Baseline Data (Including Plans 1-7) Population The following baseline indicators have been used to identify key population trends and characteristics: Total population (Lancaster City Council 2013-14 Annual Monitoring Report AMR and ONS- Nomis). Area of Lancaster District and key settlements and their populations (Lancaster City Council 2011 AMR). Population density (Lancashire Area Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk ). Age structure of the population (Lancaster City Council 2013/14 AMR). Mean household size (ONS 2011). Percentage of single pensioner households (People and Society: Population and Migration, www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk 1). Ethnic groups represented in the population (People and Society: Population and Migration, www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk 2). The population of the District as of 2014 stood at 137,823 people making the district the fourth largest in Lancashire. Population growth across the district looks set to continue into the future with population projections published in May 2014 for the period 2012-2037 projecting a 5.9% increase in population between 2012 and 2037 (England 16.2 %). This ranks as the joint 7th highest rate of all the Lancashire authorities, with Chorley (14.9%) predicted to see the greatest growth (Lancashire Area Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk ).
Lancaster has a large student population of 18,000; 13.6% of the population compared to 7.3% England and Wales average (Lancaster Strategic Housing Market Assessment Final Report 2008). The most significant settlement in the District is Lancaster with a population of approximately 50,000 (Lancaster University 3). The other main town, Morecambe, lies in the west of the District and has a population of 45,000 (2003). Other settlements in the District include Heysham and Carnforth with populations of 16,136 (2001) and 5,350 (2001) respectively. The remainder of the District is rural with a number of smaller settlements such as, Middleton, Overton, Glasson and Langthwaite. Population density is relatively low (244 people per km 2, based on mid-2013 estimates) (Lancashire Area Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk ). The 2014 AMR reported a population density in the District of 244 people per km 2, the second lowest population density in Lancashire. In 2007 31.3km 2 of the District was urban, 9.2% of the District’s area (Spatial Planning in Lancashire, Annual Monitoring Report 2).
The age profile of the District for 2012 is shown in Figure B-1. The population of the District continues to be heavily skewed to the 20-24 age cohort which reflects the large concentration of students living within the District. It is recognised that this is not representative of the District as a whole with students tending to concentrate in a select number of wards in the Lancaster South and Lancaster North sub-areas.
As with the national average there is evidence of a general ageing of the population with the most significant growth in the district estimated to be in the 65+ age group. This age group is projected to increase by 35% by 2037, and will account for 32% of the population by 2037. Growth at the other
1 http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=277020&c=lancaster&d=13&e=16&g=462356& i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1267804150283&enc=1&dsFamilyId=135 2 http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=277020&c=lancaster&d=13&e=13&g=462356& i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1267803728229&enc=1&dsFamilyId=1812 3 http://www.lancs.ac.uk/users/international/comelanc.htm end of the age range is projected to be more modest with projections indicating just a 1.2% increase in the under 20 age group. (2013/14 AMR).
Figure B-1 Lancaster District Age Profile
Source: Lancaster City Council 2014 AMR The average household size in the Lancaster District stood at 2.2 in the 2011 Census, which is lower than the national average (2.4) and represents a slight increase on the 2001 figure of 2.1 (www.lancashire.gov.uk). The census also indicates a slightly higher proportion of single pensioner households in Lancaster (7%) than in the North West region and England (both stand at 6%). Lancaster has a very small ethnic minority population, one which is decreasing. 2009 data from the Lancaster County Council website indicates that 93.9% of the population of Lancaster were white, in 2011 this figure had risen by 1.7% and to 95.6%. This is higher than that for the North West and England & Wales, with averages 90.2% and 85.9% respectively.
Data Gaps and Uncertainties There are no significant data gaps or uncertainties identified for this topic. Key Issues and Opportunities The District has a large, young and relatively dispersed population outside of the main urban areas (Lancaster and Morecambe). The age profile of the District shows a predicted increase in the 65+ age group numbers which could put strain on workforce supply in the area. Access to services within the urban areas of the District is not a problem due to the implementation of urban concentration policy. However, access to services in the rural areas of the District is more of an issue particularly for elderly residents. Availability of health care provision, in particular, is likely to become an issue in the future for elderly residents in some settlements (this issue is explored further in Section B.3). There are potential challenges that could arise in the future relating to the type and tenure of housing provision on offer in the District. This is analysed in detail within the Lancaster Strategic Housing Market Assessment (2008). Education and Qualifications The following baseline indicators have been used to characterise levels of education and attainment in the District: Location and number of educational establishments (Lancaster City Council, Young People and Lancaster City Council Task Group, A Report of Overview and Scrutiny and Lancaster City Council website, www.lancashire.gov.uk ). Number of wards with Lower Super Output Areas (LSOAs) in the bottom 10% most deprived for education, skills and training deprivation (Indices of Deprivation, 2010 and Lancashire Area Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk 4). Percentage of 15 year old pupils in local authority schools achieving 5 or more GCSEs at Grades A* - C or equivalent (Lancashire Area Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk ). Percentage of people aged 16-74 who have attained either a Level Four or Level Five qualification 5 (Qualifications and Students, www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk 6). Percentage of the population aged 16-74 with no qualifications (Qualifications and Students, www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk ). Educational attainment in the District on the whole is above performance at county and national levels. However, five wards – Bulk,Heysham North, Poulton, Skerton West and Westgate have LSOAs in the lowest 10% most deprived for education, skills and training in the 2015 Indices of Deprivation, which accounts for 5.6% of the District. A total of 20 LSOA’s fall into the 30% most deprived for education, skills and training in the 2010 2015 Indices of Deprivation 13 wards also have LSOAs that fall within the least deprived 10% accounting for 14.6% of the District. These figures measure levels of attainment among children and young people, as well as skills attainment in the resident working-age population. Figure B-2 presents the results.
4 http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/office_of_the_chief_executive/lancashireprofile/misc/deprivation.asp?y=2007&a=la&d=education 5 First degree, higher degree, National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) levels 4 and 5, Higher National Certificate (HNC), Higher National Diploma (HND), Qualified Teacher Status, Qualified Medical Doctor, Qualified Dentist, Qualified Nurse, Midwife or Health Visitor 6 http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=7&b=277020&c=lancaster&d=13&e=5&g=462 356&i=1001x1003x1004&o=1&m=0&r=1&s=1268044074187&enc=1&dsFamilyId=39 Figure B-2 Educations, Skills and Training Deprivation (Indices of Multiple Deprivation, 2015)
Source: Lancashire Area Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk and Indices of Deprivation, 2015
The District has good schools comprising 52 primary schools, six secondary schools, two special schools, two special referral units, one nursery, two colleges (Lancaster and Morecambe College and the Adult College) and two universities (Lancaster University and University of Cumbria) (www.lancashire.gov.uk ). 23% of young people in Lancaster are not pursuing post-16 education. However, the District did see a 14% rise in 16-18 year olds involved in work based learning and a 51% increase in 16-18 year olds in full time education (Lancaster City Council, Sustainable Community Strategy 2008-2011). Most settlements in the District contain a Primary School with Carnforth, Morecambe, Hornby and Lancaster City providing secondary education opportunities (Lancaster City Council, Young People and Lancaster City Council Task Group, A Report of Overview and Scrutiny). The percentage of pupils achieving five or more A*-C grades at GCSE or equivalent including English and Maths in 2014/15 was 61.7% in Lancaster district. This was ahead of the average of 58.8% for the Lancashire County Council area. (www.lancashire.gov.uk ). Compared to the North West region, Lancashire and English averages the District has high A-level performance. For example Table B-2 shows that the District has the highest percentage of students achieving 3 A* or A grades in Lancashire and more than double the North West and English average. Table B-1 Percentage of 16 to 19 year olds attaining 3 A*-A A-levels within 12 Lancashire districts 2012/13
Source: JSNA Article: Key Stage 5 (www.lancashire.gov.uk) Levels of educational attainment show a clear link to levels of affluence in later life, as access to employment improves with academic success. 27.2% of the population in the Lancaster District attained either a Level 4 or 5 qualification, higher than corresponding figures for the North West (24.4%) but slightly lower than the country as a whole (27.4%) in March 2011. This is a 7.23% increase in ten years. At the same stage, 20.63% of the Lancaster adult population had no qualifications, representing a 6.03% fall since 2001, and below both the North West and national average – 24.79% and 22.46%, respectively. Two of Lancaster’s wards are within Lancashire-12's top ten wards with the highest proportion of 16 to 18 year olds not in education, employment or training (NEET) for the period between November 2015 and January 2016, Data Gaps and Uncertainties Percentage of employees receiving job-related training in the last 4 weeks to NVQ level 4 or higher. Percentage 16-18 year olds not in education or employment training. Number and location of establishments offering life-long learning opportunities. Latest University student population figures Key Issues and Opportunities Educational attainment in the District is good compared to county, regional and national levels and should be maintained although there are some concentrations of poor attainment. Work based learning opportunities should be developed further to minimise the number of 16- 18 year olds not in education or employment training and increase levels of attainment of qualifications. The District’s universities should be promoted as an asset to continue to raise educational attainment levels and to attract inward investment. Health The following baseline data has been used to identify key trends: Percentage of the resident population who consider themselves to be in good health (Lancashire Area Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk and ONS). Number of wards with LSOAs in the bottom 10% most deprived for health deprivation and disability (Indices of Deprivation, 2015 and Lancashire Area Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk ). Life expectancy at birth for males and females for the period 2008 – 2010 (Lancashire Area Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk ). The relationship between life expectancy and inequality (Lancaster Health Profile, 2014) Standardised mortality ratio and mortality rates for circulatory disease and cancer (Lancashire Area Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk ). Distribution of and GPs (Lancaster City Council Website, www.lancashire.gov.uk 7). Percentage of population with a long-term limiting illness (Lancashire Area Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk and 2001 Census). Distribution of sports facilities (Active Places 8). Percentage of people participating in regular sport or exercise (defined as taking part on at least 3 days a week in moderate intensity sport and active recreation for at least 30 minutes continuously in any one session) (Sport England Active People Survey 39 and www.lancashire.gov.uk ). Conception rate of under-18 year olds (per 1,000 15-17 year olds) (ONS). At the time of the 2011 census, 80.5% of the Lancaster Districts population considered themselves to be in either good or very good health, compared to 79.3% in the North West and 81.4% in England and Wales (ONS). These figures are considerably higher than the figures from the 2001 census, but since then there has been a new category of ‘Very Good Health’ added into the census so direct comparisons cannot be made. This subjective data indicates that the health of the District’s population is slightly above regional and slightly below national levels. Life expectancy for males and females has gradually increased across the District between 1993 and 2014, Figure B-3, below, reveals life expectancy changes in the authority by three-year time periods from 1991-93 onwards.. During these periods the life expectancy in the District has been very similar to the North West average and slightly lower than the English average. Life expectancy for males across the District and nationally is lower than that of women, but the gap is gradually closing. However, increases for both genders are slower than that both regionally and nationally.
7 http://www.lancaster.gov.uk//GetAsset.aspx?id=fAAzADcAMgA4AHwAfABGAGEAbABzAGUAfAB8A DAAfAA1 8 http://www.activeplaces.com/Index.asp?Authorise=true 9 http://www.sportengland.org/research/active_people_survey/active_people_survey_3/results_by_geo graphical_area.aspx Figure B-3 – Changes in life expectancy in Lancaster by three-year time periods from 1991-93 onwards .
Source: www.lancashire.gov.uk Table B-2 also shows the life expectancy for males and females in Lancaster against the North West and National figures. Table B-2 Life Expectancy at Birth for Males and Females Year Indicator 2001-03 2010-2012 2011-2013 Percentage increase from 2001-13 (%)
Life Expectancy at Birth (Males)
Lancaster 74.9 77.4 77.7 3.7
North West 74.8 77.7 78.0 4.3
England 76.2 79.2 79.4 4.2
Life Expectancy at Birth (Females)
Lancaster 80.2 82.2 82.0 2.2
North West 79.5 81.7 81.8 2.9
England 80.7 83.0 83.1 3.0
Source: Lancashire Area Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk
The Standardised Mortality Ratios (SMR) for the Lancaster District also demonstrates that health and well-being is generally better in the District compared to the North West and slightly worse than that for England and Wales. The SMR was the eighth lowest of all the authorities in Lancashire. Table B-4 presents the SMR and also the mortality rates for circulatory disease and cancer in the District compared to the North West and England and Wales. Table B-3 Standardised Mortality Ratio
Indicator Lancaster North West England and District Wales
Standardised Mortality Ratio (2010- 118.78 111.18 100.44 (England 2012)* and Wales)
Mortality Rate (circulatory disease**) 91.8 86.7 4 71.0 (England (per 100,000 population – for 2008) only)
Mortality Rate (cancer) (per 100,000 123.8.6 123.0. 110.1.0 (England population – for the period 2008 – only) 2010)
Long-term limiting illness (%) 19.9 20.7 18.2 (England and Wales)
Day-to-Day Activities Limited a Lot by 9.2 10.3 8.31 (England health problem or disability *** only)
Source: Lancashire Area Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk and ONS
* SMRs compare the actual number of events in an area (e.g. Lancaster) with the expected number of events based on mortality rates of a reference population (e.g. England and Wales). The SMR is a ratio of observed to expected number of deaths. If local mortality rates are high compared with national rates, the number of deaths observed will be greater then the expected number and the SMR will be greater than 100. For areas with low mortality SMRs will be less than 100.
