONMENT
7.1 The district of Three Rivers covers an area of 34.3 square miles (88.8km)2 and is shown in Figure 7.1. It is located in south west Hertfordshire and the East of England region. It falls within the London Arc sub-region, and shares boundaries with Chiltern and South Bucks districts in Buckinghamshire, the London Boroughs of Harrow and Hillingdon and the Hertfordshire districts of Watford, Hertsmere, St Albans and Dacorum.
7.2 There are seven main settlements in Three Rivers, the largest of which is Rickmansworth (population 14,57124). Settlements are generally surrounded by Green Belt while smaller villages such as Sarratt and Bedmond lie wholly within the Green Belt.
Figure 7.1: Map of Three Rivers District
INDICATOR EN1: NEW DEVELOPMENT IN THE AONB
7.3 Three Rivers includes over 540ha of land designated as part of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in recognition of its significant landscape value.
7.4 The Core Strategy seeks to conserve and enhance the countryside and the diversity of landscapes in the District and Policy CP9 identifies the Chilterns AONB as a priority for conservation.
24 Hertfordshire County Council (2003) Key Statistics for HCC Settlements 2001 [Online] available from http://www.hertsdirect.org/infobase/docs/pdfstore/tabKS01sett.pdf
30
7.5 Within the monitoring year, approval was given at North Hill Farm, Chorleywood for a change of use to a cattery with associated extensions and alterations. It was considered that the proposal would not result in any significant harm to the open and rural character of the surrounding area or detract from the setting of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
INDICATOR EN2: IDENTIFIED HERITAGE ASSETS
7.6 During the period of this AMR, the district has three Grade I listed buildings, 14 Grade II* listed buildings and 335 Grade II listed buildings. There are also three Scheduled Monuments, 19 sites of known archaeological interest, 22 conservation areas and over 250 locally listed buildings.
INDICATOR EN3: HERITAGE ASSETS AT RISK
7.7 The Core Strategy seeks to conserve and enhance the historic environment by resisting the loss of, or damage to, heritage assets.
7.8 In 2015, the Grade II* listed Langleybury House in Langleybury, Abbots Langley was included on Historic England’s ‘Heritage At Risk Register.’ No other heritage assets within the district have been included on the register.25
INDICATOR EN4: DEMOLITION OF LISTED OR LOCALLY LISTED BUILDINGS
7.9 During the monitoring year, no listed buildings within the district were demolished. However, one locally listed building was demolished (The Long Island Exchange, Victoria Close, Rickmansworth), following an appeal decision in November 2014 to demolish the existing hotel and construct 31 residential apartments (appeal ref: APP/P1940/A/14/2217333).
INDICATOR EN5: NUMBER OF CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISALS PREPARED
7.10 The district has a total of 22 conservation areas. A conservation area is a place of special architectural or historic interest that is considered to be worthy of protection. A summary list of the conservation areas that are within the district can be downloaded from the council’s website: http://www.threerivers.gov.uk/egcl-page/conservation-areas.
7.11 Only one conservation area within the district (Coppermill Lock) does not have a conservation area appraisal prepared. As of November 2015, 36% of conservation areas within the district (8 out of 22) have had a conservation area appraisal produced within the last five years. During the monitoring year, conservation area appraisals were prepared for Abbots Langley and Dickinson Square.
INDICATOR EN6: NUMBER OF PLANNING PERMISSIONS GRANTED CONTRARY TO ENVIRONMENT AGENCY ADVICE ON FLOODING AND WATER QUALITY GROUNDS
7.12 During the period of this AMR, no applications were permitted contrary to advice from the Environment Agency on the basis of flood risk. 26
25 Historic England ‘Heritage At Risk Register’ 2015 [Online] http://risk.historicengland.org.uk/register.aspx?st=a
31
INDICATOR EN7: HOUSEHOLD WATER CONSUMPTION
7.13 Three Rivers is in an area of serious water stress. The Core Strategy highlights the need for conservation of water resources and includes a monitoring target for a reducing trend in household water consumption.
7.14 Figures obtained from the Environment Agency27 showed that during the monitoring year, the per capita consumption for Three Rivers was 158.37, which is higher than both the Hertfordshire average of 148.28 and the average for England of 139 during the same period. Previous AMRs have reported on trends in water consumption for the Affinity Water area (which includes Three Rivers), as data has previously been unobtainable at a district level. As a comparison, the 2013/2014 AMR reported that levels of water consumption were 182 (unmetered) and 162 (metered) for the whole of Affinity Water’s area.
