BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCIL AND MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCIL LOCAL INVESTMENT PLAN 2011 to 2016
1 Introduction by Babergh District Council’s Housing Panel Chairman and Mid Suffolk District Council’s Housing Portfolio Holder
Councillor Sue Wigglesworth Councillor Marilyn Curran Chairman of the Babergh District Mid Suffolk District Council Housing Panel Council Housing Portfolio Holder
We are delighted to introduce the Babergh and Mid Suffolk Local Investment Plan 2011 to 2016.
The development of this plan is an excellent example of successful partnership working between our Councils and has confirmed the many similarities between the Babergh and Mid Suffolk Districts. This has enabled us to bring forward our priority lists of schemes for the next five years. These cover a range of infrastructure, employment and housing projects designed to benefit local communities across both Districts.
This is a living document adopted by both Councils which will be regularly monitored and updated through the jointly agreed action plan and regular meetings of the Local Investment Plan Steering Group on which we both sit.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our partners who have provided valuable input into this document and attended our recent Stakeholder event.
With Kind regards
Sue Wigglesworth and Marilyn Curran
2 Joint Local Investment Plan Agreement for Babergh District and Mid Suffolk District Councils and the Homes & Communities Agency.
a) This Agreement is not legally binding upon the parties.
b) Nothing contained in or carried out pursuant to this Agreement and no consents given by the Agency or the Council will prejudice the Agency's or the Council’s (as appropriate) rights, powers or duties and/or obligations in the exercise of its functions or under any statutes, byelaws, instruments, orders or regulations.
c) This Agreement is without prejudice to the Council’s and/or the Agency’s functions as a local planning authority and both parties may continue to exercise such functions as if they were not a party to this Agreement.
d) This Agreement is subject to the constitutional right of any future Parliament and/or the Agency’s Sponsor Department to determine the amount of money to be made available to the Agency in any year and the purpose for which such money can be used.
e) This Agreement is also subject to the terms of the Framework Document between the Agency and its sponsor department, as the same may be amended or replaced from time to time.
Signed: …………………………………
Name: …………………………………..
Position: ………………………………..
For and on behalf of HCA
Date: ……………………………………
Signed: ………………………………… Signed: …………………………………
Name: ………………………………….. Name: …………………………………..
Position: ……………………………….. Position: ………………………………..
For and on behalf of Babergh DC For and on behalf of Mid Suffolk DC
Date: …………………………………… Date:……………………………………
3
CONTENTS: Page No’s Introduction to the Local Investment Plan 7 Background and Purpose 7 The Local Investment Plan Process 9 Governance of the Local Investment Plan 10 The Local Investment Plan 10
The Babergh and Mid Suffolk Districts in Context 11 Joint Commitment to working in Partnership 12
Democratic Governance of Babergh and Mid Suffolk 13
Babergh and Mid Suffolk – Comparison of Corporate Values and 14 Priorities
Profiles and Comparisons of Babergh and Mid Suffolk 15 People and the Community – Age Profile 15 Ethnicity 18
Jobs and the Local Economy 19 Productivity 19 Employment 20 Top Employers 21 The Relationship between Affordability and Earnings in Babergh and Mid 22 Suffolk Enterprise 24 Skills and Qualifications 25 Commuting Patterns 26 Summary of Comparisons 27
Housing in Babergh and Mid Suffolk 28 Transport 33
Vision for Babergh 36 Spatial Objectives 36 Spatial Characteristics, Issues and Aspirations 37 Sudbury/Great Cornard and West Babergh 37 Hadleigh and Mid Babergh 37 Ipswich Fringe (plus Ipswich) and East Babergh 38
Vision for Mid Suffolk 39 Spatial Objectives 39 Spatial Aspirations 41 Stowmarket 41 A Corridor of Change between Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich 41 Needham Market 42 Mid Suffolk’s Ipswich Fringe 42 Rural Employment – The re-use of Eye Airfield 43
Babergh and Mid Suffolk Comparison of Spatial Objectives 44
4 Strategic Challenges for Babergh and Mid Suffolk 46 An Ageing Population 46 Rural Areas with low provision of services and affordable housing 47 Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs 49 Providing Supported Housing 50 Regeneration 50 Employment Opportunities 51 Employment Base in need of Diversifying 51 Reliance on Private Car for Transport 53 Accommodate future growth 53 Historic and environmental assets in need of protection 54 A Changing Climate 55 Delivering Services 56
Investment Priorities 57 Investment in Local Regeneration 57 Investment to Assist in Employment 58 Investment in the Delivery of New Homes across all Tenures 59 Improving the Quality of Existing Homes 59 Babergh and Mid Suffolk Challenges Compared 59
Investment and Intervention Priorities 60
Maps, Tables and Diagrams Map of Babergh and Mid Suffolk Districts in Relation to the UK 8 Snapshot of Central Suffolk showing main communication links, towns and 14 villages within the Babergh and Mid Suffolk Areas Table of Babergh and Mid Suffolk Age Profiles 15 Babergh and Mid Suffolk Age Pyramids 16 ONS 2008 Population Projections for Babergh and Mid Suffolk 17 Ethnicity Tables for Babergh and Mid Suffolk 18 Economic Forecasts from the Regional Forecasting Model 19 Employment by Sector 20 Map of Businesses across Suffolk including Babergh and Mid Suffolk 21 House Prices and Affordability Ratio – Babergh, Mid Suffolk and Suffolk 22 Unemployment/Benefit Claimants 23 Formation and Closer of Enterprises by Employment Size Band 24 Working Age Skills Levels – 2008 25 Commuting Patterns for Babergh and Mid Suffolk Residents 26 Percentage of Households Priced out of the Market 29 The Housing Affordability Ratio in Babergh 30 Total Housing and Affordable Completions for Mid Suffolk and Babergh 31 HCA Funding for Babergh 32 HCA Funding for Mid Suffolk 32 Rural Affordable Housing Scheme Home Meadow, Cockfield 33 Map Showing Main Transport Links for Suffolk 35 Spatial Objectives Key Diagram for Mid Suffolk 39 Snoasis Master Plan 44 Chilton Woods Master Plan 45 Rural Affordable Housing at Brent Eleigh Road, Lavenham 48 Snoasis Aerial View 52 Stowmarket Mill Lane Country Park 54 Exemplar Scheme Developed in Elmswell, Mid Suffolk 55 Monks Eleigh Village Shop 56 Regeneration Scheme at Popular Road Great Cornard 57 5
Appendices:
Appendix 1 – The Action Plan 63 Part 1 - Investment Priorities Scheme Details 65 Part 2 – Developing the Local Investment Plan 82
Appendix 2 - Stakeholders 87
Appendix 3 - Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council 88 Evidence Base
Appendix 4 – Policy Context 93
Appendix 5 - Greater Haven Gateway Sub Regional Housing 98 Strategy Themes – Info to be used from first draft
Appendix 6 - Growth Trajectories 99
Appendix 7 - Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats 101
Babergh economy 101 Sudbury 102 Hadleigh 103 Ipswich Fringe 103 Rural 104
Mid Suffolk Economy 105 Stowmarket 106 Needham Market 106 Eye & Eye Airfield 106 Ipswich Policy Area 107 Rural 107
Appendix 8 - Glossary 109
6 INTRODUCTION TO THE LOCAL INVESTMENT PLAN
Background and purpose:
The Babergh and Mid Suffolk Local Investment Plan (LIP) has been developed in partnership by Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, the Homes and Communities Agency, Suffolk County Council, Primary Care Trust NHS Suffolk, The Haven Gateway Partnership, the East of England Development Agency, Go-East, Suffolk Acre, and our Registered Provider partners.
It details place shaping and planned investment for the Babergh and Mid Suffolk Districts for the period 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2016 inclusive.
This plan is a living document and will be subject to regular review and modification by Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, subject to agreement between all the partners.
The plan has been the subject of an interactive consultation exercise with our stakeholder partners. This culminated in a joint Stakeholder Event on 5 October 2010, when the LIP was explained in detail and interactive workshop sessions were held with a range of partners. The results of this have been fed into our LIP Action Plan as detailed at Appendix 1.
The evidence base used to support the LIP has been taken from the full range of research, policies and procedures developed by both Councils all of which have been subject to appropriate stakeholder and community consultation in their own right. Details of our evidence base can be found at Appendix 3 of this plan.
It is agreed that the joint Local Investment Plan Working Group will monitor the LIP on a regular basis, paying particular attention to the priority list of schemes and the Action Plan. The plan will be reviewed annually, when a stakeholder event will be held followed by Member sign-off.
The initial scope of the LIP will consider the wider context of the Babergh and Mid Suffolk Districts and then look at specific issues relating to both Districts. The plan will take into account the following: • Land supply – green-field and brown-field • Infrastructure – physical and social • People and communities – employment, vulnerable people and community cohesion • Housing supply – growth, regeneration, urban and rural • Capacity issues – knowledge, skills and leadership • Long term stewardship issues – community engagement in the context of the Localism Agenda, management options and vehicles for delivery. These considerations will then be fed into our Local Investment Plan and actions that embrace the following aspects of developing sustainable communities: • Environment • Transport • Economic Development • Business Support • Skills • Education • Health 7 Map Showing the Babergh and Mid Suffolk Districts in relation to the UK with main towns.
8 THE LOCAL INVESTMENT PLAN PROCESS:
The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) introduced a new way of doing business in 2010, with the objective that this approach will transform the delivery of housing and regeneration by connecting local ambition with both national and more locally based targets. This fits well with the government’s Localism Agenda.
The LIP is a place-based approach that will take the vision and ambitions of both Councils and set these down within this investment plan. This will include the full range of housing, infrastructure, regeneration and community activities.
Delivery will be achieved through a more streamlined use of investment and resources, including using expertise from the HCA to address specific challenges. Through this process, the HCA as the national housing and regeneration agency will act as the bridge between local ambition and national targets.
GOVERNANCE OF THE LOCAL INVESTMENT PLAN:
A steering group has been formed to develop the LIP for Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, made up of a Member of the Council from Babergh and Mid Suffolk, officers from both Council’s Housing, Planning and Economic Development teams and representatives from our partner agencies including the HCA, Suffolk County Council, The Haven Gateway Partnership, Suffolk ACRE, the East of England Development Agency, GO-East and Health; in order to ensure that all party’s interests have been reflected in the document where appropriate.
An important part of the development of this LIP is the close working relationship between the two Councils and the involvement of one Housing related Member from each of those Councils.
The appropriate Committees at Babergh and Mid Suffolk approved the LIP during November 2010. The document will be reviewed at least annually and the relevant Committees updated on the results of the reviews.
9 THE LOCAL INVESTMENT PLAN:
The Babergh and Mid Suffolk Local Investment Plan (LIP):
• Sets out the vision of the investment partners for the successful delivery of infrastructure, housing and community facilities within the Babergh and Mid Suffolk Districts for the period 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2016
• Meets the sustainable growth and regeneration objectives of the HCA
• Offers a value for money and sustainable plan for delivery, through a priority list of desired outcomes for the Babergh and Mid Suffolk Districts
• Details what needs to be done to achieve those outcomes; the investment/interventions required and the sources of that investment/intervention; using innovative approaches to achieve the required interventions and outcomes, including opportunities for the pooling of resources to achieve increased value for money
This document links to both Council’s Local Plan Policy/Local Development Framework and Integrated Development Plans and uses existing evidence from a wide evidence base as detailed at Appendix 3.
Information contained within the Strategic Housing Market Assessment and Housing Needs Surveys, has been used to build a case for each District and incorporates consultation and involvement from local stakeholders.
It is important to note that only projects within the LIP will be considered for funding from the HCA and therefore it is essential that this is a fully comprehensive document. Through regular review and updating of the document, the status of projects will be reviewed and changed according to their deliverability and priority and will also include new schemes that are not currently listed within this version of the LIP.
The LIP fully explains Babergh’s and Mid Suffolk’s investment priorities and provides a robust evidence base for these together with full details of each site or project included within the plan, with delivery timescales and planning status.
The LIP Action Plan – Part 1 provides separate and detailed priority lists of schemes for Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils.
At the time this LIP has been produced there are on-going discussions between the two Council’s considering business plan options for future merger or at the very least service integration.
As the prospect of full constitutional merger is still some time off and subject to major discussion and decision making processes, this LIP has attempted to be a fully joined up document where there are areas of commonality between the two districts, and where there are still local priorities to be considered, these are shown as separate sections. The steering group recognises that until full constitutional merger is achieved and there is one set of elected Members for the new Local Authority, it would be difficult to achieve agreement on the ranking of priorities between one scheme and another within the two districts. If merger is approved, then the LIP and local aspirations will be reviewed and united into one priority list of schemes. 10
THE BABERGH AND MID SUFFOLK DISTRICTS IN CONTEXT:
Babergh and Mid Suffolk are predominantly rural districts covering the geographical centre of Suffolk, running from the boundary with Essex in the south to the boundary with Norfolk in the north of the county. This covers a total area of approximately 146,624 hectares. The combined Districts have seven main centres of population; which include Elmswell, Eye, Needham Market and Stowmarket in Mid Suffolk, and Hadleigh, Pinewood and Sudbury in Babergh. Some of these are attractive and historic market towns surrounded by a beautiful rural hinterland of 199 rural parishes. There are also substantial numbers of listed residential dwellings across both Districts which do have implications for increasing the sustainability levels of residential accommodation
The geography of both Districts is made up of gently undulating countryside which includes many areas of outstanding natural beauty, for example the Stour Valley and Constable Country in the south, with attractive villages such as Kersey and Lavenham, in the Babergh District and the valleys of the River Waveney and Dove in the north, through the open fields of ‘High Suffolk’ to the valleys of the River Rat and Gipping in the south and picturesque villages throughout the Mid Suffolk District. The Districts also benefit from direct access to the Rivers Orwell and Stour and a small coastal area at the Shotley peninsula.
We recognise the high quality of our local environment and the challenge of delivering the necessary infrastructure to enable robust growth whilst at the same time protecting the character and quality of the local area. This aim is reflected in the corporate values of both Councils.
The combined population of both Districts is 181,611, made up of 86,959 for Babergh and 94,652 for Mid Suffolk. Of this just fewer than 3% of each District’s population is made up from black and minority ethnic groups. There are also a higher proportion of older people than the average for the United Kingdom living within both Districts and an aging population, with increasing numbers of very elderly people.
Both Districts have a small local economy, with much of the workforce commuting to employment locations outside the Babergh and Mid Suffolk areas. Many local jobs are less skilled and lower waged than elsewhere in the country which has an effect on housing affordability.
The overall transport infrastructure is good with excellent road and rail links in the form of the A12/A14/A140 main roads from London to Felixstowe and Cambridge, together with main line rail links from London, to Cambridge and Norwich and a strategic link for freight traffic from Felixstowe to Nuneaton in the Midlands.
House prices are higher than the affordability of local incomes. This is because of the proximity to the more expensive areas of Essex and London to the south and Bury St Edmunds and Cambridge to the west of both Districts and the ability of people to commute from Sudbury, Ipswich and Stowmarket rail stations and by car, to areas which offer higher incomes. Adding to this problem is the lack of smaller dwellings available for purchase, making affordable housing a significant issue for both Councils.
11 JOINT COMMITMENT TO WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP:
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils are fully committed to partnership working with a range of stakeholders and partners such as the Local Strategic Partnership and Local Area Agreement, the Greater Haven Gateway Sub-region and Haven Gateway Partnership, government offices and agencies. The two Councils are currently working closely together building on existing partnership ventures and investigating full or partial service integration, with a potential progression to full constitutional merger and boundary realignment.
Of particular importance in the process of partnership working is the close working relationship both Councils have as members of the Greater Haven Gateway Housing Group and the Haven Gateway Partnership. These connections bring together administrative and economic opportunities for both Councils and has achieved a number of successful outcomes, for example the Gateway to Homechoice Choice Based Lettings service and infrastructure and development outcomes as a result of the growth point status of the Haven Gateway. Linked with these is the invaluable input of the Homes and Communities Agency who have supported both partnerships with officer support and advice together with essential funding.
12 Democratic Governance of Babergh and Mid Suffolk:
Babergh District Council has 43 elected councillors and Mid Suffolk has 40 elected Councillors.
Both Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council operate a committee style Council structure with the overall budget and policy framework being determined through this system, although Mid Suffolk appoints Portfolio Holders for their main service areas.
CORPORATE VALUES - Babergh CORPORATE VALUES – Mid Suffolk The Council’s long term ambition for The Council’s long term ambition for Mid Babergh is to create ‘A great environment Suffolk is to create a safe, healthy and in which to live, work and visit, where prosperous community, living within people have the opportunity to develop thriving towns and villages, with access to their potential and feel they belong to fair and affordable services, and actively strong and vibrant communities’. involved in providing a fairer society and a better social, economic and environmental heritage for future generations.
Following consultation with the local There are six strategic priorities for the community the Council has agreed a 10 Council covering the period 2007 – 2011. year strategic plan which is initially being They have their roots in the Corporate Plan implemented through its first 3-year and Community Strategy for Mid Suffolk. Medium Term Plan. Five priority areas for The priorities are linked and the outcomes improvement have been identified and shown below one priority may well have an these are detailed in the Council's strategic impact on several others too. plan for 2008 to 2018:
CORPORATE PRIORITIES - Babergh CORPORATE PRIORITIES – Mid Suffolk
1. Quality homes local people can 1. Affordable and Decent Housing afford 2. Responsible Environmental 2. A cleaner, greener Babergh Management 3. A safer and healthier Babergh 3. Safer and Cohesive communities 4. A strong and sustainable Babergh 4. Jobs and the Rural Economy economy 5. Responsive Planning 5. Vibrant places and strong 6. Community Engagement communities
13 BABERGH AND MID SUFFOLK – COMPARISON OF CORPORATE VALUES AND PRIORITIES:
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council’s corporate priorities are remarkably similar and reflect synergy between the two authorities.
Both Councils emphasis the importance of the local environment and protecting its special qualities through good planning policy and encouraging sustainable practices; working towards improving the health of residents through the provision of good quality new housing and improving existing homes across all tenures and bringing together our communities to create vibrant places to live, work, be educated and spend leisure time.