** Circulatory disease defined as coronary heart disease, stroke and related conditions (circulatory disease) at all ages under 75 years, age standardised using the European Standard Population as defined by the World Health Organisation.
*** All people usually resident in the area at the time of the 2011 Census with a health problem or disability that had lasted, or was expected to last, at least 12 months, and limited daily activities a lot. This includes problems related to old age. The percentage of the working-age population with a long-term limiting illness in 2001 was 19.9% in Lancaster compared to 20.7% for the North West and 18.2% for England and Wales. This rate was the fifth lowest across the Lancashire authorities.
Although these statistics demonstrate that health in Lancaster is good, there exist localised pockets of poor health. In the 2015 Indices of Deprivation nine wards – Bulk, Castle, Harbour, Heysham Central, Heysham North, Poulton, Skerton East, Skerton West and Westgate - had LSOAs in the lowest 10% most deprived for health deprivation and disability. The index identifies areas with relatively high rates of premature death, people whose quality of life is impaired by poor health or those who are disabled. Figure B-4 presents the results. Figure B-4 Health and Disability Deprivation (Indices of Multiple Deprivation, 2015)
Source: Lancashire Area Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk and Indices of Deprivation, 2015
Figure B-4 shows the relationship between life expectancy and deprivation in the District. It can be seen that there is a clear correlation between a poorer life expectancy and being more deprived, more so for men than for women, in Lancaster.
Figure B-5 Life Expectancy and Inequality Source: Lancaster Health Profile, 2014
The teenage pregnancy rate in Lancaster District during 2010-12 was 30.1 per 1,000, compared to 35.5 and 30.9 across the North West and England, respectively. Compared to 1998-00 this represents a fall of 36.9% in teenage pregnancy across the District (ONS). A review of service provision across the District’s villages was undertaken in September 2009, ‘Report of Village Surveys’ (September 2009). This provides details regarding service provision in the eight named villages of the Core Strategy as well as service provision across a number of non-named villages in the District. The survey revealed an overall high level of service provision across the district. However, it was noted that Slyne-with-Hest no longer has a doctor’s surgery, the nearest now located in Bolton le Sands and limited provision was also reported in Wray with the doctor surgery offering a lower level of service provision. The 2011 AMR also states that residents in the District benefit from a good level of accessibility with 63.6% of the population located within 1km of basic services such as GP. The large amount of open space in the District and the presence of the Forest of Bowland AONB provides an excellent recreational resource for the population that should be maintained to secure health benefits. Sports facilities across the district are largely concentrated within Lancaster City, Carnforth and Morecambe, however, there are facilities such as playing fields, fitness clubs and cricket clubs located within the rural areas of the District (Active Places 10 ). Research from Sport England indicates that 22.5 % of people in Lancaster District engage in regular sport or exercise, higher than the 17.9% who do so in Lancashire and the 16.3% national figure (Sport England, Active People Survey 3 (2010/11)). Research has shown that physical activity is increasing in the District. Since 2005-06 and 2012-13 the percentage of people participating in at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity sport has increased 2.8% to 37.5% - higher that both the North West and nationally averages (Physical Activity in Lancashire, 2014). Data Gaps and Uncertainties: Latest figures for the percentage of the working-age population with a long-term limiting illness Key Sustainability Issues and Opportunities: Health in the Lancaster District is generally good, although poorer levels of health have been identified in nine of the wards. Access to doctor’s surgeries and dentists within the rural areas is more limited and could be improved. This is particularly important for the District’s elderly population. There are opportunities to further promote access to outdoor recreational pursuits in open areas such as the Forest of Bowland AONB to benefit the health of the local population. There are also opportunities to further promote walking and cycling across the District. There are opportunities to reduce the correlation between increased levels of deprivation and poorer health Crime The following baseline data has been identified: Number and distribution of wards with LSOAs in the bottom 10% for crime deprivation (Lancashire Area Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk and Indices of Deprivation, 2015). Crime rates per 1000 of the population for key offences (British Crime Survey 2009).
10 http://www.activeplaces.co.uk/Index.asp?Authorise=true Recorded Number of Key Offences (ONS – Neighbourhood Statistics) Cases of fly tipping (Defra 11 ). Key crime indicators (VIPER - Violence Indicator Profiles for England Resources) The Lancaster District has average crime levels for the North West region. This can be seen by the latest Figures shown in figure B-6. Figure B-6 Recorded Crime Rates across Lancashire Authorities, 2012/13 & 2013/14
Source: Safe Lancashire (http://www.saferlancashire.co.uk/2011/statistics/crime/index.asp)
Figure B-6 shows that there has been a slight increase in the recorded crime rate between 2013 and 2014 (1.32/1000 people). However figures from the last 10 years (see table B-5) show that recent rates represent a peak in crime figures across the District, back to ca. 2006 levels, which had until recently been gradually declining. Table B-5 Recorded Crime Rates Recorded Crime Rate (BCS Date Indicator North West Compactor per 1,000 population) Region
Lancaster District Recorded Crime Rate 2010/2011 37.8 40.8 Lancaster District Recorded Crime Rate 2009/2010 43.4 46.4 Lancaster District Recorded Crime Rate 2008/2009 44.0 54.0
Lancaster District Recorded Crime Rate 2007/2008 47.0 58.0
Lancaster District Recorded Crime Rate 2006/2007 54.8 69.5
Lancaster District Recorded Crime Rate 2005/2006 63.6 72.1
Lancaster District Recorded Crime Rate 2004/2005 63.1 73.1
Lancaster District Recorded Crime Rate 2003/2004 63.7 78.7
Source: Lancashire Profile (Original Source, Home Office) Update Period: Annual and the Lancaster City Council 2011 AMR
11 http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/quality/local/flytipping/flycapture-data.htm Table B-5 and Figure B-5 also show that this recent spike in crime rates in Lancaster are not isolated. The Lancashire average has also risen markedly over the last 4 years. Violence against a person was responsible for 62% of crime within the District (Lancaster City Council 2011 AMR). Figure B-7 shows how crime in Lancaster compares to regional and English averages for a number of key measures. It can be seen that violence against the person offences are similar to regional and national averages. Sexual offences are slightly higher than the rest of the North West but in line with the national average. Suicide and undetermined injury rates in men is higher than both regionally and nationally but for females is lower than both. Figure B-7 Measures for key crime/community safety in Lancaster, the North West and England
Source: Violence Indicator Profiles for England Resource, Local Authority Profile (http://www.eviper.org.uk/LAProfile.aspx?reg=b)
* Violence against the person offences and Sexual offences data from 2011/12
** Mortality from suicide and injury undetermined data from 2008/10 As a largely rural area, the District does not suffer from major problems associated with urban decline or socio-economic inequality (other than in the centres of Morecambe and Lancaster) that characterise some nearby authorities such as Burnley or Preston. The breakdown of recorded crime by offence type relative to Lancashire and England and Wales is given in Table B-6. Table B-6 Recorded Number of Key Offences Area Violence with Robbery Burglary Vehicle Sexual Injury Offences Offenses (Includes Theft of a Motor Vehicle)
Lancaster 838 39 1,033 694 157
North West 39,093 6,144 60,522 45,033 6,869
England 291,851 63,888 438,728 368,222 50,020
Source: ONS – Neighbourhood Statistics While the overall crime rate across the District has declined over the past decade, a number of areas continue to experience higher than average incidences of crime. This is most prominent in the urban areas of the District with Duke’s ward of Lancaster and Poulton ward of Morecambe both experiencing high levels of reported crime. The largest number of crimes reported to the police was recorded in Poulton ward with 1635 crimes reported. This compares to just 56 crimes in Kellet ward which experienced the lowest reported crime rate (UK Crime Stats, 2011). Eight wards in the District have LSOAs in the lowest 10% most deprived for crime deprivation nationally these being Bulk, Harbour, Heysham North, Heysham South, Poulton, Skerton East, Skerton West and Westgate (Figure B-8). Figure B-8 Crime Deprivation (Indices of Multiple Deprivation, 2015) Figure B-8 Crime Deprivation (Indices of Multiple Deprivation, 2015)
Source: Indices of Deprivation, 2015
Residents in the District consider that the level of crime is the most important thing in making somewhere a good place to live, ahead of Health Services and clean streets. However, 37.3% of residents believe that the level of crime needs to be reduced within their area (General Household Best Value Satisfaction Survey 2006, www.lancaster.gov.uk ). The Lancaster District Community Safety Plan 2008 to 2011 states that residents within the Lancaster Community Safety Partnership area felt less safe due to an increase in antisocial behaviour. However, the partnership intends to develop a community safety community engagement action plan, develop an approach to community engagement including marketing and communications plan and identify key issues around perception of safety, which will all contribute to improving people’s feelings regarding safety. Fly tipping continues to be a large and growing issue in Lancaster. Between 2007/08 and 2009/10 there was an 86.5% increase in recorded fly tipping incidents. In 2013/14 there were 6,341 reported incidents, a 50% increase from 2009/10. This puts the District as comfortably the highest ranked North West area for fly tipping and 31 st out of the 326 English local authorities (www.lancaster.gov.uk ). Data Gaps and Uncertainties Percentage of residents feeling safe after dark Key Sustainability Issues and Opportunities Lancaster District has average crime levels compared to the rest of Lancashire, although this is rising from lower levels in recent years. Fly tipping is a rapidly growing problem in the District and is well above regionally average levels Violence against a person is the biggest proportion of offences within Lancaster. Four wards in the District have LSOAs in the 10% most deprived for crime deprivation, located within Morecambe and Lancaster City. Water The following baseline indicators have been used to characterise the water environment in the District: River catchment areas (Environment Agency Lune Catchment Flood Management Plan 12 ). Occurrence of coastal Flooding events (Lancaster City Council Strategic Flood Risk Assessment 2007). Distribution of areas at risk of fluvial flooding (Environment Agency Flood Map 13 ) and the Lancaster City Council 2012/13 AMR). Daily domestic water use (per capita consumption, litres) (Audit Commission 14 ). Number of planning applications granted permission contrary to Environment Agency advice (Lancaster City Council 2012 AMR). Bathing water Quality (Environment Agency 15 and www.lancaster.gov.uk ) Water is an essential resource required for domestic and industrial use. The District lies within the catchment area of the River Lune. The key watercourses in the District are the Lune itself, and its major tributaries, the River Keer, River Hindburn, River Roeburn, and River Conder (Environment Agency River Lune Catchment Flood Management Plan) (see Figure 4).
The Environment Agency has identified a risk of flooding on land adjacent to the Rivers Lune, Keer and to an extent the River Conder and River Hindburn (Environment Agencies online Flood Map) (see Figure 4). Flooding remains a risk within the District with a large proportion of communities located adjacent to, or near, the River Lune and its tributaries. The River Lune catchment covers an area of approximately 1,223m 2. Despite this the actual risk of flooding remains relatively low with fluvial and coastal protection works reducing the risk of flooding for properties. 22.79% of the district is located in flood zone 3. Flood zone 3 is defined as areas at risk from 1 in 100 or greater probability of river flooding or a 1 in 200 or greater annual probability of flooding from the sea; 2,671 of properties in the District are located within this flood zone (AMR 2012/13).This represents a sizable fall in the number of properties in this flood zone over recent years. The dominant mechanism of flooding in the Lancaster District has historically been the sea. Tidal events have been recorded as far back as 1851, with large events also occurring in 1898, 1907, 1927 and 1983. In November 1977, an event estimated to be equivalent to an event expected to occur on average once in every 20 years, resulted in flood damage to over 1,300 properties in Morecambe. In more recent times, the coincidence of spring tides and extreme storm conditions on the 26 th and 27 th February 1990 resulted in overtopping of the coastal and river defences throughout Morecambe Bay (Lancaster City Council Strategic Flood Risk Assessment 2007).