INDICATOR EN8: CHANGE IN AREAS OF BIODIVERSITY IMPORTANCE
7.15 The Core Strategy seeks to conserve and enhance the countryside and the diversity of landscapes, wildlife and habitats in the District, and highlights the District’s Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Local Nature Reserves (LNR) and wildlife sites as priorities for conservation and enhancement.
7.16 If these policies are being effective, there should be little if any reduction in areas and populations of biodiversity importance including change in priority habitats and species.
7.17 Table 7.1 shows that over the monitoring year, there have been some minor alterations to the size of three SSSIs and seven LNRs. The size and number of local wildlife sites within the district have remained the same.
Table 7.1: Three Rivers Sites of Biodiversity Importance Importance Designation Site 2014 2015 Area (ha) Area (ha) Croxley Common National SSSI28 Moor 39.64 39.64 Sarratt Bottom 3.46 3.44 Whippendell 65.49 66.68 Woods Frogmore 2.29 4.59 Meadows Westwood Quarry 0.08 0.08 Croxley Common 41.11 41.23 Local LNR29 Moor Oxhey Woods 100.14 100.21 Prestwick Road 2.75 2.75
26 Environment Agency (2015) Environment Agency objections to planning on the basis of flood risk [Online] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/environment-agency-objections-to-planning- on-the-basis-of-flood-risk 27 Contains Environment Agency information © Environment Agency and database right. 28 Natural England Designated Sites View [Online] https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteList.aspx?siteName=&countyCode=21&responsi blePerson= 29 Natural England Local Nature Reserves [Online] http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_results.asp?N=&C=21&Submit=Search
32
Meadows Stockers Lake 37.83 37.85 The Withey Beds 7.46 7.47 Batchworth Heath 3.97 3.97 Chorleywood 75.55 75.64 Common Rickmansworth 40.95 40.96 Aquadrome Chorleywood 64.64 64.28 House Estate Wildlife Sites 1,322.48 137 sites 1,322.48 137 sites Total 1,807.84 151 sites 1,811.27 151 sites
INDICATOR EN9: CONDITION OF SITES OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST
7.18 The Core Strategy seeks to conserve and enhance the countryside and the diversity of landscapes, wildlife and habitats in the District.
7.19 Sites of Scientific Interest are the District’s very best wildlife and geological sites. Table 7.2 shows that there was no change to the reported condition of SSSIs in Three Rivers, apart from the condition of Westwood Quarry, which has improved from ‘unfavourable declining’ to ‘favourable.’
Table 7.2: Condition of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)30 SSSI Condition 2014 Condition 2015 Croxley Common Moor Unfavourable recovering Unfavourable recovering Frogmore Meadows Unfavourable recovering Unfavourable recovering Sarratt Bottom Unfavourable no change Unfavourable no change Westwood Quarry Unfavourable declining Favourable Whippendell Woods Favourable Favourable
INDICATOR EN10: LOCAL BIODIVERSITY SITES IN POSITIVE CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT
7.20 Improved local biodiversity can be assessed through the percentage of local wildlife sites known to be under positive conservation management. Data for this indicator has been collected by the Hertfordshire and Middlesex Wildlife Trust. Surveys established a Hertfordshire baseline figure in 2008/09 of 19.4% of local sites in positive conservation management. In 2011/12 23.5% of local sites are in positive conservation management a slight decrease on 2010/11 figure of 24.51%31. The data has not been updated since 2012.
INDICATOR EN11: RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION
7.21 The Core Strategy seeks to reduce carbon emissions, including through the promotion of renewable energy systems. Policy CP1 requires new commercial development and new residential development of one or more dwelling to produce at least 25% less carbon dioxide emissions than Building Regulations Part L (2006), with a minimum of 10% being provided by on-site renewable and/or low carbon energy supply systems.
30 Natural England [Online] http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/sssi/searchresults.cfm?sssi_name=&frmcounty=102 1 31 Hertfordshire Environmental Forum Hertfordshire Quality of Life Report 2014 [Online] http://atlas.hertslis.org/IAS/profiles/profile?profileId=982&geoTypeId=16&geoIds=26
33
7.22 Within the monitoring year, no new commercial renewable energy facilities were given permission or installed.
7.23 Although no commercial renewable energy projects were approved within the year, it is expected that there will be some contribution to renewable energy capacity from small scale domestic installations. It is more difficult to assess the contribution of this source as small scale installations may be considered permitted development under the General Permitted Development Order 1995 (as amended), and where applications are required, information on capacity is often not provided.
7.24 However, in the monitoring year, planning permission was granted for 13 schemes incorporating renewable energy elements (one air source heat pump, eight photovoltaic, one solar water heating panel and two ground source heating installations totalling 22kw of capacity). There were a total of 14 completions, totalling 11kw of capacity.
