CONTENTS

Page Contents I List of Policies VII Preface XII PART ONE - DISTRICT WIDE PLANNING 1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose of the Local Plan 1 1.2 Scope and Status of the Local Plan 1 1.3 Consultation and Public Participation 2 1.4 Structure of the Local Plan 2 1.5 National Planning Guidance 2 1.6 Regional Planning Guidance 2 1.7 Hertfordshire Structure Plan Review 1991-2011 (Adopted April 3 1998) and Alterations to 2016 1.8 Minerals and Waste Local Plans 3 1.9 Other East Herts Council Strategies 4 1.10 Changes to the Planning System 5 1.11 The District of East Hertfordshire 5 1.12 Key Planning Issues facing East Hertfordshire 6 1.13 A Vision for East Hertfordshire 6 1.14 The Aims 7 1.15 The Need for Sustainable Development 8 1.16 The Local Plan Strategy 8 1.17 Quality of Life and Reducing Social Exclusion 8 2. Sustainable Development

2.1 Introduction 9 2.2 Making Development More Sustainable 9 2.3 Sustainable Pattern of Development and Constraint 10 2.4 Energy 9 2.5 The Precautionary Principle 11 2.6 Sustainable Development and Nature Conservation 11 2.7 Transport and Traffic Reduction 11 2.8 Pollution 12 3. Housing

3.1 Introduction 13 3.2 Housing Provision Strategy 13 3.3 New Housing Development 13 3.4 Dwelling Distribution 16 3.5 Phased Release of Housing Land 16 3.6 Areas of Special Restraint (ASRs) 16 3.7 Reserve Housing Land 16 3.8 Monitoring of Housing Land Supply 17 3.9 Sustainable Homes and Communities 17 3.10 Affordable Housing 17 3.11 Affordable Housing Thresholds 18 3.12 Rural Area Affordable Housing Needs 18 3.13 Lifetime Homes 19 3.14 Replacement Dwellings and Infill Housing Development 19 3.15 Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO’s) 20 3.16 Special Residential Uses 20 3.17 Accommodation for Gypsies 20

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 I CONTENTS

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4. Green Belt and Countryside

4.1 Introduction 22 4.2 The Rural Area 22 4.3 Metropolitan Green Belt 22 4.4 Alterations to Metropolitan Green Belt Boundary and Safeguarded Land 23 4.5 Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt 23 4.6 Major Developed Sites 24 4.7 Housing in the Countryside 25 4.8 Occupancy Conditions 26 4.9 Agricultural Development 26 4.10 Rural Diversification 26 4.11 Adaptation and Re-use of Rural Buildings 27 4.12 Riding Stables and Associated Development 28 4.13 Parish Plans 29 4.14 Environmental Assets 29 4.15 Mineral Resources 31 5. Transport

5.1 Introduction 32 5.2 Transport System 32 5.3 Road Hierarchy 32 5.4 Highway Network 33 5.5 Local Transport Plan 33 5.6 Stansted Airport 34 5.7 Traffic Reduction and New Development 34 5.8 Access to new Developments 34 5.9 Transport Assessments 35 5.10 Travel Plans 35 5.11 Parking 36 5.12 Cycling 37 5.13 Equestrian Routes 38 5.14 Powered Two-Wheeled Vehicles 38 5.15 Passenger Transport 39 5.16 Pedestrian Environments 39 5.17 Traffic Calming 40 5.18 Home Zones 40 5.19 Towns and Villages 40 5.20 Rural Transport 40 5.21 Development Generating Traffic on Rural Roads 41 5.22 Freight 41 5.23 Surplus Transport Sites 42 5.24 Fuel Filling Stations 42 6. Economic Development and Employment

6.1 Introduction 43 6.2 Economic Activity in East Hertfordshire 43 6.3 Economic Development Strategy and Partnership Initiatives 43 6.4 Supply of Employment Land 44 6.5 Mixed Use Development 44 6.6 Stansted Airport 44 6.7 Employment Uses Outside Employment Areas 45 6.8 Storage and Distribution Uses 45 6.9 The Rural Economy 45 6.10 Telecottages 46 6.11 Homeworking 46 6.12 Live/Work Units 46 6.13 New Employment Development 46 II East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 CONTENTS

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7. Shopping and Town Centres

7.1 Introduction 47 7.2 Town Centres 47 7.3 Town Centre Health Checks 48 7.4 Town Centre Strategies 48 7.5 New Shopping and Large Scale Development – Location and Capacity 48 7.6 Development Within Town Centres 48 7.7 Larger Centres – Shopping Frontages 49 7.8 Smaller Centres 50 7.9 Conversion of Dwellings to Commercial Uses 50 7.10 Access 51 7.11 Out-of-Centre and Out-of-Town Retailing 51 7.12 Local Centres and Rural Provision 52 7.13 Farm Shops and Garden Centres 52 8. Environment and Design

8.1 Introduction 54 8.2 Quality and Character 54 8.3 Layout and Design 54 8.4 Mixed Uses 55 8.5 Landscaping 55 8.6 Planning Out Crime 56 8.7 Access for Disabled People 56 8.8 Extensions to Dwellings 57 8.9 Extensions to Dwellings Within the Metropolitan Green Belt 57 and Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt 8.10 Residential Annexe 58 8.11 Restrictions on the Conversion of Domestic Garages to Living 59 Accommodation and Withdrawal of Permitted Development Rights 8.12 Trees, Woodlands and Hedgerows 59 8.13 Nature Conservation 60 8.14 Water Environment 62 8.15 Developments in Areas Liable to Flood 63 8.16 Water Conservation and Protection 63 8.17 Light Pollution and Floodlighting 65 8.18 Noise 66 8.19 Hazardous Installations 66 8.20 Air Quality 67 8.21 Telecommunications 67 8.22 Advertisements Outside Conservation Areas 68 9. Built Heritage

9.1 Introduction 69 9.2 Sustainability and the Historic Environment 69 9.3 Archaeology 69 9.4 Conservation Areas 70 9.5 Listed Buildings 71 9.6 Disabled Access Facilities 73 9.7 Shopfronts and Advertisements 73 9.8 Historic Parks and Gardens 73 9.9 Enabling Development 74

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 III CONTENTS

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10. Leisure, Recreation and Community Facilities

10.1 Introduction 75 10.2 Sport, Recreation and Open Space 75 10.3 Joint Provision and Dual Use 76 10.4 Recreation Requirements in Residential Developments 76 10.5 Arts, Culture and Entertainment 77 10.6 Countryside Recreation 77 10.7 Golf Courses 77 10.8 Water Based Recreation 78 10.9 Lee Valley Regional Park 78 10.10 Public Rights of Way 79 10.11 Tourism 79 10.12 Community Facilities 81 PART TWO - SETTLEMENT PLANNING 11. Bishop’s Stortford

11.1 Background 82 11.2 Issues 82 11.3 Settlement Limits 83 11.4 Special Countryside Area 83 11.5 Housing 83 11.6 Airport-Related Housing 85 11.7 Herts and Essex Hospital Site 86 11.8 117-121 Hadham Road Site 86 11.9 Hillmead School Site 87 11.10 Reserve Secondary School Site, Hadham Road 87 11.11 Areas of Special Restraint 87 11.12 Economic Development and Employment 88 11.13 Town Centre 89 11.14 Town Centre Sites for Re-development 89 11.15 The Goods Yard/Former John Dyde Training College Site 89 11.16 The Mill Site 90 11.17 The Riverside/Adderley Road Site 91 11.18 95-97 London Road 91 11.19 Transport 91 11.20 Cyclists and Pedestrians 92 11.21 Environment and Design 92 11.22 Shopping 92 11.23 The Town Meads 93 11.24 Leisure and Community Facilities 93 11.25 Bishop’s Stortford Crematorium 93

IV East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 CONTENTS

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12. Hertford

12.1 Introduction 94 12.2 Settlement Limits 94 12.3 Housing 95 12.4 Mixed Use Sites 98 12.5 Economic Development and Employment 99 12.6 Hertford’s Green Fingers 99 12.7 Town Centre 99 12.8 Transport 100 12.9 Passenger Transport 101 12.10 Cycling 101 12.11 Pedestrian Priority 101 12.12 Town Centre Environmental Improvements 101 12.13 Leisure and Community Facilities 102 12.14 Balls Park 102 13. Ware

13.1 Introduction 103 13.2 Settlement Limits 103 13.3 Housing 104 13.4 Mixed Use Sites 107 13.5 Economic Development and Employment 108 13.6 Waste Management Sites 108 13.7 Town Centre 109 13.8 Transport 109 13.9 Passenger Transport 110 13.10 Cycling 110 13.11 Pedestrian Priority 110 13.12 Leisure and Community Facilities 110 14. Sawbridgeworth

14.1 Introduction 112 14.2 Settlement Limits 112 14.3 Housing 113 14.4 Housing-Site Specific Policies 113 14.5 Cambridge Road/Crofters Site 113 14.6 Land East of Millfields and Lawrence Avenue 114 14.7 Economic Development and Employment 114 14.8 Town Centre 114 14.9 Environment 114 14.10 Transport 114 14.11 Leisure and Community Facilities 115 15. Stanstead Abbotts and St Margarets

15.1 Introduction 116 15.2 Settlement Limits 116 15.3 Housing 116 15.4 Economic Development and Employment 117 15.5 Settlement Centre/Environment 118 15.6 Leisure and Community Facilities 118 15.7 Lee Valley Regional Park 118

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 V CONTENTS

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16. Buntingford

16.1 Background 119 16.2 Settlement Limits 119 16.3 Housing 119 16.4 Housing-Site Specific Proposals 121 16.5 Land West of St Francis Close 121 16.6 Land Between London Road and A10 Bypass 121 16.7 Economic Development and Employment 121 16.8 Settlement Centre/Environment 122 16.9 Leisure and Community Facilities 122 17. Other Settlements - The Villages

17.1 Introduction 123 17.2 The Village Development Strategy 123 17.3 Village Boundaries 125 17.4 Housing 126 17.5 Economic Development and Employment 128 17.6 Village Shops, Community and Leisure Facilities 129 18. Implementation

18.1 Introduction 131 18.2 Implementation 131 18.3 Monitoring and Review 131 18.4 Sustainability Appraisal of the Plan 131 18.5 Developer Contributions 132 District Strategy Diagram Appendices

I Housing Strategy Background 136 II Car Parking Standards 138 III Shopping Frontage Policy Areas in Larger and Smaller Centres 152 IV Recreational Requirements in New Residential Developments 154 V Glossary 157

VI East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 POLICIES

Policy No. Policy Title Policy No. In Page Re-Deposit Version 2. Sustainable Development SD1 Making Development More Sustainable SD1(a) 9 SD2 Settlement Hierarchy SD1 10 SD3 Renewable Energy SD2(a) 11 SD4 Sustainable Development and Nature Conversation SD20 11 SD5 Development on Contaminated Land SD22(a) 12 3. Housing HSG1 Assessment of Sites not Allocated in this Plan HSG1(a) 14 HSG2 Phased Release fo Housing Land HSG1 17 HSG3 Affordable Housing 18 HSG4 Affordable Housing Criteria 18 HSG5 Rural Exceptions Affordable Housing 19 HSG6 Lifetime Homes 19 HSG7 Replacement Dwellings and Infill Housing Development HSG12 19 HSG8 Replacement Dwellings in the Green Belt and Rural HSG13 20 Area Beyond the Green Belt HSG9 Houses in Multiple Occupation HSG15 20 HSG10 Accommodation for Gypsies HSG16 21 4. Green Belt and Countryside GBC1 Appropriate Development in the Green Belt GBC3 23 GBC2 The Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt GBC5 23 GBC3 Appropriate Development in the Rural Area GBC6 24 Beyond the Green Belt GBC4 Major Developed Sites GBC7 25 GBC5 Agricultural, Forestry and Other Occupational GBC8 25 Dwellings GBC6 Occupancy Conditions GBC8(a) 26 GBC7 Agricultural Development GBC9 26 GBC8 Rural Diversification GBC9(a) 27 GBC9 Adaption and Re-Use of Rural Buildings GBC10 27 GBC10 Change of use of an Agricultural Building GBC11 28 GBC11 Riding Stables and Associated Development GBC12 29 GBC12 Agricultural Land GBC14(a) 30 GBC13 Countryside Management GBC15 30 GBC14 Landscape Character GBC16(a) 31 GBC15 Mineral Resources GBC17 31 5. Transport TR1 Traffic Reduction in New Developments TR3 34 TR2 Access to New Developments TR3(a) 35 TR3 Transport Assessments TR3(b) 35 TR4 Travel Plans TR4 35 TR5 Dual Use of Private Car Parks TR5 36 TR6 Car Parking – Strategy TR5(a) 36 TR7 Car Parking – Standards TR6 36 TR8 Car Parking – Accessibility Contributions TR7 37 TR9 Cycling – Cycle Routes TR9 37 TR10 Cycling – Protection of Cycle Routes TR10 38 TR11 Cycle Routes - Dual Cycle and Equestrian Use TR11 38 TR12 Cycle Routes – New Developments TR12 38 TR13 Cycling – Facilities Provision (Non-Residential) TR13 38 TR14 Cycling – Facilities Provision (Residential) TR14 38

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 VII POLICIES

Policy No. Policy Title Policy No. In Page Re-Deposit Version 5. Transport - Continued TR15 Protection of Equestrian Routes TR15 38 TR16 Powered Two-Wheelers TR16 39 TR17 Traffic Calming TR19 40 TR18 Home Zones TR19(a) 40 TR19 Towns and Villages TR20 40 TR20 Development Generating Traffic on Rural Roads TR21 41 TR21 Freight TR22 42 TR22 Surplus Transport Sites TR23 42 TR23 Fuel Filling Stations TR24 42 6. Economic Development and Employment EDE1 Employment Areas EDE1 44 EDE2 Loss of Employment Sites EDE3 45 EDE3 Employment Uses Outside Employment Areas EDE4 45 EDE4 Storage and Distribution Uses EDE5 45 EDE5 Telecottages EDE7 46 EDE6 Homeworking EDE8 46 EDE7 Live/Work Units EDE8(a) 46 EDE8 New Employment Development EDE9 46 7. Shopping and Town Centres STC1 Development in Town Centres and Edge-of-Centre STC3 49 STC2 Primary Shopping Frontages STC4 49 STC3 Secondary Shopping Frontages STC5 49 STC4 Shopping Frontages – Smaller Centres STC6 50 STC5 Conversion of Dwellings to Commercial Uses STC7 51 STC6 Out-of-Centre and Out-of-Town Retailing STC8 52 STC7 Out-of-Centre – Limitations STC9 52 STC8 Local Centres and Rural Provision STC10 52 STC9 Farm Shops STC11 53 STC10 Garden Centres and Nurseries STC12 53 8. Environment and Design ENV1 Design and Environmental Quality ENV3 55 ENV2 Landscaping ENV5 56 ENV3 Planning Out Crime – New Development ENV6 56 ENV4 Access for Disabled People ENV8 57 ENV5 Extensions to Dwellings ENV9 57 ENV6 Extensions to Dwellings – Criteria ENV10 57 ENV7 Extension of Curtilage of a Residential Property ENV12 58 ENV8 Residential Annexes ENV13 58 ENV9 Withdrawal of Domestic Permitted Development Rights ENV14 59 ENV10 Planting New Trees ENV17 59 ENV11 Protection of Existing Hedgerows and Trees ENV18 60 ENV12 Special Area of Conservation/Special Protection ENV19 60 Area/Ramsar Site ENV13 Development and SSSI’s ENV20 61 ENV14 Local Sites ENV21 61 ENV15 Nature Conservation Area Management Agreements ENV22 61 ENV16 Protected Species ENV23 61 ENV17 Wildlife Habitats ENV24 62 ENV18 Water Environment ENV25 62 ENV19 Development in Areas Liable to Flood ENV26 63 ENV20 Groundwater Protection SD16 64

VIII East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 POLICIES

Policy No. Policy Title Policy No. In Page Re-Deposit Version 8. Environment and Design - Continued ENV21 Surface Water Drainage SD17 65 ENV22 On-Farm Reservoirs SD18 65 ENV23 Light Pollution and Floodlighting ENV27 65 ENV24 Noise Generating Development ENV28 66 ENV25 Noise Sensitive Development ENV29 66 ENV26 Hazardous Substances ENV32 66 ENV27 Air Quality ENV33 67 ENV28 Telecommunications ENV34(a) 68 ENV29 Advertisements Outside Conservation Areas ENV35 68 9. Built Heritage BH1 Archaeology and New Development BH1 70 BH2 Archaeological Evaluations and Assessments BH2 70 BH3 Archaeological Conditions and Agreements BH3 70 BH4 Demolition in Conservation Areas BH6 71 BH5 Extensions and Alterations to Unlisted Buildings BH7 71 in Conservation Areas BH6 New Developments in Conservation Areas BH8 71 BH7 Street Furniture and Traffic Calming in Conservation Areas BH10 71 BH8 Statutory Undertakers Works in Conservation Areas BH11 71 BH9 Demolition of a Listed Building BH12 72 BH10 Extensions or Alterations to a Listed Building BH13 72 BH11 Conversion or Change of Use of a Listed Building BH14 72 BH12 Development Affecting the Settling of a Listed Building BH15 73 BH13 Disabled Access to an Historic Building BH16 73 BH14 Shopfronts in Conservation Areas BH17 73 BH15 Advertisements in Conservation Areas BH18 73 BH16 Historic Parks and Gardens BH19 74 BH17 Enabling Development BH20 74 10. Leisure, Recreation and Community Facilities LRC1 Sport and Recreation Facilities LRC1 76 LRC2 Joint Provision and Dual Use LRC2 76 LRC3 Recreational Requirements in New Residential LRC3 77 Developments LRC4 Arts, Culture and Entertainment LRC4 77 LRC5 Countryside Recreation LRC5 77 LRC6 Golf Courses LRC8 78 LRC7 Water Based Recreation LRC9 78 LRC8 Lee Valley Regional Park LRC10 78 LRC9 Public Rights of Way LRC11 79 LRC10 Tourism LRC12 79 LRC11 Retention of Community Facilities LRC13 81 11. Bishop’s Stortford BIS1 Special Countryside Area BIS1(a) 83 BIS2 Housing Allocations – Bishop’s Stortford BIS2 84 BIS3 Areas of Special Restraint 1 and 2 - Bishop’s Stortford BIS3(a) 86 Local Housing need and Stansted Airport Related Housing BIS4 Herts and Essex Hospital Site BIS5 86 BIS5 117-121 Hadham Road Site BIS6 86 BIS6 Hillmead School Site BIS7 87 BIS7 Reserve Secondary School Site, Hadham Road BIS9 87

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 IX POLICIES

Policy No. Policy Title Policy No. In Page Re-Deposit Version 11. Bishop’s Stortford - Continued BIS8 Areas of Special Restraint 3,4 and 5 BIS10 88 BIS9 Employment Areas BIS11 88 BIS10 Town Centre Sites for Redevelopment BIS14 89 BIS11 The Goods Yard/John Dyde Training College Site BIS15 90 BIS12 The Mill Site BIS16 90 BIS13 The Riverside/Adderley Road Sites BIS17 91 BIS14 95-97 London Road BIS18(a) 91 BIS15 Eastern Hertfordshire Area Plan – Bishop’s Stortford BIS19 92 12. Hertford HE1 Housing Allocations – Hertford HE1 96 HE2 Reserve Housing Land – Hertford HE2 97 HE3 County Hospital Site, North Road HE4 97 HE4 Former Mill Road Depot HE4(a) 98 HE5 Mead Lane Area West of Marshgate Drive HE5 98 HE6 University Land West of Mangrove Road HE6 98 HE7 Riverside Yards HE8 99 HE8 Employment Areas HE9 99 HE9 Lea Valley Area Plan – Hertford HE12 100 HE10 Balls Park HE20 102 13. Ware WA1 Housing Allocations – Ware WA1 105 WA2. Reserve Housing Land – Ware WA2 106 WA3 Former Gas Works Site, Star Street WA3 106 (Including Garden Centre, Bowling Road) WA4 Former Goods Yard and Station Car Park, Viaduct Road WA4 107 WA5 Trinity Centre WA5 107 WA6 12 High Street/Co-op Depot, Star Street WA6 107 WA7 Crane Mead WA7 108 WA8 Employment Areas WA8 108 WA9 Lea Valley Area Plan - Ware WA10 110 WA10 Tumbling Bay WA13 111 14. Sawbridgeworth SA1 Housing Allocations – Sawbridgeworth SA1 113 SA2 Cambridge Road/Crofters Site SA2 113 SA3 Land East of Millfields and Lawrence Avenue SA3 114 SA4 Sports Pitch Provision SA6 115 15. Stansted Abbotts and St Margarets ST1 Housing Allocations – Stanstead Abbotts and St Margarets ST1 117 ST2 St Margaret’s Farm Site ST2(a) 117 ST3 Sanville Gardens Site ST2(b) 117 ST4 Employment Area ST3 118 ST5 Development Within the Lee Valley Regional Park ST4 118

X East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 POLICIES

Policy No. Policy Title Policy No. In Page Re-Deposit Version 16. Buntingford BUN1 Housing Allocations – Buntingford BUN1 120 BUN2 Land West of St Francis Close BUN3 121 BUN3 Land Between London Road and A10 Bypass BUN3(a) 121 BUN4 Existing and New Employment Areas BUN5 122 BUN5 The Former Sainsbury Distribution Depot BUN5(a) 122 BUN6 Park Farm Industrial Estate BUN6 122 BUN7 Watermill Industrial Estate – BUN7 122 Improvement to Aspenden Road 17. Other Settlements - The Villages OSV1 Category 1 Villages OSV1 124 OSV2 Category 2 Villages OSV2 124 OSV3 Category 3 Villages OSV3 125 OSV4 Housing Allocations – Category 1 Villages OSV5 127 OSV5 Reserve Housing Land – Category 1 Villages OSV6 128 OSV6 Extensions and Alterations to Premises in Employment Use OSV7 129 OSV7 Employment Areas OSV8 129 OSV8 Village Shops, Community and Leisure Facilities OSV9 130 18. Implementation IMP1 Planning Conditions and Obligations IMP1 132

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 XI PREFACE

Legal Background East Herts Local Plan Second Review – Re-Deposit Version – November 2004 The East Herts Local Plan Second Review has been prepared in accordance with: A series of Local Plan Executive Panel meetings, held between November 2003 and October 2004, considered the objections (i) The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004; and representations submitted to the Deposit Local Plan and (ii) The Town and Country Planning (Local Development) agreed a draft Re-Deposit version of the Plan, which (England) Regulations 2004; and incorporated both Officer changes, together with amendments (iii) The Town and Country Planning (Transitional considered to be valid arising out of the representations made by Arrangements) Regulations 2004. the respondents at the Deposit Stage. The Council’s Executive agreed the Re-Deposit version of the Plan on 9 November 2004. The Local Plan Second Review is subject to transitional An Extraordinary Meeting of East Herts Council on 9 November arrangements. Further advice on this is contained in the DCLG’s 2004 approved the Re-Deposit Plan for formal re-deposit and Planning Policy Statement 12: Local Development Frameworks. public consultation. East Herts Adopted Local Plan – November 1981 Local Plan Inquiry

The first District-wide East Herts Local Plan was adopted on 1 A Local Plan Inquiry sat a total of 30 days between 4 October November 1981, and covered the period 1981–1991. 2006 and 13 April 2006. A draft version of the Inspector’s Report was received in November 2006. The purpose of the East Herts Adopted Local Plan – First Review – March 1993 Planning Inspectorate issuing the draft report was to enable the District Council to undertake a ‘factual check’. The final The First Review Local Plan was adopted on 3 March 1993, Inspector’s Report was issued in February 2007. The Report having been placed on deposit in February 1990, and been recommended what action the Council should take in respect of subject to a Local Plan Inquiry between January and April 1991. the policies and supporting text of the Re-Deposit version of the The plan covered the period 1981–1996. Plan, as well as all outstanding objections from both the Deposit and Re-Deposit consultations in 2001 and 2004, together with Adopted Alteration No. 1 – Policy L7 – Golf Courses – June the objections to the advertised pre-inquiry changes of June 1994 2005. The Report is a binding report on the Council, so neither the Council nor Objectors could challenge or change the report, Local Plan Alteration No. 1 relating to Golf Courses comprised an apart from through normal legal challenges. additional Policy L7. The Alteration was placed on deposit in January 1992 and adopted in June 1994. Local Plan Second Review – Adopted April 2007

East Herts Adopted Alterations – December 1999 On 18 April 2007, the Local Plan Second Review was formally adopted. The Local Plan Second Review will form part of the A set of Alterations to the 1993 First Review Local Plan were Development Plan for East Herts, together with the 1998 adopted on 3 December 1999, having been placed on deposit in Adopted Hertfordshire Structure Plan Review 1991-2011 (until January 1996, and been subject to a Local Plan Inquiry between replaced by the East of England Plan – RSS14), the 1998 May and June 1997. The Alterations cover the period Hertfordshire County Minerals Local Plan, and the 1999 1986–2001. Hertfordshire County Waste Local Plan. The Plan is a ‘saved’ Plan until at least 2010. East Herts Local Plan Second Review – Pre-Deposit Consultation Document – March 1999 The Plan was the subject of a Sustainability Appraisal in November 2004, meeting the requirements of the SEA Directive. Pre-Deposit Consultation on the Local Plan Second Review took In light of the binding Inspector’s Report the Sustainability place between April and June 1999, on the basis of the Appraisal was updated in April 2007. publication of an issues/options/policy intentions document. The Council considered the responses received to the Pre-Deposit An Appropriate Assessment Screening Report has also been Consultation between October 1999 and September 2000, along undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the with draft policies and proposals for the Second Review Deposit European Habitats Directive. Version. East Herts Local Plan Second Review – Deposit Version – December 2000

The Council’s Local Plan Working Party on 31 October 2000 agreed a draft deposit version of the Local Plan. This was agreed by Planning Policy Committee on 7 November 2000. Full Council on 13 December 2000 approved, with a few minor amendments, the Deposit Version for formal deposit and public consultation. Deposit consultation took place between 28 June and 8 August 2001. XII East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose of the Local Plan adopted on 3 December 1999, taking the previous Local Plan to the year 2001. The Second Review will guide development to 1.1.1 The East Herts Local Plan Second Review has been 2011, in line with the 1998 Adopted Hertfordshire Structure prepared in accordance with the transitional arrangements set Plan. out in the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. The purpose of the Local Plan is to guide development and the use of 1.2.3 The Second Review forms part of the Development Plan land in East Hertfordshire to 2011. for East Herts, together with the 1998 Adopted Hertfordshire Structure Plan Review 1991-2011, the 1998 Hertfordshire 1.2 Scope and Status of the Local Plan County Minerals Local Plan, and the 1999 Hertfordshire County Waste Local Plan. 1.2.1 East Herts Council, like all district and borough councils, has a statutory duty to produce a Local Plan for the 1.2.4 As a statutory Local Plan, its policies and proposals may whole of its area. only relate to the development and use of land. However, a wide range of social, economic and environmental issues have been 1.2.2 The first plan for the District was adopted on 1 taken into account in the preparation of the Local Plan. November 1981, followed by a Local Plan First Review adopted on 3 March 1993. Limited Alterations to this First Review were

The Local Plan Procedure and Timetable

East Herts Local Plan Issues and Options Forum: Summer 1997

Issues and Options Report Considered by the District Council September 1997

East Herts Local Plan (Pre-Deposit Consultation Document) March 1999

Formal consultation with opportunity East Herts Local Plan for supporting or objecting to (Deposit Version) policies and proposals 28 June – 8 August 2001

Formal consultation with opportunity East Herts Local Plan for supporting or objecting to (Re-Deposit) policies and proposals 16 December 2004 – 25 January 2005

Formal Inquiry where an independent Public Inquiry Inspector considers all outstanding objections October 2005 to March 2006

Inspector’s Report Received February 2007

Local Plan Adopted April 2007

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 1 1. INTRODUCTION

1.2.5 Having identified the overall aim of achieving 1.4.3 The policies and proposals of the Local Plan have been sustainable development in the District, the Local Plan is prepared within the framework of national, regional and concerned with its delivery through the policies and proposals it structure plan policies and guidance, which have the delivery of contains. These have been drafted in the context of national, the principles of sustainable development as their key aim. regional and Structure Plan guidance and provide the land use framework for the Council and external strategies. 1.4.4 As part of the District Council’s commitment to ensure the Plan has the most appropriate policies and proposals, a 1.2.6 To summarise, for the purposes of development control Sustainability Appraisal of the Plan has been undertaken. The the Local Plan is intended to fulfil three functions: Sustainability Appraisal is not a one-off assessment of the policies in the plan. The aim of the appraisal is to influence the 1. as a guide and tool for use by the District Council and content of the plan and/or amend the plan where the policies Planning Inspectorate when determining planning originally put forward are unsustainable. Full details of the applications; Sustainability Appraisal are available in a separate document, available from the Development Plans Team. 2. as essential information for the benefit of all prospective developers, that leaves the minimum 1.4.5 The adoption of the Strategic Environmental Appraisal possible area of doubt concerning a proposed scheme; Directive 2001/42/EC by the European Commission has and introduced a legal requirement for public sector plans policies and programmes to be subject to a Strategic Environmental 3. to the public at large making known the criteria by Appraisal (SEA). In line with Government guidance the which planning applications will be judged. Sustainability Appraisal of this Plan has incorporated the requirements of the SEA Directive. 1.3 Consultation and Public Participation 1.5 National Planning Guidance 1.3.1 The District Council regards the involvement of the community as an integral part of the plan-making process. 1.5.1 The Government produces a range of advice to planning authorities, which is set out in Planning Policy 1.3.2 In preparing this Local Plan, the District Council has Guidance Notes (PPG’s), Planning Policy Statements (PPS) and taken into account the views of the community including local Circulars. Local authorities must have regard to national policies residents, local businesses, landowners, voluntary organisations, set out in PPG’s and PPS. Circulars provide more detailed advice conservation and amenity groups, statutory agencies and other and guidance on specific planning issues. local authorities. 1.5.2 The PPG’s, PPS and relevant Circulars, and how they 1.3.3 The District Council is committed, through consultation, have been used to influence policy formulation, are referred to as to the continued involvement of the community in the planning appropriate throughout the plan. process. 1.6 Regional Planning Guidance 1.4 Structure of the Local Plan 1.6.1 Regional Planning Guidance (RPG) is issued by the 1.4.1 The Local Plan is produced in two parts: Government and sets out its policies to guide development and provide a framework for the review of County Structure Plans. 1. A Written Statement, which sets out the Council’s The relevant RPG for the current 1998 Adopted Structure Plan policies and proposals for the development and use of and this Local Plan Review is RPG9 for the South-East (March land, and 1994).

2. A Proposals Map, which indicates the areas to which 1.6.2 Revised RPG9 to 2016 was published in March 2001, policies apply and sites that are subject to specific and was to be reflected in Structure Plan Alterations to 2016. policies. The County Council, however, has suspended further statutory stages on these Alterations, as explained below. 1.4.2 The Written Statement is divided into two sections: 1.6.3 Hertfordshire is now, however, within the East of 1. Part I – District Wide Planning – which sets the Local England and future regional planning guidance will be provided Plan general context and deals with topic chapters in the Regional Spatial Strategy for the East of England (RSS14), covering the district wide planning policies. a consultation draft of which was published in December 2004, with the final version being approved by the Government in mid- 2. Part II – Settlement Planning – which deals with 2007. This new RSS will cover the period to 2021 (see also policies and area or site specific proposals in the Section 1.12). District’s towns and villages.

2 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 1. INTRODUCTION

General structure and coverage of the Local Plan

Introduction Why the Local Plan is being produced Changes to the Planning System Background information and main planning issues facing East Hertfordshire Overall Local Plan Strategy Sustainable Development

Environment Social Matters Green Belt & Countryside Housing, Environment and Design Leisure, Recreation & Community Facilities Built Heritage

Infrastructure Economy Transport Economic Development and Employment, Shopping and Town Centres

Settlement Planning - Main Settlements Settlement Planning Bishop's Stortford, Hertford, Ware, Sawbridgeworth, Other Settlements Stanstead Abbotts and The Villages St Margarets, Buntingford

Implementation and Monitoring Planning Obligations

1.7 Hertfordshire Structure Plan Review 1991-2011 1.7.5 Hertfordshire County Council in May 2003 resolved to (Adopted April 1998) and Alterations to 2016 postpone the EIP but to keep progress on the draft RSS14 under review. The County Council also resolved that work on the 1.7.1 The Structure Plan covers the period up to 2011, and it Structure Plan should progress, including consideration of the is that Plan with which this Local Plan Review has to conform. responses made during deposit, examining the need for pre- inquiry changes and updating technical papers. 1.7.2 The Structure Plan has at its core the principle of sustainable development, which is reflected in its objectives. 1.8 Minerals and Waste Local Plans These objectives include concentrating development in towns; increasing accessibility and reducing the need to travel; reducing 1.8.1 The Hertfordshire Minerals Local Plan 1991-2006 and private car use; protecting critical built and natural habitats; the Hertfordshire Waste Local Plan 1995-2005 are part of the increasing energy efficiency; encouraging a sense of place and development plan for Hertfordshire. They set out the detailed community; and encouraging community participation. land use policy framework for the extraction of minerals and disposal of waste. The current Minerals Local Plan was adopted 1.7.3 The Structure Plan is in the process of being rolled in July 1998, and is now being reviewed. A public Inquiry was forward to 2016. Consultation on the deposit version of the held in November/December 2004 and it was Hertfordshire Structure Plan Alterations to 2016, took place between 5 March County Council’s intention to adopt the Minerals Local Plan at and 16 April 2003. the meeting of its Full Council on the 28 March 2006. However, due to a European Court of Justice ruling with regard to the 1.7.4 The consultation response of GO-East raised a number Habitats Directive this adoption was deferred. It is now of issues where it was considered that the Alterations had not anticipated that this Plan will be adopted in Spring 2007. taken account of new guidance or emerging policy. Consequently GO-East questioned whether it was appropriate to take the 1.8.2 All applications for minerals and waste development Alterations forward to an Examination in Public (EIP), the occurring within East Herts will be decided by the County Council commencement date for which was anticipated to be late as County Matter applications and assessed against the policies September 2003. of the Development Plan as a whole including the Minerals and Waste Local Plans and their replacements. Development likely to unnecessarily sterilise or prejudice the extraction of known mineral supplies in the District will not be supported, in accordance with Policy GBC15.

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 3 1. INTRODUCTION

1.9 Other East Herts Council Strategies 1.9.5 The following table summarises the key themes in the Community Strategy (2003 edition) related to the use of land, 1.9.1 The Local Plan is also influenced by, and seeks to and identifies the main policies of the Local Plan that can assist implement the policies of, other plans and strategies, as detailed in their implementation. below: Other Strategies

Community Planning 1.9.6 In addition to delivering the land use aspirations of the Community Strategy, the Local Plan also assists in the 1.9.2 The Local Government Act 2000 gave councils a new implementation of land use elements of other District Council statutory duty and a new power to promote the environmental, and partners’ strategies. The relationship that the Local Plan has economic and social well being of their communities. with these other strategies can be seen below. The District Council is involved, often with partners, in the preparation of 1.9.3 This means that councils have an obligation to consult many strategies e.g. concerning culture, housing, social inclusion, local people about improvements they want in their area. The and economic development. Government expects all the statutory organisations (town, parish, county and district councils, health trusts, police and educational 1.9.7 The Local Plan can help deliver the land use elements organisations) and the voluntary and private organisations to be of these strategies, and is effectively the District Council’s land working together on an agreed set of priorities, which come from use strategy. At the heart of realising this is the aim of achieving local people. These priorities should be set out in the Community sustainable development in the District. Strategy.

1.9.4 It is important that where proposals in the Community Strategy are related to the use of land, they can be implemented by the Local Plan, and that the Local Plan reflects the community priorities established in the Community Strategy.

Table 1.1 Community Strategy Themes Community Strategy Local Plan policies key themes Protecting our SD1 Making Developments More Sustainable high quality SD2 Development in the Main Settlement environment SD3 Renewable Energy SD4 Sustainable Development and Nature Conservation GBC2 The Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt Section 4.13 Parish Plans GBC13 Landscape Character ENV1 Character and Environmental Quality ENV2 Landscaping Improving traffic TR2 Traffic Reduction in New Developments and transport TR3 Access to New Developments TR4 Transport Assessments TR5 Green Travel Plans TR9 Car Parking - Accessibility Contributions TR10 Cycling - Cycling Routes TR13 Cycle Routes - New Developments TR14 Cycling - Facilities Provision (Non-Residential) TR15 Cycling - Facilities Provision (Residential) TR20 Towns and Villages Providing HSG3 Affordable Housing Affordable HSG4 Affordable Housing Thresholds Housing HSG5 Rural Exceptions Affordable Housing Safeguarding our ENV3 Planning out Crime - New Development neighbourhoods

4 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 1. INTRODUCTION

Economic Community Strategy Social Economic Development Strategy Housing Strategy Cultural Strategy Crime and Disorder Strategy

Infrastructure East Herts Environment Local Transport Plan Local Plan Environmental Strategy Area Transportation Plans Biodiversity Action Plan Contaminated Land Strategy

1.10 Changes to the Planning System to incorporate LDF principles into their work on new development plans. This Local Plan has attempted to do this by: 1.10.1 On 28 September 2004 Part 1 (Regional Functions) and Part 2 (Local Development) of the Planning and Compulsory ● Writing more succinct and focussed text and policies. Purchase Act 2004 commenced. The main changes introduced by the Act are as follows: ● Ensuring it is closely linked to the Community Strategy.

● Planning Policy Guidance Notes (PPGs) will be replaced ● Cross referring to national and regional policies rather by Planning Policy Statements (PPS). than repetition.

● Regional Planning Guidance will be replaced by 1.11 The District of East Hertfordshire statutory Regional Spatial Strategies (RSS), which will form part of the Development Plan. Location

● Structure Plans will be abolished and local plans and 1.11.1 The District of East Hertfordshire covers an area of 477 unitary development plans replaced by Local square kilometres (184 square miles) and comprises Development Frameworks (LDF’s). LDF’s must be in approximately a third of the area of Hertfordshire. It is general conformity with the RSS. predominantly a rural District, with attractive towns and villages set amongst a rolling landscape. ● LDF’s will comprise a series of Local Development Documents (LDD’s), including a Local Development 1.11.2 Bishop’s Stortford, Hertford, Ware and Sawbridgeworth Scheme, a Core Strategy, Site Specific Policies and are the four main towns in the District. The Metropolitan Green Proposals, Action Area Plans and a Statement of Belt, which contains these towns, covers the southern third of the Community Involvement. District. The northern two thirds of the District are classified as Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt. There are in addition ● There will be modifications to the processes by which numerous other villages and hamlets. plans are prepared and examined, and the Inspector’s report will be binding on the local planning authority. 1.11.3 The District is also characterised by the quality, nature and extent of historic buildings and conservation areas within its 1.10.2 Under the procedures set out in the Act, arrangements boundary. Areas of nature conservation are equally abundant. have been put in place to ensure that the work undertaken on draft plans is not wasted. Procedures vary according to the stage Population the plan is at. This Local Plan will continue under the transitional arrangements. There will be no modifications stage and the 1.11.4 The District is home to a population of just under Inspector’s report will be binding on the District Council. After 129,000 (2001 census). the plan is adopted, it will to be ‘saved’, and eventually replaced by a Local Development Framework within a three-year period. Infrastructure

1.10.3 The Government wishes to see local authorities moving 1.11.5 Main line rail links into London and the proximity of the as a quickly as possible from the current system to one of an LDF A1(M), M11 and M25 motorways add to the attraction of the containing Local Development Documents, whilst maintaining District as a place to live, and as such continue to create pressure continuity in the development plan system as a framework for for development, in particular for new housing. development control. The Government is particularly keen for local authorities proceeding under the transitional arrangements 1.11.6 Stansted Airport, whilst outside the District, lies immediately to the east of Bishop's Stortford and has strategic implications for the area.

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 5 1. INTRODUCTION

Economy 1.12.4 The White Paper, The Future of Air Transport, published on 16 December 2003, sets out a strategic framework for the 1.11.7 The District has a sound economic base, built on small development of airport capacity in the United Kingdom over the and medium sized engineering firms, high-tech computer next 30 years. The White Paper supports the development of a companies, brewing, printing, food processing and distribution, second runway at Stansted Airport. This could have a dramatic and Stansted Airport related service industries. In addition, impact on the rural character of East Hertfordshire. there are the major pharmaceutical employers of GlaxoSmithKline (in Ware), and also local government (mainly in 1.12.5 The above emerging national, regional and Hertford). sub-regional issues, and their impact on the District, will be addressed in the first East Herts Local Development Framework, 1.11.8 The larger town centres are in Bishop's Stortford, which will be prepared as a review of the Local Plan Second Hertford and Ware, though the smaller settlements support a Review in due course. healthy number of shops and related services. 1.13 A Vision for East Hertfordshire 1.12 Key Planning Issues facing East Hertfordshire 1.13.1 National, Regional and Structure Planning Strategies 1.12.1 The Governments Sustainable Communities Plan have as their core the principle of sustainable development. (February 2003) identified the London-Stansted-Cambridge sub-region as one of four growth areas, which together with 1.13.2 The international definition of sustainable development Thames Gateway, Milton Keynes/South Midlands and Ashford, by the World Commission on Environment and Development is - will provide the majority of the 200,000 additional homes envisaged, over and above existing allocations in the period to ‘Development that meets the needs of the present without 2016. East Hertfordshire’s inclusion in the London-Stansted- compromising the ability of future generations to meet Cambridge sub-region could have significant impacts on the their own needs’. future of the District. Sub-regional studies of the area in 1.13.3 The Government’s aim of achieving sustainable 2002/2003 have assessed the potential for further growth and development is set out in ‘Securing the Future – delivering the its implications for the area. UK sustainable development strategy’ (March 2005). This provides the national framework within which national, regional 1.12.2 In February 2004 the Government announced an and local bodies need to work. The strategy identifies five extension to the London-Stansted-Cambridge growth area to guiding principles that will form the basis for policy in the UK: encompass Peterborough and all of Cambridgeshire. The corridor has also been widened to include the Hertfordshire local ● Living within environmental limits authority areas of Broxbourne, Stevenage and North ● Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society Hertfordshire. In addition, the Essex District of Braintree also ● Achieving a sustainable economy forms part of the extended growth area. ● Promoting good governance ● Using sound science responsibly 1.12.3 Further studies have been undertaken during 2004 for the original and extended growth area. All of these studies have 1.13.4 ‘A Sustainable Development Framework for the East of informed the emerging Regional Spatial Strategy for the East of England’ (October 2001), produced by the East of England England (RSS14), which will guide future development in the Regional Assembly and the East of England Sustainable region up to 2021. Development Round Table, identifies a specific vision and objectives for a sustainable East of England.The vision is to plan for an improving quality of life for the people of the East of England, which is sustainable for the long-term future.

A Vision for a Sustainable East of England:

6 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 1. INTRODUCTION

1.13.5 The District Council, through its role as local planning 1.14 The Aims authority, endorses this vision and wants to hear people say in 2011 that the District is cleaner and safer, has more local 1.14.1 To help translate the vision into a useable framework facilities, has a healthy sense of community, meets more of the for the Plan, a set of Key Aims, drawn principally from the principles of sustainability and is an even more attractive place, Structure Plan, has been developed. The aims, which follow, are as a whole, to live and work in than it was in the 1990’s. the main basis on which the policies of the Plan have been formulated. 1.13.6 The key aims of the Local Plan, as detailed below, have been produced with this vision in mind. A. reduce overall demand for, and make the most efficient O. maintain a healthy economy and foster economic use of, all forms of resources; growth, provided these are within levels which the environment can sustain; B. increase the use of renewable resources whenever possible, provided this is not detrimental to other aims; P. increase community awareness and participation in political decision making and in initiating C. increase the re-use of resources; environmental improvements;

D. only when (C) is not possible, increase the recycling of Q. encourage residents to change to a more sustainable resources; way of life;

E. maintain and enhance biological and geological R. apply the precautionary principle where the potential diversity; damage to the environment is uncertain and significant; F. maintain irreplaceable critical international, national and local assets; S. maintain the settlement pattern of small towns and villages through the concentration of development in G. maintain stocks of less critical assets and towns, and to other locations where necessary in the environmental quality; interest of equitable distribution, as well as through the maintenance of a Green Belt, and Rural Area H. reduce pollution; Beyond the Green Belt;

I. maintain the capacity of land to renew itself; T. ensure that development and use of the built environment respects and are in harmony with the J. mitigate the possible causes and effects of climatic natural environment, and that the relationship between change; the two is designed to be one of balance and mutual enhancement; K. increase the rate of carbon fixing through protecting existing and increasing plant cover (particularly trees); U. maintain the viability and vitality of existing town centres; L. improve the overall quality of life by providing a safe, healthy, diverse and pleasant environment in which to V. increase accessibility for everyone to facilities needed live and work (including an increase in leisure, sport to maintain or improve their quality of life; and recreational opportunities); W. increase the conservation of water through the M. whenever the scope of planning permits, ensure that protection of the watercourses and groundwater and people's fundamental needs are met, including the the efficient use of water; provision of sufficient homes (including homes which are affordable); X. increase the efficient use of energy, both in the built environment and in the transportation of people and N. whenever the scope of planning permits, reduce goods; and inequality of social and economic conditions between areas, and improve equality of opportunity in economic Y. ensure new developments are durable and adaptable. and social terms;

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 7 1. INTRODUCTION

1.15 The Need for Sustainable Development 1.17.2 It does not mean that economic growth need be compromised. Development can positively improve the quality of 1.15.1 Expanding human requirements and economic life for all, but what must be ensured is that the potential of activities are placing ever-increasing pressure on land resources, future generations to also have at least the same quality of life is creating competition and conflicts and resulting in sub-optimal not put at risk. use of both land and land resources. Planning can help resolve these conflicts in order to move towards more effective and 1.17.3 The District Council, in applying the policies of the Plan, efficient use of land and its natural resources. Planning policies will consider the implications for quality of life as an important must support the best possible land use and sustainable issue. Examples of specific policies include: the protection of management of resources. This Local Plan has this principle at special areas of character, whether they are urban or rural in the heart of its strategy. form; planning out crime; ensuring high quality development; and access to housing, jobs, shops and leisure facilities. 1.15.2 Sustainability has become the new focus for planning. The Local Plan is recognised as a key tool in contributing to the 1.17.4 The District Council's commitment to improving the objectives of ensuring that development and growth are quality of life of local communities can also be seen by the sustainable. This Local Plan aims to fully exploit this potential. amount of public consultation and participation encouraged in Chapter 2 (Sustainable Development) explores sustainability and the planning process. This enables people to share in the its relation to the planning process in East Hertfordshire more decisions that affect their lives. fully. Reducing Social Exclusion 1.16 The Local Plan Strategy 1.17.5 East Herts Council is committed to a policy of equality 1.16.1 The overall purpose of the East Herts Local Plan of opportunity in both employment and service provision. Second Review is to achieve sustainable development in the Nevertheless inequality is an extremely difficult issue to tackle, District, consistent with local circumstances and requirements. covering as it does a wide range of socio-economic factors. Planning can play a small, but none the less important, part in 1.16.2 The Local Plan Strategy for East Hertfordshire, reducing inequalities, for example: contained in the 1998 Adopted Hertfordshire Structure Plan and detailed in this Local Plan Second Review, is basically one of ● accessibility for all sectors of the community (including, restraint, with emphasis on generally concentrating development but not exclusively, policies supporting access for in the main settlements of Bishop's Stortford, Hertford, Ware and disabled people) to places of work, education, health Sawbridgeworth, as listed in Structure Plan Policy 6, together care and other essential services; with Stanstead Abbotts and St Margarets, and Buntingford, as two additional settlements where limited development may be ● support of passenger transport choices so that appropriate to maintain the vitality of the area. everyone is able to travel;

1.16.3 In accordance with Structure Plan Policy 6 and the ● retention and provision of local facilities in areas which Local Plan Village Development Strategy, development in smaller are easily accessible to people without a car; settlements will also be accommodated to support the facilities and services needed and meet the employment and housing ● provision of an appropriate range of new housing, needs for that settlement and its surrounding area only. including a proportion which are affordable, in new Elsewhere, in the Green Belt and Rural Area Beyond the Green residential schemes; and Belt, there is a strong restraint on development, other than required for agriculture, forestry, appropriate rural and ● energy efficiency, which reduces fuel poverty and helps countryside activities and local needs. ensure warmth.

1.17 Quality of Life and Reducing Social Exclusion 1.17.6 In order to achieve reductions in social exclusion, the District Council may seek planning obligations (or as Quality of Life subsequently revised) or conditions imposed on development approvals, where these are reasonable and relevant to planning. 1.17.1 Quality of life is more than can be measured by purely economic indicators or delivered by simple growth of income. It includes: physical and mental health; access to good quality affordable housing; community; social and cultural life; physical security; opportunities for education; personal development; access to a fulfilling occupation; and the quality of the built and natural environment. The key for planning is to ensure that development assists in meeting these needs.

8 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 2.SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

2.1 Introduction 2.2.3 To make development more sustainable the Council will encourage development that contributes to, and restrict 2.1.1 Chapter 1 (Introduction) sets the scene for the need to development that prejudices, the overall sustainability aim and alter fundamentally the way we plan for, and control objectives set out above. development in the District. It lays down the key sustainability aims for this Local Plan. This chapter converts the Strategy, 2.2.4 In order to focus attention and guide thought towards Vision and Aims outlined in the previous chapter into specific the sustainability implications of development the Council will planning policies. The overall aim and objectives of this chapter expect all development proposals above a certain threshold to be are outlined below. accompanied by a Sustainability Statement in accordance with Policy SD1 below. Applicants may find that their application Aim cannot be considered until such a Statement is submitted. For development below the threshold given, the District Council will To ensure that development in East Hertfordshire is the most encourage, but not insist on, the use of Statements. sustainable in form as current knowledge and practicalities permit. 2.2.5 The content of the Sustainability Statement should focus on the efficient use of resources and how the particular Objectives development achieves the overall aims of sustainable development. The District Council has prepared a Supplementary 1. Promote and encourage development which reduces Planning Document to assist developers in preparing the overall demand for, and makes the most efficient Sustainability Statements and to provide information on use of, resources including land, water, energy, and sustainability issues. other resources. 2.2.6 When assessing applicants’ Statements the Council will 2. Encourage the generation of renewable energy within consider the degree to which sustainability ideas and principles the District. have been incorporated into developments. Sustainability is a broad concept and the Council accept that it may not be possible 3. Increase the level of energy efficiency in the District’s to address every issue for every development. However, the towns and villages. Council is keen to ensure that opportunities are not missed when formulating schemes, particularly given that relatively minor 4. Increase the rate of carbon fixing through protecting adjustments to a development can stimulate more sustainable existing, and increasing, plant cover (particularly trees). activities from the occupiers.

5. Protect and enhance the air and water environment. SD1 Making Development More Sustainable

6. Protect and enhance biodiversity and features of All proposals for development of 15 dwellings or more (or sites geological interest, particularly critical environmental of 0.5 hectares or more irrespective of the number of dwellings), assets. or for commercial development (including changes of use) of 250 sq metres floorspace or more, will be expected to be 7. Reducing social exclusion and improving quality of life. accompanied by a Sustainability Statement which explains how the proposed development will: 2.2 Making Development More Sustainable ● create healthy, socially integrated communities; 2.2.1 In determining planning applications tough new choices will have to be made. All development proposals will ● encourage sustainable movement patterns through have to meet the needs and requirements of the principles of design and transport infrastructures; sustainable development. ● achieve the sustainable use of resources such as land, 2.2.2 This chapter relating specifically to sustainable water, energy, materials and waste; development will form the bedrock of many other parts of the revised Local Plan, and contains policies that were not previously ● be physically well integrated and respond to local present. However, policies relating to sustainable development character and distinctiveness; will not be solely contained within this chapter. Every policy in the Plan has been written using the aims and objectives set out ● protect and enhance the natural and built environment; in Chapter 1 (Introduction), which in turn were formed by the principles of sustainable development. As such, every policy in ● create a flourishing and healthy local economy. the Plan will seek to contribute to the objective of the District Council of ensuring the most sustainable pattern of development in the District as is currently practically possible.

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 9 2.SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

2.3 Sustainable Pattern of Development and 2.4.3 Efficiency in the supply and use of energy, and the Constraint development of renewable energy sources, can make a major contribution to reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, these 2.3.1 It is Government policy to develop land within urban gases being the likely cause of global warming. As well as areas, particularly town centres and previously developed or environmental benefits, energy efficient siting and design of brownfield sites in preference to greenfield sites. The County buildings also gives economic and social benefits, such as saving Council endorsed this approach by directing development, money and reducing fuel poverty. through planned regeneration, to the named towns of Bishop’s Stortford, Hertford, Ware, and Sawbridgeworth. The Structure Renewable Energy Plan also enables Local Plans to select other settlements within and beyond the Green Belt where limited development may be 2.4.4 Government guidance on renewable energy (PPS22) appropriate to maintain the vitality of the area; the identification describes renewable energy as covering those energy flows that of these settlements being subject to a demonstration that occur naturally and repeatedly in the environment - from the sustainable objectives will be met by development which will wind, the fall of water, the movement of the oceans, from the sun subsequently take place (Structure Plan Policies 6 and 7). Policy and also from biomass. SD2 confirms those towns within East Hertfordshire where development is to be concentrated. Stanstead Abbotts and St 2.4.5 Under the terms of the Kyoto Protocol (1997) the UK is Margarets is identified as such a settlement on the basis that committed to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 12.5% additional development would support existing services and below their 1990 level by 2008-2012. Over the longer term the facilities and would be well-located in relation to sustainable Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution recommend that transport modes, particularly rail, bus and cycling. Similarly, the UK put itself on a course to achieve a 60% reduction in Buntingford is identified as a sustainable location for limited emissions by 2050. Energy production and consumption is a key new development to support existing services and facilities and contributor to these emissions and the Government has to provide for local need. therefore set a target to ensure 10% of all UK electricity comes from renewable sources (presently only 2% comes from SD2 Settlement Hierarchy renewable sources).

Development in the District will be concentrated in the main 2.4.6 This target is given a regional context through the settlements of Bishop's Stortford, Hertford, Ware, and document ‘Making Renewable Energy a Reality - Setting a Sawbridgeworth. Some development will also be directed Challenging Target for the Eastern Region’, which set a towards the settlements of Stanstead Abbotts and St. Margarets renewable energy target for the region of 14%. The greatest and Buntingford. Their boundaries are defined by the Green Belt potential for renewable energy in the region, and also in the boundary as shown on the Proposals Map, except for Buntingford county, is considered to be in wind energy and biomass energy which, being beyond the Green Belt, has its settlement boundary schemes. defined on the Proposals Map. Development necessary to support local needs and services in the villages will be permitted 2.4.7 In view of the agricultural background of the District in accordance with Policies OSV1 and OSV2. the Council is keen to maximise the potential for generating energy from biomass crops. To achieve the target for biomass in 2.3.2 Those settlements within the Green Belt are specified the East of England approximately 140,000 hectares of land as 'inset', i.e. they are excluded from the Green Belt and, would need to be set aside for energy crops. accordingly, national, county and district policies for development within the Green Belt do not apply to them. 2.4.8 According to a 1997 study undertaken for the Department of Trade and Industry, the potential for solar power 2.3.3 Further details of policies and proposals for each of the generation in Hertfordshire is also very significant. This type of settlements listed in Policy SD2 can be found within their energy is ideally suited to being generated at the local level, individual settlement chapters in Part II of this Plan. Details of particularly at the scale of a single dwelling. The East Herts Solar development policies and proposals away from the settlements Club offers guidance on the installation of such systems, and can listed in Policy SD2 can principally be found in Chapters 4 and be contacted via the District Council offices. 17 (Green Belt and Countryside and Other Settlements - The Villages). 2.4.9 While it is not proposed to identify specific sites for renewable energy at this stage, proposals will be encouraged in 2.4 Energy principle subject to Policy SD3.

2.4.1 This section deals with renewable energy, revenue energy and energy efficiency, and energy compensation.

2.4.2 There are two key areas in which planning can play a significant enabling role in this major area of sustainability:

● facilitate the generation of energy in ways that have less environmental impact;

● facilitate the reduction in the consumption of energy. 10 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 2.SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

SD3 Renewable Energy 2.5.2 An explanation of the precautionary principle is the one found in the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development (I) The development of facilities for the harnessing (June 1992): of renewable energy sources is supported in principle. Particular emphasis will be placed on “Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack promoting energy generation from biomass fuels of scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for and solar power on both a small scale and postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental commercially. degradation.”

(a) In assessing proposals involving the use of 2.5.3 In more simple terms the UK Sustainable Development biomass fuels particular regard will be paid to Strategy explains that this means it is not acceptable to say “we the impact on the local transport network, on can’t be sure that serious damage will happen, so we’ll do nature conservation interests and on landscape nothing to prevent it”. The District Council endorses the above and visual amenity. Such proposals should be precautionary principle and will apply it in appropriate accompanied by detailed information regarding circumstances. the proposed raw materials (which should be locally sourced) and schemes to limit potential 2.6 Sustainable Development and Nature Conservation noise, smell and safety concerns. 2.6.1 The conservation, and where practicable enhancing of, (b) Proposals for harnessing solar power will be our natural heritage (biodiversity and features of geological judged primarily on their visual impact, interest) is an essential element of sustainable development. particularly where it affects Listed Buildings, Nature conservation also helps to sustain the distinctive Conservation Areas or other areas of particular character of local areas. Nature conservation interest is also not visual quality or sensitivity. confined to greenfield sites, and the Council recognise that many brownfield sites can be of importance for nature conservation. (c) Proposals for wind power schemes have While there are clear benefits to developing brownfield sites in significant potential for energy generation but preference to greenfield sites, such development must take full can also create problems of visual intrusion and account of any nature conservation interest. loss of amenity. While such schemes will enjoy support in principle, they will need to be carefully 2.6.2 Local planning authorities have an important role in located and employ all reasonable mitigating furthering the conservation of biodiversity through the Local measures. Plan process, such as protecting conservation sites. Chapter 8 (Environment and Design) has policies in this respect. However, (II) Proposals for other renewable energy schemes will be our natural heritage is not confined to designated sites and the assessed in terms of their energy generation potential, following overarching policy will protect the wider nature environmental impact and effect on local amenity. conservation interests of the District. In addition, Sustainability Statements submitted in accordance with Policy SD1 should give 2.4.10 The potential to harness renewable energy will be full consideration to nature conservation and enhancement. particularly relevant when new developments are being considered. The District Council will expect the consideration of SD4 Sustainable Development and Nature Conservation renewable energy to be included as part of the 'Sustainability Statement' (see Policy SD1). The element of these statements Development proposals are required to safeguard the integrity relating to renewable energy will vary considerably depending on and continuity of landscape features of major importance for the scale of development proposed. The District Council also wild flora and fauna, and to include opportunities for acknowledges that the potential for renewable energy encouraging habitat protection, enhancement and management. generation in new developments varies considerably depending on the location of the building(s). For example, an infill East Hertfordshire Biodiversity Action Plan development in a prominent location within a Conservation Area will have other design considerations, which may well constrain 2.6.3 East Herts District Council is a formal signatory of the the ability to harness renewable energy. However on larger or Hertfordshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan and is working other more spacious sites the District Council will expect towards completion of the actions relevant to the District. Policy proposals to be put forward which achieve renewable energy ENV17 in Chapter 8 (Environment and Design) addresses this exploitation. For example, all new developments will be expected issue in more detail. to include an active thermal solar system unless there are clear and exceptional reasons why this should not be the case. 2.7 Transport and Traffic Reduction

2.5 The Precautionary Principle 2.7.1 Transport and traffic are widely regarded as key issues to tackle in order to progress to a more sustainable lifestyle. The 2.5.1 The environmental implications of development are not links with other areas of policy, both within and beyond planning, always clear cut. It is in these instances that the precautionary are wide and complex. principle should apply.

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 11 2.SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

2.7.2 Two issues are identified to be tackled:

● Reduce the need to travel

● If there is a need to travel, travel the shortest distance possible by the most efficient means possible.

2.7.3 Chapter 5 (Transport) contains many new policies relating to development proposals, which are likely to involve traffic generation. 2.8 Pollution

2.8.1 Chapter 8 (Environment and Design) contains the District Council's policies with regard to light pollution (Policy ENV23) and hazardous installations (Policy ENV26).

2.8.2 It is the Council’s intention to guide development to previously developed land within the existing main settlements and this is likely to mean that some contaminated land will be developed. When considering proposals for such development the Council’s Contaminated Land Strategy will be a consideration, together with the following Policy. SD5 Development on Contaminated Land

The Council will encourage proposals for the development and re-use of land which is or suspected to be contaminated. On such sites applications must be accompanied by a full site investigation establishing the level of contamination in the soils and/or groundwater/surface waters and identify appropriate remedial proposals in accordance with the proposed end usage. In considering whether planning permission should be granted, the Council will need to be satisfied that there will be no unacceptable risk to health or the environment arising from the remediation works. Where necessary, appropriate monitoring procedures to be undertaken prior to, during, and post, remediation will be agreed between the developer and the Council.

12 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 3.HOUSING

3.1 Introduction (II) ensuring that the housing delivered is capable of adaptation to meet the changing 3.1.1 One of the key functions of the Local Plan is to meet needs of households. the housing requirements of the whole community. 5. To ensure that the need for different types of housing 3.1.2 The aims and objectives listed below set out the accommodation, including affordable housing and Council’s planning strategy for meeting the District’s housing special needs housing can be met. requirements: 3.2 Housing Provision Strategy Aims 3.2.1 PPS3 promotes more sustainable patterns of A. To provide sufficient housing land during the plan development by, inter alia, adopting a sequential approach to the period to meet the likely housing requirements of the allocation of land for housing development. In identifying sites District. to be allocated for housing in Local Plans, local planning authorities are advised to follow a search sequence, starting with B. To ensure the careful husbandry of land with an previously developed land. emphasis on the full and effective use of urban land to relieve pressure on the countryside. 3.2.2 A guide was produced by the District Council in 1999 which formed the basis of the assessment of greenfield sites. The C. To create sustainable patterns of development by, guide is entitled 'A Guide to Selecting New Housing Sites' and where possible, locating housing development near was made publicly available. The allocated sites were assessed in employment opportunities and improving accessibility line with this guide and PPG3 which has resulted in the most to services and facilities by non-car modes of transport. sustainable greenfield sites being allocated.

D. To ensure that the housing provided meets the needs 3.2.3 This is the approach used by the District Council, in its of the population in respect of location, size, Housing Provision Strategy and in identifying the proposed affordability and accessibility. housing sites in the Local Plan.

E. To achieve the aims of sustainability and preserve and 3.2.4 Making the best use of land is one of the objectives of enhance the quality and character of the environment. PPS3 and in order to achieve efficient developments, higher densities need to be sought. The Council supports the advice in Objectives PPS3 aimed at encouraging housing development which makes more efficient use of land (between 30 and 50 dwellings per 1. To ensure that sufficient housing land is identified to hectare net). This approach is reinforced by the Town and accord with the provisions of PPS1, PPS3 and the Country Planning (Residential Density) (London and South East Hertfordshire County Structure Plan Review 1991- England) Direction 2002, which sets out the Deputy Prime 2011 and to manage the release of land by using a Minister’s intention to intervene in planning applications that phasing approach. involve a density of less than 30 dwellings per hectare net.

2. To ensure a continuous supply of housing land over the 3.2.5 The Council is, therefore, satisfied that its Housing plan period by using the ‘plan, monitor and manage’ Provision Strategy demonstrates general conformity with the approach. policy guidance in PPS3 by:

3. To maximise the potential for housing provision on (i) using the sequential approach and search previously developed sites, seeking to achieve at least sequence to identify proposed housing sites; 60% of all new development on previously developed land. (ii) managing the release of land over the plan period, and setting out the sequence in which 4. To ensure that the relevant principles of sustainability housing development is to take place. are adhered to by: 3.3 New Housing Development (I) locating housing development: 3.3.1 Meeting the housing needs of the District’s residents is (i) mainly in urban areas; a key sustainability requirement. If there is an under-supply of land for new housing development then house prices may rise (ii) as near as possible to existing or planned unnecessarily and new households forming within the District employment opportunities and facilities; and may be forced to move away, preventing the steady, healthy evolution of the area. Similarly, if there is an over-supply, people (iii) where there is existing or realistic potential for are attracted from out of the District, yet have insufficient work access to passenger transport. or other facilities near their home, creating unsustainable levels of traffic. The pressure on the local social and economic infrastructure and environment is also increased.