12 http://publications.environment-agency.gov.uk/pdf/GENW0309BPTN-E-E.pdf 13 http://maps.environment- agency.gov.uk/wiyby/wiybyController?x=347500.0&y=461500.0&topic=floodmap&ep=map&scale=4&location=Lancaster,%20L ancashire&lang=_e&layerGroups=default&textonly=off 14 http://www.areaprofiles.audit-commission.gov.uk/(zgn4qhm2s1ysfmr4p52zht55)/LAAProfile.aspx 15 http://maps.environment- agency.gov.uk/wiyby/wiybyController?x=347500.0&y=461500.0&topic=coastalwaters&ep=map&scale=3&location=Lancaster,% 20Lancashire&lang=_e&layerGroups=default&textonly=off#x=345463&y=464027&lg=1,&scale=4 Lancaster District has a good record of water quality (Figure B-9) in comparison to regional levels. Water quality in Lancaster has been consistently good over the preceding four years.
Figure B-9 Current Ecological Quality of rivers in Lancaster
Source: Environment Agency
Within the Lancaster District there are two types of water supplies; Public (or Mains) Water Supplies which are provided by the Water Company (United Utilities) and Private Water Supplies which are the responsibility of the individual supply user/s. For the area in which Lancaster is situated, United Utilities forecast a small supply deficit by 2022/23, and the deficit is expected to increase through the remainder of the planning horizon. A programme of supply-demand solutions will be required from 2022/23 to maintain adequate water supply reliability in the Integrated Zone (United Utilities Water Resource Management Plan, 2009).
During 2011/12 no applications were approved by Lancaster City Council contrary to Environment Agency advice on flooding and water quality (Lancaster City Council 2012 AMR).
In summary, the current risk of flooding within Lancaster is relatively low, and flood risk is not regarded as a ‘big’ local issue that is likely to overly constrain the allocation of land for future development. Notwithstanding this however, it is important to recognise that flood defences do not fully remove the risk of flooding. Future investment in maintenance, and possibly the raising of defences to combat the potential impacts of climate change, will be imperative to ensure that these mitigating structures represent a sustainable solution for the District in the long term (Lancaster Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, 2007).
Bathing water quality within the District is monitored in two locations: north Morecambe, south Morecambe between May and September. Monitoring has been undertaken at these locations since 1988. Bathing waters were deemed poor at Morecambe South in 2009 therefore have deteriorated in quality since 2008 when they were deemed good. At Morecambe North bathing water quality was assessed as good which has not changed since 1997. Figure B-10 shows the bathing water quality ratings at the North West’s beaches. It can be seen that the both the monitored beaches in the District continue to meet the required microbiological standards.
Figure B-10 Bathing Water Quality Ratings at North West Beaches
Source: United Utilities
Date Gaps and Uncertainties Number of new developments incorporating Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). Key Sustainability Issues and Opportunities Water quality across the District is generally very good and it is important that these high levels are maintained. Areas at risk from flooding should be protected from development that would increase that risk. New developments should be encouraged to use SuDS to manage runoff and further reduce flood risk. New developments and households within the District should also be encouraged to minimise water use and to re-use rainwater where possible i.e. grey water recycling systems. United Utilities forecast a water deficit in the future which may affect water resources availability for new developments. United Utilities and the Council will need to work together over this issue. Bathing water quality at the two monitoring locations continues to meet the required standard. There is potential to improve this further to achieve the ‘guideline’ quality certification. Soil and Land Quality The following baseline indicators have been used to characterise the soil and land quality conditions across the District: Distribution of best and most versatile agricultural land (Lancashire Area Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk and www.magic.gov.uk ). Percentage of housing completions on previously developed land (Lancaster City Council 2011 and 2012/13 AMRs). Number of Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites (RIGS) (Lancashire RIGS Group 16 ). Percentage of employment development on previously developed land (Lancaster City Council 2011 AMR).
16 http://www.lancashirerigs.org.uk/downloads/88972916685488581023012009133026.jpg Key sources of Contaminated Land (Lancaster City Council, www.lancaster.gov.uk and Inspection Strategy for Contaminated Land, Second Edition, Lancaster City Council). Area of previously developed vacant land, vacant buildings and derelict land and buildings (Lancashire Area Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk ). Area of land currently in use but with planning allocation/permission for redevelopment and with other known redevelopment potential (Lancashire Area Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk ). During the 2012/13 financial year an additional 6,507m 2 of net floorspace was constructed for employment uses within the District. This compares to the 2,793 m 2 completed in 2010/11. A breakdown of this development can be seen in Table B-7 below. Table B-7 Location of development for employment in Lancaster 2012/13 Location Amount Developed (sqm) Percentage (%)
Lancaster 5,141 76
Morecambe and Heysham 180 3
Carnforth 116 2
Rural 1,070 16
Source: Lancaster City Council 2012/13 AMR
Of the new employment land developed in Lancaster, 85% was completed on previously developed land. This represents a 30% increase on the previous monitoring period (AMR 2012/13) and is above the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) 2009 target of at least 70% of new floorspace should be on previously developed, brownfield land. The key potential sources of contamination within the District are those associated with former mineral extraction and/or landfilling and such sites as former gas works, petrol stations, railway land and transport depots, scrap yards and sewage treatment works/waste water treatment works (Inspection Strategy for Contaminated Land, Second Edition, Lancaster City Council). A review of the Lancaster City Council website has indicated that are no sites on the Council’s Contaminated Land Register (Lancaster City Council, www.lancaster.gov.uk ). There is 53,963ha of farmed land across the District which is mainly classified under grades three to five (3, good to moderate – 5, very poor quality agricultural land); see Figure B-11. The Lancaster City Council AMR has monitored the amount of agricultural land across the District in this report for the first time and the results are shown in Table B-8 below.
Table B-8 Agricultural Land across the District Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5
Lancaster ha 0 625 21,331 15,495 16,512
% 0.0 1.1 37.7 27.4 29.2
Source: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA): Agricultural Land Classification and Lancaster City Council 2011 AMR Dairy, livestock grazing in less favoured areas and lowland livestock grazing are the common farm types. The upland parts of the Forest of Bowland are dominated by sheep and beef farming. Sheep farming in particular is common in the District, contributing 26.6% of all sheep farming in Lancashire (www.lancaster.gov.uk .)
Figure B-11 Agricultural Land Classification
Source: www.magic.gov.uk RIGS are designated using locally developed criteria and are currently the most important places for geology and geomorphology outside statutorily protected sites like Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Within the Lancaster District, there are 25 RIGS. The District is also home to the Morecambe Bay Pavements Special Area of Conservation (SAC) which is one of four sites in northern England representing Limestone pavements on Carboniferous limestone. The amount of previously developed vacant land, derelict land and buildings and vacant buildings across the District is high when compared with other parts of Lancashire. 142ha of derelict land and buildings and vacant buildings were identified within the District (the highest of all the Lancashire authorities). The number of vacant dwellings in Lancaster remained relatively constant between 2007 and 2013, increasing in number by 72 to 2,388 in 2013. This represent 3.91% of the total stock. This pattern is contrary to the national trend of reduction, with 16.8% less vacant dwellings in 2013 to 2007 in England ( Department for Communities and Local Government ). Also 93ha of brownfield land currently in use was identified within the DCLG’s Previously-Developed Land that may be available for Development in England Report 2007, which again was the highest figure of all the Lancashire authorities (Lancashire Area Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk ). Government policy encourages the re-use of brownfield sites 17 . Data Gaps and Uncertainties Distribution of areas known to have been subject to significant subsidence Key Sustainability Issues and Opportunities Where previously developed sites exist, the aim should be to continue to remediate and re-use them, although this decision should be made on a site-by-site basis as some brownfield sites may now have developed significant biodiversity interests. The District contains numerous geological resources such as RIGS and SSSIs (including limestone pavement (see Figure 3b) which should be protected from inappropriate development and opportunities to raise awareness of geological designations and resources should be pursued where possible. Geological Heritage Sites are also displayed on Figure 7. Lancaster has large areas of previously developed land when compared to other Lancashire authorities. To reduce the number of vacant dwellings in the District. Air Quality The following baseline indicators have been used to identify environmental conditions and key trends:
Number and distribution of Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) (Air Quality Archive 18 ) Combined Air Quality Indicator Scores for LSOAs in Lancaster (Lancashire Profiles www.lancashire.gov.uk 19 ). Distribution of known key polluting sources ( www.lancaster.gov.uk ).
Local air quality monitoring results for nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) and particulates (PM 10 ) (Lancaster City Council Air Quality Monitoring Report 2013 20 ).
Air quality affects the state of the natural environment and has implications for human health. AQMAs are designated when local authorities have identified locations where national air quality objectives are unlikely to be achieved. There are three AQMAs in the Lancaster District, the city of Lancaster AQMA (designated for NO 2), Carnforth AQMA (designated for NO 2), and Galgate AQMA (also designated for NO 2). Continuous monitoring of NO 2 and Particulate Matter (PM 10 ) is undertaken by the Council at Water Street, Lancaster and at two new sites in Cable Street and Dalton Square Lancaster beginning in 2011. The annual mean of NO 2 concentrations recorded at Water Street in the 3 Lancaster Air Quality Monitoring Report 2010 was 33 µg/m which is below the annual mean NO 2 air quality objective. However, this concentration is higher than the annual mean measured in 2009 and 3 3 2008 (31 µg/m ). There were no exceedances of the 1-hour objective of 200 µg/m . PM 10 concentrations measured at Water Street are also well below the air quality objectives. The measured annual mean concentration of 18 µg/m 3 measured in 2010 is lower than that measured in 2009 and 2008 (22 µg/m 3 and 20 µg/m 3 respectively). There were no exceedances of the daily mean objective in 2010. Two exceedances were measured in 2009 compared with four in 2008.
The highest annual mean nitrogen dioxide concentration in 2013 was measured at the Cable Street monitoring site (40.2 µg/m 3), which is just above the annual mean objective. At the Dalton Square monitoring site measured concentrations were lower (34.0 µg/m 3) and below the annual mean
17 Previously-developed land, often called brownfield land, is land that was developed but is now vacant or derelict, or currently in use with known potential for redevelopment (DCLG: Previously-developed land that may be available for Development: England 2007) 18 http://www.airquality.co.uk/laqm/laqm.php?action=submit&map_name=nweng&la_id=142 19 http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/office_of_the_chief_executive/lancashireprofile/monitors/airquality.asp 20 http://www.lancaster.gov.uk/environmental-health/environmental-protection/air-quality/air-pollution-measurement monitoring objective. There were no exceedances of the short-term 1-hour objective at either of the monitoring sites. Nitrogen dioxide concentrations fell in the ‘low’ pollution band throughout 2013 at both sites. PM 10 concentrations measured at the Cable Street monitoring site were below the air quality objectives, with a measured annual mean concentration of 27.0 µg/m3, and 20 exceedances of 50 3 µg/m as a 24-hour mean, compared with 35 exceedances that are allowed. PM 10 concentrations were mostly in the ‘low’ pollution band throughout 2013, with the exception of 18 days (5.0% of days) when concentrations fell in the ‘moderate’ pollution band, one day (0.3% of days) in the ‘high’ pollution band and one day (0.3% of days) in the ‘very high’ pollution band (Lancaster City Council Air Quality Monitoring Report 2013). Across England, combined air quality scores are monitored for all LSOAs using data derived from the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory. The indicator uses measures of emissions of four main pollutants (benzene, NO 2, sulphuric dioxide and PM 10 ). Modelled estimates of the annual mean concentrations for each of the pollutants in each LSOA were then derived and compared to World Health Organisation Guidelines for pollutants that represent ‘safe’ concentrations to produce an overall quality score. Values greater than 1.0 constitute an ‘unsafe’ concentration and values of less than 1.0 indicate that the pollutant is below the objective set and is, therefore, ‘safe’. The scores for each pollutant are then added to derive an overall score for the LSOA. Data for 2005 reveals that the combined air quality scores for LSOAs across England range from 0.52 (best) to 2.54 (worst). Table B-9 presents the results for wards within Lancaster that are deemed to be in the top ranked Lancashire LSOAs. There were no LSOAs in Lancaster in the bottom ranked Lancashire LSOAs (Lancashire Profiles www.lancashire.gov.uk ). Table B-9 Combined Air Quality Indicator Scores for 2005 Ward Name LSOA Air Quality Score
Lower Lune Valley 002B 0.63
Overton 016H 0.64
Upper Lune Valley 002D 0.64
Ellel 019A 0.65
Upper Lune Valley 002C 0.56
Silverdale 001E 0.67
Warton 001F 0.69
Bolton-le-Sands 001A 0.70
Ellel 019C 0.70
Overton 016G 0.70
Source: Department of Communities and Local Government: Combined Air Quality Indicators and Lancashire Profiles The results in Table B-9 demonstrate that air quality is generally good across the District, however the District does still have three AQMAs. The main source of air pollution in the District is road traffic ( www.lancaster.gov.uk ).
Issues relating to carbon dioxide emissions are addressed in Section B.8.
Data Gaps and Uncertainties There are no significant data gaps or uncertainties identified for this topic.