This is reflected in the successful integration and planned merger currently underway between the two Authorities.
Map of Babergh and Mid Suffolk showing the main communication links and settlements and their relationship with surrounding Local Authority areas.
14
PROFILES AND COMPARISON OF BABERGH AND MID SUFFOLK:
The Districts have very similar demography with fewer younger people and an increasingly ageing population. The population is mainly white indigenous with very small numbers of people from ethnic minority groups. The area is very attractive to people retiring who often purchase property in the rural villages. This results in care and support issues occurring once they become unable to manage their lives independently. This means that there is a growing need to provide appropriate and adequate care services and accommodation types to cater for this. It is also essential to encourage the delivery of affordable housing across all tenures and to provide employment opportunities in order to retain local and incoming younger people to the area.
People and the Community – Age Profile:
At the time of the 2001 Census 83,461 people lived in Babergh and 86,837 people lived in Mid Suffolk District. Between 2001 and 2009 (ONS mid year estimates) Babergh’s population has grown by 4% and Mid Suffolk by 9% as detailed the table below:
Babergh Mid Suffolk Males Females Total Males Females Total All ages 42,322 44,637 86,959 47,131 47,521 94,652 0-4 2,303 2,241 4,544 2,660 2,457 5,117 5-9 2,525 2,343 4,868 2,747 2,596 5,343 10-14 3,164 2,776 5,940 3,026 2,871 5,897 15-19 2,762 2,739 5,501 2,788 2,639 5,427 20-24 1,769 1,725 3,494 2,543 2,045 4,588 25-29 1,963 1,824 3,787 2,660 2,052 4,712 30-34 1,924 2,155 4,079 2,234 2,356 4,590 35-39 2,746 2,938 5,684 3,194 3,198 6,392 40-44 3,145 3,406 6,551 3,564 3,914 7,478 45-49 3,100 3,147 6,247 3,489 3,558 7,047 50-54 2,830 2,984 5,814 3,197 3,346 6,543 55-59 3,017 3,105 6,122 3,263 3,393 6,656 60-64 3,313 3,559 6,872 3,486 3,525 7,011 65-69 2,462 2,516 4,978 2,581 2,598 5,179 70-74 1,944 2,055 3,999 2,179 2,161 4,340 75-79 1,488 1,888 3,376 1,630 1,821 3,451 80-84 1,024 1,499 2,523 1,134 1,459 2,593 85-89 608 1,129 1,737 569 973 1,542 90+ 235 608 843 187 559 746 85+ 843 1,737 2,580 756 1,532 2,288 Source: Office for National Statistics (ONS) 2001 & 2009 mid-year population estimates.
15 Age pyramid
ONS mid-2008 estimate f or Baber gh - Age pyr amid by gender ONS mid-2008 estimate for Mid Suffolk - Age pyramid by gender
90+ 90+
80-84 80-84
70-74 70-74
60-64 60-64
50-54 50-54 England Engl and 40-44 40-44 M ales Females Males Females
30-34 30-34
20-24 England 20-24 Engl and
10 - 14 10- 14
Un der 5 Under 5
Percentage 8% 6% 4% 2% Percentage 2% 4% 6% 8% 8% 6% 4% 2% 2% 4% 6% 8%
The age profiles of Babergh and Mid Suffolk are very similar with an ageing population ‘bulge’ higher than the profile for England as a whole. Mid Suffolk has a lower than average number of children and adults below the age of 40, particularly those aged between 20 and 24, whilst Babergh has a larger than average number of 10 – 14 year olds, particularly boys. Both authorities have much higher than average numbers of people over 55, and much lower than average numbers of adults aged 20 – 39. This gives a dependency ratio of 69.7% for Mid Suffolk and 75.9% for Babergh compared with the Suffolk figure of 69.96%, and the figure for England (2006 ONS) of 60.5%. Projections for England see the dependency ratio increasing to 61.2% by 2021, and examination of the age pyramids for Babergh and Mid Suffolk show that as the higher than average ‘bulge’ in the age structure from age 45 rises up the graph, i.e. as the population ages, the working age population is, and continues to be much lower than the average for England. The economic and social implications of this ageing population underlie planning for future growth and development in both authorities, with a specific need to focus on housing and health care.
16 Below are ONS 2008 population projections for Babergh and Mid Suffolk.
60 Babergh Population Projections 50
40
30
20
10 Number People of (Thousands) 0 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033
Children Working Age Older people
70 Mid Suffolk Population Projections 60 50 40 30 20 10 Number of People (Thousands) 0 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033
Children Working Age Older people
The dependency ratio (number of children and over 65s to working age population) falls from 1.6 in Babergh to 0.9 in 2033 and in Mid Suffolk from 1.7 to 1.0 by 2033 ie one dependent person for every person of working age.
17 Ethnicity:
At the time of the 2001 census Babergh had a population of 83,461 people, of whom 98.72% (82,389) were white, all but 1,663 of whom were white British. There were 1,072 (1.28%) people of black or minority ethnic origin. Mid Suffolk had a population of 86,837 people, of whom 99.01% (85,977) were white, all but 1,453 of whom were white British. There were 860 (0.99%) people of black or minority ethnic origin
Asian Black Black or or or Minority 2001 Census All White Asian Black Chinese Ethnic District people White British Mixed British British or other Total No. 83,461 82,389 80,726 482 212 159 219 1,072 Babergh % 98.72% 96.72% 0.58% 0.25% 0.19% 0.26% 1.28% Mid Suffolk No. 86,837 85,977 84,524 455 112 94 199 860 % 99.01% 97.34% 0.52% 0.13% 0.11% 0.23% 0.99% Suffolk 668,553 97.20% 93.80% 1.10% 0.60% 0.60% 0.50% 2.80%
The latest ethnicity data are the 2007 district estimates from ONS. The table below shows that the marked increase in the ethnic diversity of the county is also reflected in these districts,
Asian Black Black or 2007 ONS All White or or Chinese Minority ethnicity White Mixed people British Asian Black or other Ethnic estimates British British Total No. 709,400 669,500 635,400 10,600 12,900 9,100 7,200 39,800 Suffolk % 100.0% 94.4% 89.6% 1.5% 1.8% 1.3% 1.0% 5.6% Babergh 96.5% 93.5% 1.0% 1.2% 0.9% 0.7% 3.8% Mid Suffolk 96.9% 94.2% 1.0% 0.9% 0.6% 0.6% 3.1%
Source: SCC Diversity profile
Ethnicity ONS 2001 and 2007 6%
5%
4%
3%
2%
1%
0% White non-British Mixed Asian or Asian Black or Black Chinese or other Black or Minority British British Ethnic Total
Suffolk 2001 Suffolk 2007 Babergh 2001 Babergh 2007 Mid Suffolk 2001 Mid Suffolk 207
18 JOBS AND THE LOCAL ECONOMY:
Productivity:
There are no official (GVA) figures identifying district growth levels, the East of England Forecasting Model (EEFM) however provides estimated figures for Suffolk districts. The EEFM baseline forecast is Oxford Economics’ best estimate of future regional economic trends on the basis of the most recently available data on a range of key indicators, and taking into account local intelligence on industry sectors at sub-regional level, this is detailed in the table below.
GVA 2010 District (£million) Babergh 1140 Forest Heath 877 Ipswich 2854 Mid Suffolk 1435 St Edmundsbury 1974 Suffolk Coastal 2255 Waveney 1418 Suffolk 11953
Source: Spring 2010 Economic forecasts from the regional forecasting model
GVA measures the contribution to the economy of each individual producer, industry or sector in the United Kingdom.
19 EMPLOYMENT:
Employment by sector:
Employment in Babergh is dominated by six main sectors: public services, banking, finance and insurance, distribution, retail, hotels and restaurants and manufacturing. The five largest sectors in terms of employment in Mid Suffolk District are public services, distribution, retail, hotels and restaurants. There is also significant employment in financial services, construction and manufacturing.
The area will be radically affected by the proposed cuts to public sector funding due to its dependency on that sector. There will also be a knock-on effect to its associated supply chain network. Both districts want to encourage further employment diversification to add economic resilience to the area.
% Employment by Sector
Other services
Public admin,education & health
Banking, finance and insurance, etc
Transport and communications
Distribution, retail, hotels & restaurants
Construction
Manufacturing
Energy and water
Agriculture and fishing
0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0% 30.0%
BABERGH MID SUFFOLK
20 Top Employers:
For a rural area Babergh and Mid Suffolk are home to a surprisingly large number of global brands. Figures in brackets are approximate numbers of employees.
Copella - producer of fresh fruit juices in Stoke by Nayland (91) Philips Avent - manufacturers and distributors of baby equipment in Glemsford (600) Delphi - manufactures automotive parts and components in Sudbury (700) Nestle Purina - makes famous brands of pet food in Sudbury (210) Siemens - has an electrical engineering and electronics base in Sudbury (150) ICI Image data - a digital imaging technology company in Brantham (200 +) DuPont Antec- a biosecurity company in Sudbury (75) East of England Co-operative Society – Headquarters now based at Wherstead (250) Bosch – manufactures of lawn mowers and garden care products in Stowmarket (400) Haymills Contractors – construction contractors whose HQ is in Stowmarket (450) ICI Dulux – paint manufactures based in Stowmarket (70) Nexa Autocolor – automotive respray colour manufacturers based in Stowmarket (100) Muntons plc - Stowmarket malt producers supplying the food & drink trade (240) Celestion Speakers - audio speakers (40) Aquajet – steam cleaners and pressure washers in Needham Market (25) Aspalls Cyder – Manufacturers of the ‘Worlds Best’ cider 2009 in Debenham (50) Breheny Civil Engineering – building contractors in Needham Market involved in the Olympic 2012 construction (350) Leggetts Transport - logistics and transportation in Woolpit (70) 2 Sisters Foods - suppliers to M&S (700)
Mid Suffolk is also home to Alder Carr Farm Shop, CEVA logistics and Bacton Transport - logistics and transportation, whilst Babergh contains well known local businesses such as Jimmy's Farm, Hadleigh Maid and Jim Lawrence Iron Works.
Businesses across Suffolk – including Babergh and Mid Suffolk
21
The relationship between Affordability and Earnings in Babergh and Mid Suffolk:
House Prices and housing affordability ratio
Indicator Mid Suffolk Babergh Suffolk House Prices: 2010 Qtr 1 Detached (£) 305,448 339,602 298,044 Semi-detached 163,176 189,128 169,240 (£) Terraced (£) 144,607 163,928 148,625 Flats/Maisonettes 101,024 73,966 121,393 (£) Average (£) 222,436 245,317 206,341 Housing Affordability: 2010 Qtr 1 Detached Ratio 12.10 13.97 10.74 Semi Detached 6.47 7.78 6.10 Ratio Terraced Ratio 5.73 6.75 5.36 Flats/Maisonettes 4.00 3.04 4.37 Ratio Average Ratio 8.82 10.09 7.44
Earnings
Indicator Mid Suffolk Babergh Suffolk Earnings: 2009 Gross Weekly Pay 461 444 507 (£) Hourly Pay (£) 11.04 11.01 12.62
For both districts house prices are well above the county average for most types housing stock and particularly in Babergh. Because we suffer from a low wage economy and have few smaller private properties, the affordability ratios are also much higher leading to a greater demand for affordable housing.
22 Unemployment/benefit claimants:
3.5 Job Seekers Allowance Claimants as % Resident Population 3.0
2.5
2.0 % 1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
6 6 6 7 9 9 0 -0 -0 -06 -0 -0 -08 -08 -08 -0 -09 -0 -1 l n r l l an p J Apr Ju Oct Ja Apr-07 Jul-07Oct-07Jan-08A Ju Oct Jan-09Apr Ju Oct Jan Apr-10 Jul-10
Babergh rate Mid Suffolk rate
Source SCC District Profile April 2010
Like much of the county, and indeed the country, both districts saw a dramatic rise in Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) claimants from October 2008 to March 2009 as the global economic downturn gathered pace. The claimant count has gradually declined since March 2009, but has increased again in early 2010. Males generally account for around two thirds of the total JSA claimant count. In percentage terms, around 2.7% of the working age population (males aged 16- 64 and females aged 16-59) in Babergh are claiming JSA and Mid Suffolk is lower at around 2.2% of the working age population (males aged 16-64 and females aged 16-59. Both of these are well below the county, regional and national level.
23 ENTERPRISE:
Formation and Closure of Enterprises by Employment Size Band
In 2008, there were 345 enterprise start-ups in Babergh, 91.3 per cent of which belonged to the 0-4 employment size band and 395 enterprise start-ups in Mid Suffolk, 91.1 per cent of which belonged to the 0-4 employment size band.
2.1) Formation and Closure of Enterprises by Employment Size Band Formation of enterprises by employment size, 2008 Ent Total 0-4 5-9 10-19 20+ Cou Co Count Count % % % Count % nt unt Mid Suffolk 395 360 91.1 25 6.3 5 1.3 5 1.3 Babergh 345 315 91.3 20 5.8 5 1.5 5 1.5 East of England 141 26160 24040 91.9 5.4 495 1.9 210 0.8 5 England 140 521 238895 217365 91.0 5.9 2.2 2280 1.0 40 0 Source: Business Demography 2008 from Office for National Statistics (ONS)
Closure of enterprises by employment size, 2008 Ent Total 0-4 5-9 10-19 20+ Cou Co Count Count % % % Count % nt unt Mid Suffolk 380 345 90.8 25 6.6 5 1.3 5 1.3 Babergh 340 310 91.2 20 5.9 5 1.5 5 1.5 East of England 146 21955 19805 90.2 6.7 495 2.3 190 0.9 5 England 137 520 192955 171915 89.1 7.2 2.7 2040 1.1 95 5
Source: Business Demography 2008 from Office for National Statistics (ONS)
The low level of business start-ups may reflect the resilience of local businesses. Both districts have had lower levels of redundancies and business closures or relocations. Therefore the lack of large scale redundancies and relatively stable economy is reflected in the above tables as at 2008. This picture could change in the future.
24 SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS – Babergh and Mid Suffolk:
Working Age Skills Levels - 2008 100% 11.0% 16.5% 13.2% 11.8% 12.4% 8.6% 9.3% 8.7% 90% 9.5% 10.0% 80% 80.4% 78.8% 78.9% 70% 74.0% 76.8% 60% 50% 62.8% 65.2% 40% 64.2% 58.9% 58.9% 30% 47.0% 20% 41.6% 39.9% 39.9% 43.4% 10% 24.4% 21.3% 21.5% 26.1% 29.0% 0% Babergh Mid Suffolk Suffolk East Great Britain
% with NVQ4+ % with NVQ3+ % with NVQ2+ % with NVQ1+ % with other qualifications % with no qualifications
Babergh district has higher working age skill levels than the county as a whole, but is still below the regional and national level. Mid Suffolk district has very similar working age skill levels to the county as a whole, but is below the regional and national level. This district has a much higher percentage of people with no qualifications at all.
25
COMMUTING PATTERNS:
Around 70% of Mid Suffolk residents work within the district but only 55% of Babergh residents do so. Ipswich draws the most commuters – 8.8% from Mid Suffolk and 15% from Babergh. Significant numbers of Babergh residents also commute to Colchester (10.6%) and St Edmundsbury (8.1%).
Local Authority of work Local Authority of work for for Babergh residents Mid Suffolk residents 100% 100%
90% 90% 2001 2008 2001 2008 80% 80%
70% 70%
60% 60%
50% 50% 40% 40% 30% 30% 20% 20% 10% 10% 0% 0%
gh ich lk o ch ry ber sw i stal a Ip B Ipsw chester Colchester mundsbury d Mid Suff lk Coa Col dmundsbu St E E Suffo St
Source Office of National Statistics 2008 flows
26 SUMMARY OF COMPARISONS:
Babergh and Mid Suffolk’s economic profiles are similar as they both rely on the A14/A12 trunk roads for major traffic infrastructure; have similar age profiles as detailed in ‘Commuting patterns table on page 25 above. Both Districts contain rural Market towns with periphery employment locations and have a concentration of rural employment locations which provide local alternative employment opportunities.
The unemployment rates for both Districts are traditionally below the county and regional levels and are as offering a high quality of life for residents.
Babergh is now fully within the Haven Gateway Growth area and Mid Suffolk is partially within this.
Both Districts have strategic sites with the potential for significant growth, such as Snoasis, former British Sugar Beet site, Brantham, Chilton Woods Sudbury, Hadleigh and Mill Lane Stowmarket, subject to the appropriate infrastructure being delivered to enable the sites to come forward.
Babergh and Mid Suffolk have a similar ethnicity profile and show low levels of ethnic groups.
Both Districts need to stimulate more enterprise and this is restricted because of the lack of access to infrastructure facilities such as Broadband speeds and a good road network.
The rural nature of both Districts contains many converted farm buildings and currently redundant farm buildings that are being utilised to contribute to the rural economy.
Both Districts have important historic centres within their market towns and larger villages that need careful conservation and protection whilst balancing the needs of 21st century living and economy.
Around these towns both Districts have strong agricultural and food production sectors that play an important role in the local and wider economy.
27 Housing in Babergh and Mid Suffolk:
The total housing stock across both Districts and for all tenures is 79,063 and in Babergh totals 38,309 dwellings and for Mid Suffolk are 40,754. About 70% of the dwellings in each district are in the owner occupied sector.
Babergh owns 3512 Council dwellings which equates to 9.2% of the total housing stock and these are mainly centred in the towns of Sudbury/Great Cornard and Hadleigh. Mid Suffolk owns 3431 Council dwellings which equates to 8.4% of the total housing stock and these are mainly centred in Stowmarket, Needham Market, Elmswell, Haughley and Eye. The Council housing stock for both Districts is dominated by two and three bedroom family houses, together with a relatively high proportion of accommodation designated for older people in the form of non-sheltered bungalows and sheltered properties. Few flats are owned by either Council.