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 13 3.HOUSING

3.3.2 The East Hertfordshire housing provision contained in 3.3.6 All of the allocated housing sites were tested for the 1998 Adopted Hertfordshire County Structure Plan is 11,100 suitability against the criteria in paragraph 31 of PPG3. The net additional dwellings in the period 1991-2011. Council expects that during the plan period it will receive planning applications for residential development on sites that 3.3.3 It is the role of the District Council to allocate, via a are not specifically identified for this purpose, otherwise known Review of its Local Plan, sufficient land to accommodate this as ‘windfall sites’. Further details on windfall sites and the housing provision of 11,100 dwellings. Clearly, as the plan allowances made by the District Council, with respect to the period commenced in 1991, a significant number of these expected contribution such sites will make towards the dwelling dwellings have already been built. In addition, planning provision in the District, can be found in Tables 3.1 and 3.2 of permissions have been granted for others in accordance with the this Chapter, as well as in Appendix I. Windfall sites will be tested provisions of the Local Plan First Review (incorporating Adopted against the criteria in paragraph 38 of PPS3 and against Policy Alterations 1999). Also, the District Council considers it HSG1. These criteria are set out in Policy HSG1 below. reasonable to estimate that 60 dwellings per annum will, for the remainder of the plan period, come from small sites and HSG1 Assessment of sites not allocated in this Plan conversions (i.e. unallocated housing developments of four or less dwellings) and a further 100 dwellings per annum will come Within the six main settlements and Category 1 Villages, the from larger windfall sites (i.e. unallocated housing developments potential and suitability of a site for development will be tested of five or more dwellings). Justification for the District Council’s against the following criteria: stance on these two allowances is given in Appendix I. The position is summarised in Table 3.1. (a) the availability of previously-developed sites or under- used buildings and the suitability for housing use, if the 3.3.4 The resultant ‘to be planned for’ figure was, therefore, site to be developed does not comprise previously reduced from the headline figure of 11,100 to 3037 dwellings developed land; (with a base date of April 1999 and as adjusted to take account of a 5% deduction due to non-implementation of permissions (b) the location and accessibility of potential development and a reduction in the small sites windfall figure following sites to jobs, shops and services by modes other than monitoring). Of this reduced figure, a total of 692 dwellings are the car, and the potential for improving such specifically to cater for employee growth at Stansted Airport. In accessibility; 2003 Stansted Airport had reached 18 million passengers per annum (mppa) and employed approximately 10,500 people. (c) the capacity of existing and potential infrastructure, Stansted Airport now has permission to expand to 25 mppa and including passenger transport, utilities and social employment is anticipated to reach 16,000 by 2011. The need infrastructure, to absorb further development and the for additional dwellings as part of this expansion has been cost of adding further infrastructure; considered and it has been concluded that existing numbers of dwellings already allocated in adopted and emerging local plans (d) the ability to build communities to support new physical would be sufficient. At the time the application was considered and social infrastructure and to provide sufficient the December 2000 Deposit Version of the Local Plan Second demand to sustain appropriate local services and Review was available and therefore the residual 692 dwellings facilities; were included in the calculations. These airport related dwellings are still considered to be required to accommodate airport (e) the physical and environmental constraints on employment growth to 2011. It is acknowledged that the 692 development of land; dwellings are an integral part of the East Hertfordshire 11,100 housing requirement, for which provision will need to be made by (f) the need to retain previous or existing use of the site; 2011. Chapter 11 (Bishop’s Stortford) expands further on this and aspect. (g) the need to allow development of any adjacent site for 3.3.5 Taking 692 away from 3,037 gave a resultant figure of its allocated or identified use. 2,345 ‘to find’. Finding and allocating suitable land to meet this requirement was one of the key tasks in preparing the Local Plan Second Review. The allocated sites are listed in the Settlement Chapters in Part II of the Plan. As the Plan has moved on since the Deposit Draft, some of the allocated sites have come forward for development. The tables in the Settlement Chapters are divided into two sections – sites which have been granted planning permission (at a base date of April 2003) and those which remain. The figures in Table 3.2 have been updated to reflect these changes and allocated sites with permission are included in sections (b) to (e) of the table. The remaining allocated sites are shown in sections (h) to (j) and these figures include any changes in the estimated number of dwellings on each site.

14 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 3.HOUSING

Table 3.1: Amended East Hertfordshire Housing Requirement (as at April 1999) Requirement Provision a) Structure Plan requirement 1991 - 2011 11,100 b) Completions 1991 - 1999 5,329 c) Units under construction or with detailed permission (see *1 below) 471 d) Units with outline permission (see *1 below) 443 e) Units with permission to grant subject to Section 106 Agreement 0 (see *1 below) f) Windfall allowance - small sites and conversations 1999 - 2011 720 @ 60 pa (see *2 below) g) Windfall allowance - large sites 1999 - 2011 @ 100 pa 1100 h) Airport related housing 692

Balance (i.e. ‘sites to find as at April 1999) 2,345

Table 3.2: East Hertfordshire Housing Requirement (updated as at April 2005) Requirement Provision a) Structure Plan requirement 1991 - 2011 11,100 b) Completions 1991 - 2005 7,728 c) Units under construction or with detailed permission (see *1 below) 1,633 d) Units with outline permission (see *1 below) 224 e) Units with permission to grant subject to Section 106 Agreement 402 (see *1 below) f) Windfall allowance - small sites and conversations 2005 - 2011 360 @ 60 pa g) Windfall allowance - large sites 2005 - 2011 @ 100 pa 600 h) Remaining allocated sites without planning permission 1,331 i) Airport related housing 692

Balance (as at April 2005) 2,008 j) Reserve Housing Land 235

*1) These figures have been reduced due to the application *3) ‘Larger Windfalls’ allowance has a base date of April of a 5% deduction for the non-implementation of 2000. This is due to the fact that most larger windfalls permissions which may occur over the plan period. of 1999/2000 are listed in the individual settlement chapters as ‘planned for’ sites. An allowance for *2) This figure has been reduced following monitoring of 1999/2000 is, therefore, inappropriate. small sites and conversions.

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 15 3.HOUSING

3.4 Dwelling Distribution 3.6 Areas of Special Restraint (ASRs)

3.4.1 In determining the distribution of the allocated sites, 3.6.1 In accordance with Government advice in PPG2 the District Council paid considerable attention to ensuring that concerning the identification of safeguarded land for longer- the apportionment of dwellings to be built in each settlement term development needs and the permanence of inner Green reflected the most sustainable distribution. It was based on the Belt boundaries, the Adopted Local Plan 1999 identified land as principle of a Proportional Catchment Based Distribution and Areas of Special Restraint (ASRs), this land has been identified this method is explained in Appendix I. for strategic growth since 1986 and serves the same purpose in this Plan. Whilst this is land excluded from the Green Belt, it was 3.4.2 The original resultant dwelling distribution was as not considered appropriate for development within the plan follows (with a base date of April 1999 and as adjusted to take period. ASRs 1 and 2 have now been allocated in this Local Plan account of a 5% deduction due to non-implementation of Review for development, to assist in meeting the Structure Plan permissions and a reduction in the small sites windfall figure dwelling requirement. These allocated ASR sites will only be following monitoring): released, when required, in line with Policy HSG2 and Policy BIS3. Bishop’s Stortford 756 (+ 692 airport related) Hertford 505 3.6.2 The only previously designated ASR land not required Ware 332 for development in this Plan period relates to ASRs 3, 4 and 5 at Sawbridgeworth 178 Bishop’s Stortford North. This land has, therefore, been Buntingford 109 maintained in this Plan Review as ASR land. This means that the Stansted Abbotts/ 165 land is to remain available for any possible development need, St Margarets which may subsequently be identified, as a result of a review of Other Areas 300 this Plan. These areas are identified on the Proposals Map. Total ‘ to be 2345 3.6.3 The planning policy for the ASR land can be found in planned for’ Chapter 11 (Bishop’s Stortford). No new ASR land has been identified in this Plan Review. This is also set out in Appendix I, Table I.1, which compares the required dwelling distribution to the allocated sites in each 3.7 Reserve Housing Land settlement. 3.7.1 Similar to ASR land, the District Council has identified a The District Council has undertaken a considerable 3.4.3 number of sites as Reserve Housing Land (RHL). These sites can amount of research to seek to reduce the amount of be regarded as a fallback position in the event that, during the greenfield/Green Belt land required to accommodate the course of the plan period, windfall site contributions fail to dwelling requirement. The District Council could have allocated achieve the predicted level. almost all the required amount on land to the north-west of Bishop’s Stortford (designated as Areas of Special Restraint in 3.7.2 Policy HSG2 applies to RHL sites and confirms that the current adopted Local Plan). This would have negated the their release will only occur if Monitoring Reports indicate the need for any Green Belt releases within the District, but this need to bring them forward. If the sites are not required in this would not have been a sustainable distribution and would cause plan period, the future use of these sites will be reviewed and undue pressure on the environment in and around Bishop’s determined as part of a review of this Plan. Stortford. The Council has not pursued this distribution method as it would not accord with the underlying approach of the 3.7.3 The relevant Settlement Chapters expand further on Proportional Catchment Based Distribution. the RHL sites, whilst the Proposals Map defines their boundaries. 3.4.4 The Settlement Chapters contained within Part II of this Local Plan describe in detail the situation, in terms of new allocations to meet the required housing provision. 3.5 Phased Release of Housing Land

3.5.1 The purpose of phasing the release of allocated sites is to ensure that not all such sites are developed early in the plan period, and in particular to enable restrictions on the release of greenfield sites in favour of development on previously developed land. This is in accordance with the sequential approach adopted in the site selection process and will be monitored frequently through Monitoring Reports.

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HSG2 Phased Release of Housing Land quality of the environment in the District are met, whilst creating sustainable communities for the future. (I) The release of housing sites will be monitored and managed to ensure that a continuous supply of housing 3.9.2 In line with the Housing Provision Strategy, the Council is delivered across the District during the Plan period will continue to direct new residential development towards the of 1991-2011. six main settlements listed in Policy SD2 and Category 1 and 2 Villages, as identified in Policies OSV1 and OSV2. Outside of (II) The allocated sites, as detailed in the Settlement these areas development will only be allowed exceptionally, in Chapters, are categorised into three phases: the rural area in accordance with Policies GBC5 and HSG5. Proposals for development should take account of meeting local Phase 1: Sites available for development without needs as identified in latest Housing Needs Survey and East restriction on their release in respect of timing. Herts Housing Strategy, in particular provision for assisting the first time purchaser and special needs groups. Phase 2: Sites available for development after 2006 and only if monitoring shows that they are required to 3.9.3 In order to create sustainable communities, new satisfy the dwelling requirements of the Structure Plan, developments should provide a mix of types and sizes of units, as allocated to each settlement by the Proportional and should not separate affordable from market dwellings. Catchment Based Distribution methodology. 3.9.4 The District Council recognises that in East Phase 3: Residential development may be permitted Hertfordshire, the most effective way the planning system can after 2006 on Reserve Housing Land provided: best put sustainability into practice is via its consideration of proposals for residential developments, simply because this is the (a) monitoring shows a shortfall in the amount of most prevalent form of development in the District (though all land coming forward from Phases 1 and 2 forms of development will be treated similarly, when it comes to allocated and windfall sites; and applying sustainable principles).

(b) there appears no reasonable expectation of sites 3.9.5 Previously, the key issues had included: design; coming forward to meet the shortfall. materials; size; tenure; accessibility; and aspect. These will still continue to remain valid considerations. However, the District Prior to the release of Phase 3 sites, only development Council has recognised the need to add sustainability issues to which would be appropriate within the Metropolitan this list, i.e. a consideration of the impact the development will Green Belt or Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt, will be have on: natural assets; natural ecosystems (both local and permitted within the Reserve Housing Land sites in global); reducing social exclusion; and minimising added costs Hertford, Ware and the Villages. for future generations. Guidance on how the Council wishes to see these issues addressed is contained in Chapter 2 (III) Areas of Special Restraint 1 and 2 at Bishop’s Stortford (Sustainable Development). will only be released for Bishop’s Stortford local housing need and Stansted Airport related housing 3.10 Affordable Housing development, post 2006, if monitoring shows that the town’s apportionment of 756 dwellings and the 692 3.10.1 ‘Affordable Housing’ in East Hertfordshire is defined as airport related dwellings are unable to be housing provided, with subsidy, both for rent and low cost market accommodated on other Bishop’s Stortford Phases 1 housing, for people who are unable to resolve their housing and 2 allocated and windfall sites. requirements on the local private sector housing market because of the relationship between local housing costs and incomes. 3.8 Monitoring of Housing Land Supply Low cost market housing refers to housing provided with subsidy, making it affordable to those in need. Through undertaking 3.8.1 The District Council has in the past produced regular district-wide Housing Needs Surveys, the District Council Residential Land Availability (RLA) Monitoring Statements, is able to demonstrate that there is a considerable shortage of normally every year, some of which were jointly prepared with the affordable housing to meet local needs within the District, but a County Council and House Builders Federation. The District good supply of market housing. As such it is considered Council intends this process to continue in the future in the form desirable to promote a more mixed community by encouraging of Monitoring Reports, in order to assist in monitoring the supply an element of affordable housing in new residential schemes. of housing. Should the frequent Monitoring Reports identify an over or under supply of dwellings in a particular phase (as 3.10.2 The Council’s Housing Strategy is a corporate identified in Policy HSG2) then a supplementary planning document developed in partnership with local stakeholders in document (SPD) may be required in order to reassign the East Herts. The Strategy sets a target for the commissioning of allocated sites to an earlier or later phase in the plan period. an average (over 4 years) of 200 new affordable dwellings each year. 3.9 Sustainable Homes and Communities

3.9.1 The Council is committed to ensuring that its objectives of sustainable development and protection of the character and

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 17 3.HOUSING

3.10.3 Housing Need Surveys carried out on behalf of the (III) On suitable sites (in accordance with Policy HSG4) the Council and other indicators recognise that the level of inclusion of up to 40% affordable homes will be sought affordable housing need in the District is unlikely to be as part of the proposed development of the site. economically deliverable or sustainable. Nevertheless, in order to meet what is a high level of need, an affordable housing element HSG4 Affordable Housing Criteria of up to 40% will be negotiated on all suitable sites. Targets for allocated sites are detailed in the Settlement Chapters, whilst (I) The suitability of a site to provide affordable housing at other aspects of allocated and windfall sites will be assessed on the level given in Policy HSG3 will be assessed against the basis of Policies HSG3 and HSG4. The target of up to 40% the following criteria: applied to allocated sites will be calculated on the actual number of dwellings the site is capable of producing when it comes (a) the proximity of local services and facilities and forward, and not the estimated number of dwellings. access to public transport; 3.11 Affordable Housing Thresholds (b) the economics of provision; and

3.11.1 Due to the rural nature of the District, possessing a (c) the need to achieve a successful housing proliferation of small urban centres serving a rural hinterland, it development and sustainable community. is not considered unreasonable to lower the threshold at which affordable housing will be required. In applying Policy HSG3 the (II) The size, type and tenure of affordable housing will be overall site area will be considered. determined by:

3.11.2 The lower threshold proposed by Policy HSG3 can be (a) the housing needs of the local area (as justified by the significant affordable housing need in the established through the results of the latest District and the anticipated increase in the supply of affordable district-wide Housing Needs Survey); housing units as a result of the lower threshold. Monitoring of housing completions has shown that if the Deposit Draft Policy (b) the availability of public subsidy; and had been implemented, further affordable units could have been achieved representing 10% of the Council’s yearly target of 200 (c) the policies and objectives of the Council’s affordable dwellings. This would have increased the yearly Housing Strategy average affordable housing provision (measured from 2000-2003) from 16% to 21% of total dwelling completions. (III) To secure the benefits of affordable housing for first and subsequent occupiers of affordable properties, any 3.11.3 The phasing of a development, or the division of a site such development is expected to be subject to a into separate parts, in order to create sites that are below the condition or an appropriate legal agreement providing threshold, will not exclude the developer from providing for the retention of dwellings under such arrangements affordable housing. through the District Council, Registered Social Landlord or similar body agreed with the District Council. 3.11.4 The definition of the threshold does not preclude developers from providing affordable housing on sites that are 3.12 Rural Area Affordable Housing Needs below the threshold given in Policy HSG3. 3.12.1 It is also recognised that there is a significant need for HSG3 Affordable Housing affordable housing provision in the District’s rural area, where general market housing is relatively expensive. There is often a (I) Affordable housing is defined as housing provided, problem of ensuring that newly forming households, which are with subsidy, both for rent and low cost market housing, often not on sufficiently high incomes, are able to remain in their for people who are unable to resolve their housing own communities. requirements in the local private sector housing market because of the relationship between local housing 3.12.2 In such cases of proven need the District Council may costs and incomes. be minded to grant permission for limited rural exceptions affordable housing development. As guidance to prospective (II) Affordable housing provision will be expected on providers of such schemes, Policy HSG5 sets out the criteria sites: against which such schemes will be considered.

(a) proposing 15 or more dwellings, or over 0.5 hectares, in the six main settlements; and

(b) proposing 3 or more dwellings, or over 0.09 hectares, in the Category 1 and 2 villages.

(Where development of a site is phased or divided into separate parts, it will be considered as a whole for the purposes of affordable housing.)

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HSG5 Rural Exceptions Affordable Housing 3.14 Replacement Dwellings and Infill Housing Development Proposals for affordable housing schemes, on sites which would not be acceptable for general housing development, may be 3.14.1 The replacement of dwellings and infill housing permitted, subject to all the following criteria being met: development can be a means of securing additional or more functional housing units to meet present and future housing (a) a particular local need can be identified which cannot needs. be accommodated in any other way, as evidenced by the latest district-wide Housing Needs Survey (and 3.14.2 However, the District Council is concerned that in urban supplemented by an individual parish-wide survey areas such proposals should not cause town cramming or where appropriate); damage the character and amenity of established residential areas. Dwellings capable of economic repair should, in most (b) a management scheme which ensures that the cases, be retained in the interests of sustainability. accommodation is retained to meet local needs for first and subsequent occupiers; 3.14.3 In rural areas the Council is anxious that the character of the District is maintained. Outside the Category 1 and 2 (c) proposals are of a scale compatible with the size, form Villages, proposals for a replacement dwelling should not be and structure of the host village or settlement. materially larger than the dwelling it replaces, and be compatible with Green Belt and Countryside Policies GBC1, GBC2 and GBC3, (d) sites should be within or adjoining the settlement and and Housing Policy HSG8. Infill housing development is not easily integrated into the settlement. acceptable, outside the six main settlements and Category 1 and 2 Villages. 3.13 Lifetime Homes 3.14.4 In either the urban or rural context the District Council 3.13.1 Government advice given in PPS1 guides local may consider the removal of permitted development rights in authorities to take into account access issues in preparing order to control the potential for future extensions. development plans, in order to ’promote high quality inclusive design in the layout of new developments and individual HSG7 Replacement Dwellings and Infill Housing buildings in terms of function and impact, not just for the short Development term but over the lifetime of the development‘. In consideration of this advice and the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Proposals for the replacement of a dwelling with either one or Act 1995, the Council is committed, inter alia through the more dwellings or infill housing development in the six main policies of its Local Plan, to making the District’s new housing settlements listed in Policy SD2 and Category 1 and 2 Villages more accessible. will be permitted provided that all of the following criteria are met: 3.13.2 ‘Lifetime Homes’ standards have been developed by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation Lifetime Homes Group. The (a) they are well sited in relation to the remaining standards seek to make homes more flexible, convenient, safe, surrounding buildings and will not appear obtrusive or adaptable and accessible than most new homes currently under over intensive, or result in the loss of important construction. landscape features;

3.13.3 Not usually requiring higher space standards than (b) the design complements the character of the local built normal dwellings, ‘Lifetime Homes’ provide the opportunity to be environment and has regard to local distinctiveness; convenient and adaptable to the changing needs of occupiers at little additional cost. Indeed, many of the features can be (c) they complement the local natural surroundings and provided at no extra cost, and are also now included within Part have, where appropriate, regard to the pattern of M of the Building Regulations. However, the Council considers planting or open spaces including hedging, walling or that the remaining aspects, not included in the Building other boundary treatment. Regulations, are still worthy of incorporation into new homes. HSG6 Lifetime Homes

The Council will expect that in new residential developments 15% of all dwellings are constructed to ‘Lifetime Homes’ standards. This is so that a proportion of all homes available in the District will be accessible (both externally and internally) to visitors with limited mobility (including visitors in wheelchairs) and which are capable of adaptation, without undue difficulty, for occupation by residents who are wheelchair users. In each case the site location and topography will be taken into consideration.

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 19 3.HOUSING

HSG8 Replacement Dwellings in the Green Belt and 3.16 Special Residential Uses Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt 3.16.1 Applications for planning permission are sometimes Proposals for a replacement dwelling in the Green Belt or Rural received by the District Council for a number of special Area Beyond the Green Belt, in circumstances where the original residential uses, such as caravans, mobile homes, houseboats, dwelling is of poor appearance or construction not capable of and other residential institutions. All of these uses will be retention, and not contributing to the character or appearance considered as though they were for a normal residential building of the surroundings in the Green Belt or Rural Area Beyond the and the policies relating to residential development will apply. Green Belt, will be considered against the key policy criteria contained in Policy HSG7 and the following criteria: 3.17 Accommodation for Gypsies

(a) the dwelling to be replaced has a lawful residential 3.17.1 Circular 01/2006 defines gypsies and travellers as use; persons of nomadic habit of life, whatever their race or origin, including such persons who on grounds only of their own or their (b) the volume of the new dwelling is not materially larger family’s or dependants’ educational or health needs or old age than the dwelling to be replaced, plus any unexpended have ceased to travel temporarily or permanently, but excluding permitted development rights excluding separate members of an organised group of travelling showmen, or circus buildings; people, travelling together as such. The Circular recognises that the traditional working patterns of gypsies and travellers are (c) the new dwelling is no more visually intrusive than the changing and that there is a need to provide sites in locations dwelling to be replaced. that meet the current working patterns. This needs to be balanced with the responsibility of gypsy and travellers to 3.15 Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO’s) respect the planning system.

3.15.1 A house in multiple occupation can be defined as one 3.17.2 Due to the rural nature of the District, comprising a that is occupied by more than one household, where each large proportion of Green Belt and closely drawn rural household lives independently from each other within the same settlement boundaries, it has been very difficult in the past for building unit. Some facilities may be shared on a communal the County Council to fulfil its statutory duty to provide basis. accommodation for gypsies in an appropriate location within the District. This duty was repealed by the Criminal Justice and 3.15.2 The Council is aware of the valuable contribution Public Order Act 1994, but the nature of the District will mean towards housing provision that HMO’s can make - especially for continued difficulty in finding suitable sites for gypsies. people in need of affordable housing. Guidance on the provision of HMO’s can be obtained from the District Council’s 3.17.3 Notwithstanding this difficulty, provision has been Environmental Health Section, which in June 1995 adopted the made for gypsy accommodation within the District. There are ‘Amenity Standards for Houses in Multiple Occupation’ contained currently three gypsy sites with planning permission: in the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health’s Professional Practice Note published September 1994. Planning permission ● Nine Acres, High Cross (2 caravans/mobile homes); is required for an HMO where it is to be occupied by more than ● Field Farm, Levens Green (4 caravans/mobile homes); six people. and ● Rumballs Hump, Bayfordbury (1 caravan/mobile home 3.15.3 Whilst broadly supportive of the concept of HMO’s, the plus 1 non-residential touring caravan). authority is also committed to protecting the amenity of local residents. 3.17.4 Gypsy counts are carried out twice yearly by the DCLG (in January and July) and additionally by the County Council (in HSG9 Houses in Multiple Occupation April and October). Furthermore, Hertfordshire County Council’s Gypsy Section compiles ‘Hotline’ information to supplement this Planning permission will be granted for the use of a building as a data. PPS3 advises local authorities to have regard to the house in multiple occupation provided that: accommodation needs of travellers in undertaking assessments of housing need. The Council, as part of a consortium of six (a) the conversion provides a satisfactory level of living Hertfordshire authorities, commissioned a ‘Gypsy and Traveller environment for the intended occupiers of the building, Accommodation Needs Survey’, which was published in June by way of daylight, privacy and levels of outdoor 2006. The findings of this survey will inform future policy amenity space; decisions on site provision in the area. To aid this process, the Partners have commissioned consultants to undertake the (b) adequate facilities for the storage and disposal of ‘Accommodation Needs of Gypsies and Travellers in Northern and refuse would be provided. Eastern Hertfordshire, Stage Two: Identification of Potential Gypsy and Traveller Sites in the Study Area’. This Study is due to be completed in Summer 2007.

20 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 3.HOUSING

3.17.5 The Council recognises that planned provision is preferable to unauthorised encampments and concurs with the aim of Circular 01/2006 to reduce the number of unauthorised encampments and developments and the controversy and conflict they cause. In pursuance of this aim, the Council will apply the following Policy: HSG10 Accommodation for Gypsies

(I) This policy applies to proposals for the use of land as a site for gypsy and traveller accommodation. Any permission granted under this policy will be subject to a condition limiting occupation to gypsies and travellers as defined in paragraph 3.17.1.

(II) If the site is not in the Green Belt, a proposal for a gypsy and traveller site will be permitted provided that each of the following criterion is met:

(a) the site is in a sustainable location in terms of accessibility to existing shops, social, education and health services and potential sources of employment;

(b) the site is suitable in terms of vehicular access, parking, turning, road safety and servicing arrangements and has access to essential services such as water supply, sewerage, drainage and waste disposal:

(c) the site is not affected by environmental hazards that may affect the residents’ health or welfare;

. (d) the occupation and use of the site would not cause undue harm to the amenity of local residents by reason of noise, disturbance or loss of privacy;

(e) the proposal is capable of being visually assimilated into the surrounding landscape without significant adverse effect;

(f) within nationally recognised designations, the proposal will not compromise the objectives of the designation;

(g) the proposal respects the scale of the nearest settled community.

(III) In the Green Belt, new gypsy and traveller sites are inappropriate development and in addition to the above criteria will be expected to demonstrate that harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm, is clearly outweighed by other considerations.

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 21 4.GREEN BELT AND COUNTYSIDE

4.1 Introduction 4.2 The Rural Area

4.1.1 The Government’s policies for the countryside are 4.2.1 The Rural Area of East Hertfordshire comprises the contained in the White Paper ‘Our Countryside: The Future, A Fair whole of the District, outside of the towns, and other identified Deal for Rural England’ (November 2000) and in PPS7. These settlements. The landscape is rich and diverse reflecting a emphasise the importance of ensuring that policies for the variety of natural features and thousands of years of human countryside are sustainable. The Local Plan has a key role to play activity. It is an undulating, complex, and widely dispersed mix of in the protection of critical and other important environmental fields, woodland, river valleys and settlements, with the main assets for the benefit of present and future generations. It seeks river valleys of the Lee and Stort containing the major to do this by managing and guiding change in the environment, settlements. and where necessary, controlling development. At the same time it has to make proper provision, in a sustainable way, for the 4.2.2 Based on work originally undertaken by the needs of the present and future generations. The aims and Countryside Commission and English Nature (now merged to objectives listed below set out the Council’s planning strategy for form Natural England), but refined by local understanding, a meeting these needs. regional pattern of landscape character has been established for Hertfordshire. Six landscape regions have been identified by the Aims County Council, of which there are three in East Hertfordshire: The East Hertfordshire Plateau which covers the majority of the A. To protect, preserve and enhance the quality and District, The Central River Valleys Region and a small section of character of the countryside, whilst meeting the needs The South Hertfordshire Plateau. These regions are based on a of all those who live and work there in a sustainable variety of criteria, but predominantly landform and topography, manner, ensuring vital and viable communities. soil types, vegetation, field pattern and settlement pattern. A summary of the landscape character of these regions can be B. To implement the Village Development Strategy. found in Section 4.13.

C. To encourage access to the countryside for all, whilst 4.2.3 The protection of environmental assets, both in terms ensuring that areas of critical capital and other of natural resources and historical features, is a key principle of environmental assets are preserved for future sustainability. The pressure for development is significant, generations and that the needs of agriculture are nevertheless it needs to be addressed in such a way that does protected. not jeopardise these assets for future generations.

Objectives 4.2.4 Approximately 30% of the District’s population live in the rural area, although only a small percentage now work on the 1. To prevent the coalescence of settlements land. Changes in agricultural practice and loss of farm income and urbanisation in the Metropolitan Green Belt and have resulted in fewer people working in agriculture. This has, Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt. and will, continue to lead to pressure for the diversification of farm businesses. In line with national trends, the District has 2. To protect the best and most versatile agricultural land seen the closure of rural shops and schools, centralisation of and to retain land in agricultural, forestry and related health care facilities, loss of bus routes, and a lack of affordable uses. housing for some sections of the community, in particular the young and elderly. There is a need to ensure that the District’s 3. To encourage high quality in design and promote local villages are balanced, vital and viable communities. distinctiveness and diversity in the landscape and built form. 4.2.5 The District Council identifies the rural area as a key resource that needs to be conserved and, where possible, 4. To provide opportunities for access to and enjoyment of enhanced. Restraint strategies that emphasise the protection of the countryside and the waterways. the countryside are seen as a priority. Within the Rural Area priority will be given to conserving and enhancing the character, 5. To promote vital and viable rural communities. appearance and quality of the countryside.

6. To retain attractive landscapes and enhance 4.3 Metropolitan Green Belt landscapes near to where people live. 4.3.1 PPG2 states the general intentions of Green Belt policy, 7. To protect, retain and where appropriate enhance areas including its contribution to sustainable development objectives; of nature conservation value. sets out the specific purposes of including land in Green Belts; specifies objectives for the use of land in Green Belts; confirms 8. To improve understanding of local landscape character. that Green Belts must be protected as far as can be seen ahead; The character assessments contained in the document and maintains the presumption against inappropriate ‘Landscape Character Assessment, Evaluation and development, setting out the categories of appropriate Guidelines for East Hertfordshire District’ should be development. used to guide decisions.

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4.3.2 The essential characteristic therefore of the Green Belt 4.4 Alterations to Metropolitan Green Belt Boundary is its permanence, the protection of which must be maintained as and Safeguarded Land far as can be seen ahead. The adoption of this principle sets clear long-term limits to development, thereby helping to 4.4.1 Some alterations to the Green Belt boundary have been safeguard the countryside. In East Hertfordshire a band of Green made as part of the Local Plan Review. In some cases greenfield Belt, forming part of the Metropolitan Green Belt, secures the land has been incorporated into the Green Belt, (Hertford and containment of the settlements of Bishop’s Stortford, Hertford, Bishop’s Stortford) to afford them better protection, and in Ware, Sawbridgeworth and Stanstead Abbotts and St. Margarets, others, land has been released, in settlements where there is and the Category 1 Villages of Hertford Heath, Tewin, and insufficient brownfield land, to meet the District’s housing Watton-at-Stone. A Green Belt will be maintained in the south of allocation. These alterations are identified in the Settlement the District, as defined on the Proposals Map, wherein there is a Chapters and on the Proposals Map. Only sufficient land to meet presumption against inappropriate development. the current housing requirements (1991–2011), has been released from the Green Belt. No new safeguarded land in the GBC1 Appropriate Development in the Green Belt form of Areas of Special Restraint (ASR’s) has been identified, other than existing ASR’s, not required in the plan period up to Within the Metropolitan Green Belt, as defined on the Proposals 2011, which are carried forward to a future review of the Local Map, permission will not be given for inappropriate development Plan. unless very special circumstances can be demonstrated that clearly outweigh the harm by reason of inappropriateness or any 4.4.2 Sites identified for release for development have been other harm. environmentally appraised and selected on the basis of sustainability criteria and least damage done to the purposes of The construction of new buildings on land falling within the the Green Belt. The District Council has paid particular regard to Green Belt will be inappropriate unless it is for the following selecting and allocating sites, which offer demonstrable benefits purposes: to the parent settlement.

(a) agriculture or forestry; 4.5 Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt

(b) essential small scale facilities for outdoor sport 4.5.1 The Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt comprises and outdoor recreation; approximately the northern two thirds of the District’s area. It is, therefore, a considerable and significant rural resource. The (c) essential facilities for cemeteries and other uses main development strategy of the Structure Plan is to of land which preserve the openness of the concentrate and direct development to the main settlements. Green Belt and do not conflict with the purposes Other settlements have been selected where limited of including land in the Green Belt; development may be appropriate to maintain the vitality of the area. Development in smaller settlements will be accommodated (d) limited extensions or alterations to existing only to support facilities and services needed and meet the dwellings in accordance with Policy ENV5; employment and housing needs for that settlement and its surrounding area. In addition, the Structure Plan seeks to (e) replacement dwellings in accordance with Policy conserve the county’s critical capital and other environmental HSG8; assets. There is therefore a strong restraint on inappropriate development, as defined in policy GBC3, within the Rural Area (f) limited infill development in Category 2 villages, Beyond the Green Belt. in accordance with policy OSV2 (II); GBC2 The Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt (g) small scale affordable housing for local needs within existing rural settlements in accordance A Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt will be maintained in the with Policy HSG5 and Policy OSV3; central and northern part of the District, as defined on the Proposals Map, wherein inappropriate development will not be (h) the adaptation and re-use of rural buildings in permitted. accordance with Policies GBC9 and GBC10;

(i) limited infilling or redevelopment of ‘Major Developed Sites’, identified on the Proposals Map, in accordance with Policy GBC4.

The material change of use of land or engineering operations within the Green Belt will be inappropriate unless they maintain openness and do not conflict with the purposes of including land in the Green Belt.

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GBC3 Appropriate Development in the Rural Area Beyond such sites have been identified in an adopted local plan, then the Green Belt limited infilling or redevelopment, which meets the criteria in Annex C of PPG2, becomes appropriate development. Within the Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt, except for development within the main settlement of Buntingford and the 4.6.2 Limited infilling or redevelopment of these sites should other settlements identified in Policy OSV1 (Category 1 villages), have no greater impact on the Green Belt than the existing permission will not be given for the construction of new buildings development; it should not lead to a significant increase in floor or for changes of use for purposes other than: area or activity on the site; and should be required to meet current operational requirements rather than an expansion of (a) agriculture or forestry; the concern. Complete or partial redevelopment may offer the opportunity for environmental improvement, and should (b) essential small scale facilities for outdoor sport contribute to the objectives of having land in the Green Belt. and outdoor recreation; Major Developed Site status does not mean that planning permission will automatically be granted for such development. (c) limited extensions or alterations to existing Any proposal will, like any other application, be subject to all the dwellings in accordance with Policy ENV5, to policies contained within the Local Plan. employment premises in line with Policies EDE4 and OSV6, and to community facilities in line with 4.6.3 In East Hertfordshire there is also a strong restraint on Policy OSV8; inappropriate development in the Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt (Policies GBC2 and GBC3). The District Council considers (d) replacement dwellings in accordance with Policy that there should be a consistent approach to the remaining two HSG8; thirds of the District and a policy framework that is no more restrictive than that for the Green Belt. It is, therefore, (e) limited infill development in Category 2 villages, considered appropriate to identify similar sites within the Rural in accordance with Policy OSV2 (II); Area Beyond the Green Belt.

(f) small scale affordable housing for local needs 4.6.4 The District Council has identified Major Developed within existing rural settlements in accordance Sites, on the basis of the following criteria: - size (footprint, levels with Policy HSG5 and Policy OSV3 (Category 3 of activity, e.g. number of students; employees and/or visitors); Villages); planning unit; planning history; and their capacity to accommodate infill development, without compromising the (g) the adaptation and re-use of rural buildings in purposes of the Green Belt or its openness, or the character of accordance with Policies GBC9 and GBC10; the Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt.

(h) other essential small scale facilities, services or 4.6.5 These sites are listed in paragraphs 4.6.6 and 4.6.7 uses of land which meet a local need, are below and are identified on the Proposals Map. For each site a appropriate to a rural area and which assist rural boundary has been drawn defining the area, within which limited diversification; infill development or redevelopment may occur. Policy GBC7 below outlines the circumstances under which such development (i) limited development within ‘Major Developed may occur. However, a number of the sites are also of Sites’ which are identified on the Proposals Map, considerable environmental interest either through being listed in accordance with Policy GBC4; buildings or because they adjoin areas of national nature conservation importance. In such cases, policies contained within (j) Agricultural, Forestry and other Occupational Chapter 8 (Environment and Design) and Chapter 9 (Built Dwellings in accordance with Policy GBC5; Heritage) should also be referred to.

(k) small-scale riding and livery stables in accordance with Policy GBC11

(l) Gypsy or traveller accommodation in accordance with Policy HSG10. 4.6 Major Developed Sites

4.6.1 PPG2 advises that where major developed sites such as factories, water and sewage treatment works, and research and education establishments exist within the Green Belt, the Local Plan may seek to identify such sites and apply appropriate policies to them. As there is no precise definition given in PPG2, it is left to local planning authorities to define them, but they must be substantial. Such uses are generally well established and may provide important sources of local employment. Once

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GBC4 Major Developed Sites 4.6.7 The following sites within the Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt are identified and delineated on the Proposals Map Major Developed Sites in the Green Belt and Rural Area Beyond as Major Developed Sites: the Green Belt are identified on the Proposals Map. ● Former GlaxoSmithKlein site, Bury Green (I) Limited infilling at Major Developed Sites will amount ● St. Edmund’s College and St. Hugh’s School, Old Hall to appropriate development, provided that such Green infilling: ● St. Elizabeth’s Centre, South End, Much Hadham ● Freman College, Buntingford (a) has no greater impact than the existing development on the purposes of including land 4.7 Housing in the Countryside in the Green Belt or on the character of the Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt; 4.7.1 The Housing Provision Strategy directs development to the main settlements, with limited small scale and/or infill (b) does not exceed the height of the existing development being directed to villages identified in the Village buildings; Development Strategy. This is discussed in more detail in Chapter 3 (Housing) and Chapter 17 (Other Settlements – The (c) will not lead to a major increase in the developed Villages). Changes in agricultural production methods and a proportion of the site. declining agricultural workforce mean that the need for additional agricultural dwellings outside the settlements is (II) Redevelopment or partial redevelopment of a Major increasingly rare. There may, however still be circumstances Developed Site should be accompanied by a planning where additional essential accommodation is required and these brief and landscape scheme and: will be assessed in accordance with Policy GBC8 and the criteria in Annex A of PPS7. In very exceptional circumstances there may (a) should have no greater impact than the existing be a need for residential accommodation to accompany other development on the purposes of including land rural-based enterprises. In these circumstances proposals will be in the Green Belt or on the character of the Rural expected to meet the same stringent criteria as for agricultural Area Beyond the Green Belt; and forestry housing.

(b) sites within the Green Belt should make a GBC5 Agricultural, Forestry and Other Occupational positive contribution to the achievement of the Dwellings aims and objectives listed in paragraph 4.1.1 of this Local Plan; (I) The District Council will:

(c) sites within the Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt (a) only permit agricultural, forestry or other should make a positive contribution to the aims occupational dwellings in the Rural Area Beyond and objectives listed in paragraph 4.1.1 of this the Green Belt where the applicant has Local Plan; demonstrated that it is essential for the proper functioning of the enterprise for one or more full (d) should not exceed the height of the existing time workers to be readily available at most times buildings; of the day and night;

(e) should not occupy a larger area of the site than (b) where the above ‘functional test’ is not the existing buildings (unless this would achieve conclusive, apply a financial test to complement a reduction in height, which would benefit visual it, to establish whether the existing or proposed amenity). business has been planned on a sound financial basis; 4.6.6 The following sites within the Green Belt are identified and delineated on the Proposals Map as Major Developed Sites: (c) not grant planning permission where existing accommodation is available suitably close to the ● Merck Sharpe and Dohme, Terlings Park enterprise; ● Hayters plc, Spellbrook ● Haileybury and Imperial College, Hertford Heath (d) not grant planning permission where severance ● Former University of Hertfordshire, Balls Park, Hertford or subdivision of a holding has resulted in a new ● Simon Balle School, Ware holding with no dwelling associated with it, ● Presdales School, Ware except in cases where a genuine need has been ● Leventhorpe School, Sawbridgeworth clearly demonstrated. ● Sele School, Hertford ● Van Hage’s Garden Centre, Great Amwell (II) In all cases new dwellings must be sensitively designed ● Rye Meads Sewage Works, Stansted Abbotts and sited to minimise the impact of the building on the character and appearance of the countryside.

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4.8 Occupancy Conditions GBC7 Agricultural Development

4.8.1 Where planning permission is granted for a new Proposals for new agricultural buildings, which require planning dwelling in the countryside on the basis of a particular local permission, will be permitted provided that all of the following need such as agriculture, forestry or other rural-based enterprise, criteria are met: the appropriate conditions will be imposed to ensure that the dwelling will be kept available to meet that particular need. (a) the building is located within or adjacent to an existing group of buildings, unless it can be demonstrated that 4.8.2 In the absence of a future need related to agriculture, a more isolated location is essential to meet the needs forestry or other rural-based enterprise, occupancy will be limited of the holding. Where an isolated location is essential, to households who qualify for local affordable housing. Planning the site should be chosen to minimise the impact of the applications to remove an occupancy condition will only be building on the character and appearance of the granted in exceptional circumstances. countryside;

GBC6 Occupancy Conditions (b) the proposal is accompanied by a landscape scheme, reflecting the landscape character of the area; (I) Where planning permission is granted for a new dwelling in the countryside on the basis of a particular (c) the building is of a design which is appropriate for its local need such as agriculture, forestry or other rural- intended use, and sympathetic to its surroundings in based enterprise, the appropriate conditions will be terms of scale, materials, colour and architectural imposed to ensure that the dwelling will be kept details. available to meet that particular need; 4.10 Rural Diversification (II) In the absence of a future particular local need such as agriculture, forestry or other rural-based enterprise, 4.10.1 The nature of agriculture has changed dramatically occupancy will be limited to households who qualify for since the Second World War, reflecting greater specialisation, local affordable housing; levels of mechanisation and improvements in productivity. This restructuring has resulted in the need for farmers to diversify (III) Planning Applications to remove an occupancy into non-agricultural activities in order that they may condition will only be granted in exceptional supplement their incomes, which is essential in achieving a circumstances. Evidence will need to be submitted to competitive and sustainable agricultural industry. prove that: 4.10.2 As discussed in Section 6.9 ‘The Rural Economy’, the (a) there is no agricultural, forestry or other rural- reform of the European Common Agricultural Policy and the based occupational need for the dwelling, having introduction of the Rural Development Regulation means that regard to need in the area as a whole, not just this trend to diversify is set to continue throughout the Plan the particular holding; and period.

(b) a contribution to meeting local affordable 4.10.3 The District Council recognises the importance of housing needs in the area could not be made by encouraging appropriate diversification. Examples of rural the dwelling. diversification might involve setting up and running new enterprises such as bed and breakfast facilities or farm shops, 4.9 Agricultural Development equestrian uses, nature trails and holiday cottages.

4.9.1 Changes in permitted development rights for 4.10.4 Wherever possible applications should be accompanied agricultural development mean that for certain types of by a farm management plan indicating the use of other land and development, planning permission needs to be sought, or prior buildings on the holding. Where the conversion of agricultural notification of intent needs to be given. Changing agricultural buildings would be likely to result in the proliferation of uses that practices brought about by changes in hygiene and welfare would harm the amenity of the surrounding area, the District legislation, the European Union Common Agricultural Policy Council will consider the removal of permitted development (CAP) reform, and changing requirements of the market place rights, in accordance with Policy GBC10. Planning applications may well result in the need for new development. The District for new buildings will be expected to meet the criteria identified Council wishes to ensure that such development is sensitively in Policy GBC7. located, and respects the character of the area. Anyone proposing to erect an agricultural building should first discuss their proposals with the Council’s Development Control Service to clarify whether planning permission is required.

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GBC8 Rural Diversification GBC9 (II), and the advice published in the District Council’s Guidance Note entitled ‘Farm Buildings’. Proposals for farm diversification will be permitted provided that all of the following criteria are met: 4.11.6 The Council considers that policies GBC9 and GBC10 achieve a sustainable balance between wholesale re-use of (a) the proposal would support the continuation of the buildings and the protection of the countryside. farm enterprise as a whole and would not result in the inappropriate and unsustainable subdivision of the GBC9 Adaptation and Re-use of Rural Buildings farm unit; (I) Proposals for the adaptation and re-use of agricultural (b) the scheme where possible re-uses existing farm and other non-residential/domestic rural buildings for buildings; business, leisure, tourism, community and other purpose compatible with the rural area, will be (c) where a new building is required it meets the criteria of permitted, provided that all of the following criteria Policy GBC7. are met: 4.11 Adaptation and Re-use of Rural Buildings (a) the existing building is of a form, bulk, general design and materials of construction such that it 4.11.1 An important part of the District Council’s Strategy on is in keeping with its surroundings; rural diversification will be to encourage the appropriate adaptation and re-use of rural buildings. Re-use provides a way (b) the building is permanent and is soundly of encouraging commercial and industrial development as well constructed, not requiring complete or as providing opportunities for leisure and tourism. It can reduce substantial reconstruction before adaptation to a demands for new building in the countryside whilst bringing new use; under-used buildings into productive use. (c) the proposed use is sympathetic to the rural 4.11.2 However, whilst acknowledging this, the District Council character and appearance of the building, not also places considerable importance on safeguarding the requiring extensive alterations or anything other character and appearance of the countryside, ensuring the than minor extensions to accommodate it; openness of the Green Belt is maintained and the principles of sustainable development are met. (d) conversion would not lead to dispersal of activity on such a scale as to prejudice town and village 4.11.3 It is important to note that many rural buildings within vitality; East Hertfordshire are located within or adjacent to sensitive areas. Such areas may be taken to include not only the Green (e) the proposed use is sympathetic to its Belt, but also Conservation Areas, sites affecting the setting of surroundings not resulting in the creation of listed buildings, and sites of nature conservation and visually intrusive hardstandings or visually archaeological interest. Furthermore, approximately 500 farm distinct curtilages or involving significant levels buildings are listed as being of special architectural or historic of outdoor working and storage; interest. In the light of these circumstances and the potential number of properties involved, the District Council consider that (f) in the case of Listed Buildings, the historic a selective approach to the re-use of rural buildings is justified. (archaeological) value of the structure(s) has been assessed in a historic building impact 4.11.4 Clearly, the wholesale conversion and re-use of assessment and appropriate mitigation of any buildings in the countryside for employment generating impact on the structure(s) has been put in place. purposes would cumulatively change the rural character of the District, both visually and in terms of the general level of activity, (II) The residential use of a building will be permitted only particularly as a result of additional traffic movements. The if the following criteria are met: advice in PPS7 is that all development in rural areas should be well designed, in keeping and scale with its location, and (a) the building is worthy of retention and the sensitive to the character of the countryside and local introduction of a residential use would not distinctiveness. detract significantly from the rural character and appearance of the area; 4.11.5 In pursuing a policy that is intended to assist economic activity and protect the countryside, the conversion and re-use of (b) the retention of the building is unable to be buildings for residential purposes, besides often being visually facilitated by conversion to a business use or part harmful to the building and its surroundings, has little or no of a scheme for business re-use, leisure, tourism, positive effect on the rural economy. However, in circumstances community or other purposes compatible with where it would be desirable to retain the building and a the rural area; commercial use is considered inappropriate, consideration will be Continued... given to a residential use having regard the criteria set out in

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(c) a contribution to the local affordable housing (II) Planning permissions for the change of use of needs in the area cannot be made by the agricultural buildings or for the development of new building; and agricultural buildings may require a condition or legal agreement removing agricultural permitted (d) in the case of Listed Buildings, the historic development rights where the District Council is (archaeological) value of the structure(s) has concerned that additional buildings may have a been assessed in a historic building impact seriously detrimental effect on the countryside. assessment and appropriate mitigation of any Permitted development rights will be removed in impact on the structure(s) has been put in place. circumstances where:

4.11.7 The District Council recognises that the redundancy of (a) that it is essential to maintain the openness of a building in agricultural terms should not be an overriding issue the Green Belt; in consideration of proposals for the re-use of buildings for non- agricultural purposes. However the District Council is concerned (b) that additional buildings would have a significant that tenanted agricultural buildings in particular, which may have adverse effect upon areas of high landscape a significant agricultural value in planning terms, as part of an value, sites of nature conservation interest or agricultural holding, may be lost. Value in planning terms is areas of archaeological value as identified on the intended to mean a building that has a potential value to the use Proposals Map; of the holding, or surrounding land for agricultural purposes particularly by reason of its size, design, location, accessibility or (c) that the erection of new farm buildings may facilities. This may also create a potential need for the adversely affect the setting of listed or other construction of new buildings in the countryside. architecturally or historically important buildings within the countryside. 4.11.8 In assessing proposals, the District Council will weigh the value of the building in planning terms against the potential (III) Where a condition or legal agreement would be benefits of re-use. Matters such as whether the building was required under the terms of (II) above and the originally erected to serve a genuine agricultural need, and the applicant is unable to demonstrate control over a farm extent to which the proposed use contributes to rural holding, beyond the application site, the District diversification, will also be relevant in considering applications Council may take account of whether the building is for change of use. redundant in deciding whether to grant planning permission in order to assess the likelihood of its 4.11.9 The redundancy of a building may still, in certain replacement. instances, be an important consideration, such as where it would be unreasonable for the District Council to attach conditions 4.12 Riding Stables and Associated Development removing permitted development rights for new buildings, or where it might appear that a building was erected with permitted 4.12.1 In recent years there has been a proliferation of pony development rights with the intention of early conversion to paddocks and horse related activities, especially in urban fringe another use. In these circumstances GBC10 (II) will apply. In areas. The use of land for recreational horse keeping can bring any event, proposals for additional agricultural buildings should employment and economic benefits, and offer an attractive way be supported by a justification for the development. of exploring the countryside, but it can also have a significant impact on the countryside. GBC10 Change of Use of an Agricultural Building 4.12.2 The keeping of horses can lead to the sub division of (I) Where a change of use of an agricultural building is fields, downgrading of pasture and a demand for new buildings sought, in addition to the criteria set out in GBC9, to provide shelter and accommodation. Commercial riding applicants will be required to demonstrate that: establishments and livery yards can amount to substantial developments with stabling, flood-lit exercise areas, indoor riding (a) the building was originally erected to serve a schools and occasionally, demand for 24-hour employee genuine agricultural need; presence on site. The landscape can, therefore, be fundamentally altered, leading to a loss of visual amenity, and a change in the (b) the proposed new use relates to the character of the area, particularly when a number of such uses diversification of the agricultural business of are in close proximity. There can also be conflict between which it forms part; motorised and non-motorised road users, with a consequent impact on road safety. (c) the building is operationally important to the holding;

(d) in the case of a tenanted agricultural building, the existing use has a significant agricultural value in planning terms.

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4.12.3 In some cases, however, horse keeping can be a need to be tackled; and demonstrate how distinctive character positive force in maintaining traditional pastoral landscapes, and features can be preserved. especially where there is a commitment to good pasture management and boundary maintenance. Equestrian activity 4.13.2 Parish Plans can offer parish councils and local which respects the rural environment can help to diversify the communities a framework for enhancing and contributing to rural economy and is a traditional part of rural life. Additionally, both the Local Plan process and the Community Strategy. land used for grazing is usually considerably more biodiverse than arable land. 4.13.3 In particular, Parish Plans provide an opportunity for parish councils and local communities to contribute and 4.12.4 The grazing of horses for recreational or agricultural influence planning in two ways: purposes generally lies outside planning control, but associated development, such as horse shelters, stables, manege and turn 1. By securing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) out areas, is normally the subject of planning control. status for land use, development and design matters, Parish Plans give communities greater influence in GBC11 Riding Stables and Associated Development planning decisions; and

The establishment of small scale riding and livery stables in the 2. Parish Plans can offer a framework for enhancing and Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt will be permitted provided that contributing to the preparation and review of the Local all of the following criteria are met: Plan as part of the formal planning system.

(a) the proposed development is sited or landscaped to Parish Plans also have a role in feeding into the Community minimise visual intrusion. The landscaping should Strategy. By taking a holistic view of the community and its reflect the landscape character of the area; surrounding environment, Parish Plans provide an opportunity to find local solutions to local problems. (b) the site is well related to the existing or proposed bridleway network, other off-road routes, or the 4.13.4 The District Council wishes to encourage Parish proposal includes works to provide new routes to Councils to prepare Parish Plans and as such it has set a enable connections between the development and corporate target of encouraging eight Parishes to produce Parish other routes or places of equestrian interest; Plans by March 2007, to achieve the corporate priority of improving standards of neighbourhood management in our (c) the scale, design, siting and materials of any towns and villages. development and any necessary ancillary structures must be appropriate to the character of the site and the 4.14 Environmental Assets ability of the local environment to absorb the development; 4.14.1 The conservation of key environmental resources and inherited environmental features is fundamental to the aims of (d) where possible facilities should utilise existing sustainability. Environmental assets is a term used by the buildings; Structure Plan to encompass both critical capital, and those elements of the environment which, although able to (e) in assessing the application regard will be paid to the accommodate some form of change, still need a measure of Natural England and British Horse Society protection or enhancement in order to avoid their degradation. recommended standards for stabling, and grazing; Proposals for policies concerning the protection of environmental assets are contained throughout the Local Plan. (f) where necessary, on site security can be adequately Those relating specifically to the countryside are discussed provided utilising existing buildings without significant below. alteration or adaptation; and Agricultural Land (g) the amount of horse riding that is likely to result would not have an adverse impact on the management, 4.14.2 PPS7 advises that the presence of best and most ecology, or public use of open spaces and rights of way. versatile agricultural land (defined as grades 1, 2 and 3a of the Agricultural Land Classification) should be taken into account 4.13 Parish Plans alongside other sustainability considerations when determining planning applications. Development should not be permitted 4.13.1 Parish Plans were announced in the November 2000 unless opportunities have been assessed for accommodating it Rural White Paper, which sets out the Government’s plans for the on previously developed sites and on land within the boundaries countryside. They are intended to develop previous work, such as of existing urban areas. When significant development of Village Design Statements, and set a framework for communities agricultural land is unavoidable, development should seek to use to plan their own futures. They are part of Natural England’s areas of poorer quality (grades 3b, 4 and 5), except where this ‘Vital Villages’ initiative. A Parish Plan is a document outlining would be inconsistent with other sustainability considerations. how the community sees itself developing over the next few The Structure Plan states that permission will not be given for years. It should set out a vision of what is important to the development which is not associated with agriculture or forestry, community; show how new development can best be fitted in; unless there is a strong and overriding need. identify key facilities and services; set out the problems that 29 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 4.GREEN BELT AND COUNTYSIDE

GBC12 Agricultural Land designating landscapes as special, based on typically subjective criteria, in favour of a comprehensive approach for all Development of best and most versatile agricultural land will landscapes. only be permitted where opportunities have been assessed for accommodating such development on previously developed sites 4.14.7 This shift in emphasis is supported by Government or within existing urban boundaries. Where development of departments and agencies. For example, in the mid 1990’s agricultural land is unavoidable, development should seek to use English Nature and the Countryside Commission produced a areas of poorer quality, except where this would be inconsistent Joint Character Map for England. This map identifies and with other sustainability considerations. describes broad areas of relatively homogenous character, based on a holistic and systematic approach. As significant, the Countryside Management and Stewardship Countryside Agency (now Natural England) and Scottish Natural Heritage have also published guidance on how this same 4.14.3 Pressures on the countryside can cause tensions approach can be cascaded locally. The intention is that alongside between farmers, landowners and those seeking enjoyment of decisions about development there can be community-owned the countryside. Countryside Management enables a co- guidance on the conservation, enhancement and in some cases ordinated approach to be taken towards the resolution of creation of landscape character. conflicts between various interest groups, particularly in the urban fringe. It is also an important tool in the management 4.14.8 The Rural White Paper (2000) reaffirms this approach, and revitalisation of wildlife habitats and local landscapes, whilst stating that local authorities should seek to enrich the increasing recreational opportunities and access to the countryside as a whole, not just in the protected areas, and countryside. maintain its distinctive local features.

4.14.4 Environmental education is an important tool helping 4.14.9 Hertfordshire County Council embraced this approach the community to appreciate the countryside and respect its in the Structure Plan 1998, adopting as supplementary planning delicate nature. guidance the Hertfordshire Landscape Strategy Volume 1, which had been published the year previously. The Strategy identified 4.14.5 The District Council’s role on this issue, along with six landscape character regions for the county, of which there are other authorities and agencies, is primarily one of promoting three in East Hertfordshire: The East Hertfordshire Plateau which countryside access, particularly where close to urban areas; covers the majority of the District; The Central River Valleys protecting sensitive locations from over exposure to human Region; and a small section of The South Hertfordshire Plateau. activity; and encouraging and assisting voluntary effort in pursuit of measures intended to resolve conflicts between Landscape Character of East Herts various needs and interests. The East Herts Plateau is an undulating area of boulder clay, GBC13 Countryside Management incised by several rivers, with a complex mix of fields and small woodlands plus widely dispersed settlements. The open country The District Council will: lanes afford a succession of unspoilt views, and the valley settlements, typically associated with fords, are a distinctive (a) consolidate and, where opportunities arise, extend its feature of the region. role and involvement in the field of countryside management, and strongly supports the coverage of The Central River Valleys area was created and defined by the the whole district by the Countryside Management former route of the Thames and now contains the major rivers of Service and the voluntary organisations; Hertfordshire, many of the major settlements and the major communication corridors.

(b) assist the County Council in monitoring changes in the The South Hertfordshire Plateau is a region of generally small rural environment and, in consultation with the fields, woodland and heaths, of some historic, scientific and Biological Records Centre, the Archaeology Section of amenity importance. the Historic Environment Unit and other environmental groups, identify further sites or areas which may benefit from countryside management techniques;

(c) in association with the County Council, continue to support those projects currently the subject of countryside management activity. Landscape Character

4.14.6 The classification and designation of areas for their “landscape” value has long been part of the development planning process. However, a watershed was reached in 1997 with the publication of PPG7, which identified a move away from

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4.14.10 A key action within Volume 1 was the pledge to conservation value in their own right as well as acting as undertake landscape character assessment at a finer resolution corridors, or stepping stones, linking one habitat to another. and since its publication the County Council, in partnership with district councils, has agreed a methodology for, and led the 4.14.15 The District’s river valleys are particularly important in production of detailed landscape character assessments for this context, not only as corridors for wildlife, but in providing Southern Hertfordshire. The first 93 of these have been compiled access from the town into the country. They also provide as Volume 2 of the Hertfordshire Landscape Strategy (2001). opportunities for formal and informal recreation, and as a mode of transport. These differing uses can provide both enhanced 4.14.11 Work to complete the East Herts District assessment opportunities and added pressures, which need to be managed has been completed and this will form the basis of a sensitively, if potential conflicts of interest are to be minimised. Supplementary Planning Document. 4.15 Mineral Resources GBC14 Landscape Character 4.15.1 Planning applications for the winning and working of Landscape Character Assessment prepared in accordance with minerals are dealt with by Hertfordshire County Council, and an agreed methodology will be used to assess development therefore the degree of influence the District can exert is limited proposals which will be required to improve and conserve local to giving observations on these applications. landscape character by: 4.15.2 There is a need to safeguard known mineral supplies (a) conserving, enhancing or creating landscape features from inappropriate development. Accordingly, the District which are considered desirable to strengthen local Council will permit proposals which would sterilise or prejudice landscape character; extraction of known supplies only if the development can be shown to be essential or if extraction can take place prior to the (b) contributing to the strategy for managing change, with development being implemented. reference to the Landscape Character assessment for the area; and GBC15 Mineral Resources

(c) enhancing or conserving key characteristics and Development likely to sterilise or prejudice the extraction of distinctive features, as identified in the Landscape known mineral supplies will not be permitted unless: Character Assessment. (a) it can be demonstrated that the development is Where damage to local landscape character is unavoidable, essential, or appropriate mitigation measures will be sought. The relevant Landscape Character Assessment will inform the nature of these (b) the mineral resource can be extracted prior to or in measures. conjunction with implementation of the development. Nature Conservation, Natural Features and the Water Environment

4.14.12 Policies concerning these elements are contained within Chapter 8 (Environment and Design), as they relate to both the natural and built environments. They are, however, important features of the countryside contributing to its character, distinctiveness, diversity and quality. 4.14.13 A wide range of individual features are of particular importance, most notably: trees and woodlands; traditional field boundaries such as lanes, hedgerows, and boundary patterns; rivers, streams, navigable waterways, water areas, drainage patterns and land associated with rivers and other watercourses; and historic designed parkland and gardens. Such features play a vital role in the landscape, providing highly visible evidence of its historical evolution, as well as being important for wildlife.

4.14.14 The District is fortunate in having a number of nature conservation areas, with 15 nationally important Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s) some of which are also included within two international sites, as well as around 500 Wildlife Sites of local or regional significance. The richness of these areas adds immeasurably to the quality of the countryside. However, it is important to remember that wildlife is not confined to designated areas and that road verges, hedgerows, areas of wasteland, canals, river valleys and ponds have a nature

31 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 5.TRANSPORT

5.1 Introduction 5.2 Transport System

5.1.1 A key function of the Local Plan is to help manage the 5.2.1 The District Council has a limited role in the actual District’s movement requirements. Recent changes in provision of transport, with the main statutory responsibility for international, European and national attitudes towards the transport system lying with a number of bodies, including the sustainability and the promotion of a more integrated transport Department for Transport, Highways Agency, County Council, rail strategy, mean that the local plan policy agenda has moved on and bus operators. Their plans and priorities are determined at a from the traditional approach centred on the road building national level through the Government’s 10-year Transport Plan. programme. In the past, priority has often been placed on In Hertfordshire, the Local Transport Plan defines the local ensuring access to new developments by car. New initiatives objectives and programme for transport improvements. Whilst focus on supporting future prosperity, while providing wider having limited statutory responsibility for transport, the District availability and choice of travel mode to reduce the need to Council does have the ability to work in partnership with the travel by car. The Government White Paper ‘A New Deal for County Council, the operators and others to influence their Transport: Better for Everyone’ (July 1998) clearly sets the new investment programmes. As the local planning authority, it has a agenda, aimed at an approach based on more integrated and major role to play in integrating transport planning objectives sustainable transport. with the location, type and design of development.

5.1.2 The Hertfordshire County Structure Plan 1991-2011, 5.3 Road Hierarchy embodies many of the principles of the White Paper. The document contains the strategic policy framework for transport 5.3.1 A road hierarchy throughout Hertfordshire has been planning in the County. It aims, inter alia, to “reduce the growth defined by the County Council, which aims to direct public and in private motor traffic on roads, and minimise its environmental private transport onto particular categories of road, in order to impact, especially during peak periods and in towns”. improve traffic flows, safety standards, environmental conditions and to serve the needs of development. Through-traffic and 5.1.3 The Local Plan supports this policy stance and the HGV's, in particular, are directed to the Primary Route Network following aim and objectives set out the District Council's which, in East Hertfordshire, consists of the A10 trunk road and transportation planning strategy: the A120, A414 and A602. Aim 5.3.2 The District Council will support:

To promote the development of an integrated transport system to (a) a road hierarchy which seeks to secure the canalisation serve all users, and thus aid the reduction of the dominance of of traffic into an appropriate route within that private motorised traffic and its adverse effects on the hierarchy; environment, in order to enhance East Hertfordshire as an attractive place in which to live and work. (b) the maintenance and improvement of an appropriate road hierarchy based on the following road Objectives classification:

1. To support the development of an integrated transport i. Primary Roads: system, in a manner that allows for the movement of people and goods, necessary to sustain the economic, A10(Great Amwell-Ware-Buntingford-Buckland) social and environmental well-being of East A120(Standon/Puckeridge-Bishop’s Stortford) Hertfordshire. A414(Cole Green-Hertford-Stanstead Abbotts-Eastwick) 2. To aid, via the planning process, a reduction in the rate A602(Hooks Cross-Watton-at-Stone-A10 Ware) of growth in private motor traffic on roads and minimise its impact throughout the District, especially ii. Main Distributor Roads: during peak periods, and additionally in those towns which experience off-peak congestion. A119(Watton-at-Stone-Hertford-Ware) A507(Buntingford-Cottered) 3. To, wherever possible locate development mainly in A1059(Bishop’s Stortford) areas that will enable fewer and shorter journeys to be A1060(Bishop’s Stortford) made, which are well served by passenger transport A1170(St Margarets-Ware) and accessible by walking and cycling. A1184(Sawbridgeworth-Bishop’s Stortford) A1250(Bishop’s Stortford) 4. To minimise traffic generated by new development. Continued... 5. To prioritise the provision of modes of transport other than the car (particularly walking, cycling and passenger transport) and the movement of freight by means other than road.