Key Sustainability Issues and Opportunities In general terms air quality in the District is good although three AQMAs are identified in Lancaster. Opportunities should be sought to reduce road traffic and promote sustainable transport use to further improve air quality. Opportunities should also be sought to improve air quality within the AQMAs in particular. There may be opportunities to reduce travel and distances between homes and employment sites through the DPDs. Energy and Climate Change The following baseline indicators have been used:
Total carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions (Lancashire Area Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk ) Annual average domestic gas and electricity consumption per consumer (Lancashire Area Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk ) Annual gas and electricity consumption in the commercial/industrial sector (Lancashire Area Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk ) Applications for renewable energy developments (Lancaster City Council 2011 AMR) Although climate change is a global phenomenon, action to avoid its most serious effects and to minimise the emission of greenhouse gases needs to occur at a local level. The Lancaster District will not be immune to the impacts of climate change, either directly or as a result of policy responses at the national and international levels.
Energy use in Lancaster is considered average when compared to national means. Statistics for 2012 indicate that domestic gas (13,910 kWh per consumer per year) (Figure B-12) and electricity (3,910 kWh per consumer per year) (Figure- B-13). These figures have been falling in line with national averages for the past decade. Statistics show that the average electricity consumption for the North West is slightly lower than that for the District. Sales per consumer average annual gas and electricity consumption by the commercial/industrial sector in the Lancaster District stood at 700,270 KWh and 61,431 KWh respectively in 2010.
FigureB-12 Domestic Gas Usage in Lancaster
FigureB-13 Domestic Electricity Usage in Lancaster
Source: Department of Energy and Climate Change DECC
Per Capita carbon emission from 2005-2012 can be seen in Figure B-13. It shows that there is an overall trend of declining CO 2 per capita emissions both in Lancaster and across entire the region. It can also be seen that the District’s per capita CO 2 emissions are about average for the region. 2012 figures for Lancaster were 7.1 CO 2 emission (tonnes) per person, Lancashire county was 7.4, the North West was 7.3 and the national average was 7.1 ( www.lancashire.gov.uk ).
Total Industrial and commercial CO 2 emissions in Lancaster 2009 per capita were 2.1 tonnes. Domestic emissions were also 2.1 tonnes per capita and for road transport, 2.6 tonnes per capita. The Lancaster District is particularly notable for having the lowest per capita domestic emissions in Lancashire which in 2009 stood at 2.1 tonnes per head. Between 2005 and 2006 the Lancaster District CO 2 emissions fell by a substantial 32,000 tonnes or, which was largely due to reduced emissions from the industrial and commercial sector (Lancashire County Council, Lancaster Area Summary).
Lancaster City Council is committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 34% by 2020. The target annual carbon reduction is 3.4% until 2020. Since 2008/09, a total of 25.35% tCO2 has been saved, over half the 2020 target by 2013. Details of how this is progressing can be found in the DECC report (Lancaster City Council).
Figure B-14 Per Capita CO 2 emission levels in Lancashire, 2005 to 2012
Source: www.lancashire.gov.uk There are three large scale renewable energy schemes within the Lancaster District: Caton Moor Wind Farm, 16MW, comprising eight turbines; The Salt Ayre Landfill site, 4.3MW; and Lancaster Sewage Treatment, 0.65MW. The council is continuing to receive wind turbine applications from across the district, with a further 3 turbines at South Heysham soon to be completed - this will add a further 7.5MW to the current total generating capacity of 28.54MW in the District (AMR 2013). The District produces 0.026MW of energy produced by micro-renewables (where known) including four wind turbines, one solar photovoltaics, one Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant and one biomass scheme. The breakdown of renewable energy production capacity is shown in Table B-10 below. Table B-10 Renewable energy production by technology in Lancaster 2013
Source: Lancaster City Council 2013/14 AMR
Recent monitoring has also revealed that an additional 82MW of capacity is currently within the planning system. The majority of this capacity is anticipated to be generated from wind energy with an application for 50MW at Claughton Moor and Whit Moor. The Council are currently in the process of reviewing their monitoring framework for renewable energy, which will ensure that more accurate data is available on the amount of energy generated by renewable sources across the District.
The Planning and Energy Act 2008 allows local authorities to include policies in their local development plan’s setting out reasonable requirements for:
A proportion of energy used in development in their area to be energy from renewable sources A proportion of energy used in development in their area to be low carbon energy from sources in the locality of the development The above policies should be carefully considered and balanced in the Development Plan Documents with the need to ensure that the environment of the District is not adversely affected. Data Gaps and Uncertainties There are no key data gaps or uncertainties
Key Sustainability Issues and Opportunities Reducing the carbon footprint through energy conservation and efficiency and the promotion of renewable energy sources should be a priority for the District. New developments should be encouraged to include sustainable design principles. Due care must be given to the preservation of biodiversity, landscape and heritage resources when identifying sites for renewable energy projects. Reducing transport on the District’s roads and encouraging more sustainable modes of transport would contribute to reducing the effects of climate change.
Emissions of CO 2 are generally low in the District and opportunities should be sought to maintain the reduction in these levels. To increase the production of energy from renewable sources; in particular capitalising on the District’s suitability for harnessing wind power.
Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna The following baseline indicators have been used to characterise conditions across the District: Number and distribution of designated sites including SAC, SPA, Ramsar sites, SSSI, National Nature Reserves (NNR), Local Nature Reserves (LNR) and Biological Heritage Sites (BHS) (MAGIC, www.magic.gov.uk , Lancashire Area Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk ). Condition of SSSIs (Data from Natural England, 2008). Number of Biological Heritage Sites under Active Management (Spatial Planning in Lancashire, Annual Monitoring Report 2 21 ). Areas of woodland, including ancient woodland ( www.magic.gov.uk ). Key Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species and habitats present (Lancashire BAP 22 ). Woodland/farmland bird populations (Lancashire BAP). Lancaster contains large areas of high quality natural environment and has a wealth of biodiversity sites of international, national, regional and local importance for nature conservation. In total these designations cover 74% of the district (42,064ha) and can be seen in Figure B-15 (and Figures 3a and 3b). Figure B-15 International, National and Local Nature Conservation Designations
Source: www.magic.gov.uk There are a large number of SSSIs located within the District. SSSIs represent the Country’s very best wildlife and geological sites. There are presently 27 SSSIs located within or partly within the District (or 162 units) (Natural England 23 ). These sites include areas of woodland such as Artle Dale and Burton Wood and areas of upland natural grassland at Clear Beck Meadow and acid grass uplands in the Bowland Fells. Together these cover 385km2 of the District. Of the 19,119 ha of SSSI
21 http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/corporate/web/view.asp?siteid=4279&pageid=18738&e=e 22 http://www.lancspartners.org/lbap/habitat_plans.asp 23 http://www.english-nature.org.uk/special/sssi/report.cfm?category=C,CF in the district 97% have been assessed as being in a favourable or unfavourable recovering position, a 2% improvement from the 2012/13 monitoring period. (Lancaster City Council 2013/14 AMR). The area coverage of important designations is provided in Table B-11. Table B-11 Environmental designations in Lancaster (2012)
Source: Lancaster City Council AMR 2013/14 The Bowland Fells SSSI in the south of the District is also designated as a SPA under EC Wild Birds Directive 24 due to its importance for moorland bird populations. The Morecambe Bay SSSI along the western boundary of the District is also designated as a SPA, SAC and Ramsar site. There are smaller areas in the District designated as SACs including Calf Hill and Cragg Woods SAC and Morecambe Bay Pavements SAC ( www.magic.gov.uk ). Lancaster also contains three LNRs (Warton Cragg, Warton Cragg Quarry and Trowbarrow Quarry) and one NNR (Gait Barrows) ( www.magic.gov.uk ). In 2012, there were 277 BHSs in the District covering an area of 6,155ha, 13 more hectares than in 2008/09 (2012/13 AMR). BHSs are the most important non-statutory wildlife sites in Lancashire and they contain valuable habitats such as ancient woodland, species-rich grassland and bogs (Lancaster City Council 2012/13 AMR). Figure B-16 shows the distribution of BHSs within the District (also displayed on Figure 3a). Table B-12 also presents information about the BHSs in the District under positive management.
24 Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds Figure B-16 BHSs within the Lancaster District
Source: Lancashire Area Profiles, www.lancashire.co.uk
Table B-12 Biological Heritage Sites in Positive Management in hectares 2009/10
Source: Lancashire County Council 2010
The UK government published ‘Biodiversity: The UK Action Plan’ in 1994. This plan combined new and existing conservation initiatives with an emphasis on a partnership approach. It contains 59 objectives for conserving and enhancing species and habitats as well as promoting public awareness and contributing to international conservation efforts. Following on from the initial strategy publication, 391 Species Action Plans (SAPs) and 45 Habitat Action Plans (HAPs) were published for the UK's most threatened (i.e. "priority") species and habitats. In additional there are approximately 150 Local Biodiversity Action Plans, normally at county level. These plans usually include actions to address the needs of the UK priority habitats and species in the local area, together with a range of other plans for habitats and species that are of local importance or interest (Biodiversity Action Reporting System 25 ).
The Lancashire Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) is made up of many individual species and habitat plans. Each plan gives information on the status and threats to the species or habitat. The most important section of the plan details the conservation action required and the organisations responsible (Lancashire’s’ Biodiversity Partnership 26 ). Lancashire BAP species and habitats include the following: Habitat Action Plans Arable Farmland Broadleaved and Mixed Woodland Calcareous Grassland Limestone Pavement Moorland and Fell Mossland Reedbed Rivers and Streams Salt Marsh and Estuarine Rivers Sand Dune Species-rich Neutral Grassland Urban Habitat Plans Amenity Grassland and Sports Fields Churchyards and Cemeteries Golf Courses Road Verges School Grounds Urban Parks Species Plans Birds Black Tailed Goldwit Farmland Birds Hen Harrier Lapwing Reed Bunting Skylark Song Thrush
25 http://www.ukbap-reporting.org.uk/ 26 http://www.lancspartners.org/lbap/biodiversity_action_plans.asp Twite Mammals Bats Brown Hare Otters Red Squirrel Water Vole Amphibians Great Crested Newt Natterjack Toad Insects Betted Beauty Moth Dorus Profuges – a hoverfly High Brown Fratillary Large Heath Butterfly Northern Brown Argus Pearle- bordered Fritillary Shining Guest Ant Southern Wood Ant Wall Mason Bee Other Invertebrates Freshwater Pearl Mussel Freshwater White-clawed Crayfish Jennings Proboscis Worm Whorl Snails Plants Birds-eye Primrose Black Poplar Dwarf Cornel Flat-Sedge Great Butterfly Orchid Lady’s-slipper Orchid Lancaster Whitebeam Narrow Small-Reed Purple Ramping-fumitory Rock Sea Lavender Sea Bindweed Source: Lancashire BAP 27 The District supports healthy woodland and farmland bird populations. Lapwing ( Vanellus vanellus ) populations are also reasonable in the Forest of Bowland, with 2,470 pairs recorded in a Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) survey in 1998 recorded in the latest Lancashire BAP. There are several areas of ancient and semi-natural along with ancient replanted woodland across the District. Figure B-17 shows the locations of woodland in the District. Figure B-17 Ancient and Semi-Natural and Ancient Replanted Woodland in the Lancaster District
Source: www.magic.gov.uk Data Gaps and Uncertainties Access to greenspace. Up to date data for ancient woodland coverage. Area and connectivity of wildlife corridors. Percentage wards meeting Box and Harrison Nature Conservation Area standard (1 ha per 1000 population). Key Sustainability Issues and Opportunities There are large areas with a high quality natural and biodiverse environments in the District, which should be preserved and enhanced. Lancaster is home to many Natura 2000 sites including The Bowland Fells SPA, The Morecambe Bay SPA, SAC and Ramsar site, Calf Hill and Cragg Woods SAC and Morecambe Bay Pavements SAC.