The housing stock of both Councils is in very good condition with over 99% meeting or above the Decent Homes Standard. It is planned that all the Council housing stock of both authorities will meet the Decent Homes Standard by the end of the end of 2010.
Registered Providers own a total of 2,923 affordable dwellings across both Districts and in Babergh there are 1541 dwellings and in Mid Suffolk 1,382 housing association homes. Many of these are located in our rural villages and take the form of Rural Exception Sites schemes. 40 have been completed over the last 20 years providing just fewer than 400 affordable rural homes. Again these homes are usually two and three bedroom family houses.
Both Councils have undertaken recent Housing Needs Surveys, Mid Suffolk in 2007 and Babergh in 2008. For both Districts the surveys recognised the lack of smaller dwellings across all tenures of the housing market and this imbalance is currently being addressed in appropriate locations.
The majority of the homes across all tenures are larger family units. The owner occupied sector is 72% of all homes, which is higher than the national average. This affects the affordability of housing locally and restricts mobility within the District and beyond.
Affordability is a problem across both Districts due to the proximity to London and the more expensive counties of Essex and Cambridgeshire. This is exacerbated by lower than average local incomes and creates a high demand for affordable housing. The overall affordable housing shortfall for both Districts is 741 units per annum, with 369 affordable homes short in Babergh and 372 in Mid Suffolk.
House prices are some of the highest in Suffolk with the current averages being £245,317 for Babergh and £222,436 for Mid Suffolk. The table below shows the percentage of households priced out of the market in both Babergh and Mid Suffolk, as well as other authorities in the Greater Haven Gateway housing sub-region.
28
Percentage of households priced out of market showing Babergh and Mid Suffolk in relation to the other districts within the Greater Haven Gateway – September 2010
Mid Suffolk Babergh Braintree Colchester Ipswich Maldon Suffolk Coastal Tendring FTB households - Flats 36.7% 33.9% 36.6% 44.9% 33.5% 25.8% 37.9% 47.0% FTB households - Terraced houses 57.6% 62.3% 57.0% 56.3% 61.8% 48.8% 58.3% 58.5% FTB households - Semi- detached houses 65.9% 69.3% 65.2% 65.8% 68.9% 58.7% 66.4% 68.0% FTB households - Detached houses 83.1% 83.9% 85.8% 79.5% 83.5% 84.0% 83.0% 81.3% Owner occupier - Flats 25.2% 23.1% 36.6% 32.1% 22.8% 25.8% 37.9% 33.8% Owner occupier - Terraced houses 47.7% 53.9% 47.4% 44.9% 53.5% 48.8% 48.7% 47.0% Owner occupier - Semi- detached houses 57.6% 62.3% 57.0% 56.3% 61.8% 58.7% 58.3% 58.5% Owner occupier - Detached houses 78.5% 80.0% 77.6% 73.5% 79.6% 74.0% 78.6% 75.5%
High house prices, a lack of smaller homes and low incomes means that both Councils have about 2000 applicants on each of their housing registers. The delivery of smaller and more affordable housing is therefore a high priority for both Councils and efforts are being made to deliver the required housing through planning obligations sites, rural exceptions sites and Council owned land. From the table above the affordability issue is clearly demonstrated for first time buyers of terraced houses which are typical first homes, where 57.6% and 48.8% of potential purchasers in Babergh and Mid Suffolk respectively cannot access this type and tenure of housing.
29 Affordability ratios of entry – level owner occupation for different points in income distribution across the Strategic Housing market Area 2008 – Source Land Registry/ASHE.
An issue of growing concern for both Councils is the high levels of under occupation across all tenures in their Districts. This is being addressed by encouraging all developments to deliver an element of smaller homes, without saturating the housing market with one-bedroom flats. Within both Councils housing stock, financial incentives are offered to tenants to assist with the cost of moving in order to encourage the occupants of larger family homes to move to smaller more manageable properties. This has had limited success and the ability to offer particularly older people housing they want is restricted by supply and the opportunity to build more desirable options in the locations they are required. By increasing the supply of affordable homes in rural areas that promotes downsizing for older people, this will help to free up some of the under- occupied family homes. Further work is currently underway to investigate new ways of reducing the level of under-occupation, which will be fed into the LIP process in due course. An essential part of the plan to reduce under-occupation will be to consider the effects of the new Affordable Rent tenure in relation to the tenure rights of existing tenants and the Housing Benefit that they and new tenants will be eligible for.
In response to the identified issues relating to housing need across all tenures it is important to highlight areas through which these matters can be addressed:
• The Council’s Affordable Housing Programmes need to be a core element of the LIP process as it is one of the most important priorities for both Councils and will make a major contribution to the health and prosperity of the residents of both Districts and requires HCA funding and support to deliver. It will also contribute to the work of balancing the local housing market and the continued improvement and regeneration of the Council’s housing stock. • Likewise large allocations including Chilton Woods, Sudbury and Chilton Leys, Stowmarket and in the longer term other sites such as the ones at Brantham and Harris Bacon site, Elmswell, will need planned infrastructure and development. This may require funding support from the HCA and other sources for the delivery of essential elements of these new communities. • Just as important are the smaller allocations such as Folly Road, Great Waldingfield and phase 10c at Cedars Park, Stowmarket, where current viability highlights a potential need for SHG funding support from the HCA.
30 Both Councils have a good record of delivery to date as detailed in the table below:
The table below provides the number of dwellings across all tenures completed each year from 1 April 2003 until 31st March 2010 for both Districts
Total Completions – Mid Suffolk
Year 2003/ 2004/ 2005/ 2006/ 2007/ 2008/ 2009/ 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Affordable 47 0 78 131 74 144 79 Housing
All Tenures 347 380 553 806 489 398 291*
Total Completions – Babergh
Year 2003/ 2004/ 2005/ 2006/ 2007/ 2008/ 2009/ 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Affordable 20 78 55 80 90 128 36 Housing All Tenures 212 187 189 275 256 289 185
This record of delivery could not have been achieved without the high level of investment received from the HCA. The table below details their Babergh and Mid Suffolk Social Housing Grant allocations over the 2008 – 11 funding period:
31 HCA Funding for Babergh 2008-09 to 2012-13
Region East of England
Sub Region:
Local Babergh Authority
Rural <3k Rural <3k Rural <3k Transaction Type Expenditure Unit completions SOS units Larger Homes Unit completions SOS units Actual or Forecast Forecast Actual Forecast Actual Forecast Actual Forecast Actual Forecast Actual Forecast Total - 2008/2009 3,091,406 3,091,406 68 68 102 102 15 15 20 20 57 Total - 2009/2010 3,570,300 3,570,300 75 75 95 95 14 14 25 25 15
Total - 2010/2011 2,917,533 1,057,368 158 35 118 63 29 6 51 8 54
Total - 2011/2012 1,467,509 0 115 0 0 0 5 0 39 0 0
Total - 2012/2013 176,500 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 Total - 2013/2014 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
HCA Funding for Mid Suffolk 2008-09 to 2012-13 Region East of England Sub Region: Local Authority Mid Suffolk
Rural Rural <3k Rural <3k Rural <3k <3k Unit SOS Larger Unit Transaction Type Expenditure SOS units completions units Homes completions Actual or Forecast Forecast Actual Forecast Actual Forecast Actual Forecast Actual Forecast Actual Forecast Actual Total - 2008/2009 4,318,293 4,318,293 115 115 120 120 20 20 61 61 81 81 Total - 2009/2010 4,008,498 4,008,498 87 87 51 51 14 14 50 50 17 17 Total - 2010/2011 4,612,841 1,576,578 82 39 110 11 9 3 39 19 29 11 Total - 2011/2012 549,500 0 36 0 0 0 1 0 36 0 0 0 Total - 2012/2013 2,030,000 0 81 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total - 2013/2014 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
31
An excellent example of HCA funded rural affordable housing at Home Meadow Cockfield
TRANSPORT:
The availability of public transport contributes significantly to the economic and social well being of both Districts, although some villages still suffer from poor public transport links. The coordination of numerous services operating across Babergh and Mid Suffolk, including community transport schemes, will continue to be encouraged as a way of supporting the local towns and their rural hinterlands.
Both Councils will look to maximise section 106 contributions towards the cost of essential infrastructure. This can include proceeds from the Community Infrastructure Levy if and when introduced.
Examples of where such funding can be utilised are the improvement works to the flow of traffic around the Copdock interchange which are included within the planning permission granted for the development at Snoasis in Great Blakenham which sits within Mid Suffolk. There is also the issue of a Sudbury relief road which if delivered will benefit the future growth and employment opportunities of the town and reduce existing congestion.
Mid Suffolk is better placed than Babergh as far as transport is concerned. This is because a large portion of Mid Suffolk has direct access to the A14 and the main line railway between London/Ipswich/Norwich and Cambridge. Babergh only has a small proportion of its area served directly by the A12/A14 and no main line railway stations.
33 The proportion of people who travel to work using sustainable modes of transport is below the county average and does not appear to be improving. This is probably due to the very rural nature of both Districts and the lack of access to good public transport.
However, this disparity in transport accessibility has not prevented a similar level of commercial and industrial growth in both Districts, which have excellent examples of major multinational, national and local companies located in the area. A great advantage is the high quality local environment which attracts commerce to the area and encourages employees to live and work locally allowing environmentally beneficial commuting patterns for both Councils.
The northern part of Mid Suffolk is less well connected and has many small villages, so rural accessibility to health, education, employment, shops and leisure services is a key issue. This is particularly for those people at risk from social exclusion due to location, income or other forms of disadvantage.
The Mid Suffolk Core Strategy states that the Council will help to reduce the need to travel, reduce journey distances and make it safer and easier for people to access jobs, shopping, leisure facilities and services by public transport, walking and cycling.
Economic development policies are aimed at promoting local employment opportunities and reducing the need for commuting for both Districts.
Responses to public consultations have identified the following transport issues and priorities in Mid Suffolk:
• Concerns about traffic generated by new development • Lack of investment in infrastructure • Limitations of public transport in rural areas • Impact of lorry traffic on rural roads • Lack of pavements in some villages • Speeding traffic • Need for more cycle routes, especially in Stowmarket • Traffic growth/limited capacity on A14 road • Importance of links to nearby centres e.g. Ipswich, Bury, Diss, Harleston • Economic importance to the business community of maintaining and improving the highway infrastructure
Stowmarket Area Action Plan will bring forward proposals to enhance Stowmarket, including accessibility, public transport, pedestrian and cycle facilities, parking etc, in conjunction with an Infrastructure Delivery Programme and the County Council’s LTP. It is intended that this package will include improved cross - town local bus services to connect new and existing residential areas with the town centre, employment areas, schools, rail station and health centres.
Proposals in the emerging Stowmarket Area Action Plan include development at the “Station Quarter”, with rail / bus / taxi / cycle interchange and possibly a multi-storey car park, hotel, housing and other mixed use development. Provision of an improved interchange at Stowmarket Station will require cooperation from Network Rail, the new rail franchise operator and adjacent landowners. Opportunities should be taken to integrate all forms of sustainable transport, including the alignment of rail and bus timetables, e.g. to maintain / improve bus connections with trains at Stowmarket and Diss, for the area which lost its local stations in the 1960. 34 The regeneration of Sudbury town centre will include improved access to public transport links with a proposed new bus station and better links with the Sudbury to Marks Tey branch line.
Babergh and Mid Suffolk are members of Suffolk Rail Policy Group with other Suffolk local authorities, rail companies and user groups. SRPG has produced the Strategic Rail Plan for Suffolk to promote investment and improved rail services – including proposals to upgrade Ipswich to Cambridge/ Peterborough passenger services, upgrading of the rail freight route between Felixstowe and Nuneaton and potential new station at Great Blakenham (as part of “Snoasis” planning application).
The first phases of planned improvements to the Felixstowe-Ipswich-Peterborough- Nuneaton route, to carry more freight by rail, are being carried out.
The extra rail traffic will have implications for level crossings at Elmswell, Stowmarket and Great Blakenham / Claydon. The new B1115 relief road and bridge over the railway at Stowmarket, now provides an alternative for road traffic previously using the level crossing next to the station. Buses have recently been re-routed away from the level crossing at Great Blakenham / Claydon.
Potential redevelopment of a brown field site at Elmswell could contribute to providing a relief road and bridge crossing of the railway. This would relieve traffic problems in Elmswell, particularly at the level crossing next to the station, offering long term safety and environmental benefits. The District Council has supported locally generated initiatives for a relief road and bridge whose cost is currently estimated at £5 million at today’s prices. Support will be sought through Community Infrastructure Levy or Infrastructure Delivery Programmes for the wider District.
The proximity of the main A12/A14 Copdock interchange and the main line railway to the Sugar Beet Site at Sproughton may provide added opportunities for the future development of this site.
Some main transport routes, such as Ipswich to Stowmarket, have commercial bus services. For rural areas the emphasis is now on flexible/demand-responsive community bus services, including door to door dial-a-ride for elderly and disabled passengers and feeder services to connect with main bus and rail routes. District Council involvement is through liaison with Suffolk County Council, bus operators and the voluntary sector.
Map showing main transport links for Suffolk
35 VISION FOR BABERGH:
A great environment in which to live, work and visit, where people have the opportunity to develop their potential and feel they belong to strong and vibrant communities
SPATIAL OBJECTIVES:
• Promote the sustainable development of strong, safe, healthy and inclusive communities throughout the district. Steer development to towns and larger villages that are already well supported by services; are well served by public transport and have a range of employment opportunities, whilst sustaining rural communities and enhancing these communities where appropriate and possible.
• Allow for provision of sufficient land for housing, employment and other uses to achieve consistency with national planning policy and to meet the needs of the district, including the provision of appropriate uses and mixes. Land supply should be responsive to changing circumstances and an adequate and continuous supply should be available. The use of brownfield land for development should be prioritised and maximised where appropriate.
• Protect , conserve, manage, promote and, where possible enhance the exceptional qualities, character, appearance and attractions of the District’s natural, heritage and cultural assets including our historic environment , landscape, countryside, the Stour and Orwell Estuaries and biodiversity/ geodiversity that together contribute to forming a positive sense of place and local character in Babergh district.
• Ensure the protection and where possible, the improvement of natural resources including water and air quality. Promote the sustainable use of resources including water, maximise the generation and use of renewable energies, minimise the production of waste and promote sustainable construction in all new development.
• Promote economic wellbeing and economic growth in a positive and flexible manner; encourage a wide range of shopping, leisure and recreational facilities; promote the prosperity of the District’s two town centres, Sudbury and Hadleigh; and protect and enhance community facilities in local centres through policies and initiatives that recognise the strengths and weaknesses and local constraints, opportunities, stresses and influences on the differing parts of the local economy.
• Ensure that all new development makes appropriate provision for all of its physical, social and green infrastructure needs including appropriate transport infrastructure, sustainable modes of transport, healthcare, social and community facilities (taking account of capacity of existing services and facilities), open space and green infrastructure; water and wastewater/sewerage infrastructure; it achieves optimum standards for reducing carbon emissions; and use policies and initiatives to ensure that we mitigate the effects of and/or adapt to climate change.
36 SPATIAL CHARACTERISTICS, ISSUES AND ASPIRATIONS:
Sudbury / Great Cornard & West Babergh
• Sudbury / Great Cornard will continue to be the clear focus in this area and provide the largest range and level of services and facilities within the district, along with retail, cultural and leisure / recreation activity. Sudbury’s town centre will accordingly be promoted further, with a view to providing for its expansion and improvement in order to provide for the town’s overall growth (both recent, current and in future).The key priorities for Sudbury are: • The redevelopment of the area around Sudbury bus station and improvements to its wider locality will provide a catalyst for this growth and development. • The location of the our largest undeveloped allocation is to the immediate north of Sudbury in the form of Chilton Woods • The town’s future growth will be planned, phased and co-ordinated with growth already planned and delivery of supporting physical, social, community and green infrastructure. Existing green infrastructure is of considerable quality and value and a challenge will be to ensure that new provision emulates this. • Transport improvements in particular will need to feature prominently, especially those of benefit to the town centre. • The town’s strong economic base will be promoted as a substantial location for new jobs, both within the town centre, on existing and new employment land beyond this and through significant job growth through other activities which do not always require single use locations or land designations (such as tourism).
Hadleigh and Mid Babergh
• Hadleigh is the primary centre for this area and the district’s second town. Given its limited scale and relatively limited service / facilities base, parts of its rural catchment will continue to use larger nearby centres to the east and west (and some beyond the district). • Protection and promotion of Hadleigh’s attractive and very historic town centre will remain a priority in order to maintain its role as main service centre for mid Babergh. Improvements to existing facilities and services are planned, including both convenience retail and leisure provision. • Hadleigh will retain and add to its current employment base through development already planned through Local Plan allocations. The town has proven an attractive, popular and successful location for some relatively large businesses and employers and there remains an issue of how to provide for their future growth and expansion locally. • The rural areas have some substantial employment sites (such as Pond Hall, Notley Enterprise Park, Nedging (Crowcroft Road)). Whilst not ideally located in pure planning terms, these provide useful locations for businesses and rural based jobs, adding to those available in the towns.
37 Ipswich Fringe (plus Ipswich) and East Babergh
• This part of the district has considerable differences from the other two and prominent among these are the strong influence of the county town (the largest urban area and centre in Suffolk). This is of sufficient stature to exert influence over much of the other two thirds of Babergh (although some parts will tend to look beyond Babergh to Bury St Edmunds and Colchester for service provision, employment, etc.). • This area contains the major communication routes (A14 and A12, as well as the Norwich to Liverpool Street railway line). These and developments beyond, such as Felixstowe port, are substantial infrastructure and economic assets. • This area is also of considerable importance and attraction in economic terms. Given the area’s sub-regional role, a number of employment locations have been planned for through existing sites or developments and their delivery will represent a priority. These include the former British Sugar refinery site (Sproughton) and the remaining parts of the ‘IP8’ site at Pinewood. Several successful, rural business locations also lie within the Ipswich fringe. • Large, brownfield sites (historical legacies) at Shotley Gate and Brantham pose difficult issues to resolve in respect of their future development. At the same time these also offer considerable opportunities in providing much needed new development (such as new jobs and affordable housing) to serve their localities and the wider peninsula. The redevelopment of the latter site represents the first priority, in terms of scale of brownfield land, the benefits offered, and need for regeneration and this is currently being pursued
38 VISION FOR MID SUFFOLK SPATIAL OBJECTIVES:
The Spatial Objectives are broadly similar to those of Babergh with a wish to develop strong safe and healthy communities throughout the District. The Councils adopted Core Strategy sets out a Development Strategy in a Key Diagram. These aims were set out in a series of Objectives (SO1 – SO15) and tied to a settlement hierarchy Policy CS1. This allows for most development to be directed to the Towns and identified Key Service centres of the plan area.