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iii. Secondary Distributor Roads: 5.5.2 Area Plans have been developed within the Local Transport Plan for groups of inter-related towns and their close B158(Wadesmill-Hertford-Howe Green) surrounding area, which require significant investment to deliver B180(Stanstead Abbotts-Hunsdon-Widford) a local integrated and sustainable transport system. East B181(Stanstead Abbotts) Hertfordshire has four Area Plans within its boundaries with two B195(Cole Green) Plans of significant effect for the District. The Eastern B1000(Hertford-Tewin Mill) Hertfordshire Area Plan covers Bishop’s Stortford and B1001(Ware) Sawbridgeworth and is wholly based in East Herts. The Lea B1004(Ware-Widford-Much Hadham- Valley Area Plan (based on the previous Lea Valley Package Area) Bishop’s Stortford) covers Hertford, Ware, Great Amwell, and Stanstead Abbotts in B1037(Cottered-Walkern-Chells) East Herts. Those areas not covered by specific Area Plans are to B1038(Buntingford-Hare Street-Brent Pelham) be included under separate countywide programmes. B1197(Hertford-Hertford Heath) B1368(Puckeridge-Hare Street-District 5.5.3 The District Council is supportive of the initiatives boundary) relevant to East Hertfordshire contained in the Local Transport B1383(Bishop’s Stortford) Plan and will continue to work in partnership with Hertfordshire B1502(Hertford-Great Amwell-St Margarets) County Council, other public bodies, commercial organisations B1529(Bishop’s Stortford). and voluntary sector groups to realise its proposals. The implementation of appropriate policies in this Plan will (c) the developing Footway Maintenance Hierarchy based contribute via the development process towards the provision of on current and potential usage. schemes within the Local Transport Plan. This will aid the achievement of a safe, efficient and affordable transport system 5.4 Highway Network that allows access for all to everyday facilities whilst reducing dependency on, and promoting alternatives to, private motorised 5.4.1 The Department for Transport has responsibility for the transport. motorways and trunk roads in the regional highway network. The Roads Review published in July 1998, ‘A New Deal for Trunk 5.5.4 Although the Local Transport Plan is based on reducing Roads’, included within East Herts the A10(T) Wadesmill, High car dependency and promoting alternatives to the car, such as Cross, Colliers End bypass under the ‘Safety and Healthy passenger transport, there are some areas that have been Communities’ category. identified where major road improvement schemes are still considered necessary by the County Council (in addition to other 5.4.2 The bypass scheme has been strongly supported by non-major schemes). These are primarily in response to key both County and District Councils for many years and was environmental, or public health and safety objectives. Highways opened in October 2004. schemes proposed by Hertfordshire County Council for East Hertfordshire include: 5.4.3 The District Council will continue to press Hertfordshire County Council to optimise the potential of the previous A10 Capital Schemes Reserve List: route for the provision of a cycle route, including speed reducing measures, which would enable safer passage away from the Primary Route Network Category (no priority order): higher speed new road. A120 Little Hadham (safety and environmental 5.4.4 The A10 Wadesmill, High Cross, Colliers End by-pass to conditions) the east of the previous A10 trunk road route was opened in A120 Standon (safety and environmental conditions) October 2004. The District Council will continue to urge A120 Bishop’s Stortford Existing Bypass (safety) Hertfordshire County Council to make provision for a cycle route A602 Bragbury End to Watton Existing Bypass (safety) along the previous A10 route and to include speed reduction A602 Watton Existing Bypass to Tonwell Existing Bypass measures at Thundridge, Wadesmill, High Cross and Colliers End (safety) to improve safety and reintroduce village character in these A602 Tonwell Existing Bypass to A10, Ware (safety). locations. 5.5.5 The District Council also supports these schemes. 5.5 Local Transport Plan However, new road construction will only be supported where the design ensures that traffic flows are smoother, safer and less 5.5.1 Transport proposals for Hertfordshire are set out in the polluting than current circumstances. In respect of the District County Council’s Local Transport Plan document that has been Council’s support for a north-south bypass for Sawbridgeworth developed in partnership with the District Councils. It covers a see Section 14.10. five-year programme of schemes, promoted by the County Council as highway authority and where possible also includes schemes promoted by other organisations e.g. motorways, trunk roads, and rail schemes. In addition to road based schemes the Plan ties into rail and waterway programmes and provides links with wider policy issues such as health, education, social inclusion, and community safety strategies. The Local Transport Plan will be reviewed every five years from July 2000 onwards. 33 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 5.TRANSPORT

5.6 Stansted Airport 5.7.3 The Council seeks to embody these principles within the Local Plan, for example, the Housing Provision Strategy, 5.6.1 Whilst located in Essex, Stansted Airport has a which incorporates the main source of development in the considerable impact on East Hertfordshire. Stansted Airport District for the Plan period (see Chapter 3 (Housing), Section 3.2, handles around 20.5 million passengers per annum (source: BAA accords with this by directing new dwellings mainly to existing Stansted website, April 2005) and a significant amount of the larger settlements). However, it is considered that further traffic related to the airport will have travelled through East measures beyond the location of development need to be Hertfordshire by a variety of modes. Further planned growth of incorporated in the Plan to be more effective in traffic reduction. the airport beyond its current permitted level of 25 million It is important that the necessary transport infrastructure is in passengers per annum (mppa), will, if permitted, in due course place, to enable choices to be made that do not leave the private add to the pressure on the transport system from both motor vehicle as the only realistic method of travel, especially in passengers and employees. urban areas. This will involve ensuring that alternative transport measures are fully taken into account at the outset of the 5.6.2 The environmental problems that airports can bring are development process, and encouraging greater connectivity for acknowledged by a coalition consisting of East Herts Council and non-car travel through and between developments. It is Hertfordshire and Essex County Councils. The coalition, whilst acknowledged that opportunities for the implementation of accepting in principle, maximum use of the existing runway (up traffic reduction measures in the urban context will be more to 40 million passengers per annum), remains opposed to further prevalent than in rural areas. Consequently, in rural locations the runways at the airport. Improvements in the daytime noise application of the following policy will be determined on a site- footprint of the airport, to reduce its overall impact, (working specific basis, taking into account locational factors and the primarily through the Airport Consultative Committee), and the ability to realistically contribute to the provision of choice of cessation of night flying will continue to be sought. The District travel mode. Council will also continue to work with BAA through the airport's transport strategy, which was revised in 2004, and other TR1 Traffic Reduction in New Developments stakeholders, including the Stansted Area Transport Forum, to maximise the use of sustainable transport modes for travel to Developments generating additional traffic will be required to and from the airport by passengers and staff. incorporate measures, commensurate with the scale of additional traffic generated, to ensure that alternative transport options to 5.7 Traffic Reduction and New Development the private motor vehicle are available to the users of the site. Such measures may include: 5.7.1 Road traffic has major environmental impacts – including vehicle emissions, increasing road danger, increasing (a) the extension and improvement of pedestrian links; car dependency, adverse impacts on health and community and intrusive effect on the local environment. Car ownership in (b) cycle paths and facilities; Hertfordshire currently stands at 0.558 vehicles per head, the fourth highest level in Britain, after Wiltshire, Berkshire and (c) improvements to the passenger transport network Buckinghamshire (source: Transport Statistics: DfT, Transport which should include bus and/or rail facilities, either Statistics Bulletin Vehicle Licensing Statistics: 2002). It is directly to the site or in close proximity to it (i.e. within clearly unsustainable to continue to cater for the unrestrained 400 metres maximum walk distance), and may involve use of the car. Therefore, in furthering the aims of the Structure an extension to existing infrastructure (e.g. additional Plan, the District Council intends that Local Plan policies should cycle paths, bus shelters) and/or enhancements to the be aimed at a reduction in the use of cars, especially in towns existing bus network; and at peak times, and improving the quality of the environment. Alternative means of transport need to be made more attractive (d) the provision of moorings alongside navigable in order to encourage car owners to use alternative means of waterways (as appropriate); transport to the car. to be achieved via the imposition of conditions and the use of 5.7.2 Whilst many strategic decisions on the use and planning obligations (or as subsequently revised) as appropriate management of the road network and control of passenger to the individual characteristics of the site. transport lie beyond the District Council’s remit, the authority is, nevertheless, able to partly influence future travel patterns 5.8 Access to New Developments through decisions made in the development process. Traffic reduction and the promotion of alternative modes of transport 5.8.1 The County Council (and its agents), as transport are key elements of this strategy. The July 1998 White Paper authority has responsibility with the District Council for the states that the Government’s “overall approach to planning is approval of roads in new developments which are provided by aimed at containing the dispersal of development so reducing private developers. National guidance (such as Design Bulletin the need to travel and improving access to jobs, leisure and 32) and advice produced by Hertfordshire County Council, services” and removing social exclusion. The District Council including ‘Roads in Hertfordshire – Design Guide’, 2001 are supports this view. currently used to assess proposals. The following policy will apply to ensure that roads are built to a safe and adoptable standard.

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TR2 Access to New Developments TR4 Travel Plans

Highway proposals in association with new development will be (I) The District Council, in consultation with the local assessed against the standards set out in Hertfordshire County highway authority, will require, in order to aid the Council’s Roads in Hertfordshire – Design Guide, 2001 (or as reduction in the generation of motor vehicle trips, the subsequently superseded, by the local highway authority). submission of a satisfactory ‘travel plan’ to accompany planning applications in the following circumstances: 5.9 Transport Assessments (a) for all major* developments that comprise any of 5.9.1 Developments that are likely to generate significant the following: jobs, shopping, leisure, education movement and travel demand need comprehensive assessment (other than schools) and services; to gauge the likely impact on the transport network. Transport Assessments (which replace Traffic Impact Assessments) will be (b) for smaller developments that comprise any of required to be submitted with any applications that are likely to the following: jobs, shopping, leisure, education have significant transport implications. These should (other than schools) and services which would demonstrate the journey patterns the development would generate significant amounts of travel in generate for different modes of travel and the ability of the locations where there are initiatives or targets existing infrastructure and services to accommodate this contained elsewhere in the Plan or local demand in conjunction with proposals to ameliorate those transport plan for the reduction of road traffic, or impacts and achieve modal shift to more sustainable transport the promotion of passenger transport, walking modes. Reference should also be made to Section 5.10 below and cycling – especially offices, industry, health concerning Green Travel Plans. and education uses;

5.9.2 Hertfordshire County Council has produced guidance (c) for proposals where a travel plan would help on the preparation of Transport Assessments within its ‘Roads in address a particular local traffic problem Hertfordshire – Design Guide’, 2001. However, since the associated with a planning application, which publication of that document, the development thresholds for might otherwise have to be refused on local which Transport Assessments will be required to be submitted traffic grounds; have been amended by the County Council to: (II) For proposals for new or expanded school facilities, a (a) Residential: 100 dwellings or more; school travel plan should be provided, which promotes (b) Offices: 2500 gross floor area or more; safe cycle and walking routes, restricts parking and car (c) Industrial: 5000 sqm gross floor area or more; access at and around schools and includes, inter alia, (d) Warehousing: 10,000 sqm gross floor area or more; on-site changing and cycle storage facilities. (e) Retail developments: 1000 sqm gross floor area or more; (III) Applicants will be expected to enter into a planning (f) Leisure: 1000 sqm gross floor area or more; obligation/legal agreement (or as subsequently (g) Stadium: 1500 seats; revised) to ensure that the proposals of the travel plan: (h) Other proposals with significant traffic generation: 100 (two-way) Peak Hour movements. (a) are fully implemented;

TR3 Transport Assessments (b) where feasible last in perpetuity; and

Developments that are likely to generate significant movement (c) fund the monitoring of the modal shift and other and travel demand will require the submission of a Transport benefits achieved by implementing the travel Assessment to accompany the planning application, which should plan. meet the criteria contained in Hertfordshire County Council’s Roads in Hertfordshire – Design Guide, 2001 (or as subsequently * For clarification: the term ‘major’ is used by the Government in superseded, by the local highway authority). PPG 13 and sets out thresholds of what kinds of development constitute ‘major’ development (in Annex D). These thresholds, 5.10 Travel Plans or as subsequently amended, will be taken by the District Council as the circumstances whereby Policy TR4 will apply. 5.10.1 In conjunction with the above strategy related to traffic reduction, and County Structure Plan Policy 25, the District Council will expect a ‘travel plan’ (also known as a green commuter or green transport plan) to be submitted as part of a transport assessment with all planning applications that are likely to have significant transport implications. Information for applicants submitting a travel plan is available in the document ‘Developing a Green Travel Plan, A Guidance Note’, published by Hertfordshire Technical Chief Officers Association, March 2001, available from Hertfordshire County Council.

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5.11 Parking parking and the Hertfordshire County Council published document ‘Car Parking Management in Hertfordshire - Policies 5.11.1 The amount of car parking provision at the end of a and Strategic Framework’ for on street parking. journey can have a big influence on the method of travel used to complete the journey. A large-scale modal shift away from the 5.11.6 For residential development, the situation is not as car is to be strongly encouraged, as the use of these vehicles has straightforward as non-residential. It is considered important many negative environmental impacts. There are recognised that residents are encouraged to adopt differing modes of constraints in implementation within East Hertfordshire, given transport in leading their everyday lives, such as journeys to work that the rural hinterland of the District is poorly provided for in and school. However, it is acknowledged that cars are often terms of passenger transport, and access to the market towns is considered essential for shopping, some leisure purposes and for required in order to meet the needs of modern life. However, those times when passenger transport is unavailable or every effort must be made to help engender change. In some perceived to be unsafe (e.g. at night and for older people, women, cases, especially in the rural context, incentives may need to be and ethnic minorities). In some other European countries, car put in place before restrictions to make the shift to alternative ownership is higher than in this country; however, people choose transport modes possible. to use their vehicles less and adopt alternative modes for many journeys. 5.11.2 Continuing to attempt to cater for the unrestrained use of the car, especially in the urban environment, is not considered TR5 Dual Use of Private Car Parks to be an option in the new policy agenda aimed at integration, sustainability and improving the environment. It is therefore Where a private car park is proposed the Council will determine intended that certain measures, including car-parking restraints, whether it should also be put to public use having particular will be introduced in order to curb private motorised transport regard to the needs of the primary user. growth and engender change towards alternative transport facilities. TR6 Car Parking – Strategy

5.11.3 The town centres of Bishop’s Stortford, Hertford, The District Council will produce a Parking Strategy setting out a Sawbridgeworth, and Ware are relatively well served by rail and framework of guidance for the management of on and off street bus links, and there are long-stay public car parking facilities parking. available for workers employed in the vicinity who need to travel from outside areas, particularly those not served by rail or bus TR7 Car Parking – Standards links. As part of the strategy to manage car parks, long-stay car parks will be located on the periphery of town centres, with Car parking provision for new development proposals will be short-stay availability near the central core. assessed in accordance with the District Council’s car parking standards (which should be taken as maximum standards), 5.11.4 Reducing the amount of car parking provision for new including coach, cycle and powered two-wheeler provision, as set non-residential development in these town centres, so that out at Appendix II. The actual provision made will be determined workers’ cars are displaced not to on-street parking, but to either on a site-specific basis having regard to the proposed use, public car parks or alternative modes of travel, would have a location, and availability of, or potential for access to, modes of significant effect. It would enable more development to take transport other than the private car in accordance with the place on a given site, which could be more sustainable, if it led to Council’s SPD ‘Vehicle Parking Provision at New Development’. a reduction in the amount of greenfield development required over the plan period. In such cases where car-parking provision 5.11.7 In forwarding the aims of encouraging alternative is reduced, contributions (or as subsequently revised) will be modes of transport to the private car, the Council will seek sought from developers to be used towards investment in reduced car parking provision, where there is good access to schemes that promote non-car travel within the Local Transport alternative modes of transport in accordance with the Council’s Plan. Contributions (or as subsequently revised) will be SPD ‘Vehicle Parking Provision at New Development’. The SPD is specifically directed towards the improvement and enhancement mainly based on County, regional and national policy on parking of passenger transport, cycling and pedestrian facilities to make standards and developer contributions, informed by the local such modes more attractive. In some cases car-free context. However, the Council is particularly concerned that any developments may be acceptable. Contributions (or as reduction in car parking provision should not lead to subsequently revised) may also be required to ensure that displacement parking elsewhere and will, therefore, seek developments do not have a detrimental effect on surrounding measures to ensure that this does not occur. areas, e.g. by provision of residential parking schemes. 5.11.8 Additionally, for all development that generates a need 5.11.5 Bishop’s Stortford, Sawbridgeworth, Hertford, Ware, for new parking spaces, such provision will be coupled with a Great Amwell, and Stanstead Abbotts benefit from Local contribution to be used in the travel catchment of the Transport Plan - Area Plan investment programmes, which involve development to improve passenger transport facilities, and other initiatives that serve to achieve many of the above aims. These modes of transport which are more sustainable than the private are also supported by earlier published Transportation Plans. car. In such circumstances Policy TR8 will apply. Further guidance is also available in the Supplementary Planning Guidance to Policy 25 of Hertfordshire’s County Structure Plan ‘Car Parking at New Developments’ for off street non public car

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TR8 Car Parking – Accessibility Contributions be employed to ensure that the potential for unauthorised access, nuisance and potential hazard for authorised users is Using a formulaic approach, accessibility contributions, based avoided. Likewise, river corridors and their associated ecology directly on the number of on-site car parking spaces provided, should be protected from inappropriate development of cycle will be applied to all new developments that generate a need for paths. Cycle paths should be located away from the top of banks new parking provision. Such contributions will be used towards of watercourses to maintain an adequate buffer zone. It should investment in schemes within the Local Transport Plan to also be borne in mind that there are differing types of cyclists, improve passenger transport, cycling and pedestrian facilities in e.g. commuting and leisure, whose needs may not necessarily be the travel catchment of the development. The District Council the same. The East of England Tourist Board’s ‘Cycling Tourism may also require measures to be implemented to ensure the Strategy: England’s Cycling Country’ is supported as a measure protection of existing residential areas and traffic routes from aimed towards improving cycling in the leisure context. displacement parking. 5.12.3 In relation to route provision, the network will comprise 5.11.9 Lorry parking can cause problems, particularly not only dedicated cycle lanes, but also include the highway overnight and at weekends. Where lorry parking, especially network which may be modified as appropriate using traffic involving heavy goods vehicles, occurs in residential areas this restraint, traffic calming and cycle specific facilities to enable can be environmentally intrusive and potentially prejudicial to safe and convenient access to all destinations. There are a road safety. The Council has supported the provision of lorry number of existing proposals within East Herts that the District parks within the district in the past, but recognises that there Council is keen to support in order to aid a local modal shift may be need for further provision. towards cycling.

5.11.10 The District Council will assist within the limits of its TR9 Cycling – Cycle Routes powers and resources with the establishment and provision of adequate facilities for the parking and servicing of lorries and (I) The provision of a large-scale, coherent, attractive, rest and refreshment for drivers, relating to the lorry routes, comfortable, safe, direct, useable and clearly signposted where there is a genuine lack of facilities to meet essential network of continuous cycle routes and traffic calmed needs. Such facilities will not be permitted in the countryside or areas (with surfaces that are well maintained and both where they would have a significant detrimental effect on the suitable for cyclists and appropriate for the character locality or the residential amenity of nearby properties. The of the local environment), throughout the District for District Council will discourage the penetration of movement and commuting and leisure purposes will be strongly on-street parking within the District’s towns and villages, of all supported. Where possible these routes should link non-essential vehicular traffic, in particular parked lorries, vans urban areas and, in particular, should be aimed at and other commercial vehicles within residential and other providing safer routes to schools, town and local environmentally sensitive areas. centres, stations, employment areas, health centres and recreational facilities. Where feasible, priority should 5.12 Cycling be given to cyclists and routes should be fully integrated with passenger transport to facilitate cycle 5.12.1 In the past, insufficient attention has been given to the use as part of longer journeys. The potential for the needs of cyclists, to make this mode of transport safer and more provision of lighting along cycle routes should be attractive. The potential benefits of cycling over motorised considered in association with Policy ENV23. transport, not only pertain to the cyclists themselves in terms of health and financial cost, but also to other people and the (II) Specifically, but not exclusively, the following are environment in general. This is because this form of travel is supported: non-polluting, quiet, convivial, poses minimal danger to others, and thereby helps contribute towards a reduction in total vehicle (a) the National Cycle Network; emissions. Cycles also take up less road and destination space than cars. (b) Cole Green Way;

5.12.2 However, the ideal outlined above will only be achieved (c) Sawbridgeworth to Bishop’s Stortford; if steps are taken to ensure that, not only are necessary safe cycle routes provided, but also that adequate facilities are (d) Local Transport Plan (and those routes supplied at both ends of a journey to make cycling a realistic specifically identified within the Bishop’s proposition in relation to today’s diverse lifestyles. Consequently Stortford Transportation Plan; Hertford not only does the deficiency in safe cycle route provision need Transportation Plan; and Ware Transportation addressing, but also the need to achieve adequate provision of Plan); related facilities for cycle users. Cycle routes can be dedicated solely for that purpose or shared use facilities. However, where (e) links with strategic routes in adjoining Districts. routes are to be shared with pedestrians, arrangements must be made to ensure that conflict between the two user groups does not occur. Where routes are shared with motorised vehicles, traffic may require slowing and restraining. Where routes exclude motorised vehicles, effective deterrent methods should

37 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 5.TRANSPORT

5.12.4 It is not only considered important that new cycle TR13 Cycling – Facilities Provision (Non-Residential) routes be provided but also that existing routes are safeguarded to encourage cycling as a viable and safe alternative to the car. Where non-residential developments are proposed, including employment generators, educational establishments, leisure and TR10 Cycling – Protection of Cycle Routes retail and business sites the provision of secure, covered, waterproof cycle storage and other facilities, such as employee Account will be taken of the needs of cyclists whenever showers, lockers and information and maintenance points will be development would affect cycling routes. Development will only required, as appropriate, which should be located near to the be permitted in such cases where the creation of suitable main entrance to buildings where possible. alternative or better facilities are achievable, at no significant inconvenience to cyclists, and would be provided at the expense TR14 Cycling – Facilities Provision (Residential) of the developer. In order to maintain permeability for cyclists, the District Council will also seek to protect informal cycling Applications for new residential developments should, where routes. appropriate, demonstrate provision of sufficient cycle storage facilities for occupants of new dwellings to enable cycle usage to 5.12.5 Cyclists can use bridleways as of right under the become a realistic option to the use of private motorised Countryside Act 1968, and the cycle network can benefit transport. Such facilities should include appropriate secure, enormously from their use. Where possible, opportunities should covered, waterproof storage facilities and be provided either be taken to link up separate cycle and equestrian systems, to within the curtilage of the dwelling or, for example, in the case of benefit both cyclists and horse riders. When the creation of a flats, within a communal area, provided that such facilities are new route for cyclists is being contemplated, consideration will easily observed and accessible. be given to whether it is appropriate to designate the route as a bridleway, so as to allow equestrian use as well. This may be 5.13 Equestrian Routes particularly relevant in rural areas and for long distance cycle paths. 5.13.1 East Herts has a significant horse riding population and a fragmented bridleway network. New developments can TR11 Cycle Routes – Dual Cycle and Equestrian Use encroach on the minor roads used by riders. In consideration of a sustainable and integrated transport system, the Council will Where a new cycle route is proposed, consideration will be given seek to retain minor roads (and verges of busier roads) used by to equestrian need, and whether it is appropriate to support riders, or will require appropriate alternative facilities to be designation of the route as a bridleway, in order to allow dual provided. cycle and equestrian use. TR15 Protection of Equestrian Routes 5.12.6 In order to aid the promotion of a modal shift away from the car to cycling, it is important that when new The needs of horse riders will be taken into account, whenever developments are designed the access requirements of cyclists development would affect routes used by riders, or where the are fully taken into account. Where possible, measures should be creation of new paths along strategic routes would be introduced within the design of developments to make walking jeopardised. Suitable replacement paths will be required when and cycling routes quicker than car routes for accessing both the routes used by riders will no longer be suitable for continued use, development and local facilities. as a result of other changes to the road network or new development. TR12 Cycle Routes – New Developments 5.14 Powered Two-Wheeled Vehicles Where possible, the design of new developments will be required to include coherent, safe, convenient, direct, comfortable, 5.14.1 The use of mopeds, scooters and motorcycles is often attractive routes and facilities for cyclists and pedestrians. either ignored or forgotten in the transport equation. This Where practicable opportunities exist or can be created, access should not be the case for, as the White Paper points out, “where routes into and through the site for cyclists and pedestrians public transport is limited and walking unrealistic, for example in should be formed separate from roads, particularly if this would rural areas, motorcycling can provide an affordable alternative to create an advantage over motorised transport in the distance the car, bring benefits to the individual and widen their and time needed to travel to local facilities and services and/or employment opportunities”. improve the wider cycle network. Where appropriate, developer contributions (or as subsequently revised) will be expected to 5.14.2 The powered two-wheel vehicle can also be of benefit improve pedestrian and cycle routes associated with the use of to the environment if it is used in preference to other motorised the site. forms of transport, notably the car, as it uses less road space, less destination space and may have lower pollutant vehicle 5.12.7 While the provision of sufficient and adequate routes is emissions. However, at the destination point there is often little important, people are more likely to use cycling as their regard paid to parking provision or facilities for this mode of preferred method of travel, where there are adequate facilities to transport. Where there are no specific parking bays for safely secure bicycles and to freshen-up after a journey. motorcycles, users will invariably park either in bays intended for car use, which wastes land as the former requires considerably less space than the latter, or in an ad hoc manner, often in inappropriate locations. East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 38 5.TRANSPORT

TR16 Powered Two-Wheelers 5.15.6 The District Council therefore aims to assist in the improvement of passenger transport provision and facilities Secure parking areas for powered two-wheeled vehicles and where its remit permits. other facilities for their riders such as lockers, information and maintenance points (which may be shared facilities with cycle 5.15.7 In association with the initiatives contained in the users) will be expected as part of applications for non-residential Local Transport Plan, the improvement of passenger transport developments, including employment generators, educational including new infrastructure, priority schemes, interchanges establishments, leisure and larger retail and business sites. (including those between different modes of transport) and facilities will be supported and encouraged, subject to other 5.15 Passenger Transport policies within the Plan.

5.15.1 Passenger transport, also known as public transport, is 5.15.8 The District Council will work in conjunction with to be taken throughout this document to include methods of Hertfordshire County Council and service providers, where transport that are not always generally available to the public e.g. appropriate, to secure passenger transport improvements, Dial-a-ride, community transport, minibuses and taxis. Passenger including seeking developer contributions for such schemes. transport can be significantly more energy efficient than car travel and result in less congestion and potentially lower 5.15.9 Development that would damage the effectiveness or polluting emissions, especially when passenger transport efficiency of passenger transport in the District will be vehicles are well occupied. Greater use of passenger transport discouraged. would aid traffic reduction and help the quality of the environment. 5.16 Pedestrian Environments

5.15.2 East Herts benefits from train stations at Bayford, 5.16.1 Walking is a healthy activity without the serious Bishop’s Stortford, Hertford (North and East), St Margarets, consequences for the environment associated with motorised Sawbridgeworth, Ware, and Watton-at-Stone, all of which provide transport. For some people, walking is the only means of regular services to London and other destinations. The line into transport. However, pedestrians (which throughout this plan Liverpool Street also enables connections to Stansted Airport to include disabled people and those with prams/pushchairs) can be made at Broxbourne. The planning obligations upon the Train feel ignored in the transport debate and development in the past Operator Company to provide more frequent and higher capacity has often tended to impede, rather than promote, the facilitation trains to/from Stansted Airport should not in anyway effect the of walking and easy access for modes other than the car. In our current level or the ability to enhance train services at Bishop's towns, road conditions and vehicle emissions can make journeys Stortford and Sawbridgeworth. The services on the branch line by foot, wheelchair or pram/pushchair, an inconvenient and to Hertford East should likewise be maintained or enhanced. The potentially dangerous form of travel. It is not only the fact that improvement of the rail network, including station enhancements roads can be dangerous, but also the perception of danger, that to provide better access and increased facilities, and the can dissuade people from choosing a more environmentally integration of other transport modes via interchanges is strongly friendly way to travel. supported. Hertfordshire County Council’s document ‘Hertfordshire's Rail Prospectus’, July 2000, provides a vision for 5.16.2 If walking is to become a more attractive option and the future of the Railway network in the county. This document account for a greater modal share, action must be taken to give is due to be revised. pedestrians (including disabled people and those with prams/pushchairs) safe and convenient conditions that will make 5.15.3 A network of bus routes that cover both urban and rural them feel comfortable in their surroundings and engender locations also serves the District and the Council supports the change. In general, it should be ensured that situations are expansion of these services and improvement of their associated avoided where pedestrians share the same areas as other forms facilities. Hertfordshire County Council’s Bus and Interlink of transport. Much has already been achieved in the towns of Strategies contain specific initiatives aimed at improving services Bishop’s Stortford, Buntingford, Hertford, and Ware; however, and usage. there is scope for greater improvement, especially in the areas outside of the central core of the towns. 5.15.4 The Passenger Transport Unit (PTU) at Hertfordshire County Council deals specifically with passenger transport 5.16.3 In rural areas it is important that pedestrian facilities provision in the District. Developers are encouraged to contact are maintained, including the preservation of off-road routes. the PTU who are able to provide advice on passenger transport The District Council therefore supports the concept of the Parish and can provide information on relevant publications including: Paths Partnership Scheme, a joint arrangement between the The Bus and Intalink Strategies, The Rail Prospectus, Passenger County Council (as Highways Authority) and Parish Councils. The Transport in New Developments (2000), and Quality Bus scheme enables the maintenance and enhancement of public Infrastructure in Hertfordshire – a Design Guide (2004). rights of way by Parish Councils and allows for the development of a footpath network that is based on local needs and priorities. 5.15.5 However, despite the existing level of provision, the The Parish Paths Partnership initiative is administered in East District Council considers that only if both the perceived and Herts by the Countryside Management Service. actual level of services, including frequency, reliability, cost and comfort are improved (as detailed above) will a substantial modal shift from private motorised transport to passenger transport occur. 39 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 5.TRANSPORT

5.17 Traffic Calming TR18 Home Zones

5.17.1 Traffic calming has become more prominent over The implementation of Home Zones, involving appropriate speed recent years as a key feature in the reduction of vehicle speeds, limits and traffic calming measures to ensure priority is given to deterring unnecessary vehicle trips and improving conditions of the use of residential streets for the benefit of pedestrians, safety, health and convenience for pedestrians. The District cyclists and local residents, will be supported provided that they Council continues to support these features of highway safety are of good quality design and consistent with and/or enhance and management, subject to environmental and aesthetic the character, landscape, and residential amenity of the area. considerations. 5.19 Towns and Villages TR17 Traffic Calming 5.19.1 Apart from district-wide policies affecting (I) The application of traffic calming measures is transportation issues, there are occasions where specific supported in principle, both in the design and settlements with unique characteristics are the subject of construction of new highways and by application to individual transport proposals, which may include such issues as existing roads, in the interests of improved highway relief roads, pedestrian priority schemes, car parking and other safety for pedestrians and cyclists as well as vehicles. environmental and highway improvements.

(II) Traffic calming measures which by reason of their TR19 Towns and Villages design, use of materials, choice and size of signage would significantly detract from the appearance and The District Council will continue to support and co-operate with amenities of the area or fail to recognise the Hertfordshire County Council in the development and operational needs of passenger transport and implementation of its programme of traffic management, emergency service vehicles and cyclists will not be reduction and calming measures, subject to their meeting other supported. relevant policies in this plan. The primary objectives will be to:

(III) The District Council will adhere to the provisions of (a) improve conditions for pedestrians; Policy BH7 (Street Furniture and Traffic Calming in Conservation Areas) in the implementation of its own (b) carry out traffic management and highway schemes for traffic calming and as a consultee or improvements; participant in schemes proposed or funded by other agencies. (c) ensure the effective access of bus and service vehicles;

5.17.2 Further guidance is available in the Historic Building (d) encourage rail/bus interchanges; and Conservation Areas Guidance Note entitled ‘Hard Landscaping in Historic Areas’ published by, and available from, (e) facilitate cycle routes and cycle parking/storage the District Council’s Development Control Service. provision (In accordance with Policies TR9, TR10, TR11, TR12, TR13 and TR14). 5.18 Home Zones 5.20 Rural Transport 5.18.1 Home Zones consist of a street or groups of streets designed primarily to meet the interests of pedestrians and 5.20.1 Traditional passenger transport has declined in rural cyclists before vehicular traffic. Within Home Zones, speed areas over many years and East Hertfordshire is no exception, restrictions and traffic calming measures may be used to create from the closure of the Buntingford railway line as part of the a safer, healthier environment for pedestrians and cyclists, 1960’s Beeching rail cuts, to the more recent decline in rural bus especially children. Home Zones may either be introduced when services. the area is first constructed or applied to an existing residential area. The implementation of Home Zones primarily rests with 5.20.2 Many forms of passenger transport serve rural Hertfordshire County Council as Highway Authority as part of the residents in East Hertfordshire, from local bus services to Dial-a- LTP, with the involvement of the local community from the outset. Rides, to school transport services and community transport The District Council is supportive of the concept, provided that services including voluntary sector provisions. However, these the scheme is of good quality design and not incompatible with services are infrequent or inadequate even for the everyday the local character of the area. The Campfield Road estate, needs of the non-car driver. Only a few villages have access to a Hertford was the first Home Zone completed in the District (via railway station. The overall result of these circumstances is an Hertfordshire County Council’s implementation of a scheme overwhelming dependence by rural dwellers on the car. The within the Lea Valley Area Plan) and involved traffic calming increasing centralisation of services and the growth of out of features, lighting, play area provision and new street furniture. town shopping have exacerbated the situation, making life increasingly difficult for those who do not have access to a car.

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 40 5.TRANSPORT

5.20.3 Traffic management is also an issue of growing 5.21 Development Generating Traffic on Rural Roads importance in many rural areas. Rural residents, for example, have identified speeding traffic, as a major concern. 5.21.1 The nature of local rural roads within the District generally mean that traffic generated by new developments in 5.20.4 The Rural Transport Strategy for Hertfordshire is under rural areas can have a detrimental effect and cause problems in continual review by the County Council through a variety of the vicinity. Even where the amount of additional traffic services and projects, often in conjunction with the Countryside generated is small, the nature of local rural roads will generally Agency. The Hertfordshire Rural Transport Partnership mean that any development will be considered to be detrimental (administered by the Community Development Agency) and the to highway conditions on such roads, especially where new or Hertfordshire Integrated Transport Partnership also carry out existing traffic includes heavy goods vehicles. invaluable work locally in East Hertfordshire and the role of the voluntary sector has become increasingly important in providing 5.21.2 The District Council is therefore keen to ensure that the access to essential services. potential impact of development involving rural roads is assessed and, where appropriate, measures taken to ameliorate highway 5.20.5 Hertfordshire’s Local Transport Plan 2001/02 – and environmental difficulties. The considerations listed in 2005/06 describes how rural transport issues will be addressed Policy TR20 below will also apply to recreational developments through initiatives such as: that could attract large numbers of visitors, even if this is only on one or two occasions per year. They will also apply to proposals ● The implementation of a Rural Speed Limit Strategy: in that involve an expansion of developments that have already October 1999 the County Council adopted a new received permission. 30mph speed limit for all villages with ten houses or more. TR20 Development Generating Traffic on Rural Roads

● The promotion of sustainable development: by seeking (I) In assessing development proposals that are expected to minimise the impact of traffic and particularly heavy to give rise to a significant change in the amount or goods traffic in rural areas. type of traffic on local rural roads, development will not be permitted where: ● Enhancing rural passenger transport: through initiatives such as car-sharing, Dial-a-Ride, community (a) the road is poor in terms of width and alignment transport, day centre transport including more and construction; extensive use of school buses as part of the safer route to school programme. (b) increased traffic would have a significant adverse effect on the local environment, either to the ● Developing sustainable off-road routes for travel and rural character of the road or residential linking to other passenger transport services: including properties along it. the promotion of the extensive Rights of Way network in the County and the development of Greenways and However, development on rural roads will not be Quiet Roads. precluded where the applicant is able to mitigate the impact of the development via suitable highway Further information on these and other initiatives can be found improvements, sustainable transport accessibility, and in the Local Transport Plan. financial contributions to the satisfaction of the Highway Authority. 5.20.6 Various funding opportunities are available in Hertfordshire and include: (II) For all developments considered acceptable in highways terms, financial contributions from developers ● Rural Bus Subsidy Grants will be sought for road and/or junction improvements or measures to assist passenger transport, cyclists and ● Rural Bus Challenge pedestrians where these are necessitated by the proposed development and are reasonably related to it ● Hertfordshire’s Rural Transport Partnership in scale.

● Parish Partnerships (Parish Transport Grant Scheme). 5.22 Freight

5.20.7 The District Council will continue in partnership with 5.22.1 The majority of the freight carried through East the County Council, Parish Councils, the voluntary sector and Hertfordshire is transported by road, despite the fact that the other organisations, to look for opportunities to further enhance District is well served by modernised, electrified railways. The the passenger transport service in the rural areas. The District negative implications of road freight are manifold and include Council will also seek, wherever possible, to ensure that new pollution, noise, vibration, accidents, and demands on road space. development is located where passenger transport is available or PPG13 supports the protection of existing and potential freight can readily be provided. sites and routes allowing road to rail transfer or for water transport and further, advises that “authorities should ensure that disused transport sites and routes are not unnecessarily severed by new developments or transport infrastructure”. 41 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 5.TRANSPORT

5.22.2 It is recognised that the opportunities to divert freight caused to the occupiers of adjoining properties. Additionally from road to alternative means, such as rail or water, are likely to there are considerations of road safety, flow of traffic and be limited, because of the rural nature of the district and existing environmental impact that need to be taken into account. infrastructure constraints. However, it is nevertheless considered appropriate to offer support to alternative transport and seek 5.24.2 Applications for new fuel filling stations should be protection for existing facilities, particularly alongside or near to accompanied by a statement of the existing provision and an existing railway lines or navigable waterways. assessment of need for fuel in the area. TR21 Freight 5.24.3 Regard will be paid to the detailed design and layout of all facilities at the station, particularly when the proposal is The District Council will seek to: within a conservation area or in the countryside. All applications will be required to show where ancillary functions such as car (a) promote the development of non-road freight transport washes, tyre gauges/air hoses, etc are to be located in order to facilities provided that there would not be a significant ensure that they are compatible with the layout, design and adverse effect on the local environment and natural landscaping of the site. resources; TR23 Fuel Filling Stations (b) protect existing operationally and technically viable, well located, transport facilities which enable the non- (I) Applications for fuel filling stations will not be road transport of freight where there is no significant permitted in the countryside, unless there is a genuine adverse effect on the local environment and natural lack of facilities to meet essential needs. resources. (II) Applications to locate a fuel filling station at the 5.22.3 To enable the facilitation of non-road freight transport entrance to a village will not be permitted, unless a via rail or water, Freight Facilities Grants are available under the need can be demonstrated, and then only if it is provisions of Section 272 of the Transport Act 2000. Grants for carefully designed to complement the village setting. rail are administered by the Strategic Rail Authority, and for water by the Department for Transport. (N.B. The administration (III) Where a fuel filling station adjoins or is located in close of grants for rail is likely to be transferred to the Department for proximity to residential properties, where necessary the Transport after the Strategic Rail Authority has been wound up). hours of opening and level of illumination will be limited, in order to protect residents from undue noise 5.23 Surplus Transport Sites and disturbance. Similarly, the siting of and operating times of noise generating ancillary activities, such as 5.23.1 Occasionally, sites that have previously been in car washes, will also be controlled to reflect the transport or transport-related use (such as rail sidings and amenity of adjacent properties. disused railway lines) have become surplus to operational use. The 1998 White Paper states (pp4.165) that “Development plans (IV) The display of advertisements at all fuel filling stations should give better protection to those sites and routes (both will be strictly controlled. Signs should complement the existing and potential) which could be critical in developing site and surroundings and not be unduly intrusive by infrastructure to widen transport choices” and that “alternative reason of: number, size, type, choice of materials, or uses related to sustainable transport should be considered first intensity and type of illumination, and in Conservation for sites now surplus to transport requirements”. PPG13 (pp45) Areas, be in accordance with Policy BH15. re-emphasises the Government’s commitment to the consideration of “uses related to sustainable transport first, (V) Where the erection of a new fuel filling station is before other uses”. considered to be acceptable, provision should be made for the potential sale of at least one or more TR22 Surplus Transport Sites environmentally friendly type of fuel, (e.g. Liquefied Petroleum Gas or Compressed Natural Gas), in addition In the event that transport or transport-related sites or routes to petrol and diesel, by entering into planning become surplus to operational use, proposals for development obligations/legal agreements (or as subsequently for alternative uses will not be permitted, unless it can be revised). demonstrated that the site can not be exploited for the benefit of uses related to sustainable transport (i.e. to promote means (VI) Proposals for the sale of goods or services other than of transport other than the private motor vehicle, such as those ancillary to the filling station, will not be passenger transport, cycling and walking). permitted unless a clear need can be demonstrated. Where a shop is permitted, in either an urban or rural 5.24 Fuel Filling Stations context, adequate car parking provision must be demonstrated. 5.24.1 While fuel filling stations are necessary to facilitate motor-driven transport, the District Council is particularly concerned about their effects on the attractiveness of the countryside, villages and towns and the disturbance that can be

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 42 6.ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYMENT

6.1 Introduction by the workforce, although there are pockets of relative disadvantage. In 2001, 17% of the workforce commuted into 6.1.1 Achieving a sustainable economy is one of the five London and the proximity of the capital has an impact on the guiding principles of sustainable development as set out in the economic profile of the District. In 2001, just over 67,000 (71%) Government’s Sustainable Development Strategy, ‘Securing the of the population were economically active. Future - delivering the UK sustainable development strategy’ (March 2005). Local Plans have an important part to play in 6.2.2 The unemployment rate in East Hertfordshire is achieving this aim by ensuring their policies meet the needs of consistently one of the lowest District rates in Hertfordshire and the economy whilst at the same time securing effective is lower than that for the East of England Region and the nation protection of the environment and achieving a sustainable as a whole. The figures for August 2003 show that the pattern of development. unemployment rate in the District is 0.8% of which 7.5% are long term unemployed. 6.1.2 The aims and objectives listed below set out the Council’s planning strategy for meeting these needs: 6.2.3 East Hertfordshire’s rural character means it has a significant agricultural base. However, its economy is dominated Aims by the service sector, with 77% of businesses of this type, but it still retains a relatively strong manufacturing sector, with 16% of A. To maintain high and stable levels of economic growth companies in this category. Businesses tend to be small or micro and employment in the District by encouraging a enterprises, especially those in the service sector, with 80% of strong and diverse local economy with a wide range of businesses employing 10 people or fewer. However, there are a employment opportunities, whilst ensuring effective small number of larger firms, which play an important part in the protection and enhancement of the environment and local economy. In common with the rest of the South and East of the prudent use of resources. England, the growth of the service sector and the decline of manufacturing, along with a restructuring in agriculture, are B. To support and seek to implement the Economic important features of the local economy. This trend is set to Development Strategies for the County and the District. continue, with growth in the “knowledge” based industries, which account for 24% of jobs in East Hertfordshire. Further Objectives information on the local economy, employment land and future requirements can be found in the East Hertfordshire Employment 1. Wherever possible to direct employment generating Land Study 2004. uses to brownfield sites within the main settlements. 6.2.4 Of particular importance for agriculture is the reform 2. To ensure that new employment related development of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). This has resulted in a maintains and enhances the quality of the built and shift from market based intervention towards direct payments natural environment. and rural development. Diversification into other areas of non- food production, along with enhanced business efficiency, are 3. To maintain the attractiveness of the District as a increasingly important aspects of restructuring the rural location for business. economy.

4. To maintain the current range of employment sites to 6.3 Economic Development Strategy and Partnership meet the needs of the local economy and to monitor Initiatives future requirements. 6.3.1 The District Council published an ‘Economic 5. To support the rural economy, maintaining and Development Strategy’ in 2002/03 to assist in the economic improving the vitality and viability of rural communities. development of the District. The Strategy aims to develop a strong local economy through support for existing and new 6. To ensure the most sustainable form and location of businesses, while sustaining the environment and enhancing the new development as current knowledge and quality of life for residents. The Strategy recognises that a major practicalities permit, including seeking to minimise the strength of the local economy is the high quality of the local frequency and distance of home to work travel. environment and this remains an important guiding principle. The development and maintenance of partnerships is essential 7. To encourage the availability of passenger transport to in delivering the strategy, by bringing together organisations, existing employment locations, and encourage resources and the local community. In future the Strategy will be employment development in locations accessible by incorporated into the East Herts Community Strategy. Further passenger transport and non-car modes. information can be obtained from the District Council’s Economic Development Team. 6.2 Economic Activity in East Hertfordshire

6.2.1 The District has a varied economy sharing many of its characteristics with the rest of the South and East of England. It is a prosperous District with higher than average earnings and with a wide range of skilled and technical jobs being undertaken

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 43 6.ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYMENT

6.3.2 The District Council, together with partner EDE1 Employment Areas organisations concerned with the economic regeneration of Hertfordshire, jointly known as the Hertfordshire Prosperity The District Council has identified Employment Areas which are Forum, have developed the County Economic Development reserved for industry, comprising Use Classes B1 (Business), B2 Strategy and Action Plans. The District Council, along with the (General Industrial) and, where well related to the transport partners, will continue to seek to implement these countywide network, Class B8 (Storage or Distribution). These Employment strategies. Areas are listed in Part II of this Plan (Settlement Planning).

6.3.3 The District Council, in association with others, has also 6.5 Mixed Use Development been successful in bidding for funding from the European Social Fund, which looks at ways of developing the workforce in sectors 6.5.1 Government policy encourages the provision of mixed undergoing restructuring and industrial change. use development, particularly in town centre locations or those well served by passenger transport. The characteristics of 6.3.4 The Council will continue to work in partnership with industry and commerce are constantly changing and many uses other bodies to deliver its strategy and to exploit further can now operate without causing unacceptable nuisance. opportunities for funding. It will continue to provide support for businesses through Business Link Hertfordshire. 6.5.2 Some of the Employment Areas are suitable for mixed use and are identified as such in Part II of this Plan (Settlement 6.4 Supply of Employment Land Planning). A development brief will be prepared or agreed for these sites, to ensure the differing uses are compatible, the 6.4.1 The County Structure Plan has not set targets for quality of the environment is maintained or improved, and that a employment floorspace provision, due to recognised errors in high standard of design is achieved. forecasting. A target for employment floorspace provision has therefore not been given in this Local Plan, however, guidance on 6.5.3 The District Council is cognisant of environmental and the likely future provision of employment floorspace is contained amenity concerns regarding mixed used developments. These will within the East Hertfordshire Employment Land Study 2004. be taken into account when determining any applications for mixed use development. 6.4.2 The Structure Plan has concluded that there is sufficient land and floorspace currently in employment use, 6.6 Stansted Airport together with the Key Employment Sites and other allocated employment land, such that no new land allocations are required. 6.6.1 Growth in employment at Stansted Airport is related to The Structure Plan directs such development to existing increases in passenger throughput. Approval has been granted allocated employment areas, which are to be identified in local for the airport to expand to accommodate 25 million passengers plans. The East Hertfordshire Employment Land Study 2004 per annum. Total employment is anticipated to rise to 16,000 identifies a long term requirement for office floorspace and this jobs when development to 25 million passengers per annum is will be addressed as part of the future Local Development reached around 2011. Framework. The Study recommended that the Council safeguard existing Employment Areas to meet demand for industrial and 6.6.2 It continues to be the joint policy of Hertfordshire, warehousing uses. The Study also identified a shortfall of supply Essex, Uttlesford and East Hertfordshire Councils to direct all of industrial and warehousing sites in Bishop’s Stortford and this airport-related employment generating developments onto the will also be addressed as part of the future Local Development airport site. This Plan makes no provision of land to meet the Framework. employment needs of Stansted Airport. In accordance with Structure Plan Policy 37, all airport related employment 6.4.3 The Structure Plan housing requirement for 11,100 generating development will be directed to the airport site. This new dwellings in the District in the twenty-year period 1991- includes development which will provide: 2011, together with the need to maximise the use of brownfield sites, will place considerable pressure on the identified (a) direct airport employment necessary for the running of Employment Areas to be used for residential development. the airport; and However, it is important for the local economy and employment opportunities, that there is a sufficient supply of land for (b) airport associated employment related to the operation employment uses, located close to where people live, or of the airport. accessible by passenger transport and other non-car means, to accord with the principles of sustainable development. 6.6.3 The definition of airport employment is summarised in the Annual Stansted Airport Monitor. It states that, ‘Airport 6.4.4 Employment land is identified in this Local Plan and employment defined as ‘direct’ or ‘associated’ includes comprises a number of existing areas distributed throughout the employment related to passenger handling, baggage handling, District. Some of these areas are currently under-utilised and air transport movements, cargo, aircraft maintenance, general the Council considers there is sufficient land available either aviation, hotels, freight forwarding, car parking, car rental, and through reuse or redevelopment in these areas to meet current airline officers. employment floorspace requirements.

44 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 6.ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYMENT

6.7 Employment Uses Outside Employment Areas (c) the site is capable of accommodating the proposal along with the necessary access, parking and servicing 6.7.1 Small-scale industry and businesses provide local arrangements; employment opportunities and broaden the base of the local economy. The District Council supports small businesses and (d) the proposal is of an appropriate scale; and starter enterprises. (e) the proposal is environmentally acceptable. 6.7.2 The encouragement of small businesses is compatible with the main aims of the Local Plan to support sustainable 6.8 Storage and Distribution Uses development. Local employment can reduce travelling times and the environmental costs associated with commuting long 6.8.1 Warehousing makes large demands in terms of land distances. Working locally can also improve the quality of life of and the provision of buildings. The District Council considers those involved. that East Hertfordshire has severely limited environmental and infrastructural scope for satisfactorily accommodating new 6.7.3 Outside those sites identified specifically as storage and distribution uses. Employment Areas, the District Council seeks, in general, to retain and encourage the continued use of both existing EDE4 Storage and Distribution Uses employment sites, or those that were last in employment use, for such purposes. Storage and distribution developments will only be permitted: EDE2 Loss of Employment Sites (a) on sites that are already in storage and distribution use and which are well related to the transport network, Outside the identified Employment Areas, development which would cause the loss of an existing employment site, or one that OR was last in employment use, will only be permitted subject to all the following criteria being met: (b) within identified Employment Areas (in accordance with Policy EDE1). (a) the retention of the site or premises for employment use has been explored fully without success, evidence 6.9 The Rural Economy of which must be provided; 6.9.1 Changes in agricultural practice and the economics of (b) the proposed use does not have a significant adverse farming have resulted in the reduction in the numbers of people impact on the amenity of the adjacent area or nearby employed in agriculture and related industries, and in the occupiers; and number of profitable holdings. As a consequence, many of those engaged in agriculture are seeking additional and alternative (c) access, parking and servicing arrangements are sources of income. The reform of the Common Agricultural satisfactory. Policy and the introduction of the Rural Development Regulation have shifted the emphasis of Government and European Union 6.7.4 Outside the identified Employment Areas, and within policy away from market based intervention towards direct the six main settlements in the District, and Category 1 and 2 payments and rural development. Diversifying is seen as an villages a specific site or building may be proposed for an important way of helping farmers maintain their incomes and employment use. The District Council will encourage such investment in agriculture. It is promoted in the Rural proposals, provided they are of an appropriate scale, Development Plan for England, which sets out the priorities for environmentally acceptable and do not cause traffic or car implementing the Rural Development Regulation through the parking problems. award of grants. EDE3 Employment Uses Outside Employment Areas 6.9.2 The Council recognises that this diversification of the rural economy can be assisted by allowing the adaptation and re- Outside identified Employment Areas but within the six main use of existing buildings within the countryside for business, settlements (listed in Policy SD2) and the Category 1 and 2 leisure, tourism, recreation, and other employment generating villages proposals for employment use may be permitted, subject uses. Such uses may also help support village services. to all the following criteria being met: Nevertheless, the Council also places importance on safeguarding the character and appearance of the countryside and ensuring the openness of the Green Belt is maintained. (a) the proposal would not result in the loss of satisfactory residential accommodation; 6.9.3 Proposals for the adaptation and re-use of agricultural and other non-domestic rural buildings for employment purposes (b) the proposal would not have a significant adverse will be considered in accordance with Policies GBC9 and GBC10, impact on the amenity of nearby occupiers; contained in the Chapter 4 (Green Belt and Countryside).

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 45 6.ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYMENT

6.9.4 The reduction in the number of jobs on the land has 6.12 Live/Work Units consequently increased the need to travel to find work. When employment sites in villages have become redundant they have 6.12.1 Live/work units can provide a combination of living and not always been re-used for employment purposes, thereby workspace in a single accommodation unit (converted or new- increasing the need to travel and affecting the vitality of these build) and is one step further from homeworking. Live/work units communities. Because of their scale and size these sites are can be particularly well suited to mixed use development frequently too small to be identified as Employment Areas in the schemes for this reason. For development control purposes Local Plan. However, it is preferable that such sites are re-used live/work units are classed as sui generis and therefore any for employment purposes within the villages. change of either aspect of the unit would require a new planning permission. 6.10 Telecottages EDE7 Live/Work Units 6.10.1 The computer revolution has enabled rapid advancement in telecommunications and this has led to the Proposals for live/work units may be permitted subject to all the development of telecottages. A telecottage is a local office following criteria being met: facility in a rural location which usually provides a community based facility to assist access to work and technology. This has (a) that a separate functional workspace is identifiable and the potential to create many new jobs in the smaller towns and where appropriate capable of accommodating the villages. In 1997, some 200 telecottages existed in the UK. whole range of B1 uses; PPG13 encourages the provision of workplaces, either at home or close to home, where small groups of people can work (b) where possible, the workspace element is provided at together. street level; and

6.10.2 The District Council wishes to support the provision of (c) there will be no significant adverse impact on the telecottages whether they be a community effort and/or for amenity of the adjoining area or nearby occupiers. profit. 6.13 New Employment Development EDE5 Telecottages 6.13.1 All employment generating proposals must be built to a Proposals for providing a telecottage may be permitted subject high standard of design and have adequate servicing and to all the following criteria being met: manoeuvring space, along with appropriate levels of car parking, cycle facilities and be accessible by passenger transport and (a) there is appropriate off street parking, in other non-car modes of travel. A transport assessment will be accordance with Policy TR7; required for employment development, as set out in Chapter 5 (Transport), Section 5.9. The design, scale, siting and (b) there is safe and satisfactory vehicle access; landscaping must respect the character and local distinctiveness of the area. (c) there will be no significant adverse impact on the amenity of residents in neighbouring properties; and 6.13.2 All proposals for employment uses will be tested against the policies contained in Chapter 2 (Sustainable (d) there would be no loss of satisfactory residential Development). New development should take account of issues accommodation. such as waste minimisation, recycling and reuse, energy efficiency, water conservation, and use of materials with a low 6.11 Home working impact on the environment. Planning conditions may be imposed and obligations sought to protect the amenities of the 6.11.1 Many small businesses and other non-residential uses area and in order that the principles of sustainable development are started by people working in their own homes, and are met. technological innovations are likely to increase the incidence of home working. Home working does not necessarily need EDE8 New Employment Development planning permission, depending on the nature and scale of the operation. However, such uses can expand and cause New employment development will be expected to: considerable nuisance to neighbours. (a) be built to a high standard with the design, scale, siting, EDE6 Home working and landscaping respecting the character and local distinctiveness of the area; Proposals for use of part of a dwelling for business purposes will be expected to ensure that the amenity of residents in (b) have adequate servicing and manoeuvring space, along neighbouring properties is not adversely affected. with appropriate levels of car and cycle parking; and

(c) be accessible by passenger transport and other non-car modes of travel.

46 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 7.SHOPPING AND TOWN CENTRES

7.1 Introduction 8. To encourage the retention of, and where possible improvement to, shopping and service facilities in 7.1.1 This chapter sets out the District Council’s approach to villages and rural areas. shopping and retail developments generally across the District, and in particular in respect of town centres. It also relates to 7.2 Town Centres other uses of land and buildings, which attract large numbers of people and may best be located in town centres. 7.2.1 Town centres provide a wide range of shopping facilities and other services, generally well located for use by the 7.1.2 The District Council wishes to take a pro-active role in whole community and accessible by a range of modes of assisting town centre management and promoting appropriate transport. The Hertfordshire Structure Plan Review (1991-2011) development and redevelopment opportunities. details a hierarchy of town centres, within which Bishop’s Stortford is a minor sub-regional centre and Hertford is a town 7.1.3 The aims and objectives for shopping and town centres centre. Ware, Sawbridgeworth, Buntingford, and Stanstead are set out below: Abbotts and St Margarets are not specifically listed in the hierarchy, but may be described as minor town centres. Detailed Aims town centre policies for each of these settlements will be found in Part II of this Plan. A. To maintain and enhance the viability and vitality of the District’s town centres and local centres, in order to 7.2.2 The history, townscape, and architectural character of provide a range of services and facilities in a pleasant the towns of East Hertfordshire offer a pleasant, high quality- environment, to meet the needs of, and be accessible shopping environment. Sensitively planned new developments, to, the population of East Hertfordshire; refurbishment, and environmental enhancement schemes, together with the maintenance of a clean and safe environment, B. To provide a framework whereby shopping provision can further increase their attractiveness. across the District meets the day-to-day needs of the population at a local level; 7.2.3 Shopping and ‘browsing’ in small market towns can be a pleasurable experience, due to their unique and historic C. To ensure that new development meets sustainability characters, and likelihood of independent traders, in contrast to objectives. the predictability of many newer town centres and out-of-town shopping centres. The individual character of each town should Objectives therefore be encouraged and developed.

1. Where possible, to locate major generators of travel in 7.2.4 Market towns, such as those in East Hertfordshire, are town centre locations, in order to minimise travel subject to a multiplicity of pressures. Economic changes are distances and to encourage accessibility by means causing the closure of traditional industries and the other than the private car; concentration of services in larger towns. Increased car ownership, together with the growth of out-of-town shopping, is 2. To promote the development of town centres as diverse, reducing the role of market towns as service centres. Yet they multi-functional areas which are a focus for the continue to play a vital role in the life of a community, and community, by encouraging mixed use developments, current changes present an opportunity to diversify and incorporating a range of functions and services and encourage a more sustainable way of life. meeting the accessibility needs of the whole community; 7.2.5 The District Council is, therefore, concerned not only to maintain, but to enhance the vitality and viability of its town 3. To take a balanced and integrated approach to centres. In particular, it is keen to protect the key shopping and managing the evening and night-time economy; trading role of towns in East Hertfordshire, whilst at the same time encouraging the integration of other functions, such as 4. To improve and enhance the environment of town community uses, services, leisure, and entertainment. Mixed use centres generally through such measures as developments will be encouraged in town centres as will environmental enhancement schemes, improved access, complementary evening and night-time economy uses, where signage, street furniture; and maintenance; appropriate.

5. To monitor regularly the health of town centres and 7.2.6 It is important to the vitality of town centres that assess the effectiveness of policies; residential accommodation is provided within them, and in particular, use can be made of vacant space above shops. 6. To assist the development of town centre management strategies, in partnership with other authorities and organisations;

7. To assist the development of comprehensive transport and parking strategies in partnership with other authorities and organisations;

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 47 7.SHOPPING AND TOWN CENTRES

7.3 Town Centre Health Checks Local Centres

7.3.1 PPS6 states that up to date monitoring is essential to Local centres provide a range of small shops of a local nature for the effective planning and management of town centres. a small catchment. These include parades of shops and services Monitoring will be measured through regular and accurate in urban areas and village centres. The following are categorised surveys. The District Council recognises the importance of this as local centres: work for the future of its towns, and will work with representative bodies, such as Town Centre Management Boards and Town ● Bishop’s Stortford: Hockerill Councils, to ensure that the health of the District’s town centres Havers Parade is properly monitored, as resources allow. Snowley Parade

7.4 Town Centre Strategies ● Hertford: Fleming Crescent, Sele Farm The Avenue, Bengeo 7.4.1 The District Council recognises that the future of our town centres cannot be left to chance. In accordance with PPS6, ● Ware: Kingshill, The Green the Council is keen to assist in the preparation of town centre strategies for the main towns in the District. Town centre ● Villages: Much Hadham strategies will build on the qualitative analysis of the town Puckeridge centres in the Retail and Town Centres Study and will help to Watton-at-Stone plan for their future vitality and viability. The strategies will be prepared in partnership with business and other interested 7.5.2 PPS6 requires local authorities to take account of parties and will be adopted as supplementary planning guidance. forecasts of need for retail floorspace within the plan period. The District Council commissioned a Retail and Town Centres Study 7.5 New Shopping and Large Scale Development – in 2003 and this has informed the Local Plan. The Retail and Location and Capacity Town Centres Study will be updated regularly. In quantitative terms the Study showed that the capacity for additional retail 7.5.1 The Council has identified a hierarchy of town centres floorspace in the District up to the year 2011 is as follows: within the District, and larger scale development will be directed to the larger centres of Bishop’s Stortford and Hertford. All of the Convenience goods (e.g. food) = 37 sq m towns in the District are historic market towns. References to Bulky comparison goods (e.g. DIY, electrical, furniture) = 29,589 sq m ‘larger’ and ‘smaller’ town centres apply to the shopping frontage Non-bulky comparison goods (e.g. clothes & footwear) = 6,893 sq m policies. 7.5.3 Additional floorspace provision for convenience goods Minor Sub-Regional Centre is assessed as being minimal and it is not considered necessary to plan or identify further sites for this need. Bishop’s Stortford is defined as a minor sub-regional centre in the Structure Plan. It provides a wide range of comparison goods 7.5.4 Additional floorspace provision for comparison goods shopping and is the main shopping centre in East Hertfordshire. will in part result from the major mixed-use town centre scheme on the Riverside/Adderley Road site at Bishop’s Stortford. This Town Centres scheme proposes 3,341 square metres of comparison floorspace, along with 7,351 square metres of convenience floorspace. Other Hertford is defined as a town centre in the Structure Plan. It opportunities to strengthen comparison shopping may come provides a range of comparison and convenience shopping. forward over time, particularly in Bishop’s Stortford and Hertford.

Minor Town Centres 7.5.5 The most significant quantitative need for additional retail floorspace was identified for bulky comparison goods. It is, Ware, Sawbridgeworth, Buntingford and Stanstead Abbotts are however, not considered that there is appropriate capacity on all defined as minor town centres and provide a range of basic suitable sites within the District’s towns and town centres, due to shopping facilities for the surrounding rural areas. Ware is the their size and historic character. Such additional need can be largest of these centres and is included as a ‘larger centre’ for met in nearby centres, outside the District, which already have the purposes of the shopping frontage policy. concentrations of such facilities and therefore more scope for additional floorspace than the District’s towns. District Centres 7.6 Development within Town Centres District centres comprise a group of shops, separate from the town centre, with at least one food supermarket or superstore 7.6.1 Town and district centres are the preferred location for and a range of non-retail services and public facilities. The developments that attract many trips, where access by a choice following is categorised as a district centre: of modes of transport, not only by car, is easy and convenient. Development in town centres would safeguard and strengthen ● Bishop’s Stortford: The Thorley Centre those centres and help them continue the vital role they play serving the community.

48 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 7.SHOPPING AND TOWN CENTRES

7.6.2 The Government wishes local planning authorities to 7.6.5 Proposals for new retail developments and other key take a positive approach, in partnership with representative town centre uses, on sites which fall outside the town centres or bodies and the private sector, in identifying additional sites for edge-of-town centres, will be determined in accordance with the retail development. However, if there is no need or capacity for sequential approach set out in Policy STC6. further developments, there will be no need to identify additional sites in towns. 7.6.6 Proposals for small-scale developments and change of use, within town centres, will be determined in accordance with 7.6.3 Due to the historic character and size of the District’s Policies STC2 and STC3 (Larger Centres - Shopping Frontages) town centres it is considered that proposals that are not in the and STC4 (Smaller Centres - Shopping Frontages). town centre could have a significant impact on existing retail provision in town centres and should therefore be supported by 7.7 Larger Centres – Shopping Frontages evidence to demonstrate need for the development. 7.7.1 The District Council wishes to maintain a strong 7.6.4 PPS6 contains a sequential approach to selecting sites shopping presence within its larger centres, for the viability of for new retail development and other key town centre uses. Key businesses and the convenience of shoppers who rely on them. town centre uses comprise retail (including warehouse clubs and However, there is a complementary role to be played by non- factory outlet centres), leisure and entertainment facilities, shopping activities and many other uses – such as professional intensive sports and recreation uses, offices, arts, culture and and financial services, restaurants and public houses and even tourism facilities. New development should ideally be located medical services. These are recognised as essential to the within town centres, but should no suitable site exist, the next vitality and viability of town centres and as a focus of community preferred location would be an edge-of-centre site, followed by and social activities. district centres, and only if no suitable site emerges from this sequential approach, will an out-of-centre site be considered. In 7.7.2 The Council has defined Primary and Secondary applying this approach developers and operators should shopping frontages, as delineated on the Proposals Map, to demonstrate that they have taken a flexible approach, in line with generally preclude a dilution of the shopping functions of the the requirements of PPS6. larger centres of Bishop’s Stortford, Hertford, and Ware, and the following two policies will, therefore, apply. STC1 Development in Town Centres and Edge-of-Centre STC2 Primary Shopping Frontages (I) The preferred location for new retail development and proposals for other key town centre uses, will be town Within the Primary Shopping Frontages in the larger town centres followed by edge-of-centre sites in line with the centres of Bishop’s Stortford, Hertford, and Ware, as defined on sequential approach. Such development will be the Proposals Map, and listed in Appendix (III), proposals for permitted where all the following criteria are met: development or changes of use from Shop (A1) use to Non-Shop (non-A1) uses will not be permitted. (a) the proposed development is consistent with the character and role of the town centre; STC3 Secondary Shopping Frontages

(b) the proposed development would be accessible Within Secondary Shopping Frontages in the larger town centres by a choice of transport means other than the of Bishop’s Stortford, Hertford, and Ware, as defined on the private car; Proposals Map and listed in Appendix (III), proposals for development or change of use falling within the following use (c) where appropriate the proposed development classes will be permitted provided that this would not result in an will provide for the effective use of upper floors; excessive concentration of non-shop uses: and ● A1 (shops) (d) parking provision, access, and traffic generation ● A2 (financial and professional services) are satisfactory, in accordance with Council’s ● A3 (restaurants and cafes) adopted standards. ● A4 (drinking establishments) ● A5 (hot food takeaways) (II) In edge-of-centre locations, proposals will be required ● C1 (hotels) to demonstrate need for the development. ● D1 (non-residential institutions) ● D2 (assembly and leisure). (III) An assessment of the impact on other neighbouring town centres will be required:

(a) for a significant development in a town centre;

(b) in edge-of-centre locations, for developments proposing over 2,500 square metres gross floorspace and for smaller development if it is likely to have a significant impact on smaller centres. East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 49 7.SHOPPING AND TOWN CENTRES

7.7.3 As a general guideline to shopping sustainability in shopping units within a continuous frontage do not drop to a Secondary Frontages, proposals that result in fewer than 50% of level where other uses would predominate. The guidelines ground floor premises, in a continuous frontage in shop use, following Policy STC3 relating to Secondary Frontages, at would not be favoured. In any event, regard will be had to the paragraphs 7.7.3 to 7.7.7, will be applicable to proposals in character and function of that part of the shopping area, and the Sawbridgeworth, Buntingford, and Stanstead Abbotts and St overall proportion of non-shopping uses in determining Margarets. applications involving the loss of shop units. The amenities of residents living in Secondary Frontage areas should not suffer 7.8.3 Diversification may be less realistic in the smaller from too great a concentration of A3 (Restaurants and Cafes), A4 centres, particularly where there is a concentration of residential (Drinking Establishments), or A5 (Hot Food Takeaway) businesses units within the centre. Nevertheless a range of units will be and the cumulative effect of changes of use to A3, A4, and A5 encouraged where these will add to the overall vitality and will be considered in determining applications. viability of the centre.