INDICATOR EN12: TOTAL INSTALLED RENEWABLE ENERGY CAPACITY
7.25 Within Three Rivers there are two commercial renewable energy facilities. The RES wind facility at Kings Langley which has a capacity of 0.225MW and the co-firing biomass fossil fuel plant at Maple Lodge Sewage Treatment Works which has a capacity of 2.88MW (estimated).32 Therefore there is 3.105MW of installed commercial renewable energy capacity in Three Rivers.
Table 7.3: Commercial Renewable Energy Capacity Biomass Solar Municipal Co-firing Wind Sewage Photovo Hydro Landfill /industrial of with Total Onshore sludge Animal Plant ltaics gas solid waste fossil digestion combustion fuels Completed installed capacity 0.225 - - - - - 2.88 - - 3.105 (MW)
7.26 There may also be some contribution to renewable energy capacity by small scale domestic installations. However, it is more difficult to assess the level of contributions from this source as small scale installations may be considered permitted development, and where applications are required information on capacity is often not provided.
INDICATOR EN13: PER CAPITA CARBON EMISSIONS
7.27 The Core Strategy seeks to tackle climate change by reducing carbon emissions, and Core Strategy Policy CP1 requires new commercial development and new residential development of one or more dwelling to produce at least 25% less carbon dioxide emissions than Building Regulations Part L (2006), with a minimum of 10% being provided by on-site renewable and/or low carbon energy supply systems.
7.28 The most recent update was published by the Department for Energy & Climate Change (DECC) in June 2014 and contains datasets per capita for local CO2 emission estimates; industry, domestic and transport sectors during the period 2005-2012. Table 7.4 shows that per capita carbon emissions in Three Rivers have reduced by 1.0t CO2 per capita between 2005 and 2012. This is in line with policy objectives.
32 Renewable Energy Planning Data [Online] https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/renewable- energy-planning-data
34
Table 7.4: Per Capita Carbon Emissions33 Industrial/Commercial Domestic Road Transport Total (t CO2) (t CO2) (t CO2) (t CO2) 2005 1.9 2.7 4.0 8.6 2006 2.0 2.7 4.0 8.7 2007 1.8 2.6 3.9 8.3 2008 1.7 2.6 3.6 7.9 2009 1.5 2.3 3.5 7.2 2010 1.4 2.5 3.3 7.2 2011 1.2 2.2 3.5 6.9 2012 1.5 2.5 3.6 7.6
INDICATOR EN14: NUMBER OF PEOPLE LIVING WITHIN AQMAs
7.29 Core Strategy policy CP1 seeks to manage and reduce risk of and from pollution in relation to quality of land, air and water. The Sustainability Appraisal of the adopted Core Strategy identifies the number of people living within AQMAs as a monitoring indicator.
7.30 Similarly to the previous monitoring year, Three Rivers has five declared AQMAs.34 These are at Chorleywood (PM10 and NO2), Chandlers Cross (PM10 and NO2) and Kings Langley (NO2). Within these AQMAs, there are 49 residential properties (37 at Chorleywood, 4 at Kings Langley and 8 at Chandlers Cross). Using the District average household size of 2.4735, this suggests 121 people living within AQMAs.
INDICATOR EN15: NUMBER OF DAYS PER YEAR WHERE AIR POLLUTION IS MODERATE OR HIGH
7.31 The Sustainability Appraisal of the Core Strategy also includes a monitoring indicator on the number of days per year where air pollution is moderate or high. Unfortunately there is no up-to-date information available to monitor this indicator.
7.32 Within the District, continuous monitoring of NO2 in Rickmansworth in 2008 showed no exceedences of the 1 hour mean of 200 µg/m3. There were no exceedences of the PM10 annual air quality objective of 40 µg/m3 for any year between 2000 and 2008. Therefore there were no days where air pollution was recorded as moderate or high during 2008 (the most recent data available).
7.33 Since the 2011 data was published, there have been a number of monitoring sites decommissioned in Hertfordshire. There are no areas within Three Rivers where roadside levels of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Particulate Matter (PM10) are measured. The Air Quality section of the 2014 Quality of Life Report only lists six sites in Hertfordshire where such levels are recorded, the closest to the district being Watford Town Hall.
33 DECC (2014) UK local authority and regional carbon dioxide emissions national statistics: 2005 to 2012 UK local and regional CO2 emissions: full dataset [Online] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/local-authority-emissions-estimates 34 AQMAs declared by Three Rivers District Council (DEFRA) http://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/aqma/local- authorities?la_id=281. 35 ONS Census 2001 [Online] www.statistics.gov.uk/census2001
35
7.34 Data for Hertfordshire shows that there were no days of ‘high’ or ‘very high’ PM10 recorded at any site during 2009. All sites met air quality objectives for nitrogen dioxide, with no incidents of ‘moderate’ nitrogen dioxide recorded at any site during 200936.