39
In broad terms, the Council intends to deliver some 8,300 homes in the period 2001 – 2025. 2000 new homes are suggested for Stowmarket and the villages that abut the town. Of the remaining 6,300 homes, some 2,000 already have consents (spread throughout the district) and the remainder are to be spread among the towns of Needham Market and Eye and those villages identified as Key Service centres.
Core Strategy Para 2.20 identifies the lack of major settlements and the effect that this has in dealing with the dispersal of development; seeking to promote the delivery of homes in villages with access to a wide range of services. This has precluded more than half of the District’s villages from being considered “appropriate” for development due to their size or availability of services. The removal of settlement boundaries and the return of the villages to “the Countryside” (in planning policy terms) may have affected the ability of a number of settlements to provide for their future development needs.
In line with the provisions of Core Strategy Policy CS6, new development will be expected to provide or support the delivery of appropriate and accessible physical, social community and green infrastructure to meet the justifiable needs arising.
Mid Suffolk will move towards a revised policy position that can bring about a less regimented planning policy regime that will enable the delivery of more sustainable patterns of development for all levels of settlement. In accord with the collaborative democracy anticipated in the emerging Localism and Decentralisation Bill the Council will try to create the right conditions for the housing market to be rebalanced throughout its rural settlements.
40 SPATIAL ASPIRATIONS:
Stowmarket
• The town remains the focus for the major development proposals in the District. This will provide the critical mass of development to aid the delivery of a green transport initiative for bus, cycling and walking facilities throughout the town. Following the successful completion of the B1115 relief road and bridge the opportunity to link the existing neighbourhoods and proposed development with the town centre and a rail bus interchange at the Station.
• The Area Action Plan also makes provision for these links to extend to two new allocations for industrial / commercial development on green field sites that are well related to proposed and recently completed homes. This will encourage a reduction in the need for out commuting and the desired switch
A corridor of change between Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich
• Strategically the county has always sought to derive benefit from its location between Felixstowe and the economic core of the country including Cambridge. Mid Suffolk plays an important part in maintaining good transport and communications along this corridor and constantly seeks to improve transport connections along the A14/rail/river corridor between Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich. The District must play its part in supporting the provision of lorry parking and distribution facilities through the corridor but also wishes to secure office and other more intensive employment generating opportunities.
• Removing HGV /container traffic to rail will continue to assist the flow of goods on the corridor and start the easing process for the main pinch points along the corridor. The Council will also support with planning initiatives the improved use of rail facilities for the purposes of commuting in and out of its district. The Needham Market Station buildings have been refurbished but some further works to improve access will be needed. The Station Quarter features in the Stowmarket Area Action Plan for the town and will have dedicated funding made available through the terms of the Infrastructure Delivery programme to create a bus/rail interchange. • The capacity to take more freight and passenger traffic by rail will have an effect on road crossing points. Three of the four key crossing points in the corridor have now been resolved with crossing by - passes. The crossing in the village of Elmswell adjoins the village’s station and its possible by - passing is unresolved. Full details of the transport initiatives for the District are set out elsewhere in the document.
41 Needham Market
• Needham Market is the second largest town in Mid Suffolk, with a population of about 5,000. Its attractive linear High Street has a range of independent shops, restaurants and pubs and is designated as a Conservation Area. The main employment area is the successful Lion Barn business park, south of the town centre.
• There is a regular (half hourly) bus service to Ipswich and Stowmarket and hourly rail services on the Ipswich - Cambridge route.
• The River Gipping and its flood plain and the railway, with its low road under- bridges, have been barriers to the eastward expansion of Needham Market. Needham Lake and its associated country park is a popular countryside recreation site, connected to the Gipping Valley riverside footpath. To the north and west, landscape constraints have been recognised by designation of countryside as Special Landscape Area in the Mid Suffolk Local Plan.
• There are two potential sites for redevelopment of “brown field” land. These are the former Unilever factory in the town centre and Needham chalk quarry on the southern edge of the town. Both sites could provide opportunities for new housing with some commercial / employment uses, with associated pedestrian and cycle links to the station and town centre. If these sites come forward for development, there may not be a need to allocate green field sites for housing in the short to medium term.
• Infrastructure needs for Needham Market include some lorry management measures for the High Street and those mis-routed lorries who need to turn back from the low bridge at Needham Market Lake. There is also a need for improved access to the station for disabled people and improvement of the “Cattle Tunnel” pedestrian route under the railway to Needham Lake, Gipping Valley path etc
Mid Suffolk’s Ipswich fringe
The six parishes of Bramford, Great Blakenham, Barham, Claydon, Whitton and Akenham are designated within the Ipswich Policy Area (IPA). The co-ordination of initiatives for the Policy area is overseen by the work of the Haven Gateway Partnership.
This partnership and designated area will look to deliver additional housing and create additional focus for growth in hi-tech, knowledge based employment, while protecting and enhancing its high quality natural assets by establishing a network of open spaces and green corridors across the sub-region. The Council will maintain the rural character of these individual villages.
Due to the locational advantage offered by the A14 junction, plus the importance of the SnOasis proposal at Great Blakenham, the Council anticipates having to cope with continued pressure for additional development in these parishes. To ensure that these sites can all work together successfully, highways improvements are deemed essential. These may include: improvements to Paper Mill at Bramford; and junction / roundabout improvements at Blackacre Hill.
42 Rural employment:
The re-use of Eye airfield.
Eye Airfield is the largest employment site in the north of Mid Suffolk. It is a former Second World War airfield that abuts the A140 in Suffolk, close to Eye. With its topography, isolated location, and its proximity to a good transport network, part of the airfield was identified for employment use in the Mid Suffolk Local Plan (1998). These employment allocations have been largely taken up, with the Core Strategy (2008) identifying further provision for more employment land.
The Council are keen to co-ordinate a Development Brief that offers a sustainable approach to the integration of Eye Airfield and Eye Town Centre. The airfield and the town centre need to be properly linked to ensure the proper relationship between local jobs and local houses. Because of Health and safety issues, the development of this area needs to be carefully managed in order to maximize development opportunities.
The brief will include designations for industrial and commercial use, together with some possible housing ranged around a spine linking to the town. The Council wishes to combine the opportunity for a chicken processing plant to relocate from Castleton Way in the town centre to the airfield, which would safeguard a significant number of local jobs in a more suitable location, whilst freeing up a strategic town centre brown field site and improving the environment of the town and Conservation area. The relationship between other businesses on site will be mutually beneficial as the plant will utilise hot water and power generated on site. The cheap power and heated water may also be made available to the local surrounding communities through ‘energy sharing’ initiatives. Appropriate sites for wind turbines are also being explored.
Linkages between the airfield and the town must be maintained and strengthened, including public footpaths and cycle ways. At the same time, a synchronised Development Brief for the whole of the area will allow for infrastructure requirements to be identified, site constraints to be properly considered such as water drainage and gas mains exclusion zones, and to address fundamental issues that need to be resolved, such as access and ownership, all of which could undermine an approach to the area as whole.
Whilst Eye airfield will provide significant employment opportunities for the north of the district, there is also recognition of the need to promote small-scale employment sites that cater for local demands and support community sustainability. These sites will generally be smaller than 2 hectares in size.
43 BABERGH AND MID SUFFOLK – COMPARISON OF SPATIAL OBJECTIVES:
With the broad comparability of the districts and the extent of the similarities in the make up of their communities, there are naturally similar spatial objectives. The depth of rurality may be marginally more marked in the Northern parishes of Mid Suffolk and this may require some specific initiatives for these areas to achieve the same level of access to services and facilities. However, there may also be parishes in Babergh where such initiatives would also be welcome.
Both Districts are committed to regenerating their larger Market Towns, especially through town centre regeneration projects. These act as important socio-economic and service hubs for their surrounding rural areas.
The Snoasis Project:
This project represents a key strategic site for Mid Suffolk which provides the opportunity for a significant regeneration of a former brownfield employment site covering 180 hectares in total, and its diversification in to a residential development, the creation of a “Resort Destination” for ski and snow sports and the construction of a new railway station. Planning consent was given following a complex local enquiry in May 2008, and the site became stalled when the recession hit later that year. The Homes & Communities Agency have been involved in stakeholder discussions as key partners to identifying ways of unlocking the site and bringing the development forward. This partnership work culminated in the allocation of £5.85 million through the Kickstart initiative in July 2010, funding 81 affordable units and providing loan finance for 40 open market unit homes. The housing development also provides for a new primary school, a local village centre and improved transport infrastructure.
Without the assistance and financial intervention provided by the HCA, this site would have remained stalled, or would have offered a much lower proportion of affordable homes within the section 106 agreement. The Kickstart money has also secured that a number of apprenticeships will be created for the housing development and Mid Suffolk Council have an undertaking from the developer, Onslow Suffolk, that the main snow dome complex will source local labour in its construction.
Snoasis at Great Blakenham – An example of re-generation and growth on a brown field site
44
The Chilton Woods, Sudbury Project:
Chilton Woods at Sudbury is Babergh’s largest allocation and is designed to meet the growth needs of the Babergh District. The site covers 120 hectares and will provide up to 700 homes of which 245 will be affordable, together with a 50 home, mixed tenure Very Sheltered Housing scheme. The site will also accommodate an employment zone, commercial and communal facilities including a sizeable area of open space and community woodland. The integrated transport plan for the development will link the site to the remainder of Sudbury and ensure the sustainability of the development.
Chilton Woods Sudbury – An example of planned growth on a green field site for one of our market towns
45
STRATEGIC CHALLENGES FOR BABERGH AND MID SUFFOLK:
All five of the Babergh Council’s Medium Term Plan themes are relevant to the LIP process, including quality homes that local people can afford, a greener cleaner Babergh, a safer and healthier Babergh, a strong and sustainable Babergh economy and vibrant places and strong communities. Likewise all of the Strategic Corporate priorities for Mid Suffolk directly feed into the LIP and the strategic challenges covered in the section below.
LSP targets – The two LSP groups working within the Babergh District both have plans and targets regarding the strengthening of Babergh’s community which requires in part, planned delivery and funding.
Other LSP priorities which are pertinent to the provision of affordable housing within the district include the ageing population and concerns about rural isolation and access to key services particularly for the more vulnerable. The LSP does not make direct provision for affordable housing but it recognises the established housing need within the area and individual partners within the LSP particularly the district council are encouraged to maximise provision to meet this need.
The Mid Suffolk LSP is responsible for producing the Community Strategy for the area. Affordable housing need is well recognised within the community strategy and this led to the inclusion of affordable housing provision as a local target with the Suffolk Local Area Agreement. Work has commenced on the planning and preparation of a new Joint Community Strategy for the two districts as part of on-going integration works.
AN AGEING POPULATION:
The population of both Districts, as is generally the case elsewhere in the country, is an ageing population. However the population of elderly and very elderly people is increasing more than in many other parts of the country because of the number of people retiring to this part of Suffolk. This places pressure on local health services, other support services and underlines the importance of ensuring that the needs of the elderly population are addressed including the provision of accommodation and support services suitable for older people. Both Council’s will take account of the HAPPI report published in 2009 by the Department for Communities and Local Government, Homes and Communities Agency and the Department of Health in bringing forward appropriate housing options for older people.
Suffolk Primary Care NHS Trust have advised that any specialised residential schemes for older people are likely to result in a greater draw on General Practitioners, Community Nursing and out of hours medical services as a result of the increased needs of the residents. Therefore any proposals for such schemes will need to take into consideration the capacity of existing healthcare infrastructure and resources and their ability to accommodate the additional demands that are likely to be generated. Targeted work with the Suffolk Primary Care NHS Trust (or its successor) will be important in order to ensure all sources of funding are identified at planning stages to bring projects forward.
46
Part of the action plan attached to this LIP will be the need to research issues relating to older people, their current housing circumstances and their future housing needs. This will include a more comprehensive understanding the issues of under occupation and future housing and support needs for older people to enable us to deliver a plan to meet those needs in the form of coordinated support services.
Sheltered and Very Sheltered Housing across all tenures and in a variety of locations will continue to form an integral part of an older person’s strategy, which is referred to within the Action Plan at appendix 2. The Council will continue to work in partnership with health and social care sectors to provide a range of viable housing options for the growing number of older people in the district.
Both Babergh and Mid Suffolk are fully committed to meeting the needs of their ageing populations and are currently developing sheltered and very sheltered housing schemes at Days Road Capel St Mary. Further schemes are planned at Chilton Woods, Sudbury and schemes at Hartismere Hospital in Eye, Farriers Road, Stowmarket and in the village of Debenham in Mid Suffolk.
Work is also ongoing to review the older person’s housing stock of both Councils. This has already resulted in some outdated sheltered housing schemes being closed and replaced with more suitable accommodation. Both Councils are also working with partners to bring forward bungalows and flats suited to the needs of older people with examples at Cats Lane Sudbury and Cracknells site in Thurston to encourage older people to downsize thus freeing up family sized housing. These are detailed in full at appendix 1 in the priority list of interventions.
RURAL AREAS WITH LOW PROVISION OF SERVICES AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING:
Both Districts are predominantly rural in character with many small villages that have limited services and facilities. These smaller villages depend on the larger villages and towns in the district to provide for many of their day-to-day needs.
It is important that the services and facilities of the villages in both districts are safeguarded as well as recognising the important role of larger villages across both districts. One way this can be achieved is by providing appropriate affordable housing which enables local people to remain living in their home community and helps support facilities such as local shops and schools.
The effect of the settlement hierarchy set out in Mid Suffolk’s Core Strategy and the draft Babergh Core Strategy may constrain activity in some of these smaller settlements and potentially curtail debate on the need for future development arising from the emerging ‘localism’ agenda. The relationships between larger and smaller settlements will need to be carefully monitored and co-ordinated by local authorities to enable the delivery of the infrastructure, employment and affordable homes required locally.
Income in relation to house prices continues to mean that affordability across both districts remains a problem and that there is a large need for affordable housing throughout both areas and in response to this both Councils have made the delivery of this one of their highest priorities.
47
The LIP process will be essential in helping both Councils to focus on the particular needs of rural communities with particular attention being paid to maintaining and improving the sustainability of rural communities through the delivery of a comprehensive programme of rural affordable housing schemes and community infrastructure. This work needs to include exploring opportunities to improve the overall sustainability of rural economies and small scale employment creation to compliment and link to new housing development. The formulation of a rural housing delivery package is an aim of the two Councils working together to increase supply to our rural communities The Council will continue to work in partnership with health and social care sectors to provide a range of viable housing options for the growing number of older people in the district.
Brent Eleigh Road Lavenham
An excellent example of Rural Affordable Housing delivered through partnership working with Lavenham Parish Council, the HCA, Babergh and Hastoe Housing Association.
As mainly rural Districts both Babergh and Mid Suffolk put the delivery of rural affordable housing high on their list of priorities. Both Councils have a good track record of delivering affordable rural housing. To date Babergh has completed 38 rural schemes delivering 278 rural affordable homes and Mid Suffolk has completed 19, delivering 194 rural affordable homes.
At present Babergh is working with 25 Parish Councils and Mid Suffolk is working with 19 Parish Councils to bring forward about 44 potential schemes which could deliver 300+ affordable homes. These are detailed in full at appendix 1 in the priority list of interventions.
48
GYPSY AND TRAVELLER ACCOMMODATION NEEDS:
The needs of the local Gypsy & Traveller community have been documented by the completion of a Suffolk wide Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment completed in 2007. This identified a need for 1 permanent pitch in Babergh and 42-43 permanent pitches in Mid Suffolk. Both Councils have plans in place to meet this need and to date Babergh has granted a temporary permission for a previously unauthorised pitch in the District and Mid Suffolk has to date enabled an additional 28 pitches leaving 14 -15 new pitches as an outstanding provision. All the additional pitches have been provided on private owner occupied sites to date.
Mid Suffolk District Council submitted 3 bids for sites in the 2010/11 funding round, but following the funding being axed, the challenge to deliver them to meet local needs is now even greater. There remains a commitment from Members and officers to meet the needs of the Gypsy & Traveller community and reduce the incidence of unauthorized encampments within the district. The Council is currently working on a potential Compulsory Purchase order to protect the status of a site within Mid Suffolk but will need additional funding to develop the site from the HCA.
Both Councils financially contribute towards a Suffolk Gypsy and Traveller Liaison Officer post and are working closely with the other Suffolk District and Borough Councils and Suffolk County Council to provide a coordinated and comprehensive response to this area of housing need. This work will cover the issue of transit pitches and the specific needs of Travelling Circus and Showpeople.
This issue is high on national and local government agenda and will require HCA support for the delivery process and the cost of delivering pitches in an integrated and sustainable form.
The Forge caravan site, near Stowmarket has had planning permission for a Gypsy & Traveller site with 19 pitches since 1982 but has never been fully utilised or managed as a formal site. The Council have taken the decision to proceed with Compulsory Purchase Order Proceedings in order to protect the site and work in partnership with a Registered provider partner to develop the site and provide up to 12 pitches for social rent. HCA funding will be critical to bring this site forward.
49 PROVIDING SUPPORTED HOUSING:
The Housing Needs Surveys 2007 (Mid Suffolk), 2008 (Babergh) and Strategic Housing Market Assessment in 2008 (SHMA) pointed to the need for appropriate supported housing schemes within the two districts for people with disabilities. It has also been identified that suitable locations need to be selected to provide a scheme for people with learning disabilities in Stowmarket and Needham Market and some of the major growth sites in the pipeline have been highlighted as suitable locations for such schemes.