7.7.4 For the avoidance of doubt, a continuous frontage is STC4 Shopping Frontages – Smaller Centres that denoted by a continuous line on the Proposals Map. (I) Within the existing main commercial frontages of 7.7.5 Where a change of use to A2 (Financial and Sawbridgeworth, Buntingford, and Stanstead Abbotts Professional Services) or D1 (Non-Residential Institutions) use is and St Margarets, as defined on the Proposals Map, and considered acceptable, a condition requiring the maintenance of listed in Appendix (III) to this Local Plan, a range of a shop window display will normally be imposed. If the change uses will be encouraged within Use Classes A1 (Shops), of use is to A3 (Restaurants and Cafes), A4 (Drinking A2 (Financial and Professional Services), A3 Establishments), or A5 (Hot Food Takeaway) use, planning (Restaurants and Cafes), A4 (Drinking Establishments), conditions may be imposed or agreements sought to prevent the A5 (Hot Food Takeaway), D1 (Non-Residential subsequent change of use to Class A2, under Part 3 Class C of Institutions) and D2 (Assembly and Leisure). the 1995 Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order. (II) Within these centres a sustainable level of shopping facilities will be maintained and proposals for 7.7.6 A period of shop vacancy does not necessarily mean a development or change of use from Shop (A1) to particular unit is unlettable. An inability to find tenants may be Non-Shop (non-A1) uses will not be permitted, where due to a variety of factors, such as general economic climate or this would result in an excessive concentration of unrealistic rents being asked, and the Council will not attach Non-Shop uses. great significance to the vacancy of a shop unit, if there are no apparent reasons why it is not suitable for continued shop use. 7.9 Conversion of Dwellings to Commercial Uses

7.7.7 There are no defined boundaries to the town centre 7.9.1 The District Council recognises the importance of areas. Beyond the defined Primary and Secondary Frontages, retaining vitality within town centres, and the associated there are still peripheral locations that may be suitable for advantages of establishing and maintaining residential various town centre uses including non-retail uses. Proposals in accommodation above retail units. These benefits include these transitional areas will be considered on their merits, and environmental sustainability, economic regeneration, security, subject to the other policies of this plan, such as the need to and conservation of the District’s heritage. Within the overall retain the residential use of dwellings which are suitable for total of people seeking to enter the housing market, there will be continued occupation. some in need of small units many of whom do not have access to a car. Accommodation above shops, which often has no car 7.8 Smaller Centres parking provision – especially in town centres, can be particularly suitable in such cases. 7.8.1 The smaller town centres of Sawbridgeworth, Buntingford, and Stanstead Abbotts and St Margarets, whilst not of district wide retail significance, provide a key range of shopping and other services to their populations. The District Council is committed to maintaining the vitality and viability of these smaller centres, which largely derive from their shopping function. For this reason new retail provision will be encouraged, within the existing main commercial area of these centres, provided that it is appropriate to the scale of these centres and retains their physical compactness, and where such development accords with other plan policies.

7.8.2 In planning terms, the smaller centres will be regarded as similar to the Secondary Frontages of the larger centres, where a variety of uses may be expected. Equally, maintenance of the shopping function of these centres will be sought at least at a sustainable level, such that the number and frequency of

50 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 7.SHOPPING AND TOWN CENTRES

STC5 Conversion of Dwellings to Commercial Uses 7.11.2 The location of such stores can have significant effects on existing town centres and shopping patterns. Generally, town (I) Planning permission for the conversion of existing centre and edge-of-centre locations tend to supplement existing vacant or occupied dwellings into commercial uses will town centres by promoting linked shopping trips, whereas out-of- be refused where such premises are suitable for town (outside the urban area, on greenfield sites) and out-of- continued or renewed residential occupation. centre (separate from centre but within the urban area) locations tend to promote car borne bulk buy shopping trips, replacing the (II) The following criteria will be taken into consideration same trip to a town centre, more so as the range of goods and when assessing whether premises are suitable for services increases. For clarity the Local Plan contains a full continued or renewed residential occupation: glossary of terms covering the above issues.

(a) potential to provide a reasonable standard of 7.11.3 Throughout the County there have been major accommodation; investments in new forms of shopping facilities. These include superstores, retail warehouses, and retail parks. Many of these (b) separate access to the accommodation; are located close to the main towns of East Hertfordshire.

(c) outlook; 7.11.4 Whilst out-of-centre and out-of-town retailing has a role to play in facilitating competition between different types of (d) arrangements for car parking and/or access to, shopping provision and offering wider choice, it can also and availability of, passenger transport; undermine the vitality and viability of existing town centres. Where badly sited, it can lead to an increased reliance on the (e) noise and nuisance; private car with consequent increases in motorised journeys and polluting emissions. (f) economic considerations; 7.11.5 Heightened awareness of the dis-benefits of out-of- (g) security; and town and out-of-centre retailing has resulted in revised Government guidance to tackle these issues. In its consideration (h) ability to ensure adequate refuse storage of proposals for major retail developments, therefore, the District facilities Council will take account of PPS6 and PPG13.

(III) In the case of existing ground floor retail uses wishing 7.11.6 The District Council will apply the sequential approach to extend retailing to the first floor, the Council will be to proposals for retail and other key town centre uses. Where no sympathetic, provided this would not result in the loss suitable town centre or edge-of-centre sites can be found, of a residential unit. proposals will be judged against policies to assess their impact either individually or cumulatively on the vitality and viability of 7.10 Access existing town centres.

7.10.1 The Council recognises that a crucial aspect of the attractiveness of a town centre is its accessibility to all members of the community, whichever mode of travel they choose. The Council will seek to ensure that town centres are accessible to all, through comprehensive transport plans and strategies and will encourage access to, and within, town centres by passenger transport and other non-car modes. Relevant planning and land use aspects of these will be considered in the Chapter 5 (Transport) and individual Settlement Chapters.

7.10.2 The Council is also striving to recognise how it can better meet the needs of disabled people. Such needs will be an integral part of consideration of new development schemes, refurbishment’s, and enhancement works in all the centres in the District. 7.11 Out-of-Centre and Out-of-Town Retailing

7.11.1 PPS6 notes that retailing is constantly adapting and changing to economic and social conditions and, in particular, the increasing availability of the private car. This has resulted in a tendency towards more dispersed patterns of retailing in much larger purpose built stores, offering a wider range of goods and services.

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 51 7.SHOPPING AND TOWN CENTRES

STC6 Out-of-Centre and Out-of-Town Retailing 7.12.2 There has been a substantial loss of provision in local centres and rural areas over recent years. The District Council (I) If no suitable sites or buildings are available, or could wishes to encourage provision of new appropriately sized shops be made available, for new retail development and in local centres and rural areas, and will seek to retain those proposals for other key town centre uses, in town which exist, where retention is considered to be viable. The centres, following the sequential approach, then out-of- District Council will look favourably on conversions and centre developments may be permitted where all the extensions to shops where these will improve viability, and will following criteria are met: resist proposals which would involve the loss of a shop unit, post office, public house, garage shop, or other business that provides (a) there is a demonstrable need for the a local service, in a location where such loss would result in a development; significant reduction in the level of such provision locally. A period of vacancy of one of the aforementioned businesses does (b) the proposal, either on its own or in conjunction not necessarily mean that the property is not suitable for with other similar developments and associated continued use for the same purpose and the Council will not facilities, will not significantly affect the vitality attach great significance to such a vacancy if there are no and viability of any nearby town, district or local apparent reasons why it is not suitable for such continued use. centre, including the evening economy, and/or the rural economy; STC8 Local Centres and Rural Provision

(c) the proposal complements the role of town (I) Proposals which would involve the loss of a shop unit, centres; post office, public house, garage shop, or other business that provides a local service, in a local centre or a rural (d) the proposal contributes to an overall pattern of location will not be permitted where such loss would provision which is well related to the distribution result in a significant reduction in the level of such of resident population, to minimise travel; provision locally available.

(e) the proposed development would be easily and (II) In determining the significance of the loss of such a safely accessible by a choice of means of unit, the Council will consider: transport, including passenger transport, and by cyclists, pedestrians, and people with disabilities; (a) if vacant, how long the premises have been on the market and the likelihood of another like use (II) Proposals for out-of-town developments will not be being found; permitted. (b) the use of the premises and its contribution to 7.11.7 Where out-of-centre developments are permitted, it the range of provision available to the local may be necessary to limit the range of goods which may be sold population, and in the case of shops, the in order to encourage retention of local shops, and facilities, such presence or otherwise of other complementary as post offices or pharmacies, through planning obligations (or shopping uses in the vicinity of the premises; and as subsequently revised) or imposition of conditions. (c) if there is clear evidence that it is not possible STC7 Out-of-Centre – Limitations for the use to continue as a viable business.

Where permission is granted for developments on out-of-centre 7.13 Farm Shops and Garden Centres sites, the Council may seek, through planning obligations (or as subsequently revised) or the imposition of conditions, to ensure 7.13.1 The District Council recognises that the structure of the that the composition or character of the development does not rural economy is changing and that there is a need for farming change over time to the detriment of the vitality or viability of a practices to diversify. Shops associated with farms can serve a nearby centre. Such obligations or conditions may include vital function in rural areas by helping to meet demand for fresh limiting the range of goods to be sold, or activities which may be produce and providing a source of jobs. The District Council will carried on, or preventing the sub-division of the unit. generally look favourably on proposals for buildings to be used in association with the sale of farm produce, including pick-your- 7.12 Local Centres and Rural Provision own. Consideration will be given to the desirability for the farmer of providing a service throughout the year, the likely impact on 7.12.1 The District Council acknowledges the important role nearby village shops, and the likely impact of traffic generated, played by local centres and individual shops within settlements, and access and parking arrangements. in both urban and rural areas. Provision of a range of facilities in local centres to meet people’s day-to-day needs will help reduce the need to travel. Village shops, post offices, and public houses play a vital economic and social role, helping to maintain viable communities. Such facilities offer an important service for those who are less mobile and their loss can have a severe impact on the community they serve.

52 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 7.SHOPPING AND TOWN CENTRES

STC9 Farm Shops STC10 Garden Centres and Nurseries

(I) The District Council will consider applications for Where land is required to facilitate the horticultural element of buildings that are to be used in association with the an enterprise, proposals will be treated on their merits. Where sale of farm produce, including pick your own, against planning permission is required the following will be taken into the following criteria: consideration:

(a) the size, siting, design, and materials of (a) location of the site and proximity to a town centre; construction are sympathetic to the character of the rural area and related to the size of (b) accessibility by means other than the private car; enterprise proposed; (c) proposed parking arrangements, access and traffic (b) traffic generation, access, and parking are generation; acceptable; (d) likely impact on visual and residential amenity. (c) whether an existing building suitable for the purpose is available.

(II) Where planning permission is required, the introduction of a new retail use on a farm will only be permitted if:

(a) the scale and scope of retailing proposed will not harm the viability of retail facilities in any nearby town or village;

(b) traffic generation, access, and parking are acceptable;

(c) proposals for new buildings comply with subsection (I) above.

(III) Any planning permission granted may limit the range or source of the goods to be sold, or both, or the area from which particular goods may be sold.

7.13.2 Some types of rural enterprise, such as garden centres and nurseries, could have greater impact on the rural area in terms of traffic generation and the appearance of buildings and structures. Whether or not a rural location is required for such uses will depend on the balance in each enterprise between growing on the land and selling. The District Council will apply a sequential test to proposals for such uses.

7.13.3 Garden centres which do not have any element of growing will be treated as other generators of a large number of trips and considered in accordance with policies STC1 and STC6.

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 53 8.ENVIRONMENT AND DESIGN

8.1 Introduction 7. To maintain and enhance features of geological/geomorphological importance. 8.1.1 East Hertfordshire District is under continuing pressure for development, as a result of evolving and changing community 8. To increase tree, woodland, shrub, and hedgerow needs for homes, jobs, leisure and community facilities. The main planting opportunities. development strategy of the Structure Plan is to concentrate and direct development to the main towns, with limited development 9. To prevent, where possible, detriment to amenity by taking place in some smaller settlements. reason of noise, light pollution, hazardous substances, flooding, and poor air or water quality. 8.1.2 The Local Plan has a key role to play in making proper provision, in a sustainable way, for the necessary needs of the 8.2 Quality And Character present and future generations, whilst at the same time protecting the environment and amenity. Meeting the housing 8.2.1 Quality in design makes sense for us all. For example, a needs of the District will result in development of higher building which requires minimum maintenance, is adaptable, has densities than previously, and some release of Green a long life, and is energy efficient means that precious resources Belt/greenfield land. It is, therefore, important that the quality and money are not wasted in repairing, rebuilding and/or of what is built for whatever use, is of the highest standard heating it. Also, a building which accommodates a mix of uses possible, and that the natural and built environment is conserved can help reduce the need to travel. A quality environment and enhanced, for the benefit of present and future generations. reinforces a sense of community and civic pride which will attract further quality and help to reduce crime. All of these points add 8.1.3 This Chapter of the Local Plan draws together policies up to the fact that achieving good quality design is a vital goal in relating to the natural and built environment, design and layout, achieving a more sustainable way of life. and more technical policies relating to specific issues of development control. The aims and objectives relating to these 8.2.2 The District Council considers that new development issues and policies are set out below: should be harmonious with its setting and should respect and sustain local diversity and distinctiveness. It is the District Aims Council’s intention to establish a comprehensive picture of what constitutes the character of East Hertfordshire, in order to A. To protect and enhance the natural and built ensure that design is of a quality which protects that character environment. or enhances it where appropriate. Some of this work has already been undertaken or is being prepared, through Conservation B. To ensure that new development is consistent with the Area Character Statements, the Landscape Character Assessment principles of sustainable development. and Countryside Design Summaries as recommended by Natural England. Objectives 8.3 Layout And Design 1. To create new places of interesting character, a sense of local distinctiveness, attractive appearance and 8.3.1 The Council wishes to encourage good design, without utility. stifling innovation, originality or initiative. The Council will not, therefore, be prescriptive in its policies, but will offer guidance 2. To encourage a high standard of design and on general scale, density, massing, height, landscaping, layout, environment and ensure that new developments and access to new development, in relation to neighbouring respond positively to their setting. buildings and the local area. Layout and design of new development will be expected to encompass and demonstrate the 3. To set out a framework of design guidance. principles of sustainability through the submission of Sustainability Statements in line with Policy SD1. 4 To ensure that the relevant principles of sustainability are adhered to by ensuring that developments: 8.3.2 The Council will expect development proposals for complex or large scale schemes to be accompanied by a written (i) make the best use of natural resources; statement setting out the design principles adopted, together with illustrative material in plan and elevation. It will be (ii) incorporate sustainable initiatives including important to show the wider context and not just the energy and water conservation, solar energy, and development site and immediately adjacent buildings, in order waste management as an integral part of the for the Council to assess the impact on the quality and character design and layout. of the environment.

5. To improve areas of poor environment.

6. To maintain and enhance biodiversity in accordance with the Hertfordshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan.

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 54 8.ENVIRONMENT AND DESIGN

8.3.3 It is the Council’s intention, where appropriate, and (II) Development proposals, other than those relating to an particularly in respect of sensitive or important sites, to continue existing dwelling house, must be accompanied by a to prepare or agree development or design briefs, that guide the written statement of design and access principles. The form, layout and design of new developments. All development statement should include illustrative material briefs will be subject to consultation before they are adopted as explaining the approach to design and an assessment Supplementary Planning Documents. of the impact of the proposal on the visual quality and character of the locality. 8.3.4 Given land for development purposes has been identified in this Plan, and that such land is generally 8.4 Mixed-Uses concentrated in the District’s main settlements, it is increasingly important to ensure that the character and environmental quality 8.4.1 In accordance with Government advice, the Council of settlements is not compromised. It remains important to wishes to promote and retain mixed-use developments, retain open land within towns for recreation and amenity particularly in town centres, in order to help create diversity and purposes and prevent the loss of landscape features. Special vitality and to reduce the need to travel. The changing nature of attention must also be paid to the desirability of preserving or commerce and industry is such that these uses can now often co- enhancing the character and appearance of Conservation Areas. exist satisfactorily with the residential communities for which they provide jobs and services. Within town centres leisure uses ENV1 Design and Environmental Quality can add to vitality over extended hours.

(I) All development proposals, including extensions to 8.4.2 Not all sites will be suitable for all uses and care must existing buildings, will be expected to be of a high be taken to avoid juxtaposition of incompatible uses, or the standard of design and layout and to reflect local possibility of later intensification of uses which could become a distinctiveness. To those ends, development proposals nuisance. Where sites suitable for mixed-use developments are will be expected to: identified in the individual settlement chapters, the Council intends to prepare or agree development or design briefs, setting (a) demonstrate compatibility with the structure and out the desired mix of uses and design criteria, etc. layout of the surrounding area, as well as effective connection with existing routes and 8.4.3 In rural areas the need to sustain the rural economy spaces; must be weighed against protection of the countryside. The suitability and appropriateness of mixed-uses is to be given (b) complement the existing pattern of street blocks, further consideration in Chapter 17 (Other Settlements – The plots and buildings (the grain of development); Villages).

(c) relate well to the massing (volume and shape) 8.4.4 Where planning permission is granted for mixed-use and height of adjacent buildings and to the developments, the Council may impose conditions or seek a surrounding townscape; planning agreement to secure an appropriate mix of uses and to ensure that certain parts of a scheme are implemented as (d) respect the amenity of occupiers of proposed. The Council may take a flexible approach to parking neighbouring buildings and those of future and density standards in order to facilitate such schemes, occupants and ensure that their environments particularly where sited to allow a choice of modes of transport. are not harmed by noise and disturbance or by inadequate daylight, sunlight or privacy or by 8.5 Landscaping overshadowing; 8.5.1 The Council considers that landscaping should be part (e) incorporate sustainable initiatives in design, of an integrated design approach to new development. Existing layout and construction methods including landscape features which are of quality and contribute to energy and water conservation and solar energy amenity such as trees, hedges, flower-rich meadows, as an integral part of the design of the watercourses, and ponds should be seen as part of a site’s development; attributes and incorporated into the design from the outset.

(f) consider the impact of any loss of open land on 8.5.2 All new developments should be sympathetic with the the character and appearance of the locality, and surrounding landscape and reflect the prevailing character, on the nature conservation interest or materials, and detailing of the locality. Particular attention recreational needs of the area; should be given to development in prominent positions, e.g. waterside locations, on the edge of towns and villages and within (g) minimise loss or damage of any important Conservation Areas. Developers are advised to contact the landscape features; relevant statutory and non-statutory organisations (Environment Agency, local wildlife trusts etc) for advice prior to making an (h) provide landscape, recreation or amenity application. features, and where appropriate habitat creation, in accordance with the Hertfordshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan.

55 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 8.ENVIRONMENT AND DESIGN

8.5.3 In determining planning applications for new challenges developers, designers, planners, and all those who development the Council will not permit schemes which would influence the design and layout of developments to think in a result in the net loss of landscape features, and all opportunities holistic manner in designing out crime and creating a safe and for new planting and appropriate habitat creation in accordance secure environment for each development. with the Hertfordshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan should be fully explored. In exceptional circumstances where existing 8.6.2 The District Council continues to support the ‘Secured landscape features, such as trees, shrubs and hedgerows are in by Design’ initiative and will expect proposals for new residential poor health or of little amenity value or not worthy of retention, or commercial development to incorporate crime prevention and development would result in the loss of such features, the measures. Developers and their architects are strongly advised Council will seek compensatory amenity planting and/or habitat to consult the Hertfordshire Constabulary Architectural Liaison creation by the developer, either within or outside the Officer for advice on measures to facilitate crime prevention development site. When this is not appropriate, financial prior to the preparation of detailed layout. Such advice is always payment will be sought to enable compensatory planting and/or subject to other planning criteria and policies as well as the habitat creation to be undertaken. requirements of the Building and Fire Regulations.

8.5.4 The Council will require detailed site surveys, in ENV3 Planning Out Crime – New Development accordance with British Standards guidelines and/or specific information to highlight all existing features of nature (I) New residential or commercial development proposals conservation interest, potential biodiversity and geology benefits. will be expected to incorporate crime prevention measures through their design, layout, and 8.5.5 Developers will be expected to indicate a commitment landscaping. to the maintenance of existing and proposed landscaping to ensure satisfactory retention and establishment. Where (II) Developments should be designed to reduce the necessary provision of a financial contribution will be expected. opportunity for crime by encouraging the surveillance Plant species and hard materials used in the landscaping of new of streets, footpaths, and communal areas, and the developments should be compatible with local materials and creation of areas of defensible space. Such measures indigenous species of local significance, and locally produced should not significantly compromise the provision of stock and materials should be used wherever possible. The use high quality landscape schemes nor be prejudicial to of invasive species will be discouraged. the existing character of the area and public amenity. ENV2 Landscaping (III) Police or other specialist security advice on the acceptability of designs in crime prevention terms will, (I) Development proposals will be expected to retain and where appropriate, be a material consideration in the enhance existing landscape features. Where losses are determination of planning applications. unavoidable, compensatory planting or habitat creation will be sought within or outside the development site. 8.6.3 Crime prevention methods can be applied to existing developments and the District Council is keen to encourage (II) The submission of detailed surveys of landscape measures that reduce the potential for crime occurrence, features will be required. providing they are handled in a manner which is sympathetic to the existing environment. (III) Proposals on prominent sites will be required to give special consideration to landscape treatment. 8.7 Access for Disabled People

(IV) Conditions will be imposed to ensure that the approved 8.7.1 The Council’s overall approach to access for disabled landscaping scheme is carried out. people is to promote greater accessibility and to enhance the independence and quality of life of disabled people. (V) Appropriate maintenance of retained and new landscape features will be required as a part of any 8.7.2 The Council wishes to ensure that disabled people are permission. not prevented from playing a full role in the life of a community due to the design of the environment. Consideration will, (VI) Landscaping proposals should include a statement therefore, be given to the ability of disabled people to participate setting out how they will meet the targets set in the in, and contribute to all community activities, whether as Hertfordshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan. residents, employees, or visitors to the area. The Council will have regard to their needs in consideration of pedestrian 8.6 Planning Out Crime environments, i.e. schemes for street enhancements etc and in consideration of planning applications for new development or 8.6.1 It is generally accepted that design and environmental changes of use. factors including concepts of layout, defensible space, natural surveillance, security lighting, access control and security hardware can have an effect on the potential for crime. ‘Safer Places - The Planning System and Crime Prevention', published by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (September 2004),

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 56 8.ENVIRONMENT AND DESIGN

8.7.3 In accordance with Key Aim (V) of this Local Plan, the ENV6 Extensions to Dwellings – Criteria District Council will encourage improved access throughout the District for everyone, including wheelchair users and people with Proposals for extensions to dwellings will be considered in physical and sensory impairments, elderly people, and those with accordance with Policy ENV5 and against the following criteria: toddlers or infants in pushchairs. (I) proposed extensions should be to a design and choice 8.7.4 The development of land and buildings creates of materials of construction, either matching or opportunities to secure a more accessible environment, and complementary to those of the original building and its access should be considered at an early stage in the design setting; process in order to ensure that appropriate provision is made for such needs in all developments. (II) side extensions at first floor level or above should ensure appropriate space is left between the flank wall ENV4 Access for Disabled People of the extension and the common curtilage with a neighbouring property (as a general rule a space of 1 New development, or proposals for changes of use, or relevant metre will be the minimum acceptable), to safeguard alterations to existing buildings, to which the public in general the character and appearance of the street scene, expects to have access, especially shops, sports, recreation and existing trees and hedgerows, and prevent a visually community facilities, will only be permitted if they are designed damaging “terracing” effect; to meet the needs of people with impaired mobility, including having regard to accessible parking spaces (where appropriate), (III) two storey extensions to semi-detached and terraced convenient movement along pathways, and an unhindered properties will not be permitted where they would approach to buildings. significantly detract from the amenities of any neighbouring property by shadowing, loss of privacy, or 8.7.5 Alterations to Listed Buildings for access purposes will similar; also be considered against Policy BH13. (IV) flat roofed extensions, except those on the ground floor, will be refused as visually undesirable other than in 8.8 Extensions To Dwellings those exceptional circumstances where the character of the original dwelling allows a flat-roofed design to be 8.8.1 A large number of the planning applications received appropriately incorporated; by the District Council relate to extensions to dwelling houses, and the Council wishes to give as much detailed guidance as is (V) roof dormers may be acceptable if appropriate to the appropriate and practically possible. design and character of the original dwelling and its surroundings. Dormers should generally be of limited 8.8.2 It should also be borne in mind that with increased extent and modest proportions, so as not to dominate densities in the built-up areas, there is greater potential for the existing roof form. residential extensions to have a significant impact on neighbouring or adjoining properties and occupiers. 8.9 Extensions To Dwellings Within the Metropolitan Green Belt and Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt 8.8.3 In an area as large and diverse as East Hertfordshire, it is not possible to provide precise standards relevant to every 8.9.1 Within the Metropolitan Green Belt and Rural Area case, but the policies set out the principles and criteria by which Beyond the Green Belt, the District Council is concerned about proposals will be judged. the specific effect an extension may have on the character and appearance of an existing dwelling, both in itself and in relation ENV5 Extensions to Dwellings to any adjoining dwelling and on the appearance of the locality. Whilst extensions to dwellings are not inappropriate Within the six main settlements listed in Policy SD2 and Category development, provided that they do not result in 1 and 2 Villages identified in Policies OSV1 and OSV2, planning disproportionate additions over and above the size of the permission will be granted for extensions to existing dwellings, original dwelling, the Council is concerned with the effect of provided that the character, appearance, and amenities of the extensions on the general maintenance of a supply of smaller dwelling and any adjoining dwellings would not be significantly dwellings outside the main towns and settlements, and also with affected to their detriment. Outside the main settlements and the cumulative impact of development in the countryside. Category 1 and 2 Villages, an extension to a dwelling or the erection of outbuildings will additionally be expected to be of a scale and size that would either by itself, or cumulatively with other extensions, not disproportionately alter the size of the original dwelling nor intrude into the openness or rural qualities of the surrounding area.

All policy proposals will be considered against the criteria set out in Policy ENV6.

57 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 8.ENVIRONMENT AND DESIGN

8.9.2 It is not possible to state categorically what maximum needs for smaller units of accommodation. Annexes for elderly size of extension is likely to be permissible, given the wide range relatives, particularly, can help to meet social needs whilst of existing dwelling types and sizes which comprise the rural reducing pressure on other types of accommodation. However, housing stock. However, the Council will continue to operate a they can have implications for car parking provision, amenity restrictive policy for the reasons given above. space, and impact on neighbouring properties, occupiers and the locality. 8.9.3 The extension of residential curtilages into the countryside has hitherto been resisted to protect agricultural 8.10.2 The Council considers that such annexes should, land from development and to prevent adverse effects on the therefore, be designed as an integral part of the existing character of the countryside from, for example, the erection of dwelling, capable of being incorporated with the existing fences, garden sheds and other domestic paraphernalia. dwelling if no longer required as an annexe. Applicants will also be encouraged to design annexes to cater for increasing 8.9.4 However, protection of agricultural land for agricultural disability to enable their long-term usefulness. Permission would purposes is not now the significant planning policy issue that it be unlikely to be granted for later sub-division to two separate has been, and whilst some garden extensions are detrimental to units, unless the proposal meets the planning criteria which rural character and quality, there is no inherent reason why this would be applied to new proposals for a separate dwelling. The should be so. Tree planting and the planting of new boundary same principles will apply to annexes to dwellings in the Green hedging can be a visual improvement and ecological diversity Belt and the Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt. can either be designed in, or follow naturally. Curtilage extensions may also help create space, when local circumstances ENV8 Residential Annexes allow it, for the small-scale recreational facilities which some householders seek, such as tennis courts and for animals kept (I) Residential annexes will be permitted where: for hobbies or recreation. (a) the accommodation forms an extension to the 8.9.5 In urban areas, however, the extension of private main dwelling and is capable of being used as an gardens involving the enclosure of amenity land around housing integral part of the dwelling; and development might have a detrimental affect on the appearance of an area. The enclosure of amenity land, originally designed for (b) sufficient space to park vehicles for both parts of the enjoyment of all, by a single household, is capable of altering the dwelling, in accordance with adopted the appearance of an estate, whether established or recently standards, is available and appropriately located developed. in design terms within the curtilage; and ENV7 Extension of Curtilage of a Residential Property (c) for development within the six main towns and Category I and 2 Villages, the proposal complies (I) The extension of the curtilage of a residential property with Policies ENV5 and ENV6; or into the countryside may be permitted if the proposal: (d) for development outside the settlements and (a) includes the provision of appropriate landscaping villages listed in (c) above, the proposal complies and boundary treatment; with Policy ENV6.

(b) is not likely to result in an adverse effect on the (II) Where permission is required for conversion of an character or appearance of the local landscape; existing outbuilding to a residential annexe, permission may be granted where: (c) does not involve areas of existing archaeological or ecological significance; (a) the outbuilding is of a design and structure in keeping with the existing dwelling and locality; (II) Where judged necessary, the District Council will, on granting planning permission, impose conditions (b) the size of the outbuilding is compatible with the removing Permitted Development Rights. requirements of the annexe;

(III) The District Council will seek to ensure the retention of (c) the outbuilding is appropriately located in communal amenity land around housing developments relation to the main dwelling; not adopted by the local authority and planning permission for the enclosure of such land into private (d) sufficient space to park vehicles for both parts of gardens will not usually be given. the dwelling in accordance with adopted standards, is available, and appropriately located 8.10 Residential Annexes in design terms, within the curtilage.

8.10.1 A significant number of planning applications are (III) Where planning permission is granted for a residential received seeking permission to extend properties by way of a annexe, planning conditions may be imposed or a legal self-contained annexe to accommodate elderly relatives, older agreement sought to ensure that the occupation of the children or staff. Such annexes can provide accommodation for annexe remains tied to the main dwelling. single people or small households and can assist in meeting East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 58 8.ENVIRONMENT AND DESIGN

8.11 Restrictions on the Conversion of Domestic Garages to softening the edges of development and screening roads. In Living Accommodation and Withdrawal of Permitted addition, they make a significant contribution towards a more Development Rights sustainable environment through, for example, the creation of shade, shelterbelts and the reduction of carbon dioxide in the 8.11.1 The District Council is of the opinion that there may be atmosphere. As a result, there is a strong case for adopting occasions when it is desirable, in the interests of amenity or measures that will secure the retention of trees, woodlands, appearance of developments, that control is retained over shrubs, and hedgerows and the promotion of new planting. subsequent changes to buildings or land which are otherwise Further information on the importance and need for protection permitted under a Development Order. This is particularly of Ancient Woodland and Veteran Trees can be found in relevant in housing development, where conversion of integral Hertfordshire’s Woodland Strategy produced by the County garages to habitable rooms may result in on-street parking. Council.

8.11.2 The Council is concerned that in many instances the 8.12.2 Legislation exists to protect trees, woodlands and conversion of domestic garages to ancillary living hedgerows where they are considered to be of amenity value and accommodation can result in a detrimental effect on the under threat. Other factors, such as importance as a wildlife immediate environment. This is because in certain cases the loss habitat, may be taken into account, although this alone would of off-street car parking provision and subsequent car parking not be sufficient to warrant a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). The on the highway or former front gardens can be prejudicial to District Council will take action to secure the retention of these highway safety and injurious to amenity, especially if allowed to natural features where necessary. The District Council will make proliferate. The imposition of maximum rather than minimum TPO’s in the interests of amenity where trees and woodland are parking standards, supported by the Government in PPG13, identified as being under threat from new developments or other means that the retention of car parking spaces in residential reasons. The removal, lopping, topping, or other work on areas assumes increased importance. protected trees, or those in Conservation Areas, will have to be subject of an application to the District Council. 8.11.3 The District Council, therefore, considers that in certain circumstances it will be appropriate to apply conditions to 8.12.3 Whilst it is important to retain existing trees and planning permissions to control the future use of domestic woodlands, the planting of further trees would greatly enhance garages. the landscape of the District. Further tree and woodland planting will therefore be encouraged. Indeed the Council carries out tree 8.11.4 Policy ENV9 relates to the conversion of garages to and woodland planting throughout the District on publicly owned ancillary living accommodation and where independent living land. accommodation is proposed, reference should also be made to Policy ENV8 ‘Residential Annexes’. ENV10 Planting New Trees

8.11.5 However, there may be examples on other types of Where appropriate the District Council will promote, encourage, development, such as loss of amenity space to car parking on and carry out new planting of native broad-leaved species in employment sites, where the Council may wish to retain control association with the County, Parish and Town Councils, over the appearance of the site and where withdrawal of developers and other tree planting or countryside agencies with permitted development rights may be appropriate. emphasis on strengthening landscape character and improving landscape condition. ENV9 Withdrawal of Domestic Permitted Development Rights 8.12.4 Tree planting may not always be of benefit where it impoverishes or destroys an existing and valued type of habitat. (I) The District Council may, as appropriate, impose The Hertfordshire Biological Records Centre will have an conditions preventing the later conversion of domestic important consultative role here. garages into additional habitable rooms, unless adequate compensatory parking provision is made 8.12.5 Hedgerows and woodlands provide important habitats within the site, that does not detract from the amenity for wildlife. In June 1997 the Hedgerows Regulations (SI No of surrounding environment. 1160) came into force. All proposals for hedgerows will be considered in accordance with these Regulations. (II) The District Council may impose conditions on planning permissions in appropriate cases, withdrawing specific 8.12.6 The intention of the Regulations is to protect important classes of ‘permitted development’, which would countryside hedgerows, through a system of notification otherwise exist under a Development Order, thereby administered by local planning authorities. East Hertfordshire requiring an application for planning permission for has a complex pattern of hedgerows. Some of the most any such proposed development. significant of these are alongside highways, which define ancient Parish or farm boundaries. Ironically, it is these that have often 8.12 Trees, Woodlands, and Hedgerows been lost as a result of local highway authority improvement initiatives. 8.12.1 Trees, woodlands, and hedgerows are important for biodiversity and also play an important role in the character of the District’s environment by contributing to landscape quality,

59 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 8.ENVIRONMENT AND DESIGN

8.12.7 Many hedgerows have also been lost from the 8.13.5 Sites of international importance within the District countryside for reasons of farm economics. Through the comprise a Special Protection Area (SPA) and a Wetland of Countryside Management Service a co-operative approach with International Importance (Ramsar Site) in the Lee Valley (Rye farmers and other private landowners will be continued, working Meads and Amwell Quarry) and a Special Area of Conservation within the legislation to ensure the protection of existing, and (SAC) at Wormley-Hoddesdonpark Woods. replanting of new hedgerows. Hedgerows and woodlands provide important habitats for wildlife. ENV12 Special Area of Conservation/Special Protection Area/Ramsar Site 8.12.8 New hedgerow planting should use local indigenous species to create a diverse habitat that reflects the character of (I) Proposals for development or land use which may the area and enhances the local environment. affect a designated or candidate Special Area of Conservation, a classified or potential Special ENV11 Protection of Existing Hedgerows and Trees Protection Area or a Ramsar Site will be subject to the most rigorous examination. Development or land use (I) In its consideration of all development proposals, change not directly connected with, or necessary to, the including new road or road improvement or management of the site for nature conservation, and maintenance works, the District Council will endeavour which is likely to have significant effects on the site to ensure maximum retention of existing hedgerows (either individually or in combination with other plans and trees and their reinforcement by new planting of or projects), and where it cannot be ascertained that native broad-leaved species. the proposals would not adversely affect the integrity of the site, will not be permitted unless the District (II) Where hedge and tree removal is unavoidable, Council is satisfied that: replacement planting of broad-leaved species along an appropriate and natural line of the new, or realigned, (a) there is no alternative solution; and highway will be expected. (b) there are imperative reasons of overriding public 8.13 Nature Conservation interest for the development or land use change.

8.13.1 It is for the District Council in partnership with Natural (II) Where the site concerned hosts a priority natural England, the Hertfordshire Biological Records Centre (HBRC), habitat type and/or a priority species, development or other councils, statutory and voluntary bodies, and any other land use change will not be permitted unless the groups or individuals interested in conservation, to protect the District Council is satisfied that it is necessary for substantial areas of natural habitat that still remain in East reasons of human health or public safety or for Hertfordshire. With land coming out of intensive agricultural beneficial consequences of primary importance for production and a greater public awareness and priority to nature conservation. protect the environment, there may be opportunities to reverse the past trend. 8.13.6 The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 and PPS9 highlight that any development under permitted 8.13.2 To assist this process the most important areas, which development rights comes under the control of local authorities retain much of their nature conservation value, are identified in where there is likely to be a significant effect on Special Areas of the Local Plan. These include sites of international, national, and Conservation, Special Protection Areas, and Ramsar Sites. Advice local importance. should be sought from Natural England prior to the submission of a planning application for any proposals that may potentially 8.13.3 PPS9 sets out the Government’s objectives for affect International or National Sites. conserving nature. It provides the framework for safeguarding our natural heritage under domestic and international law, and 8.13.7 Nationally important sites within the District are emphasizes the importance of both designated and classified as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s) and undesignated areas for nature conservation. An explanation of notified to the District Council by Natural England. SSSI's are nature conservation terms is contained in Appendix IV (Glossary). designated for a variety of ecological, geological or geomorphological reasons. All international sites are also 8.13.4 Planning policies to be applied to nature conservation SSSI's. sites should be included in the Local Plan, indicating the criteria against which development affecting a site will be judged. In addition, the Proposals Map should identify areas to which these policies apply, including sites of local conservation importance. The advice states that local plans should identify relevant international, national and local conservation interests. The most important areas that retain much of their nature conservation interest are shown on the Proposals Map. It should be noted that the sites identified on the Proposals Map are correct at the time of publication of the Local Plan, but are liable to additions and deletions as a result of subsequent reviews.

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ENV13 Development and SSSI’s 8.13.12 The Council recognises that development outside nature conservation sites can have an adverse effect upon them. (I) Proposals for development in, or likely to affect, Sites of Policy ENV15 (II), therefore, applies the same considerations to Special Scientific Interest will be subject to special proposals outside designated areas, which may have an adverse scrutiny. Where such development may have an effect, directly or indirectly on nature conservation sites. adverse effect, directly or indirectly, on the SSSI it will not be permitted unless the reasons for the ENV15 Nature Conservation Area Management development clearly outweigh the nature conservation Agreements value of the site itself and the national policy to safeguard the national network of such sites. (I) Within any of the Nature Conservation Areas referred to in Policies ENV12, ENV13, and ENV14 above, which are (II) Where the site concerned is a National Nature Reserve considered to be at risk, the District Council may, in (NNR), or a site identified under the Nature certain appropriate cases enter into a management Conservation Review (NCR) or Geological Conservation agreement under Section 39 of the Wildlife and Review (GCR), particular regard will be paid to the Countryside Act 1981, or apply for Article 4 Direction individual site’s national importance. Orders, as a means of controlling inappropriate types of permitted development or other activities which (III) Where development is permitted the District Council threaten the conservation interest of a site. will impose conditions or use planning obligations (or as subsequently revised), to ensure the protection and (II) Proposals for development or land use change outside enhancement of the site’s nature conservation interest. any of the Nature Conservation Areas referred to in Policies ENV12, ENV13, and ENV14, which may have an 8.13.8 Wildlife Sites are of local and regional importance and adverse effect directly or indirectly on such area will be are identified by the Wildlife Sites Project. The main partners in subject to the same considerations as proposals within the project are the Hertfordshire Natural England Nature. the designated areas.

8.13.9 Wildlife Sites are defined as discrete areas of land ENV16 Protected Species considered to be of significance for their wildlife features in at least a District context. They are the most important places for (I) Development and other land use changes which may wildlife outside legally protected land such as SSSI's. There are have an adverse effect on badgers and other species approximately 500 sites of local or regional significance in East protected by Schedules 1, 5, and 8 of the Wildlife and Hertfordshire. Countryside Act 1981, as amended, and the Nature Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 8.13.10 Whilst Wildlife Sites are designated for the flora and will only be permitted where harm to the species can be fauna located within them, sites containing important geological avoided. or geomorphological features are designated as Regionally Important Geological/Geomorphological Sites (RIGS). Currently (II) Where in exceptional cases permission is granted there are no RIGS located in the District. contrary to the above, the District Council will impose conditions and planning obligations (or as 8.13.11 Local Nature Reserves (LNR's) are areas designated by subsequently revised) which seek to: local authorities because of their wildlife or geological features that are of special interest locally. There is one LNR in the (a) facilitate the survival of existing populations of District at Waterford Heath. species as well as encouraging the provision of new habitats; ENV14 Local Sites (b) reduce disturbance to a minimum; (I) Development and land use change likely to have an adverse effect on a Local Nature Reserve or Wildlife (c) provide adequate alternative habitats to sustain Site, or a Regionally Important at least the current levels of populations. Geological/Geomorphological Site, will not be permitted unless it can be clearly demonstrated that 8.13.13 The District Council is cognisant of its duty to have there are reasons for the proposal, which outweigh the regard to the desirability of conserving the natural beauty and need to safeguard the substantive nature conservation amenity of the countryside, as outlined in PPS9, Regulation 37 of value of the site or feature. the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 and other legislation. It is important that this is not confined to the (II) In all cases where development or land use change is designated areas, but is applied throughout the District, in permitted, which would damage the nature promoting nature conservation in both urban and rural areas. conservation value of the site or feature, such damage There are a number of ways in which the Council, in partnership will be kept to a minimum. Where appropriate the with other authorities and organisations can promote nature District Council will consider the use of conditions conservation, and improve the physical environment, recognising and/or planning obligations (or as subsequently that there are associated community and educational benefits as revised) to provide appropriate mitigatory and/or well as the intrinsic value of a rich natural environment. compensatory measures. 61 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 8.ENVIRONMENT AND DESIGN

8.13.14 A partnership of the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust 8.14 Water Environment and the Hertfordshire Environmental Forum, with support from Natural England and the Environment Agency, launched a 50 8.14.1 The water environment encompasses the District’s year vision for Hertfordshire’s wildlife and natural habitats in rivers, streams, ponds, and other water areas, as well as surface 1997. This was subsequently revised in March 2006 has been water and underground reserves. adopted as the Hertfordshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP). The LBAP details actions and targets to preserve 8.14.2 In addition to being a valuable natural resource, water important species and habitats. The Council has formally is important for many other reasons. The District’s waterways adopted the LBAP and through the work of the Hertfordshire provide opportunities for recreation and transport, and are also Environmental Forum is working towards achieving those actions important wildlife habitats. It is important to ensure that these and targets. The conservation of the natural beauty and amenity uses do not conflict. To minimise this potential conflict, the of the District is not solely confined to those areas designated in Environment Agency is committed to a programme of Local Policies ENV12, ENV13 and ENV14. Nature conservation should Environmental Agency Plans (LEAP's). LEAP's are non-statutory be promoted in both urban and rural areas. Policy ENV17 plans, based on river catchment boundaries, which identify local identifies a number of ways in which the District Council can environmental issues and the actions that the Agency and promote nature conservation. partner organisations may take to tackle these issues. LEAP's replace the Catchment Management Plans (CMP’s) that were ENV17 Wildlife Habitats produced by the former National Rivers Authority. LEAP's build on the success of CMP's by incorporating the Agency’s wider range The District Council will: of responsibilities, including waste regulation and integrated pollution prevention and control. East Hertfordshire is covered by (a) support the work of the Hertfordshire the Upper Lee LEAP. The Plan was published in January 2001 Environmental Forum in achieving the actions and replaces the Upper Lee and Middle Lee CMP's. and targets contained within the Hertfordshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan; 8.14.3 There are a number of rivers and their tributaries flowing through the District. These waterways provide the green (b) work with landowners and other agencies to corridors, which contribute to the physical character of the encourage the management of features of the District. Their importance will be underlined by the emerging landscape which are of major importance for work on landscape character assessment, as outlined in Chapter wildlife, particularly those of a linear or 4 (Green Belt and Countryside). Historically the rivers have been continuous structure, and those which function important in the settlement pattern of East Hertfordshire. The as 'stepping stones' enabling individuals, species, main towns in the District were originally established as river and ecosystems to migrate, spread, and mix.' crossing points. The green corridors provide opportunities for access from the town into the countryside. (c) seek to realise opportunities for habitat creation as part of appropriate development schemes in ENV18 Water Environment land reclamation schemes, public open spaces, and on other land held by the local authority; (I) Development or change of use of land will be required to preserve and enhance the water environment in one (d) actively pursue the designation of Local Nature or more of the following ways: Reserves; (a) improvements in surface water quality and the (e) seek, in the river valleys, to ensure that river and ecological value of watercourses and their transport network improvements and other public margins; utility maintenance schemes are appropriately designed and effected. Support will be given to (b) deculverting and naturalisation of the river schemes encouraging the restoration of traditional channel; agricultural land use patterns; (c) promotion of nature conservation centred on (f) promote nature conservation in urban areas by water habitats; encouraging appropriate management of recreational, amenity, and disused land, and where possible (d) river corridor landscape enhancements and; providing nature trails and other interpretative and environmental education facilities; (e) sustainable improvements in public access and leisure use of water features. (g) seek improvements to nature conservation wherever Continued... possible as development is granted and if necessary enter into relevant legal agreements.

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(II) With regard to watercourses, development of the not exceed the capacity of watercourses, flood plains, and following types will only be acceptable if there is no washlands downstream. Raising of development through physical harm caused to the water environment: culverting, means (i.e. stilts) will not normally be accepted as a means of diversion, artificial reinforcement of beds/banks using over-coming objections on flooding grounds. In consideration of ‘hard’ materials, buildings and hard surfaces in close development proposals, the District Council will have regard to proximity (within 10 metres). PPS25 and take into account the recommendations of the Environment Agency, Thames Water Utilities Ltd and British (III) Such developments in close proximity to watercourses Waterways on all matters of flood defence and where will also normally be expected to retain or (re) establish appropriate, surface water drainage. open river corridors on one or both sides of river channels, with appropriate retention/planting of ENV19 Development in Areas Liable to Flood indigenous species. (I) Proposals for development, including raising of land, in 8.15 Developments in Areas Liable to Flood the flood plains and washlands will not be permitted if they would: 8.15.1 The susceptibility of land to flooding is a material planning consideration. The Council will resist any development (a) materially impede the flow of flood water; which has potential to contribute to flood risk and has an adverse impact on river channel stability or damage to wildlife (b) increase the risk of flooding elsewhere; habitats. The Council will apply the precautionary principle to the issue of flood risk. (c) reduce the capacity of floodplains/washlands; or

8.15.2 Applications likely to require particular consideration of (d) increase the risk to people or property from flood risk issues, in the form of a Flood Risk Assessment, include flooding. those developments: (II) Applicants will be required to submit a Flood Risk (a) within or adjacent to any watercourses, particularly Assessment in conjunction with their planning where there may be potential for flash flooding, as application where the Council deems this necessary. identified by the Environment Agency’s Flood Zone Standing Advice; 8.16 Water Conservation and Protection

(b) adjacent to, or including any flood bank or other flood 8.16.1 The waterways and groundwater of East Hertfordshire control structure; are an essential resource for a number of purposes: component of the local environment and ecology; vital economic resource (c) situated in an area where the Environment Agency has for industry and agriculture; as a medium for disposing of waste; indicated that there may be drainage problems; for human consumption; and for other domestic needs.

(d) likely to involve the culverting or diversion of any 8.16.2 The key areas for sustainability are: watercourse; (i) to direct development away from areas where water (e) of such a size or nature to the receiving supply is more difficult to achieve; watercourses/drainage system that there could be a significant increase in surface water runoff from the (ii) reduce water consumption where possible; area, including the cumulative effect of smaller development; (iii) to ensure adequate water resources are available to meet consumers' needs and of navigation authorities; (f) which, due to a change of use or otherwise would increase the number of people at risk of flooding. (iv) to manage and meet the demand for water from households, agriculture, and industry; 8.15.3 Flood plains are those areas of low-lying land alongside watercourses that are liable to flooding. Washlands may well be (v) to ensure that the supply of drinking water is of more extensive areas designed and maintained to store water in sufficient quality; times of exceptional flooding. The Environment Agency advises planning authorities on development and flood risk and has (vi) to sustain or restore flows and groundwater streams, prepared maps showing areas at risk from flooding. These maps rivers, and wetland environments; may be viewed online on the Environment Agency’s website (http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk) and also at the District (vii) to manage the inevitable discharges of waste water; Council Offices, Wallfields, Hertford. (viii) to control, as far as possible, pollution from diffuse 8.15.4 The Council wishes to ensure that the effectiveness of sources; and flood plains and washlands is not impaired by development; that development and its occupiers are not at risk from flooding; and (ix) to enable the recreational use of water in harmony with that additional surface water run-off from new development does these other concerns. 63 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 8.ENVIRONMENT AND DESIGN

8.16.3 The District Council will, wherever possible and when by restricting recharge, diverting flow, and potential sewage relevant, assist in ensuring the above aims are achieved. contamination. Future Resources and Management 8.16.9 Groundwater is not only protected to maintain water supplies from aquifers. It also naturally feeds surface water 8.16.4 Recent years of drought in the south-east have shown through springs and by base flows to rivers. Its presence is often the uncomfortably narrow margins between developed resources important in supporting wetlands and ecosystems. The District and demand. Major new supply infrastructure is not only Council recognises these important links between groundwater expensive financially but can have significant environmental and surface water. consequences. In Hertfordshire, where water abstraction predominates, further abstraction in many areas could cause the 8.16.10 The Government recognises the impact land-use already low flow rates in many rivers to fall further. This would planning can have on groundwater and considers it a relevant have serious consequences on local ecosystems, many of which and important environmental objective. have already been damaged. The District Council is of the opinion that new infrastructure should be provided only as a last 8.16.11 The District Council will apply Policy ENV20 in full resort, and that instead efforts should be concentrated on water consultation with the Environment Agency. conservation. ENV20 Groundwater Protection Water Conservation Development which may cause the contamination of, or 8.16.5 The District Council acknowledges that the efficient otherwise prejudice, groundwater will not be permitted. use of water and effective water conservation measures will Development proposals in areas of known groundwater greatly depend on the support and participation of the end importance will be required to submit a detailed assessment of users. However, the District Council can assist users in making the impact the development proposals will have on groundwater changes to their lifestyles, particularly in new buildings. resource, including measures to mitigate any potential threat to Sustainability Statements submitted with planning applications the groundwater. will be required to detail how water conservation measures have been incorporated into developments. The Council will expect Sustainable Surface Water Drainage considerable attention to have been paid to this important area of sustainability. 8.16.12 The Environment Agency is placing increasing importance on assessing how new developments propose to deal Water Protection with surface water. The Agency aims, through Best Management Practices, to: 8.16.6 The District Council considers that protecting the water resource is equally as important as conserving the use of water. ● slow the speed of run-off to allow settlement, filtering, Contamination of water can have dramatic effects on the quality and infiltration; of drinking water and on local ecosystems. ● reduce the quantity of run-off discharged directly to Groundwater Protection the watercourse/s without storage;

8.16.7 A key concern in East Hertfordshire, as elsewhere in the ● provide natural ways of treating collected surface water south-east, is the protection of groundwater, because most before it is either discharged to a watercourse or drinking water is provided by water abstraction. The Environment infiltrated into land. Agency document ‘Policy and Practice for the Protection of Groundwater’ (1998) aims to provide a comprehensive 8.16.13 The successful application of these measures outlined framework to preserve this vital resource. The District Council in 8.16.12 above will help to: reduce the potential of new will refer to this document where applicable to enable development to cause flooding (both local and downstream); development decisions to be taken in such a way as to minimise reduce the concentration of pollutants entering watercourses; the possible threat to groundwater quality in the future. Where a increase the potential to recharge groundwater; and offer the development proposal may affect groundwater, particularly in opportunity for the creation of sites of water storage which could Groundwater Protection Zones then the District Council will enhance the local environment. always formally consult the Environment Agency for advice. Details of the Groundwater Protection Zones are available on the 8.16.14 It is not always possible to infiltrate surface water into Environment Agency website (http://www.environment- land. The appropriateness of such approaches are site specific agency.gov.uk). and are dependent on the nature of the soil, former uses of the site and the quality and potential uses of the groundwater below 8.16.8 The threats to groundwater are mainly from the the site. disposal of waste and the widespread use of chemicals by industry and agriculture, although the impact of contaminated 8.16.15 Developers are advised to contact the Environment land and petrol stations also pose a threat. However, planning Agency for advice on levels of storage that would be expected. related issues such as mineral extraction and changes in land use can also affect future availability of groundwater resources

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8.16.16 Examples of Best Management Practice techniques can be disturbing to neighbours, and streetlights especially include grass swales and filter strips; infiltration basins, trenches produce a sky-glow at night which reduces the ability of or other infiltration devices; detention ponds; retention ponds; astronomers to properly observe the night sky. wetlands; and porous surfaces. The Environment Agency will be able to offer further advice on these techniques. 8.17.3 Wildlife can be affected by artificial light, for example birds use the moon as a directional reference, but on moonless ENV21 Surface Water Drainage nights they are attracted to tall light sources instead. Nocturnal mammals like bats, badgers, and otters are confused by bright (I) Where appropriate and relevant, all development lights, and could be dissuaded from using favoured feeding proposals will be expected to take into consideration grounds if they are artificially lit. Best Management Practices to surface water drainage, as advocated by the Environment Agency. Where 8.17.4 Light pollution is a particular problem in the applicable, planning obligations (or as subsequently countryside where dark night skies are one of the qualities of the revised) may be sought to ensure the on-going rural landscape. Security lighting of industrial and commercial maintenance of such practices, including off-site premises or floodlighting of sports pitches can cause problems in provision. all areas, but is generally detrimental to the character of dark rural landscapes. (II) Proposals that do not take sufficient account of such techniques and/or are detrimental to the effectiveness 8.17.5 Lighting cannot be controlled by planning legislation, of existing schemes based on such techniques, will be but much of it which could cause pollution problems is refused. associated with new development, which requires planning permission. The District Council will, therefore, seek to minimise Reservoirs for Agricultural Purposes light pollution by ensuring that details of any external lighting scheme, required as part of any new development, are submitted 8.16.17 The District Council supports proposals for on-farm as part of the planning application. In determining applications, reservoirs that store surplus winter water thus reducing demand the District Council will use the guidance contained in the for water in the drier summer months. Advice from the Institution of Lighting Engineers ‘Guidance Notes for the Environment Agency and other relevant bodies will be sought. Reduction of Light Pollution (2000)’. Where opportunities arise, reduction in light pollution caused by existing schemes will be 8.16.18 It should be noted that permitted development rights sought. extend to ‘reasonably necessary’ structures and excavations for the purposes of agriculture, which could include reservoirs for ENV23 Light Pollution and Floodlighting irrigational purposes. For clarification of permitted development rights please seek the advice of the District Council. (I) In order to minimise light pollution, planning applications for external lighting schemes, including ENV22 On-Farm Reservoirs floodlighting, will only be approved where it can be demonstrated that: The District Council will permit proposals to store excess winter water in on-farm reservoirs, subject to the following: (a) the scheme proposed is the minimum needed for security and/or operational purposes; (a) A robust agricultural justification is provided; (b) it minimises the potential pollution from glare or (b) There are no significant adverse environmental light spillage; consequences; (c) it minimises impact on residential amenity; (c) The siting, design, and landscaping of the reservoir is appropriate; (d) it minimises impact on the character or openness of the Green Belt or the Rural Area Beyond the (d) The reservoir raises no significant safety issues. Green Belt or on dark rural landscapes; 8.17 Light Pollution And Floodlighting (e) it would not adversely affect ecological interest;

8.17.1 Artificial light is desirable in certain circumstances for (f) there would be no dazzling or distraction of security reasons, pedestrian and traffic safety, recreation, and for motorists or cyclists using nearby roads, or other enhancing historic buildings, but poor or insensitive design, or adjoining users or uses. installation, of lighting schemes can result in light pollution. Light spillage is also a waste of energy. (II) In considering proposals for lighting schemes, the District Council will give consideration to the aesthetic 8.17.2 Light can affect humans and wildlife in detrimental affect of the light produced and any supporting ways. Glare can be produced by lights against a dark structures, and any hours of use which may be enabled background which can prove annoying to people. Light trespass by the lighting scheme.

65 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 8.ENVIRONMENT AND DESIGN

8.18 Noise (b) the proximity of existing or programmed noise generation developments; 8.18.1 The impact of noise on the environment can be detrimental to the quality of life. Noise can also affect the (c) the degree to which the layout and design of the tranquillity of an area, recognised to be an aspect of its proposals provides protection against noise. landscape character. There is, therefore, a need to control the introduction of noise sources into the environment, and also to 8.19 Hazardous Installations ensure that new noise-sensitive developments are located away from existing sources of significant noise. 8.19.1 PPS23 has general relevance for the location and planning control of premises handling or storing hazardous 8.18.2 Although the effect of noise on individuals and substances. It advises that development plans are an important communities varies and is largely a subjective matter, the District vehicle for promoting environmental protection, through Council accepts current Government advice as set out in PPG24. integrated land-use policies. They can ensure through policies and proposals that incompatible land uses are separated in order 8.18.3 The increasing levels of air traffic have overall to avoid conflict. implications for the environment. The proximity of Luton Airport and more particularly Stansted Airport, to the District has a 8.19.2 The Planning (Hazardous Substances) Act 1990 specific impact on East Hertfordshire, which needs to be taken controls the presence of hazardous substances. These cannot be into account when development proposals are considered. kept or used in greater than specified amounts until the risk of an accident and its consequences for people in the vicinity have 8.18.4 The Council recognises that due to a host of technical been assessed. variables, noise contour lines will change over time, and that it is in the interests of all concerned to apply the latest and most 8.19.3 In considering applications for use or storage of relevant data. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) prepares, hazardous substances, the Council will seek advice from the updates, and publishes such noise contour maps, and the Council Environment Agency and the Health & Safety Executive, as to the will take the appropriate latest information into account, when level of potential risk, and similarly where new developments are considering relevant proposals. The Council will also continue to proposed in the vicinity of an existing hazardous installation, the actively participate in the review of Stansted Airport’s Council will take advice from the Environment Agency and the development, with a view to minimising the effects of air traffic Health & Safety Executive about risk to people at the proposed noise. development from the notified installation. ENV24 Noise Generating Development 8.19.4 Whilst new hazardous installations are most likely to be suitably located on existing employment areas, the Council would (I) The District Council will expect noise generating prefer a criteria based approach to their location rather than a development to be designed and operated in such a site specific one. way that minimises the impact of noise nuisance on the environment. ENV26 Hazardous Substances

(II) In considering proposals, the following will be taken (I) Permission for development involving the storage, use, into account: or transfer of hazardous substances, as defined in the Planning (Hazardous Substances) Act 1990, will only be (a) the proximity of existing or proposed noise granted if it would cause no extra risk to the public or sensitive developments; to the natural environment, and would not prejudice the use or development of other land. (b) the proximity of nature conservation sites; (II) Development in the vicinity of a site known to be used (c) the cumulative impact of noisy development; for the storage, use, or transfer of hazardous substances will not be granted permission if there (d) the time and nature of the noise; would be an unacceptable risk to the life or health of its users. (e) the nature of the surrounding area. (III) The Precautionary Principle will be applied as set out in ENV25 Noise Sensitive Development paragraphs 2.5.1 to 2.5.3.

Noise sensitive development (including homes schools and hospitals) should not be exposed to noise nuisance from existing noise generating sources, or programmed developments such as new roads. In considering proposals for noise sensitive developments the District Council will take into consideration:

(a) the noise exposure categories set out in PPG24;

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8.20 Air Quality 8.21.2 PPG8 emphasises that modern telecommunications are an essential and beneficial element in the life of the community 8.20.1 The Environment Act 1995 places a duty on local and the development of the economy. They enable people to authorities to review and assess air quality in their districts. work, shop, gain access to information and services, and be Those areas which are expected to exceed national guidelines in entertained without leaving their homes. In this way, modern the year 2005 will be deemed Air Quality Management Areas telecommunications can also benefit the environment by (AQMA’s) and it is the statutory responsibility of the District reducing the need to travel and thereby reducing vehicle Council to devise a strategy to reduce pollution concentrations emissions. accordingly. The third stage of the review process has been completed and has identified exceedences for pollutants N02 8.21.3 PPG8 advises that local planning authorities should (Nitrogen Dioxide) and PM10 (fine particles of less than 10 respond positively to proposals for telecommunications microns in size). Currently further and detailed investigations development, whilst at the same time taking account of the need are being carried out to determine whether one or more AQMA’s to protect the environment of urban and rural areas. This should be declared. requires a balance to be struck between the wider benefits of telecommunications development and the potential harm it can 8.20.2 Air Quality is an issue of sustainability and its cause to visual amenity. improvement is a key element in the reduction of health risks from environmental pollution and hazards. The Council will 8.21.4 In November 2002 the ODPM published a ‘Code of Best consider the impact of proposed development on air quality and Practice on Mobile Phone Network Development’. The code will liaise with pollution control authorities (the local requires local planning authorities, telephone operators and local Environmental Health Authority or Environment Agency). Should people to work together to find the best sites and designs for any Air Quality Management Areas be designated, development masts. within such areas must have regard to guidelines laid down for maintenance or improvement in those areas. Where 8.21.5 In recent years, there has been growing concern about development proposals are likely to involve emissions into the air, the health implications of mobile telephones and their the Council may require the submission of appropriate details to associated masts and base stations. In 1999, the Government set enable a full judgement of the impact of the development to be up the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones. This group made. considered concerns about health effects from the use of mobile phones, base stations and transmitters. The Group published its ENV27 Air Quality report on 11 May 2002 and all new mobile phone base stations are now expected to meet the guidelines published by the (I) The Council will have regard to the potential effects of International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection a development on local air quality when determining (ICNIRP). planning applications. Consideration will be given to the impact caused by both the operational 8.21.6 All telecommunications development is subject to characteristics of the development (industrial, development control, although it is acknowledged that relatively commercial, and domestic) and the traffic generated by minor development does not require express permission as it is it, and development which will significantly increase air granted planning permission under the Town and Country pollution will not be permitted. Where development Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995, as proposals are likely to involve emissions into the air, amended, (GPDO). submission of appropriate details will be required to enable a full judgement of the impact of the 8.21.7 Before installing certain telecommunications apparatus development to be made. under permitted development rights, a code system operator must apply to the District Council for a determination as to (II) Any development within designated Air Quality whether their approval of the siting and appearance of the Management Areas must have regard to the strategy development is required. Guidance on the operation of the prior for reduction of pollutants in such areas and to approval procedure is given in PPG8, Annex 1. In circumstances guidelines for ensuring air quality is thereafter where the exercise of permitted development rights may have a maintained at acceptable levels as set out in the serious impact on amenity, the District Council may serve a national air quality strategy. direction under Article 4 of the Order.

8.21 Telecommunications 8.21.8 Where development requires an application for planning permission the following policy will apply. This policy 8.21.1 The provision of telecommunications services is aims to guide the siting and design of telecommunications governed by the Telecommunications Act 1984, as amended by equipment. Details on the siting of satellite television antennas the Communications Act 2003. The Government’s policy on can be found in ‘A Householder’s Planning Guide for the planning for telecommunications development is set out in Installation of Satellite Television Dishes’, published by the PPG8. The Government’s general policy is to facilitate the growth Government and available from the District Council Offices, of efficient and effective telecommunication systems whilst Wallfields, Hertford. keeping the environmental impact of such development to a minimum.

67 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 8.ENVIRONMENT AND DESIGN

8.21.9 Operators will be expected to pursue opportunities to unsympathetic advertisements. Within the rural parts of the share sites or apparatus where possible to avoid proliferation. District advertisements can be particularly intrusive, and Early consultation between telecommunications operators and freestanding signs will be discouraged. the District Council is encouraged. ENV29 Advertisements Outside Conservation Areas ENV28 Telecommunications In its consideration of proposals for the display of new, or the Proposals for telecommunications development will be retention of existing advertisements outside Conservation Areas considered against the following criteria: the District Council will seek to discourage the display of signs which would be out of keeping with the style, scale, or character (I) For mobile phone masts, base stations, and of a building or its surroundings; detrimental to amenity of transmitters: safety, by reason of general design, size, colour, position of sign, type or degree of illumination. (a) For new freestanding masts, the applicant must be able to demonstrate that there are technical reasons and/or environmental/visual reasons that prevent the installation of the apparatus on existing masts, buildings, or other structures;

(b) New freestanding masts must have sufficient spare capacity to allow mast sharing, subject to any technical or environmental constraints;

(II) For all telecommunications development, including mobile phone installations, domestic satellite equipment and radio masts:

(a) The development must not be unduly intrusive in the street scene or skyline nor unacceptably impact on the historic, heritage, landscape or nature conservation interests of designated areas.

(b) If erected on a building, it must not be out of keeping with the building, in terms of siting, scale, size, profile, and colour, so as to harm the appearance of the building;

(c) Adequate and safe vehicular access to the site must be provided. It is not appropriate to use a footpath or bridleway for vehicular access.

(III) In the case of proposals for mobile phone base stations, applicants should submit statements demonstrating that the proposed development meets the ICNIRP guidelines for public exposure.

(IV) Where permission is granted for telecommunications development, conditions may be imposed to ensure that any equipment is removed if it becomes redundant, and to require landscaping where appropriate to minimise visual impact. 8.22 Advertisements Outside Conservation Areas

8.22.1 Consent for display of advertisements within Conservation Areas, will be considered against Policy BH15 in Chapter 9 (Built Heritage).

8.22.2 Outside Conservation Areas, the District Council is anxious to ensure that the identity and character of the District, and of individual buildings, is not prejudiced by indiscriminate or

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9.1 Introduction areas, for example through the provision and administration of an Historic Building Grants Service; 9.1.1 East Hertfordshire is fortunate in being in possession and of an extremely rich heritage in terms of its man-made environment, having individual buildings, townscapes and 5. To identify and preserve archaeological remains of villages of historic and architectural importance. Together with national and local importance. Scheduled Monuments, archaeological sites, historic parks and gardens, man-made waterways, and the natural landscape, these 9.2 Sustainability and the Historic Environment elements contribute significantly to the special character of the District and thus are worthy of preservation. 9.2.1 For conservation of the historic environment, the language and concepts raised in the sustainability debate have 9.1.2 Strategic objectives and constraints on conservation much resonance. Older buildings generally have made better use are set out in the Planning Policy Guidance Notes and the of the energy and resources used in their construction, and Hertfordshire County Structure Plan. This chapter of the Local reuse is usually more sustainable than demolition and Plan sets out the more detailed planning control policies with redevelopment. These issues are discussed more fully in Chapter respect to archaeology, Conservation Areas, listed buildings, and 2 (Sustainable Development). The pursuit of sustainability will historic parks and gardens. take account of, and make a major contribution to, the conservation of both the historic environment and the wider 9.1.3 In considering development proposals in East environment, for the ultimate benefit of society. Hertfordshire, special regard will be given to the conservation and enhancement of the District’s historic fabric, whilst taking 9.2.2 The following policies have been tested against the into account social needs, economic viability and vitality, the principles of sustainability, in ensuring that they contribute to maintenance of local distinctiveness and diversity, and the need the District Council’s objective of achieving the most sustainable for sustainable development. The aims and objectives relating to pattern of development currently practicable. these issues and policies are set out below: 9.3 Archaeology Aims 9.3.1 Archaeological remains form the oldest element of our A. To protect the character and local distinctiveness of built heritage and are often the only evidence of that part of our historic areas, man-made waterways, and buildings in history for which no written records exist. There are over 1200 both urban and rural settings; individual records of known archaeological sites and finds in the District, some of national or regional importance. B. To encourage development proposals to be consistent with preserving and/or enhancing the historic 9.3.2 This is reflected in the District’s 42 Scheduled environment fabric of the District; and Monuments, protected by law as sites of national importance. Around a further 300 sites are identified as ‘Areas of C. To take full account in the process of conservation of Archaeological Significance’ where there is particular evidence the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) to indicate that significant remains are likely to exist. Act 1990, PPG15, PPG16 and the Hertfordshire County Structure Plan Review 1991-2011. 9.3.3 The nature of archaeological evidence means that all areas of high potential may not have yet been identified. Objectives Important archaeological evidence may exist on any site, and thus may be at risk from proposed developments. The District 1. To implement policies for Conservation Areas which Council, in conjunction with the County Archaeologist and preserve and enhance their character or appearance, relevant bodies, is determined to identify and protect all through the exercise of control over development, important remains through the use of appropriate policies and demolition, and change of use; their implementation through the development control process.