36 Hertfordshire Environmental Forum Hertfordshire Quality of Life Report 2014 [Online] http://atlas.hertslis.org/IAS/profiles/profile?profileId=971&geoTypeId=16&geoIds=26 36
CHAPTER 8: MAINTAINING THE GREENBELT
8.1 The metropolitan Green Belt surrounds London and provides an important buffer and green space between settlements in Hertfordshire and the London boroughs. 77% of Three Rivers is designated as Green Belt.
8.2 The Core Strategy seeks to regulate development within the Green Belt in order to maintain the existing settlement pattern and to concentrate development in the main settlements.
8.3 Core Strategy policy CP11 states that there is a general presumption against inappropriate development that would not preserve the openness of the Green Belt.
INDICATOR GB1: DWELLINGS IN THE GREENBELT
8.4 In 2014/2015, 35 dwellings were completed in the Green Belt, which amounts to 11% of total gross dwelling completions. All of these completions were built on previously developed land (PDL).
8.5 During the monitoring year, 193 dwellings were completed on land at the former Leavesden Aerodrome site, which prior to the adoption of the Site Allocations Local Development Document in November 2014, was located in the Green Belt.
INDICATOR GB2: AMOUNT OF EMPLOYMENT FLOORSPACE DEVELOPED IN THE GREENBELT
8.6 Table 8.1 shows that in the 2014/2015 monitoring year 4% of employment floorspace was completed in the Green Belt.
8.7 Of these gross completions, 15,298sqm was on land at the former Leavesden Aerodrome site, which prior to the adoption of the Site Allocations Local Development Document in November 2014, was located in the Green Belt.
Table 8.1: Employment Floorspace Completed in the Green Belt B0 B1 B1a B1b B1c B2 B8 Total Gross (sqm) 0 5,723 3,302 0 10,359 0 0 19,384 Gross in Green 0 0 0 0 784 0 0 784 Belt (sqm) % gross in 0% 0% 0% 0% 7.5% 0% 0% 4% Green Belt
37
CHAPTER 9: SECURING GOOD SERVICES AND FACILITIES
INDICATOR S1: VITAILITY AND VIABILITY OF RETAIL CENTRES
9.1 Shop surveys are carried out to assess the function, condition and vitality of retail centres and parades in the District. Table 9.1 shows the results of the survey of retail centres identified in the Core Strategy hierarchy of retail centres.
Table 9.1: Function and Vitality of Retail Centres in Three Rivers Use Class37 Sui A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 D1 B1a Vacant Gener (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) is (%) Rickmansworth 51 20 7 3 2 0 4 8 5 Town Centre
South Oxhey 58 7 8 0 7 2 2 2 14
Abbots Langley 64 16 10 0 10 0 0 0 0
Chorleywood 69 7 14 0 4 0 2 0 4 Croxley Green 60 4 12 0 12 0 8 0 2 (Watford Road) Croxley Green 46 15 4 4 1 4 23 0 3 (New Road) Mill End (Money 54 3 24 0 14 0 0 0 5 Hill Parade)
Maple Cross 67 0 0 0 33 0 0 0 0 Total (%) 59 9 10 1 10 1 5 1 4
9.2 The majority of units in identified retail centres are in use for retail (59%), with just 4% currently vacant.
INDICATOR S2: TOTAL FLOORSPACE FOR TOWN CENTRE USES
9.3 Town centre uses cover Use Class Order classes A1, A2, A3, B1a and D2 (retail, office and leisure developments). These services should be maintained and enhanced to meet the needs of Three Rivers.
9.4 Core Strategy Policy CP7 encourages new town centre development to be directed to the primary frontages of town and district centres. In addition, uses which are complimentary to primary frontages should be promoted and should take place in adjoining secondary frontages.
9.5 Table 9.2 shows that 3,648sqm of floorspace for town centre uses was completed in the monitoring year, of which just 3.3% was in town centres.
Table 9.2: Floorspace Completed for Town Centre Uses A1 A2 A3 B1a D2 Total Gross floorspace 0 226 0 3,302 120 3,648 (sqm)
37 Class A1 - shops; Class A2 – financial and professional services; Class A3 – restaurants and cafés; Class A4 – drinking establishments; Class A5 – hot food takeaway; Sui Generis – other uses e.g. laundrettes, taxi business, car hire; Class D2 – assembly and leisure; Class B1a – offices other than financial and professional services. 38
Gross floorspace in town centres 0 121 0 0 0 121 (sqm) % floorspace in 0% 53.5% 0% 0% 0% 3.3% town centres
9.6 Most development outside town centres was a result of B1a floorspace at Home Park Industrial Estate, Station Road, Kings Langley.