27 http://www.lancspartners.org/lbap/species_plans.asp The high quality of the environment provides opportunity to develop recreation and tourism in the District, although care should be taken to ensure that development is appropriate and does not adversely affect biodiversity resources. The condition of a number of SSSIs should be improved and opportunities should be sought to deliver biodiversity enhancements where possible, for example by improving the connectivity between designated sites and areas of open space. Opportunities should be sought to promote land management schemes where possible as these can lead to a number of environmental benefits and enhancements. Efforts should be made to reverse the slight decline in the number of SSSIs in favourable or unfavourable recovering position, with an overall aim of this being at 100%. Cultural Heritage The following baseline indicators have been used to characterise the cultural heritage baseline: Number and distribution of Listed Buildings, Scheduled Monuments (SMs), Conservation Areas and Registered Parks and Gardens (Lancaster City Council 2009 AMR and www.magic.gov.uk ). Percentage of listed buildings on English Heritage risk register (English Heritage Scheduled Monuments at Risk North West, 2014). Percentage of eligible open spaces managed to Green Flag standards (Civic Trust and Lancaster City Council 2009 AMR). Townscape characterisation (Lancashire County Council). Historic Landscape Characterisation (Lancashire County Council). Lancaster has a wealth of cultural heritage assets (see Figure 2). There are 37 SMs, 1,347 Listed Buildings, 37 Conservation Areas, and three Registered Parks and Gardens (Lancaster City Council 2012/13 AMR). The Scheduled Monuments in the District range from the roman fort and its associated vicus, the remains of a pre-conquest monastery and a benedictine priory on castle hill in Lancaster City to the roman kilns 20m north east of Fairyhill Cottage by Brow Top. The English Heritage 2014 ‘Heritage at Risk’ study found that 12.5% of SMs in the North West are on the ‘at risk register’; 2.7% lower than the national average. 6% of North West buildings and structures, 8.9% of places of worship and 5.2% of parks and gardens are all also on the risk register, compared to 4%, 6% and 5.7% respectively for the UK average. The 2009 AMR states there were five SMs and one historic garden recorded at risk in the Heritage at Risk Register. This includes those buildings, parks and SMs facing the greatest pressure and threat. Since this report two listed buildings were added to the national listed buildings at risk register, the Queen Victoria Memorial on Dalton Square, Lancaster and the Church of St. Helen at Overton (2012/13 AMR). Conservation Areas in the District exist in the following settlements (see Figure 2):
Heysham Dolphinholme Arkholme Halton
Warton Glasson Dock Cantsfield Brookhouse
Hornby Yealand Conyers Nether Kellet Overton and Redmayne
Over Kellet Gressingham Wrayton Whittington
Priest Hutton Wennington Wray Bolton-le-sands Borwick Melling Sunderland Point Bath Mills, Lancaster
Williamson Park, Moor Lane Mills, Lancaster Castle Lancaster City Lancaster Lancaster Centre
Greaves Road, West End, Slyne-with-Hest Tunstall Lancaster Morecambe
Nether Burrow Ireby Aldcliffe Road, Westfield Memorial Lancaster Village, Lancaster
Morecambe
Source: Lancaster City Council, www.lancaster.gov.uk In addition to the table above the Council is currently in a consultation period regarding the designation of Carnforth centre and Lancaster's Cannon Hill as new Conservation Areas (www.lancaster.gov.uk ). These Carnforth and Cannon Hill Conservation Area Appraisals were both adopted on June 24 th 2014. In February 2012 the Morecambe CA also saw a small boundary extension. May 2012 also saw the launch of the Townscape Heritage Initiative 2: A View for Eric, which covers part of the Morecambe Conservation Area (2012 AMR). The Civic Trust and DCLG administer the Green Flag Award, given for the quality and management of parks and other public open spaces. 58% of parks and gardens within the District have been accredited with the Green Flag status (Lancaster City Council 2009 AMR). In 2013/14 five more of the District’s parks and public open spaces were given the green flag award, they were: Happy Mount Park, Morecambe Cemetery and Parish Church, Torrisholme Cemetery, Williamson Park and Lancaster University (Keepbritaintidy.org). In addition to the designated built heritage resource it is also important to recognise the historic character of the landscape in the District and the diverse range of historic landscape types particularly within the Forest of Bowland (see the Lancashire Historic Landscape Characterisation programme (Lancashire County Council, 2002)). There are a number of locally distinctive towns in the District that have been identified in the Lancashire Historic Towns Survey 28 . Those included in the study are Lancaster City, Carnforth, Warton, Hornby and Morecambe. Improving the quality of the public realm is viewed as very important as it contributes to an experience of a place or location. A high quality public realm can attract inward investment, benefit tourism and increase quality of life for the resident population. Data Gaps and Uncertainties No significant data gaps or uncertainties were identified. Key Issues and Opportunities Cultural heritage features should be appropriately conserved and enhanced where appropriate. Heritage risks can be reduced by good land management, or by informed planning policies and decisions that take full account of the national importance of historic sites. In addition to protecting statutory sites it is important to ensure that the wider historic landscape is protected and also non-designated heritage and archaeological resources.
28 http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/corporate/web/index.asp?siteid=4398&pageid=20340&e=e#anchor9183 1 Lancaster has a good tourism potential due to the quality of its natural environment which is complemented in many cases by cultural heritage resources. Many of the District’s towns have a distinctive character that should be protected and enhanced. Good management of the District’s parks and public spaces continues to be recognised by the Green Flag award and efforts should be made to continue this positive trend. Landscape The following baseline indicators have been used to characterise the existing conditions: Landscape characterisation (Landscape Character Assessment, Lancashire County Council, www.lancashire.gov.uk ). Distribution and area of National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) (www.magic.gov.uk and Lancaster City Council 2011 AMR). Land in entry/higher level stewardship schemes (Lancaster City Council 2012 AMR) The Lancaster District is renowned for its quality and diversity of its natural environment with many of its assets protected by local, national and international designations. These include the Arnside/Silverdale AONB and the Forest of Bowland AONB, as well as the largest area of wetland in Britain at Morecambe Bay. The AONBs combined cover approximately 60% of the District and benefit from up to date management plans. The Arnside and Silverdale AONB Executive Committee published a revised management plan in 2009 covering the period 2009 – 2014, which has now been updated to cover 2014-2019. The latest plan indicates that the area is in good condition, in 2013 64% of the 19 SSSIs were in favourable condition and 99% of the woodland and limestone grassland SSSIs within the either in a favourable or recovering condition. This is due to increased active management in the area (Arnside and Silverdale AONB Management Plan, 2014-2019). In addition they are revising their landscape character assessment of the area with a new Landscape/Seascape Character Assessment of the AONB. The Forest of Bowland AONB has also revised its management plan with a new plan covering the period 2009-2014 which was adopted in April 2009 (Lancaster City Council 2011 AMR). The Forest of Bowland AONB (see Figure B-18 and Figure 5) is the 11th largest of the 40 designated AONBs in England and Wales, situated mainly in Lancashire but extending into North Yorkshire. The area is essentially upland country consisting of a plateau of rolling hills and moors and dissected by deep valleys. The Arnside and Silverdale AONB is a unique landscape of national importance that extends to approximately 75km 2, including 30km 2 of intertidal sands and mudflats (Arnside and Silverdale AONB Statutory Management Plan 2009). The City Council has continued to monitor the amount of land in entry/higher level stewardship schemes within the district. Under this scheme payments are made to farmers and other land owners to enhance and conserve the landscape, wildlife and/or history of the site. A total of 13,215 ha of land was identified as being in Entry Level environmental stewardship as of March 2012 (2012 AMR). No National Parks are located within the District’s boundaries ( www.magic.gov.uk ). However the Yorkshire Dales National Park is located within close proximity of the District’s boundary to the northeast and the Lake District Located to the north west of the District. Figure B-18 Forest of Bowland AONB and Arnside/Silverdale AONB
Source: www.magic .gov.uk The Lancashire Landscape Character Assessment identifies Open Coastal Marsh, Low Coastal Drumlins, Mosslands, Wooded Limestone Hills and Farmland Ridges in the west and Drumlin Field, Undulating Lowland Farmland, Moorland Fringe, Wooded Rural Valleys, Valley Floodplains, Limestone Fells and Moorlan Plateau to the east (Landscape Character Assessment 29 ). Data Gaps and Uncertainties No significant data gaps or uncertainties were identified. Key Sustainability Issues and Opportunities A large proportion of the District is designated as AONB which reflects the high quality landscapes of the District. It also provides opportunities for further developing tourist activity within the District. It is important for landscape character and quality to be maintained and where possible restored and enhanced. The District’s high quality landscape is an important resource for attracting visitors and enhancing the quality of life for residents. In addition to considering the wider strategic preservation of the District’s landscape, opportunities should be sought to enhance design and landscaping at the local level to improve the quality of the local environment. Increased levels of active management have led to improved conditions within the Arnside and Silverdale AONB, this should be encouraged to maintain this positive trend. Minerals and Waste The following baseline indicators have been used to characterise the existing conditions:
29 http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/environment/landscape/landscapecharacass/characterassesment.pdf Amount of household waste collected per head (Defra 30 ). Location of strategic landfill sites serving the Borough (Lancashire County Council) Location of quarries and landfill sites in the District (Lancashire County Council). Levels of fly-tipping (Lancashire Area Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk ). Implementation of kerbside recycling schemes (Lancashire Area Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk). Household waste recycling and composting achieved (Lancashire Area Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk). Number of planning applications relating to mineral development (Lancashire County Council 31 ). The Joint Lancashire Minerals and Waste Development Framework (MWDF) contains mineral and waste specific policies for use in determining planning applications for waste or quarry developments in Lancashire, including those areas administered by the Unitary Authorities of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Blackpool Borough Council (the Joint Plan area). It replaces the Minerals and Waste Local Plan and sets out the strategy for future minerals and waste development and addresses issues including mineral extraction; waste management and recycling; protecting mineral resources and restoring minerals and waste sites ( www.lancashire.gov.uk ).
Lancaster District residents produced 453.9 of household waste per person in 2014/15, an increase of 1kg per person on the previous year (452.86kg - 2013/14 ). However, this figure still remains significantly lower than the District, regional and national averages by 78.3kg, 73.1kg and 104.1kg respectively.
The rates of household waste sent for reuse, recycling or composting have in general been improving over the years as sharp increases in Landfill Tax have made the traditional form of Landfill disposal much more expensive. The household reuse, recycling and composting rate in Lancaster district was 42.9% in 2014/15. Table B-13 presents data for the rate of household waste recycling, reuse and composting achieved in Lancaster between 2007 and 2015. As mentioned previously it can be seen that the rate in Lancaster has been steadily improving in recent years. Compared to the District, regional and national averages of 47.3%, 46.6 and 43.7%, respectively, there is still scope for improvement. However the gap is gradually closing as figures improve.
Table B-13 Household Waste Recycling, Reuse and Composting Rates 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%)
Lancaster 30.8 34.7 36.0 38.6 41.6 40.8 42.5 42.9
Source: DEFRA/ Lancashire Area Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk Fly tipping continues to be a large and growing issue in Lancaster. Statistics on the instances of fly tipping within the District are provided in section B4. Waste disposal is an important strategic issue for Lancashire. The only landfill site in Lancaster is Ellel Crag Quarry located approximately 7km south of Lancaster town centre. However, this site only incorporates inert and biodegradable landfill. The main strategic landfill for Lancaster is the Clifton
30 http://www.defra.gov.uk/evidence/statistics/environment/wastats/bulletin09.htm 31 http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/environment/lmwlp/pdf/mon8.pdf
Marsh facility, in Preston and all composting green waste from the District is also sent to the major composting facility at Clifton Marsh in Preston.
Within Lancaster there are a small number of quarries and landfill sites with details provided in Table B-14. It should be noted that while some of the sites listed below may not currently be operational, the table is intended to provide an indication of where key quarrying activities have, currently and are likely to take place in the future. Table B-14 Quarries and Landfill Sites in Lancaster Site Name Area and Location Use
Back Lane Quarry 65 ha, approximately Limestone extraction supplying aggregate, with 6km northeast of coating plant in quarry and block making plant in Lancaster adjacent High Roads Quarry.
Claughton Moor Quarry 25 ha, approximately Clay and shale extraction and associated 8km north east of brickworks with progressive restoration to Lancaster moorland habitat.
Cotestones Landfill Site 5.6 ha, approximately A former slag disposal area subsequently used as 1.5km. south west of a municipal landfill site and household waste Warton and 1.5km. disposal centre. The site has now been restored. north-west of Carnforth
Dunald Mill 40 ha, approximately Limestone extraction for aggregate purposes 6km northeast of Lancaster to the east of Nether Kellet village
Ellel Crag Quarry 14 ha, approximately Shale and sandstone extraction with restoration 7km south of Lancaster incorporating inert and biodegradable landfill. town centre
Leaper's Wood Quarry 50 ha, approximately Limestone extraction for aggregate purposes 6km northeast of Lancaster to the north of Nether Kellet village
Salt Ayre Landfill Site 25 ha, approximately 1.5 Former landfill site incorporating green waste km northwest of composting, materials recycling and power Lancaster to the south of generation from landfill gas. Ovangle Road
Source: Lancashire County Council 32 Between 2010 and 2011, no applications were submitted to Lancashire County Council relating to mineral extraction in Lancaster (Minerals and Waste Development Framework AMR 2011). To reduce the need for natural resources, recycled and secondary materials should be used where feasible in construction projects and new developments that occur in the District. However, it has not been possible to obtain any data about this issue to date.
Data Gaps and Uncertainties Volume of waste produced – total and sub-divided by sector.