2. To implement policies for listed buildings, which 9.3.4 PPG16 establishes how archaeological remains and preserve and enhance their character, condition, and interests should be taken into account by the planning system. settings, through the exercise of control over Part A points out that remains are a finite, non-renewable demolition, extension or alteration, development resource vulnerable to damage and destruction in the affecting their setting, and change of use; development process. Part B of PPG16 requires Local Plans to include policies for the protection, preservation and 3. To support and promote the preservation of the enhancement of archaeological sites. Paragraph 21 of PPG16 character of historic areas, through the publication of points out that where important archaeological remains are likely design and technical guidance notes and to exist, it is reasonable for the planning authority to request a development/design briefs; field evaluation be carried out prior to determining a planning application. 4. To take a pro-active role in preserving and enhancing historic features of listed buildings and conservation

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9.3.5 Not all surviving archaeological remains are of equal Conservation Area through the exercise of planning functions. importance and Policies BH1 and BH2 reflect this hierarchy. Policy BH1 contains a presumption against development that will 9.4.2 Conservation Areas vary widely in character, as the adversely affect a site containing archaeological remains of various elements interact in a complex way to create a unique national importance. Where locally important archaeology is “sense of place”. Elements such as the form and massing of deemed by way of an assessment to be rare in regional or local buildings, the spaces between them, street patterns, land use, terms, then the Council will decide whether to protect the site topography, and landscaping all have a role to play. Although not and its setting from development or to record the remains prior a statutory requirement, the District Council is producing a series to development, in accordance with the provisions of Policy BH2. of Character Statements for many of the District’s Conservation Areas. These Statements identify the significance of the various BH1 Archaeology & New Development elements as they contribute to the character of an area. As advised in PPG15 (para 4.15), it is the intention of the Council to Development will not be permitted where the Council considers define, protect and, where appropriate, enhance such features that it will adversely affect archaeological sites of national where they contribute to the character of the area. A importance, whether scheduled or unscheduled, and their Conservation Area design framework will be produced in order to setting. establish a high quality and consistent approach to the design of new buildings in Conservation Areas. This is especially important BH2 Archaeological Evaluations and Assessments where the settings of listed buildings are affected.

On sites where it is demonstrated that there are remains of 9.4.3 PPG15 reminds Local Planning Authorities that it is archaeological importance, whether of national or local their duty under Section 69(2) of the 1990 Act to undertake significance, the applicant will be expected to provide the results periodic reviews of their Conservation Areas to ensure that they of an archaeological evaluation and/or assessment prior to the are still of special interest. Where subsequent development has determination of an application. The evaluation and/or eroded that interest, then boundary revisions, or even assessment should seek to define: cancellation, may be appropriate. Designation of new, and boundary revisions of existing, Conservation Areas will be (a) the nature and condition of any archaeological remains pursued separately from the Local Plan making process, in within the application site; and accordance with PPG15 (para 2.9) advice.

(b) the likely impact of the proposed development on such 9.4.4 The District Council will give consideration to the features. designation of new Conservation Areas and the alteration of existing Conservation Area boundaries following appropriate On the basis of the results of the evaluation and/or the public consultation. assessment, the Council will consider the most appropriate means of mitigating the impact of the development on the 9.4.5 In order to maintain the high standard of special historic environment in order to achieve preservation in situ or, architectural or historic interest of Conservation Areas, the where this is not merited, the measures needed to secure the District Council will review designated boundaries and advance recording of any remains prior to development. proposals for their alteration where appropriate. BH3 Archaeological Conditions and Agreements 9.4.6 Conservation Area designation introduces control over the demolition of most buildings within Conservation Areas (I) Where development is permitted on sites containing (Section 74 of the 1990 Act). PPG15 (para 4.27) confirms the archaeological remains, any planning permission will be general presumption in favour of retaining buildings which make subject to conditions and/or formal agreements a positive contribution to the character or appearance of a requiring appropriate excavation and recording in Conservation Area. Proposals to demolish such buildings will be advance of development and the publication of the assessed against the same broad criteria as proposals to results. demolish listed buildings. Where it is agreed the building makes little or no such contribution, full details will be required of the (II) The enhancement of archaeological remains proposed future of the site with the aim of preserving or and their setting will be sought by way of a planning enhancing the Conservation Area. obligation in circumstances where such works are necessary and relevant to the development proposed. 9.4 Conservation Areas

9.4.1 In line with Section 71 of the 1990 Act, Conservation Area designation represents a commitment by the District Council to formulate and publish proposals for the preservation and enhancement of the character and appearance of areas of special architectural or historic interest. Section 72 of the 1990 Act requires that special attention be paid to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of a

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BH4 Demolition in Conservation Areas 9.4.9 In maintaining a high standard of environmental quality in Conservation Areas, the Council is committed to Proposals for the demolition of a structure in a Conservation ensuring that environmental improvement schemes are Area will be permitted where: implemented and are of sufficient standard, in both design and materials, to preserve or enhance the environment and street (a) the structure to be demolished makes no positive scene. The District Council will pursue environmental contribution to the character, appearance or setting of improvement schemes within Conservation Areas subject to the a Conservation Area and the proposed replacement use limit of available resources. Traffic calming measures are or structure preserves or enhances the Conservation supported in principle, but have the potential, particularly in rural Area; and areas, to inflict severe damage on the street scene, unless carefully designed and using appropriate materials. Other (b) where appropriate, detailed proposals for the site’s use installations that are visually detrimental to Conservation Areas or redevelopment have been granted planning in the absence of a careful approach to their design include permission. signage, overhead cables, and refuse bins.

9.4.7 While the preservation or enhancement of the BH7 Street Furniture and Traffic Calming in character or appearance of a Conservation Area is a major Conservation Areas consideration, this should not take the form of preventing new development. The emphasis is on the controlled and positive The District Council will endeavour to ensure that within the management of change in ensuring any new development requirements of current highway legislation and without accords with the area’s special architectural and historic interest. prejudice to the safety of the users of the highway: The following policies are intended to reflect this approach. (a) street furniture is kept to an appropriate level, carefully BH5 Extensions and Alterations to Unlisted Buildings in sited and designed; Conservation Areas (b) traffic calming schemes are carefully designed with Proposals to extend or alter an unlisted building in a close regard to the surrounding environment. Signage Conservation Area which require planning permission will be and road markings should be kept to a minimum and permitted where they are sympathetic in terms of scale, height, materials of construction be of an appropriate type, proportion, form, materials and siting in relation to the building quality, and colour. itself, adjacent buildings and the general character and appearance of the area. BH8 Statutory Undertakers Works in Conservation Areas

9.4.8 Many Conservation Areas possess sites and/or buildings In co-operation with statutory undertakers the District Council that make no positive contribution to, or even detract from, the will make special efforts to ensure that careful attention is paid area’s appearance or character. Redevelopment of such sites to the external design, siting, detailing, and (where appropriate) should provide the stimulus for high quality designs and those screening of service provision control structures and the placing proposals which positively enhance a Conservation Area will be or burying of cables. encouraged. 9.5 Listed Buildings BH6 New Developments in Conservation Areas 9.5.1 Listed buildings are those of special architectural or New developments in or adjacent to a Conservation Area will be historic interest the Secretary of State considers the character of permitted where: which it is desirable to preserve, or any object or structure within the curtilage of a listed building since before 1 July 1948. Listed (a) they are sympathetic in terms of scale, height, buildings form a nationally important and irreplaceable resource proportion, form, materials, and siting in relation to the in representing the best of the country’s historic and general character and appearance of the area or are architectural heritage. Government guidance and legislation otherwise of such quality as to be highly likely to regarding listed buildings are mainly contained in PPG15 and enhance the character and appearance of the area; the 1990 Act. Therein are established two important principles relating to their conservation: (b) those open spaces, trees, and other landscape features materially contributing to the character or appearance (1) there is a statutory requirement that Local Planning of the area are not affected to the significant Authorities should have special regard to the detriment of that area; desirability of preserving a listed building and its setting, or any special historic or architectural features (c) historically significant development features such as it may possess; and the street pattern, boundary walls, and street furniture are wherever possible retained; and (2) there is an emphasis on their active use, particularly economic use, as the best way of securing their upkeep (d) important views within, into, and out of the and future. Conservation Area or its setting are respected.

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9.5.2 Policies relating to listed buildings will therefore (b) where appropriate, a suitable programme be demonstrate the Council’s commitment, in the light of the arranged to record those features of historic detailed advice given in PPG15 and duties under the 1990 Act, interest that would be lost in the course of the to paying special regard to the desirability of preserving the demolition works. character of such buildings and their settings, their historic and archaeological value, as well as to their sympathetic maintenance 9.5.4 The fabric of listed buildings is often of significant and repair. Where features of historic interest are to be lost historic and technical interest. In considering applications for through alteration or demolition, provision should be made for listed building consent, the District Council will seek to ensure the adequate recording of such features. Control will be that the loss or damage to historic fabric is minimised in the exercised over: execution of the works permitted. Listed buildings are also often a refuge for protected species such as bats, barn owls etc (see ● demolition; section 8.13). Their presence will also be a consideration in the determination of such applications. The District Council’s ● extension or alteration; Guidance Notes offer detailed advice on the preservation and/or recording of historic details, materials and techniques, as well as ● change of use; and sympathetic repair methods.

● development affecting their setting. BH10 Extensions or Alterations to a Listed Building

Supplementary Guidance has been published by the Council in Development involving proposals to extend or alter a listed the leaflet ‘Listed Buildings’. building will be permitted where:

9.5.3 The complete destruction of a listed building is seldom (a) it would not result in the damage or loss of features of necessary. It is a wholly exceptional step and requires the special architectural or historic interest; strongest justification. Consent for total demolition will never be given without clear and convincing evidence that all reasonable (b) the character and appearance or setting of the building efforts to find viable uses for the building have failed, or that would be preserved or enhanced. redevelopment would produce substantial gains for the community that would outweigh the loss resulting from 9.5.5 While the original use for which a listed building was demolition. designed is often the best use for its preservation, there are occasions when a change of use is necessary to secure its long- BH9 Demolition of a Listed Building term economic future. The emphasis should be on conserving its intrinsic character and contribution to the wider environment. (I) Proposals involving the demolition of a listed building Such proposals, including proposals for repair or cleaning of the will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances historic structure, must have regard to the preservation or where: enhancement of the special character and appearance of the listed building. (See also Policy GBC9 ‘Adaptation and Re-use of (a) it is clearly demonstrated not to be practicable to Rural Buildings’). continue to use the building in its current or previous use; BH11 Conversion or Change of Use of a Listed Building

(b) it is clearly demonstrated not to be practicable to Proposals for the conversion or change of use of a listed find another viable use for the building; building, in whole or in part, will be permitted where the character or appearance of its special architectural or historic (c) demolition will not cause material harm to the interest or its setting will be preserved or enhanced. structure or setting of any other listed building; and 9.5.6 Protecting the setting of a listed building can be as important as retaining the historic fabric and interest of the (d) where relevant, the character and appearance of building itself. The setting is often an essential part of the the Conservation Area will be preserved or building’s character, especially if the gardens, ancillary buildings enhanced. or hard landscaping have been laid out to complement its design or function. Development proposals that affect the setting of a (II) Where, exceptionally, consent is granted for the listed building must therefore be carefully designed through the demolition of a listed building: massing, materials and location to preserve or enhance the architectural or historic interest of the building. In the case of (a) demolition shall not take place until detailed groups of listed buildings, the introduction of new buildings such proposals for the site’s future use have been as garages, greenhouses or summerhouses, which weaken or granted planning permission and a contractual obscure the character of the original grouping must be avoided. obligation signed to undertake those works; and

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BH12 Development Affecting the Setting of a Listed BH14 Shopfronts in Conservation Areas Building (I) Proposals for new shopfronts or alterations to existing Applications that affect the setting of a listed building will be ones will be permitted where the proposed design is permitted, provided that the setting is preserved or enhanced. sympathetic to the scale, proportions, character, and Where it is considered that a development proposal will have a materials of the structure, adjoining buildings, and the significant adverse impact on, or there would be an unacceptable street scene in general. loss of, or damage to, curtilage buildings, trees, or other landscape features, the application will not be permitted. (II) Shopfronts of architectural or historic interest shall be retained and repaired as necessary. 9.6 Disabled Access Facilities (II) Proposals for new or replacement fascia will be 9.6.1 PPG15 states it is an important principle that disabled permitted where: people should have dignified easy access to, and within historic buildings. If treated as part of an integrated review of access for (a) the design and depth would not be detrimental all visitors, it should normally be possible for well-designed to the proportions or scale of the existing access facilities to be installed without compromising the historic building or shopfront; building’s special character. The chief constraint in conservation terms will arise from the design of the building’s facade or (b) the design would not link two or more buildings setting. Where the proposed installation of ramps, handrails, or with separate architectural identities; and lifts would lead to unacceptably damaging alterations, other options should be explored; for example, through the adaptation (c) on a single building serving two or more shop of a secondary entrance. units, would be of single depth or design. BH13 Disabled Access to an Historic Building BH15 Advertisements in Conservation Areas

(I) The District Council will view sympathetically proposals In its consideration of applications within Conservation Areas for to enable public access to, and within historic buildings. express consent made under the Town and Country Planning The design of such proposals will be considered against (Control of Advertisement) Regulations, the District Council will their potential impact on those features of historic, only accept advertisements where they: architectural or archaeological interest, or the setting of the building. (a) are either painted or individually lettered in a suitable material of an appropriate size and design in relation to (II) Where a permanent construction to enable public the building or fascia upon which they are to be access to and within historic buildings is not displayed; practicable, the design of temporary facilities should be approached in the same manner as permanent ones in (b) shall preferably be non-illuminated. Where illumination order to minimise their visual impact and provide the is proposed as necessary it should be discreet in size greatest degree of integration and independence. and of a minimum level;

9.7 Shopfronts and Advertisements (c) are a form that shall be of a traditional fascia or hanging type; 9.7.1 Many of the District’s larger Conservation Areas cover town centres, where the frontages to shops and commercial (d) other than in the most exceptional circumstances, be of premises play a key role in defining the character and quality of an appropriate size necessary to convey their message. an area. The Council seeks to maintain the highest quality environment consistent with commercial and economic 9.8 Historic Parks and Gardens considerations. 9.8.1 Historic parks and gardens, whether or not they are 9.7.2 Maintaining a high quality environment in town centres associated with an historic building, play an important role in the cannot be compromised by the introduction of indiscriminate cultural experience of the natural and man-made environment. and/or unsympathetic advertisements and illumination. These English Heritage has prepared a Register of Parks and Gardens considerations are even more important in Conservation Areas, of Special Historic Interest, including 15 gardens within East where the levels of signage and lighting must be sensitive to the Hertfordshire and which are defined on the Proposals Map. This character of such areas. Poster hoardings, for example, are highlights their importance as landscapes of special value to be seldom appropriate in Conservation Areas. On listed buildings, safeguarded during the on-going management process, or if listed building consent may also be required. there are to be any changes which could affect them detrimentally. Further information on historic parks and gardens located in the District can be found in the Landscape Character Assessment Supplementary Planning Document and the Historic Parks and Gardens Supplementary Planning Document.

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9.8.2 Paragraph 2.24 of PPG15 states that although no 9.9.3. The following policy is intended to highlight the District additional statutory controls follow the inclusion of a site in the Council’s view that exceptional circumstances need to exist; that Register, Local Authorities should protect them through policies the historic integrity of the site is not compromised by the in the Local Plan from development that affects their character development proposed; that the ability of the scheme to produce or setting. This status will be a material consideration in the the desired result can be clearly demonstrated; and community determination of planning applications. PPG15 also allows scope gain outweighs the disbenefits. for the identification of locally important historic parks and gardens that make a contribution to the heritage of the District. BH17 Enabling Development Further details are available in the Historic Parks and Gardens Supplementary Planning Document. (I) Development proposals defined as ‘enabling development’ will be considered only where all of the 9.8.3 While inappropriate development will be resisted, there following criteria are met: may be circumstances where carefully planned development may assist in the restoration of historic landscapes through the use of (a) the development would not materially detract conditions or planning agreements. The integrity of an historic from the archaeological, architectural, historic, landscape depends on coherent and consistent long-term landscape or nature conservation interest of the management for the whole site, given that fragmentation of site or its setting; ownership can lead to long-term degradation. (b) it has been clearly demonstrated that all other BH16 Historic Parks and Gardens potential options have been fully evaluated;

(I) On sites listed in English Heritage’s ‘Register of Historic (c) the proposal avoids detrimental fragmentation of Parks and Gardens’ and other locally important sites, the management of the site; development proposals that significantly harm their special historic character, appearance or setting will not (d) the enabling development will secure the long- be permitted. term future of the site;

(II) Where appropriate and well-researched, the District (e) it is clearly demonstrated that the amount of Council will encourage proposals for the repair, enabling development is the minimum necessary restoration and management of historic parks and to secure the future of the site; and gardens. (f) the value to the community of the resulting 9.9 Enabling Development development and the enhanced historic interest of the site clearly outweigh the disbenefits of 9.9.1 ‘Enabling development’ may be defined as development providing the enabling development. promoted primarily as a way of saving an important listed building, registered garden or Scheduled Monument that is (II) Subject to the proposed enabling development meeting neglected, dilapidated, or otherwise perceived to be ‘at risk’. the criteria listed in (I) above, planning permission will Such development can be regarded as an established and useful be granted where: planning tool by which the community may be able to secure the future of a heritage asset, provided that, on balance, the benefit (a) the impact of the development is precisely outweighs the disbenefits. It can make a major contribution to defined at the outset, through the submission of regeneration strategies. full, rather than outline applications;

9.9.2 Many applications affect historic buildings and places, (b) with reference to Government guidance on and should, subject to conforming to other planning policies, Planning Obligations (or as subsequently either enhance or preserve their integrity. Occasionally, however, revised), the objective of the preservation of the enabling development is proposed which, whilst it would achieve historic interest of the site is securely and the preservation or secure the future of an historic structure or enforceably linked to the planning permission; landscape, would normally be rejected as clearly contrary to other national or local planning policies. Very special (c) the historic interest is restored to an agreed circumstances must therefore exist in order to justify why standard, or funds made available to secure this development, which would otherwise be regarded as aim, prior to the occupation of the enabling inappropriate, should be permitted. The objective of such development. applications is to provide funds for repairs that cannot be generated from any other source. So unlike most planning decisions, the financial consequences of the granting of planning permission are not only relevant but fundamental to the decision-making process. English Heritage’s Policy Document ‘Enabling Development and the Conservation of Heritage Assets’ (June 2001) covers this issue in much more detail.

74 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 10.LEISURE, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES

10.1 Introduction 5. To take account of the value of open space, not only as an amenity, but as a contribution to the conservation of 10.1.1 Leisure pursuits encompass a range of activities, the natural and built environment of the District. including indoor and outdoor sports and recreation, entertainment, cultural interests and tourism. These activities 6. To encourage and promote suitable tourism facilities can have major land use implications. As the amount of available and the provision of additional tourist accommodation, leisure time people enjoy increases, the demand for leisure in appropriate locations, to cater for the growing needs facilities will grow. of the local community and visitors to the area.

10.1.2 There is often an overlap between leisure facilities and 7. To provide for the identified needs of the community by community facilities. Both provide important facilities and encouraging the retention, and/or improvement of, services for local people, as well as a focal point for community existing facilities and enabling the development of new activities. community provision in suitable situations and locations. 10.1.3 For the purposes of the Local Plan, leisure facilities are taken to be those available for formal and informal sport, 8. To ensure that provision of leisure and community recreation, entertainment, play, and cultural activities. facilities are properly co-ordinated with all forms of Community facilities include a variety of buildings and land for development and land use policies. purposes such as schools, nurseries, child care and health care facilities, hospitals, libraries, halls and meeting places, allotments 10.2 Sport, Recreation and Open Space and places of worship. Assessments of Needs and Opportunities 10.1.4 The aims and objectives listed below set out the Council’s planning strategy for meeting the needs of leisure, 10.2.1 PPG17 recognises that open space, sport and recreation and community facilities. recreation underpin people’s quality of life, contributing to the health and well being of the individual whilst having valuable Aims social, economic and educational roles. It is a key objective of this Plan that everyone has access to the appropriate amounts of A. To encourage and promote leisure pursuits through open space, sport and recreational facilities to meet present and sport, recreation, entertainment and cultural interests future needs. The District Council’s Cultural Strategy also seeks and activities, for the benefit of the whole community. to provide and improve opportunities for everyone to participate in sport and active recreation. B. To encourage and promote tourism, for the benefit of the local community and economy. 10.2.2 To ensure effective planning for open space, sport and recreation, PPG17 states that local authorities should undertake C. To encourage and promote community facilities for the robust assessments of the existing and future needs of their benefit of the whole community. communities. Local authorities are also required to undertake audits of existing facilities. D. To encourage and promote leisure and community facilities which reduce the need to travel and are 10.2.3 In August 2004, the District Council appointed accessible by non-car modes of transport. Consultants to undertake a PPG17 assessment of local needs and an audit of open space and indoor sport and recreational Objectives facilities across the District.

1. To maintain and encourage the provision of an effective 10.2.4 The study was undertaken in accordance with PPG17 level of appropriately located leisure and recreation and its Companion Guide “Assessing Needs and Opportunities” facilities and, wherever possible, make such facilities (September 2002). available to everyone, including the elderly and those with disabilities. 10.2.5 The overall aim of the project was to:

2. To take full account of the community need for ● Consider the local context of open space in East Herts recreation space, and ensure that adequate land and ● Undertake an audit of existing provision to cover all water resources are identified for both organised sport aspects of open space, sport and recreation and informal recreation. ● Undertake consultation to ascertain the demand for open space within the District 3. To safeguard and resist pressures, which conflict with ● Set and apply robust local provision standards based on the wider public interest, for the development of land local needs and aspirations with recreational and amenity value. ● Ensure that any shortfall or surplus in provision is identified against these standards. 4. To encourage and promote the provision of additional land, facilities and water areas, in suitable situations and locations.

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10.2.6 The study has provided: 10.3 Joint Provision and Dual Use

● an overview of the open space resource within the 10.3.1 The joint provision and dual use of suitable leisure District according to definitions provided within PPG17 facilities is an efficient use of land and resources, and indeed, ● a review of relevant plans and strategies and national can increase the amount of facilities available. The District developments Council will seek to encourage the joint provision and dual use of ● detailed consultations using various methods including leisure facilities. household questionnaires, Community Voice sessions and consultation with internal and external agencies to 10.3.2 Joint provision includes the planned provision of establish the key issues and needs enhanced facilities, normally for education and community ● consideration of relevant and appropriate provision benefit, and dual use involves their regular use by those for standards whom they were not primarily intended. ● a summary of key issues based on the main findings from the supply and demand analysis in terms of 10.3.3 This provision is generally made at schools, which are quantity, quality, and accessibility. well placed to serve the community. The availability of other public and private facilities should, however, not be ignored and 10.2.7 The study shows that East Herts is well provided for in the District Council would wish to encourage their wider use. terms of total amount of open space as well as specialised types of provision, but there are localised problems and issues in 10.3.4 The provision of leisure facilities in the countryside can certain typologies within the District. be met through dual use of school facilities, the use and provision of village halls, or appropriate conversions of farm Maintaining an Adequate Supply of Open Space, Sport and buildings. Such facilities could serve several villages. Recreational Facilities LRC2 Joint Provision and Dual Use 10.2.8 PPG17 states that existing open space, sport and recreational buildings and land should not be built on unless an The District Council will in appropriate locations assessment has been undertaken which has clearly shown them continue to: to be surplus to requirements. (a) promote the joint provision and dual use of educational 10.2.9 The Town and Country Planning (Playing Fields) and other leisure facilities; (England) Direction 1998 applies to any proposal for development of any playing field, owned by a local authority, or (b) encourage the use of multi-purpose buildings for used by an educational institution. Where Sport England object leisure activities. to a planning application, but the local planning authority proposes to grant permission, the Direction requires the local 10.4 Recreation Requirements in Residential planning authority to notify the Secretary of State, who will Developments decide whether to intervene or leave the matter for the local planning authority to decide. 10.4.1 The District Council’s Cultural Strategy aims to facilitate partnerships and good communication between district, town 10.2.10 The provision of sport, recreation and open space and parish councils and the voluntary sector to provide and facilities in sustainable locations in both urban and rural areas improve play facilities within the District. will be given favourable consideration by the District Council. Furthermore, the Council will resist the loss of sport, recreation 10.4.2 Where there is an identified deficit in the quality and and open space facilities in both urban and rural areas in quantity of provision, the Council will negotiate for new and/or accordance with Policy LRC1. enhanced outdoor recreation space in new residential developments, in accordance with the standards contained in LRC1 Sport and Recreation Facilities Appendix IV.

Proposals which will result in the loss of public or private, indoor 10.4.3 In existing residential areas, where there may be a or outdoor, sports, recreation and open space facilities, or school shortfall in recreation space or play areas, the District Council playing fields, will be refused unless: will seek to address these deficiencies whenever opportunities arise, and when need, land availability and resources justify or (a) suitable alternative facilities are provided on site or in allow it. the locality, which are at least equivalent in terms of quantity, quality and accessibility to the ones that would be lost; or

(b) it can be demonstrated that the facility is no longer needed and that there is no viable demand for an alternative facility.

76 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 10.LEISURE, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES

LRC3 Recreational Requirements in New Residential 10.6 Countryside Recreation Developments 10.6.1 The enjoyment of the countryside through informal (I) The Council will seek to negotiate for the provision of recreation such as walking, cycling, or horse riding is increasing, adequate and appropriately located open space, sport along with more organised activities, some of which have and recreation facilities in conjunction with new environmental and/or noise nuisance implications. residential development, in accordance with the standards outlined in Appendix IV of this Plan. 10.6.2 A balance needs to be struck between encouraging access to, and the use of, the countryside for such purposes, and (II) Indoor sports facilities may also be sought on larger safeguarding the character of the countryside. developments, as identified in the Settlement Chapters. LRC5 Countryside Recreation (III) Developers will be expected to provide either on site provision or, where appropriate, a financial contribution In the Green Belt and Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt, the towards either off-site provision, or the enhancement of District Council will permit, where appropriate and providing off-site facilities. there are no significant adverse effects on the natural environment or local amenity: 10.5 Arts, Culture and Entertainment (a) the provision of suitably located facilities for informal 10.5.1 The District Council’s Cultural Strategy aims to actively recreation; promote, encourage and facilitate people of all ages and abilities, people from the public, voluntary and education sectors and (b) opportunities for increasing public access to people living in rural areas to take part in arts activity. countryside recreation.

10.5.2 The Strategy’s policy relating to museums seeks to 10.7 Golf Courses collect, document, preserve, interpret and present the heritage of East Hertfordshire for the enjoyment and education of local 10.7.1 With changes in agricultural economies and practice, people and visitors. an increasing emphasis on diversification of farming activities and incomes, and changing recreational demands, there has 10.5.3 Many of the cultural and entertainment facilities in been growing pressure for the use of land for the provision of East Hertfordshire are located in the five main towns of Hertford, golf courses. Ware, Bishop’s Stortford, Sawbridgeworth, and Buntingford and are provided by public and private enterprise, as well as the 10.7.2 The potential impact of golf courses in the countryside voluntary sector. is great, due to the large areas of land affected, ancillary developments which are usually necessary for their operation, 10.5.4 These facilities include buildings and halls available for associated developments, landscaping and traffic generation. It various activities, concerts and dances, notably Castle Hall, is important to protect the rural character of the countryside and Hertford, museums and various private clubs and places of in some cases the rural environment could accommodate a entertainment. The Council aims to improve access to those properly designed golf course without detriment to the quality of facilities in its ownership to ensure they can be used by all the landscape - indeed it would sometimes be possible to sections of the community. This includes encouraging enhance the landscape with careful course design and sensitive accessibility by passenger transport. landscaping.

LRC4 Arts, Culture and Entertainment 10.7.3 Some areas will not be suitable for such development, where the quality of the landscape is such that it should be The District Council will: retained unchanged. Golf courses do not necessarily fit comfortably in all environments, and proposals will be carefully (a) encourage the provision of new cultural and assessed to ensure that the artificial appearance of a golf course entertainment facilities and the maintenance and is not superimposed on an existing traditional landscape. improvement of existing facilities in appropriate locations; and 10.7.4 In applying this policy, the District Council will give (b) resist proposals which would result in the loss of public preference to sites which suffer from visual or environmental or private cultural or entertainment facilities, unless problems, and where existing buildings of appropriate sizes can suitable alternative facilities are provided in be reused or replaced. appropriate locations, or it can be demonstrated that the facility is no longer needed and that there is no viable demand for a replacement facility.

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LRC6 Golf Courses 10.8.3 There is pressure throughout the County, due to population growth and its distance from coastal waters, together (I) Proposals for the use of land, within the Green Belt and with the demands of visitors from London, for further water in Rural Areas Beyond the Green Belt, for the provision recreation facilities. Sport England identifies the main of golf courses must only include development which is opportunity for further areas of water for recreational purposes, necessary for the operation of the proposed golf to be through the restoration of mineral workings to ‘wet pits’. course. Any buildings and other associated There may be potential to connect these wet pits with existing developments should be located and designed, and waterways, in order to enhance water recreation opportunities. constructed of such materials, as to be unobtrusive in the countryside. LRC7 Water Based Recreation

(II) The developer will be expected to enter into a planning Proposals for water-based recreation will be permitted providing: obligation under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (or as subsequently revised), to (a) the proposal does not have a significant adverse impact provide satisfactorily for the following where on the character, appearance and nature conservation appropriate: interest of the environment;

(a) future landscape management arrangements (b) the proposal does not have an adverse impact on any which will be subject to continual review at flood alleviation works and does not impede the appropriate intervals to ensure relevance and Environment Agency’s access requirements to implementation; watercourses.

(b) protection, maintenance and creation of wildlife 10.9 Lee Valley Regional Park habitats; 10.9.1 The Lee Valley Regional Park Authority has been (c) protection and enhancement of rights of way in creating a strategic leisure resource to meet the ever-increasing terms of amenity and safety of users and needs of people in London, Essex and Hertfordshire. Since its creation of new rights of way; inauguration in 1967, it has created a wide range of facilities for land and water based pursuits. 445 hectares (1,100 acres) of (d) funding of and access for archaeological the Regional Park fall within East Hertfordshire District. investigations of the site; 10.9.2 The Lee Valley Regional Park Authority is required, (e) the prevention of the use of the buildings as a under the Lee Valley Regional Park Act 1966, to prepare a plan clubhouse and associated uses prior to the showing the future use and development of the Park. Land completion of the golf course or independent of within the statutory boundaries of the Lee Valley Regional Park is the use of the premises as a golf course. subject to the proposals of the Park Plan. These policies and proposals must be included in the Local Plan by virtue of Section 10.8 Water Based Recreation 14(2) of the 1966 Act.

10.8.1 The District’s waterways and water areas, which 10.9.3 The review of the Lee Valley Regional Park Plan was includes rivers, the Lee and Stort Navigations, lakes and other adopted in April 2000. The proposals of the Park Plan are enclosed water areas, such as quarries and former gravel pits, supported in Policy LRC8 below. offer many opportunities for recreation. Water based leisure pursuits, such as angling and boating, can be enjoyed along with 10.9.4 The District Council will support the proposals of the walking and cycling. The waterways also contribute to the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority Plan, within the area defined character of the towns through which they flow, notably Bishop’s on the Proposals Map, subject to their general compliance with Stortford, Hertford and Ware. the Local Plan. In open areas of the park between settlements fishing, horse riding, picnicking, sailing, walking, cycling and like 10.8.2 The Lee Valley Regional Park contains many of the informal recreational activities should be promoted. areas of water utilised for leisure and there are a number of other water areas used for such purposes. The District Council LRC8 Lee Valley Regional Park will seek to encourage the recreational use of waterways and water areas in East Hertfordshire, and balance such recreational Proposals for leisure related developments within the Regional needs with those of nature conservation. Water based recreation Park will be permitted provided that intensive land-use leisure should not damage important nature conservation sites or activities and associated buildings are located near existing features. In some areas nature conservation will have priority, settlements. while in others the priority can be recreation, and in some places both can be balanced.

78 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 10.LEISURE, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES

10.10 Public Rights of Way 10.11.4 The County Structure Plan supports development to meet the needs of tourism, subject to the other policies of the 10.10.1 The County Structure Plan requires development Plan, and encourages the greater use of passenger transport. proposals to take full account of the need to protect and The Plan aims to encourage social and economic benefits of enhance the Public Rights of Way network. Public Rights of Way tourism within the County whilst seeking to ensure that have increasingly become used for recreation purposes, most environmental and other conflicts do not arise. commonly walking and horse riding. The District Council wishes to encourage the management and maintenance of the existing 10.11.5 The Cultural Strategy supports local tourism by aiming Rights of Way network and, where appropriate, improve and to develop a planned approach to local tourism development that rationalise it. Improvement should not be at the expense of stresses the need for local partnerships, meets local needs, and nature conservation. The network could be used to promote is economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable. It is alternative, more sustainable, methods of transport, such as intended to achieve this by effective networking and walking, cycling, or horse riding. The Meads towpath between communication with regional agencies, local authorities and Hertford and Ware is an example of this kind of Right of Way. Tourist Information Centres.

10.10.2 Structure Plan Policy 49 encourages the establishment 10.11.6 The development of tourism can bring benefits to the of strategic footpaths, bridleways, and leisure cycling routes. This local economy by generating additional revenue and providing includes the London Orbital Bridleroute, promoted by the British employment. However, in order to protect the character and Horse Society, known as the H25. The route is based on existing amenities of the area, careful management is necessary. bridleways and minor roads and is also be available to walkers and cyclists. A diagrammatic route of the H25 is shown in 10.11.7 East Hertfordshire has many attractions, including Diagram 1. The District Council will encourage the provision of picturesque villages and historic towns, countryside areas and this route in East Hertfordshire. waterways. One key factor restricting the development of tourism within East Hertfordshire is the limited availability of visitor 10.10.3 The District Council will support the County Council, accommodation. This includes guesthouse and bed and breakfast other District Councils, organisations and groups in the accommodation as well as hotels. preservation, improvement, rationalisation, management and maintenance of the public rights of way network, for recreational 10.11.8 New build hotels are by size and nature more purposes and where appropriate, promoting the use of more appropriately located within towns. However, proposals for small- sustainable methods of transport such as walking, cycling and scale hotel or other visitor accommodation may also be horse riding. acceptable within other settlements, and the adaptation and re- use of existing buildings for small-scale visitor accommodation LRC9 Public Rights of Way may be acceptable in villages and the countryside.

Any proposals for development must not adversely affect any LRC10 Tourism Public Right of Way and, where possible, should incorporate measures to maintain and enhance the rights of way network. The District Council will:

10.11 Tourism (a) encourage suitable tourism proposals in appropriate locations; 10.11.1 Tourism encompasses not only the annual family holiday, but also shorter visits, weekend breaks, day and part-day (b) give favourable consideration to suitable proposals for trips, and non-leisure tourism e.g. business tourism. PPG17 states visitor accommodation within the District. that Local Plan policies should take into account the recreational needs of tourists.

10.11.2 Government policy, as set out in PPG21, is that the tourism industry should flourish in response to the market, while respecting the environment that attracts visitors. The central object is to achieve sustainable development that serves the interests of both economic growth and conservation of the environment.

10.11.3 Local Plans should include policies and proposals relating to existing and future provision for tourism, in relation to the development and use of land.

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80 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 10.LEISURE, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES

10.12 Community Facilities

10.12.1 Community facilities encompass a range of buildings and land uses as described in paragraph 10.1.3, from schools, libraries and health care centres, to places of worship and allotments.

10.12.2 These facilities are provided by a number of agencies across East Hertfordshire District such as Health Authorities and Trusts, the County, District and Parish Councils, along with private organisations. The District Council does not, therefore, have direct responsibility for providing many of these facilities, but it can assist with the expansion and upgrading of existing facilities and enable deficiencies in provision to be met either through site identification or as a direct requirement of development. The retention of community facilities required to support existing and growing communities is supported by the District Council. LRC11 Retention of Community Facilities

Proposals which will result in the loss of community facilities will be refused unless:

(a) suitable alternative facilities are provided on site, in the locality or relevant catchment area; or

(b) it can be demonstrated that the facility is no longer needed and that there is insufficient demand to make an alternative community facility viable.

10.12.3 Adequate community facilities should be provided to support new development, particularly new housing development. This can be either through the provision of new buildings or facilities within development sites, or through developers making a financial contribution to improve existing or provide alternative facilities. The specific needs of the whole community should be taken into account, when planning new community facilities, including the elderly and those with disabilities.

10.12.4 There may be scope to include community facilities such as health care facilities in key locations within existing health care sites, shopping centres and residential areas as well as town centres. Proposals may come forward for development independently or as part of mixed-use schemes within large- scale developments as required by Policy IMP1. The District Council will consult with the relevant authorities and organisations over the need for and provision of specific community facilities such as health care provision across the District as large development proposals come forward.

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 81 11.BISHOP’S STORTFORD

11.1 Background provision of residential accommodation and diversification of functions and services and, on 11.1.1 Bishop's Stortford is a prosperous market town of appropriate sites, a mix of uses; and to maintain the pleasant character set within the attractive countryside of the town centre as a social focus for the community. Stort Valley. Historically sited on an important route intersection, the town continues to evolve today, yet it successfully maintains 4. To maintain and encourage employment opportunities its medieval heritage for the enjoyment of present and future for local people, by retaining sufficient employment generations. An extensive Conservation Area, with numerous land and protecting Employment Areas for such listed buildings, is centred on the North Street - Bridge Street - purposes, whilst continuing to recognise the growing Windhill area. employment opportunities at Stansted Airport.

11.1.2 Recent development has been concentrated towards 5. To assist, through the preparation of development the west and south west of the town, where considerable briefs, in the regeneration of derelict, under used or numbers of homes have been built, to cater both for the needs of vacant land. the expanding Stansted Airport, which lies only three miles to the north-east of the town, and the town’s share of East Herts own 6. To continue to address problems of traffic congestion needs. in the town, through encouraging travel by means other than the car and other appropriate demand 11.1.3 This chapter sets out the planning issues and policies management measures. specific to Bishop’s Stortford. These seek to make the most of the opportunities which are available for the town, whilst 7. Where resources permit, to continue to improve the ensuring the retention and enhancement of its existing built environment of Bishop’s Stortford, through street attractive character. enhancements and maintenance of its historic character. 11.1.4 The aims and objectives of the Local Plan for Bishop’s Stortford are as follows: 8. To maximise the use of previously developed land and other sites within the defined limits of the town for Aims development and restrict to the greatest extent possible the need for ‘greenfield’ sites (including long- A. To maintain and enhance the attractiveness of Bishop’s term strategic reserve sites, i.e. the ASR’s). Stortford as a pleasant place in which to live, grow up, work, shop, and spend leisure time. 9. To maintain and consolidate the Metropolitan Green Belt around Bishop’s Stortford, with additions to it B. To make appropriate provision for the necessary needs where appropriate. of the present and future generations, including those dependent on Stansted Airport, in a way which is 10. To protect and enhance the River Stort and encourage consistent with the principles of sustainable its use for nature conservation, recreation, transport development. and other appropriate uses.

C. To further ameliorate the effects of traffic on the town 11.2 Issues centre. 11.2.1 Continued expansion of Stansted Airport, together with D. To maintain the Green Belt surrounding the town. a significant local need for housing, means the key issue and priority for the town in the Plan period will be the Objectives accommodation of further residential development and associated infrastructure, including shops and services. This 1. To ensure a sufficient supply of housing land is should not, however, be considered as a threat to the quality of identified for Bishop’s Stortford (including that the town, but an opportunity to provide for a better overall associated with any possible further expansion of structure for Bishop’s Stortford. The challenge is to take this Stansted Airport in the Plan period), in accordance with opportunity created by further development and address the the District Housing Provision Strategy contained in wider, but fundamental needs of the town, in the fields of: Chapter 3 (Housing). ● transportation 2. To ensure that development meets the principles of ● education - both primary and secondary sustainable development, as set out in Chapters 1 ● leisure and recreation (Introduction) and 2 (Sustainable Development) of this ● community facilities Local Plan. ● sustainability

3. To maintain and enhance the vitality and viability of the town centre through measures to: encourage a range of shops, services, and employment; prevent erosion or dilution of its retail and service function; encourage

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 82 11.BISHOP’S STORTFORD

11.2.2 There is also the added pressure of a growing BIS1 Special Countryside Area population in the smaller settlements in nearby west Essex, who will naturally look to Bishop’s Stortford as their local centre. This (I) The land between ASR3 and the by-pass, as identified again has the potential to create opportunities for Bishop’s on the Proposals Map, is maintained as a Special Stortford, but it does also pose problems, and this has to be Countryside Area where the provisions of Policy GBC1 borne in mind in evolving a development strategy for Bishop’s will apply, until such time as a strategic need for Stortford. development is established.

11.3 Settlement Limits (II) The status of the land as a Special Countryside Area shall only be reassessed as a result of a review to this 11.3.1 Despite its steady growth Bishop’s Stortford has, in the Plan; and only then in the event that strategic planning main, been successfully contained within the confines of the requirements dictate such a reassessment as being valley of the River Stort. The surrounding attractive countryside necessary. thereby remains an accessible asset to the town’s inhabitants, whilst the town itself remains remarkably well hidden from 11.5 Housing distant views. 11.5.1 Based on the Housing Provision Strategy, as outlined in 11.3.2 With the exception of most of the area inside the Chapter 3 (Housing), Bishop’s Stortford needs to make provision northern bypass, Bishop’s Stortford is tightly surrounded by the for 1,448 dwellings between 1999 and 2011. Of these, 756 Metropolitan Green Belt. The Adopted 1st Review Local Plan dwellings are to cater for the housing needs of the town and a (Incorporating Alterations) identified a significant amount of proportion of the surrounding hinterland. The remaining 692 land within the northern bypass as five Areas of Special Restraint dwellings are identified for the continued expansion of Stansted and an additional Special Countryside Area (see below), all of Airport, to its currently permitted level of 25 million passengers which were excluded from the Green Belt. This area of non- per annum within the Plan period. It is expected that affordable Green Belt land will not be required in the Plan period, other housing will be provided in accordance with Policies HSG3 and than for reasons set out in section 11.6. HSG4 in Chapter 3 (Housing).

11.3.3 An area where the Green Belt boundary requires 11.5.2 The District Council is committed to accommodating as clarification is at Heron Court. This formed part of the Green Belt many as possible of its dwelling requirement on appropriate but housing development took place some time ago. To properly ‘brownfield’ or ‘previously-developed’ sites within its towns, reflect the situation on the ground it is proposed to remove this including Bishop’s Stortford. Brownfield sites in Bishop’s area from the Green Belt and include it within the settlement Stortford actively supported by the Council for development are limits of the town. detailed in the Policy below, with an indication of the estimated dwelling capacity for each site. 11.4 Special Countryside Area 11.5.3 Sites identified in the Deposit Version of the Local Plan, 11.4.1 As referred to above, within the inner Green Belt completed between April 1999 and March 2003, have been boundary around the bypass lies an area of land not comprising removed from Policy BIS2 and are detailed below: an ASR and in respect of which no long-term strategic need has been established. The 1999 Adopted Local Plan identified the 11.5.4 Deposit Plan allocated sites, granted planning land as Special Countryside Area (SCA). The District Council permission but not completed between April 1999 and March attaches great importance to the retention of this land as open 2003, contributed towards the original required provision and countryside for the foreseeable future. are, therefore, incorporated in Policy BIS2 below. The remaining Bishop’s Stortford provision will come from the other allocated sites listed in Policy BIS2.

Completed Deposit Version Housing Allocations (included in Table 3.2 (b) in Chapter 3, Housing) Location Ref No Brownfield/ Site Specific Policy Estimated Number of Greenfield Dwellings Open Affordable Total Market

103/105 307 Brownfield N/A 21 0 21 London Road

83 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 11.BISHOP’S STORTFORD

BIS2 Housing Allocations: Bishop’s Stortford

In accordance with Policy HSG2 (II) the following sites, as identified on the Proposals Map, are allocated for residential development:

(I) In Phase 1:

Permitted Deposit Version Housing Allocations (pre-April 2003) (included in Table 3.2 (c-e) in Chapter 3, Housing)

Location Ref No Brownfield/ Site Specific Policy Estimated Number of Greenfield Dwellings Open Affordable Total Market

Hillmead School 195 Brownfield BIS6 32 11 43

23 North Street 308 Brownfield N/A 6 0 6

4 Newtown Road 309 Brownfield N/A 5 0 5 TOTAL 43 11 54

Remaining Deposit Version Housing Allocations (included in Table 3.2 (h) in Chapter 3, Housing)

Location Ref No Brownfield/ Site Specific Policy Estimated Number of Greenfield Dwellings Open Affordable Total Market

Herts & Essex 194 Brownfield BIS4 189 81 270 Hospital site

Goods Yard site, 190 Brownfield BIS11 490 210 700 London Road/ former John Dyde Training College site, Anchor Street

Mill Site, Station 187 Brownfield BIS12 60 40 100 Road/Dane Street

Riverside/Adderley 184 Brownfield BIS13 105 45 150 Road

Apton Road Car 179 Brownfield N/A 10 6 16 Park (above retained public car park)

117-121 Hadham 171 Greenfield BIS5 10 3 13 Road 95-97 London 406 Brownfield BIS14 91 39 130 Road TOTAL 955 424 1,379

Continued...

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 84 11.BISHOP’S STORTFORD

(II) In Phase 2:

Remaining Deposit Version Housing Allocations (included in Table 3.2 (h) in Chapter 3, Housing)

Location Ref No Brownfield/ Site Specific Policy Estimated Number of Greenfield Dwellings Open Affordable Total Market

Reserve Secondary 164 Greenfield BIS7 150 100 250 School site, Hadham Road TOTAL 150 100 250

11.5.5 The dwelling capacity of the sites listed in 11.6 Airport-Related Housing paragraph 11.5.3 and Policy BIS2 amounts to a total of 1724 units. This is more than sufficient to meet the Bishop’s 11.6.1 East Hertfordshire has an historical allocation of 3,000 Stortford apportionment of 1448 dwellings ( 756 plus 692 airport-related dwellings dating back to Government decisions in airport-related dwellings). The provision for the 692 the mid-1980s. 2,500 of these dwellings were to be provided at airport-related dwellings is therefore made on the allocated Bishop’s Stortford, while the remaining 500 were to be dispersed sites contained in Policy BIS2, rather than on the Areas of within the District. This provision was based mainly on the Special Restraint (ASRs), as has previously been allocated. number of on-airport employees. The actual number of staff Nevertheless, while the Council expect the large brownfield town employed at the airport (around 10,500 in 2003) is currently centre sites to come forward within the Plan period and has significantly below previous estimates of airport-based allocated them accordingly, circumstances may change and it is employment (estimates ranged between 21,300 and 24,300 therefore considered appropriate to retain ASRs 1 and 2 for employees). Of the original total of 2,500 airport-related development should these large town centre sites not come dwellings, a ‘residual’ 692 dwellings have been identified as yet forward in sufficient quantity. This is considered to be the most to be provided at Bishop’s Stortford. appropriate way of ensuring an adequate supply of housing land in Bishop’s Stortford. This modest surplus enables a degree of 11.6.2 Stansted Airport now has permission to expand to 25 flexibility on the above sites, particularly if the estimated mppa and employment is anticipated to reach 16,000 by 2011. capacities cannot be achieved at the detailed planning The need for additional dwellings as part of this expansion has consideration stage. been considered and it has been concluded that existing numbers of dwellings already allocated in adopted and emerging 11.5.6 In accordance with Policy HSG2, the above policy local plans would be sufficient. The residual 692 dwellings were permits the release of housing sites in phases. One of the included in the calculations. These airport-related dwellings are fundamental principles of phasing the release of sites is to still considered to be required to accommodate airport protect greenfield/Green Belt land in favour of previously employment growth to 2011. Appendix 1 (Housing Strategy developed/brownfield land. In Bishop’s Stortford only two non- Background) contains more detail on the background to the previously developed areas of land are identified (see above), airport-related dwelling allocation. though the Hillmead site is partially undisturbed land. Of the two greenfield sites, the site of 117-121 Hadham Road is 11.6.3 The ‘residual’ 692 airport-related dwellings are an surrounded on all sides by built development, is not currently integral part of the East Hertfordshire 11,100 housing accessible public land, and is relatively close to the town centre. requirement, for which provision needs to be made by 2011. In As such, development in the first phase is not considered to be in order to be in general conformity with Structure Plan Policy 37 conflict with either sustainable development principles or Policy (Stansted Airport-related development in Hertfordshire), the HSG2. In February 2004 the District Council resolved to grant District Council has decided to designate Areas of Special planning permission for residential development on the site, Restraint (ASRs) 1 and 2 as land able to accommodate the subject to a Section 106 Agreement. ‘residual’ 692 dwellings. In accordance with Policy HSG2 (III) ASRs 1 and 2 will only be released for Stansted Airport related 11.5.7 The District Council, therefore, considers that only the housing development, post 2006, if monitoring shows that the Reserve Secondary School site falls in the Phase 2 category, 692 airport related dwellings are unable to be accommodated on being relatively open and undisturbed. other Bishop’s Stortford Phases 1 and 2 allocated and windfall sites.

85 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 11.BISHOP’S STORTFORD

BIS3 Areas of Special Restraint 1 and 2: Bishop’s 11.7.4 In November 2003 the District Council resolved to Stortford Local Housing Need and Stansted grant planning permission for residential development on the Airport Related Housing remainder of the site, subject to a Section 106 Agreement. Should this permission not be implemented the development of To safeguard sufficient housing land at Bishop’s Stortford, in the the site will be considered in accordance with Policy BIS4, the event that monitoring shows that the town’s apportionment of 1999 Development Brief and the November 2003 development 756 dwellings, together with the 692 airport related dwellings, proposals. are unable to be accommodated on other Bishop’s Stortford Phases 1 and 2 allocated and windfall sites, provision is made for BIS4 Herts and Essex Hospital Site new dwellings on land to the north west of Bishop’s Stortford known as ASRs 1 and 2, as defined on the Proposals Map, to (I) The Herts and Essex Hospital Site, as defined on the cater for: Proposals Map, is reserved for health facilities and residential uses. Conversion and development of the (I) Local arising need. This criterion will not come into site will be permitted for those uses only. force until 2006, after which a reasonable judgement can be made as to the likelihood of this being (II) The development of the site shall make provision for up necessary (See also Policy HSG2). to 40% affordable housing in accordance with Policies HSG3 and HSG4. (II) Airport related dwellings. The maximum number of additional airport-related dwellings permissible under 11.8 117-121 Hadham Road Site this Plan will be the 692 residual amount reserved as a contingency for this purpose. Any amount over and 11.8.1 A former Area of Special Restraint, it is considered that above 692 dwellings would require a strategic need this 1.15 hectare site could accommodate around 13 dwellings. being identified as part of a review of Regional Planning Guidance, which, in turn, would require a 11.8.2 The District Council will seek an element of affordable review to this Plan. housing in any development proposals for the site, in accordance with Policy HSG3. A contribution towards the provision of 11.6.4 The development of ASRs 1 and 2, identified in Policy cycling facilities in the adjacent area, in accordance with the BIS3 above, is expected to be subject to a Development Brief, Bishop’s Stortford Transportation Plan, together with a public prepared or approved by the District Council. The brief should footpath running parallel to Hadham Road but on the southern comprehensively cover all the relevant issues as identified in this side of the mature trees and other shrubbery which currently Local Plan, including sustainable development principles, abuts Hadham Road, will also be required. affordable housing, and education provision. Development proposals will not be approved until such a brief is in place. 11.8.3 In February 2004 the District Council resolved to grant planning permission for residential development on the site, 11.6.5 In particular the brief should examine Green Belt land subject to a Section 106 Agreement. Should this permission not to the east and south-east of ASR 2, as defined on the Proposals be implemented the development of the site will be considered in Map, which shall be set aside for public recreational purposes, accordance with Policy BIS5 and the February 2004 and appropriate arrangements made to ensure that the land development proposals. remains under such uses in perpetuity, before any development proposals are approved in accordance with Policy BIS3. BIS5 117 – 121 Hadham Road Site

11.7 Herts and Essex Hospital Site (I) The site at 117–121 Hadham Road, as defined on the Proposals Map, is reserved for residential development 11.7.1 As a result of changes to the way in which the local only. Permission for other uses will not be granted. National Health Trusts will deliver their services, the Herts and Essex Hospital Site, Haymeads Lane, has recently come forward (II) The development of the site shall make provision for up for re-development. The health strategy has been to to 40% affordable housing in accordance with Policies accommodate an extended range of hospital facilities on part of HSG3 and HSG4. the site, and to release the remainder as surplus to NHS requirements. (III) Development proposals will be expected to preserve and reinforce as much of the urban landscape as 11.7.2 The site amounts to approximately 8.5 hectares, within possible, including the retention of mature trees and which is located a Grade II Listed former workhouse building. hedgerows, and the planting of a significant amount of new trees. 11.7.3 In 1999 a Development Brief for the hospital site was prepared and published jointly by the District Council and the (IV) A contribution will be expected towards cycling Essex & Herts Community NHS Trust. The District Council facilities as set out in the East Hertfordshire Area Plan adopted the brief as Supplementary Planning Guidance in (Bishop’s Stortford Transportation Plan). November 1999. It provides guidance to potential developers on the scale and form of development that may be considered acceptable by the District Council. The new community hospital was completed and opened in 2003. East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 86 11.BISHOP’S STORTFORD

11.9 Hillmead School Site dwelling types and sizes, access, landscaping, woodland planting and management, cycle and footpath linkages in and through 11.9.1 The County Council received permission from the the site, and open space/play areas. Secretary of State in February 2000 to relocate Hillmead Primary School from its present site in the far north-east of Bishop’s BIS7 Reserve Secondary School Site, Hadham Road Stortford, to the reserve primary school land to the south of Bishop’s Park, in the west of the town (see below). This (I) The Reserve Secondary School Site, Hadham Road, as relocation has now taken place and, there is, therefore, a need to defined on the Proposals Map, is reserved for consider the designation of the existing school site. residential development as a Phase II site and will only be released for development if sufficient additional 11.9.2 The site lies to the north-eastern edge of the town, secondary school capacity is provided elsewhere in the adjacent to the County boundary and Birchanger Wood. It is town. served from Heath Row between groups of existing dwellings and has a playground and small playing field attached. It lies within (II) Development of the site is expected to make provision the built-up area of the town, wherein there is a presumption in for predominantly mixed residential development, favour of re-development for residential purposes. In October including up to 40% affordable housing, together with 2002 the District Council granted planning permission for significant areas of open space/ recreation. residential development on the site. Should this permission not be fully implemented the development of the site will be 11.11 Areas of Special Restraint considered in accordance with Policy BIS6 and the October 2002 development proposals. 11.11.1 The Local Plan First Review Incorporating Adopted Alterations 1999 set aside six areas of land in the town as Areas BIS6 Hillmead School Site of Special Restraint, five of which were located within the A120 bypass and the sixth being the smaller Hadham Road site (I) The District Council will give favourable consideration described in Section 11.8 above. Of the five within the A120 to the re-development of the existing Hillmead School bypass, ASR’s 1 and 2 are proposed for possible development in Site, as defined on the Proposals Map, for residential this Plan period (see Policies HSG2 and BIS3 above). The uses. remaining three ASRs, known as ASR’s 3, 4, and 5, are subject to Policy BIS8 below. (II) The development of the site is expected to make provision for predominantly residential development, 11.11.2 The boundaries of the ASR’s have been re-appraised as including up to 40% affordable housing in accordance a part of this Plan Review. The objective has been to test their Policies HSG3 and HSG4. The types and size of definition against: dwellings are expected to be mixed. (a) The strategic need to retain them. 11.10 Reserve Secondary School Site, Hadham Road (b) Their landscape setting and relationship with 11.10.1 Having undertaken a considerable amount of research topography, trees and hedgerows, beyond their area on identifying brownfield land for housing development in into open countryside. Bishop’s Stortford, the District Council still requires additional housing land to be found. Conscious of the need to minimise the (c) Their ability (should the need arise) to accommodate development of greenfield sites, the District Council considers new development in a way which complements, and that a large area of land to the south of Hadham Road which had integrates with, the existing town. previously been reserved by the County Council for additional Secondary School purposes is now unlikely to be utilised for such 11.11.3 The boundaries of the ASR’s were examined thoroughly a purpose. The District Council has, therefore, decided to at the Local Plan Inquiry in 1991, following an independent redesignate the Hadham Road site for residential uses. This site landscape consultant’s report and recommendations. In his shall only be released for development if sufficient additional report, the Inspector at the 1991 Inquiry concluded that, secondary school capacity is provided elsewhere in the town. “the boundaries of ASR’s 3 and 4 to the north-east of 11.10.2 Due to the relatively undeveloped nature of the site, the Hoggate’s Wood, follow well defined natural features and I District Council considers it should be released for development regard them as satisfactory.” in the latter phase of the Plan period, i.e. after 2006, in accordance with Policies HSG2 and BIS2. 11.11.4 The District Council does not, therefore, propose to make alterations to the ASR boundaries. 11.10.3 In order to integrate fully all the issues pertinent to the development of the site, a development brief will be required to be prepared or approved by the District Council prior to the favourable consideration of a planning application, with development proposals expected to be in conformity with that brief. The brief should, as a minimum, consider issues of sustainable development, site layout, affordable housing,

87 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 11.BISHOP’S STORTFORD

11.11.5 The following Policy applies to development proposals ● The District Council believes that other policies in the within ASR’s 3, 4 and 5. See also Policy BIS1. Plan to stimulate town-centre re-developments and expansion has the potential to create new job BIS8 Areas of Special Restraint 3, 4 and 5 opportunities.

Within the Bishop’s Stortford Areas of Special Restraint 3, 4 and 11.12.5 Accordingly, the District Council does not make any new 5, as defined on the Proposals Map, development will not be employment land allocations in Bishop’s Stortford in this Plan, permitted, other than would be allowed in the Green Belt, until but will continue to monitor the position and review it as such time as the land so identified is shown to be needed for, necessary. and proposed for development, as a result of a review of this Plan. 11.12.6 The District Council has identified the same five employment areas to be reserved for employment uses as were 11.11.6 The future strategic use of this land will be determined identified in the previous Local Plan (1999). All these as part of a future Review to this plan. This reconsideration Employment Areas have been identified on the Proposals Map. would include an assessment of capacity, if a need for dwellings were shown as part of the strategic review of the land. BIS9 Employment Areas 11.12 Economic Development and Employment In accordance with Policy EDE1 the following sites are defined as Employment Areas on the Proposals Map and will be reserved 11.12.1 Bishop’s Stortford is economically the healthiest town for industry comprising Classes B1 Business, B2 General in the District. However, the District Council is mindful of the Industrial Uses and, where well related to the transport network, need to protect the current employment-generating industrial B8 Storage and Distribution Uses. base, to ensure job opportunities persist for the local workforce, and to avoid the dangers of an over-dependency on service (I) Raynham Road / Dunmow Road Industrial Estate. sector employment. (II) Haslemere Industrial Estate, Pig Lane. 11.12.2 The development of Stansted Airport to a passenger handling capacity of about 25 million passengers per annum will (III) Twyford Road/Twyford Road Business Centre. also produce further substantial employment opportunities, though the District Council continues to consider that Bishop’s (IV) Stansted Road. Stortford is not appropriate for the location of airport-related industries. The definition of airport employment is summarised (V) Woodside Industrial Estate, off Dunmow Road. in the Annual Stansted Airport Monitor (see Appendix V (Glossary) for details). 11.12.7 Where proposals arise for employment development outside the identified Employment Areas, these will be appraised 11.12.3 At the Pre-Deposit Consultation stage of this Plan, on their individual merits, taking into account sustainability representations were made by the Bishop’s Stortford Chamber of criteria and the impact on neighbouring occupiers and the local Commerce seeking some allocation of land for new employment area, as set out in Policy EDE3. generating developments. 11.12.8 It is important that space is available for a variety of 11.12.4 The District Council, after careful consideration of the firms at different stages of their development, including new issue and an examination of possible sites, has concluded that no businesses. A number of smaller areas and sites exist in Bishop’s such new allocation is appropriate at present for the following Stortford, which have not been identified as Employment Areas, reasons: but which are suitable for the continued use for diverse employment purposes. ● Unemployment levels are consistently low giving rise to concerns over skills and general labour pool shortages. 11.12.9 The District Council seeks in general to retain and encourage the continued use of existing employment sites, ● Airport employment will continue to grow strongly in outside those identified as Employment Areas, for such purposes. the medium term (at least). This is particularly the case in Bishop’s Stortford where employment space is in demand. ● Stimulating labour demand will increase pressure for further new housing and may add to local house price inflation.

● New employment opportunities, given the constraints listed above, would probably increase in-commuting by road, thereby adding to the existing problems of traffic congestion.

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11.13 Town Centre (c) the form of new development should improve and complete open areas in the townscape and 11.13.1 The attractive and historic town centre faces a complex strengthen and enhance pedestrian and cycling set of inter-related physical, traffic, commercial, and movement in the town. Routes should be environmental issues. Addressing these issues remains a key established between the town, the river, shopping objective of the District Council. areas, car parks, and passenger transport stops / interchange; 11.13.2 As part of the Council’s Economic Development Strategy, assistance has been given to the setting up of a Town (d) new development should respect and take into Centre Management Board for Bishop’s Stortford. Membership account both the amenity and the recreational of the board is drawn from representatives of the business and leisure potential of the river frontage, and community, residents, local interest groups and local authorities. should aim to integrate public use of the The Town Centre Management Board works to help improve and riverside with the day-to-day activities of the promote Bishop’s Stortford Town Centre. The District Council will town. Consideration should be given to the continue to support the Bishop’s Stortford Town Centre provision of a new mooring basin; Management Board. (e) new public spaces should be created to provide 11.13.3 The town centre underwent a series of enhancement comfortable and attractive destinations for works several years ago, aimed at improving the environment for pedestrians in the town; shoppers and workers alike. However, traffic in and around the town centre is a growing problem, and new town centre (f) a civic quality in the town should be established development should ensure it works towards, rather than against, with buildings of a public and cultural form; resolving this problem. (g) car parking facilities at the north and south 11.13.4 Proposals for new developments identified in Policy edges of the town centre should be designed, in BIS10 will be assessed by means of a Transport Assessment, as terms of location, size and accessibility, with the required under the Policy. aim of alleviating traffic pressures in the core; 11.14 Town Centre Sites for Re-development (h) car parking demand in the town centre should be accommodated, positioned and integrated in a 11.14.1 Three sites in the town centre are identified by the manner that considerably reduces its visual District Council for re-development. The sites are to the east and impact while maintaining ease of pedestrian south-east of the town centre, and offer superb opportunities for access. re-development for a variety of uses. The following overarching Policy, together with the three site specific Policies, outline the (III) Proposals for new development or re-development on District Council’s expectations for these sites. these town centre sites will be required to include a comprehensive Transport Assessment, which should BIS10 Town Centre Sites for Re-development take into account the effects of the development proposed, together with other known or anticipated (I) Within or adjacent to Bishop’s Stortford town centre the proposals. following three potential development or re- development sites are defined on the Proposals Map: (IV) Development or re-development on each of the three sites will be required to contribute to facilities for (a) The Goods Yard / John Dyde Training College leisure and recreational opportunities on the River Site. Stort.