INDICATOR S3: LOSS OR INCREASE IN PUBLIC OPEN SPACE, SPORT AND RECREATION FACILITIES
9.7 One of the strategic objectives of the Core Strategy is to provide accessible and varied opportunities for leisure, arts, sport and recreational activities in order to promote healthy lifestyles. Within the monitoring year, there was no gain or loss of public open space.
INDICATOR S4: PERCENTAGE OF PLANNING APPLICATIONS WITH PROVISION OF OR FUNDING FOR GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE, WILDLIFE AREAS OR ALTERNATIVE GREENSPACE
9.8 The Sustainability Appraisal for the adopted Core Strategy includes the percentage of planning applications with provision of or funding for Green Infrastructure, wildlife areas or alternative greenspace as an indicator.
9.9 There have been no planning permissions granted during the monitoring year with funding for green infrastructure, wildlife areas or alternative greenspace through Section 106 agreements. However, as part of the ongoing development proposals at the former Leavesden Aerodrome, there is provision for new public open space to serve the development and surrounding area which will form an extension to the existing Leavesden Country Park.
39
CHAPTER 10: ACHIEVING A SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT VISION
10.1 Three Rivers is well served by communications links. The M25 and M1 motorways both run through the District, there are four underground stations on the Metropolitan line and two stations on the West Coast Main Line. The Grand Union Canal also runs through the District.
10.2 Census 2011 results show that there were 1.5 cars per household in Three Rivers compared to 1.4 cars per household in Hertfordshire and 1.2 cars per household in England. 14.2% of Three Rivers households did not have access to a car or van, 39.9% of households had access to one car or van, and 45.9% of households had access to two or more cars or vans38.
10.3 At Census 2011, 7,297 people lived and worked in Three Rivers. 27,132 people lived in Three Rivers and commuted out and 18,636 people lived outside Three Rivers and commuted in, giving a net daily out-flow of 8,496 people.
INDICATOR T1: TRAVEL TO WORK
10.4 One of the main objectives of the Core Strategy is to deliver improved and more integrated transport systems and reduce the need to travel by locating development in accessible locations.
10.5 Table 10.1 below shows a higher proportion of Three Rivers residents travel to work as a car driver or by train than the Hertfordshire, East of England and England averages, while fewer travel by bus or on foot. In addition a higher than average proportion of Three Rivers residents work at or from home. These figures are the latest available data, based on the 2011 census.
Table 10.1: Mode of Travel to Work39 Mode of Travel Three Rivers Hertfordshire East of England England Train* 11.7% 9.8% 5.6% 6.1% Bus 1.6% 2.3% 2.5% 4.9% Car Driver 43.3% 40% 41.4% 36.9% Car Passenger 2.6% 2.9% 3.4% 3.3% Taxi 0.3% 0.3% 0.3% 0.3% Motor Cycle 0.5% 0.5% 0.5% 0.5% Pedal Cycle 0.9% 1.2% 2.4% 1.9% On Foot 4.4% 6.5% 6.8% 6.9% Other 0.3% 0.4% 0.4% 0.4% Works at Home 4.9% 4.3% 3.8% 3.5% Not in 29.5% 29.9% 32.9% 35.3% employment *Includes: Underground, Metro, Light Rail and Tram
INDICATOR T2: JOURNEYS MADE BY BUS/TRAIN
38 Office for National Statistics Census 2011 Table KS404 [Online] http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/re-reference-tables.html?edition=tcm%3A77-286262 39 Office for National Statistics Census 2011 Table CT0015 [Online] http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/census/2011-census-analysis/method-of-travel-to-work-in-england- and-wales/index.html 40
10.6 Information on journeys by different modes is available from the TravelWise survey for South West Hertfordshire which covers settlements in Three Rivers. Table 10.2 shows that there has been a 3.6% reduction in journeys made by car between 2010 and 2013, and a 3.8% increase in journeys made by bus over the same three year period. The latest survey was conducted in 2013. As this is triennial, the next survey is due to be undertaken in 2016.
Table 10.2: Percentage Modal Split at TravelWise sites in South West Hertfordshire40 % by Car % by Bus % on Foot % by Bicycle % by Motorcycle 2001 82.7 12.5 3.0 0.7 1.0 2004 83.6 11.8 2.9 0.8 0.9 2007 83.9 11.8 2.7 0.9 0.7 2010 82.1 12.7 3.7 0.8 0.6 2013 78.5 16.5 3.6 0.9 0.5
10.7 Data on station entries and exits provides an indication of the levels of journeys made by train in the district. There are a total of six stations within Three Rivers, four of which are served by London Underground and the remaining two are served by suburban train services (London Midland and London Overground).