Finborough Road, Stowmarket - A mental health supported housing scheme has been prioritized for Stowmarket to replace an existing facility which is no longer fit for purpose. A bid for this scheme was submitted to the HCA in September 2010 to provide 8 units but is currently unfunded and remains an investment priority for Mid Suffolk.
There are plans in the pipeline for up to three new very sheltered housing schemes in Stowmarket, Eye and Debenham. The scheme proposals for Debenham are being community led and may also look to be developed for local needs with a specialist dementia care element included.
Days Road Capel St Mary is Babergh’s latest supported housing scheme currently under construction in partnership with Suffolk County Council and Orwell Housing. This will provide 32 very sheltered flats and bungalows on a rural exceptions site and is designed specifically for the needs of older people from Capel St Mary and surrounding parishes. The scheme is the second one in Babergh dedicated to the needs of local older people, adding to our existing provision of very sheltered housing at Sudbury, Hadleigh and Stutton and is the first scheme to provide a mixed tenure development.
A further mixed tenure very sheltered housing scheme is planned for the new Chilton Woods development at Sudbury. The intention is to bring forward a scheme of 50 flats with a mixture of leasehold, intermediate tenure and rented one and two bedroom flats with a full range of very sheltered facilities. This will be developed in partnership with Suffolk County Council and a partner Registered Provider.
REGENERATION: This is a growing area of action for both Councils with two major town centre projects under development at Sudbury and Stowmarket, together with projects such as Snoasis and the ICI site at Brantham. On a smaller scale both Councils also have pockets of Council housing stock that require radical action involving refurbishment or redevelopment such as Poplar Road Great Cornard and the Unity stock across Mid Suffolk. Both Councils have a number of brownfield sites within the area which have been former employment sites. Some of these will come forward for mixed residential and employment sites and overall viability will be a key component of securing the affordable housing provision and funding for other key infrastructure elements.
Elements of Babergh’s Council housing stock will also play a part in regeneration of specific areas. A number of major redevelopments have already been achieved with our Airey Houses, Block Built Bungalows and the Clibbon Court redevelopment at Great Cornard and Stour House Sudbury. Other potential schemes have been identified for future consideration such as Poplar Road Great Cornard, which has recently received HCA funding and will deliver 44 new homes and 6 local shops.
50 Regeneration elements of Mid Suffolk’s Council housing stock will also play a part in this LIP process as we consider ways of improving energy efficiency levels within properties and continue to improve major component replacement within existing stock. A major redevelopment of Council stock in Steele’s Road, Woolpit is underway with funding secured from the HCA for 3 out of 5 phases. The remaining two phases are included in the investment priorities for HCA investment intervention. A number of other potential major redevelopments have already been identified, in particular the Unity Homes in Stowmarket, Haughley and Woolpit and a small redevelopment in Oak Crescent, Eye. Other potential schemes will come forward once the Council has completed its review of some of the more rural sheltered housing schemes within the district
Stowmarket Town Centre regeneration planning is well progressed through the Master Planning carried out by the Council over the past few years. The redevelopment of Ipswich Street will bring new retail and commercial investment into the High Street of Stowmarket, improving the retail offer to local residents and being fit for purpose to support the other growth within Stowmarket as detailed in the Stowmarket Area Action Plan (SAAP).
Sudbury Town centre regeneration is concerned with protecting and promoting the well-being of Babergh’s largest town and commercial centre. The town centre needs to be grown and further developed and be able to provide for more retail provision / commercial opportunities, jobs provision, transport and public realm improvements and more housing where possible. Much of the focus within this has been on redeveloping and bringing forward a new quarter for the town centre (the Hamilton Road Quarter), thus effectively providing for its further growth and vitality. A new transport hub and much needed links between disparate parts of the town centre form key elements. A development brief for this area has been prepared and finalised through extensive public consultation. Work is continuing alongside Suffolk County Council and other partners to make this scheme a reality.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
Babergh and Mid Suffolk are economically diverse areas, and economic activity rates in both districts compare favourably with national and regional levels. It is important that we sustain and promote the economy in both districts particularly since a large proportion of the workforce work outside of the districts. Income rates and the level of highly qualified inhabitants are below regional and national averages and it is necessary for us to improve the balance between highly skilled and low skilled jobs in both districts and ensure the future diversification of the employment base.
EMPLOYMENT BASE IN NEED OF DIVERSIFYING:
Recent evidence shows that employment in Babergh is dominated by six main sectors; public services; banking, finance and insurance; distribution, retail, hotels and restaurant, and manufacturing. This confirms and verifies findings of the Suffolk Haven Gateway Employment Land review, which shows that despite not having major drivers of economic activity located in the District (for example the Port of Felixstowe, Sizewell, Adastral Park, and despite high out commuting levels Babergh continues to punch above its weight in terms of the diversity, strength and steady growth in employment.
Mid Suffolk benefits from the significant number of small businesses; for example, 87% of businesses employ less than 10 people, and 60% of the workforce is employed in businesses with less than 6 employees. 51 As stated in the Core Strategy employment section, the Council's objective to create thriving prosperous villages and a vibrant rural economy will depend largely on the success of such small-scale and rural enterprises. The Council will need to support small scale employment sites where it would enhance the sustainability of a rural settlement.
The Council will also support farm diversification proposals that will make a long-term contribution to sustaining the agricultural enterprise as a whole and where the proposal is consistent with its rural location and in line with other planning policies. Mid Suffolk will also recognise the importance offered by tourism in the District
An artist’s impression of Snoasis at Great Blakenham
Snoasis is a good example of potential employment diversification. A former cement works and quarry site, the Snoasis development will be a ‘destination resort’, offering in the first instance some 2000 construction jobs, and followed up by a range of jobs within the hotel, leisure and recreation sectors, which in turn will increase employment opportunities in the tourism sector. The housing development of 386 dwellings which has been enabled by the HCA’s Kickstart funding will commence this year and will create local construction jobs building the new homes and local retail and community facilities. The development of the leisure resort will provide the new and existing residents of Great Blakenham enhanced job opportunities as the Snow dome complex progresses.
To the north of Sudbury and the east of Hadleigh there has been an ongoing programme of planned employment growth, which is still ongoing. These have enabled the delivery of additional ranges of employment opportunities for local people and have provided local existing businesses with the opportunity to grow and have attracted new inward investment to the Babergh District. Included within these developments are Babergh’s business start-up incubators at Sudbury and Hadleigh designed to encourage business entrepreneurship. The latest phases are in the process of being released with high levels of business interest being shown.
Other opportunities for business development are currently being worked-up for large sites at Sproughton and Brantham where provision will be made for a diverse range of business and employment opportunities. 52
RELIANCE ON PRIVATE CAR FOR TRANSPORT:
It is important to encourage a reduction in the need to travel by car although this is difficult to achieve in an essentially rural area with minimal transport links.
The need to reduce car travel is noted across the country, and the importance to achieve this is clearly also recognised. However, how to achieve this across the two Districts is going to require careful co-ordination and planning. This is likely to mean a greater role for community transport services, with demand-responsive services, and local initiatives such as car sharing and by ensuring that new development is located close to services and facilities and that these developments are carefully planned to provide opportunities for work and leisure etc. close to new homes. This approach needs to be balanced with the need to provide local homes for local people within our many rural villages, where people often wish to reside in order to provide support or receive support from family.
ACCOMMODATE FUTURE GROWTH (EXACT SCALE TO BE DETERMINED THROUGH LDF PROCESS):
For Babergh, the Council will need to determine future growth levels and how this will be accommodated in the District. This will be determined through the Babergh Development Framework which is currently underway.
New development should be supported by appropriate infrastructure to ensure that our communities are sustainable and healthy. It is therefore important that infrastructure needs are considered together with how new development will be accommodated in the district.
Mid Suffolk has started to outline the District’s anticipated future growth within the adopted Core Strategy (2008). This sets out the levels of new housing, employment land, and retail floor-space that must be achieved to 2025.
A more detailed level of growth for Stowmarket, Mid Suffolk’s principal town, is being established through the Stowmarket Area Action Plan. This will include: 2,000 houses across three Greenfield allocated sites, and additional brownfield sites; an employment site to the east of town off Mill Lane; coupled with the regeneration of Ipswich Street in the town centre.
For both Councils infrastructure is vital to ensure sustainable growth, for example, The Stowmarket Area Action Plan has developed a specific Infrastructure Development Programme (IDP) related to Stowmarket’s proposed development. A similar IDP for the rest of the District is being prepared, in conjunction with the LIP. Large allocations – including Chilton Leys, Ashes Farm and Former Masons Cement Works (Snoasis) and in the longer term other sites such as the one at Eye (Hartismere Hospital), Scotts Papermill, Bramford and Needham Market Chalk Quarry, will need planned infrastructure and development. This may require funding support or strategic interventions for the delivery of essential infrastructure for these new communities.
Both Councils recognise that the planning and delivery of services within the new Localism Agenda is likely to be very different to the current process and will involve much greater community engagement with a bottom up rather than a top down approach
53 to local delivery. Once the process for the Localism Agenda is known both Councils will wish to review and modify their planning processes and investment priorities accordingly.
Both Councils recognise the importance of ensuring that the LIP embraces the local growth agenda and includes the Haven Gateway Partnership as a part of the process.
HISTORIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSETS IN NEED OF PROTECTION:
Both Districts have a varied and attractive landscape, including several areas of importance to nature conservation and have prestigious historic environments, of outstanding character and quality. These assets are key to the district’s attractiveness and its tourist economy. It is important that we protect and enhance the natural, historic and built environments of the area, whilst planning for growth.
An example of balancing our quality environment with the needs of transport and employment infrastructure at Mill Lane, Stowmarket
54 A CHANGING CLIMATE:
Mid Suffolk has responded to the implications of climate change and has created one of the Council’s Core Strategy Objectives (SO3) to deal with this. Reducing and adapting to climate change are also Strategic Policies (CS3 and CS4). The use of renewable energy and sustainable construction, and flood risk are key issues within the policies. Both Councils encourage new homes be built to Code 4 for Sustainable homes or above wherever possible and have examples of exemplar schemes being developed.
An exemplar scheme developed in Elmswell, Mid Suffolk.
CO2 levels of emissions in the Babergh District are above regional and national levels. In addition the East of England region is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. It is therefore important that we look at ways to contribute to reducing climate change in partnership with Mid Suffolk and other neighbouring authorities.
As part of this process the two Councils have appointed a joint Environmental Management Officer.
Both Councils financially contribute to the Suffolk Carbon Reduction Initiative which provides funding for three full time staff to work with local communities, businesses and local authorities to promote new ways of working that has direct financial benefits and from the reduction of carbon emissions and reduces the threat from climate change.
55
DELIVERING SERVICES IN A RURAL AREA:
As both areas are predominantly rural, and there is an over-reliance on private car use, statutory services such as health, face major challenges in logistically and financially delivering services to a diverse, but increasingly aging customer base.
Monks Eleigh Village Shop
In relation to health services both Babergh and Mid Suffolk have benefited from healthcare investment; for example, the Hadleigh Health Centre and Stow Health Surgery in Stowmarket. There are proposals for a new facility in Sudbury, that will provide a range of primary and community health services and there are proposals to refurbish Hartismere Hospital in Eye to improve provision of a mixture of community and specialist services. Rural communities in both Council areas are served by smaller surgeries that are likely to require future investment to meet the needs of the ageing population.
Both Councils will actively engage with Health service and Social Care providers to contribute to the planning and delivery of future services that will be required to meet the needs of our communities.
56 INVESTMENT PRIORITIES
INVESTMENT IN LOCAL REGENERATION:
Both Councils are committed to regeneration activities which are focussed on Sudbury and Stowmarket town centres and other specific locations across both Districts. These are designed to attract inward investment and revitalise our main market towns.
Other examples of our regeneration objectives are the redevelopment of a number of outdated sheltered housing schemes, garage sites and existing Council housing including system built housing that fails to meet the Decent Homes Standard, in order to provide new high quality affordable housing to meet local needs.
There is a significant amount of private sector interest in improving the retail offer for both Sudbury and Stowmarket. This needs to be encouraged through public sector investment in order to deliver the supporting infrastructure and public realm work
required to achieve these plans.
Regeneration Scheme at Popular Road Great Cornard providing 44 new homes and 6 new shops on Council owned land. Partnership working between Babergh, the HCA and Flagship Housing
INVESTMENT TO ASSIST IN EMPLOYMENT:
Whilst both the Districts have a number of large, successful manufacturing businesses, they are still heavily reliant on small and micro businesses to provide a range of employment opportunities. The improvement of broadband speeds and support for home-working and rural lifestyle businesses will stimulate enterprise and reduce the amount of outward commuting. This will also help towards reducing carbon emissions and CO2 from travelling long distances to work.
57 INVESTMENT IN THE DELIVERY OF NEW HOMES ACROSS ALL TENURES:
The Housing Needs Survey completed by both Councils in 2007/8 confirms that there is a shortage of 741 affordable homes across the two Districts each year. It is essential to deliver as many new affordable homes as possible to meet this need and at the same time help to maintain the sustainability of our rural communities and commercial activities.
Mid Suffolk Council has a capital budget of £250,000 per annum and Babergh has £50,000 per annum that is available to assist with the delivery of schemes, which tend to directed these funds to rural schemes or development on Babergh or Mid Suffolk land where costs of delivering units can often be higher.
Babergh and Mid Suffolk’s Affordable Housing Programme is a core element of the process as it is one of the Councils’ strategic priorities, and will make a major contribution to the health and prosperity of Babergh’s residents and requires HCA funding and support to deliver. It will also contribute to the work of balancing the local housing market and the continued improvement and regeneration of the Council’s housing stock. Providing additional affordable will make a major contribution to the health and prosperity of both Councils’ residents and will continue to require HCA funding and support to deliver. It will also contribute to the work of balancing the local housing market and the continued improvement and regeneration of both Councils housing stock and other private sector housing stock.
With regard to new housing across all tenures both Councils are endeavouring to improve the quality and green credentials of all new development and especially affordable housing. Both Councils endeavour to bring forward schemes at level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes and have achieved higher levels than this, for example the new scheme at Three Gardens, Elmswell.
Both Councils are fully committed to housing delivery and in particular affordable housing. Over the last 5 years Babergh has committed 49 Council owned sites for affordable housing to a value of £8.6 million. All sites have been transferred to partner Registered Providers at a substantial discount with the majority at a 100% discount. Until 1 April 2010 the Council also made available £100,000 per annum available for capital grant funding. This has now been reduced to £50,000 due to budget constraints.
During the same period Mid Suffolk made available 16 sites to the value of £6.96 million with a further 6 sites currently being worked on. All sites have been transferred to Registered Provider partners at a substantial discount, with the majority at a 100% discount. The Council have provided an annual capital budget of £250,000 and over the past 5 years, Mid Suffolk has committed £1.5 million in Local Authority capital grant to enable schemes to come forward.
58
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF EXISTING HOMES:
Both Babergh and Mid Suffolk are seeking to meet the requirements of the Decent Homes Standard within their own stock and both have set a higher local standard in conjunction with tenants which exceed the standards set down within the Decent Homes guidance. Over a 5 year period, Mid Suffolk is investing £8m in 2010/11 and £4m for the following 4 years to carry out additional component improvement works to its stock and all properties will be made decent by the end of 2010. Babergh now has 99.5% of its Council housing at the Decent Homes Standard as at 31 March 2010. The Council has approved an ongoing programme of kitchen and bathroom improvements costing up to £500,000 per annum to maintain this standard across all our Council housing stock.
Babergh and Mid Suffolk are also aware of the local private sector housing market and are committed to working with private landlords to improve the quality of the private sector housing stock and ensure it is maintained properly. Both Councils offer a range of grants some of which are targeted at returning empty homes back into use. Neither Council has a high empty homes issue however any empty homes in areas of high housing need must be a specific target to address. Both Councils have accessed funding from GO-EAST for two years to assist with bringing long term empty properties back into use. Another important issue is the need to reduce the level of carbon emissions by improving energy efficiency levels and both Babergh and Mid Suffolk have grant funding available to facilitate such works within the private sector housing stock. Both Councils are also investigating the possibility of introducing a landlord accreditation system alongside other partners within the Greater Haven Gateway Housing sub-region.
BABERGH AND MID SUFFOLK CHALLENGES COMPARED
The Babergh and Mid Suffolk Districts have very similar challenges to meet in the following areas
• Infrastructure including transport – e.g. Transport Infrastructure – Sudbury, and Elmswell transport improvements. Enhancements to existing transport links to create more sustainable and greener networks to reduce reliance on private cars.
• Regeneration – e.g. Stowmarket and Sudbury town centre redevelopments
• Large allocations – e.g. Chilton Woods, Sudbury and within the Stowmarket Area Action Plan. Large allocations – including Chilton Woods and in the longer term other sites such as the one at Brantham will need planned infrastructure and development. This may require funding support for the delivery of essential elements of these new communities.
• Employment – e.g. Eye & Eye Airfield employment generation and Sproughton Employment Zone
• Balancing the housing market by encouraging housing in the most sustainable locations, encouraging the delivery of smaller units of accommodation and ensuring high quality housing is delivered to protect the character of both districts
59 • Enhancing and protecting the sustainability of rural communities including the delivery of rural affordable housing and creation of employment opportunities to support and enhance the rural economy
• Meeting the needs of an increasingly elderly population
INVESTMENT AND INTERVENTION PRIORITIES:
The next part of the LIP provides information on the investment priorities for the Babergh and Mid Suffolk Districts for the life of this plan, which runs from now until 31 March 2016.
The priorities are either existing commitments which have been approved through the current planning and approval process of both Councils sites identified by our partners in the form of rural exception sites resulting from identified local need, or sites identified by the two Councils using their own land and other resources.
The priorities identified are important to both Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils as their delivery ensures our continuing ability to achieve agreed policy targets and objectives as detailed earlier in this plan.