32 http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/corporate/web/view.asp?siteid=3087&pageid=7467&e=e Data regarding the use of recycled and secondary materials in the construction industry. Latest data on household waste produced per person Key Sustainability Issues and Opportunities The major strategic landfill site for the District is located in a neighbouring authority, therefore Lancaster is an exporter of waste. Opportunities should be sought to further improve composting and recycling performance where this is possible through the LDF. Sustainable sourcing and waste management principles should be promoted for all new developments that occur in the District. Although Lancaster has exceeded recycling levels there is still room for improvement. Lancaster is home to many quarries. Transportation The following baseline indicators have been used to characterise the existing conditions across the District: Distribution of major transport systems – roads, airports, ports, rail etc (Ordnance Survey mapping, Lancaster City Council, Lancaster County Council). Journey to work by mode (2001 and 2011 Census). Public transport patronage (Lancashire Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk). Percentage of dwellings approved and located within 400m of an existing or proposed bus stop or within 800m of an existing or proposed railway station (Spatial Planning in Lancashire, Annual Monitoring Report 2 33 ). Percentage of new residential developments within 1km of key services (GP, primary school, food shop, post office and bus stop) (Lancaster City Council 2011 AMR). Number of Information and communication technologies (ICT) schemes implemented in the District. Number of homes with broadband internet access.
The District is served by effective communication links that provide access to the rest of the country. The A6 is the main road running through the District providing access to the M6.The A683 also provides good access to the Craven authority. Lancaster has seven railway stations and is an important stop on the electrified West Coast Main Line, which now has maximum line speeds of up to 125 mph. A fleet of nine-car Pendolino trains operate the West Coast franchise and the city benefits from being the starting point for a number of London bound services. Other semi-fast and local services are provided by First TransPennine Express and Northern Rail (Lancashire Area Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk ). Lancaster County Council has identified Lancaster Station as the third most important railway station in the county in terms of passenger usage. In 2013/14 passenger usage of Lancaster rail stations stood at 2,569,888 – a 41% increase on 2005/6 numbers (www.lancashire.gov.uk ). Stagecoach is the major bus operator in Lancaster, however the Carnforth Connect and Silverdale Shuttle also form connections between local bus and rail services (Lancashire Area Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk ). There are passenger services from Heysham Port to the Isle
33 http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/corporate/web/view.asp?siteid=4279&pageid= 18738 &e=e of Man which are operated by the Steam Packet Company Seatruck Ferries also provide a service that specialises in the carriage of freight, and operates between Heysham and Warrenpoint in Northern Ireland.
The Heysham to M6 Link (Figure B19) is one of the largest road building projects currently being managed by a local authority in England. The new road has long been the council’s highest priority major infrastructure project. It will improve access for businesses in Heysham and Morecambe, open up large areas for regeneration, reduce congestion currently experienced within Lancaster caused by traffic accessing these areas and is expected to provide employment for over 3,000 people, with around 100 local unemployed people receiving training and jobs during construction. The M6 link is currently scheduled to be open to the public in the summer of 2016 (2012 AMR).
Drive times to Manchester Airport and the rapidly expanding Blackpool International Airport are approximately one hour ten minutes and 40 minutes respectively. Figure B-19 shows the location of the key road links in the District. Figure 6 highlights bus corridors, highways and cycle networks within Lancaster City, Morecambe and Heysham.
Figure B-19. New Heysham to M6 Link
Source: www.lancashire.gov.uk Figure B-20 Road Links in the Lancaster District
Source: Lancaster City Council 2013/14 AMR In addition to the reliable and frequent public transport links the District also has an excellent cycling network with over 75km of cycle paths. These include lanes on the highway network as well as off road shared use paths. 91% of new dwellings completed between the 1st April 2012 and 31st March 2013 were within 0.5km of the cycle path network (2012 AMR). Lancaster and Morecambe was also one of the original six places in the Country to be named a cycling demonstration town in 2005. Travel to work statistics indicate that the use of the private car is by far the most commonly used method of transport to work, and is increasing, however remains below regional levels but is above the national average. The use of public transport is lower than the regional and national levels, but there has been growth in the number of people using both buses and trains – whereas regionally there has been an overall decline in those using buses or coaches to travel to work. Those working from home has fallen both regionally and in the District, full details can be seen in Table B-15. The Sustainable Community Strategy includes a series of key priorities addressing transport and accessibility which include promote and enhance sustainable forms of transport and reduce private car use in urban areas throughout the District. Table B-15 Journey to Work By Mode Usual Journey to Lancaster (±% North West (±% England* Work Mode change from 2001) change from 2001) (%) (%) (%)
Working mainly at home 5.4 (-4.3) 4.5 (-3.9) 5.4
Underground, light rail, 0.1 (0) 0.6 (0) 4.1 metro or tram
Train 2.1 (+0.8) 2.8 (+0.9) 5.3
Bus, minibus or coach 6 (+0.4) 8.3 (-0.3) 7.5
Motorcycle, scooter or 0.9 (-0.3) 0.6 (-0.3) 0.8 moped Usual Journey to Lancaster (±% North West (±% England* Work Mode change from 2001) change from 2001) (%) (%) (%)
Driving a van or car 58.8 (+3.6) 62.6 (+4.2) 57.0
Passenger of a van or 6.2 (-1.2) 6.1 (-1.4) 5.0 car
Taxi or Minicab 0.6 (-0.1) 0.8 (0) 0.5 (0)
Bicycle 4.1 (+0.3) 2.2 (-0.1) 3.0
On foot 15.1 (+0.8) 10.9 (+0.6) 10.7
Other 0.7 (0) 0.6 (+0.1 0.6
Source: Census 2001 and 2011
* 2001 Census figures for England and Wales whereas 2011 Census figures were just for England so comparisons cannot be made Figures from Lancashire County Council show that public transport usage is experiencing a steady increase (Lancashire Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk ). Bus journeys have risen in number by over 14% across the County between 2003/4 and 2007/8, although figures are not reported at local authority level. Similar growth has been seen on the County’s trains. Patronage of Lancaster’s railway stations has increased by over 13% in the same period, with Lancaster Station handling the majority of passengers (Lancashire Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk ). Data from the 2011 Census revealed that the majority of residents in the District travel either less than 2km to work or between 2 and 5km and this is unchanged from 2001. The location of the authority means that a number of workers do have to commute long distances. The 2011 census indicated that 2,773 or 4.39% of Lancaster residents in work aged 16 and over commute more than 60 kilometres. This is the highest percentage in Lancashire, and is in excess of the regional and national averages. Manchester is probably the location for a number of these people. The authority was also one of two in the county with over 5% of workers commuting between 30 and 40km. For a number of Lancashire authorities, between 15-20% of commuters travel between 10-20 km to work, but for Lancaster the percentage is less than 6%. It is an authority where people either have short or long commutes, but the location gives few opportunities in this middle category ( www.lancashire.gov.uk ). In 2011, 100% of all approved dwellings were located within 400m of a bus stop or 800m of an existing or proposed railway station compared to 95.9% the previous year. However, the statistics also consider whether the public transport is classed as ‘good’ and in Lancaster, lower proportions were close to bus stops with a relatively frequent service. Just over half of the new dwellings were located close to bus stops with an average 15 minute service during peak periods in the morning afternoon and early evening commuting hours (Spatial Planning in Lancashire, Annual Monitoring Report 4). In the Lancaster City Council 2011 AMR 98.4% of the population were recorded as being within 1km of 6 basic services (these are defined as GP, primary school, food shop, post office and bus stop). Data Gaps and Uncertainties Number of ICT schemes implemented in the District. Number of homes with broadband internet access. Key Issues and Opportunities Opportunities should be sought to reduce the growing dependence on the private car and increase public transport use and other sustainable modes of transport such as walking and cycling. It will be important to ensure that any new employment sites can be easily accessed by public transport. The use of ICT in the District should be promoted to increase the competitiveness of local businesses and to help reduce problems associated with rural isolation. The good road connections to other parts of Lancashire and proximity to the motorway network are both an opportunity and a threat to the District as they could help to encourage inward investment but they also could enable the District’s residents to easily commute to neighbouring authorities for employment purposes leading to a leakage of skills and also daily spending from the District. A high proportion of the District uses healthy and sustainable transport modes (walking and cycling) to commute to work, this should be encouraged and infrastructure put in place to facilitate and promote this. Economy The following baseline indicators have been used to characterise economic conditions across the District: Location of key industries and major employers (Lancashire Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk ). Economic activity rate for the period January 2007 to December 2007 (ONS – Nomis 34 )). Employment by sector (Lancashire Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk and 2001 Census). Employment by occupation (ONS – Nomis 35 ). Availability of Employment Land (Lancaster City Council 2011 AMR). Number of Value Added Tax (VAT) registered businesses including sectoral information (ONS 36 ). Size of VAT registered businesses (ONS 37 ). Number of wards with LSOAs in the bottom 10% most deprived for employment deprivation (Index of Multiple Deprivation, 2007). Percentage of working age population claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance in March 2009 (ONS – Nomis). Visitor numbers and tourist revenue data (Tourism Strategy - Morecambe, Lancaster and the Lune Valley 2006 -2010 and 2008 Update). Zone A rental data £/m 2 (Spatial Planning in Lancashire Annual Monitoring Report 2). Average number of employees per VAT registered company (ONS). Employment opportunities in Lancaster are focused in and around Lancaster City, Morecambe, Carnforth and Heysham. Key employers in the District include Lancaster City Council, British Energy, Heysham Port, Lancaster University and Cannon Hygiene Ltd. The majority of businesses and employers are situated in the west of the District. It is noted that Lancaster has a largely self- contained labour market, with nearly 83% of employed residents living and working in the area. While there are a number of key employers in the District there is perhaps an over reliance on a small
34 http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadKeyFigures.do?a=7&b=277020&c=lancaster&d=13&e=9&g=462 356&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1268392254499&enc=1 35 http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=7&b=277020&c=lancaster&d=13&e=9&g=462 356&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1268392254608&enc=1&dsFamilyId=33 36 http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadDatasetList.do?a=7&b=277020&c=lancaster&d=13&g=462356&i =1001x1003&m=0&r=1&s=1268402644703&enc=1&domainId=9 37 http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=7&b=277020&c=lancaster&d=13&e=9&g=462 356&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1268402655109&enc=1&dsFamilyId=1096 number which places the District at risk of any major job losses within those companies (Lancashire Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk , 2013/14 AMR). The manufacturing sector has shed jobs over the years whilst the service sector has grown to become a far greater source of employee jobs. Lancaster has a lower rate of employee jobs in the manufacturing sector than is the norm in the county and nationally and conversely a higher rate of employment in the service sector. With two universities in the city employment in the education sector is high. Lancaster University is one of the main economic assets within the District employing around 2,500 people as well as providing a high level of graduates to the local labour market each year. The university also provides valuable support to local businesses across the District (Lancaster City Council 2013/14 AMR). The economic activity rate measures the proportion of the adult population in paid employment, unemployed actively seeking employment or who are full-time students. The figure for Lancaster in 2013/14 was 69.8%, lower than that for the North West (74.7%) and that for GB (77.5 %). The economic activity rate for Lancaster has fallen 8% in 7 years. In January 2015 1.8% of the District’s working age population were claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), 0.2% lower than the regional and national averages. The number of JSA claimants has fallen relatively sharply over recent months (see Figure B-21) back towards pre-recession levels and is a good indicator of the economic recovery being observed across the District and rest of the country. The largest concentration of unemployment continues to occur in Poulton ward with 273 people claiming unemployment related benefits, 12% of the total claimant population of the district. Unemployment levels also continue to be high in Harbour ward. The lowest level of claims were made in the Kellet and Upper Lune Valley ward. Average median gross annual income in the district was recorded as being £19,863 as of April 2014. This is slightly below the North West average of £20,723 and national average of £22,176. Figure B-21 JSA claimants from 2006-2014
Source: ONS-Nomis Owing to the largely rural character of the District in the south and south east it is not surprising that the percentage of people employed in the agriculture, fishing and hunting sector is higher than the regional and national average (see Table B-16 for details). Other prominent sectors are wholesale and retail traders, health and social work and education. As mentioned previously employment in manufacturing has fallen considerably as result of the economic downturn, losing nearly half of its labour force in ten years. The high percentage employed in the wholesale and retail trades is explained by the presence of the major urban centres of Lancaster City and Morecambe. Table B-16 Employment by Sector Sector Lancaster (±% North West (±% England (%) change from 2001) change from 2001) (%) (%)
Agriculture, Fishing, Hunting 1.6 (-0.6) 0.7 (-0.5) 0.8
Mining, Quarrying 0.3 (-0.1) 0.1 (-0.1) 0.2
Manufacturing 6 (-5.3) 10.3 (-6.6) 8.8
Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning 2.6 0.6 0.6
Water Supply: Sewerage, Waste Management and Remediation Activities 0.9 0.8 0.7
Construction 7.2 (+0.5) 7.4 (+0.9) 7.7
Wholesale, retail traders 15.2 (-1.5) 16.7 (-1.1) 15.9
Transport and storage 4.7 5.0 5.0
Hotels, restaurants 7.3 (+0.6) 5.9 (+0.8) 5.6
Information and communication 2.3 2.9 4.1
Financial and Insurance 2 (-0.5) 3.5 (-0.3) 4.4
Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities 4.0 5.6 5.7
Public administration, Defence 5.3 (-0.4) 6 (+0.3) 5.9
Education 14.6 (+3.2) 9.7 (+1.8) 9.9
Health, Social work 16.1 (+2.1) 13.9 (+1.9) 12.4
Other Services 4.9 (-0.5) 4.6 (+0.1) 5.0
Source: 2011 and 2001 Census and Lancashire Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk
*Slight variations in the employment categories from the 2001 and 2011 Census’ mean not all percentage change comparisons can be made. A lower than average proportion of the Lancaster’s population are classified as managers or senior officials or work in administrative and secretarial occupations, while elementary occupations and skilled trade occupations are higher than regional and national averages (see Table B-17). Table B-17 Employment by Occupation Lancaster (±% North West (±% Great Britain change from 2001) change from 2001) (%) (%) (%) Soc 2010 major group 37.5 (+1.1) 41.1 (+4.2) 44.6 1-3 1 Managers, directors 6.4 9.5 10.2 and senior officials 2 Professional 21.1 18.6 19.9 occupations 3 Associate 9.8 12.6 14.2 professional & technical Soc 2010 major group 22.7 (-1.4) 22.5 (-2.3) 21.4 4-5 4 Administrative & 9.5 11.2 10.7 secretarial 5 Skilled trades 13.0 11.1 10.7 occupations Soc 2010 major group 13.8 18.5 17.0 6-7
6 Caring, leisure and Other Service 9.8 9.6 9.1 occupations 7 Sales and customer # 8.7 7.8 service occs Soc 2010 major group 25.9 (+4.6) 17.9 (-4.45) 17.0 8-9 8 Process plant & 8.6 6.6 6.2 machine operatives 9 Elementary 17.2 11.1 10.7 occupations
Source: 2001 Census and ONS 38
* Slight variations in the occupation categories from the 2001 and 2011 Census’ mean not all percentage change comparisons can be made. Lancaster is a relatively self-contained District and a net exporter of labour. In 2001, of the 53,300 Lancaster residents in employment, 84% (46,200) worked within the District and 16% (9,700) travel to work outside. These figures have remained relatively stable since 2001, with 83% of employed residents living and working in the area (2012/13 AMR). Flows of workers were higher for certain groups of workers than others. 4,500 of those residents who travel to work outside the District were in managerial and/or professional occupations. The 2011 census showed that a large percentage of people in employment aged 16 or over (77%) lived and worked within the authority with Lancaster attracting over 6,600 residents from other authorities to employment within the District, which makes it a net exporter of some 3,100 workers to other authorities. South Lakeland, Preston and Wyre are key destinations for commuters living in Lancaster. South Lakeland, Wyre and Craven are the most significant source of commuting in-flows with net outflows most notable to Preston (Lancaster District Employment Land Study 2006).