10.8 Table 10.3 provides figures on station entries and exits for Carpenders Park and Kings Langley during 2013/2014 when compared with the previous figures for 2012/2013. Both these stations are served by suburban train services (London Overground serves Carpenders Park and London Midland serves Kings Langley).
Table 10.3: Annual Entry and Exit Figures for Carpenders Park and Kings Langley Stations41 Station Name 2012/2013 2013/2014 Carpenders Park 824,156 884,130 Kings Langley 668,788 666,230 Total 1,492,944 1,550,360
10.9 Table 10.4 provides entry and exit figures for the remaining stations in the district that are served by the Metropolitan Line of the London Underground. These figures are for the calendar year 2014. When compared to the previous calendar year 2013, there has been an increase in journeys recorded at all these stations. Figures are rounded to the nearest 1,000.
Table 10.4: Annual Entry and Exit Figures for Chorleywood, Croxley, Moor Park and Rickmansworth London Underground Stations42 Station Name 2013 2014 Chorleywood 990,000 1,060,000 Croxley 920,000 1,030,000 Moor Park 820,000 890,000 Rickmansworth 2,240,000 2,420,000 Total 4,970,000 5,400,000
40 Hertfordshire County Council (2015) Traffic and Transport Data Reports (TTDR) [Online] http://www.hertsdirect.org/services/transtreets/hertscounttravsurv/factsheetstrafandacc/ 41 Journey data for Carpenders Park and Kings Langley: Office of Rail and Road (2015) 2013-14 Station Usage Report and Data [Online] http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/nav.1529 42 Journey data for Croxley, Chorleywood, Moor Park and Rickmansworth: TfL (2015) Annual Entries and Exits [Online] https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/publications-and-reports/underground-services- performance#on-this-page-2
41
INDICATOR T3: NUMBER OF PEOPLE KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED IN ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS
10.10 Core Strategy Policy CP10 seeks to ensure safe and effective transport and travel in the District, and includes a target for a reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured in road traffic accidents. Table 10.5 sets out information on road accident statistics and shows that whilst there has been a slight increase in incidents in 2014 when compared to the previous year 2013; the ongoing trend is a significantly reduced number of casualties in line with the Core Strategy target.
Table 10.5: Three Rivers Reported Casualties by Severity43 All Slight All KSI Child KSI All Casualties Casualties 2004 49 1 417 466 2005 51 5 439 490 2006 36 1 348 384 2007 35 4 400 435 2008 29 5 371 400 2009 38 3 282 320 2010 31 5 268 299 2011 28 1 302 330 2012 29 1 187 216 2013 31 3 204 235 2014 34 5 260 294
INDICATOR T4: AMOUNT OF NEW RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT WITHIN 30 MINUTES PUBLIC TRANSPORT TIME OF A GP; A HOSPITAL; A PRIMARY SCHOOL; A SECONDARY SCHOOL; AREAS OF EMPLOYMENT AND A MAJOR RETAIL CENTRE(S)
10.11 Core Strategy Strategic Objective 7 is to reduce the need to travel by locating development in accessible locations. Table 10.6 shows how much new residential development within the monitoring year had access to services and facilities.
Table 10.6: Residential Development Access to Local Services44 Major Primary Secondary Employ- GP Hospital Retail School School ment Areas Centre(s) Gross dwellings within 30 304 67 305 297 304 304 minutes Public Transport Time Percentage 99% 22% 99% 96% 99% 99%
10.12 99% of new residential development is within 30 minutes public transport time of a GP surgery, primary schools, employment areas and major retail centres, exceeding the Core Strategy target of 90%.
43 DfT Reported Road Casualties Great Britain: 2014 Annual Report (September 2015) [Online] https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/467465/rrcgb- 2014.pdf 44 Generated using Accession data. Journey by public transport times are based on the period 07.00 to 09.00 on a Monday. 42
10.13 96% of new residential development is within 30 minutes public transport time of secondary schools, which exceeds the Core Strategy target of 90%. The percentage of new residential development within 30 minutes public transport time of a hospital is 22%. However, improving bus services to provide better access to Watford General Hospital is identified as a priority for the future in the Core Strategy.
43
CHAPTER 11: MAINTAINING AND IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE
INDICATOR L1: INDEX OF DEPRIVATION
11.1 The Core Strategy seeks to reduce inequalities across the District, particularly through regeneration of the South Oxhey area.