The priorities of each Council are listed separately below in financial year order. Within each financial year schemes are prioritised according to their deliverability and the intentions of each Council.
Each scheme has been assessed using a model agreed between the two Councils and the Homes and Communities Agency. This scores each scheme by measuring the level of impact of the scheme against the cost of intervention required and delivery timescales.
Essentially higher scores are generated when schemes which deliver higher outputs and impacts require lower levels of intervention and can be delivered within a short timescale.
Impacts are assessed by measuring the outputs produced, such as housing numbers or levels of employment and weighing these with a positive adjustment to meet the strategic priorities of the two Councils. It has been agreed that both Councils will use the same weightings in order to reflect the close joint working between them and to ensure a balanced approach to the prioritisation process.
The impact figure is then divided by the cost of the intervention and the time period of delivery from when the intervention is called upon in order to derive a relative score.
This process allows consideration to be given to the merits of investing in one scheme as opposed to another scheme. As this is only intended as a guide to prioritising schemes this is not regarded as a failsafe mechanism and will be subject to other influences on the priority of particular schemes.
High cost schemes or schemes with delivery issues will not automatically be excluded from the prioritisation delivery process which provides the opportunity to review their costs and other delivery issues.
60
As far as strategic infrastructure and growth is concerned Babergh and Mid Suffolk are developing projects for the town centres of Sudbury and Stowmarket, together with large allocations attached to both towns at Chilton Woods, Sudbury and Chilton Leys, Farriers Road and Ashes Farm, Stowmarket. There are also new areas of large scale housing and employment proposed on greenfield and brownfield sites at Snoasis, Gt Blakenham, the Sugar Site at Sproughton, Needham Chalk Quarry, Needham Market, Harris Bacon Site, Elmswell, the ICI site at Brantham and Scott’s Paper Mill site at Bramford.
With regard to regeneration both Councils are planning to undertake the regeneration of Sudbury and Stowmarket town centres as detailed above. Proposals are also being worked up for schemes on a number of smaller Council owned sites for example Steele’s Road, Woolpit, St Edmunds Road Garage Site Stowmarket Oak Crescent, Eye, potential redevelopment of unity homes at Woolpit, Haughley and Stowmarket, Mill Green Edwardstone, and Brooksfield, Bildeston.
Being essentially rural District both Councils place high importance on delivering rural affordable housing schemes designed to meet the needs of local communities, making those places more sustainable and economically viable. The priority list contains a large number of potential schemes being progressed in both Districts, using Council owned and Rural Exceptions sites. It is intended to link these together as part of a rural housing package to be developed with our partner Registered Providers and the HCA.
Supported housing is another important area of provision for both Councils and specialist housing schemes are planned for delivery in both Babergh and Mid Suffolk. These include a very sheltered housing scheme currently under construction at Capel St Mary, with others at the planning stage for delivery over the next five years in Chilton Woods Sudbury, Hartismere Hospital, Eye, Debenham and Stowmarket.
Subject to investment funding being available, a replacement scheme of eight supported flats for adults with mental health problems is planned for Stowmarket. A five unit supported housing scheme for adults with mental health problems is planned and has been funded at Cats Lane, Sudbury. New wheelchair accessible standard housing is under construction or being planned for in Thurston, Barham, Great Blakenham , six x 3 bed wheelchair bungalows agreed through planning obligations delivery in Great Cornard, Sudbury, Bildeston and Hadleigh. In addition there are two x 2 bedroom wheelchair bungalows through planning obligations in Great Cornard.
Considerable partnership working with colleagues within Suffolk County Council is taking place to plan for housing schemes to meet the needs of adults with a learning disability and both Council’s will continue to explore opportunities to access shared ownership housing through the HOLD scheme in addition to purpose built supported housing schemes that include on-site staff support.
Housing needs and homelessness evidence supports the need for a purpose built supported housing scheme for temporary accommodation for marginalised single homeless people in Stowmarket. There is also a need for some form of supported housing for young single people in the 16 – 25 age range in Mid Suffolk as currently there is no provision for this vulnerable group in Mid Suffolk.
Gypsies and Travellers – under the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) both Council’s had outstanding pitch requirements of 14 – 15 by the end of 2011. With the abolition of the RSS, both Authorities are using the needs information contained in the Suffolk Gypsy &
61 Traveller Accommodation Assessment carried out in 2007, which showed 1 pitch was required for Babergh and 42 – 43 pitches for Mid Suffolk, with there being 14 – 15 pitches remaining to secure. Mid Suffolk did submit three scheme bids for funding from the HCA earlier in 2010 but with the funding being withdrawn the Council is seeking alternative ways of delivering these sites with reduced public sector funding. One of the schemes at The Forge, Great Finborough is included within the investment priority list for Mid Suffolk. Babergh is currently reviewing the status of 1 pitch with a temporary permission.
Please note that the scores for individual schemes will change over time as their cost and delivery circumstances change. This will be monitored by the joint Babergh and Mid Suffolk Local Investment Plan Steering Group.
The interventions and investment priorities listed will be reviewed and updated by the Joint Steering Group on a quarterly basis and will be reported to Members for approval annually.
62 APPENDICES: APPENDIX 1 – ACTION PLAN:
PART 1 - INVESTMENT PRIORITIES SCHEME DETAILS:
The schedules below consist of separate Babergh and Mid Suffolk lists of schemes being progressed within each local authority area. Separate lists are provided to respect the individual priorities and needs of each District.
A range of schemes are currently being progressed within both Districts. Please find below details of housing units, including affordable housing estimated for delivery within both districts over the next five years, together with estimated affordable housing costs for those schemes which are sufficiently advanced.
Mid Suffolk District Council Affordable Units Total value of Affordable Seeking intervention SHG HCA AH Total Housing Funding at required Required Interventions Scheme Type Units Units 1.12.10 (£) (£) (£)
RES 78 58 42 £3,213,410.00 £1,259,000.00 £459,000.00 19 Rural LA 69 52 £1,369,068.00 £627,000.00 £897,000.00 63 PO 1715 544 £2,242,818.00 £2,242,818.00 £2,242,818.00 12 Regeneration 12 12 £950,000.00 £800,000.00 £800,000.00 Regeneration 35 LA 181 181 £540,000.00 £1,830,000.00 £1,470,000.00 0 LA 0 0 £0 £0 £0 12 RP 12 12 £490,000.00 £100,000.00 £390,000.00 148 Total 2067 859 £8,805,296.00 £6,858,818.00 £6,258,818.00
Babergh District Council
Scheme Affordable Total value Type Units of Affordable Seeking intervention SHG HCA AH Total Housing Funding at required Required Interventions Units Units 1.12.10 (£) (£) (£)
RES 168 168 47 £2,192.000 £2,105.528 £2,105.528 Rural LA 11 11 2 £94,500 £94,500 £94,500 PO 1427 633 4 £78,000 £78,000 £78,000 Regeneration 0 0 0 £0 £0 £0 Regeneration LA 42 42 12 £531,500 £531,500 £531,500 LA 0 0 0 £0 £0 £0 RP 6 6 0 £0 £0 £0 Total 1654 860 65 £2,896,000 £2,809.528 £2,809,082
Babergh District Council & Mid Suffolk District Council Grand 3721 1,719 XX 11,701,296 9,668,346 9,668,346 Totals 63
Babergh Investment Priorities and Scheme Details:
Schemes sufficiently progressed have been subject to the agreed HCA Deliverability Calculator process and the interventions schedule shows these where appropriate. However, Babergh’s priorities are not fully reflected through the deliverability calculation process and therefore the schedule is not in priority score order. Instead it is shown in Babergh priority order. The reasoning for Babergh’s prioritisation is detailed in the comments box for each scheme.
64 INVESTMENT AND INTERVENTION PRIORITIES Last updated on: 30.11.10 Version No. 05/01/1900 BABERGH INVESTMENT PRIORITIES
Affordable Start on Practical Project Project Developer Deliverability/ Total Housing Community Site Completion Scheme Name Need for Project Status Objectives Partners Barriers Planning Status Units Units Engagement Comment Score
Babergh’s pritoity 1 scheme
A start on site has commenced and agreement has been reached between BDC, Hastoe and the developer on the affordable housing delivery and funding requirements. A bid has already been submitted to the HCA for SHG and a funding agreement is now being sought o deliver the 12 open market and 4 affordable units. If the affordable units cannot be funded the scheme viability and requirements of the S106 will prevent more than 4 open market units Open market being delivered. The Deliverability housing Calculator score is not the highest within development the Babergh interventions schedule but Nedging - with BDC, Hastoe Viability of open Full planning the need to enable the open market and Crowcroft Road GHG Housing Strategy affordable HA, and market scheme and permission in affordable elements of this scheme make - Open Market SHMA HNS Housing housing Breheny funding for place and start on Formal planning it a priority for the Council. The scheme 2010-11 2011-12 Site Register BDC Local Plan PO delivery Developers affordable housing site commenced 12 4 process is deliverable immediately. 51.06
Open market Babergh’s Priority 2 Scheme This housing scheme is a high priority for the Council GHG Housing Strategy development BDC, as it will deliver the highest number of SHMA HNS Housing with Persimmon affordable homes for the District on one Register BDC Local Plan affordable Homes, Iceni Full planning site, totalling 107 units. The scheme is Great Cornard - highest area of housing need Planning housing & Colne permission in Formal planning progressing well and will be delivered 2009-10 2011-12 Stourcroft in BDC Obligation delivery Housing None place 306 107 process grant free. 72.29
Babergh’s Priority 3 Scheme The scheme has full planning approval and full support from the Parish Council, the local Ward Member, and Babergh Members. The scheme has been the subject of recent community consultation and is fully supported. The current Local Needs scheme costs are subject to a review Housing Survey between BDC and Orwell and revised completed. costing to those shown in the costings Regular meetings schedule will be available shortly. The with Parish partners seek funding for this scheme in GHG Housing Strategy Council. Village order to continue the delivery of high SHMA HNS Housing information event demand affordable housing across the Register Local Needs completed and District. The scheme is fully ready for Housing Survey BDC Local Rural BDC, PC, Planning village is delivery. The scheme will also enable the Thorpe Morieux Plan and Local Needs housing for Orwell HA, approved supportive of delivery of a village green style open 2010-11 2011-12 - Bury Road Housing Survey RES local needs HCA Award of SHG 24.11.10 6 6 scheme delivery. space adjacent to the site. 62.34
65 Affordable Start on Practical Project Project Developer Deliverability/ Total Housing Community Site Completion Scheme Name Need for Project Status Objectives Partners Barriers Planning Status Units Units Engagement Comment Score
Babergh’s Priority 4 SchemeThis scheme is supported by the local Ward Ward member Member, and adjoining residents. Plans supportive, have been prepared for the development BDC, Parish discussed with and these have now been submitted to GHG Housing Strategy Council and neighbouring the Council’s planning team for SHMA HNS Housing Rural Iceni Planning Scheme submitted households, inclusion on the Development Register BDC Local Plan, housing for Homes/Suffol permission and to Development formal planning Committee agenda ASAP. Everything Long Melford - one of highest areas of general k Housing local support and Control Team for process will shortly be in place for the scheme to 2011-12 2012-13 Bull Lane housing need in BDC Rural LA needs Society funding planning approval 2 2 underway, progress subject to funding. 52.07 Parish Council advised and supportive, Ward Member advised and supportive discussed with immediate Affordable neighbours who Babergh’s Priority 5 SchemeThe housing are supportive, priority for this scheme reflects the fact scheme village that both existing units on the site are designed to Awaiting information event now vacant. Iceni homes is finalising the GHG Housing Strategy replace 2 BDC, Iceni government Scheme plans and completed and site plans and is making this a priority so SHMA HNS Housing homes with Homes and clarification on new drawings ready supportivepl. that the vacant units will not be left Register BDC Local Plan 8 new Suffolk affordable tenure, for submission of Scheme approved unoccupied for too long. BDC, the Ward Bildeston - highest area of housing need Regeneration affordable Housing panning permission planning by BDC Housing Member and the PC are fully supportive 2011-12 2012-13 Brooksfield in BDC LA homes Society and funding stream application 8 8 Panel of the scheme. 65.10 Parish Council and Ward Babergh’s Priority 6 SchemeThis Member scheme is reaching the point where it can Regeneratio consulted and be delivered. Plans have been prepared n of non- BDC, Flagship Scheme plans and supportive. and are ready for submission to the decent local Housing/Suffo Planning drawings ready Village Development Committee. The scheme is GHG Housing Strategy authority lk Heritage permission, and for submission of information event a priority for Babergh as the existing Edwardstone - 7 SHMA HNS Housing Regeneration housing Housing funding planning held 13.9.10 and units on the site are in poor condition and 2011-12 2012-13 & 8 Mill Green Register BDC Local Plan LA stock Association interventions application 4 4 supportive. do not meet the Decent Homes Standard. 58.62
Local Needs Housing Survey GHG Housing Strategy completed. SHMA HNS Housing BDC, Hastoe Scheme plans and Regular meetings Babergh’s Priority 7 SchemeSite Hintlesham - Register Local Needs HA, Parish Planning drawings ready with Parish identified and purchase underway by Local Needs Housing Survey BDC Local Rural Council and permission, and for submission of Council. Village Hastoe HA. Plans drawn-up for the Housing Plan and Local Needs housing for Rural Housing funding planning information event scheme and pre application discussions 2011-12 2012-13 Scheme Housing Survey RES local needs Enabler interventions application 8 planned. underway with BDC planners. 46.75
Local Needs Housing Survey completed. GHG Housing Strategy Regular meetings SHMA HNS Housing BDC, Orwell Scheme plans and with Parish Babergh’s Priority 8 SchemeSite Gt Waldingfield Register Local Needs HA, Parish Planning drawings ready Council. Village identified and purchase agreed with - Local Needs Housing Survey BDC Local Rural Council and permission, and for submission of information event owners SCC, Plans drawn-up for the Housing Plan and Local Needs housing for Rural Housing funding planning planned. All scheme and pre application discussions 2011-12 2012-13 Scheme Housing Survey RES local needs Enabler interventions application 15 15 supportive underway with BDC planners. 59.99
66 Affordable Start on Practical Project Project Developer Deliverability/ Total Housing Community Site Completion Scheme Name Need for Project Status Objectives Partners Barriers Planning Status Units Units Engagement Comment Score
Formal planning Babergh’s Priority 9 SchemeSites GHG Housing Strategy Scheme plans and process, identified in Monks Eleigh and Kersey, SHMA HNS Housing Planning drawings ready discussions with plans being drawn-up ready for pre Monks Eleigh & Register Local Needs Rural BDC, PC, permission and for submission of PC. Local application discussions and village Kersey - Local Housing Survey BDC Local housing for RHE and local support and planning information event information event. Too early to estimate 2011-12 2012-13 Needs Scheme Plan RES local needs Orwell HA funding application 8 8 to be held costs. 52.07
Parish Council No planning and Ward GHG Housing Strategy permission in member advised SHMA HNS Housing place. 2 sites with and supportiver, Register Local Needs Rural BDC, Planning draft plans with village Babergh’s Priority 10 SchemeScheme Elmsett - Local Housing Survey BDC Local housing for Flagship, permission and planners for information event progressing well. 2 sites identified with 2011-12 2012-13 Needs Housing Plan RES local needs RHE, PC funding discussion. 14 14 planned willing landowners.
Local Ward Members have been approached and are supportive in principle. BDC Housing Panel supportive in Initial consultation has progressed well. GHG Housing Strategy principle. Tenants Draft site plans completed. In principle SHMA HNS Housing have been agreement by planners. Detailed Register Local Needs Rural Planning No planning approached and feasibility being progressed. It is likely East Bergholt - Housing Survey BDC Local affordable permission and permission in agree to garden this scheme will be able top progress 2011-12 2012-13 Tinkers Lane Plan Rural LA housing BDC funding place 3 3 severances. quickly. BDC, Bentley Parish Council, Rural Housing Enabler, Site identification GHG Housing Strategy Flagship process underway Parish Council SHMA HNS Housing Housing/Suffo and sites identified, advised, Ward Bentley - Local Register BDC Local Plan Rural lk Heritage contact currently No planning Member, village Needs Housing and Local Housing Needs housing for Housing being made with permission in information event Partnership work underway between 2011-12 2012-13 Scheme Survey RES local needs Association land owners place 8 8 planned BDC, PC and Flagship 49.03
GHG Housing Strategy Formal planning SHMA HNS Housing Planning process, Tattingstone - Register Local Needs Rural permission and No planning discussions with Local Needs Housing Survey BDC Local housing for BDC, PC and local support and permission in PC and local Site identified with willing landowner. 2011-12 2012-13 Housing Plan RES local needs Orwell HA funding place 8 8 information event Draft layout in place. 59.38 Local Needs Housing Survey completed. GHG Housing Strategy BDC, Orwell Planning Regular meetings Cockfield - SHMA HNS Housing HA, Parish permissions for with Parish Local Needs Register BDC Local Plan Rural Council and several sites, local No planning Council. Village Housing and Local Housing Needs housing for Rural Housing support, funding permission in information event Site identification process underway. 2011-12 2012-14 Scheme Survey RES local needs Enabler interventions place 18 18 to be arranged Too early to estimate costs.