38 http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=7&b=277020&c=lancaster&d=13&e=9&g=462 356&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1268392254608&enc=1&dsFamilyId=33 Table B-18 presents the Zone A Rental data for Lancaster, Morecambe, and Carnforth for 2005, 2007 and 2008 and how it has changed through time. Table B-18 Zone A Rental in Lancaster, Morecambe, and Carnforth Town Centre % change % change % change Zone A Zone A Zone A in Zone A in Zone A in Zone A rental rental rental rental rental rental 2005 2007 2008 2005 to 2007 to 2005 to £ m2 £ m2 £ m2 2007 2008 2008 Lancaster 950 1,000 950 5.3 -5.0 0 Morecambe 300 350 350 16.7 0 16.7 Carnforth 125 150 145 20.0 -3.3 16.0 Lancashire 398 435 438 9.3 0.7 10.1 Source: Spatial Planning in Lancashire, Annual Monitoring Report 2 Lancaster experienced no change in Zone A rental between 2005 and 2008. However, Morecambe and Carnforth experienced a percentage change in Zone A greater than the Lancashire average suggesting greater levels of vibrancy. A Partial Employment Land Review was undertaken by Lancaster City Council and published in October 2008. The review concluded that there was a clear quantitative surplus of employment land and no quantitative need for additional allocations but that there were few immediately high quality sites available around the District. A need for additional B1 offices in and around Lancaster City Centre was also reported (Lancaster City Council 2011 AMR). As of the 1st April 2012 there was an outstanding employment land supply of 281.57ha across the District, more than a fourfold increase from 2011. During 1st April 2011 - 31st March 2012 an additional 10,928 m 2 of net floorspace was completed for employment uses within the District ad between 1st April 2013 to the 31st March 2014 an additional 569 sqm of employment floor space was completed within the district – 65% of which was in Lancaster. This included B1, B2 and B8 uses at several of the main employment sites across the District including Luneside in Lancaster, White Lund Industrial Estate, the Port of Heysham Industrial Estate and Lancaster West Business Park. 55% of new completions were on previously developed land, which compares to 31% for previous monitoring period. (Lancaster City Council 2011 and 2012/13 AMR).
The Visitor Economy is worth over £260 million in the District, supporting over 6,000 jobs, with more than 4.6 million visits a year to main visitor destinations of Morecambe, Lancaster and the rural areas. Figure B-22 and B-23 show the importance of the visitor economy to the District. It can be seen that Lancaster has the third largest visitor economy by number and the sector accounts for 11.4% of total employment – second only to Blackpool. Figure B-22 Visitor economy employment numbers by district, 2013
Source: ONS – Business Register and Employment Survey
Figure B-23 Visitor economy employment as a percentage of all employment by district, 2013
Source: ONS – Business Register and Employment Survey The industry also plays a key role in economic development and regeneration (Lancaster City Council). Retail is of importance to tourism as a reason to visit and in Lancaster, the major shopping attraction of the District, the value of shopping is now estimated at £46.31 million. The STEAM Report 39 (revised) for Lancaster District for 2007 (inc. staying visitors, day visits, and those visiting friends and relatives) indicates the following revenue generated by visitors in the District: £267 million annual visitor spend. 1.85 million visitor nights. 4.2 million day visits. 4,500 jobs supported by tourism of which 3,600 are supported directly. In total visitor spend increased by 3% from 2006 to 2007. There was a 3% increase in the number of tourists staying in non-serviced accommodation (i.e. self-catering). However, day visitor numbers decreased by 1% (Lancaster City Council STEAM Report 2007). Lancaster has a strong level of business start-ups. In 2014 there were 4,100 VAT-registered and/ or PAYE-Registered Enterprises in the District, up 3.5% on a year previously ( www.lancashire.gov.uk ). The greatest numbers of VAT registered enterprises were in the Agriculture, fishing and forestry and construction sectors – accounting for 23.1% of registrations. In 2014 72.7% of VAT based enterprises in the District were business with 0-4 persons employed, compared to regional (75.7%) and national (74%) figures, this can be seen in Table B-19. It can be seen that the district has a slightly lower proportion of VAT registered enterprises with small employee numbers (0-4) and proportionally more with slightly larger numbers of employees when compared to regional and national trends. The high- number of business start-ups and the data in Table B-19 demonstrates the entrepreneurial qualities of the District (ONS). Table B-19 VAT-registered and/or PAYE-registered enterprises: employee size, 2014 Number of Lancaster (%) North West (%) Great Britain (%) Employees
0-4 72.7 75.7 74.0 5-9 14.2 12.6 13.2 10-19 6.8 6.3 6.8 20 + 6.3 5.5 6.1 Source: ONS Lancaster has six wards identified in the 2015 IMD as being in the bottom 10% nationally for employment deprivation –Harbour, Heysham North, Poulton, Skerton East, Skerton West and Westgate. This is shown on Figure B-24.
39 Lancaster Council has adopted the industry-recognised methodology known as ‘STEAM’. This model approaches the measurement of tourism at the local level from the supply side with data collected by Economic Development and Tourism Services annually. Figure B-24 Employment Deprivation
Source: Indices of Deprivation, 2015 Data Gaps and Uncertainties When collating baseline data for this topic area, difficulties were identified in obtaining information about inward investment in the District and research and development opportunities. Specific data requirements are: GVA per capita for key sectors. Number and value of inward investment projects. Number of rural diversification schemes implemented. Latest Zone A Rental figures in Lancaster Key Sustainability Issues and Opportunities A small number of employers provide a significant amount of the employment in the District and opportunities should be sought to promote diversification and to support new businesses where possible. There are further opportunities to capitalise upon the District’s environmental and cultural assets and to develop the tourist industry. The economic slowdown has affected most parts of the UK and there is a need to ensure that the impacts on residents are reduced and that future needs continue to be met. Diversification of the employment market and provision of attractive employment and business opportunities will be central to this. Lancaster is a net exporter of employees. Lancaster has six wards identified in the 2015 IMD as being in the bottom 10% nationally for employment deprivation. These are located within Lancaster City and Morecambe. Lancaster has a lower employment activity than regional and national averages and opportunities should be sought to improve this. The amount of JSA claimants is however comparably low and falling which is a positive sign of economic recovery. The historically high employing manufacture sector has seen a sizable decrease following the recession, with service sector jobs now dominating the labour market. Whilst this growth in the service sector has been key to economic recovery in the area, the District does not want to lose manufacturing from the area completely as it has been an important employment sector for many years. Deprivation and Living Environment The following baseline data has been identified: Number and distribution of wards with LSOAs in the bottom 10% most deprived in the Index of Multiple Deprivation (Indices of Deprivation, 2015). Number and distribution of wards with LSOAs in the bottom 10% most deprived for living environment (Indices of Deprivation, 2015). Number and distribution of wards with LSOAs in the bottom 10% of most deprived in terms of barriers to housing and services provision (Indices of Deprivation, 2015). Number and distribution of wards with LSOAs in the bottom 10% most deprived for income deprivation (Indices of Deprivation, 2015). Average gross weekly pay (Lancashire Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk). Percentage of residents who are very or fairly satisfied with the area they live in (Best Value Performance Indicators General Household Satisfaction Survey Final Report 2006 40 and Lancashire Area Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk). Percentage of residents who think that over the past three years that sports facilities, parks and open spaces and cultural facilities have got better or stayed the same (Best Value Performance Indicators General Household Satisfaction Survey Final Report 2006). Percentage of residents who feel that the Council keeps them informed (Best Value Performance Indicators General Household Satisfaction Survey Final Report 2006). Percentage of residents who believe that the District is a place where people from different backgrounds get on well (Best Value Performance Indicators General Household Satisfaction Survey Final Report 2006). Deprivation is a multi-faceted and complex problem which influences and is influenced by a wide range of factors. Overall levels of deprivation in Lancaster are relatively low when compared to national averages, as measured by the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) 41 . Six wards – Harbour, Heysham North, Poulton, Skerton East, Skerton West and Westgate - have LSOAs in the bottom 10% nationally in this aggregated measure. Harbour, Heysham North, Poulton, Skerton West and Westgate are also the only wards in the District to have LSOAs in the bottom 10% for income deprivation. Median gross weekly pay in the District was £482.4 in 2014, slightly lower the averages for the North West (£484.6) and lower than that for Great Britain (£520.8). Males in the District are much higher earners (£528.8.8) than females
40 http://www.lancaster.gov.uk/Documents/Lancaster%20Gen%20Res%20Report%202006.pdf 41 The IMD 2010 combines a number of indicators, chosen to cover a range of economic, social and housing issues, into a single deprivation score for each small area in England. This allows each area to be ranked relative to one another according to their level of deprivation. The IMD covers multiple deprivation, crime, education, skills and training, employment, health and disability, income, income affecting children, income affecting older people, barriers to housing and services and living environment. (411.3.0) who earn less than the national median. Figure B-25 shows the results from the 2015 Indices of Deprivation regarding Income Deprivation 42 . Figure B-25 Income Deprivation
Source: Indices of Deprivation, 2015 Living environment deprivation 43 across the District shows similar levels of Deprivation to the IMD. Figure B-26 shows the results from the 2015 IMD for this indicator which demonstrates that 13 of the District’s 27 wards have LSOAs ranked in the bottom 10% most deprived for living environment deprivation.
42 Income deprivation is considered to be one of the most important aspects of deprivation and subsequently is given a weighting of 22.5%. This domain measures the percentage of people living in low-income households. 43 This domain measures deprivation relating to characteristics of the living environment. Figure B-26 Living Environment
Source: Indices of Deprivation, 2015 Two wards have LSOAs in the bottom 10% most deprived in terms of barriers to housing 44 and services provision (Figure B-27), Lower Lune Valley and Upper Lune Valley both of which are situated in rural parts of the District. Rural isolation is a key issue in the District and needs to be addressed in order to tackle the issue.