11.2 The English Indices of Deprivation (ID 2015) is a measure of deprivation in an area. It takes account of income, unemployment, health and disability, education, skills and training, barriers to housing and services, crime and living environment. The overall Index of Deprivation is a weighted aggregation of these indicators where a higher score indicates a greater level of deprivation in an area.
11.3 Three Rivers as a whole has a low level of deprivation. On the rank of average scores in 2015, Three Rivers is ranked 300 out of 326 local authorities, in the least deprived 20% of all local authorities in England.45 The north-west of Chorleywood is identified as the least deprived in the district.
INDICATOR L2: CRIME
11.4 One of the community priorities highlighted in the Core Strategy is to reduce crime, fear of crime and anti-social behaviour. The Core Strategy includes a monitoring target to reduce levels of crime and domestic burglaries year on year.
Table 11.1: Three Rivers Recorded Crime46 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 Offences/1000 of the population Violence against persons 5.2 2.2 4.0 7.0 Robbery 0.3 0.2 0 0 Burglary 3.0 2.6 4.0 4.0 Theft of a Motor Vehicle 0.9 4.1* 4.0 4.0 Theft from a Motor Vehicle 4.6 *From 2012/13 onwards all vehicle offences where recorded in the same category, this includes theft of a motor vehicle and theft from a motor vehicle.
11.5 The number of offences across all categories remained consistent in the 2014/15 monitoring year, when compared with the 2013/14, apart from a recorded increase in violence against persons.
INDICATOR L3: RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT FOR 10 OR MORE DWELLINGS APPROVED CONTRARY TO SAFETY AND SECURITY ADVICE
11.6 Core Strategy policy CP12 expects all development proposals to design out opportunities for crime and anti-social behaviour through the incorporation of appropriate measures to minimise the risk of crime and create safe and attractive places. It also includes a target for no residential development for ten or more dwellings to be approved contrary to safety and security advice.
45 DCLG (2015) The English Indices of Deprivation 2015 [Online] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/english-indices-of-deprivation-2015 46 ONS (2015) Crime in England and Wales, year ending March 2015 [Online] http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/crime-stats/crime-statistics/year-ending-march-2015/stb-crime- march-2015.html 44
11.7 During the monitoring year, planning permission was granted for 82 dwellings on sites of ten or more dwellings (amounting to three sites). This included one prior approval application for 18 flats. The Herts Constabulary Crime Prevention Design Service commented on two of these sites and whilst recommendations were made to improve one of the schemes, there was no objection raised to any of the applications.
INDICATOR L4: COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT FOR 1,000SQM OR MORE APPROVED CONTRARY TO SAFETY AND SECURITY ADVICE
11.8 The Core Strategy also seeks to create safe and attractive places where non-residential development takes place and includes a target for no commercial development for 1,000sqm or more to be approved contrary to safety and security advice.
11.9 During the monitoring year, planning permission was granted on one site which had a commercial development of more than 1,000sqm floorspace. The Herts Constabulary Crime Prevention Design Service commented on this application and whilst comments were made to improve the scheme, there was no objection raised to the application.
INDICATOR L5: NUMBER OF APPEALS ALLOWED FOLLOWING REFUSAL ON DESIGN GROUNDS
11.10 The Core Strategy includes a target that no appeals should be allowed following refusal by the Council on design grounds.
11.11 Of the eight planning appeals that were allowed during the monitoring year, three were allowed following refusal by the Council’s Planning Committee on design grounds.
INDICATOR L6: BUILDING FOR LIFE ASSESSMENTS
11.12 Building for Life criteria assesses the quality of new housing development. Core Strategy policy CP12 encourages a high standard of design for all development proposals. The Council does not have a Building for Life Assessor.
45
Glossary and Abbreviations
Accessibility The ability of everybody to go conveniently where they want particularly in relation to services and facilities.
Affordable Affordable housing includes social rented, affordable rented and Housing intermediate housing.
AMR Annual Monitoring Report
AONB Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
AQMA Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA) are areas designated where the local authority identifies that national air quality objectives are not likely to be achieved.
Brownfield Brownfield land is land that is, or has been occupied by a permanent Land structure and associated fixed surface infrastructure.
CIL Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a levy on new developments to support infrastructure delivery.
Conservation An area designated under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Area Areas) Act 1990 as being of special architectural or historic interest which it is desirable to preserve and enhance.
Core Strategy The Local Plan 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 Local Development Document.
Development The statutory Development Plan comprises the County Waste and Plan Minerals Framework and the Local Development Documents contained in the Local Plan.
Dph Dwellings per hectare.