67 Affordable Start on Practical Project Project Developer Deliverability/ Total Housing Community Site Completion Scheme Name Need for Project Status Objectives Partners Barriers Planning Status Units Units Engagement Comment Score
GHG Housing Strategy SHMA HNS Housing Ongoing Plans drawn-up, Highways issues Register BDC Local Plan Rural Planning No planning discussions with resolved, ongoing discussions with PC Stanstead - and Local Housing Needs housing for BDC, Iceni, permission and permission in PC and and local residents, new open space 2011-12 2012-14 Valley View Survey Rural LA local needs Parish Council funding place 4 4 neighbours negotiated Open market housing development with GHG Housing Strategy affordable No planning Boxford - SHMA HNS Housing housing permission in No contact from landowner or developer 2011-12 2012-13 Goodlands Farm Register BDC Local Plan PO delivery place 20 8 to date Open market housing development with GHG Housing Strategy affordable Sudbury - SHMA HNS Housing housing Planning Formal planning 2011-12 2012-13 Highbank Register BDC Local Plan PO delivery permission Outline process Open market housing development with GHG Housing Strategy affordable Sudbury - SHMA HNS Housing housing Full planning Formal planning 2011-12 2012-13 William Armes Register BDC Local Plan PO delivery permission Outline 121 36 process Open market housing development with GHG Housing Strategy affordable Gt. Cornard - SHMA HNS Housing housing Full planning 2011-12 2012-13 Carsons Drive Register BDC Local Plan Rural LA delivery permission Outline 170 60
Discussions with Leavenheath - GHG Housing Strategy Rural PC. Information Local Needs SHMA HNS Housing housing for PC, RHE, Full planning No plans event to be 2011-12 2012-13 Housing Register BDC Local Plan RES local needs Iceni permission submitted to date 6 6 arranged Scheme progressing well
GHG Housing Strategy Ward Member SHMA HNS Housing and PC Register Local Needs supportive. Copdock - Local Housing Survey BDC Local Rural Community Needs Housing Plan and Local Needs housing for PC, Hastoe, Full planning No planning in information event Scheme plans drawn up and being 2011-12 2012-13 Scheme Housing Survey RES local needs RHE, BDC permission place to date 8 8 to be arranged considered by partners. Open market housing development with GHG Housing Strategy affordable Full planning Whatfield - SHMA HNS Housing housing To be permission - an No plans Formal planning In discussion with owner/developer re 2012-13 2013-14 Church Farm Register BDC Local Plan PO delivery confirmed allocated site submitted to date 16 5 process affordable mix
68 Affordable Start on Practical Project Project Developer Deliverability/ Total Housing Community Site Completion Scheme Name Need for Project Status Objectives Partners Barriers Planning Status Units Units Engagement Comment Score BDC, PC, Ward Worked up scheme GHG Housing Strategy New Member, not available to Consultation with Lavenham - SHMA HNS Housing Regeneration sheltered or scheme date. Planning and No plans residents 2012-13 2013-14 Tenterpiece Register BDC Local Plan LA VSH scheme residents funding required submitted to date 30 30 underway Checking development options
GHG Housing Strategy SHMA HNS Housing Whatfield - Register Local Needs BDC,Parish Planning Local Needs Housing Survey BDC Local Rural Council, Rural permission and No planning Local needs housing survey to be Housing Plan and Local Needs housing for Housing local support and permission in Local needs completed 2010-11and RP partner to be 2012-13 2013-14 Scheme Housing Survey RES local needs Enabler funding place 6 6 housing survey appointed Open market housing development with GHG Housing Strategy affordable Full planning Sudbury - Harp SHMA HNS Housing housing permission and 2012-13 2013-14 Close Meadow Register BDC Local Plan PO delivery agreement of POs Outline 23 5 Open market housing development with Sudbury - St GHG Housing Strategy affordable Leonards SHMA HNS Housing housing 2012-13 2013-14 Hospital Register BDC Local Plan PO delivery
Local Needs Housing Survey GHG Housing Strategy completed. SHMA HNS Housing Regular meetings Lavenham - Register Local Needs with Parish Local Needs Housing Survey BDC Local Rural BDC, Rural Planning No planning Council. Village Site identification process underway. Housing Plan and Local Needs housing for Housing permission and permission in information event Parish Council supportive of a scheme. 2012-13 2013-14 Scheme Housing Survey RES local needs Enabler local support place 30 30 planned. High level of local need.
Open market GHG Housing Strategy housing SHMA HNS Housing development Register Local Needs with Glemsford - Housing Survey BDC Local affordable Full planning No planning Crownfield Plan and Local Needs housing permission and permission in Formal planning Various developers considering site at 2012-13 2013-14 Road Housing Survey PO delivery TBC agreement of POs place 56 20 process current time.
69 Affordable Start on Practical Project Project Developer Deliverability/ Total Housing Community Site Completion Scheme Name Need for Project Status Objectives Partners Barriers Planning Status Units Units Engagement Comment Score
Open market GHG Housing Strategy housing SHMA HNS Housing development Register Local Needs with Housing Survey BDC Local affordable Full planning No planning Gt. Cornard - Plan and Local Needs housing permission and permission in Formal planning 2012-13 2013-14 Head lane Housing Survey PO delivery TBC agreement of POs place 30 11 process
Open market GHG Housing Strategy housing SHMA HNS Housing development Register Local Needs with Housing Survey BDC Local affordable Full planning No planning Glemsford - Plan and Local Needs housing permission and permission in 2012-13 2013-14 Brook Street Housing Survey PO delivery TBC agreement of POs place 21 7 Scheme in early stages of discussion
GHG Housing Strategy SHMA HNS Housing Register Local Needs Holbrook - Housing Survey BDC Local Rural PC, Orwell Site identification Discussions Local Needs Plan and Local Needs housing for HA, RHE, and Planning underway with PC very supportive of this the second 2012-13 2013-14 Housing Housing Survey RES local needs BDC permission No site identified 10 10 PC rural scheme for their village
GHG Housing Strategy SHMA HNS Housing Sproughton - Register Local Needs Local Needs Housing Survey BDC Local Rural Support from Housing Plan and Local Needs housing for BDC, RHE, Planning Planning Local Ward 2012-13 2013-14 Scheme Housing Survey RES local needs Hastoe, REH permission permission 6 6 Member and PC Currently identifying sites
GHG Housing Strategy SHMA HNS Housing Local needs Register Local Needs housing survey, Glemsford - Housing Survey BDC Local regular contact Local Needs Plan highest area of housing Rural BDC, Rural Planning No planning with Parish Housing need in BDC and Local housing for Housing permission and permission in Council and Ward 2012-13 2013-14 Scheme Needs Housing Survey RES general Enabler local support place 15 15 Members Local needs housing survey underway.
70 Affordable Start on Practical Project Project Developer Deliverability/ Total Housing Community Site Completion Scheme Name Need for Project Status Objectives Partners Barriers Planning Status Units Units Engagement Comment Score
Presentation to PC by BDC, RHE has agreed to undertake Local Sub-regional Housing needs housing Strategy SHMA HNS survey, village Assington - Housing Register Local BDC, Parish information day Local Needs Needs Housing Survey BDC Rural Council and Planning No planning will be held once Housing Local Plan and Local Needs housing for Rural Housing permission and permission in scheme Local needs housing survey 2012-13 2013-14 Scheme Housing Survey RES general Enabler local support place 5 5 progresses. commissioned by PC Presentation to PC by BDC, RHE has agreed to undertake Local GHG Housing Strategy needs housing SHMA HNS Housing survey, village Register Local Needs BDC, Parish Planning information day Boxford - Local Housing Survey BDC Local Rural Council and permission, local No planning will be held once Needs Housing Plan and Local Needs housing for Rural Housing support and funding permission in scheme 2012-13 2013-14 Scheme Housing Survey RES local needs Enabler interventions place 10 10 progresses.
Presentation to PC by BDC, RHE is working with PC to complete a GHG Housing Strategy Local needs SHMA HNS Housing housing survey, Register Local Needs village Housing Survey BDC Local BDC, Parish Planning information day Glemsford - Plan highest area of housing Rural Council and permission, local No planning will be held once Land adjacent need in BDC and Local housing for Rural Housing support and funding permission in scheme 2012-13 2013-14 57 Schoolfield Needs Housing Survey Rural LA local needs Enabler interventions place 15 15 progresses. Open market housing development Sub-regional Housing with Strategy SHMA HNS affordable Sproughton - Housing Register BDC housing Full planning 2012-13 2013-14 Church Lane Local Plan PO delivery TBC permission Outline 30 10
Open market housing Sub-regional Housing development Strategy SHMA HNS with Housing Register BDC affordable Sudbury - Local Plan - highest area of housing Full planning 2012-13 2013-14 Middleton Road housing need PO delivery TBC permission Outline 22 8 Potential 100% affordable scheme.
Affordable homes and Sub-regional Housing commercial New planning Strategy SHMA HNS space to permission and Housing Register BDC create Sudbury Town funding Sudbury - Gaol Local Plan - highest area of Regeneration thriving Council, interventions to be Planning 2012-13 2013-14 Lane housing need LA economy Babergh DC identified permission lapsed 6 6
71 Affordable Start on Practical Project Project Developer Deliverability/ Total Housing Community Site Completion Scheme Name Need for Project Status Objectives Partners Barriers Planning Status Units Units Engagement Comment Score
Open market housing GHG Housing Strategy development SHMA HNS Housing with Register BDC Local Plan - affordable Ipswich - second highest area of housing 2012-13 2013-14 Thorrington hall housing need PO delivery Outline 114 34 Open market housing development with GHG Housing Strategy affordable Bures - Eves SHMA HNS Housing housing 2012-13 2013-14 Orchard Register BDC Local Plan - PO delivery Outline 31 11 Open market housing development with GHG Housing Strategy affordable Shotley - SHMA HNS Housing housing 2013-14 2016-17 Ganges Register BDC Local Plan PO delivery Deliv er 455 open mark et Mixed use home development s, 245 . 700 homes afford including able 245 home affordable s, 50 units and a VSH 50 home home VSH s, scheme. empl A range of GHG Housing Strategy Employment Suffolk oyme consultation SHMA HNS Housing and creation County nt exercises have Due to the recession the scheme has been Register BDC Local Plan of new Council, No planning and been undertaken delayed. SCC as the lead organisation Sudbury - highest area of housing need community Babergh DC, Funding for up- permission in open by Ashwell BDC and part landowner is currently 2013-14 2021-22 Chilton Woods in BDC PO woodland Ashwell front infrastructure place space 295 & SCC reviewing how to progress the site.
Open market housing GHG Housing Strategy development SHMA HNS Housing with Gt. Cornard - Register BDC Local Plan affordable Guildford highest area of housing need housing 2013-14 2021-22 Europe in BDC Rural LA delivery 12
72 Affordable Start on Practical Project Project Developer Deliverability/ Total Housing Community Site Completion Scheme Name Need for Project Status Objectives Partners Barriers Planning Status Units Units Engagement Comment Score BDC lead on consultation process, Sudbury Land assimilation, Town Centre Commercial BDC Sudbury infrastructure Partnership and Town Council deliver and No planning created to Sudbury - Town employment Local planning permission in progress the 2012-13 2013-14 Centre Regeneration regeneration businesses permissions place scheme Sudbury - Transport 2013-14 2014-15 Infrastructure Brantham - 2013-14 2014-15 Regeneration Regeneration Sproughton - Employment 2014-15 2015-16 Zone Regeneration
73
INVESTMENT AND INTERVENTION PRIORITIES Last updated on: 30.11.10 Version No. 1 MID SUFFOLK INVESTMENT PRIORITIES
Affordable Start on Practical Project Project Developer Deliverability/ Total Housing Community Site Completion Scheme Name Need for Project Status Objectives Partners Barriers Planning Status Units Units Engagement Comment Score Open market housing GHG Housing Strategy development SHMA HNS Housing with Viability issues. Register Local Needs affordable May be pushed to Debenham Housing Survey MSDC housing Not yet take commuted Through the formal 2012-13 2013-14 Garage site Core Strategy PO delivery Known sum. Pre-application. 7 2 planning process. Open market housing GHG Housing Strategy development SHMA HNS Housing with Viability issues. Register Local Needs affordable May be pushed to Low Road, Housing Survey MSDC housing Not yet take commuted Through the formal 2013-14 2013-14 Debenham Core Strategy PO delivery Known sum. Pre-application. 6 2 planning process. Open market housing Open day for general This development of 4 units is GHG Housing Strategy development consultation with client part of the overall scheme of 12 SHMA HNS Housing with Flagship Planning group and local units in total. Orbit has Finningham Register Local Needs affordable Housing & permission residents prior to purchased extra land and will Road, Walsham Housing Survey MSDC housing Hopkins granted and S106 Formal planning make better use of existing land 2010-11 2011-12 le Willows Core Strategy PO delivery Homes signed 21 7 process adjacent to their offices. 93.52
Planning GHG Housing Strategy submitted 9/10. SHMA HNS Housing Rural Planning Ward Members Barrett’s Lane, Register Local Needs Housing for permission, Local consulted & Exec Land to be gifted by LA at nil Needham Housing Survey MSDC general Iceni Housing opposition and lack Cttee approval to Formal planning cost + £35k LA Capital. This is 2010-11 2011-12 market Core Strategy Rural LA needs Group of grant funding dispose of land. 7 7 process an existing garage site. 92.47 Planning submitted Aug 10. GHG Housing Strategy Ward Member SHMA HNS Housing Rural consulted and Register Local Needs Housing for Planning Exec Cttee Fitzgerald Road, Housing Survey MSDC general Orwell permission and lack approval to Formal planning Land to be gifted by LA at nil 2010-11 2011-12 Bramford Core Strategy Rural LA needs Housing of grant funding dispose of land. 2 2 process cost. 73.62 GHG Housing Strategy SHMA HNS Housing Local opposition to Register Local Needs Rural size of No planning Orchard Close, Housing Survey MSDC housing for Orwell development. Lack permission in Through the formal 2011-12 2012-13 Felsham Core Strategy RES local needs. Housing of HCA grant. place 4 4 planning process. 68.99
GHG Housing Strategy Letters to local SHMA HNS Housing residents advising of Register Local Needs General Flagship pending development St.Edmunds Housing Survey MSDC Regeneration needs Housing and need to clear One of the Council’s priorities 2011-12 2011-12 Road garage site Core Strategy LA housing Group Lack of HCA grant Pre-application. 9 9 garages to redevelop in 2011/12 68.64
74 Affordable Start on Practical Project Project Developer Deliverability/ Total Housing Community Site Completion Scheme Name Need for Project Status Objectives Partners Barriers Planning Status Units Units Engagement Comment Score
GHG Housing Strategy Site has some SHMA HNS Housing Rural boundary and Register Local Needs Housing for access issues. No planning Windy Ridge, Housing Survey MSDC general Availability of permission in 2011-12 2011-12 Rattlesden Core Strategy Rural LA needs Hastoe HA grant. place 4 4 63.47
Redevelopment of LA This development has stock that did not meet Rural involved intensive and Decent Homes standard Housing for Flagship Lack of HCA grant on-going engagement Steele's Road, and not capable of being Regeneration general Housing to finish off the with local residents and Phases 1, 2 & 3 have already 2012-13 2012-13 Woolpit phase 5 made decent. LA needs Group development. 8 8 the parish council. secured HCA funding. 62.84 Open market housing GHG Housing Strategy development SHMA HNS Housing with Register Local Needs affordable The Green, Housing Survey MSDC housing Not yet Through formal 2012-13 2013-14 Beyton Core Strategy PO delivery Known Viability issues. 12 4 planning consultation. 62.09 To regenerate a former employment site with Remediation costs GHG Housing Strategy heavy high. Highways SHMA HNS Housing contaminatio issues to be Register Local Needs n issues. To resolved and site Housing Survey MSDC refurbish a includes a listed Core Strategy. large listed former paper mill Regeneration of a building and which will have brownfield site and provide a high No planning Scotts Paper transport infrastructure mixed use Not yet conversion/refurbis permission in 2013-14 2016-17 Mill, Bramford. improvements. PO development Known hment costs. place 390 130 62.09
Open market housing GHG Housing Strategy development Planning S106 allows for a cascade of SHMA HNS Housing with Flagship Viability and lack permission Affordable housing which starts Register Local Needs affordable Housing & of HCA for higher granted 7/10. at 10% grant free rising up to Cedars Park, Housing Survey MSDC housing Bellway cascade levels of S106 being Formal planning 25%Affordable housing if HCA 2010-11 2011-12 10C Core Strategy PO delivery Homes AH drafted 122 31 process grant available 61.78
Part of review of sheltered Rural housing and the need for Housing for No planning L/o Hartismere increased affordable general Not yet permission in 2012-13 2013-14 House, Laxfield housing in rural areas. Rural LA needs Known place 4 4 56.56
GHG Housing Strategy SHMA HNS Housing Register Local Needs Planning Housing Survey MSDC Rural permission, Local Green Hill, Core Strategy and Local housing for opposition and lack 2011-12 2011-12 Coddenham Housing Needs Survey RES local needs. Hastoe HA of grant funding 5 5 55.76
75 Affordable Start on Practical Project Project Developer Deliverability/ Total Housing Community Site Completion Scheme Name Need for Project Status Objectives Partners Barriers Planning Status Units Units Engagement Comment Score
GHG Housing Strategy SHMA HNS Housing Rural Register Local Needs Housing for No planning Orchard Close, Housing Survey MSDC general Orwell permission in 2011-12 2012-13 Felsham Core Strategy Rural LA needs Housing Lack of HCA grant. place 5 5 51.53
GHG Housing Strategy SHMA HNS Housing Rural Register Local Needs Housing for Formal consultation Barham Hall Housing Survey MSDC general Not yet Lack of planning through the planning 2 affordable units to include 1 2012-13 2012-13 farm (site B) Core Strategy PO needs Known permission Pre-application. 8 2 system. PC aware. wheelchair accessible unit. 51.42 Open market housing GHG Housing Strategy development Extensive planning SHMA HNS Housing with Orbit Housing Planning consultation via public Snoasis phase 4, Register Local Needs affordable Association & permission enquiry and numerous Great Housing Survey MSDC housing Onslow granted and S106 planning committee Phases 1, 2 & 3 already funded 112.5 2010-11 2013-14 Blakenham Core Strategy PO delivery Suffolk Lack of HCA grant signed 36 32 meetings. through Kickstart2 process. 0 Very Sheltered Viability issues. Housing Requirement for There has been Suffolk Flexicare, scheme for SHA to obtain extensive community Community Safety older people capital receipt. engagement for this Strategy, Suffolk and Uncertainty around site particular in regard Hartismere Dementia Strategy and reprovision revenue support for Early to the health Hospital Supporting people Suffolk of health Not yet VSH schemes in development brief reprovision and future 2012-13 2013-14 redevelopment Strategy. PO facilities Known Suffolk stage. 60 40 of the site.