44 The purpose of this domain is to measure barriers to housing and key local services. The indicators fall into two sub- domains: 'geographical barriers' and 'wider barriers' which also includes issues relating to access to housing, such as affordability. Figure B-27 Barriers to Housing and Services Deprivation
Source: Indices of Deprivation, 2015 Best Value Performance Indicators General Household Satisfaction Survey Final Report 2006 45 for Lancaster City Council revealed that 64.1% of the population were fairly or very satisfied with the sports and leisure facilities provided by Lancaster City Council, which is an increase of 0.3% from 2003. Satisfaction with museums and galleries has decreased from 68.7% in 2003 to 64.8% in 2006. Satisfaction with parks and open spaces was 76.5% which had decreased from 78.5% in 2003. Best Value Performance Indicators General Household Satisfaction Survey indicated that over 77% of respondents in the District are satisfied with their local area as a place to live. While The Lancashire Area Profiles states that ‘The Place Survey results for 2008/09’ in Lancaster reveal that 80% of residents are ‘satisfied’ with their local area as a place to live. This is on a par with the averages for the Lancashire County Council area (79%) and for England as a whole (80%). Participation in community activities and levels of community spirit can also be understood from responses in the Best Value Performance Indicator Survey. Findings revealed overall less than 40% of all residents think that the Council keeps them well informed, and 54% of people think that they only get limited information, at best. This is an area that needs to be worked on as engaging with local residents is important to understand their needs and to create vibrant communities. The Best Value Performance Indicator Survey in 2006 revealed 82.9% of those who offered an opinion agreed that believe that the District is a place where people from different backgrounds get on well while 17.1% disagreed. Data Gaps and Uncertainties Percentage of the population that are within 20 minutes travel time (urban – walking, rural - driving) of a range of three different sports facility types at least one of which has achieved a quality mark Number of community action groups Key Sustainability Issues and Opportunities Many areas of rural Lancaster portray low to moderate levels of deprivation although higher levels are concentrated in the inner urban areas, notably Lancaster City and Morecombe. However, owing to its rural nature there are issues associated with access to services and facilities which largely affect the wards in the south, south east and north east of the District, particularly with regard to barriers to housing. Lancaster City and Morecambe are the only wards in Lancaster with wards in the bottom 10% nationally for income deprivation and living environment deprivation. There will be long-term challenges associated with the localised closure of facilities such as post offices. Maintaining and ensuring access to other centres and facilities in the District will be particularly important. This will be exacerbated further due to the current economic climate. Engaging with local residents and making sure that they feel the Council keeps them well informed will be essential in creating vibrant communities. There may be scope in the future to more actively involve the local community in decision- making which will also enable the Council to understand the needs and desires of the residents which in the long-term could help contribute to the establishment of more sustainable communities.
45 http://www.lancaster.gov.uk/Documents/Lancaster%20Gen%20Res%20Report%202006.pdf Weekly pay in the District is just lower than the regional and some distance behind the national average. Opportunities should be sought to drive up wages as well as close the gender pay inequality which exists. Housing The following baseline indicators have been used to characterise the status of housing across the District: Percentage split of dwelling types ( www.national.statistics.gov.uk and 2001 Census). Average house price (Land Registry and Lancashire Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk 46 ). Ratio of relative housing affordability (Lancaster City Council 2009 AMR). Percentage of homes deemed unfit (DCLG and Lancashire Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk). Percentage of housing vacant (Empty Homes Agency and Lancashire Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk). Dwelling Stock by Tenure (Source: Department for Communities and Local Government: Dwelling Stock by Tenure and Condition, 2008 and Lancashire Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk). Percentage of new dwellings built on previously developed land (Lancaster City Council 2011 AMR). Percentage of new dwellings completed on previously developed land (Lancaster City Council 2011 AMR). Number of affordable housing completions (Lancaster City Council 2011 AMR). Number of Homeless presentations (Lancaster Strategic Housing Market Assessment Final Report 2008, Lancaster City Council 2011 AMR and Lancaster District Homelessness Strategy 2008 - 2013). Number of households accepted as homeless (Lancaster Strategic Housing Market Assessment Final Report 2008, Lancaster City Council 2011 AMR and Lancaster District Homelessness Strategy 2008 - 2013).
Whilst the total housing stock in the district stands at 61,154dwellings monitoring has revealed that the council has continually failed to deliver against its 400 per annum housing requirement with just 144 new dwellings completed between the 1st April 2013 and the 31st March 2014. Which is a decrease from the 175 new dwellings that were completed during the last monitoring period. The current 400 per annum dwelling requirement. The council has recently published a new Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) (October, 2013) for the district which investigated the future housing need in the district. The SHMA indicates the need for an increased housing requirement for the district in the range of 514 and 609 dwellings per annum for the period 2011 to 2031 rather than the current 400 dwellings per annum (2013/14 AMR). Lancaster District’s housing stock has a high number of detached and semi-detached dwellings making up 55.4% of the total housing, compared to the national average 53.3%, which is typical of the 90% rural nature of the District ( www.national.statistics.gov.uk 47 and Census 2011).
46 http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/office_of_the_chief_executive/lancashireprofile/areas/housing.asp 47 http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=277020&c=lanc aster&d=13&e=16&g=462356&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1268323919799&enc=1&dsFamilyId =149 Average house prices reveal that the Lancaster District has slightly above average prices for Lancashire, but well below the national average (see Figure B-28). Lancaster District has relatively high proportions of its housing stock in the two lowest council tax bands in comparison to the national averages (Lancashire Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk ). Figure B-28 Quarterly Average Residential Property Prices, 1996 Q1 to 2013 Q2
Source: Department for Communities and Local Government: Housing Statistics The reduction in house prices reported over the last 12 months has helped to reduce the ratio of relative housing affordability in the Lancaster District, that is, the ratio of the median gross annual pay to the average cost of a terraced housing was 6:3:1 and is now 6:1. While affordability has improved in the District this is set against a reduction in the average median gross annual pay as well as a reduction in the availability of mortgages. Median gross annual pay within the District decreased by £2,175 between 2008 and 2010 but increased by £1,594 between 2010 and 2011. (Lancaster City Council 2011 AMR). Lancaster City Council completed 59 affordable housing units over between 1 st April 2012 and the 31 st March 2013, constituting 34% of the new dwellings built (2012/13 AMR). The building of sufficient affordable housing continues to be an issue in the District. The council’s Housing Need’s Study (2011) set out the high level of need within the district. It reports an annual shortfall of 339 affordable units and a shortfall of 476 market units per annum (2012 AMR). In 2013 3.91% of the Lancaster District’s housing stock was vacant. This is lower than the figure reported for Lancashire (4.35%) and is higher than the figure reported for England (2.73%). (www.lancashire.gov.uk ). This figure has reduced by 0.2% since 2010 but still suggests a low demand for housing in the District, however, it is not stated as to what types of dwellings are vacant i.e. there could be a low demand for large expensive homes yet a high demand for affordable homes. A further challenge is provided by the 4.6% of homes deemed unfit, a figure very slightly above the English average (4.2%) but far lower than other authorities in Lancashire, for example, Pendle (16.6%). The percentage of unfit homes in the District has also increased since 2004 when it was 3% (DCLG: Dwelling Stock by Tenure and Condition and Lancashire Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk ). Unfit housing in the District is concentrated in the renewal areas of Morecambe and the private rented sector. The Housing Condition Survey 2004 found high levels of disrepair and energy inefficiency in the rural areas and parts of North Lancaster (Lancaster Strategic Housing Market Assessment Final Report 2008). Table B-20 presents details of the tenure of housing stock across the District in 2011, highlighting that owner occupation in the District is higher than the West Lancashire, North West and England averages. Table B-20 Dwelling Stock by Tenure Local Registered Social Other Public Owner Occupied and Authority (%) Landlords (%) Sector (%) Privately Rented (%)
Lancaster 6.2 3.5 0.2 90.2
West Lancashire 13.1 2.0 0 84.9
North West 3.6 15.0 0.1 81.3
England 7.6 10.2 0.3 82.0
Source: Department for Communities and Local Government and Lancashire Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk There are high levels of self containment within Lancaster with 91.5% of moves within the Lancaster City local authority area. The largest number of incomers to Lancaster came from South Lakeland and Wyre. The lowest level of in-migration was from Richmond District (Lancaster Strategic Housing Market Assessment Final Report 2008). Units of social rented accommodation are limited in the District so demand for private rented property is likely to increase. The main reason for homelessness is the termination of private tenancies and so homelessness is likely to increase unless more social housing stock is delivered or the private sector is made to provide more secure tenancy options (Lancaster Strategic Housing Market Assessment Final Report 2008). The ability to access housing has already been identified as an issue within the spatial portrait of the District. In March 2011 3.4% of households across the district were on the council housing waiting list, an increase of 0.4% from the previous monitoring year. Whilst waiting lists may have increased the Council has made significant progress on reducing the number of homeless households with this figure decreasing from 114 in 2011 to 66 in 2012/13 (Lancashire Profiles, www.lancashire.gov.uk , Department for Communities and Local Government). The number of homeless acceptances peaked at 431 in 2003/04 but has been decreasing year on year since then and stood at 112 in 2010/11 with a 66.3% yearly decrease since the 2003/4 peak. Poulton and the West End account for 41% of all homelessness presentations. (Lancaster District Homelessness Strategy 2008 - 2013). The implementation of Supplementary Planning Guidance 16 (SPG16) ‘The Phasing of New Residential Development’ together with the lower dwelling requirement of the Structure Plan and more recently the impacts of the credit crunch have resulted in lower dwelling completions within the district for the period 2003/04 and 2006/07. Completions increased post 2006/07 with 350 dwellings completed in 2007/08 and a further 330 dwellings completed in. However completions have since declined with the number of dwellings at just 79 in 2010/11 and 175 in 2012/13. Completions on previously developed land in 2011/11 fell to just.15%, this has risen again in recent years – at 81% between 2012 /13 9. (Lancaster City Council 2011 and 12/13 AMR). Restricted development finance coupled with more risk adverse management strategies has seen house building rates across the country fall as the impacts of the credit crunch continue to affect the house building industry. This trend looks set to continue into the immediate future with construction continuing to stall on a number of sites across the district. (Housing Land Monitoring Report, 2011). The Lancaster Strategic Housing Market Assessment (2008) reported worsening affordability across the District and recommends an affordable housing target for at least 40% affordable housing provision on all suitable sites. Within this they state 67% should be for social rent and 33% for intermediate housing. In recent years there has been a significant increase in the number of proposals for new student accommodation in the city centre. Over the longer term, these proposals may help to ease demand for traditional ‘shared’ accommodation amongst students and therefore increase the supply of low cost family housing, particularly in south Lancaster (2012/13 AMR). 12.0% of the District’s households were in fuel poverty in 2012. This is slightly higher than the regional and national averages of 11.3% and 10.4%, respectively ( www.lancashire.gov.uk )
Data Gaps and Uncertainties Number of people accepted as homeless who are successfully re-housed. Number of affordable housing completions in rural areas. Key Sustainability Issues and Opportunities There is a continued shortage of affordable housing in the Lancaster District. Investment is required to upgrade the significant numbers of unfit and vacant housing. There is need for increased provision of sheltered housing for the elderly and also to provide for the housing needs of the younger sectors of society, particularly students. LDF Documents must include appropriate policies regarding the provision of affordable housing. The issue of homelessness must also continue to be effectively addressed. Homelessness is being tackled well in the District with numbers falling considerably in the last decade. New dwellings are not being built in line with demand in Lancaster and is likely to become an increasing problem if not mitigated. The development of new student housing has the potential to ease some of this pressure. Transboundary Issues For many authorities, the geographical scale of particular baseline issues means that they relate closely to neighbouring authorities. For example, housing provision and prices, employment migration and commuting, service provision and education can all result in flows of people across Local Authority boundaries. In order to help to characterise the baseline further, some of these key ‘transboundary’ issues have been identified below. Waste disposal is a significant strategic issue for Lancaster with the main waste disposal site being located in Preston. Lancaster may encounter a shortage of affordable dwellings in the future, which may lead to people relocating to cheaper parts of the Lancashire area. Some designated areas straddle the boarders with neighbouring authorities e.g. the Forest of Bowland AONB, Morecambe Bay SAC etc. Cumulative effects on these sites should be considered. Major routes pass through the District e.g. the M6 which could cause transboundary issues. Cumulative impacts regarding major roads should be considered. Lancaster is a net exporter of employment this could lead to transboundary issues in neighbouring authorities.