Dwelling A dwelling is defined (in line with the 2001 Census definition) as a self- contained unit of accommodation. Self-containment is where all the rooms (including kitchen, bathroom and toilet) in a household’s accommodation are behind a single door which only that household can use.
Employment Land allocated for industrial and business use. Land
Evidence A collective term for technical studies and background research that Base provides information on key aspects of social, economic and environmental characteristics of the District. This enables the preparation of a sound plan for the area meeting objectives such as sustainable development.
Green Belt An area of land which has been specifically designated for long-term protection. It is a nationally important designation and exists to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land open and free from development.
Greenfield Land (or a defined site) which has never been built on before or where Land remains of any structure or activity have blended into the landscape over
46
time (opposite of brownfield land).
GVA Gross Value Added (GVA) measures the contribution to the economy of each individual producer, industry or sector in the United Kingdom.
HCC Hertfordshire County Council.
Hectare A unit of land area equivalent to 10,000 square metres or 0.01 of a square kilometre. One Hectare is approximately equal to 2.5 acres.
Heritage A building, monument, site, place, area or landscape positively identified Asset as having a degree of significance meriting consideration in planning decisions. Heritage assets are valued components of the historic environment.
Household One person or a group of people who have the accommodation as their only or main residence AND (for a group) who either share at least one meal a day, or share the living accommodation, that is, a living room or sitting room. The occupant(s) of a bedsit who do not share a sitting or living room with anyone else comprise a single household.
Infrastructure Collective term for physical structures, facilities and services needed by the community. For example, buildings, roads, power supplies, affordable housing, health, sports, leisure and educational facilities, village halls, doctors’ surgeries, churches and open space.
ID Index of Depravation (ID) combines a number of indicators chosen to cover a range of economic, social and housing issues, into a single deprivation score.
KSI Killed or Seriously Injured (KSI).
LDD Local Development Documents set out planning policy and form part of the Local Plan.
LDS Local Development Scheme is the project plan setting out which documents will make up the local plan and when they will be produced over a three year period.
LEAP Local Equipped Area for Play (LEAP) is a piece of open space that is designated and equipped for children of early school age.
Listed A building included on a list of buildings of architectural or historical Building interest.
LNR Local Nature Reserve is a habitat of local or regional significance that makes a useful contribution both to nature conservation and to the opportunities for the community to see, learn about and enjoy wildlife.
LSP Local Strategic Partnership (LSP). The Three Rivers LSP is an umbrella partnership that brings together public and private organisations and community groups, allowing different initiatives and services to support one another so that they can work more effectively together. One of its main tasks is to prepare and implement the Sustainable Community Strategy.
Major In terms of residential development, 10 dwellings or more or 0.5 hectares.
47
Development In terms of other development, floorspace of 1,000 square metres or more. (As defined by Communities and Local Government).
Minor In terms of residential development, less than 10 dwellings or less than 0.5 Development hectares. In terms of other development, floorspace less than 1,000 square metres. (As defined by Communities and Local Government).
MW Megawatts – a measure of electric power.
NHS National Health Service
On-site Collective term for domestic scale renewable energy technologies such as Renewable solar thermal, solar photovoltaics and domestic wind turbines provided on Technology the site of development.
PCT Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) cover all parts of England and take control of local health care.
PDL Previously Developed Land (or Brownfield land).
Policies Map This map illustrates the policies and proposals in the Local Plan on an Ordnance Survey base.
SA Sustainability Appraisal (SA) identifies and evaluates the effects of a strategy or plan on social, environmental and economic conditions.
SCI Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) sets out how and when stakeholders and other interested parties will be consulted and involved in the planning process.
SCS Sustainable Community Strategy is the Council’s strategy prepared by the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) which takes a partnership approach to improving services, thereby improving quality of life.
SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is an assessment of the environmental effects of a plan or programme required by EU Directive 2001/42/EC.
Sequential A planning principle that seeks to identify, allocate or develop certain types Approach or locations of land before others.
SPD Supplementary Planning Document
SSSI Sites of Specific Scientific Interest
SuDS Sustainable Drainage Systems
Windfall Windfall refers to a site not specifically allocated for development in a development plan.
48
Use Classes Order A1 Shops B8 Storage or distribution A2 Professional and financial C1 Hotels services open to the visiting public A3 Restaurants and cafes C2 Residential institutions A4 Drinking establishments C2a Secure Residential institutions A5 Hot food takeaways C3 Dwelling House B1(a) Offices not open to visiting public C4 Houses in multiple occupation B1(b) Research and development D1 Non-residential institutions B1(c) Light industry D2 Assembly and leisure B2 General industry Sui Generis: Uses which do not fall in the specified uses above
49