(b) The Mill Site, Dane Street. 11.15 The Goods Yard / Former John Dyde Training College Site (c) The Riverside / Adderley Road Site. 11.15.1 The largest of the four sites (6.8 ha), the District (II) In its detailed determination of proposals for the Council sees this site as having two key features: development of these sites, the District Council will pursue the following strategy: (i) a large area in which to accommodate a variety of development types; and (a) market demands for new development will be channelled to the town centre as a means of (ii) in conjunction with the Station Road and Dane Street improving the townscape; highway improvement, an opportunity to ease traffic congestion in this part of town, by the construction of a (b) new developments should introduce a variety of new road between the Station Road/Dane Street new civic, commercial, retail, residential, and junction and London Road to the south. leisure buildings to stimulate and encourage all aspects of town centre life;

89 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 11.BISHOP’S STORTFORD

11.15.2 In recognition of the importance of the re-development as a whole. The dwellings should predominantly be of a of this site, including the introduction of residential properties, small size (i.e. one and two bedrooms), and include a the District Council has agreed for the purposes of Development significant proportion of affordable housing in Control a revised development brief for the site. This brief seeks accordance with Policies HSG3 and HSG4; to provide an updated framework for the development of the site in the light of recent Government guidance. (c) proposals for development are expected to accommodate adequate rail commuter car parking plus 11.15.3 The District Council now places more emphasis on land sufficient for additional town centre parking in achieving new dwellings on brownfield land within urban areas. accordance with the Vehicle Parking Standards in This site is seen as an excellent opportunity to further this aim Appendix II; and a revised estimate of the site’s dwelling capacity has been made in Policy BIS2. However, the site should also aim to (d) development proposals on either site are expected to strengthen the viability and vitality of the town centre as a whole, include a fully integrated rail-bus passenger and a mixed use development scheme is therefore still regarded interchange, in accordance with the guidance as set as appropriate. In October 2004 the District Council resolved to out in the most recent Bishop’s Stortford Transportation grant planning permission for residential development for 208 Plan, and include good pedestrian/cycle links towards units on the John Dyde site. the town centre;

11.15.4 On part of the site there exists an aggregates depot, 11.15.6 It should be noted that, whilst acknowledging the serviced by the railway. Whilst freight carried by rail is, in numerous benefits of the Link Road through the site, the principle, supported by the District Council, it is considered in Bishop’s Stortford Transportation Plan (see later) states that; this instance that re-development of the town centre site without such a depot would better serve the principles of sustainable “there is no long-term reduction in congestion to be development. Recently substantial progress has been made on achieved by constructing this Link and it would therefore bringing forward the site and arrangements have now been only be pursued as part of a re-development of the Goods made to secure the relocation of the aggregates depot to a new Yard Site”. site at Harlow Mill. 11.15.7 It is unlikely, therefore, that the Link Road will be 11.15.5 The following Policy sets out the District Council’s constructed without substantial development of the site. expectations with regard to the development of the site. 11.16 The Mill Site BIS11 The Goods Yard/John Dyde Training College Site 11.16.1 The District Council has identified this site as having The District Council has identified the Goods Yard/John Dyde re-development potential in the longer-term, including the Training College Site, as defined on the Proposals Map, as having potential for a significant amount of new dwellings. Whilst not development potential. Subject to the constraints of highway seeking to encourage the closure or relocation of this local network capacity and railway operational requirements, a employer, the Council recognises that the site is constrained by comprehensive development comprising a mixture of town centre size and shape, and problems associated with the heavy vehicle uses will be acceptable, including: residential; leisure; public movements which the mill generates. house/restaurant and/or hotel; retailing including some food retailing; boating and mooring basin; and uses falling within BIS12 The Mill Site class B1 of the Use Classes Order 1987 (as amended). Development proposals will be expected to meet, in addition to (I) The District Council identifies the Mill Site, Dane Street, those set out in BIS10, the following requirements: as defined on the Proposals Map, as having re- development potential. (a) any development should safeguard the ability to construct a new road linking the junction of Station (II) In the event of the site coming forward for re- Road with Dane Street and London Road, and provide development the following mix of uses may be land for the same. If development of the site occurs appropriate, subject to the provision requirements of prior to the construction of this road, such development Policy BIS10: is expected to make an appropriate contribution to the provision of the new road, it being recognised that the (a) residential development of around 100 land site of the new road forms an integral part of such dwellings, including up to 40% affordable contribution. Development of the whole site will housing in accordance with Policies HSG3 and require the full implementation of the link road; HSG4, taking into account the amenity potential of the River frontage and the proximity of the (b) development proposals should include residential town centre, and particularly opportunities to development, with the aim of creating a minimum of enhance pedestrian and cycle links between this 700 dwelling units on the site site and the town centre;

(b) small scale office development.

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11.17 The Riverside / Adderley Road Site (e) the creation, by suitable design and layout, of an area adjacent to the river that enables improved 11.17.1 The site’s close proximity to the commercial heart of opportunities for the recreational use of the river. the town centre and its long river frontage make it an outstanding development opportunity. The present relatively 11.18 95-97 London Road poor environmental quality of the site, based generally on a mix of car parking forms, renders it even more desirable to develop. 11.18.1 In addition to these longstanding, mixed used allocations, a further site has come forward for potential re- 11.17.2 The District Council believes that an appropriately development. While previously identified as an Employment Area, designed and built extension to the town centre here would make this site was examined by the East Hertfordshire Employment an outstanding contribution to the future attractiveness and Land Study 2004 and was considered suitable for re- economic security of the town centre, as well as improving the development for mixed-use. This recommendation has been potential for recreational activities on the river. accepted on the basis that it makes more efficient use of the land and will enhance the waterside environment. 11.17.3 In July 2003 the District Council resolved to grant outline planning permission for mixed-use development on the 11.18.2 In September 2004, the District Council granted site, subject to a Section 106 Agreement. Should this permission planning permission for mixed-use development on the site. not be implemented the development of the site will be Should this permission not be fully implemented the considered in accordance with Policy BIS13 and the July 2003 development of the site will be considered in accordance with development proposals. Policy BIS14 and the September 2004 development proposals.

11.17.4 In addition, in these circumstances the development of BIS14 95-97 London Road the site would be expected to be subject to a Development Brief, prepared or agreed by the District Council. This Development The District Council identifies this area of London Road as Brief will need to re-examine the need to implement the two-way defined on the Proposals Map, as having re-development working of traffic along Station Road and Dane Street. Should potential. Proposals for re-development should include provision such works prove necessary they should be undertaken prior to for the following: the completion of buildings on the site and be funded by the developer of the site, via a Planning Obligation/S106 Agreement (a) a significant element of B1 Business Use; (or as subsequently revised). (b) residential development; BIS13 The Riverside/Adderley Road Site (c) affordable housing, in accordance with Policies HSG3 (I) The development and re-development of the and HSG4; Riverside/Adderley Road area, as defined on the Proposals Map, will be permitted in accordance with (d) environmental improvements related to enhancing the Policy BIS10 and the following requirements: waterside setting;

(a) the formation of a riverside walk, together with (e) access improvements; footbridge(s) across the River Stort; (f) sustainable transport features. (b) improved pedestrian access to the site from both the town centre (i.e. Potter Street and Jackson 11.19 Transport Square) and the rail/bus station interchange. 11.19.1 Like many historic towns, Bishop’s Stortford suffers (II) Any Proposal for the development of the site should from traffic problems. Pedestrians and cyclists are subjected to incorporate the following mix of uses: uncompromising levels of noise, fumes, vibration, and sheer physical presence and speed of traffic. Some progress has been (a) a significant development of mixed retail units; made, in particular with the completion of the traffic-calming measures in South Street and Potter Street, and this has greatly (b) a modest amount of office floorspace; enhanced the environmental conditions of this area of the town centre. (c) approximately 150 residential units, possibly including units on the upper floors of other 11.19.2 However, traffic still remains a problem and without forms of development; including up to 40% remedial action it can only get worse. Fortunately, Bishop’s affordable housing in accordance with Policies Stortford has two opportunities to help resolve some of the HSG3 and HSG4. problems: the Eastern Hertfordshire Area Plan (including the Bishop’s Stortford Transportation Plan); and the development of (d) a significant number of public car parking further housing land in Bishop’s Stortford. spaces;

91 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 11.BISHOP’S STORTFORD

11.19.3 The Bishop’s Stortford Transportation Plan (1996), 11.20 Cyclists and Pedestrians prepared by Hertfordshire County Council in conjunction with the District Council, aims to develop integrated sustainable transport 11.20.1 Schemes to assist cyclists and pedestrians are detailed facilities for the town. This Transportation Plan has now been within the Bishop’s Stortford Transportation Plan. However, subsumed into the Eastern Hertfordshire Area Plan, an element considering the importance of trying to encourage the of the Local Transport Plan (see Chapter 5 (Transport), Section movement of people via these forms of travel, an individual 5.5). The Eastern Hertfordshire Area Plan also covers the section and policy is included within the Bishop’s Stortford Sawbridgeworth area. Chapter to cover this issue. This reflects the emphasis in PPG13 which indicates that priority should be given to people over ease 11.19.4 Whether any, some or all of the proposals contained in of traffic movement. the above Plans are implemented, many of which are not directly town-planning related, will depend on a number of factors, none 11.20.2 Facilities for cyclists within Bishop’s Stortford need to more so than the availability of financial support being made be improved upon throughout the duration of the Plan and available from public and private sources. This includes any funds beyond. All development proposals in Bishop’s Stortford will be awarded as part of the Hertfordshire Local Transport Plan expected to comply with Policies TR9 to TR14 of the Transport 2001/02 – 2005/06. Chapter.

BIS15 Eastern Hertfordshire Area Plan: Bishop’s Stortford 11.20.3 Due consideration will be given to the needs of pedestrians and cyclists within Bishop’s Stortford town centre Proposals for development in Bishop’s Stortford are expected to and support will be given to the development of cycle routes and take into account and, where reasonable and appropriate, make other initiatives to improve conditions for cyclists throughout the positive contributions to fulfilling the aims and objectives of the town, particularly where the proposals are compatible with the Eastern Hertfordshire Area Plan (including the Bishop’s Stortford aims of the Bishop’s Stortford Transportation Plan. Transportation Plan). Planning Obligations may be sought to ensure that contributions are made from developers towards the 11.20.4 In preparing the Bishop’s Stortford Transportation Plan implementation of measures and services/facilities outlined in it was found that pedestrians fared much better than cyclists in the Plan. terms of existing provision. However, the Transportation Plan states that, “there is scope for improving the existing network Bishop’s Stortford Major Developments and adding to it in a manner which makes pedestrians feel safer and gives them more space and comfort”. Schemes to aid 11.19.5 The development of substantial areas of land in pedestrians are stated in the Transportation Plan. Bishop’s Stortford lend themselves to an opportunity to resolve substantially some of the town’s traffic problems. Whilst on face 11.20.5 The enhanced area of South Street and Potter Street value more houses will mean more cars in the Bishop’s Stortford should be further improved by a reduction in the volumes of area, the transportation issues arising as a result of this new traffic still using it. The District Council will, either in association development do not have to be confined to the area being with a re-development of an adjacent town centre site or via a developed. proposal advanced through the Transportation Plan, seek the introduction of measures to limit traffic in South Street and 11.19.6 It is now common practice for major development Potter Street. schemes to make a substantial financial contribution to helping with the transportation problems of both the site itself and the 11.21 Environment and Design surrounding area. The larger the development scheme, the larger the contribution can be expected. It is too early to state at 11.21.1 All new developments in the town, including those for this stage what transportation measures will be expected from highway improvements, will be expected to contribute to the developers at the various major sites throughout Bishop’s overall enhancement of the surrounding area. Even relatively Stortford. However, with the exception of the Goods Yard/John small detailing on new buildings and other proposals can Dyde Training College Site and the Adderley Road Site, because substantially improve the overall quality of the development. no major link roads to or around any of the sites are needed (which would normally be provided by the developer of a site), 11.21.2 In this respect, all proposals should ensure that, in then a substantial sum of money can instead be directed to particular, the requirements of Chapter 8 (Environment and passenger transport, walking and/or cycling. The two exception Design) and Chapter 9 (Built Heritage) are adhered to. sites mentioned require road improvement works, though contributions to passenger transport, walking and cycling 11.22 Shopping facilities would still be expected as part of the development proposals. The Bishop’s Stortford Transportation Plan will help to 11.22.1 Many of the policy intentions of the preceding sections determine the most appropriate, yet reasonable, measures to be are aimed, in part, at ensuring a viable and vital Bishop’s provided by developers. Chapter 18 (Implementation) and, in Stortford town centre. Specific sites for retail development are particular, Policy IMP1 address the issue of developer given in Sections 11.15 – 11.18 above. contributions in the wider sense.

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 92 11.BISHOP’S STORTFORD

11.22.2 In order to generally preclude a dilution of the shopping functions in Bishop’s Stortford Town Centre, proposals for development or change of use from shop (A1) uses to non- shop (non-A1) uses within the Primary and Secondary Shopping Frontages as defined on the Proposals Map will be considered against Policies STC2 and STC3. 11.23 The Town Meads

11.23.1 The Meads in Bishop’s Stortford cover an area of approximately 9.3 hectares (23 acres) close to the centre of the town, and form the end of an important wedge of undeveloped land extending northwards through Grange Paddocks to the open countryside beyond.

11.23.2 The area is of considerable recreational and amenity importance to the town, but is in need of appropriate management. The District Council will continue its active support of, and participation in, the Bishop’s Stortford Town Meads Management Plan in association with the Town Council, the Countryside Management Service and Hertfordshire Groundwork Trust. The overriding aims are to make the area safe, enhance the wildlife value of the area, and improve public access. 11.24 Leisure and Community Facilities

11.24.1 Bishop’s Stortford has a range of leisure, recreation and community facilities. All sites of public or private, outdoor sports, recreation and open space facilities or school playing fields to be protected are shown on the Proposals Map. Any proposals for development that would result in the loss of these areas will be refused unless the proposed development complies with Policy LRC1.

11.24.2 In addition to formal leisure and recreation facilities available at centres such as Grange Paddocks and the Rhodes centre, there are other areas of parks and playgrounds available for formal and informal recreation. The River Stort also offers limited water based activities. The District Council is keen to enhance its role in this respect. Proposals for development on the town centre sites identified earlier will be expected to support this objective.

11.24.3 Access from the town to the countryside is possible via a network of footpaths, and the District Council will aim to maintain and enhance these routes as and when opportunities arise. 11.25 Bishop’s Stortford Crematorium

11.25.1 The Town Council has identified a need for a crematorium to serve the town and its hinterland. Whilst no site has, so far, been identified, a search has commenced. It is apparent that the most suitable sites are likely to be within the Green Belt or in the Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt and thus subject to considerable restraint policies. It is expected that the promoter of any plan for a crematorium will produce evidence of particular need for the facility, and the District Council will take cognisance of this.

93 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 12.HERTFORD

12.1 Introduction Objectives

12.1.1 Hertford, the county town of Hertfordshire, benefits 1. To ensure that a sufficient supply of housing land is from over 1,000 years of history some predating the Saxon identified for Hertford during the plan period, in period. Its Castle has been in continuous occupation since the accordance with the District Housing Provision Normans first built their wooden Motte and Bailey on the bank of Strategy, contained in the Housing Chapter. the River Lea. The confluence of the Lea with the three other Rivers Beane, Mimram and Rib in Hertford’s valley setting have 2. To ensure that development meets the principles of marked the town’s development pattern. The rivers, including the sustainable development, as set out in Chapters I River Lea Navigation, continue to have an important influence on (Introduction) and 2 (Sustainable Development) of this the town and present both opportunities and constraints in Local Plan. shaping the future development of Hertford. 3. To maintain and enhance the vitality and viability of the 12.1.2 The town has retained much of its heritage; the town centre through measures to: encourage a range of substantial Conservation Area contains many fine historic shops, services and employment; prevent erosion or buildings including the Shire Hall, said to be the inspiration for dilution of its retail and service function; encourage Jane Austen’s Assembly Room at Meryton in ‘Pride and Prejudice’, provision of residential accommodation and and the oldest Quaker Meeting House in the world, still in use diversification of functions and services, and on today. appropriate sites, a mix of uses; and to maintain the town centre as a social focus for the community. 12.1.3 Although Hertford enjoys many historical links, the town is very much a place of today with a bustling commercial 4. To maintain and encourage employment opportunities core, employment sites and residential areas for its population, for local people, by retaining sufficient employment currently around 24,200. The two railway stations and its close land and protecting existing Employment Areas for proximity to the A1, M25, and M11 provide Hertford with good such purposes. regional transport links. 5. To assist, through the preparation of development 12.1.4 Hertford, like many historic market towns, faces a briefs, in the regeneration of derelict, under used or difficult challenge in achieving a successful balance between vacant land. modern lifestyle requirements and the preservation and enhancement of its unique historic characteristics. Ultimately, 6. To continue to address problems of traffic congestion hard choices have to be made to ensure that the needs of the in the town, through encouraging travel by means other town are able to be met in terms of housing, employment and than the car. economic viability without jeopardising Hertford’s interesting, important, but vulnerable, environment. 7. Where resources permit, to continue to improve the built environment of Hertford, through street 12.1.5 This chapter sets out the planning issues specific to enhancement works and maintenance of its historic Hertford and the Council’s policy intentions. These seek to retain character. the existing character of the town, whilst making provision for appropriate development, to meet the needs of the foreseeable 8. To facilitate the provision of additional leisure and future. The aims and objectives of the Local Plan for Hertford recreation facilities for the benefit of Hertford’s are as follows: residents and the surrounding population.

Aims 9. To protect and enhance the River Lea and encourage its use for nature conservation, recreation, transport, A. To maintain and enhance Hertford as a pleasant place and other appropriate uses. in which to live, grow up, work, shop and spend leisure time. 12.2 Settlement Limits

B. To make appropriate provision for the necessary needs 12.2.1 Hertford is one of four main towns in the District, which of the present and future generations, in a way which is is surrounded by Metropolitan Green Belt, and where consistent with the principles of sustainable Hertfordshire Structure Plan 1991-2011, Policy 6 provides that development. development will generally be concentrated. The over-riding planning aim in defining settlement limits is the prevention of C. To further address vehicular movement and urban sprawl and coalescence with nearby settlements, and the penetration problems and promote non-motorised protection of the town’s special character. movement in the town centre.

D. To prevent the further coalescence of the town with the surrounding settlements of Ware, Hertford Heath, Hertingfordbury, Waterford, and Chapmore End.

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12.2.3 Where Green Belt land is released for new the highways capacity and site access issues (then pending) to development, it will be on a controlled basis, which may involve be completed before determining the site’s final status. phasing and planning obligations being sought (inter alia), to A proposal for a secondary means of vehicular access to the enhance the quality of adjoining countryside to compensate for Mead Lane area (via Rowleys Road) has now been abandoned. the loss of green space, in accordance with Policy IMP1. In addition, the site’s development would adversely impact the landscape of the greater Kings Meads area and local wildlife 12.2.4 The following Green Belt alterations, as shown on the habitats. Given these accessibility, landscape and ecological Proposals Map, are proposed at Hertford, as part of this Local constraints, the site has been incorporated into the Green Belt. Plan Review. 12.3 Housing (a) Land to be removed from the Green Belt: 12.3.1 Based on the Housing Provision Strategy, as detailed in University Land West of Mangrove Road the ‘Housing’ Chapter, Hertford needs to make provision for an The northern part of this site is within the Hertford settlement additional net 505 dwellings between 1999 and 2011. These limits and excluded from the Green Belt, whilst the remainder of dwellings will cater for the housing needs of the town and a the site is in the Green Belt. It is proposed to exclude the Green proportion of the surrounding hinterland. It is expected that Belt part and identify the whole site as a Housing Site Allocation, affordable housing will be provided in accordance with Policies in accordance with Policy HE1(I) and HE6. HSG3 and HSG4 in Chapter 3 (Housing).

Sacombe Road Area 12.3.2 With Hertford being tightly constrained by its In accordance with Housing Policy HSG1 and Hertford Policy Metropolitan Green Belt boundaries, heavy emphasis needs to be HE2, it is proposed to exclude a site from the Green Belt, and placed on making the best use of land within the settlement identify it as Reserve Housing Land. In so doing it is considered limits. The District Council is committed to accommodating as logical to also remove from the Green Belt, the recreation area many as possible of its dwelling requirement on appropriate and school, immediately north and south respectively, of the ‘brownfield’ or ‘previously-developed’ sites within its towns, proposed Reserved Housing Land. The Green Belt boundary including Hertford. The application of such urban regeneration would, consequently run along Sacombe Road. will result in the achievement of the majority of the required amount of housing for Hertford, leaving a need for the release of (b) Land incorporated into the Green Belt: only a small amount of valuable green belt land. The release of these sites will be in accordance with Policy HSG1 in Chapter 3 Mead Lane (Housing). Land at the eastern extremity of Mead Lane had been previously reserved as an “Employment Constraint Site” following the 12.3.3 Sites identified in the Deposit Version of the Local Plan, Inspectors report into the last full Local Plan Review Public Local completed between April 1999 and March 2003, have been Inquiry. This was to enable further studies to be completed into removed from Policy HE1 and are detailed below:

Completed Deposit Version Housing Allocations (included in Table 3.2 (b) in Chapter 3, Housing)

Location Ref No Brownfield/ Site Specific Policy Actual/Estimated Number Greenfield of Dwellings Open Affordable Total Market

Cranbourne 314 Brownfield N/A 0 18 18 Close

East Herts 312 Brownfield HE3 56 18 74 Hospital site, Stansted Road

R/O 91/93 Fore 311 Brownfield N/A 9 0 9 Street

Upper Floors, 315 Brownfield N/A 8 0 8 29-33 Maidenhead

8 Ware Road 316 Brownfield N/A 6 0 6

Total 79 36 115

95 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 12.HERTFORD

12.3.4 Deposit Plan allocated sites, granted planning 12.3.5 The dwelling capacity of the sites listed in paragraph permission but not completed between April 1999 and March 12.3.3 and Policy HE1 amounts to 681 units. This is more than 2003, contribute towards the original required provision and are, sufficient to meet the Hertford apportionment of 505 dwellings. therefore, incorporated in Policy HE1 (I) below. The remaining This surplus enables a degree of flexibility on the above sites, Hertford provision will come from the other allocated sites listed particularly if the estimated capacities cannot be achieved at the in Policy HE1 (I). detailed planning consideration stage.

HE1 Housing Allocations – Hertford

In accordance with Policy HSG2 (II) the following sites, as defined on the Proposals Map, are allocated for residential development:

(I) In Phase 1:

Permitted Deposit Version Housing Allocations (pre-April 2003) (included in Table 3.2 (c-e) in Chapter 3, Housing)

Location Ref No Brownfield/ Site Specific Actual/Estimated Number Greenfield Policy of Dwellings Open Affordable Total Market

Former Addis, 56 Brownfield N/A 163 55 218 Site, Ware Road

Riverside Yards 313 Brownfield HE7 40 (Maidenhead 0 40 (various sites) (part) Yard 6; Barber’s Mixed Use site Yard 12; Dolphin Yard 16; Haulage Yard 6) Goldings, 310 Greenfield N/A 44 0 44 North Road Total 247 55 302

(II) In Phase 2:

Remaining Deposit Version Housing Allocations (included in Table 3.2 (h) in Chapter 3, Housing)

Location Ref No Brownfield/ Site Specific Actual/Estimated Number Greenfield Policy of Dwellings Open Affordable Total Market

Riverside 313 Brownfield HE7 9 0 9 Yards (part)

Mead Lane (West 313 Brownfield HE5 70 30 100 of Marshgate (part) Estimated Drive) Mangrove Road, 317 Part HE6 38 17 55 University Land Greenfield Mill Road Depot 524 Brownfield HE4 60 40 100 Total 177 87 264

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Reserve Housing Land HE2 Reserve Housing Land – Hertford

(I) In accordance with Policy HSG2 (II) the following site is defined on the Proposals Map as Reserve Housing Land for residential development in Phase 3:

Location Ref No Brownfield/ Site Specific Actual/Estimated Number Greenfield Policy of Dwellings Open Affordable Total Market

Land off 48 Greenfield N/A 42 28 70 Sacombe Road

(II) Development of the above site, if permitted in accordance with Policy HSG2 (II) shall make provision for up to 40% affordable housing in accordance with Policies HSG3 and HSG4.

12.3.6 It should also be recognised that an additional HE3 County Hospital Site, North Road contribution to the housing provision for Hertford can be made from the conversion of suitable buildings or the use of vacant (I) In the event that the Local Health Trust concludes that space above or within shops and other commercial premises by part of the existing Hertford County Hospital site is infill development and windfall sites, in line with Polices HSG7, surplus to its operational requirements, favourable HSG8 and STC5. Should, however, the number of dwellings consideration will be given to the conversion and provided by these means not reach the estimated figure, it may redevelopment of the site (or parts of the site not be necessary to find additional land towards the end of the Plan required for health care use), as defined on the period. Therefore, as a contingency measure, Reserve Housing Proposals Map, for residential purposes. Land has been identified that will only be released when and if monitoring reveals a significant shortfall in numbers achieved (II) Proposals for residential use of the site should provide through allocated and windfall sites and conversions. for the retention by conversion or other adaptation of the main front block (Grade II listed), the hospital Housing - Site Specific Policies chapel and Sele Lodge.

12.3.7 While the numbers allocated to specific sites are given (III) The development of the site shall make provision for at in the policies above, there are certain sites which the District least 30% affordable housing. Council considers would benefit from specific policies, in order to guide future development and provide information for interested (IV) The Council will resist proposals for the redevelopment parties. The sites discussed below involve those areas allocated of the site for retailing purposes. solely for housing purposes. Other sites involving mixed-use proposals are detailed at section 12.4 below. 12.3.9 Former Mill Road Depot - This area (Site 524) is the site of a former Council Depot and is currently vacant. The Council 12.3.8 County Hospital Site, North Road - A document on the had initially sought a mixed use development for the site, future of healthcare for the Hertford area was prepared by the involving town centre related uses with part of the development East Hertfordshire National Health Trust and subject to public given to a leisure related use (of bowling alley and/or cinema). consultation between August and November 1998. This As this aim did not come to fruition, the District Council is now consultation put forward options for sites currently operated by prepared to accept proposals involving the residential use of the the Trust in Hertford. One of the sites discussed, as part of the site. This would not, however, preclude proposals involving the consultation was the County Hospital, the front block of which is leisure related uses detailed above. The information pack for the a Grade II listed building. Following the completion of the public disposal of the site, April 2003, details the key criteria that any consultation, the decision was taken to construct a new hospital development should follow, including a Design Framework, and in the grounds of the existing facility. It is anticipated that the copies of this document are available from the Property Section main front block (Grade II listed), the hospital chapel and Sele of the District Council. Lodge will be converted for residential purposes with further residential development in the grounds (Site 333a) at some time during the Plan period. NB this site is not included in the schedule of Housing Sites above as it featured as a committed site at 31st March 1999 within the Council’s November 1999 Residential Land Availability Monitoring Statement.

97 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 12.HERTFORD

HE4 Former Mill Road Depot the area, along with the provision of a ramped footbridge, in place of the footpath level crossing, in (I) The Former Mill Road Depot, as defined on the recognition of the likely increased use of the crossing Proposals Map, is to be redeveloped for residential point. purposes. 12.3.14 University Land – West of Mangrove Road - This site (II) Proposals for the site should make provision for the was formerly occupied by the University of Hertfordshire, and construction of an at grade pedestrian bridge to link used for student accommodation. With the departure of the the north-west corner of the site across the river to the University from Hertford to Hatfield, this site has become surplus car park at Hartham utilising the existing former to requirements. railway bridge abutments and a 3m wide footpath/cycleway across the front of the site by the 12.3.15 The northern part of the site, amounting to about 0.8 river basin to link to the public highway. hectares (2 acres) is within the Hertford settlement limits and excluded from the Green Belt. The southern site of (III) The development of the site shall make provision for up approximately 2.2 hectares (5.4 acres) is within the Green Belt. to 40% affordable housing in accordance with Policies HSG3 and HSG4. 12.3.16 It is proposed to exclude the Green Belt part of the site from the Green Belt, and identify the whole site as a Housing 12.3.10 Mead Lane Area - This area is currently identified as an Allocation in accordance with Policy HSG2 (II), HE1 (I) and Employment Area. The Council is of the view that part of the site-specific policy HE6, below. area has potential for residential development. The proposed residential area is west of Marshgate Drive, north of Mead Lane 12.3.17 The District Council has resolved to grant planning and bounded by the Lee Navigation to the north. Any permission for residential development on the site, subject to a development proposals should respond positively to, and Section 106 Agreement. Should this permission not be enhance the setting of, the river. implemented the development of the site will be considered in accordance with Policy HE6 12.3.11 Such a proposal would need the co-operation of existing landowners and occupiers. Existing users could be HE6 University Land West of Mangrove Road relocated to other alternative premises within the remainder of the Mead Lane Employment Area. (I) Favourable consideration may be given to development of the University Land, West of Mangrove Road, as 12.3.12 Should environmental, ground contamination, traffic defined on the Proposals Map, for residential purposes, and highway access problems prove surmountable, there may be in accordance with Policies HSG2 (II) and HE1 (II). potential for further residential development, east of Marshgate Drive. Such proposals could include a mix of uses, such as (II) The development of the site shall make provision for up employment, housing and leisure uses. It is expected that in the to 40% affordable housing, in accordance with Policies event that the re-development of the site proves practicable, the HSG3 and HSG4. site would be subject to a Development Brief, to be prepared or approved by the District Council. (III) Proposals for the residential use of the site should provide for the retention of the existing trees on the 12.3.13 The District Council has resolved to grant planning site. permission for residential development on the site, subject to a Section 106 Agreement. Should this permission not be 12.4 Mixed Use Sites implemented the development of the site will be considered in accordance with Policy HE5. 12.4.1 The District Council is committed to the concept of urban regeneration and making the most of opportunities to HE5 Mead Lane Area West of Marshgate Drive ensure that optimum use is made of land within Hertford’s settlement boundaries. To this end the Riverside Yards site has (I) Favourable consideration will be given to the been identified which in the past has been associated with redevelopment of the Mead Lane Area, west of industrial uses that have been considerably under-utilised. Marshgate Drive, as defined on the Proposals Map, for residential purposes. 12.4.2 Riverside Yards - Despite the overall high quality of the town, the Riverside Yards area (incorporating Nicholas Lane, (II) The development of the site shall make provision for up Maidenhead Yard, Adam’s Yard and Dolphin Yard) of Hertford’s to 40% affordable housing, in accordance with Policies town centre has suffered neglect over time and is in urgent need HSG3 and HSG4. of attention to bring it up to a standard more fitting with its general environment. (III) Should development of a mixed use nature be appropriate and feasible on further land in the Mead 12.4.3 Whilst containing some fine historic buildings and Lane Area, east of Marshgate Drive, consideration benefiting from fronting the River Lea, the site suffers from should be given to rail and water as modes of transport vacant buildings and dereliction. In order to address the for employees, residents and goods entering or leaving problems of this area, the District Council published a

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 98 12.HERTFORD

Development Brief for the site in January 1998. The 12.5.5 Beyond those existing, the Plan does not identify any Development Brief looks to mixed-use development (with new Employment Areas for Hertford, but seeks to encourage housing as a key element) for the area, and provides guidance on better utilisation of the existing areas. Where proposals arise for the Council’s planning objectives of achieving retailing, employment development outside the identified Employment residential and community uses on the site. Areas, these will be appraised on their individual merits, taking into account sustainability criteria and the impact on HE7 Riverside Yards neighbouring occupiers and the local area, as set out in Policy EDE3. The Riverside Yard Area, as defined on the Proposals Map, should be redeveloped for retail, residential and community purposes. 12.5.6 It is important that space is available for a variety of firms at different stages of their development, including new 12.5 Economic Development and Employment businesses. Within Hertford there are a number of smaller sites that are not specifically designated for primarily employment 12.5.1 Hertford benefits from a variety of industrial uses, purposes, but which would be suitable (and are used) for such including its historic links with brewing and printing. It is purposes e.g. the Taylor Industrial Estate in Ware Road. Such important for the economy of Hertford that a wide range of sites can and do provide for a diversity of uses that should, employment opportunities are sought and retained. Ensuring a wherever appropriate, be retained. good mix of manufacturing, commercial, service, retail and educational operations is important to the local economy. 12.6 Hertford’s Green Fingers

12.5.2 Hertford’s employment land is spread throughout the 12.6.1 Hertford’s town boundaries are characterised by its town with much of it located in fairly close proximity to the town ‘Green Fingers’, which are defined as areas of open undeveloped centre. For some sites, this has led to problems over time in land which penetrate towards the centre of the town and are terms of access, limited opportunities for expansion and loss of bounded on either side by its radiating urban development. amenity for residents in the vicinity. However this is not the case Hertford has four ‘Green Fingers’ which are a priceless for all employment sites within the town. In particular, the environmental asset to the town and have benefit to both local Foxholes employment area, developed in the 1980’s, offers good people and visitors alike. A programme of positive action to arrangements in keeping with the high profile, prestigious improve their amenity, wildlife value and leisure potential will be companies that have chosen to locate to this area. Further developed. Full advantage will be taken of aid from the improvement to access facilities beyond the Foxholes Countryside Management Service and the Hertfordshire employment area to enable a vehicular link with the Caxton Hill Groundwork Trust or any other potentially available resource or employment area will continue to be supported and sought by agency initiatives to implement improvements within the Green the District Council. Both Foxholes and Mead Lane employment Fingers. sites have been identified as ‘prime sites’ to provide for short to medium term employment development requirements. These are 12.7 Town Centre the only two such countywide listed sites so identified in East Hertfordshire. 12.7.1 Hertford, located at the confluence of four rivers and on the old London to Cambridge coach route, has developed over 12.5.3 The Mead Lane Employment Area is in particular need time as a traditional market town. Today the town retains much of improvement and redevelopment. Any proposals involving of the character and appearance associated with these roots. environmental and access improvements to the area will be The environmental quality of the town is recognised in the subject to public consultation. substantial Conservation Area, which not only covers the Town Centre, but also virtually the whole town as it stood in the early 12.5.4 In order to maintain a supply of employment land in 20th century. Hertford, the Foxholes West, Hartham Lane/Station Approach, Mimram Road, Warehams Lane, and Windsor Industrial Estate, 12.7.2 The central area of Hertford contains many of the Ware Road sites will be primarily reserved for employment town’s business and commercial interests. The area broadly purposes. consists of the medieval core, including many buildings of historic significance, and is of high townscape quality. This HE8 Employment Areas heritage of interesting buildings constructed along narrow streets, has led in the past to the town suffering many problems In accordance with Policy EDE1 the following sites are defined associated with other historic market towns including traffic as Employment Areas on the Proposals Map and will be primarily congestion; competition from newer or larger centres; and lack reserved for industry, comprising Classes B1 Business and B2 of investment. However, partly because of the introduction of General Industrial uses: traffic management measures and enhancement of parts of the town centre, coupled with town centre management initiatives (I) Caxton Hill/Ware Road. and established speciality outlets (such as St Andrew Street’s (II) Foxholes West. antique shops), the town has managed to adapt successfully, (III) Hartham Lane/Station Approach. whilst retaining many of its qualities. (IV) Mimram Road. (V) Warehams Lane. (VI) Windsor Industrial Estate, Ware Road. (VII) Mead Lane (East of Marshgate Drive). 99 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 12.HERTFORD

12.7.3 The Council considers that a strong shopping presence 12.8.4 National and local government policy has, in recent in Hertford is the key to its continued vitality and viability, years, become more focused on the fact that it is neither although a diversity of uses, services and functions will help to sustainable nor desirable to continue to cater for unrestrained maintain the town centre as a focus for the community and as a use of the motor vehicle, especially in town centre locations. In source of employment. In order to generally preclude a dilution common with many other market towns, Hertford, being of the shopping functions in Hertford town centre, proposals for constrained by its medieval street pattern, is not equipped to development or changes of use from shop (A1) uses to non-shop deal with unfettered vehicle access. In 1993 the District Council, (non-A1) uses, within the Primary and Secondary Shopping in conjunction with the County Council, implemented a revised Frontages as defined on the Proposals Map, will be considered system of traffic management, which has helped reduce the against Policies STC2 and STC3. number and speed of vehicles entering the central area and improved conditions for pedestrians. 12.7.4 As part of the Council’s Economic Development Strategy, assistance has been given to the setting up of a Town 12.8.5 In conjunction with the provisions of the ‘Transport’ Centre Management Board for Hertford. Membership of the Chapter, the Council is committed to continued support of traffic Board is drawn from representatives of the business community, management initiatives. residents, local interest groups and local authorities. The Town Centre Management Board works to help improve and promote 12.8.6 Although current thinking is to reduce the need to Hertford Town Centre. The District Council will continue to travel by car, there will still be a need to provide for the motor support the Hertford Town Centre Management Board. car, and in particular availability of car parking spaces will continue to be an important factor in deciding whether to visit a 12.8 Transport particular town. Hertford’s retail function, often in direct competition with out of town centres with associated free 12.8.1 The general planning policy stance of the District parking, relies on adequate provision of short stay parking. The Council, in relation to transportation issues, is contained in the District Council will continue its commitment to reducing the ‘Transport’ Chapter of this document. This section relates number of through movements and speed of vehicles in the specifically to conditions in the town of Hertford. central area. The provision, allocation and location of on-street and off-street car parking within the central area will continue to 12.8.2 In April 1998, The Hertford Transportation Plan was be reviewed. On-street car parking will be designed in such a published. The preparation of this Plan was led by Hertfordshire way that it is compatible with the environmental objectives for County Council, in partnership with East Hertfordshire District the town centre and managed in a way that will deter both Council and supported by the Hertford Town Forum. The main displacement parking and motorists cruising around the town in aim of the document was to develop a more integrated and search of a parking space. Subject to the provisions of Policy sustainable transport system for Hertford. It provides a TR8, the use of accessibility contributions in lieu of on site framework for transportation improvements for the whole of the parking provision in Hertford town centre will be considered. town, rather than concentrating solely on the town centre. 12.8.7 In addition to the town centre of Hertford, it is 12.8.3 The Hertford Transportation Plan has now been recognised that there are certain residential areas of the town subsumed within the Lea Valley Area Plan, an element of the where conflict exists between the needs and amenity of Local Transport Plan (see Transport Chapter, Section 5.5). The residents and the dominance of vehicular traffic utilising the Lea Valley Area Plan also covers Ware, Stanstead Abbotts, and area. Particular problems are experienced in Bengeo; the area Great Amwell within East Herts, and the towns of Broxbourne, around Hertford East Station; and Folly Island. It is also Cheshunt, Hoddesdon, and Waltham Cross in the Broxbourne recognised that there are other residential areas in Hertford that Borough Council area. The Hertford Transportation Plan are adversely affected by traffic problems including operates within the framework of the Lea Valley Area Plan. The displacement parking and rat-running. vision of the Plan is to: 12.8.8 For Folly Island, the Council is supportive of the "Develop an effective and sustainable integrated transport relocation of vehicular access to the Island via Hartham Lane to system to serve all users and reduce the significance on improve conditions for residents, and to reduce the amount of motorised traffic and its adverse effects on the environment, in traffic using the town centre for access purposes. In the event order to enhance the Lea Valley as an attractive place in which to that any of the industrial uses cease on Folly Island, the Council live and work". will support the redevelopment of such areas for residential purposes in line with the Development Brief published January Schemes within both documents will be brought forward as 1998 to improve residential amenity. funding permits. HE9 Lea Valley Area Plan - Hertford

In order to develop a more sustainable transport system in Hertford, measures to achieve this aim within the Lea Valley Area Plan (including the Hertfordshire Transportation Plan) will be sought in accordance with Policy IMP1.

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 100 12.HERTFORD

12.8.9 In conjunction with Strategy S11 of the Hertford improve conditions for cyclists throughout the town. Where Transportation Plan, which aims to “enhance residential areas in relevant and reasonable, developers will be expected to provide partnership with residents by reducing car dominance and contributions to assist in advancing the aims of these initiatives. creating a safer environment for children, pedestrians and cyclists”, the District Council is keen to work with Hertfordshire 12.11 Pedestrian Priority County Council towards improving the conditions of residents in the above areas. 12.11.1 The District Council is committed to ensuring that the imbalance between motorist and non-motorist groups is 12.9 Passenger Transport addressed with the intention of improving conditions for pedestrian and other non-motorist user groups, including 12.9.1 Within Hertford there are good passenger transport disabled people. As part of any future traffic management or links with two mainline stations at Hertford East and Hertford environmental improvement initiatives proposed for the further North, serving London’s stations at Liverpool Street and improvement of Hertford Town Centre, in which the District Moorgate/Kings Cross respectively. Hertford Bus Station at Council is involved, full consideration will be given to the needs Bircherley Green provides a central location for accessing the and safety of pedestrians, including disabled people and other bus network. These stations provide the nodes for linking non-motorist groups. passenger transport provision to, from and within Hertford. 12.11.2 Despite the construction of Gascoyne Way to relieve 12.9.2 Specific to Hertford, there are proposals to further the town centre of traffic, and the more recent central area develop the Green Route (a bus priority corridor) within the town traffic calming and enhancement measures, there remain that will link in to the wider Green Route Network that is being problems of congestion and attendant pedestrian health and constructed within the Lea Valley Plan Area. The proposals safety issues in the town centre. These are particularly acute in within the Lea Valley Area Plan that are relevant to Hertford the narrow section of Fore Street, between Parliament Square include improved bus priority, bus vehicle improvements and Shire Hall. (including low-floor buses), addressing car parking problems, at railway stations and additional improvements to Hertford Bus 12.11.3 The Council has resolved that the conditions in this Station involving the provision of a suitable shelter/covered part of Fore Street are “undesirable and unsustainable” in the waiting area for passengers. The District Council supports these longer-term and that measures, possibly in association with other proposals in principle, without prejudice to consideration of the town-centre initiatives, should be introduced to reduce the details of implementation of specific schemes in accordance with volumes of traffic using Fore Street provided that access for Policy HE9 above. deliveries to businesses, passenger transport and other essential users can be ensured by appropriate routes. 12.10 Cycling 12.12 Town Centre Environmental Improvements 12.10.1 The District Council recognises the importance of cycling for the promotion of health, travel (especially to work, 12.12.1 The District Council has long been committed to school and for shopping purposes), for leisure and because it can improving the physical fabric of Hertford’s town centre, and be used as a viable sustainable alternative to the motor vehicle. embarked upon a phased programme of environmental The Council’s commitment to supporting Cycling is detailed in enhancement works, following the introduction of traffic the ‘Transport’ Chapter. management measures in 1993. Since completion of the initial phases, the enhancement works have aided the well being of the 12.10.2 In addressing Hertford, it is important to note that town, making the central area a more attractive location in both cyclists are constrained by the existing pattern of traffic routes, visual and economic terms. The District Council supports the particularly resulting from the one-way system and the A414 continued enhancement of the fabric of the town centre. Gascoyne Way dual carriageway, which bisects the town and Particular importance is attached to the need to improve provides no satisfactory safe means of crossing for cyclists. The Hertford’s unsightly footways and central area roads. In District Council is committed to aiding an improvement of pursuing its commitment to environmental enhancement works conditions for cyclists throughout the town. the District Council will support durable and attractive re-paving and surfacing, through the implementation of the Lea Valley Area 12.10.3 Specific research undertaken as part of the Hertford Plan and Hertford Transportation Strategy; District Council Transportation Study in 1992 and by SUSTRANS (a national funding (up to the limit of available resources); and where transport charity promoting cycling, cycle routes and particularly relevant and reasonable, contributions from developers. the National Cycle Network) in 1994, has been developed by Hertfordshire County Council into proposals for a cycle route network for Hertford. This has resulted in the inclusion of measures, which undergo continual refinement, within Hertfordshire County Council’s Hertford Transportation Plan and Lea Valley Area Plan, both of which have the endorsement of the District Council. In association with Policies TR9, TR10, TR11, TR12, TR13 and TR14, due consideration will be given to the needs of cyclists using Hertford. Support will be given to the development of cycle routes and other initiatives, intended to

101 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 12.HERTFORD

12.13 Leisure and Community Facilities ii. repair and restore the listed buildings and the registered park and gardens and their settings; 12.13.1 Hertford currently benefits from a range of leisure, recreation and community facilities. Hartham Park provides a iii. preserve and enhance the formal and informal leisure variety of formal and informal leisure opportunities including potential of the site; and swimming, tennis, putting, trim-trail, and cycling. There are a number of other parks and playgrounds throughout the town, iv. improve the highway and access requirements of the which are also available for sport and recreation, including site. Hertford Town Football Club, which has its own grounds. There are also river-based activities, including fishing, canoeing, and These objectives will be achieved by: leisure boat trips. The District Council is, in principle, supportive of development proposals that increase public access to river i. resisting redevelopment and conversion for residential frontages or reserve space for future access. Access from the use; town to the surrounding countryside is achievable via many public footpaths. Castle Hall is much used for numerous ii. preparing a schedule of repairs and restoration activities, some of which include stage productions, antique fairs, programme and agreeing a management plan for auctions, club meetings, and the showing of films. future maintenance;

12.13.2 It is recognised that the provision of further facilities iii. facilitating the continued sports uses and identifying and on-going upgrading of existing facilities could improve the areas of public access and rights of way; and choice for residents. Recent improvements at the Hartham Swimming complex, including the provision of improved indoor iv. creating pedestrian and cycle links to Hertford, and fitness suite facilities, have proved popular. However, the town is improving the vehicular access from the A414, rather lacking either a permanent cinema or bowling alley. The than from Mangrove Road. District Council supports the principle of the provision of additional leisure facilities for the town. HE10 Balls Park

12.13.3 Within Hertford all sites of public or private, outdoor (I) The redevelopment of Balls Park is expected to sports, recreation and open space facilities or school playing preserve and enhance the historic, ecological and fields to be protected are shown on the Proposals Map. Any leisure significance of the location, allowing for public proposals for development that would result in the loss of these access to a substantial part of the open space. The areas will be refused unless the proposed development complies conversion of the Grade I mansion for residential use with Policy LRC1. will not be permitted. 12.14 Balls Park (II) Development proposals for the Balls Park site are subject to a Planning Framework prepared by the 12.14.1 Balls Park, as defined on the Proposals Map, is located District Council. The objectives of the Framework are in the Metropolitan Green Belt on the edge of Hertford and to be achieved via an appropriate legal agreement centred on a Grade I listed mansion and registered garden. The and/or planning obligation under Section 106 of the site is approximately 25.7 hectares in extent. There are a Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (or as number of modern teaching blocks and car parks in close subsequently revised), prior to any development being proximity to the historic buildings and gardens associated with granted planning permission. its former occupation by the University of Hertfordshire. Located in one of Hertford’s ‘Green Fingers’ the site is connected with a significant range of landscape and ecological features (including wildlife site designation), sports uses and opportunities for informal public access. It is also identified as a Major Developed Site (see Policy GBC4).

12.14.2 With the relocation of the University and the consequent disposal of this surplus site, the District Council has prepared a document to provide a Planning Framework for the future uses of this valuable resource (see paragraph 8.3.3 concerning the status of development briefs). This document was adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance by the Council in November 2000.

12.14.3 The objectives of the Framework are to: i. Resisting development and conversion of the mansion for residential use, but allowing for limited residential development elsewhere on site;

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 102 13. WARE

13.1 Introduction 3. To maintain and enhance the vitality and viability of the town centre through measures to: encourage a range of 13.1.1 Ware grew around an important crossing point on the shops, services, and employment; prevent erosion or River Lea. This crossing point became part of a Roman road dilution of its retail and service function; encourage (Ermine Street) and eventually the A10 Trunk Road (now re- provision of residential accommodation and routed as a by-pass) between London and East Anglia. Inns diversification of functions and services and, on serving the passing trade have formed an important part of appropriate sites, a mix of uses; and to maintain the Ware’s history since before 1200. town centre as a social focus for the community.

13.1.2 Historically, the outward expansion of Ware has been 4. To maintain and encourage employment opportunities constrained by surrounding hills and more recently by for local people, by retaining sufficient employment Metropolitan Green Belt. This has concentrated development land and protecting existing Employment Areas for pressures on areas within the existing town and particularly on such purposes. the area around the town centre, river, and railway. 5. To assist, through the preparation of development 13.1.3 Ware today retains much of its historic charm, apparent briefs, in the regeneration of derelict, under used or particularly in the number of listed buildings and long narrow vacant land. burgage plots (formerly gardens) which link the buildings of the southern side of the High Street to the River Lea, which itself 6. To continue to address problems of traffic congestion benefits from Ware’s gazebos. Ware has suffered the problems in the town, through encouraging travel by means other common to many small market towns due to traffic congestion than the car. and commercial competition, but remains an attractive settlement. The pressure for further residential development, 7. Where resources permit, to continue to improve the however, remains strong. built environment of Ware, through street enhancements and maintenance of its historic 13.1.4 This Chapter sets out the planning issues and policies character. specific to Ware. These will seek to retain the existing character of the town, whilst making provision for appropriate 8. To protect and enhance the River Lea and encourage development, to meet the needs of the foreseeable future. The its use for nature conservation, recreation, transport, aims and objectives of the Local Plan for Ware are as follows: and other appropriate uses. Aims 13.2 Settlement Limits

A. To maintain and enhance Ware as a pleasant place in 13.2.1 Ware is one of four main towns in the District, which is which to live, grow up, work, shop, and spend leisure surrounded by the Metropolitan Green Belt and where time. Hertfordshire Structure Plan 1991 – 2011 Policy 6 provides that development will be concentrated. The overriding planning aim B. To make appropriate provision for the necessary needs of defining settlement limits has been, and will continue to be, of the present and future generations, in a way which is the prevention of urban sprawl and the coalescence with nearby consistent with the principles of sustainable settlements and the protection of the town’s special character. development. 13.2.2 Where Green Belt land is released for new C. To further ameliorate the effects of traffic on the town. development, it will be on a controlled basis, which may involve phasing and planning obligations being sought (inter alia), to D. To prevent the further coalescence of the town with the enhance the quality of adjoining countryside, to compensate for surrounding settlements of Hertford, Great Amwell, the loss of green space, in accordance with Policy IMP1. Stanstead Abbotts, and Thundridge. 13.2.3 The following Green Belt alterations are proposed at Objectives Ware, as part of this Local Plan Review. Both result in land being excluded from the Green Belt. 1. To ensure a sufficient supply of housing land is identified for Ware during the plan period, in Park Road/Harris Lane Area (GlaxoSmithKline Site) accordance with the District Housing Provision Strategy, contained in Chapter 3 (Housing). As a result of investment and development in recent years at GlaxoSmithKline’s Ware site, it is considered that the ‘central 2. To ensure that development meets the principles of area’ and the westfield car park warrant exclusion from the sustainable development, as set out in Chapters I Green Belt and incorporation in the designated Employment (Introduction) and 2 (Sustainable Development) of this Area. The Buryfield multi-storey car park, to the east of the site, Local Plan. whilst not in the Green Belt, is also proposed to be included in an enlarged Employment Area. These proposed changes are identified on the Proposals Map.

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 103 13. WARE

Land East of Trinity Centre – Reserve Housing Land The application of such urban regeneration will result in the achievement of the majority of the required amount of housing In accordance with Housing Policy HSG1 and Policy WA2, land to for Ware, leaving a need for the release of only a small amount of the east of the Trinity Centre (Site 86), is proposed to be valuable Green Belt land. The release of these sites will be in excluded from the Green Belt and identified as Reserve Housing accordance with Policy HSG1 in Chapter 3 (Housing). Land. 13.3.3 Sites identified in the Deposit Version of the Local Plan, 13.3 Housing completed between April 1999 and March 2003, have been removed from Policy WA1 and are detailed below: 13.3.1 Based on the Housing Provision Strategy, as detailed in the ‘Housing’ Chapter, Ware needs to make provision for an 13.3.4 Deposit Plan allocated sites, granted planning additional net 332 dwellings on sites of a size capable of permission but not completed between April 1999 and March accommodating five or more dwellings between 1999 and 2011. 2003, contribute towards the original required provision and are, These dwellings will cater for the housing needs of the town and therefore, incorporated in Policy WA1(I) below. The remaining a proportion of the surrounding hinterland. It is expected that Ware provision will come from the other allocated sites listed in affordable housing will be provided in accordance with Policies Policy WA1(I). HSG3 and HSG4 in Chapter 3 (Housing). 13.3.5 The dwelling capacity of the sites listed in paragraph 13.3.2 With Ware being tightly constrained by its Metropolitan 13.3.3 and Policy WA1 amounts to 528 units. This is more than Green Belt boundaries, heavy emphasis needs to be placed on sufficient to meet the Ware apportionment of 332 dwellings. making the best use of land within the settlement limits. The This surplus enables a degree of flexibility on the above sites, District Council is committed to accommodating as many as particularly if the estimated capacities cannot be achieved at the possible of its dwelling requirements on appropriate ‘brownfield’ detailed planning consideration stage. or ‘previously-developed’ sites within its towns, including Ware.

Completed Deposit Version Housing Allocations (included in Table 3.2 (b) in Chapter 3, Housing)

Location Ref No Brownfield/ Site Specific Policy Actual/Estimated Number Greenfield of Dwellings Open Affordable Total Market

Millbrook Home, 319 Brownfield N/A 24 0 24 Hartfield Court Deerfield Close

Musley Hill 323a Open land N/A 20 0 20 Allotments within town, not previously developed

Star Brewery, 318 Brownfield N/A 4 0 4 Watton Road

Crane Mead 320 Brownfield WA7 140 48 188

Total 188 48 236

104 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 13. WARE

WA1 Housing Allocations – Ware

In accordance with Policy HSG2 (II) the following sites, as identified on the Proposals Map, are allocated for residential development:

(I) In Phase 1

Permitted Deposit Version Housing Allocations (pre-April 2003) (included in Table 3.2 (c-e) in Chapter 3, Housing)

Location Ref No Brownfield/ Site Specific Policy Actual/Estimated Number Greenfield of Dwellings Open Affordable Total Market

Former Goods 75 Brownfield WA4 115 32 (to be 147 Yard and Station provided Car Park, off-site at Viaduct Road additional Crane Mead site)

12 High Street 72 Brownfield WA6 19 0 19 and Co-op, Star Street (Mixed use site)

Trinity Centre 81 Brownfield WA5 42 18 60 Current Area of Special Restraint

Total 176 50 226

(II) In Phase 2:

Remaining Deposit Version Housing Allocations (included in Table 3.2 (h) in Chapter 3, Housing)

Location Ref No Brownfield/ Site Specific Policy Actual/Estimated Number Greenfield of Dwellings Open Affordable Total Market

103 New Road 321 Brownfield N/A 6 0 6 Yard and Station Car Park, Viaduct Road

Former Gas 322 Brownfield WA3 36 24 60 Works Site, Star Street (Including Garden Centre, Bowling Road)

Total 42 24 66

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 105 13. WARE

WA2 Reserve Housing Land – Ware

(I) In accordance with Policy HSG2 (II), the following site is identified on the Proposals Map as Reserve Housing Land for residential development in Phase 3:

Location Ref No Brownfield/ Site Specific Policy Actual/Estimated Number Greenfield of Dwellings Open Affordable Total Market

Land East of 86 Greenfield N/A 42 28 70 Trinity Centre

(II) The development of the above site, if permitted after 2006, in accordance with Policy HSG2 (II), shall make provision for up to 40% affordable housing in accordance with Policies HSG3 and HSG4.

Reserve Housing Land WA3 Former Gas Works Site, Star Street (Including Garden Centre, Bowling Road) 13.3.6 It should also be recognised that an additional contribution to the housing provision for Ware can be made from (I) Favourable consideration will be given to the the conversion of suitable buildings or the use of vacant space redevelopment of the Former Gas Works Site, Star above or within shops, and other commercial premises, by infill Street (including Garden Centre, Bowling Road) , as development and windfall sites, in line with Policies HSG7, HSG8 defined on the Proposals Map, for residential purposes. and STC5. Should, however, the number of dwellings provided by these means, not reach the estimated figure, it may be necessary (II) The development of the site shall make provision for up to find additional land towards the end of the Plan period. to 40% affordable housing, in accordance with Policies Therefore, as a contingency measure, Reserve Housing Land has HSG3 and HSG4. been identified that will only be released when and if monitoring reveals a significant shortfall in numbers achieved through 13.3.10 Former Goods Yard and Station Car Park, allocated and windfall sites and conversions. Viaduct Road – The site is currently used as a car park adjacent to Ware railway station. It has previously received planning 13.3.7 One site is identified for Reserve Housing Land. The permission for office development. In 2003, however, planning site is currently in the Green Belt and to the east of the Trinity permission was allowed on appeal for 91 one and two bed Centre, (See paragraph 13.3.13 to 13.3.15 and Policy WA5 for apartments; conversion and refurbishment of goods shed to further details in respect of the Trinity Centre). The site will not provide 24 residential units and one retail unit; 100 commuter be released for residential development prior to 2006, in parking spaces; plus residential parking and all ancillary works. accordance with Policy HSG2 (IV) and WA2 above. 13.3.11 Bearing in mind the surrounding higher density Housing – Site Specific Policies housing development, its location adjacent to the town centre and passenger transport facilities, the site is considered to be 13.3.8 While the numbers allocated to specific sites are given suitable for residential development. in the policies above, there are certain sites which the District Council considers would benefit from specific policies, in order to 13.3.12 Although the previous permissions for office guide future development and provide information for interested development made provision for a car park within a refurbished parties. The sites discussed below involve those areas allocated Goods Shed, much of which would have been reserved for rail solely for housing purposes. Another site involving mixed-use passengers, the 2003 permission, if implemented, would provide proposals, 12 High Street/the Co-op Premises, Star Street is the rail related parking beneath the residential development detailed at Section 13.4 below. together with other transport related infrastructure provision and improvements. The current permission would utilise the 13.3.9 Former Gas Works Site, Star Street (Including Garden refurbished Goods Shed to provide residential units. With regard Centre, Bowling Road) – This brownfield site is considered to the provision of car parking for rail passengers, either option suitable for regeneration re-development for housing purposes. is considered acceptable to the District Council, provided that It is well located within the town and adjacent to the town centre any overall scheme includes the refurbishment of the Goods and passenger transport facilities. The development of the site Shed, together with other transport related infrastructure is expected to be subject to a Development Brief, prepared or provision and improvements. Should this permission not be approved by the District Council. implemented the development of the site is expected to be in accordance with Policy WA4 and subject to a Development Brief, prepared or approved by the District Council

106 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 13. WARE

WA4 Former Goods Yard and Station Car Park, Viaduct WA5 Trinity Centre Road (I) Favourable consideration will be given to the (I) Favourable consideration will be given to the development of the Trinity Centre, as defined on the development of the Former Goods Yard and Station Car Proposal Map, for a nursing care home; housing; open Park Site, as defined on the Proposals Map, for space (including children’s play areas) pedestrian/cycle residential purposes to include: the refurbishment of links and community facilities (to the north-east of the the listed Former Goods Shed; car parking (much of site). which is intended to be reserved for rail passengers); and the provision of improved transport interchange (II) The development of the site shall make provision for facilities. 30% affordable housing.

(II) The development of the site shall make provision for up (III) The development of the site shall make provision for to 40% affordable housing in according with Policies transport related infrastructure and improvements on HSG3 and HSG4. and off the site, and contributions to the improvement of footway/cycleway links in the vicinity. (III) The development of the site shall make provision for transport related infrastructure and improvements on 13.4 Mixed Use Sites and off the site, and contributions to the improvement of pedestrian/cycleway links in the vicinity. 13.4.1 The District Council is committed to the concept of urban regeneration and making the most of opportunities to 13.3.13 Trinity Centre – The Local Plan First Review identified ensure that optimum use is made of land within Ware’s this site (Site 81) as an Area of Special Restraint (ASR), suitable settlement boundaries. To this end, two sites have been for housing, open space and such other community facilities as identified as suitable for mixed-use development. These are 12 may be deemed necessary. The site will be brought forward for High Street/Co-op Depot, Star Street (Site 72) and Crane Mead, development in this Local Plan Second Review. off Viaduct Road (Site 320), the latter of which is currently reaching completion of development. 13.3.14 The site principally comprises the previously developed part of this former school site, which had since its closure in the 13.4.2 12 High Street/Co-op Depot, Star Street – The Co-op late 1980’s, been used by the County Council for office purposes site currently comprises retail premises and the Co-op milk and Hertford Regional College for educational purposes and depot. A mixed-use proposal including a range of uses for currently remains vacant. An appropriate balance needs to be housing, retail, leisure, or other commercial uses, is considered struck between the provision of housing and other uses on site. acceptable. Permission was granted in 2002 for a development To this end, a Development Brief was prepared for East comprising a mix of residential and retail development in Hertfordshire District Council and Hertfordshire County Council association with the refurbishment of the Grade II listed (owners of the site), to encompass both the Trinity Centre (Site building. Should this permission not be implemented, the 81) and Land to the East of the Trinity Centre (Site 86). The development of the site is expected to be in accordance with Trinity Centre site should, therefore, be developed for a nursing Policy WA6 and to be subject to a Development Brief, prepared or care home; housing (including 30% affordable housing); related approved by the District Council. Proposals should be compatible open space (including children’s play areas) pedestrian/cycle with the site’s town centre location and Conservation Area status links; community facilities (to the north-east of the site); and and take into account the fact that part of 12 High Street is a other related infrastructure and transport provisions in listed building and the following Policy will apply: accordance with the Development Brief for the site, which was adopted by the District Council in August 2002. The District WA6 12 High Street/Co-op Depot, Star Street Council has resolved to grant planning permission for development on the site. Should this permission not be (I) The site at 12 High Street/Co-op Depot, Star Street, as implemented the development of the site will be considered in defined on the Proposals Map, is allocated for mixed- accordance with Policy WA5 and a revised Development Brief will use development to include housing, retail, leisure, or be prepared. other commercial uses.

13.3.15 The adjacent area, Land to the East of the Trinity (II) Depending on the mix of uses on site, development Centre (Site 86) is listed as Reserve Housing Land in Policy WA2. shall make provision for up to 40% affordable housing, Development of the site for housing, if permitted after 2006 in in accordance with Policies HSG3 and HSG4. accordance with Policy HSG2 (II) will also be subject to the provisions of the Development Brief, August 2002 and shall make 13.4.3 Crane Mead – Most of this area is identified in the provision for 40% affordable housing. Local Plan First Review as an Employment Area, but in January 1998 the Council adopted a Development Brief identifying part of the site as suitable for mixed uses, including employment, housing and possibly leisure uses.

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 107 13. WARE

13.4.4 Planning permission has now been granted in enlargement of the designated Employment Area, by accordance with the brief, and development of the housing incorporating the ‘central area’, and the Westfield and Buryfield element is under way. The planning permission includes a car parks. These changes are identified on the Proposals Map. substantial development of employment floorspace on land (See also paragraph 13.2.3 concerning Green Belt exclusions in adjacent to the railway. respect of this area).

13.4.5 It is now therefore appropriate to identify the area 13.5.4 The Council considers that, in order to maintain a intended to remain in employment use, i.e. Mill Studio and supply of employment land, the Park Road/Harris Lane Swains Mill, and the area with extant permission for Employment (GlaxoSmithKline); land off Marsh Lane; Broadmeads; and uses as an Employment Area, in accordance with Policy EDE1. Widbury Hill Areas should continue to be reserved for such purposes. 13.4.6 This site has a role to play in the provision of a Country Park at Tumbling Bay to the north, by provision of a bridge WA8 Employment Areas between the two sites to provide access, and also the Council wishes to secure provision of a second means of vehicular access In accordance with the Policy EDE1 the following sites are to the Crane Mead area. These provisions have been defined as Employment Areas on the proposals map and will be incorporated into the S106 Planning Obligation which is reserved for industry, comprising Classes B1 and B2 General attached to the planning permission referred to in para 13.4.4 Industrial Uses: but any proposals for this site should take into account the following Policy: (I) Land off Marsh Lane WA7 Crane Mead (II) Broadmeads

(I) The Crane Mead site is defined as an Employment Area (III) Widbury Hill on the Proposals Map and will be primarily reserved for industry, comprising Class B1. (IV) Park Road/Harris Lane (GlaxoSmithKline)

(II) The Council is anxious to secure the provision of a (V) Crane Mead second means of vehicular access to the Crane Mead area from Station Road, passing under Viaduct Road, 13.5.5 Beyond those existing areas, the Plan does not identify and will use appropriate measures to facilitate this. any new Employment Areas for Ware, but seeks to encourage the better utilisation of existing areas. Where proposals arise for (III) The Council will continue to support the efforts of employment development outside the identified Employment British Waterways Board to secure the implementation Areas, these will be appraised on their individual merits, taking of a new road bridge linking Crane Mead to the north into account sustainability criteria, and the impact on the side of the Lea Navigation in order to facilitate the neighbouring occupiers and the local area, as set out in Policy implementation of the proposed Country Park. EDE3. 13.5 Economic Development and Employment 13.5.6 It is important that space is available for different firms in different stages of their development, including new 13.5.1 It is important for Ware’s economy to seek to retain businesses. A number of smaller sites exist in Ware, which have and encourage a strong and diverse local economy, with a wide not been specifically identified for primarily employment range of employment opportunities. The most important local purposes, but which would be suitable (and are used) for such employer is GlaxoSmithKline, with its research and development purposes, e.g. Sucklings Yard and Hitch’s Yard in Church Street and manufacturing facilities. There is also a mix of other and Waggoners Yard, Baldock Street. These yards and similar manufacturing, commercial, and service operations in the town. sites can, and do, provide for a diversity of uses, and should, Retailing and education are also important parts of the local wherever appropriate, be retained. economy. The presence of the long established and successful Hertford Regional College is a valued educational resource, and 13.6 Waste Management Sites adds strength to the social fabric of the town and the economic vitality of the town centre. The District Council intends to work 13.6.1 The Hertfordshire Waste Local Plan was adopted in with the college to ensure its continuing success and will help it January 1999. Under Waste Policy 12, two sites in Ware are address car-parking issues that have arisen in recent years. indicated as areas of search for sites for permanent facilities for waste management functions: 13.5.2 Ware’s employment land is mainly confined to the central area of town close to the river and the railway. It ● Crane Mead is identified for materials recovery, comprises one large mixed-use industrial area at Marsh Lane; the recycling of canal dredgings, and waste to water town’s major employer, GlaxoSmithKline off Park Road and Harris transfer (Policy 30). Lane; and two other areas at Broadmeads and Widbury Hill. ● Marsh Lane is identified for inert waste recycling and 13.5.3 As result of investment and development in recent materials recovery. years at GlaxoSmithKline, Ware site, the Plan provides for the

108 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 13. WARE

13.6.2 In this Plan, Marsh Lane is identified as an help improve and promote Ware town centre. The District Employment Area, and Crane Mead is identified as a Mixed Use Council will continue to support the Ware Town Centre site, suitable for housing, employment and leisure. Management Board.

13.6.3 The District Council does not wish to see either of 13.8 Transport these sites “safeguarded” for waste management uses, a process which could blight either or both areas and deter investment. 13.8.1 The general planning policy stance of the District However, advances in waste recycling techniques mean that Council, in relation to transportation issues, is contained in there need not be a conflict between waste uses and Chapter 5 (Transport) of this Plan. This section relates employment area designations. Where processing can be carried specifically to conditions in the town of Ware. on inside a building, the impact could be similar to other general industrial processes and such a use would be providing 13.8.2 Ware’s mediaeval street pattern is of immense historic employment. and environmental value. However, in common with many other old market towns, it experiences great difficulties in the 13.6.4 However, the District Council will bear in mind that accommodation of vehicular traffic. waste processing can have an impact on such matters as traffic generation, appearance of the locality, noise generation and dust 13.8.3 Efforts have been made in the past to ameliorate the and smell emissions, and should Crane Mead be developed for a situation; the A10 trunk road bypass was specifically designed to mix of uses, waste management facilities could have an adverse remove much of the traffic which would otherwise travel through impact on local environment and amenity of future residents. the town. However, there is still a significant congestion problem, especially at peak times. 13.6.5 The grant of planning permission for waste management functions is a County Council matter, but this 13.8.4 A comprehensive traffic study was undertaken and Council will comment on the merits of proposals which may arise completed in 1992 which, following public consultation, resulted in the light of the above. in the abandonment of proposals for a town centre relief road. This decision meant that any alterations made to the road layout 13.7 Town Centre would need to continue to cater for the same types and volumes of traffic. However, following a shift in Government policy and 13.7.1 Ware Town Centre is located close to the River Lea, the public opinion, the emphasis has now moved away from the railway line and on the old London to Cambridge Road. It is the demands of the motorist and more towards other, non-motorised focus of a Conservation Area which contains many fine listed user groups. buildings, including the Priory (Grade I). Many of the town’s existing and former coaching inns and public houses line the 13.8.5 The Ware Transportation Plan, led by Hertfordshire High Street and Baldock Street, creating a distinctive historic County Council in conjunction with the District Council and Ware townscape. Forum, developed proposals for the future of transportation in Ware. 13.7.2 Ware as a commercial centre has suffered many of the problems associated with historic market towns: traffic 13.8.6 Following further public consultation, improvements congestion; competition from newer or larger centres; and lack were made to the High Street, Baldock Street, East Street and of investment. However, the town has adapted successfully whilst West Street, which were completed in 1998. These works retaining its many qualities. The Council considers that a strong incorporated traffic calming features (narrowed carriageways shopping presence in the town is the key to its continued vitality and puffin signal controls based on pedestrian movement and viability, although a diversity of uses, services and functions characteristics); improved passenger transport access facilities; will help to maintain the town centre as a focus for the resurfaced, widened pavements and improved crossing facilities community and as a source of employment. In order to for non-motorist user groups. generally preclude a dilution of the shopping functions in Ware town centre, proposals for development or changes of use from 13.8.7 The Ware Transportation Plan has been subsumed into shop (A1) use to non-shop (non-A1 use) within the primary and the Lea Valley Area Plan, an element of the Local Transport Plan secondary shopping frontages, as defined on the Proposals Map, (see Transport Chapter, Section 5.5). The Lea Valley Area Plan will be considered against Policies STC2 and STC3. also covers Hertford, Stanstead Abbotts and Great Amwell within East Herts, and the towns of Broxbourne, Cheshunt, Hoddesdon 13.7.3 The problems of congestion, safety and poor and Waltham Cross in the Broxbourne Borough Council Area. environmental quality in Ware town centre have been addressed The vision of this document is to: by a series of traffic management and street enhancement works. Great improvements have been made over the last few “Develop an effective and sustainable integrated transport years and, where resources permit, this will be continued. system to serve all users and reduce the significance on motorised traffic and its adverse effects on the environment, in 13.7.4 As part of the Council’s Economic Development order to enhance the Lea Valley as an attractive place in which to Strategy, assistance has been given to set up a Town Centre live and work”. Management Board for Ware. Membership is drawn from representatives of the business community, residents, local Schemes within both documents will be brought forward as interest groups and local authorities, and the Board works to funding permits.

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 109 13. WARE

WA9 Lea Valley Area Plan – Ware 13.10.4 In 1994 SUSTRANS (a national transport charity promoting cycling, cycle routes and particularly the National In order to develop a more sustainable transport system in Ware, Cycle Network) reported on cycling initiatives for the town, and support will be given, in principle, to measures that achieve this put forward proposals for new cycle routes and improved aim within the Lea Valley Area Plan (including the Ware conditions along existing roadways. Hertfordshire County Transportation Plan). Where relevant and reasonable, Council subsequently embodied proposals for improved safe contributions from developers will be expected to assist in cycling facilities within its Ware Transportation Plan and aims to advancing the aims of these initiatives. implement schemes as funding allows. This has resulted in the inclusion of measures, which undergo continual refinement, 13.8.8 Although current thinking is to reduce the need to within Hertfordshire County Council’s Lea Valley Area Plan, which travel by car, there will still be a need to provide for the motorcar has the endorsement of the District Council. and, in particular, availability of car parking spaces will continue to be an important factor in deciding whether to visit a particular 13.10.5 Although not currently included in the Lea Valley Area town. Ware’s retail function relies on specialist units and Plan, the Council is also keen to see the provision of a cycle route shopping visits supplementary to those carried out in larger between Star Street and Crane Mead, via Tumbling Bay. centres. For these kinds of trips an adequate provision of short stay parking is needed. 13.10.6 In association with Policies TR9, TR10, TR11, TR12, TR13 and TR14, due consideration will be given to the needs of 13.9 Passenger Transport cyclists using Ware. Support will be given to the development of cycle routes and other initiatives, intended to improve conditions 13.9.1 Passenger transport in Ware includes rail connections for cyclists throughout the town. Where relevant and reasonable, south from Ware Station to London’s Liverpool Street Station and developers will be expected to provide contributions to assist in west to Hertford East Station, as well as local and regional bus advancing the aims of these initiatives. services. 13.11 Pedestrian Priority 13.9.2 Improvements to passenger transport services are sought to aid a modal shift away from the private motorcar. The 13.11.1 The District Council is committed to ensuring that the proposals within the Lea Valley Area Plan that are relevant to imbalance between motorist and non-motorist groups is Ware include: bus vehicle improvements (including low-floor addressed with the intention of improving conditions for buses), addressing car parking problems, and improvements to pedestrian and other non-motorist user groups, including passenger transport interchange facilities at Ware railway disabled people. As part of any future traffic management or station. The District Council supports these proposals in environmental improvement initiatives, proposed for the further principle, without prejudice to consideration of the details of improvement of Ware Town Centre, full consideration will be implementation of specific schemes in accordance with Policy given to the needs and safety of pedestrians, including disabled WA9 above. people, and other non-motorist groups. 13.10 Cycling 13.12 Leisure and Community Facilities

13.10.1 The District Council recognises the importance of 13.12.1 Ware already has a range of leisure, recreation, and cycling for the promotion of health, travel (especially to work, community facilities. The sports centre at Wodson Park is well school, and for shopping purposes), for leisure and because it equipped for a wide variety of indoor and outdoor sport activities can be used as a viable sustainable alternative to the motor and adjacent to it is the Ware Town Football ground. There are a vehicle. The Council’s commitment to supporting cycling is number of parks and playgrounds available for formal and detailed in Chapter 5 (Transport). informal sport and recreation. The River Lea, and Ware’s position at the head of the Lea Valley Regional Park, allows access to a 13.10.2 Cyclists are often the forgotten minority in the overall variety of leisure opportunities. movement picture. Competition for road space, the cost of providing car parks and the energy wasted on congested roads 13.12.2 It is also hoped that a vehicular bridge to Tumbling Bay are good reasons why cycling should receive more consideration, via the Crane Mead site will allow British Waterways to develop particularly in a small town where travel distances are modest. the area as a country park for water based recreation. Hertfordshire County Council granted planning permission to 13.10.3 Bicycles have better manoeuvrability and controllability British Waterways to create the Tumbling Bay Country Park in than cars, but in Ware these advantages are not exploited 1998. Progress on these sites is largely dependent on the because cyclists are constrained by the existing street pattern priorities of the various landowners, but the Council will support and traffic routes. and encourage appropriate development where possible.

110 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 13. WARE

WA10 Tumbling Bay

The District Council will support and encourage the use and appropriate proposals in respect of the Tumbling Bay area, as identified on the Proposals Map, for recreational purposes, including informal non-motorised boating and angling, as far as is compatible with the nature and landscape conservation interests of the locality. Open access for walkers and cyclists will be encouraged, and essential small-scale facilities for outdoor sport and outdoor recreation may be permitted in accordance with Policy GBC1(b). Activities generating undue noise or disruption that would affect local amenity will not be supported.

13.12.3 Within Ware all sites of public or private, outdoor sports, recreation and open space facilities or school playing fields to be protected are shown on the Proposals Map. Any proposals for development that would result in the loss of these areas will be refused unless the proposed development complies with Policy LRC1.

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 111 14.SAWBRIDGEWORTH

14.1 Introduction 4. To ameliorate the problems associated with traffic in the town, and improve walking and cycling links, access 14.1.1 Sawbridgeworth is located in the south eastern corner to and provision of passenger transport, and local of the District on the A1184, between Bishop’s Stortford to the provision of facilities. north, and Harlow in Essex to the south. It is the fourth largest settlement in the District with a population of approximately 5. To introduce traffic management and related “traffic 7,900. The town is sited on undulating rising ground to the west calming” measures, so as to improve conditions of of the River Stort. safety and comfort for local residents, pedestrians and other non-motorised user groups and stimulate 14.1.2 Historically, the town has developed around the routes reduction in car dependency. linking London with both Cambridge and East Anglia. The historic core of the town centre is based on a medieval grid of 6. To protect and enhance the River Stort and encourage roads to the east of London Road. its use for nature conservation, recreation, transport and other appropriate uses. 14.1.3 The town has good transport connections, with a mainline railway station and road links to Bishop’s Stortford and 14.2 Settlement Limits Harlow, providing routes to the M11 and M25, as well as Stansted Airport. These are heavily congested for an extended 14.2.1 Sawbridgeworth is one of four main towns in the peak period each day. District which is surrounded by the Metropolitan Green Belt, and where Hertfordshire Structure Plan 1991-2011 Policy 6 provides 14.1.4 This chapter sets out the planning issues specific to that development will be concentrated. The overriding planning Sawbridgeworth, and the Council’s policy intentions. These will aim of defining settlement limits has been, and will continue to seek to retain the existing character of the town, whilst making be, the prevention of urban sprawl and the coalescence with provision for appropriate development to meet the needs of the nearby settlements, and the protection of the town’s special foreseeable future. The aims and objectives of the Local Plan for character. Sawbridgeworth are as follows: 14.2.2 Where Green Belt land is released for new Aims development, it will be on a controlled basis, which may involve phasing and planning obligations being sought, to inter alia, A. To maintain and enhance Sawbridgeworth as a enhance the quality of adjoining countryside to compensate for pleasant place in which to live, grow-up, work, shop, and the loss of green space, in accordance with Policy IMP1. In spend leisure time. respect of the need to release Green Belt land for development, see paragraph 14.3.2. B. To make appropriate provision for the necessary needs of the present and future generations, in a way which is 14.2.3 The following Green Belt alterations, as shown on the consistent with the principles of sustainable Proposals Map, are proposed at Sawbridgeworth as part of this development. Local Plan Review. All proposals would result in land being taken out of the Green Belt. C. To ameliorate the problems associated with traffic in the town. (i) Land at Cambridge Road/Crofters - This area comprises the southern part of the Leventhorpe School grounds, D. To prevent the further coalescence of the town with the and the adjoining Sawbridgeworth Sports Association surrounding settlements of Bishop’s Stortford, football ground at Crofters. It is proposed to exclude Spellbrook, High Wych, Harlow and Lower Sheering. the area from the Green Belt and identify it as a Housing Site Allocation, in accordance with Policies SA1 Objectives and SA2.

1. To ensure a sufficient supply of housing land is (ii) Land East of Millfields and Lawrence Avenue - This area identified for Sawbridgeworth during the plan period, comprises land between existing development and the in accordance with the District Housing Provision River Stort and is south of an allotment area. It is Strategy, contained in Chapter 3 (Housing). proposed to exclude the area from the Green Belt, and identify it as a Housing Site Allocation, in accordance 2. To ensure that development meets the principle of with Policies SA1 and SA3. sustainable development, as set out in Chapters 1 (Introduction) and 2 (Sustainable Development) of this Local Plan.

3. To maintain and enhance the vitality and viability of the commercial centre, by encouraging a range of shops and services, and preventing erosion or dilution of its retail and service function.

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 112 14.SAWBRIDGEWORTH

14.3 Housing SA1 Housing Allocations: Sawbridgeworth

In accordance with Policy HSG2 (II) the following sites as identified on the Proposals Map, are allocated for residential development:

In Phase 1:

Remaining Deposit Version Housing Allocations (included in Table 3.2 (h) in Chapter 3: Housing)

Location Ref No Brownfield/ Site Specific Policy Estimated Number of Greenfield Dwellings Open Affordable Total Market

Land at Cambridge 223.1 Greenfield SA2 78 52 130 Road/Crofters

Land East of 173 Greenfield SA3 2 41 640 Millfields and & Lawrence Avenue 305

Total 102 68 170

14.3.1 Based on the Housing Provision Strategy, as detailed in 14.5.2 The development of the site is expected to be subject Chapter 3 (Housing), Sawbridgeworth needs to make provision to a Development Brief, prepared by or approved by the District for a net additional 178 dwellings, on sites of a size capable of Council. Such a development brief should address, among other accommodating five or more dwellings, between 1999 and 2011. issues, the provision of leisure, recreation and community These dwellings will cater for the housing needs of the town and facilities, particularly their location either on the Cambridge a proportion of the surrounding hinterland. It is expected that Road/Crofters site (Policy SA2); on the adjacent school site affordable housing will be provided in accordance with Policies identified as a Major Developed Site (Policy GBC4); or in the case HSG3 and HSG4 in Chapter 3 (Housing). of sports pitch provision, on land to the north of the school site (Policy SA4). 14.3.2 Despite efforts to limit the amount of greenfield land take, the District Council found little scope within SA2 Cambridge Road/Crofters Site Sawbridgeworth for further housing to be accommodated on previously developed (‘brownfield’) sites or through urban (I) The Cambridge Road/Crofters site is identified on the regeneration. In order to provide sufficient land for housing, Proposals Map for residential purposes, together with therefore, some Green Belt greenfield sites have been allocated leisure, recreation and community facilities. for residential development. The release of these sites will be in accordance with Policy HSG2 in Chapter 3 (Housing). (II) The development of the site shall make provision for up to 40% affordable housing, in accordance with Policies 14.4 Housing: Site Specific Policies HSG3 and HSG4.

14.4.1 Whilst the numbers allocated to specific sites are given (III) Development of the site should not proceed until in Policy SA1 above, there are certain sites which the District appropriate replacement sports pitch provision has Council considers would benefit from specific policies, in order to been made in accordance with Policy SA4. Such guide future development and provide information for interested provision shall be at least equivalent to that lost in parties. terms of quantity, quality and accessibility. 14.5 Cambridge Road/Crofters Site

14.5.1 This site comprises the southern part of the Leventhorpe School grounds and the adjacent Sawbridgeworth football ground at Crofters. The site is considered suitable for primarily residential development, together with leisure, recreation and community facilities. Some of these latter facilities may be able to be accommodated within the remainder of Leventhorpe School site.

113 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 14.SAWBRIDGEWORTH

14.6 Land East of Millfields and Lawrence Avenue 14.8.3 The pleasant town centre contains a mix of small-scale occupiers - retail, business and residential. Most buildings front 14.6.1 It is proposed to identify this site as a Housing onto the highway giving the streets a narrow sense of enclosure. Allocation for possible release after 2006, in accordance with Policies HSG2 (II), SA1 and site specific Policy SA3, below, and 14.8.4 In order to generally preclude a dilution of the safeguard part of the site adjacent to the River Stort as open shopping functions in Sawbridgeworth and to add to the overall publicly accessible land. The development of the site is expected vitality and viability of the town, proposals for development or to be subject to a Development Brief, prepared by or approved by changes of use from A1 (shop) to non A1 (non-shop) uses in the the District Council, and also a Flood Risk Assessment. main commercial frontages as defined on the Proposals Map will be considered against Policy STC4. SA3 Land East of Millfields and Lawrence Avenue 14.9 Environment (I) Land east of Millfields and Lawrence Avenue, as defined on the Proposals Map is identified for 14.9.1 A continuing major obstacle to improving the residential purposes in accordance with Policy HSG2 environment of Sawbridgeworth is the traffic on the A1184, and (II) and SA1. The layout of new development should associated residential roads. The Council will continue, in include open space along the River Stort frontage to partnership with other authorities and interested parties, subject ensure that the river landscape and its biodiversity to available resources, with a programme of environmental interests are protected. improvements, including schemes of traffic management and traffic calming within Sawbridgeworth. (II) The development of the site shall make provision for up to 40% affordable housing, in accordance with Policies 14.9.2 The Stort Valley is an area of known ecological value HSG3 and HSG4. including many sites of wildlife and archaeological interest. The Council will continue to work in co-operation with the 14.7 Economic Development and Employment Countryside Management Service and other interested bodies to protect and enhance the valley as a whole. 14.7.1 There are no significant industrial or employment areas in Sawbridgeworth, other than local commercial, retailing and 14.10 Transport service businesses. There are, however, employment areas located adjacent to Sawbridgeworth in the settlement of Lower 14.10.1 As mentioned in paragraph 14.9.1, the major Sheering in Essex. transportation problem affecting Sawbridgeworth is the amount of traffic on the A1184 and associated roads. This situation will 14.7.2 The District Council considers it important to retain and be further aggravated with continuing development, particularly encourage local employment opportunities, where appropriate, as at Bishop’s Stortford, Stansted Airport, and Harlow. outlined in Chapter 6 (Economic Development and Employment). As there are no significant existing employment areas in 14.10.2 A north-south bypass for Sawbridgeworth has been Sawbridgeworth, it is not proposed to designate any such under consideration for more than a decade. Schemes have been Employment Areas, under Policy EDE1. Also it is not proposed, as proposed but later withdrawn, and at present there is no part of this Plan Review, to allocate any new land for such provision for a bypass in the Hertfordshire Local Transport Plan. development. In July 2000 the County Council resolved not to pursue a relief road but to develop other measures to address traffic problems 14.7.3 Where proposals arise for employment development in the town such as pedestrian, cycling, and traffic calming outside identified Employment Areas, these will be appraised on measures. their individual merits, taking into account sustainability criteria and the impact on neighbouring occupiers and the local area, as 14.10.3 The issue of a Sawbridgeworth bypass is likely to be set out in Policy EDE3. addressed through the emerging studies on wider transport issues associated with growth in the London-Stansted- 14.8 Town Centre Cambridge-Peterborough corridor. The District Council continues to support the provision of an effective north-south bypass for 14.8.1 Sawbridgeworth town centre is located to the east of Sawbridgeworth, together with other appropriate related London Road, the historic north-south route that runs through transportation proposals. However until a resolution is reached, the town. The location of the town centre away from the main the District Council will continue to work with the County Council, through road has assisted the town in retaining its considerable as Highway Authority, and other local stakeholders to ameliorate period charm and character, as reflected in it being a designated the problems associated with traffic in the town. Conservation Area.

14.8.2 The main commercial centre is located around Bell Street, Knight Street and The Square. An additional separate part of the shopping area is located at the corner of London Road and Bell Street, including Bells Walk.

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 114 14.SAWBRIDGEWORTH

14.11 Leisure and Community Facilities

14.11.1 Chapter 10 (Leisure, Recreation and Community Facilities) includes policies regarding the retention, provision and improvement of such facilities. The review of the Local Plan provides the opportunity to address any shortfalls in leisure or community facilities in Sawbridgeworth, which may already exist, or may arise as a result of any new development.

14.11.2 A shortfall of sports pitches has already been identified in the town, and the redevelopment of the football ground for housing will further impact on this lack of provision. The District Council will support appropriate proposals to meet the identified shortfall in sports pitch provision in the town.

14.11.3 To this end, land to the north of Leventhorpe School is identified for new sports provision, as defined on the Proposals Map and Policy SA4. This is expected to be privately owned and managed, by a local club, association, or similar body. SA4 Sports Pitch Provision

A site of 14 hectares has been allocated to the north of Leventhorpe School as shown on the Proposals Map for sports pitch provision.

14.11.4 Access to the site should be provided from either the existing Leventhorpe School entrance or from Parsonage Lane to the north. A 20 metre landscaping strip should be provided on the boundary of the site with Cambridge Road and a 10 metre strip on the boundary with Parsonage Lane and the western boundary of the site. Any changing facilities that will be required as part of the development should be located so as to minimise their visual impact. This site is located in the Green Belt. As PPG2 defines sports fields as an acceptable use in the Green Belt, it is not intended to exclude this area from the Green Belt. (See Paragraph 14.5.2 concerning a Development Brief for the sites referred to in Policies SA2 and SA4).

14.11.5 Within Sawbridgeworth all sites of public or private outdoor sports, recreation and open space facilities, or school playing fields to be protected are shown on the Proposals Map. Any proposals for development that would result in the loss of these areas will be refused unless the proposed development complies, inter alia, with Policy LRC1.

115 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 15.STANSTEAD ABBOTTS

15.1 Introduction 5. To protect and enhance the River Lea and encourage its use for nature conservation, recreation, transport, 15.1.1 The adjacent settlements of Stanstead Abbotts and and other appropriate uses. St Margarets are located on the banks of the River Lea and New River. They have mainly developed along four roads: Station 15.2 Settlement Limits Road/High Street; Hoddesdon Road; Cappell Lane and Roydon Road. They are generally regarded as one settlement for 15.2.1 Stanstead Abbotts and St Margarets is excluded from planning and development purposes, with a population of just and surrounded by the Metropolitan Green Belt, with the over 3,000. settlement limits being defined by the Green Belt’s inner boundary. 15.1.2 The settlement has good transport connections being located close to the A414, which provides links to the A10, M11, 15.2.2 The main development strategy of the Structure Plan is and M25. In respect of passenger transport, good road to concentrate and direct development to the main named connections also facilitate a local bus network into Ware, settlements. In the case of East Hertfordshire these are the Hertford, Harlow, and Hoddesdon. It also benefits from a rail link towns of Bishop’s Stortford, Hertford, Ware and Sawbridgeworth. southwards into London and northwards to Ware and Hertford. The Structure Plan allows for other settlements to be selected in Proximity to these transport links, together with the attractive Local Plans, within and beyond the Green Belt, where limited setting of the settlement, increases the pressure for additional development may be appropriate to maintain the vitality of the housing development. area. Stanstead Abbotts and St Margarets is identified as such a settlement. 15.1.3 This chapter sets out the planning issues and policies specific to Stanstead Abbotts and St Margarets. The policies seek 15.2.3 The overriding planning objective of defining to retain the existing character of the settlement, whilst making settlement limits is the prevention of urban sprawl and the provision for appropriate development to meet the needs of the coalescence with nearby settlements, and the protection of the foreseeable future. The aims and objectives of the Local Plan for settlement’s special character. Stanstead Abbotts and St Margarets are as follows: 15.2.4 It is proposed that land to the rear of St Andrews Aims Church be incorporated within the Green Belt. This greenfield site has for many years been included within the settlement A. To maintain and enhance Stanstead Abbotts and St limits of Stanstead Abbotts in previous Local Plans and was Margarets as a pleasant place in which to live, grow up, allocated for housing in the Local Plan Second Review Deposit work, shop, and spend leisure time. Version (December 2000). It forms the remaining undeveloped part of the original larger adjacent site, developed for housing B. To make appropriate provision for the necessary needs during the late 1960’s/early 1970’s. A further review of the of the present and future generations, in a way which is District’s greenfield sites and appraisal of this particular site has consistent with the principles of sustainable identified its previous overlooked Green Belt importance. It is development. considered that it is required to be kept permanently open and undeveloped, due to its contribution to Green Belt purposes, and C. To prevent further coalescence with the surrounding its sensitive open location on the edge of Stanstead Abbotts, settlements of Great Amwell, Hoddesdon, and Ware. adjacent to St Andrew’s Church. The site has a positive relationship with the adjoining Green Belt land, and its inner Objectives boundary forms a defensible Green Belt boundary in this location. 1. To ensure a sufficient supply of housing land is identified for Stanstead Abbotts and St Margarets and 15.3 Housing their hinterland during the plan period, in accordance with the District Housing Provision Strategy, contained 15.3.1 Based on the Housing Provision Strategy, as detailed in in Chapter 3 (Housing). the Housing Chapter, Stanstead Abbotts and St Margarets need to make provision for an additional net 165 dwellings, on sites of 2. To ensure development meets the principles of a size capable of accommodating five or more dwellings, between sustainable development, as set out in Chapter 1 1999 and 2011. These dwellings will cater for the housing needs (Introduction) and Chapter 2 (Sustainable of the settlement and surrounding hinterland. It is expected Development) of this Local Plan. that affordable housing will be provided in accordance with Policies HSG3 and HSG4 in Chapter 3 (Housing). 3. To maintain and enhance the vitality and viability of the settlement centre, by encouraging a range of shops and services and, preventing erosion or dilution of its retail and service function.

4. To maintain and encourage employment opportunities for local people, by retaining sufficient employment land and protecting the existing Employment Area for such purposes. East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 116 15.STANSTEAD ABBOTTS

Completed Deposit Version Housing Allocations (included in Table 3.2 (b) in Chapter 3, Housing)

Location Ref No Brownfield/ Site Specific Policy Estimated Number of Greenfield Dwellings Open Affordable Total Market

St Margarets 323b Brownfield N/A 10 0 10 Filling Station, Station Road

ST1 Housing Allocations: Stanstead Abbotts and St Margarets

In accordance with Policy HSG2 (II) the following sites, as identified on the Proposals Map, are allocated for residential development:

In Phase 1:

Remaining Deposit Version Housing Allocations (included in Table 3.2 (h) in Chapter 3: Housing)

Location Ref No Brownfield/ Site Specific Policy Actual/Estimated Number Greenfield of Dwellings Open Affordable Total Market

Sanville 93 Brownfield ST3 62 25 87 Gardens St Margarets 95 Brownfield/ ST2 43 19 62 Farm Greenfield Total 105 44 149

15.3.2 The St Margarets Farm site, which was reserved as an ST2 St Margarets Farm Site Area of Special Restraint, for future housing in the previous Local Plan, has been carried forward for development. In order, The site at St Margarets Farm, as identified on the Proposals however, to avoid potential confusion, the site is now referred to Map, has been allocated for housing, including up to 40% as two separate sites, and identified as such on the Proposals affordable units, and open space. Map. The two sites are Sanville Gardens (Site ref: 93) and St Margarets Farm (Site ref: 95). A Development Brief covering 15.3.6 Sanville Gardens Site, Hoddesdon Road - This site is both sites has been prepared by the District Council and was located to the east of Hoddesdon Road and west of the railway adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance in July 2000. This line. It is proposed that the site be developed for residential will be a material consideration in the assessment of planning purposes, including affordable housing, community facilities and applications in respect of both sites. These two sites are open space. Planning permission has now been granted for 87 anticipated to accommodate the dwelling requirement for the dwellings on this site. settlement, with no further sites needing to be identified for housing development. ST3 Sanville Gardens Site

15.3.3 Sites identified in the Deposit Version of the Local Plan, The site at Sanville Gardens as identified on the Proposals Map, completed between April 1999 and March 2003, have been has been allocated for housing, including up to 40% affordable removed from Policy ST1 and are detailed below: units, associated community facilities and open space. 15.3.4 The remaining provision will come from the sites 15.4 Economic Development and Employment listed in Policy ST1. 15.4.1 The main designated Employment Area in Stanstead 15.3.5 St Margarets Farm Site, Hoddesdon Road - This site is Abbotts is located in the centre of the settlement at The Mill located to the east of Hoddesdon Road and west of the railway Stream/Maltings area off Roydon Road. Here a long established line. The District Council, in November 2003, granted planning and successful maltings is located, together with a substantial permission for 62 dwellings, including affordable housing and provision of units for small enterprises. These premises play an open space. important role in creating employment opportunities and meeting the needs of small businesses. There are also several

117 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 15.STANSTEAD ABBOTTS other employment sites close to the railway line, and on the edge improvement of such facilities. The review of the Local Plan of the settlement, as well the commercial, retailing and service provides the opportunity to address any shortfalls in leisure or businesses centred on the High Street. community facilities in Stanstead Abbotts and St Margarets which may already exist, or may arise, as a result of any new 15.4.2 The District Council considers it important to retain and development. A need has been established for a children’s play encourage local employment opportunities, where appropriate, as area, bowling green and parish hall within the settlement. outlined in Chapter 6 (Economic Development and Employment). The District Council proposes to retain The Maltings Employment 15.6.2 In addition, the local NHS Trust has identified a need Area in Stanstead Abbotts for such purposes. for further doctors facilities to be provided in the settlement. It is proposed that a doctors surgery be provided as part of the ST4 Employment Area associated community facility planned as part of the Sanville Gardens development. In accordance with Policy EDE1 The Mill Stream/Maltings area off Roydon Road will be primarily reserved for industry 15.6.3 Within Stanstead Abbotts and St Margarets all sites of comprising B1 Business and B2 General Industrial Uses. public or private outdoor sports, recreation and open space facilities, or school playing fields to be protected are shown on 15.4.3 Where proposals arise for employment development the Proposals Map. Any proposals for development that would outside identified Employment Areas, these will be appraised on result in the loss of these areas will be refused unless the their individual merits, taking into account sustainability criteria proposed development complies with Policy LRC1. and the impact on neighbouring occupiers and the local area, as set out in Policy EDE3. 15.7 Lee Valley Regional Park

15.4.4 It is important that space is available for a variety of 15.7.1 To the north west and south east of Stanstead Abbotts firms at different stages of their development, including new is the Lee Valley Regional Park. (See section 10.9 of the Leisure businesses. Within Stanstead Abbotts and St Margarets there are Chapter). The review of the Lee Valley Regional Park Plan was a number of smaller sites that are not specifically designated for adopted in April 2000. The proposals of the Park Plan are primarily employment purposes, but which would be suitable supported in Policy LRC8 in the Leisure, Recreation and (and are used) for such purposes. Such sites can and do provide Community Facilities Chapter. for a diversity of uses that should, wherever appropriate, be retained. 15.7.2 The most significant proposals of the Park Authority are to the south east of Stanstead Abbotts and include an expanded 15.5 Settlement Centre/Environment marina and landscaped Country Park.

15.5.1 The environment of Stanstead Abbotts and St 15.7.3 The Park already has an impact on the settlement Margarets has been considerably improved since the opening of through visitors supporting local services, along with the the A414 bypass in the mid-1980’s and the completion of the restoration of derelict land. The provision of further facilities in environmental improvement scheme along the High Street in the the Park will increase this impact, particularly in terms of early 1990’s. additional traffic in the area.

15.5.2 Since the designation of the Stanstead Abbotts ST5 Development Within the Lee Valley Regional Park Conservation Area in 1988, the High Street enhancement scheme has considerably altered the character and appearance The District Council will give careful consideration to any of the settlement centre. This, together with the subsequent development proposals within the Lee Valley Regional Park, and revision by Government of Listed Buildings and Conservation such proposals will be considered against the following criteria: Area legislation in 1990, and the publication of PPG15, bring forth the need to review the Conservation Area boundary. The (a) the proposal does not adversely affect the amenities of District Council will therefore, give consideration to reviewing the neighbouring residents; Conservation Area boundary for Stanstead Abbotts and St Margarets, as part of its programme of Conservation Area (b) a satisfactory access is provided; Appraisals. (c) appropriate provision is made within the site for 15.5.3 In order to generally preclude a dilution of the parking and servicing in accordance with Policy TR7; shopping functions in Stanstead Abbotts and to add to the overall vitality and viability of the settlement, proposals for the (d) appropriate provision is made for landscaping. development or changes of use from A1 (shop) to non-A1 (non- shop) uses in the main commercial frontages as defined on the Proposals Map will be considered against Policy STC4. 15.6 Leisure and Community Facilities

15.6.1 The Leisure, Recreation and Community Facilities Chapter includes policies regarding the retention, provision and

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 118 16.BUNTINGFORD

16.1 Background 5. To protect and enhance the River Rib and encourage its use for nature conservation and other appropriate uses. 16.1.1 Buntingford, with a population of approximately 5,000, is located astride Ermine Street, the old Roman Road, at a point 16.2 Settlement Limits where it crosses the River Rib. It is surrounded by open countryside. 16.2.1 Buntingford lies within the Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt. This policy designation covers approximately the 16.1.2 The settlement is centred around a long, straight, northern two-thirds of the District’s area. narrow High Street, which has remained substantially unaltered over the last century and has many fine buildings dating back 16.2.2 The main development strategy of the Structure Plan is over 500 years. to concentrate and direct development to the main named settlements. In the case of East Hertfordshire these are the 16.1.3 The centre of Buntingford was substantially improved towns of Bishop’s Stortford, Hertford, Ware, and Sawbridgeworth. in the late 1980’s by the opening of the A10 bypass and through The Structure Plan allows for other settlements to be selected in a programme of enhancement works. This has created a more Local Plans, within and beyond the Green Belt, where limited pleasant and inviting atmosphere for people living, visiting, and development may be appropriate to maintain the vitality of the shopping in the town. area.

16.1.4 In respect of passenger transport, a limited local bus 16.2.3 Buntingford is identified as such a settlement (see network exists from Buntingford to and from, Stevenage, Bishop’s Policy SD2 in Chapter 2 - Sustainable Development). The Stortford, Hertford, Ware, Hitchin, Royston, Harlow, and villages settlement limits of Buntingford have been defined in this Plan surrounding Buntingford. and are illustrated on the Proposals Map by the outer extent of the existing built up area of the town, plus a recognition of 16.1.5 This chapter sets out the planning issues and policies committed development and new allocations as part of this Plan specific to Buntingford. These will seek to retain the existing Review. The boundary of the settlement has been drawn using, character of the settlement, whilst making provision for whenever possible, physical features existing on the ground, thus appropriate development to meet the needs of the foreseeable providing a clearly identifiable and defensible boundary. future. The aims and objectives of the Local Plan for Buntingford are as follows: 16.2.4 The overriding planning objective of defining settlement limits is the prevention of urban sprawl and the Aims coalescence with nearby settlements, and the protection of the settlement’s special character. A. To maintain and enhance Buntingford as a pleasant place in which to live, grow up, work, shop, and spend 16.3 Housing leisure time. 16.3.1 Based on the Housing Provision Strategy, as detailed in B. To make appropriate provision for the necessary needs Chapter 3 (Housing), Buntingford need to make provision for an of the present and future generations, in a way which is additional 109 net dwellings, on sites of a size capable of consistent with the principles of sustainable accommodating five or more dwellings, between 1999 and 2011. development. These dwellings will cater for the housing needs of the settlement and a proportion of the surrounding hinterland. It is Objectives expected that affordable housing will be provided in accordance with Policies HSG3 and HSG4 of Chapter 3 (Housing). 1. To ensure a sufficient supply of housing land is identified for Buntingford during the plan period, in 16.3.2 Despite efforts to limit the amount of greenfield land accordance with the District Housing Provision take, the District Council found little scope within Buntingford for Strategy, contained in Chapter 3 (Housing). further housing to be accommodated on previously developed (‘brownfield’) sites or through urban regeneration. In order to 2. To ensure development meets the principles of provide sufficient land for housing, therefore, a small amount of sustainable development, as set out in Chapter 1 greenfield land has been allocated for residential development. (Introduction) and Chapter 2 (Sustainable The release of these sites will be in accordance with Policy HSG1 Development) of this Local Plan. in Chapter 3 (Housing).

3. To maintain and enhance the vitality and viability of the 16.3.3 Sites identified in the Deposit Version of the Local Plan, commercial centre, by encouraging a range of shops completed between April 1999 and March 2003, have been and services, and preventing erosion or dilution of its removed from Policy BUN1 and are detailed over the page. retail and service function.

4. To maintain and encourage employment opportunities for local people, by retaining sufficient employment land and designating Employment Areas for such purposes.

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 119 16.BUNTINGFORD

Completed Deposit Version Housing Allocations (included in Table 3.2 (b) in Chapter 3, Housing) Location Ref No Brownfield/ Site Specific Policy Estimated Number of Greenfield Dwellings Open Affordable Total Market

R/O 57 High Street 325 Brownfield N/A 8 0 8

Adam & Eve 326 Brownfield/ N/A 14 0 14 Service Station Greenfield

16.3.4 The remaining Buntingford provision will come from the other allocated sites listed in Policy BUN1. BUN1 Housing Allocations - Buntingford

In accordance with Policy HSG2 (II), the following sites (as identified on the Proposals Map) are allocated for residential development:

(I) In Phase 1:

Remaining Deposit Version Housing Allocations (included in Table 3.2 (h) in Chapter 3 (Housing))

Location Ref No Brownfield/ Site Specific Policy Estimated Number of Greenfield Dwellings Open Affordable Total Market

Land East of 68 Greenfield N/A 8 0 8 Bowling Green Lane, West of the allotments

Park Farm 64 Brownfield/ BUN6 7 0 7 Emplyment Area part Greenfield extension

Land west of St 85 Brownfield/ BUN2 18 12 30 Francis Close, Greenfield London Road TOTAL 33 12 45

(II) In Phase 2:

Remaining Deposit Version Housing Allocations (included in Table 3.2 (h) in Chapter 3 (Housing))

Location Ref No Brownfield/ Site Specific Policy Estimated Number of Greenfield Dwellings Open Affordable Total Market

Land between 82 Greenfield BUN3 31 21 52 London Road and part A10 bypass TOTAL 31 21 52

120 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 16.BUNTINGFORD

16.4 Housing - Site Specific Proposals 16.6.2 Due to the fact that the site is greenfield land and is located to the south of Site 85, the District Council considers it 16.4.1 Although the number of dwellings allocated to specific should be released for development in Phase 2 of the Plan. sites is given in Policy BUN1, there are certain sites which the District Council considers would benefit from specific policies, in BUN3 Land between London Road and A10 bypass order to guide future development and provide information for interested parties. (I) Favourable consideration will be given to the development of land between London Road and A10 16.5 Land West of St Francis Close bypass, as defined on the Proposals Map, for residential purposes, in accordance with Policies HSG2 and BUN1. 16.5.1 It is proposed that the site be developed for residential purposes, including affordable housing, together with open (II) The development of the site is expected to be in space and tree planting. The development of the site is expected accordance with the following site-specific criteria: to be subject to a Development Brief, prepared or approved by the District Council to include the adjacent Site 82 (part). (a) provision of up to 40% affordable housing in Although the sites are in different phases, it is in the interests of accordance with Policies HSG3 and HSG4. the proper planning of this area to ensure that the development of the two sites is co-ordinated as far as possible to ensure a (b) provision of open space, co-ordinated with Site satisfactory outcome in design terms. The Council will seek to 85; ensure that the proposals for each site provide a complementary physical form and through the layout encourage movement (c) retention of as many mature trees as possible, throughout the sites. especially those to the west and south of the site;

BUN2 Land West of St Francis Close (d) substantial tree planting to the west of the site, to enhance existing screening; Land west of St Francis Close, as defined on the Proposals Map, is to be developed for residential purposes, in accordance with (e) careful consideration of the boundary where it Policies HSG2 and BUN1 and is expected to meet the following adjoins Site 85 to ensure a comprehensively criteria: planned and integrated development;

(a) provision of up to 40% affordable housing in (f) non-vehicular access should be provided to the accordance with Policies HSG3 and HSG4. footpath running on the former railway line;

(b) provision of open space, co-ordinated with the 16.7 Economic Development and Employment adjacent Site 82 and possibly in conjunction with (g) below; 16.7.1 The main designated Employment Areas in Buntingford are located as follows: (c) retention of as many of the mature trees as possible; (a) The Park Farm Industrial Estate to the north;

(d) substantial tree planting to the west of the site to (b) The Watermill Industrial Estate to the south-west; enhance existing screening; (c) The Former Sainsbury Distribution Depot to the south- (e) careful consideration to the southern boundary east; and of the site where it adjoins Site 82 to ensure a comprehensively planned and integrated (d) The Former Sunnyside Nursery site to the west. development; 16.7.2 The District Council considers it important to retain and (f) non-vehicular access should be provided to the encourage local employment opportunities, where appropriate, as footpath running on the former railway line; outlined in Chapter 6, (Economic Development and Employment). A re-evaluation of the previously designated Employment Areas (g) the retention of a pre-school or similar operation has not resulted in amendments to the designated areas in this within the site, though not necessarily in the Plan review, other than an extension northwards of the Park Farm same location as the existing operation. Industrial Estate. The Employment Land Study 2004 updated this evaluation and the recommendations of the Study have been 16.6 Land between London Road and A10 bypass incorporated into the Plan.

16.6.1 It is proposed that the part of the site shown on the proposals map be developed for residential purposes, including affordable housing, together with open space and tree planting. The development of the site is expected to be subject to a Development Brief, prepared or approved by the District Council to include the adjacent Site 85. East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 121 16.BUNTINGFORD

BUN4 Existing and new Employment Areas BUN7 Watermill Industrial Estate - Improvement to Aspenden Road In accordance with Policy EDE1 the Watermill Industrial Estate, the Former Sunnyside Nursery site and the site adjoining the No further planning permission for significant traffic generating former Sunnyside Nursery site, as defined on the Proposals Map, developments will be granted on the Watermill Industrial Estate are reserved for industry comprising B1 Business and B2 General until improvement works have been carried out on Aspenden Industrial Uses. Road.

BUN5 The Former Sainsbury Distribution Depot 16.7.4 Where proposals arise for employment development outside identified Employment Areas, these will be appraised on In accordance with Policy EDE1, the Former Sainsbury their individual merits, taking into account sustainability criteria Distribution Depot is primarily reserved for B8 Storage and and the impact on neighbouring occupiers and the local area, as Distribution Uses. set out in Policy EDE3.

Proposals for the alternative use and/or development of the site 16.7.5 It is important that space is available for a variety of will be considered against the recommendations of the latest firms at different stages of their development, including new Employment Land Study for East Hertfordshire. businesses. Within Buntingford there are a number of smaller sites that are not specifically designated for primarily In the event that the retention of the whole or part of the site for employment purposes, but which would be suitable (and are B8 Storage and Distribution Use has been explored fully without used) for such purposes. Such sites can and do provide for a success evidence must be supplied to the satisfaction of the diversity of uses that should, wherever appropriate, be retained. District Council to demonstrate this. 16.8 Settlement Centre/Environment Any proposed alternative use and/or development of the site will be expected to be subject to a Development Brief prepared or 16.8.1 The environment of Buntingford has been considerably approved by the District Council. improved since the opening of the A10 bypass and the completion of town centre enhancements works in the late BUN6 Park Farm Industrial Estate 1980’s.

The Park Farm Industrial Estate is split into two areas, as defined 16.8.2 In order to generally preclude a dilution of the on the Proposals Map. Proposals for development are expected to shopping functions in Buntingford and to add to the overall conform to the following guidance: vitality and viability of the town, proposals for development or changes of use from A1 (shop) to non-A1 (non-shop) uses in the (a) the larger area to the south and west is, in accordance main commercial frontages as defined on the Proposals Map will with Policy EDE1, primarily reserved for industry be considered against Policy STC4. comprising B1 Business and B2 General Industrial Uses; 16.8.3 As part of the Council’s Economic Development Strategy, assistance has been given to the setting up of a Town (b) the smaller area to the north-east, fronting Ermine Centre Management Board for Buntingford. Membership of the Street, is reserved for live/work units. Careful planning Board is drawn from representatives of the business community, and attention to detail is expected to prevent any cause residents, local interest groups and local authorities. The Town for bad neighbour nuisances to arise. A condition Centre Management Board works to help improve and promote and/or planning obligation is likely to be required to Buntingford Town Centre. The District Council will continue to prevent the separation of the residential element from support the Buntingford Town Centre Management Board. its employment element on this site; 16.9 Leisure and Community Facilities (c) improved or introduced landscaping features are expected on the northern edges of both parts of the 16.9.1 Chapter 10 (Leisure, Recreation and Community site. Facilities) includes policies regarding the retention, provision, and improvement of such facilities. The Review of the Local Plan 16.7.3 In respect of the Watermill Industrial Estate, part of provides the opportunity to address any shortfalls in leisure or Aspenden Road approaching the site is narrow in width and poor community facilities in Buntingford that may already exist, or in alignment. It is therefore considered that it would be may arise, as a result of any new development. detrimental to the safety of persons and vehicles using the road to allow further significant expansion of the site without 16.9.2 Within Buntingford all sites of public or private, outdoor improvements having been made to this access. The findings of sports, recreation and open space facilities or school playing the East Hertfordshire Employment Land Study 2004 confirmed fields to be protected are shown on the Proposals Map. Any this view. proposals for development that would result in the loss of these areas will be refused unless the proposed development complies with Policy LRC1.

122 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 17.OTHER SETTLEMENTS - THE VILLAGES

17.1 Introduction District’s environmental assets. This Local Plan seeks to ensure that both can be realised, without damage to the other, thereby 17.1.1 The purpose of this Chapter is to set out the planning achieving a sustainable pattern of development. The aim and issues, and the Council’s policy intentions in respect of the objectives of the Local Plan, in respect of the District’s villages District’s settlements, other than the six main ones identified in and smaller settlements, are as follows: the Housing Provision Strategy, as outlined in Chapter 3 (Housing). Aim

17.1.2 East Hertfordshire is characterised by a dispersed To protect and enhance the quality and character of the settlement pattern of market towns, and over a hundred villages countryside, whilst meeting the needs of all who live and work and hamlets reflecting thousands of years of human activity in there in a sustainable manner, ensuring vital and viable the area. This has resulted in a valuable heritage in terms of the communities. built environment, producing an abundance of listed buildings and conservation areas. Objectives

17.1.3 As elsewhere in the country the District has seen the 1. To prevent the coalescence of settlements and closure of village shops and schools, centralisation of health care urbanisation in the Metropolitan Green Belt and Rural facilities, loss of bus routes, and in particular, in common with Area Beyond the Green Belt. other areas in the southeast, sections of the community unable to access the private housing market. Further information on 2. To protect the best and most versatile agricultural land, rural housing needs can be found in the latest Housing Needs rivers and their corridors, areas of nature conservation Survey. value, and to retain land in agricultural, forestry, and related uses. 17.1.4 Changes in agricultural practice have meant there are fewer jobs on the land and this has consequently increased the 3. To encourage high quality in design and promote local need to travel to find work. Where employment sites have distinctiveness and diversity in the landscape and built become redundant in villages, there has been a tendency for form. them to be redeveloped for residential purposes. This has led to further loss of employment opportunities. 4. To ensure a sustainable pattern of development, providing a balance between the needs of housing and 17.1.5 Where growth has occurred, it has in recent years been other land-uses, whilst protecting natural assets. focused on a few villages. However, their expansion has not necessarily been accompanied by a similar increase in shops, 5. To facilitate the provision of rural affordable housing to jobs, and other services, thereby exacerbating their social and meet local needs, and the provision of small-scale economic imbalance. employment opportunities.

17.1.6 Government policy emphasises the need to ensure vital 6. To sustain village services and facilities, and encourage and viable rural communities, whilst at the same time conserving better passenger transport. the countryside. It suggests that the main focus of new development should be on existing settlements. This, it 7. To encourage suitable linkages, within and between considers, promotes sustainable development by strengthening villages and towns, to provide opportunities for villages and market towns, protecting the open countryside, and alternative modes of transport other than the car, sustaining local services and moving towards a better balance including walking, cycling, and passenger transport. between employment and housing in rural communities, thereby reducing the need to travel. 17.2 The Village Development Strategy

17.1.7 The main thrust of the Structure Plan is to direct 17.2.1 The purpose of the Village Development Strategy is to development to the main settlements, but it does allow for other ensure that new development meets the aim and objectives settlements to be selected within, and beyond, the Green Belt, to identified above. That is development, which is planned and maintain the viability of an area. In addition smaller settlements sustainable, which meets the needs of the local area without may be chosen for development where it meets the needs of that damaging the District’s environmental assets. This is intended to settlement and the surrounding area. The protection of be achieved by establishing a hierarchy of settlements, spread environmental assets, however, is considered to be fundamental across the District withdevelopment, at the appropriate scale, to the principles of sustainability and to the main aim of the being directed towards selected villages. To be considered Plan. suitable for development, villages have been selected on the basis of the level of their facilities and services, size, availability 17.1.8 Changes in the rural economy, the need for local of passenger transport, capacity of the highway network, and affordable housing, and the need to reduce car journeys, by capacity to accommodate development. ensuring that opportunities for employment, shopping, and other facilities (at an appropriate scale) are available locally, mean that limited development within the rural area is appropriate. However, this must be balanced with the need to protect the

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 123 17.OTHER SETTLEMENTS - THE VILLAGES

17.2.2 This has resulted in a strategy for village development (f) the proposal would not unacceptably block based on three categories of villages. important views or vistas within the village or of open countryside beyond the village, and would 17.2.3 Category 1 Villages are villages wherein limited small not significantly detract from the appearance of scale and infill development for housing, employment, service the village from the surrounding area; and community facilities may be permitted, in order to help sustain vital and viable rural communities. Limited sustainable (g) the proposal is sensitively designed, respecting development within the confines of these villages is possible the character, visual quality, and landscape of, without affecting their overall character, compromising the and is satisfactorily integrated into, the village or openness of the Green Belt or damaging the character of the the surrounding area. Rural Area. 17.2.5 Category 2 Villages are villages wherein infill 17.2.4 The number of dwellings considered to be appropriate development only, that meets an identified need of the village or will vary from village to village and be dependent on the size of parish, may be permitted. In these villages, within the built up villages. Such developments will need to cater for a range of area, there is some scope for infill development to support house types, sizes, and tenure. The scale and size of any existing facilities and services and/or local housing. In addition employment, service or community facility must be appropriate small-scale employment development may also be permitted. for the size of village and community that it is serving. All new development should be sensitively designed and ensure that 17.2.6 Fulfilment of the identified housing need, need not be unacceptable highway problems are not created. restricted to affordable housing but could include for example, smaller units provided on the open market, or sheltered OSV1 Category 1 Villages accommodation. The development should be appropriate for the size of village or locality and comply with Policies OSV2, OSV6, (I) The following settlements are identified as Category 1 and OSV8. Villages: OSV2 Category 2 Villages Braughing Puckeridge Hertford Heath Tewin (I) The following settlements are identified as Category 2 High Cross Walkern Villages: Hunsdon Watton-at-Stone Much Hadham Aston (excluding Aston End) Hadham Ford Bayford High Wych (II) Within the confines of Category 1 Villages, as defined Benington Little Hadham on the Proposals Map, limited small scale and infill Brickendon Standon housing development, and suitably sized employment, Dane End Stapleford service, leisure, recreation and community facilities Datchworth Thundridge may be permitted, provided that: Furneux Pelham Wadesmill Great Amwell Widford (a) there would be no unacceptable resultant loss of housing, employment, sport, recreation, open (II) Within the built-up area of Category 2 Villages, infill space or community facilities, in accordance with housing development, and small scale employment, Policies EDE2, LRC1 and LRC11; service, leisure, recreation and community facilities may be permitted, provided that: (b) proposals for housing development make provision for up to 40% affordable housing, in (a) there would be no unacceptable resultant loss of accordance with Policies HSG3 and HSG4; and housing, employment, sport, recreation, open comply with the criteria set out in Policy HSG7; space or community facilities, in accordance with Policies EDE2, LRC1, and LRC11; (c) proposals for suitably sized employment, service, leisure, recreation and community facilities, (b) proposals for housing development meet a local contribute to the vitality and viability of that need, which has been identified either through village and surrounding parishes; the latest District Housing Needs Survey or a subsequent Parish Survey; (d) the proposal would not be significantly detrimental to the amenities of the adjoining (c) proposals for housing development make area or nearby occupiers; provision for up to 40% affordable housing, in accordance with policies HSG3 and HSG4 and (e) the site does not represent a significant open comply with the criteria set out in Policy HSG7; space or gap important to the form and/or setting of the village;

124 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 17.OTHER SETTLEMENTS - THE VILLAGES

(d) proposals for small scale service, leisure, (a) that appropriate in the Green Belt and Rural Area recreation and community facilities, are Beyond the Green Belt and in accordance with accommodated only to support the facilities and Policies GBC1 and GBC3; and services needed by that village and/or the surrounding parishes; (b) rural exceptions affordable housing, required to meet the identified needs of the Village or Parish (e) proposals for small scale employment are of a and in accordance with Policy HSG5. scale and nature appropriate to their location; (II) Proposals which may be permitted, in accordance with (f) the proposal would not be significantly Part (I) of this policy, will be subject to the following detrimental to the amenities of the adjoining criteria: area or nearby occupiers; (a) there would be no unacceptable resultant loss of (g) the site does not represent a significant open housing, employment, sport, recreation, open space or gap important to the form and/or space or community facilities, in accordance with setting of the settlement; Policies EDE2, LRC1, and LRC11;

(h) the proposal would not unacceptably block (b) the proposal would not be significantly important views or vistas within the village or of detrimental to the amenities of the adjoining open countryside beyond the village, and would area or nearby occupiers; not significantly detract from the appearance of the village from the surrounding area; (c) the site does not represent a significant open space or gap important to the form and/or (i) the proposal does not represent an extension of setting of the settlement; ribbon development or an addition to an isolated group of houses; (d) the proposal would not unacceptably block important views or vistas within the village or of (j) the proposal is sensitively designed, respecting open countryside beyond the village, and would the character, visual quality, and landscape of, not significantly detract from the appearance of and is satisfactorily integrated into, the village or the village from the surrounding area; the surrounding area. (e) the proposal does not represent an extension of For Guidance the following definitions are given for ribbon development or an addition to an isolated housing development: group of houses;

Limited small scale development: whilst there is no absolute (f) the proposal is sensitively designed, respecting definition, this would typically comprise sites of up to 15 the character, visual quality, and landscape of, dwellings, occasionally somewhat more, but rarely more than 30 and is satisfactorily integrated into, the village or dwellings. the surrounding area.

Infill development: is the erection of up to five small dwellings 17.3 Village Boundaries on a site within the built-up area of the village, where such development can take place without damage to the character or 17.3.1 PPG2 requires villages to be inset (i.e. excluded from appearance of the locality. Infill development does not the Green Belt), where more than infill development is proposed. constitute the linking of two separate built up areas within a In East Hertfordshire a similar policy of restraint is used for the settlement, separated by a significant gap, or the consolidation remaining two thirds of the District. It is, therefore, considered of an isolated group of buildings. appropriate to identify Village boundaries for the larger Villages both within and beyond the Green Belt. 17.2.7 Category 3 Villages represent the remaining settlements where no new building will be permitted except for 17.3.2 In accordance with the Village Development Strategy that appropriate in the Rural Area as defined in Policies GBC3 & boundaries have, therefore, been defined for all the Category 1 GBC6 and Rural Exceptions Affordable Housing in accordance Villages and are shown on the Proposals Map. These have been with Policy HSG5. defined by the outer extent of the built up areas of the villages. Boundaries have been drawn using, wherever possible, physical OSV3 Category 3 Villages features on the ground, such as roads and garden boundaries, thus providing a clearly identifiable and defensible boundary. (I) The remaining rural settlements not identified in This does not mean, however, that development will be permitted Policies OSV1 and OSV2, are identified as Category 3 right up to the boundary line. New development must respect Villages, wherein development will not be permitted the built form and character of the settlement, and will be except for: subject to the criteria set out in Policy OSV1.

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 125 17.OTHER SETTLEMENTS - THE VILLAGES

17.3.3 The following Green Belt alterations are proposed at 17.4.2 The principles of sustainability and the policies of the Watton-at-Stone and Tewin as part of this Local Plan Review. Structure Plan require that the new housing for the Rural Areas should meet local need. This will mean ensuring that up to 40% Land south of Station Road, east of railway line Watton-at- of housing provided is affordable. This will be achieved in any Stone one of three ways: through the development of Registered Social Landlord schemes on their own or Council owned sites In accordance with Policy OVS4, land to the south of Station throughout the District; through local needs and rural exception Road is proposed to be excluded from the Green Belt, and is sites, in Category 2 and 3 Villages respectively; and through identified as a Housing Site Allocation. mixed market and affordable housing schemes, using Section 106 Agreements (or as subsequently revised) in Category 1 and Village of Tewin 2 Villages.

In accordance with Policy OSV1, the village of Tewin is identified 17.4.4 The affordable housing provision, which the Council will as a Category 1 Village, and is proposed to be inset (i.e. excluded) seek on specifically allocated village sites, is detailed in Policy from the Green Belt. OSV4. During the plan period, other sites, in the form of limited small scale and infill housing development, are anticipated to 17.3.4 The Selected Rural Settlement limits for Standon and come forward. In recognition of this greater policy flexibility and Puckeridge, as shown in the 1993 First Review Local Plan, have the need to provide a range of new dwellings, a mix of market been redrawn to exclude most of Standon village, east of the and affordable housing on all but the smallest sites will be River Rib, and to take account of new housing allocations in the sought, in accordance with Policies HSG3 and HSG4 and the Local Plan Review. guidance set out in Table 1.5 in Appendix I, with dwelling numbers being rounded as appropriate. 17.3.5 PPG2 states that where development is for infill only, then villages may be either inset (that is excluded from the 17.4.5 Despite efforts to limit the amount of greenfield land Green Belt), or washed over (that is included within the Green take, the District Council found little scope within the Category 1 Belt, with Green Belt designation being carried across it). The Villages for further housing to be accommodated on previously Council considers that Category 2 Villages will be afforded more developed land. Following a rigorous appraisal of sites protection if they remain washed over. Village boundaries have, suggested in response to the Pre-Deposit Consultation Document therefore, not been defined for Category 2 Villages, and they will and other sites considered suitable, sufficient land for housing continue to be washed over by the Green Belt or Beyond the has been allocated for residential development within these Green Belt Rural Area designation. villages. The release of these sites will be in accordance with Policy HSG2 in Chapter 3 (Housing). 17.4 Housing 17.4.6 Sites identified in the Deposit Version of the Local Plan, 17.4.1 Based on the Housing Provision Strategy, as detailed in completed between April 1999 and March 2003, have been the Housing Chapter, the villages need to make provision for an removed from Policy OSV4 and are detailed below: additional 300 net dwellings, on sites of a size capable of accommodating five or more dwellings, between 1999 and 2011.

Completed Deposit Version Housing Allocations (included in Table 3.2 (b) in Chapter 3, Housing) Village Location Ref No Brownfield/Greenfield Estimated Number of Dwellings Open Affordable Total Market

Watton-at-Stone Area adjacent 328 Greenfield 14 0 14 Great Innings N&S

Area 2, 329 Greenfield 17 0 17 adjacent Great Innings N&S

Garage, High 331 Brownfield 12 0 12 Street

TOTAL 43 0 43

126 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 17.OTHER SETTLEMENTS - THE VILLAGES

OSV4 Housing Allocations: Category 1 Villages

In accordance with Policy HSG2 (II) the following sites as identified on the Proposals Map are allocated for residential development:

(I) In Phase 1:

Permitted Deposit Version Housing Allocations (pre-April 2003) (included in Table 3.2 (c-e) in Chapter 3, Housing) Village Location Ref No Brownfield/Greenfield Estimated Number of Dwellings Open Affordable Total Market

Much Adjacent 301 Greenfield 10 12 22 Hadham Windmill Way

Walkern Sworders 300 Brownfield 19 4 23 Coachworks

Watton-at-Stone Remaining, 330 Greenfield 0 10 10 land adjacent Great Innings N&S TOTAL 29 26 55 Deposit Version Housing Allocations (included in Table 3.2 (h) in Chapter 3, Housing) Village Location Ref No Brownfield/Greenfield Estimated Number of Dwellings Open Affordable Total Market

Braughing Pentlows 115 Brownfield 18 12 30 Farm

Hunsdon Land off 129 Greenfield 7 5 12 Wicklands Road

Puckeridge Adjacent 204 Brownfield 5 2 7 former Public House, High St

Walkern Land adjacent 19 Greenfield 13 5 18 Yew Tree & Public House 19a

TOTAL 43 24 67 (II) In Phase 2:

Village Location Ref No Brownfield/Greenfield Estimated Number of Dwellings Open Affordable Total Market

Watton-at-Stone Land south of 30 Greenfield 50 33 83 Hadham Station Road, whole East of site railway line* TOTAL 50 33 83 *Vehicular access to Site 30 at Watton-at-Stone should be restricted to Station Road at the eastern boundary of the site. East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 127 17.OTHER SETTLEMENTS - THE VILLAGES

17.4.7 Deposit Plan allocated sites, granted planning 17.5 Economic Development and Employment permission but not completed between April 1999 and March 2003, contribute towards the original required provision and are, 17.5.1 The District Council provides support for rural therefore, incorporated in Policy OSV4 above. The remaining businesses and the rural economy, through its planning policies provision will come from the other allocated sites listed in Policy and through the implementation of its Economic Development OSV4. Strategy, which is discussed in more detail in Chapter 6 (Economic Development and Employment). 17.4.8 In respect of Much Hadham, because of its unique character and road capacity, the Council consider there to be few, 17.5.2 As stated above, the restructuring of the rural if any, opportunities for limited small scale and infill economy has resulted in the loss of jobs on the land. In addition, development, beyond that identified in the Local Plan on the the conversion and redevelopment of employment sites in the rural areas has resulted in the further loss of employment Windmill Way site. opportunities. 17.4.9 Watton-at-Stone has seen a considerable amount of 17.5.3 It is important that such opportunities should be house building in recent years. This is set to continue in the short retained to ensure there is a range of jobs accessible, including term with the completion of development on the Great Innings for those who do not have access to a car, so that communities site. It is, therefore, proposed that its additional housing can seek to be vital and viable, and to reduce the distance and allocation should be phased for release after 2006, in need to travel. For this reason, Policy EDE2 states a preference accordance with Policy HSG2. The development of this site will for the continued use of employment sites for employment facilitate access to adjacent school land, which has been purposes within the villages. identified for community facilities, including a replacement 17.5.4 The District Council recognises that in order to doctor’s surgery and an Early Years Centre. ensure the continued viability of such uses there will be a need, from time to time, to invest in such premises. This may involve 17.4.10 It should also be recognised that an additional minor extensions or alterations. Whilst recognising this, the contribution to the housing provision, for the Rural Area, can be District Council places considerable importance on safeguarding made from the conversion of suitable buildings, or the use of the character and appearance of the countryside, ensuring the vacant buildings, or the use of vacant space above or within openness of the Green Belt is maintained and ensuring the shops, and other commercial premises, by infill development and principles of sustainable development are met. windfall sites, in line with Policies STC5 and HSG7. 17.5.5 However, applications for minor extensions or 17.4.11 Should, however, the number of dwellings provided by alterations to uses, which provide essential facilities, or are an these means not reach the estimated figure, it may be necessary important source of local employment, and cannot easily be to find additional land towards the end of the Plan period. relocated, without damage to the local economy or community, Therefore, as a contingency measure, Reserve Housing Land has will be viewed sympathetically subject to the criteria in Policy been identified, that will only be released when, and if OSV6. monitoring reveals a significant shortfall in numbers, achieved through allocated and windfall sites and conversions. OSV5 Reserve Housing Land: Category 1 Villages (I) In accordance with Policy HSG2 (II) the following site is identified on the Proposals Map as Reserve Housing Land for residential development in Phase 3:

Village Location Ref No Brownfield/Greenfield Estimated Number of Dwellings Open Affordable Total Market

Puckeridge West of 101 Greenfield 28 19 47 Buntingford and north of Mentley Lane East TOTAL 50 33 83

128 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 17.OTHER SETTLEMENTS - THE VILLAGES

OSV6 Extensions and Alterations to Premises in (e) Thundridge Business Park; Employment Use (f) Oakleys Horseboxes, High Cross; and In the Green Belt and Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt, outside the Main Settlements and Categories 1 and 2 Villages, small (g) Silkmead Farm, Hare Street. scale extensions or alterations to existing premises in B1 and B2 use, may be permitted, subject to the following criteria: (II) Proposals for the alternative use and/or development of: (a) the use is considered to provide an essential facility, or be an important source of local employment; (a) area bounded by the A120, the River Rib and the dismantled railway, Standon; (b) the scale of the use is appropriate to the locality; (b) area east of Station Road, Standon; (c) the proposals are compatible with the character of the Green Belt and/or Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt; will be considered against the employment needs for East Hertfordshire. (d) the proposal would not be significantly detrimental to the amenities of the adjoining area or nearby In addition, evidence must be supplied to demonstrate that occupiers; retention of the sites for employment uses has been explored fully without success. (e) the proposals are sympathetic to their surroundings, including surrounding countryside, in terms of local Any proposed alternative use and/or development of the area character, design, scale, landscape, and visual impact; bounded by the A120, the River Rib and the dismantled railway, will be expected to be subject to a Development Brief prepared (f) the site is capable of accommodating the proposal or approved by the District Council. along with the necessary access, parking, and servicing arrangements; and 17.6 Village Shops, Community and Leisure Facilities

(g) the proposal will not have a significant adverse impact 17.6.1 Village shops play a key part in rural communities, in terms of traffic generation. often acting as post office, newsagent, and general store, and can act as a lifeline to those unable to get into town on a regular 17.5.6 The East Hertfordshire Local Plan (December 1999) basis. There has been a substantial loss of village shops in recent designated an Employment Area south of the A120 at Standon, years and unfortunately once lost they are seldom replaced. in the area bounded by the A120, the dismantled railway and the River Rib. This designation has been retained. In addition, the 17.6.2 Farm shops can have an adverse impact on village following sites have also been designated as Employment Areas: shops and their location needs to be carefully considered. However, they can serve a vital function helping to meet a (i) Land on the east side of Station Road, Standon; demand for fresh produce, provide a source of local jobs and an (ii) Warrenwood Industrial Estate, Stapleford; alternative or additional source of income for those engaged in (iii) Ermine Point Business Park, Nr. Ware; agriculture. Garage shops may also have an adverse effect on (iv) Thundridge Business Park; village shops but where there is no village shop they can also (v) Oakleys Horseboxes, High Cross; provide a vital service providing basic essentials. (vi) Silkmead Farm, Hare Street. 17.6.3 The District Council has provided business support for OSV7 Employment Areas village shops through the implementation of its AGRE (Action for Growth in the Rural Economy) programme funded by the (I) In accordance with Policy EDE1 the following sites are European Union and through rate relief scheme. The Council will defined as Employment Areas on the Proposals Map look to seek further funding in order to continue this support. and will be reserved for industry comprising Classes B1 Business and B2 General Industrial Uses, subject to 17.6.4 The Village Hall plays a vital part in the life of a village sub-section (II) of this policy; and, where well related offering a multi-function building, housing a variety of uses such to the transport network, B8 Storage and Distribution as crèches, doctors surgeries, telecottages, as well as providing a Uses: venue for social events. The provision of play facilities, kick- around areas and sports facilities are important, particularly for (a) area bounded by the A120, the River Rib and the the young who will tend to be more dependent on passenger dismantled railway, Standon; transport. The provision of locally based facilities is, therefore, particularly important. (b) area east of Station Road, Standon;

(c) Warrenwood Industrial Estate, Stapleford;

(d) Ermine Point Business Park, Nr. Ware;

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 129 17.OTHER SETTLEMENTS - THE VILLAGES

17.6.5 The village pub is a traditional part of village life, which in recent years has come under threat. They often provide an important focus for the community providing a venue for meetings, leisure activities, eating establishments, and occasionally acting as part-time post office or village shop.

17.6.6 Policies STC8, LRC1, and LRC11 state a presumption against the loss of village, farm, and garage shops, village pubs, leisure, recreation, and community facilities. Community facilities as defined in paragraph 10.1.3 of Chapter 10 (Leisure, Recreation and Community Facilities), includes schools, libraries, health care facilities, places of worship, and allotments.

17.6.7 In addition, it may be that existing facilities, essential to the vitality and viability of the village, may require minor extensions or alterations, which would not compromise the openness of the Green Belt or the character and appearance of the Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt. In these circumstances, Policy OSV8 below will apply. OSV8 Village Shops, Community and Leisure Facilities

In Category 1, 2, and 3 Villages, small-scale extensions or alterations to existing village shops, pubs, leisure and community facilities may be permitted, subject to the following criteria:

(a) the use is considered to be essential to the vitality and viability of the village;

(b) the scale of the use is appropriate for the size of the village;

(c) the proposals are compatible with the character of the Green Belt and/or Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt;

(d) the proposals would not be significantly detrimental to the amenities of the adjoining area or nearby occupiers;

(e) the proposals are sympathetic to their surroundings, including surrounding countryside in terms of local character, design, scale, landscape, and visual impact.

130 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 18. IMPLEMENTATION

18.1 Introduction 18.3 Monitoring and Review

18.1.1 This chapter brings together some of the procedural 18.3.1 The policies and proposals set out in this Plan generally elements of the planning system and gives details as to how the reflect the issues and the availability of resources at the current Plan will be implemented and reviewed. It also provides a time. Inevitably there will be changes over the Plan period and it framework for the use of planning obligations (or as is therefore important that the Plan is monitored and reviewed to subsequently revised) and sets out the Council’s priorities in this ensure an up-to-date development framework. regard. 18.3.2 The County Council publish Annual Monitoring Reports Aim covering issues such as population, housing, unemployment, and business floorspace changes. The Hertfordshire Environmental To enable the efficient and effective implementation of the Plan. Forum carries out or brings together a large amount of monitoring work on various issues, including waste, air quality, Objectives wildlife and habitats, education and social exclusion. The Local Transport Plan process also provides regular monitoring on 1. To clarify the Council’s role in implementing the Plan traffic levels and travel behaviour. and raise awareness of the need for coordination between the public and private sector. 18.3.3 The District Council considers it important to be able to draw together the different sources of monitoring data that 2. To set out the arrangements for the monitoring, review affect and are affected by the Local Plan. A document of this and sustainability appraisal of the Plan. type would enable the Council to assess how particular policies are being implemented and to identify where changes are 3. To provide a framework for the use of planning necessary to achieve the aims and objectives of the Plan. conditions and obligations (or as subsequently revised). 18.3.4 The focus for such a regular District Monitoring Report 18.2 Implementation will be on establishing indicators for key policies in each chapter and recording performance. These indicators are set out in Table 18.2.1 The successful implementation of the Plan will depend 18.1. The key policies that have been chosen reflect the aims of on the actions of a number of organisations and individuals. The the Plan but also take into account the usefulness and District Council will have a major role to play through the practicality of monitoring. For example, while it is a key aim of consideration of planning applications and the direct provision the Local Plan to secure good design, there is no straightforward of services via its annual revenue budget and capital programme. and objective way of establishing what is, and what is not, good However, it is recognised that the Council has to act within its design. The indicators therefore focus on policies where progress statutory powers and have regard to Government advice. The can meaningfully be investigated. Council’s role is increasingly as an enabler rather than a direct provider of services. Indeed, many services and proposals are the 18.3.5 Some indicators have specific targets against which responsibility of other agencies. progress can be measured. These include Government targets on the number of dwellings built and the proportion built on 18.2.2 Private sector investment will remain the most previously developed land. Other targets such as those for the significant means by which the policies of this Plan are number of affordable dwellings and Parish Plans derive from implemented, from small extensions and changes of use through corporate targets. However, the nature of the British planning to major housing, employment, and retail development. Success system and the principle of dealing with each application “on its also depends on the involvement of the local community merits” means that setting precise targets is difficult. For including the voluntary sector. example, while the Council designate Employment Areas for employment-related development, there may be situations where 18.2.3 Inadequate infrastructure provision can impede employment development is appropriate outside of these sustainable development. It is important that appropriate designated areas. A target which states that all employment- infrastructure is provided in a timely manner in relation to related development must be in designated areas would not, development rates over the Plan period, particularly in view of necessarily, result in the best form of development and would the time needed to plan and implement infrastructure schemes. imply a more rigid form of control than is provided for by The Local Plan seeks to guide and co-ordinate the programmes legislation. Where targets are not appropriate, the indicator can of other agencies and will encourage investment in the District still be used to investigate the implementation of the policy and that will meet the needs of the community, and help to achieve track yearly changes. the aims and objectives of this Plan. The Plan provides the framework for the Council’s land-use related proposals and 18.4 Sustainability Appraisal of the Plan investment decisions, and the Council will expect other agencies’ land-use policies and proposals to be led by this Plan. The 18.4.1 As part of the District Council’s commitment to ensure District Council will work with its partners, and particularly the Plan has the most appropriate policies and proposals, a through its role in the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP), to Sustainability Appraisal of the Plan has been undertaken. The ensure proper consultation between organisations and Sustainability Appraisal is not a one-off assessment of the coordinate investment programmes.

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 131 18. IMPLEMENTATION

policies in the plan. The aim of the appraisal is to influence the adversely affected by development, developers may be content of the Plan and/or amend the Plan where the policies required to provide suitable enhancement or originally put forward are unsustainable. Full details of the replacement schemes, including long-term Sustainability Appraisal are available in a separate document, management arrangements. As a specific example, available from the Development Plans Team at the District greenfield development on the periphery of the six Council. main settlements and Category 1 Villages will usually be required to make provision to enhance the quality of, 18.4.2 The adoption of the Strategic Environmental Appraisal and access to, adjoining areas of countryside to Directive 2001/42/EC by the European Commission has compensate for the loss of green space. Improvements introduced a legal requirement for public sector plans policies could include appropriate habitat creation and tree and programmes to be subject to a Strategic Environmental planting. Appraisal (SEA). In line with Government guidance the ● Sustainable construction issues: such as renewable Sustainability Appraisal of this Plan has incorporated the energy and energy conservation features (solar panels, requirements of the SEA Directive. CHP systems, energy efficiency measures), and water conservation measures. Planning conditions and/or 18.5 Developer Contributions planning obligations (or as subsequently revised) will be used to secure the implementation of features 18.5.1 Some development can result in social, environmental described in applicants’ Sustainability Statements, and infrastructure costs. Such costs should not involve submitted in accordance with Policy SD1. unreasonable additional expenditure by the public sector, or a ● Other appropriate infrastructure provision: appropriate burden on the existing community. In accordance with developments may be required to make a contribution Government policy, the Council considers it essential that or set land aside for particular community uses or developers contribute towards the infrastructure required to other infrastructure provision, for example a community serve a development and make appropriate provision to mitigate hall, place of worship or recycling facilities. any possible environmental impact. 18.5.3 The detailed assessment of contributions due from 18.5.2 When considering what contributions may be required each development will be determined as part of the development the following issues will be given priority: control process, prior to and as part of the consideration of planning applications. This assessment will be in accordance with ● Affordable Housing: this is a key Council priority. Up to Government advice, policies in the Development Plan, and any 40% affordable housing will be required from suitable relevant Supplementary Planning Documents on such matters. housing development in accordance with Policies HSG3 Whilst there is no simple prescribed method of assessment for and HSG4. development contributions, general guidance and/or ● Open space and recreation facilities: these are vital Development Briefs for particular sites may be prepared or elements in achieving a balanced and healthy agreed by the District Council. development, and provision will required in accordance with Policy LRC3 and Appendix IV. 18.5.4 The following general policy will be implemented ● Education facilities: a contribution towards education through the development control process, planning conditions provision in the area will be required from all and, where appropriate, obligations entered into by the Council appropriate development in relation to the number and and developers under Section 106 of the Town and Country mix of dwellings involved. The Local Education Planning Act 1990 (or as subsequently revised). Other public Authority (Hertfordshire County Council) will offer authorities may require developers to enter into agreements guidance on specific requirements. under other legislation. ● Health care facilities: a contribution towards health care provision will be required from all appropriate IMP1 Planning Conditions and Obligations development in relation to its impact. The local Primary Care Trust will offer guidance on specific requirements. As part of development schemes, developers will be required to ● Sustainable transport modes: it is vital that new make appropriate provision for affordable housing, open space development should offer opportunities to use and recreation facilities, education facilities, health care facilities, alternative modes of transport other than the private sustainable transport modes, highway improvements, nature car, such as cycling, walking and passenger transport. conservation and landscape improvements, sustainable On-site provision of facilities or contributions to off-site construction issues and other infrastructure improvements. The provision may be required. Further details are Council will use planning conditions and/or planning obligations contained within Chapter 5 (Transport). The Highway (or as subsequently revised) to require developers to provide, or Authority (Hertfordshire County Council) will offer to finance the cost of, such provision, which will be fairly and guidance on specific requirements. reasonably related in scale and kind to the development, and ● Highway improvements: where highway infrastructure necessary to the grant of planning permission. This may include, would experience significant additional pressure or as appropriate, on-site and/or off-site facilities. where highway safety would be affected improvements may be required. ● Nature conservation and landscape improvements: where existing habitats or landscape features are

132 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 18. IMPLEMENTATION

Chapter Description of indicator Source Measure Target Policy

1 2: Sustainable Proportion of significant development Sustainability % of 100% SD1 Development incorporating energy efficiency measures. Statements applications

2 2: Sustainable Renewable energy generation in District. Include Plannning Megawatts N/A SD3 Development CHP but not include individual household applications generated projects (solar panels etc).

3 3. Housing Number of houses built in relation to 1998 Annual Monitoring % of District 555pa HSG2 Adopted Structure Plan District allocation. Report allocation

4 3. Housing Number of affordable houses built in relation Annual Monitoring % of District 200pa HSG3 to District Council target. Report target

5 3. Housing Proportion of housing built on previously Annual Monitoring % of houses 60% HSG1 developed land. Report built

6 3. Housing Mix of dwellings built in terms of size and type Planning Breakdown of N/A Para (to be compared with housing requirements from applications houses built/ 3.9.2 Housing Needs Survey). type/ bedrooms

7 3. Housing Density. Approvals for development at less than Planning < 30 dwellings 0% Para 30 dwellings per hectare. applications per hectare 3.2.4

8 4. Green Belt Development in Green Belt. Approvals for Planning No. planning N/A GBC1 & Countryside inappropriate development in the Green Belt. applications approvals

9 4. Green Belt Development in Rural Area Beyond the Green Planning No. planning N/A GBC2 & & Countryside Belt. Approvals for inappropriate development in applications approvals GBC3 the Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt.

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 133 18. IMPLEMENTATION

Chapter Description of indicator Source Measure Target Policy

10 4. Green Belt Parish Plans. Number of Parish Plans produced Council No. produced 8 by Section & Countryside and adopted. records 2007 4.13

11 5. Transport Location of development in relation to bus and Plannning % of planning N/A N/A train routes. Proportion of significant applications approvals development <400m of bus route/train station.

12 5. Transport Residential car parking spaces. Number of parking Planning Spaces per N/A TR2 & spaces per dwelling in relation to the Governments applications dwelling App.2 target of a maximum of 1.5 spaces per dwelling.

13 5. Transport Travel Plans. The proportion of significant Planning % of Plans for 100% TR4 developments where Travel Plans submitted. applications significant dev.

14 6. Economic Amount of employment development. Planning m2/year N/A EDE1 Development Development within Use Classes B1(c), B2, B8. applications & Employment Based on whole site area.

15 6. Economic % of employment development within Planning % of N/A EDE1 Development designated Employment Areas. applications employment & Employment development

16 7. Shopping Amount of new retail development. Planning m2/year N/A Section and Town applications 7.6 Centres

17 7. Shopping Location of new retail development. Proportion Planning % of retail 100% STC1 and Town of new retail development within designated applications development Centres town centres.

134 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 18. IMPLEMENTATION

Chapter Description of indicator Source Measure Target Policy

18 7: Shopping Measure of town centre activity. Proportion of Shop frontage % of shop 5% STC2 & and Town shop units recorded as vacant at time of shop survey units STC3 Centres frontages survey.

19 8: Environment Development in Flood Plain. Number of planning Plannning No. planning N/A ENV19 and Design applications approved within Flood Plain. applications approvals

20 8. Environment Development affecting wildlife sites. Number of Planning No. planning N/A ENV12, and Design planning applications approved within Wildlife applications approvals 13 & 14 Sites, SSSIs, SPAs, SACs, Ramsar sites, LNRs, NNRs. 21 9. Built Impact on Archaeological Sites. Proportion of Planning % of planning 100% BH1, 2, & 3 Heritage applications affecting Areas of Archaeological applications approvals with Significance where archaelogical surveys have Archaelogical been carried out. survey 22 10. Leisure Retention of sport and recreation sites. Planning Planning Area ‘lost’ to N/A LRC1 Recreation and approvals for development on sport and recreation applications development Community sites. (ha) Facilities 23 10. Leisure Open space provision in new residential Planning obligation Ha/year N/A LRC3 Recreation and developments. Amount of open space secured records Community by legal agreements for all developments. Facilities

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 135 EAST HERTS LOCAL PLAN SECOND REVIEW APRIL 2007

STRATEGY DIAGRAM

- Green Belt

- Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt

Bishop’s Stortford - Main settlements,as listed in Housing Provision Strategy 2) Standon 2) Hadham Ford

- Original Dwelling Distribution

1) Hertford Heath - Category 1 Village limited small scale and infill development as listed in Other Settlements - Villages Chapter 2) Aston - Category 2 Village Infill development only as listed in Other Settlements - the Villages Chapter 2) Great Amwell - East Hertfordshire District Boundary - A Roads - B Roads - Railways - Waterways APPENDIX I – HOUSING STRATEGY BACKGROUND

1.0 Local Plan Second Review Housing Provision (according to the Proportional Catchment Based Distribution method – see section 3.0 below). Column (e) of the table 1.1 Table I.1 illustrates the original proposed provision to illustrates the remaining allocated sites which did not have meet the ‘to find’ figure of 3037 dwellings (as adjusted to take planning permission by April 2003. account of a 5% deduction for non-implementation of permissions and a small sites windfall figure of 60 per annum) and the distribution of the dwellings throughout the District

Table I.1: Actual and required provision of housing by settlement and remaining allocated site figures

a) Actual b) Required c) Proposed d) Reserve e) Remaining Provision Provision provision Housing allocated Proposed (April 1999) compared to Land sites (April 1999) required (April 2003) provision

Bishop’s 1704 + 692 756 + 692 + 948 (see *2) 1,629 Stortford (see *1)

Hertford 681 505 +176 (see *2) 170 264

Ware 528 332 +196 (see *2) 70 66

Sawbridgeworth 175 178 -3 175

Stanstead Abbotts/ 160 165 -5 150 St Margarets

Buntingford 119 109 +10 97

Villages 309 300 +9 47 211

Total 3676 + 692 2345 + 692 + 1331 + 287 2,592 (see *1) = = 3037 4368 *1) The 692 Stansted Airport related provision has been *2) The ‘over provision’ in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertford and included in this table but identified separately for Ware results from a large number of acceptable clarity. brownfield sites in each locations.

2.0 Small sites, Conversions and Larger windfalls 2.2 The County Council and the District Council annually monitor housing developments (see Chapter 3 paragraph 3.8). 2.1 PPG3 acknowledged that potential sites for This has shown that, over the past nine years, (net) small sites development which are unanticipated (‘windfalls’) have a role in and conversion completions of less than 5 dwellings units have the process of supplying housing land. In assembling local been as follows: plans, an allowance should be made for windfall sites.

Table I.2: Small sites and conversion completions 1994 -2003 Year 94/95 95/96 96/97 97/98 98/99 Dwellings 60 29 63 74 70 Year 99/00 00/01 01/02 02/03 Average Dwellings 32 62 63 52 56 Source: Hertfordshire County Council Information Management Unit

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 136 APPENDIX I – HOUSING STRATEGY BACKGROUND

2.3 Information on the number of dwellings being brought about via larger windfalls (i.e. 5 or more dwellings) is provided in the table below and is based on the annual completions (by year completed and net gain of dwellings in that year).

Table I.3: Large windfall site completions 1991 - 2003 Year 91/92 92/93 93/94 94/95 95/96 96/97 97/98 Dwellings 334 189 263 309 264 147 230 Year 98/99 99/00 00/01 01/02 02/03 Average Dwellings 252 43 203 124 149 209 Source: Hertfordshire County Council Information Management Unit

2.4 The District Council considers that the small sites and Proportional Catchment Based Distribution conversions allowance should be set at 60, in line with the annual average over the last nine years. 3.2 The following is a step-by-step guide to how the District Council arrived at the basic housing distribution across the 2.5 The District Council also considers that a separate District. allowance be made for larger windfall sites. The running average of completions from 1991-2003 has been 209 per annum, but Step 1: Calculate the ‘land to be planned for’ requirement (see this is considered to be relatively high and is unlikely to be table 3.1) – i.e. 2345 dwellings. sustained in the future, particularly as the District Council has gone to great efforts to allocate brownfield sites suitable for Step 2: Distribute the ‘land to be planned for’ requirement to residential development in the Settlement Chapters. An settlements in accordance with their proportion of the district- allowance of 100 p.a. is therefore considered reasonable. wide population, e.g. Bishop’s Stortford has 26.26% of the District population, and thus takes 26.26% of 2345, which equals 2.6 Both allowances will be carefully monitored, and a 617 dwellings. (Hertford 453; Ware 312; Sawbridgeworth 145; significant under supply of dwellings via these two sources may Buntingford 89; Other Areas 729). warrant the District Council to propose an alteration to the phasing through a Supplementary Planning Document. A Step 3: Divert 50% of the Other Areas (i.e. rural villages) significant over supply will be taken care of via the land release allowance to the main settlements, in the same proportions as in and phasing mechanisms outlined in Policy HSG2. Step 2, in accordance with Structure Plan policy to direct development to those areas. (Bishop’s Stortford 756; Hertford 3.0 Dwelling Distribution 555; Ware 382; Sawbridgeworth 178; Buntingford 109; Other Areas 365). 3.1 The Proportional Catchment Based Distribution has two key elements: first, the larger the settlement, the larger the share Step 4: Due to sustainability benefits, the availability of of the apportionment; secondly, the main settlements are given previous Area of Special Restraint land and results of the an extra (proportional) distribution as a contribution from the Housing Needs Survey 2000, allocate a proportion to Stanstead more rural areas (thus satisfying the requirement of the Abbotts and St Margarets. The proportion equates to (i) 100 Structure Plan to direct development towards the towns). A key dwellings as being estimated remaining on the ASR, half of which advantage of this distribution is that each settlement is catering is to be taken off Hertford’s allowance and half off Ware’s for the needs of its own and a proportion of its surrounding allowance, these settlements being close to Stanstead Abbott’s; catchment. Other options for the distribution were also plus, (ii) 65 dwellings as its proportion (based on population) of considered by the District Council and, after testing against the Other Areas amount. Total 165. sustainability criteria, were rejected in favour of the approach set out in this section. Step 5: A final distribution is calculated as: Bishop’s Stortford 756; Hertford 505; Ware 332; Sawbridgeworth 178; Buntingford 109; Stanstead Abbotts / St Margarets 165; Other Areas 300.

137 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 APPENDIX II – VEHICLE PARKING STANDARDS

Maximum demand-based parking standards (including guidance on cycle parking & parking for powered two- wheelers)

Note:

These standards are those issued by Hertfordshire County Council in SPG dated December 2000, with the exception of car parking standards for cinemas, residential use class C3, A1 Retail ‘Other Shops’, D1 Non-residential institutions ‘surgeries and clinics’, and Passenger transport facilities, Cycle parking standards:

● the maximum standard for cinemas has been modified to be the same as that in PPG 13.

● the maximum standards for residential development (use class C3) have been modified as set out in paragraphs 3.49 onwards.

● the A1 Retail ‘Other Shops’ standard has been brought forward from the East Herts Adopted Local Plan, December 1999 in the absence of a comparable HCC standard.

● the standard for D1 Non-residential institution ‘surgeries and clinics’ has had ‘or to be decided on individual merits’ added to ensure consistency with other healthcare uses.

● the cycle parking standard for Passenger transport facilities has been replaced with ‘to be decided in each case on individual merits’ for both Rail and Bus stations.

The County Council is currently revising parking standards for residential development in the light of PPS3. Revised County standards will be issued in due course for use class C3.

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 138 APPENDIX II – VEHICLE PARKING STANDARDS

Maximum demand-based car parking standards & minimum cycle parking standards Use Class Description Maximum car parking standards Cycle parking standards

A1 a) Small food shops up to 500 m2gfa 1 space per 30 m2gfa 1 s/t space per 150 m2gfa Retail foodstores b) Food supermarkets exceeding 500 1 space per 18 m2gfa Plus m2gfa but not exceeding 2,500 m2rfa 1 l/t space per 10 maximum staff on site at any one time c) Food superstores/ hypermarkets 1 space per 15 m2gfa 1 s/t space per 250 m2gfa exceeding 2,500 m2rfa plus d) Food retail parks to be decided in each case on individual 1 l/t space per 10 maximum staff merits (shared parking & an overall reduction on site at any one time. in provision, taking into account linked trips on site)

A1 a) Non-food retail warehouses with 1 space per 25 m2gfa 1 space per 18 m2gfa Non-food retail garden centres Plus b) Non-food retail warehouses without 1 space per 35 m2gfa 1 l/t space per 10 maximum garden centres staff on site at any one time. c) Garden centres up to 4,000 m2gfa 1 space per 25 m2gfa d) Garden centres exceeding to be decided in each case on 4,000 m2gfa individual merits e) Non-food retail parks where individual to be decided in each case on land use components are known individual merits (shared parking & an overall reduction in provision, taking into account linked trips on site) f) Non-food retail parks where individual 1 space per 40 m2gfa land use components are not known (shared parking) g) Other shops 1 space per 30 m2gfa

139 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 APPENDIX II – VEHICLE PARKING STANDARDS

Use Class Description Maximum car parking standards Cycle parking standards

A2 Financial & Banks, building societies, estate agencies, 1 space per 30 m2gfa 1 s/t space per 200 m2gfa professional services betting shops Plus 1 l/t space per 10 f/t staff note: A2 offices should be treated as B1 offices A3 a) Restaurants/Cafes 1 space per 5 m2 of floor space 1 s/t space per 100 m2gfa Food & drink of dining area plus 3 spaces per 4 employees Plus b) Public houses/bars 1 space per 3 m2 of floor space 1 l/t space per 10 maximum staff of bar area plus 3 spaces per 4 employees on site at any one time. c) Hot food takeaway shops (excluding 1 space per 3 m2 of floor space fast food drive thru restaurants) of public area plus 3 spaces per 4 employees d) Fast food drive thru restaurants 1 space per 8 m2 gfa e) Roadside restaurants 1 space per 4 m2 of floor space 1 l/t space per 100 maximum staff of dining area plus 3 spaces on site at any one time. per 4 employees f) Transport cafe 1 lorry space per 3.5 m2 gfa plus 3 spaces per 4 employees B1 a) B1 (a) offices 1 space per 30 m2 gfa 1 l/t space per 100 maximum staff Business b) B1 (b) research & development, 1 space per 35 m2 gfa Plus high-tech/B1 (c) light indusrty 1 l/t space per 10 f/t staff B2 General industry 1 space per 50 m2 gfa General industry (lorry provision to be checked against benchmark standards)

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 140 APPENDIX II – VEHICLE PARKING STANDARDS

Use Class Description Maximum car parking standards Cycle parking standards

B8 Wholesale distribution, builders 1 space per 75 m2gfa 1 s/t space per 10 f/t staff Storage & merchants, storage (lorry provision to be checked against distribution benchmark standards) Business Parks Mixed B1/B2/B8 (unless heavily 1 space per 15 m2gfa 1 s/t space per 500 m2gfa orientated to B8) for use where (lorry provision to be checked plus individual land use components are against benchmark standards) 1 l/t space per 10 f/t staff not known C1 a) Hotels 1 space per bedroom (including staff accommodation) 1 space per 18 m2gfa Hotels & hostels plus 1 space per manager plus 2 spaces per 3 staff Plus minus spaces related to staff bedrooms plus 1 l/t space per 10 maximum staff 1 space per 5 m2 dining area plus on site at any one time. 1 space per 3 m2 bar area plus 1 space per 5 m2 public area in conference facility plus 1 space per 6 m2 of public area in exhibition hall plus a minimum of 1 coach parking space per 100 bedrooms b) Hostels 1 l/t space per 3 units i) Small (single parent or couple with 3 spaces per 4 units no children) ii) Family (2 adults & 2 children) 1 space per unit

141 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 APPENDIX II – VEHICLE PARKING STANDARDS

Use Class Description Maximum car parking standards Cycle parking standards

C2 a) Institutions/homes with care 1 space per 5 residents’ bed 1 s/t space per 20 beds Residential institutions staff on premises at all times spaces plus 1 space per 2 staff Plus (excluding nursing homes, (non resident); 1 l/t space per 10 staff on duty at any one time hospitals, residential schools, parking for resident staff to be based colleges or training centres) on general needs standard b) Elderly persons residential & 0.25 spaces per resident bed nursing homes (Category 3) space; parking for resident staff to be based on general needs standard c) Hospitals 1 space per 0.5 beds or to be decided on individual merits (including a full transport assessment & proposals in a green transport plan); special hospitals must be considered individually d) Education - halls of 1 space per 2 full-time staff 1 s/t space per 10 f/t staff residence plus 1 space per 6 students Plus (but with linkage to student 1 l/t space per 3 students transport plans where appropriate)

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 142 APPENDIX II – VEHICLE PARKING STANDARDS

Use Class Description Maximum car parking standards Cycle parking standards

C1 a) General needs Spaces per dwelling 1 l/t space per unit if no garage or shed provided Residential Zone 2 Elsewhere i) 1 bedroom dwellings/bedsits 0.75 1.25 Note: ii) 2 bedroom dwellings 1.00 1.50 iii) 3 bedroom dwellings 1.50 2.25 One off-street space is iv) 4 or more bedroom dwellings 2.00 3.00 defined as space for parking one car e.g. b) Houses in multiple occupation 0.5 spaces per tenancy unit a single garage, driveway (i.e. seperate households sharing facilities) or hardstanding; provision of a garage c) Sheltered housing for the 0.5 to 1 space per unit 1 s/t space per 3 units does not automatically elderly - warden control Plus mean that there will also 1 l/t space per 5 units be a driveway (hence 2 or more spaces) as garages can be provided in blocks or may front onto the street where no front garden is provided.

143 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 APPENDIX II – VEHICLE PARKING STANDARDS

Use Class Description Maximum car parking standards Cycle parking standards

D1 a) Public halls/places of 1 space per 9 m2gfa or 1 1 s/t space per 200 m2gfa Non - residential assembly (excluding D2) space per 3 fixed seats Plus institution plus 3 spaces per 4 staff 1 l/t space per 10 staff on duty at any one time members b) Community/family centres 1 space per 9 m2gfa plus 1 space per full-time staff member or equivalent c) Day centres 1 space per 2 staff members plus 1 space per 3 persons attending or 1 space per 9 m2gfa d) Places of worship 1 space per 10 m2gfa e) Surgeries & clinics 3 spaces per consulting room 1 s/t space per consulting plus 1 space per employee room other than consulting plus 1 l/t space per 10 staff on duty doctors/dentists/vets, or to be at any one time (decided on individual merits) f) Libraries, miscellaneous 1 space per 30 m2gfa of 1 s/t space per 100 m2gfa cultural buildings freestanding development Plus (otherwise assessed on merits) 1 l/t space per 10 f/t staff

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 144 APPENDIX II – VEHICLE PARKING STANDARDS

Use Class Description Maximum car parking standards Cycle parking standards

D1 a) Educational establishments 1 space per 30 m2gfa 1 l/t space per 10 f/t staff Non - residential (including residential) Plus institutions (continued) i) schools 1 space per full-time member of primary school: staff plus 1 space per 100 1 l/t space per 15 students pupils plus 1 space per 8 pupils secondary school: over 17 years old plus 1 space 1 l/t space per 5 students per 20 pupils uner 17 years old ii) further education 1 space per full-time member further education: of staff plus 1 space per 5 full- 1 l/t space per 5 students time students iii) nursery school/playgroups 1 space per 4 pupils nursery schools/playgroups: Note: none additional overspill parking for community purposes (outside school day) should be catered for by use of dual purpose surfaces such as school play areas.

145 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 APPENDIX II – VEHICLE PARKING STANDARDS

Use Class Description Maximum car parking standards Cycle parking standards

D2 a) Places of to be decided in each case on on merit, depending upon mix of uses Assembly & leisure entertainment/leisure parks for individual merits: parking for use when individual land use individual land use components should be based components are known on the standards set out in this Guidance, but with an overall reduction in provision to reflect linked trips on site (all parking should be shared and an overall reduction of 25% should from the starting point for discussion) b) Places of 1 space per 15 m2gfa (shared parking) entertainment/leisure parks for use when individual land use components are not known c) Cinemas (including 1 space per 5 seats cinemas up to 500 seats: multiplexes) 1 s/t space per 20 seats Plus 1 l/t space per 10 staff on duty at any one time

cinemas over 500 seats: 25 s/t spaces plus 1 s/t space per 100 seats in excess of 500 plus 1 l/t space per 10 staff on duty at any one time

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 146 APPENDIX II – VEHICLE PARKING STANDARDS

Use Class Description Maximum car parking standards Cycle parking standards

D2 d) Swimming pools 1 space per 15 m2gfa 1 s/t space per 25 m2gfa Assembly & leisure e) Tennis/badminton 4 spaces per court plus 1 l/t space per 10 f/t staff (continued) f) Squash courts 3 spaces per court g) Ice rinks 1 space per 12 m2gfa of rink h) Fitness centres/sports clubs 1 space per 15 m2gfa i) Ten pin bowling 4 spaces per lane 1 s/t space per 3 lanes or rink j) Indoor bowls 4 spaces per rink Plus 1 s/t space per 25 spectator seats plus 1 l/t space per 10 f/t staff k) Outdoor sports grounds 1 s/t space per 10 i) with football pitches 20 spaces per pitch players/participants at busiest period ii) without football pitches 50 spaces per hectare l) Golf i) 18 hole golf course 100 spaces 10 l/t spaces per 18 holes ii) 9 hole golf course 60 spaces 5 l/t spaces per 9 holes iii) golf driving range 1.5 spaces per tee 5 s/t spaces per 20/30 tee driving range iv) golf courses larger than 18 holes to be decided in each case on pro rata to above &/or for more that local use individual merits

147 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 APPENDIX II – VEHICLE PARKING STANDARDS

Use Class Description Maximum car parking standards Cycle parking standards

Motor trade related a) Showroom car sales 3 spaces per 4 employees plus 1 l/t space per 10 staff 1 space per 10 cars displayed b) Vehicle storage 3 spaces per 4 employees plus 2 spaces per showroom space or provision at rate of 10% annual turnover c) Hire cars 3 spaces per 4 employees plus 1 space per 2 hire cars based at site d) Ancillary vehicle storage 3 spaces or 75% of total if more than 3 vehicles e) Workshops 3 spaces per 4 employees plus 3 spaces per bay (for waiting & finished vehicles) in addition to repair bays f) Tyre & Exhaust 3 spaces per 4 employees plus 2 spaces per bay g) Parts stores/sales 3 spaces per 4 employees plus 3 spaces for customers h) Car wash/petrol filling station 3 spaces per 4 employees plus 3 waiting spaces 1 l/t space per 10 staff per bay or run in to row of bays Plus (additional parking is required where 5 s/t spaces if shop included a shop is provided)

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 148 APPENDIX II – VEHICLE PARKING STANDARDS

Use Class Description Maximum car parking standards Cycle parking standards

Passenger transport a) Rail stations to be decided in each case on individual merits to be decided in each caes on individual merits facilities b) Bus stations to be decided in each case on individual merits to be decided in each caes on individual merits Parking for disabled a) Employment generating development motorists i) up to 200 sapce car park individual spaces for each - Notes: (demed-based as calculated disabled employees plus 2 1 The parking needs of from above standards) spaces or 5% fo total capacity, disabled motorists shall whichever is greater be met in full irrespective ii) more than 200 space car park 6 spaces plus 2% fo total - of location i.e. where the (demand-based as calculated capacity zonal procedure results from above standards) in on-site parking b) Shops/premises to which restraint, there shall be the public have access/recreation no corresponding i) up to 200 space car park 3 spaces or 6% of total - reduction in disabled (demand-based as calculated capacity, whichever is greater spaces. from above standards) ii) more than 200 space car park 4 spaces plus 4% of total - 2 The number of disabled (demand-based as calculated capacity spaces specified are from above standards) additional to the toatl capacity.

149 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 APPENDIX II – VEHICLE PARKING STANDARDS

Use Class Description Maximum car parking standards Cycle parking standards

Parking for disabled c) Residential 1 space for every dwelling built to mobility standards - motorists (continued) i) General ii) Elderly persons dwellings up to 3 spaces 10 spaces (demand-based as calculated from above standards) more than 10 spaces 1 space per 4 spaces (demand-based as calculated from above standards)

Car parking notes ● gfa = gross floor area

● rfa = retail floor area

Cycle parking notes ● space = space to park 1 bicycle

● l/t = long term

● s/t = short term

● f/t staff = full-time staff equivalents

● l/t cycle parking provision at a ratio of 1 space per 10 f/t staff equivalent to a model split of 10% by bicycle

● provision of showers and changing facilities is also important if staff cycling is to be encouraged.

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 150 APPENDIX II – VEHICLE PARKING STANDARDS

Guidance on parking for powered two-wheelers

Secure parking for powered two wheelers should be considered on its merits for all new developments. The recommendations of the Motorcycle Industry, as set out in Powered Two Wheelers – The SMART Choice in Local Transport Plans (March 1999), include the following:

● “as a guide, local authorities should set aside around 5% of the total stock of publicly accessible motor vehicle parking space for motorcycle use”

● “local authorities should also take steps to ensure that workplaces, new developments and other parking not under their direct control, includes sufficient provision to ensure pressure is not simply concentrated on local authority provision”

● “parking facilities should be concentrated close to popular destinations in urban centres, near to shops, amenities, offices, etc”

● “users should be given the opportunity to park their machines at secure parking places equipped with robust fixed anchor points to make theft a less attractive proposition.”

151 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 APPENDIX III – SHOPPING FRONTAGE POLICY AREAS IN LARGER AND SMALLER CENTRES

BISHOP’S STORTFORD PRIMARY FRONTAGES POLICY STC2 PRIMARY FRONTAGES POLICY STC2

1-3, 3a-13, 13a, 17 Bridge Street (Odd) 12-22 Bridge Street (Even) 2, 2a-10 Bridge Street (Even) 12-18 Church Street (Even) 2 High Street (Even) 1-25 Church Street (Odd) 1-19 Jackson Square (All) 1-13 Devoils Lane 14-16 Market Square (Even) 1-15 Florence Walk (All) 1-9 Market Street (Odd) 1-4 Hadham Road (All) 2-4, 10-34 North Street (Even) 4-10 High Street (Even) 1-23 North Street (Odd) 1-7 High Street (Odd) 9-15 Palmers Lane (Odd) 2-12 Market Square (Even) 1-35 Potter Street (Odd) 1-3 Market Street (Odd) 2-34 Potter Street (Even) 5-9 Newtown Road (Odd) 1, 1b-37 South Street (Odd) 38-42 North Street (Even) 2a, 2b, 2c-12, 12a-16, 16b-32, 32a-34 South Street (Even) 25-31 North Street (Odd) 2-5 Riverside Walk (All) 2-10 South Street Centre (All) 39-45, 45a-47, 47a-79, 79a South Street (Odd) 36-92, 92a-96, 100-102, 102a South Street (Even) 1-5 Station Road (Odd) 2-16 Station Road (Even) 1-12, 12a-14, 19 Sworders Yard 6 The Causeway 1-5 The Dells

HERTFORD PRIMARY FRONTAGES POLICY STC2 SECONDARY FRONTAGES POLICY STC3

5-27 Bircheley Green (Odd) 1 Bircheley Street 2-28 Bircheley Green (Even) 2-20 Bull Plain (Even) 11, 17-35 Fore Street (Odd) 3-23 Bull Plain (Odd) 4 Honey Lane 13-15 Castle Street (Odd) 2, 2b-28 Maidenhead Street (Even) 4-8 Evron Place (All) 3-33 Maidenhead Street (Odd) 1-9, 37-113 Fore Street (Odd) 1-15 Market Place (All) 2-18 The Salisbury Arms Hotel, 26-140 Fore Street (Even) 2-12 Mill Bridge 2-6 Green Dragon Yard (Even) 4 Old Cross 3 Green Dragon Yard 1-19, 23-43 Railway Street (Odd) 1-9 Market Street (Odd) 2-16 Railway Street (Even) 2-8, 12-14 Market Street (Even) 2 The White Hart, Salisbury Square 6 Old Cross (Even) 8-18 The Wash (Even) 3-27 Old Cross (Odd) 1-25 Parliament Square (Odd) 2-34 Parliament Square (Even) 2-6 Post Office Walk (All) 45-53 Railway Street (Odd) 26-36 Railway Street (Even) 2, 2a-14, 20-52 St Andrews Street (Even) 1, 1a-11, 17-31, 43 St Andrews Street (Odd) 1-5 The Marquee, Railway Street (All) 2, 6, 8 Warren Place (Even) 3, 7, 11 Warren Place (Odd)

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 152 APPENDIX III – SHOPPING FRONTAGE POLICY AREAS IN LARGER AND SMALLER CENTRES WARE PRIMARY FRONTAGES POLICY STC2 SECONDARY FRONTAGES POLICY STC3

4-18 Amwell End (Even) 3-19, 25-39 Amwell End (Odd) 3-9 Bridgefoot (Odd) 22-34 Amwell End (Even) 1-9, 15 East Street (Odd) 2, 2a, 6-20, 22, 22a, 24-28 Baldock Street (Even) 2a, 2b, 8, 8a East Street (Even) 1-7, 13-27a, 19-27a, 27b-31, 35-47 Baldock Street (Odd) 22-48, 52, 54, 54a, 54b, 58, 58a, 60-84, 92-98, 102-112 High 1-14 Becketts Walk (All) Street (Even) Bridge House 3-83, 87, 113 High Street (Odd) 40-47 Church Street (All) 1-7, 13-15, 42-44 West Street (All) 2-5 French’s Yard (All) 8-20, 56 High Street (Even) 2 New Road

BUNTINGFORD SHOPPING FRONTAGE POLICY STC4 4-44 High Street (Even) 23-29 Market Hill (Odd) 35-85 High Street (Odd)

STANSTEAD ABBOTTS SHOPPING FRONTAGE POLICY STC4 6-14 High Street (Even) 17-23 High Street (Odd) 36-62 High Street (Even)

SAWBRIDGEWORTH SHOPPING FRONATGE POLICY STC4 45-57 London Road (Odd) Units 1-11 at 47-49 London Road 30-34 London Road (Even) 1-7 Bell Street (Odd) Units 1-10 Bakers Walk (All) 1, 2 and 3 Forelands Place 8 Bell Street 21-33 Bell Street (Odd) 35-51 Bell Street (Odd) 18-52 Bell Street (Even) 1-4 The Square (All) 1-5 Church Street (Odd) 2a – 8 Church Street (Even) Units 1-6 Duckling Lane (All) 25-35 Knight Street (Odd) NB: All addresses are inclusive

153 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 APPENDIX IV - RECREATION REQUIREMENTS IN NEW RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS 1.0 Introduction 1.5 When development sites are too small to secure land for formal open space, the District Council considers it 1.1 This appendix sets out the standards referred to in reasonable that developers should make a contribution to the Policy LRC3. The standards are locally devised standards and provision of new, or improvement to existing open space facilities have been set following completion of the 2005 PPG17 within the relevant town or village, as cumulative small audit/assessment of the District. Further guidance on the developments create a significant demand for open space implementation of these standards will be provided in a facilities. Supplementary Planning Document on ‘Open Space, Sport and Recreation’, including advice on design guidelines, management 1.6 In all cases the detailed assessment of contributions and cost components. will be determined as part of the development control process, prior to and as part of the consideration of planning 1.2 New housing developments place increased demand on applications. existing open space facilities, and the District Council will expect developers to include the requisite amount of formal and 2.0 Local Standards informal open space within their development proposals. 2.1 PPG17 advocates that planning policies for open space, 1.3 Developers will be expected to provide, either on-site including playing fields, should be based upon local standards provision of open space or contributions towards the provision or derived from a robust assessment of local need. The Government improvement of off-site open space, in accordance with the believes that open space standards are best set locally. National Standards outlined below. The District Council considers that the standards cannot cater for local circumstances. use of planning obligations to secure open space provision is justified in the context of Circular 1/97 ‘Planning Obligations’. 2.2 The District Council has used the information gained The Circular outlines that it is reasonable to expect developers to from the PPG17 assessment to set the following locally derived pay for, or contribute towards, infrastructure, which would not standards. have been necessary, but for their development. This Plan requires provision only where this is fairly and reasonably related 3.0 Quantity Standards in scale and kind to the development. 3.1 The following quantity standards have been determined 1.4 Exceptions will only be permitted if it can be clearly from analysis of existing quantity provision, in the light of local demonstrated that, due to the nature of a proposed residential community views as to its adequacy and details of levels and development, there will be no, or reduced demand, for a types of use. particular type of open space. An example of this is accommodation specifically designed for particular groups, such as the elderly or disabled. PPG17 Typology Quantity provision standard

Parks and public gardens 0.53 ha per 1000 population

Natural and semi-natural green space 7.64 ha per 1000 population

Outdoor sports facilities 3.79 ha per 1000 population

Amenity green spaces 0.55 ha per 1000 population

Provision for children and young people 0.20 ha per 1000 population

Allotments 0.21 ha per 1000 population

Cemeteries and churchyards No standard set

Green corridors No standard set

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 154 APPENDIX IV - RECREATION REQUIREMENTS IN NEW RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS 4.0 Quality Standards

4.1 A quality vision has been developed for each typology based on national or local standards, current provision, and other local authority standards for appropriate comparison, the Council’s strategic vision, site assessments and consultation on local needs. These standards are outlined below: PPG17 Typology Quality standard

Parks and public gardens Urban parks and gardens should be clean and litter free. They should also be well maintained, with well-kept grass, planting and vegetation and with high quality and appropriate ancillary facilities.

Natural and semi-natural green space Natural and semi-natural green spaces should be clean and litter free, with natural features (including water where appropriate). Public Rights of Way, footways and cycle paths should be clear and unrestricted and conservation areas should be identified. Sites should be maintained to an appropriate conservation standard.

Outdoor sports facilities All outdoor sports facilities, including ancillary accommodation, should be free from dog fouling and litter, with well kept grass and a well drained, level playing surface. They should have particular regard to the needs of young people. Sites should be accessible and should follow design and maintenance standards set by the relevant national governing bodies of sport.

Amenity green space Amenity green space should be free from litter and anti-social behaviour. They should be well maintained with appropriate vegetation and planting, as well as ancillary facilities, such as litterbins and seating.

Provision for children and young people Facilities for children and young people should be dog and litter free, as well as clean and free from anti-social behaviour. Sites should be well maintained and equipped to provide a range of activities to suit varied interests and age groups. Appropriate ancillary facilities, such as seating should also be provided.

Allotments Allotments should be free from dog fouling, vandalism, litter and anti-social behaviour. Where appropriate, access pathways and signage should be clearly provided and well maintained.

Cemeteries and churchyards Cemeteries and churchyards should be free from dog fouling, vandalism, litter and anti- social behaviour. Where appropriate, access pathways and signage should be clearly provided and well maintained.

Green corridors Green corridors should be clean and litter free with natural features and vegetation. Public Rights of Way, footways and cycle paths should be clear and well signed and conservation areas clearly identified. Green corridors should provide links between green spaces and from residential areas to green spaces.

5.0 Accessibility Standards

5.1 Accessibility is a key assessment of open space provision. Without public access the provision of good quality or a good quantity of open space sites would be of little benefit to the community. The table below shows recommended distance thresholds for each type of open space. 155 East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 APPENDIX IV - RECREATION REQUIREMENTS IN NEW RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS 5.2 It is not entirely straightforward to set specific distance 5.3 In view the size of East Herts and its rural nature, the thresholds for each type of open space for all areas as there are standards relating to parks and gardens, natural and semi- many dependencies. These standards, as PPG17 recommends, natural green space and play spaces for children and young provide guidance in order to identify gaps in provision and meet people only apply in an urban context. the local needs of East Herts’ residents.

Open space type Mode of transport Recommended travel Estimated equivalent time distance

Parks and gardens Walk 10 minutes 0.8km

Natural and semi-natural Walk 10 minutes 0.8km green space

Amenity green space Walk 5 minutes 0.4km

Play spaces for children and Walk 5 minutes 0.4km young people

Outdoor sports facilities Walk 10 minutes 0.8km

Allotments Drive by car 10 minutes 4km

Cemeteries and churchyards No standard set

Green corridors No standard set

East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 156 APPENDIX V - GLOSSARY

This glossary has been included to assist readers who may be unfamiliar with some of the technical terms used.

Affordable Housing Housing made available, based on the evidence of need, to people who are unable to afford housing at market prices. Legal agreements can be used to restrict the occupation of property to people falling within categories of need.

Agenda 21 An international action plan aiming to tackle social, economic and environmental problems. It is one of the documents signed by governments at the Earth Summit in Rio in 1992.

Agricultural Land The process used by DEFRA to determine the quality of agricultural land. Grades 1, 2 Classification (ALC) and 3a are classed as being of the “best and most versatile” and should be protected as a national resource for the future (PPS7, para 28).

Airport Employment Airport employment defined as ‘direct’ or ‘associated’ includes employment passenger handling, baggage handling, air transport movements, cargo, aircraft maintenance, general aviation, hotels, freight forwarding, car parking, car rental and airline officers. The term ‘on-airport’ is used to mean all employment generated on the airport site itself (whether direct or associated), ‘off-airport’ to mean that located outside the Airport boundary but falling within the employment definition above.

Ancient Woodland Areas which are thought to have had woodland cover continuously since before 1600AD and have only been cleared for underwood or timber production.

Aquifer Subterranean geological deposit which is capable of holding water, and which may be tapped for water supply.

Area of Special Land identified in some local plans to meet likely development needs after the end of Restraint the local plan period but which is treated as if it were in the Green Belt until such time as it may be formally allocated for development.

Biodiversity The total range and the variety of life on earth, or any given part of it.

BPEO Best Practicable Environmental Option: This is the option that provides the most beneficial or least damaging to the environment as a whole, at acceptable cost in the long term as well as the short term.

Brownfield Site See Previously Developed Land

Circulars Ministerial Statements on Government Policy

Climate Change A possible consequence of the increase in emissions of ‘greenhouse gases’, such as (Global Warming) carbon dioxide and methane which trap the sun’s heat and warm the earth’s surface. Emissions from human activity, such as fossil fuel burning and widespread deforestation, have been the main cause of rises in concentration of greenhouse gases this century.

Comparison Goods ‘Comparison Goods’ are non-food goods such as clothes and electrical equipment, for which the consumer generally expects to invest time and effort into visiting a range of shops before making a choice.

Conservation Areas An area designated as being of special architectural or historic interests, the character or appearance of which is desirable to preserve or enhance.

Constant Assets See Environmental Assets

Convenience Shopping Food and associated goods, typically those sold in supermarkets. Shopping

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Critical Capital See Environmental Assets

Department for Communities Communities and Local Government was created on 5 May 2006, and replaced the and Local Goverment (DCLG) Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM).

Department for Environment, Government department, which includes the former Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries Food and Rural Affairs (DCLG) and Food (MAFF).

Development Brief A non-statutory document produced by the local planning authorities in partnership with other interested parties, which sets out the main principles for the design, siting and layout of a development site or sites.

Development Plans Statutory plans, such as the structure plan and local plans, which set out local planning authorities’ policies and proposals for the development and use of land within their area. Development decisions must be in accordance with the Development Plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise.

Dwelling A self-contained unit of accommodation, which includes both, houses and flats.

EERA East of England Regional Assembly, formerly the East of England Local Government Conference (EELGC)

Energy Capital The energy that goes into the making of both the building and the infrastructure. There are two main forms, energy used to transport materials from source to site, and energy used to manufacture these materials.

Environmental Assets These range from essential resources such as: water; ecological processes; landscape; and historic and archaeological features which give a locality its unique character. The use of the term ‘environmental asset’ encompasses not only those things which are considered to be valuable and irreplaceable and therefore need to be strongly protected in their entirety (critical capital), but also those elements of the environment which, although amenable to some management or change, need to be protected or enhanced to avoid their degradation or where any loss would have to be compensated for by equivalent provision elsewhere (constant assets).

Evening Economy Economic activity beyond normal shopping hours, particularly through restaurants and public houses, but also through extended shopping hours.

Green Belt An area designated in development plans which is protected against inappropriate development in order to check unrestricted urban sprawl; safeguard countryside from urban encroachment; prevent towns merging; preserve the special character of historic towns and assist urban regeneration.

Green Commuter Plans Plans which help to reduce car use.

Greenfield Site Land on which no built development has previously taken place, usually understood to be beyond or on the periphery of an existing built up area. It also includes parks and playing fields in urban areas.

Hazardous An installation e.g. factory or warehouse which is officially identified as being hazardous Installations as a consequence of the handling, at any one time, of quantities of dangerous materials in excess of certain specified amounts.

Hazardous Substances specified in Schedule 1 of the Planning (Hazardous Substances) Substances Regulations 1992. Over 70 different substances which are toxic, highly reactive, explosive or flammable are included.

Hectare Area of 10,000 square metres. One hectare = 2.471 acres.

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Historic Building This assessment will be carried out by suitably experienced architects, surveyors, Impact Assessment archaeologists or designers qualified in the skills involved in the conservation and recording of historic buildings. Typically this will relate closely to the survey drawings, putting the building in a historic context, fully explaining the structure of the building, describing its development over time, exterior and interior features of special interest and include a comprehensive photographic record. For buildings with a complicated historic development, plans explaining the phasing can be very helpful in assessing the likely impact of alterations.

Historic Parks and Parks and gardens which by reason of their historic layout, features and architectural Gardens ornaments considered together make them of interest. They include parks and gardens of special interest, which have been registered by English Heritage.

Home Working The use of information technology to enable people to work at or near their homes.

Household A household is either: (a)one person living alone; (b)a group of people (who may or may not be related) living, or staying temporarily, at the same address, with common housekeeping.

Housing Needs Studies done by district and borough councils to assess the level and types of unmet Survey needs for accommodation, particularly affordable housing.

Infill Development For the purpose of this Local Plan, it can be defined as the sub-division of an unusually large plot in an otherwise built up area normally capable of taking only one or two houses without damage to the character of the village.

Knowledge Based The knowledge based economy has been described in the Hertfordshire Industrial Economy Strategy as the increasing development of production and processing of information and the greater use of applied knowledge and information in the physical manufacture of goods - i.e. information processing, research and development, and high-end “bespoke” manufacturing, rather than mass production.

Landscape Character The process of using one of several techniques of describing, analysing, classifying and Assessment subdividing the landscape. The Hertfordshire Landscape Strategy explains the application of Landscape Character Assessment in Hertfordshire.

Landscape Character The distinct pattern or combination of natural or built elements occurring consistently in a particular landscape, linked to the geology, soils, topography, ecology, history and visual dimensions of the landscape.

Lifetime Homes Dwellings constructed to make them more flexible, convenient, safe, adaptable and accessible than most ‘normal’ houses.

Listed Building A building listed by the Secretary of State as being of special architectural or historic interest as defined in the Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

Local Air Quality A programme of assessing air quality against national targets and the development of Management remedial measures where the targets will not be met.

Local Development Document (LDD) The overall term for the separate documents in the Local Development Framework. LDDs include Development Plan Documents, Supplementary Planning Documents and the Statement of Community Involvement.

Local Development Framework (LDF) A portfolio of Local Development Documents, which will provide the policies and proposals for delivering the spatial planning strategy for an area.

Local Development Scheme (LDS) A public statement identifying which LDDs will be produced, in what order and when.

Local Nature Reserve (LNR) Sites of importance for wildlife statutory designated as nature reserves under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.

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Local Plan A detailed land use plan prepared and adopted by local district or borough planning authorities, which should be in general conformity with the policies of a structure plan.

Local Transport Plans (LTP) A five year plan covering an authority’s capital and revenue expenditure on transport. Local transport plans have replaced the former Transport Policies and Programmes (TPP) system. In Hertfordshire it is the County Councils statutory responsibility to prepare the LTP.

Master Plan Strategy A Master Plan is the overall plan for a development, from which development briefs and planning applications flow. It identifies the disposition of land uses and phasing on an outline basis with, most probably, the first phase of development identified in further detail.

Material Consideration Factors which are appropriate to take into consideration in the determination of a planning application.

Modal Split The proportion of trips by different types of transport, e.g. walking, cycling, bus, train and car.

National Cycle Network Safe cycle route throughout the country co-ordinated by transport charity Sustrans.

National Nature Reserves (NNRs) Sites of national conservation importance, managed by English Nature or other approved bodies and established under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.

Parish Plan A document outlining how a community sees itself developing over the next few years. It should set out a vision of what is important to the community; show how new development can best be fitted in; identify key facilities and services; set out the problems that need to be tackled; and demonstrate how distinctive character and features can be preserved.

Park-and-Ride A service which provides parking facilities at peripheral locations and transport, generally bus or rail-based, to a town centre or other attraction.

Passenger Transport Those services on which members of the public rely for getting from place to place when not using their own private transport. It includes bus, rail and taxis, together with more innovative forms of transport such as Light Rail or Guided Bus.

Permitted Development Rights Development rights set out in Orders and Regulations made under the Rights Planning Acts, which allow limited developments to take place, within strict criteria, without the need to apply for planning permission. Such rights may be removed through the use of planning conditions, for example, when a house is permitted, restricting the addition of extensions at first floor level, or the conversion of an integral garage to living space.

Planning Conditions Conditions attached to planning permission without which the development concerned would not be considered acceptable.

Planning Obligation Legally binding undertakings (usually by virtue of Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act), which can be used to mitigate the effects of, or enhance, development. They are generally complimentary to conditions, which may be imposed on planning consents, and can control the use of land, require specific actions and provide for payments to be made. Government policy on the use of planning obligations is currently contained in its Circular 1/97.

PPG2 Planning Policy Guidance Note 2: Green Belts (January 1995)

PPG4 Planning Policy Guidance Note 4: Industrial, Commercial Development and Small Firms (November 1992)

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PPG8 Planning Policy Guidance Note 8: Telecommunications (August 2001)

PPG13 Planning Policy Guidance Note 13: Transport (March 2001)

PPG15 Planning Policy Guidance Note 15: Planning and the Historic Environment (September 1994)

PPG16 Planning Policy Guidance Note 16: Archaeology and Planning (November 1990)

PPG17 Planning Policy Guidance Note 17: Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation (July 2002)

PPG18 Planning Policy Guidance Note 18: Enforcing Planning Control (December 1991)

PPG19 Planning Policy Guidance Note 19: Outdoor Advertisement Control (March 1992)

PPG21 Planning Policy Guidance Note 21: Tourism (November 1992)

PPG24 Planning Policy Guidance Note 24: Planning and Noise (September 1994)

Planning Policy Statement (PPS) Planning Policy Statements will replace Planning Policy Guidance Notes and will set out the Government’s national policies on different aspects of planning.

PPS1 Planning Policy Statement 1: Delivering Sustainable Development (2005)

PPS3 Planning Policy Statement 3: Housing (November 2006)

PPS6 Planning Policy Statement 6: Planning for Town Centres (March 2005)

PPS7 Planning Policy Statement 7: Sustainable Development in Rural Areas (August 2004)

PPS9 Planning Policy Statement 9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation (August 2005)

PPS10 Planning Policy Statement 10: Planning for Sustainable Waste Management (July 2005)

PPS11 Planning Policy Statement 11: Regional Spatial Strategies (September 2004)

PPS12 Planning Policy Statement 12: Local Development Frameworks (September 2004)

PPS22 Planning Policy Statement 22: Renewable Energy (August 2004)

PPS23 Planning Policy Statement 23: Planning and Pollution Control (November 2004)

PPS25 Planning Policy Statement 25: Development and Flood Risk (December 2006)

Precautionary Principle This principle recognises that where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage to the environment, the lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason to delay taking cost-effective action to prevent or minimise such damage.

Previously Developed Land Previously developed land is that which is or was occupied by a permanent structure (excluding agricultural or forestry buildings), and associated fixed surface infrastructure. A more detailed definition is given in Annex C of PPG3.

Primary Routes These are roads which form the links between the most important traffic origins and destinations. Primary routes consist of motorways, trunk roads and the most important County ‘A’ roads. They will usually be built to a 70mph (120 km/h)standard. Primary routes other than motorways can be identified by their green backed signs. They form the Country’s advisory lorry route network and should avoid urban areas and other settlements.

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Protected Species Species protected by Schedules 1, 5 and 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended, and the Nature Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994.

Ramsar Sites Areas designated under the Ramsar Convention to protect wetlands that are of international importance, particularly as waterfowl habitats. All Ramsar Sites are SSSIs.

Recycled Aggregates Aggregates obtained from the treatment of materials formerly used for another purpose.

Regional Planning Guidance (RPG) Guidance issued by the Government, which sets out its policies to guide development in the regions and provide a framework for the review of structure and unitary plans. Regional Planning Guidance for the South East (RPG9), which includes Hertfordshire, was published in March 2001.

Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) Regional Planning Guidance (RPG) will become the RSS. RSS14 for the recently created East of England region, which now includes Hertfordshire, is due to be published in December 2004, with the final version agreed by Government in 2006.

Regional Parks A significant area of land designated mainly to provide informal and formal recreational use, both locally and sub-regionally, and where significant environmental improvements are sought. Hertfordshire has two, the Lee Valley (which is partly within East Hertfordshire) and Colne Valley Regional Parks. The Lee Valley Regional Park Authority is a statutory body, which publishes a Park Plan dealing with a range of environmental and leisure issues.

Renewable Energy Energy obtained from natural sources which cannot be exhausted, for example from the sun, wind, tides and waves. Landfill gas is also often grouped into this bracket.

Regionally Important Geological/ Sites identified as important geological or geomorphological interest, but which may Geomorphological Sites (RIGS) have no statutory protection. Such sites may be recognised in local plans as part of a County’s environmental assets.

Retail Hierarchy Hierarchy of shopping centres ranging from regional and sub-regional centres through town centres, district and local centres. Structure plans outline the hierarchy within a county and local plans indicate the hierarchy within districts.

Rights of Way A public right of way is a type of highway over which the public have a right to pass and repass. The nature of the right determines the type of way, which under common law can be either:

● a footpath, over which there are rights on foot only;

● a bridleway, over which the right of way is on foot and on horseback, possibly with an additional right to drive animals;

● a road used as a public path (RUPP), over which there are rights on foot and on horseback and possibly by vehicle;

● a byway open to all traffic (BOAT), over which there are rights on foot and on horseback and in a vehicle but is mainly used by walkers and riders.

● A restricted byway, over which there are rights on foot and horseback, bicycle and horsedrawn vehicle.

The Countryside Act 1968 granted cyclists the right to use bridleways so long as they gave way to walkers and horse riders.

Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997 The Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997 requires local highway authorities to determine appropriate target for the reduction of either the levels of traffic or the rate of traffic growth.

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Safeguarded Land See Areas of Special Restraint.

Scheduled Monument (SM) A nationally important archaeological site included in the Schedule of Monuments maintained by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.

Section 106 Agreements See Planning Obligations

Sequential Approach The sequential approach is defined in PPS6. The approach requires that locations are considered in the following order:

● appropriate existing locations

● edge-of-centre locations

● out-of-centre locations Types of Centre:

Local Centre: an area of small local shops, typically including a sub-post office, newsagent, a small supermarket, and occasionally a pharmacy, a hairdresser and other small shops to meet people’s day-to-day needs, so reducing the need to travel.

District Shopping Centre: Groups of shops, separate from the town centre, usually containing at least one food supermarket or superstore, and non-retail services such as banks, building societies and restaurants, as well as local public facilities such as a library.

Town Centre: term used generally to cover town and traditional suburban centres, which provide a broad range of facilities and services and fulfil a function as a focus for both the community and for public transport. It excludes small parades of shops of purely local significance. Types of Location:

Edge-of-centre: for shopping purposes, a location within easy walking distance (i.e. 100-300 metres) of the primary shopping area, often providing parking facilities that serve the centre as well as the store, thus enabling one trip to serve several purposes. For other uses edge-of-centre may be more extensive.

Out-of-centre: a location that is clearly separate from a town centre, but not necessarily outside the urban area.

Out-of-town: an out-of-centre development on a green field site, or on land not clearly within the current urban boundary. Types of shop:

Supermarkets – Single level, self-service stores selling mainly food, with a trading floor- space less than 2,500 square metres, often with car parking;

Superstores – Single-level, self-service stores selling mainly food, or food and non-food goods, usually with more than 2,500 square metres trading floorspace, with supporting car parking;

Town centre malls - Purpose-built centres incorporating many individual shop units, usually concentrating on comparison goods, and sometimes leisure, residential and other uses;

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Retail warehouses - Large single-level stores specialising in the sale of household goods (such as carpets, furniture and electrical goods) and bulky DIY items, catering mainly for car-borne customers and often in out-of-centre locations;

Retail parks - An agglomeration of at least 3 retail warehouses;

Warehouse clubs - Out-of-centre businesses specialising in bulk sales of reduced priced goods in unsophisticated buildings with large car parks. The operator may limit access to businesses, organisations or classes of individual, and many agree to limit the number of lines sold;

Factory outlet centres - groups of shops, usually away from the town centre, specialising in selling seconds and end-of-line goods at discounted prices.

Shops (types of) See “Sequential Approach”

Site of Special Scientific An area designated under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) as being Interest (SSSI) of special importance by reason of its flora or fauna, or its geological or physiographical features.

Special Area of A SSSI designated under the EC Habitats Directive as being of importance as a Conversation (SAC) particular defined natural habitat or as a habitat for particular defined animal or plan species.

Special Protection A SSSI identified as an important habitat for rare and vulnerable birds under the Area (SPA) European Community Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds.

Strategic Environmental An assessment of the potential impacts of policies and proposals on the environment Assessment (SEA) including proposals for the mitigation of impacts.

Supplementary Planning Non-statutory documents that are designed to supplement the policies and proposals of Documents (SPD) Development Plan Documents or a ‘saved’ Plan. Will replace SPG.

Supplementary Planning SPG can take the form of design guides or area development briefs, or supplement other Guidance (SPG) specific policies. It must be consistent with national and regional planning guidance, as well as the policies set out in the adopted development plan. It should be clearly cross-referenced to the relevant plan policy or proposal to which it supplements.

Sustainable Development Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Sustainability Appraisal An appraisal of the potential impacts of policies and proposals on economic, social and environmental issues.

Telecommunications Forms of communications by electrical or optical, wire, cable and radio signals. Telecommunications infrastructure includes masts, antennas, cable networks, relay stations etc.

Telecottages A relatively small building, situated within the village or community, which contains information technology facilities. Can be community organised and used by workers from one or more companies.

Traffic Management A scheme which is designed to control the movement of traffic. It can be a physical highway alteration (e.g. new junction layout), regulatory control (e.g. speed limits), information for users (e.g. lane markings), or a charging system (e.g. car parking charges).

Transport Policies And An annual Hertfordshire County Council document which is primarily a bid to central Programme (TPP) government for transport funds. The document also sets out the current problems, policies and future programmes of works to fulfil the County’s transport aims and objectives. TPPs are now to be replaced by Local Transport Plans.

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Travel Wise A transport awareness campaign initiated by Hertfordshire County Council and now adopted by many other authorities.

Trip Generation Additional journeys which are made in an area as a result of a particular development taking place, for example new residential or industrial areas, retail or leisure facilities.

Trunk Road A road for which the Minister for Transport is the highway authority.

Use Classes Order Use classes are defined by the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987, as amended by Statutory Instrument 2005/84. In general terms, activities within the same class may change without requiring planning permission (e.g. from office to light industrial use) whereas activities changing from one class to another (e.g. from residential to office use) usually need permission.

Waste Any substance which constitutes a scrap material or an effluent arising from the application of any process, and any substance or article which requires to be disposed of as being broken, worn out, contaminated or otherwise spoiled.

Inert waste - waste that does not normally undergo any significant physical, chemical biological changes when deposited at a landfill site.

Hazardous waste - a general term encompassing difficult and special wastes which may give rise to particular pollution risks or nuisance and may require special management for disposal.

Wildlife Sites Sites identified as being of County importance for their wildlife, but which may have no statutory protection. Such sites may be recognised in local plans as part of a County’s environmental assets.

Windfall Site A site which is not identified in a local plan but which unexpectedly becomes available for development or re-development.

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