Redevelopment of LA This development has stock that did not meet Rural involved intensive and Decent Homes standard Housing for Flagship Full Planning on-going engagement Steele's Road, and not capable of being Regeneration general Housing permission in with local residents and Phases 1, 2 & 3 have already 2011-12 2012-13 Woolpit phase 4 made decent. LA needs Group place 6 6 the parish council. secured HCA funding. 62.84 Open market housing GHG Housing Strategy development Discussions have taken SHMA HNS Housing with place with parish Register Local Needs affordable council and local Barham Hall Housing Survey MSDC housing landowners in selection 2011-12 2011-12 farm (site A) Core Strategy PO delivery 8 2 of site.
GHG Housing Strategy Planning SHMA HNS Housing Rural permission, lack of Kingfisher Register Local Needs Housing for grant funding, Drive, Great Housing Survey MSDC general Flagship threat of Village Includes 2 wheelchair accessible 2011-12 2012-13 Blakenham Core Strategy Rural LA needs Housing green application. Pre-application. 19 9 Pre-application units. Planning Open market permission, local housing support, funding GHG Housing Strategy development interventions. SHMA HNS Housing with Taylor Developer This is a mixed use site adjacent Unilever site, Register Local Needs affordable Wimpey/ RSL difficulties with to a conservation area and also Needham Housing Survey MSDC housing yet to be commercial/employ adjacent the main London to 2011-12 2012-13 Market Core Strategy PO delivery selected. ment aspects of site. Pre-application. 74 25 Norwich railway link.
76 Affordable Start on Practical Project Project Developer Deliverability/ Total Housing Community Site Completion Scheme Name Need for Project Status Objectives Partners Barriers Planning Status Units Units Engagement Comment Score
Provision of Lack of HCA Gypsy & funding, Local The Forge - Suffolk GTAA 2006 pitch Traveller MSDC & opposition to site, Has planning The Council will provide the Great requirements, MSDC Core site social Orwell unsuccessful CPO permission as a funding to purchase the site 2011-12 2011-12 Finborough Strategy Policy CS10. Regeneration rented Housing proceedings site. 12 12 through CPO if necessary. 51.53
Planning GHG Housing Strategy permission, Local SHMA HNS Housing Rural opposition and lack Register Local Needs Housing for of grant funding No planning This is 4 separate plots within Housing Survey MSDC general due to cost of permission in close proximity in the village 2011-12 2011-12 Norton plots Core Strategy Rural LA needs Hastoe HA development. place 4 4 owned by the Council.
GHG Housing Strategy SHMA HNS Housing Rural Register Local Needs Housing for No planning Yaxley Road, Housing Survey MSDC general permission in 2011-12 2011-12 Mellis Core Strategy Rural LA needs Hastoe HA place 5 5 63.74
GHG Housing Strategy SHMA HNS Housing L/a 16 Register Local Needs Rural Churchway, Housing Survey MSDC housing for Parish Council engaged 2011-12 2011-12 Redgrave. Core Strategy RES local needs. Hastoe HA 5 5 through LHNS process 68.64
Finding a suitable GHG Housing Strategy site, planning SHMA HNS Housing issues, local Working with PC Register Local Needs Rural Flagship opposition and and Planning to Housing Survey MSDC housing for Housing potential lack of locate suitable 2012-13 2013-14 Laxfield Core Strategy RES local needs. Group funding. sites 6 6 56.56
GHG Housing Strategy SHMA HNS Housing Rural Mill Road Register Local Needs Housing for No planning Garage site, Housing Survey MSDC general Not yet permission in 2012-13 2013-14 Laxfield Core Strategy Rural LA needs Known place 4 4
GHG Housing Strategy L/o Horsefair SHMA HNS Housing Rural Close & Masons Register Local Needs Housing for Court, Housing Survey MSDC general Orwell Early pre- 2012-13 2013-14 Mendlesham Core Strategy Rural LA needs Housing Lack of HCA grant application 5 5 62.84
GHG Housing Strategy SHMA HNS Housing Lack of suitable Register Local Needs Rural site, local No planning Stowupland Housing Survey MSDC housing for opposition and lack permission in LHNS carried out with 2012-13 2013-14 exception site Core Strategy RES local needs. Hastoe HA of HCA grant place 8 8 PC and Suffolk Acre 62.09
77 Affordable Start on Practical Project Project Developer Deliverability/ Total Housing Community Site Completion Scheme Name Need for Project Status Objectives Partners Barriers Planning Status Units Units Engagement Comment Score
GHG Housing Strategy SHMA HNS Housing Lack of suitable Register Local Needs Rural Flagship site, local Early site analysis Housing Survey MSDC housing for Housing opposition and lack with Parish LHNS carried out with 2012 -13 2012-13 Stradbroke RES Core Strategy RES local needs Group of HCA grant Council 10 10 PC and Suffolk Acre 62.09 Open market housing development with affordable This site is adjacent a LA housing owned site and both pieces of delivery and Planning land are being marketed Former Cherry regeneration Greene King. application together to generate a S106 Tree PH, Regeneration of former of public RSL not yet submitted, Through the formal contribution to upgrade village 2012-13 2013-14 Drinkstone PH. PO house land. known. awaiting decision. 6 2 planning process. hall. Rural Housing for general GHG Housing Strategy needs and SHMA HNS Housing delivery of Register Local Needs funding to Planning L/A Cherry Tree Housing Survey MSDC upgrade Not yet application 2012-13 2013-14 PH, Drinkstone Core Strategy Rural LA village hall. Known approved. 9 2 Open market housing GHG Housing Strategy development Planning SHMA HNS Housing with Local opposition to application Register Local Needs affordable size of refused. Applicant Housing Survey MSDC housing Not yet development. has lodged an 2013-14 2014-15 Gislingham Core Strategy PO delivery Known Viability issues. appeal. 24 8 Redevelopm ent of LA GHG Housing Strategy properties SHMA HNS Housing that will not Letters sent to all Register Local Needs meet decent Resident No planning residents June 10. Unity Homes, Housing Survey MSDC Regeneration homes Not yet opposition, lack of permission in Follow up meeting 2014-15 2015-16 Haughley Core Strategy LA standard. Known HCA funding. place 50 50 with PC Aug.10 Redevelopm ent of LA GHG Housing Strategy properties SHMA HNS Housing that will not Letters sent to all Unity Homes, Register Local Needs meet decent Resident No planning residents June 10. Steele's Road, Housing Survey MSDC Regeneration homes Not yet opposition, lack of permission in Follow up meeting 2012-13 2014-15 Woolpit. Core Strategy LA standard. Known HCA funding. place 30 30 with PC Oct.10 Open market housing development GHG Housing Strategy, with S106 still to be SHMA HNS Gateway to affordable resolved. Atco Bosch site, Homechoice Register, housing Not yet Planning ref: 2013-14 2016-17 Stowmarket MSDC Core Strategy PO delivery Known 1170/06 182 18
78 Affordable Start on Practical Project Project Developer Deliverability/ Total Housing Community Site Completion Scheme Name Need for Project Status Objectives Partners Barriers Planning Status Units Units Engagement Comment Score Considerable community and stakeholder Open market engagement has taken housing place through the GHG Housing Strategy, development SAAP consultation. SHMA HNS Gateway to with Viability issues Development There will be Homechoice Register, affordable potentially brief as part of the consultation through Ashes Farm, MSDC Core Strategy, housing Not yet impacting on % Stowmarket Area the formal planning 2013-14 2017-18 Stowmarket SAAP PO delivery Known affordable housing. Action Plan. 300 100 process. Considerable community and stakeholder Open market engagement has taken housing place through the GHG Housing Strategy, development SAAP consultation. SHMA HNS Gateway to with Construct Viability issues Development There will be Homechoice Register, affordable Reason Ltd. potentially brief as part of the consultation through Farriers Road, MSDC Core Strategy, housing RSL yet to be impacting on % Stowmarket Area the formal planning 2013-14 2015-16 Stowmarket SAAP PO delivery selected affordable housing. Action Plan. 180 52 process. Redevelopm ent of LA Redevelopment of LA properties stock that did not meet that will not Decent Homes standard meet decent Resident No planning Unity Homes, and not capable of being Regeneration homes Not yet opposition, lack of permission in Letters sent to all 2015-16 2018-19 Stowmarket made decent. LA standard. Known HCA funding. place 78 78 residents June 10.
GHG Housing Strategy SHMA HNS Housing Rural Register Local Needs Housing for Housing Survey MSDC general Orwell Through the formal 2012-13 2012-13 Wyverstone Core Strategy Rural LA needs Housing Lack of HCA grant Pre-application. 1 1 planning process. To extend employment opportunities on a key site in MSDC Cost of business and relocation, encourage competition with MSDC Core Strategy, green other sites, onerous Suffolk Local Economic infrastructur planning 2012 -13 2016 -17 Eye Airfield Strategy Regeneration e investment Various obligations. Pre-application 0 0
Planning permission approved 2008 Snoasis Ski with extensive list resort complex, MSDC Core Strategy, of reserved Great Suffolk Local Economic Onslow matters to be 2011- 12 2013 -14 Blakenham Strategy PO Suffolk resolved 0 0 SA/DB to add in SA/DB to add in
79 Affordable Start on Practical Project Project Developer Deliverability/ Total Housing Community Site Completion Scheme Name Need for Project Status Objectives Partners Barriers Planning Status Units Units Engagement Comment Score Open market housing GHG Housing Strategy, development Highways issues, SHMA HNS Gateway to with Hopkins traffic impact. Homechoice Register, affordable Homes. RSL Viability issues Union Road, MSDC Core Strategy, housing not yet affecting % 2012-13 2015-16 Stowmarket SAAP PO delivery selected. affordable housing. 250 87
Supported Project is coming Suffolk Flexicare, housing for forward as a result of Community Safety Older strong community Strategy, Suffolk people. VSH Suitable site to be engagement and need Dementia Strategy and scheme with selected. Flood for a local scheme for Debenham Supporting people Suffolk dementia Not yet zone issues and older people with 20-13 2014-15 Project Strategy. RES unit Known LHNS required. 40 20 Dementia.
GRAND TOTAL 2067 859
RES 78 58 Rural LA 69 52 PO 1715 544 Regenera tion 12 12 Regenera tion LA 181 181 LA 0 0 RP 0 0
80
81
PART 2 – DEVELOPING THE LOCAL INVESTMENT PLAN:
Last Update on: 18.11.10
SUBJECT ACTION LEAD TARGET OUTCOME Understand the Set date for review IT/JAT 2012-13 Housing Market or renewal of and housing Strategic Housing need across Market Assessment, Babergh and Housing Needs Mid Suffolk Survey and Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment Update 2008 Update 2008 IT/JAT 2011-12 Strategic Strategic Housing Housing Market Market Assessment Assessment and Housing Needs and Housing Survey in Needs Survey partnership with IBC and SCDC Test and Consider existing IT/JAT 2010/12 Understand data within SHMA & housing HNS reports and affordability consider new areas across Babergh of research to & Mid Suffolk achieve this.
Consider IT/JAT Jan-11 + implications of the new Affordable Rent tenure and revised Housing Benefit criteria Develop a rural Work with partner IT/JAT April-11 affordable Registered housing Providers, Rural delivery Housing Enabler, package Homes and Communities Agency and National Housing Federation to develop package
Hold meeting with IT/JAT Jan-11 partners to investigate creation of package
Investigate using IT/JAT Dec-10 Rural Housing 82 SUBJECT ACTION LEAD TARGET OUTCOME Enabler Group as core to Rural Package Partnership Deliver market Investigate with IT/JAT Jan-12 town affordable partner Registered housing – joint providers package of market town delivery for future discussion
Localism Work with local IT/JAT April-11 + Agenda communities to implement the government’s localism agenda e/g/ Community Right to IT/JAT April-11 + Build
Investigate and IT/JAT April-11 + encourage Community Land Trusts
Understand the IT/JAT April-11 + workings of Community Land Trusts
Identify communities IT/JAT April-11 + interested in developing a Community land Trust Develop new Develop Strategy IT/JAT Commence joint Housing April-11 Strategy for BDC & MSDC Promote Work in partnership IT/JAT Ongoing affordable with Registered housing across Providers and the Babergh and Rural Housing Mid Suffolk Enabler Identify Work in partnership IT/JAT/JP Ongoing Babergh, Mid with Registered Suffolk and Providers and the Suffolk County Rural Housing Council land for Enabler affordable housing 83 SUBJECT ACTION LEAD TARGET OUTCOME delivery Identify rural Work in partnership IT/JAT/JP/RC/ Ongoing exceptions with Registered SA sites across Providers and the Babergh and Rural Housing Mid Suffolk Enabler Identify Gypsy Work in partnership IT/JAT Ongoing and Traveller with Registered sites Providers and HCA Negotiate Work in partnership All Ongoing planning with Registered obligations on Providers, open market Developers, developments Planning and HCA to include up to 35% affordable housing
Test the Work in partnership All Ongoing viability of with Registered planning Providers, obligations Developers, sites using 3- Planning and HCA Dragons toolkit
Monitor and Work with partners All Ongoing encourage to overcome early progress delivery barriers and of major deliver schemes allocations such as Chilton Woods Sudbury Suffolk Complete SD/DE Jan-11 Economic assessment Assessment Seek Council SD/IT/DE Jan-11 approval of assessment and action plan
Integrate action plan SD/IT/JAT/DB Jan-11 with Local Investment Plan Local Contribute to SD/IT/DB/DE Nov-10 + Enterprise development of Partnership emerging Norfolk and Suffolk LEP
84 SUBJECT ACTION LEAD TARGET OUTCOME Develop new Develop Strategy SD/IT/DB/DE April-11 + Joint Economic e.g. allocate more Development employment land, Strategy with support small scale links to LEP, employment, raise skill levels, encourage inward investment & improve broadband access
Employment Identify sites SD/IT/DB/DE Ongoing Sites suitable for employment expansion for existing and new businesses
Provide robust SD/IT/DB/DE Ongoing needs evidence to protect employment sites from residential development Infrastructure Provide robust SD/IT/DB/SA Ongoing evidence to support need for improved infrastructure
Identify and SD/IT/DB/SA Ongoing encourage funding for improved infrastructure Town centre Continue SD/IT/DB/DE/ Ongoing regeneration partnership working RC/SS/SA to regenerate Sudbury and Stowmarket town centres Rural Encourage and All Ongoing Sustainability maintain rural sustainability.
Encourage retention of schools, shops, public transport and employment
Enable new infrastructure such as community shops, employment opportunities, 85 SUBJECT ACTION LEAD TARGET OUTCOME improved broadband, affordable housing and transport option Work to Work in partnership SD/IT/DB/DE Ongoing achieve with LEP, Suffolk improved County Council, broadband businesses and deliver across other partners to Babergh & Mid improve broadband Suffolk services Local Progress BDC LDF RC/SS Ongoing Development Framework Implement MSDC LDF SA/JB Ongoing
Identify new Work with Partner IT/JAT Ongoing funding Registered interventions Providers, HCA, for affordable Landowners, housing Developers delivery Local Review the LIP IT/JAT April-11 + Investment format Plan Hold regular LIP All Jan-11 + Quarterly Steering Group meetings Ongoing Review LIP with All regard to BDC/MSDC Integration
86 APPENDIX 2 - STAKEHOLDERS
• BDC and MSDC Members – Councillor Sue Wigglesworth and Councillor Marilyn Curran • BDC and MSDC Tenants • BDC and MSDC Officers - Ian Tippett, Rich Cooke, Sylvia Stannard, Julie Abbey- Taylor, Stephen Andrews and David Benham • Homes and Communities Agency – Scott Bailey and Nhi Huynh Ma • East of England Development Agency – Anna Bosworth • Government Office East – Tom Purser • Greater Haven Gateway Sub-region • Haven Gateway Partnership • Registered Provider partners – Flagship Housing Group, Orwell Housing Association, Hastoe Housing Association, Iceni Housing Partnership and Orbit Housing Association. • Health – PCT and NHS Suffolk • Suffolk County Council – John Pitchford • Supporting people • Suffolk ACRE – Louise Wilby • Suffolk Association of Local Councils • Parish Councils • Police • Local Strategic Partnerships • Local Area Agreements • Chambers of Commerce and local businesses
87
APPENDIX 3 – Babergh and Mid Suffolk Evidence Base
Babergh and Mid Suffolk SAAP and LDF Evidence Base
Document Year
National PPS1: Delivering Sustainable Development 2005 PPS: Planning and Climate Change – Supplement to PPS1 2007 PPS3: Housing 2006 PPS4: Planning for Prosperous Economics 2009 PPS5: Planning for the Historic Environment 2010 PPS6: Planning for Town Centres 2005 PPS7: Sustainable Development in Rural Areas 2004 PPS9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation 2005 PPS12: Local Spatial Planning 2008 PPG13: Transport 2002 PPG17: Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation 2002 PPG21: Tourism 2002 PPS25: Development and Flood Risk 2006 Planning for Town Centres: Guidance on Design and Implementation Tools 2005 Technical Report: Using town centre statistics to indicate the broad location of retail development – initial analysis July 2005 Building a Greener Future: policy statement July 2007 Healthy Weight, Healthy Life: Commissioning weight management services for children and young people Nov 2002
88
East of England East of England Plan May 2008 Regional Economic Strategy 2008 Regional Housing Strategy 2005 East of England Biodiversity Mapping Project 2005 Regional Cultural Strategies: Living East, A Better Life – Zoey, David Benham 2006
Sub-Regional Sub-regional Housing Strategy 2011 - Sub-regional Environmental Capacity (Pilot) Study Haven Gateway Framework for Growth PoD and IDP 2009 October GHG Housing Market Trends Quarterly Report 2010
County Suffolk Population Projections 2001 to 2021 Undated Suffolk Structure Plan 2001 Suffolk’s Environment (Monitoring report 2008/9)? Sept 2009 Suffolk Community Strategy June 2008 Western Suffolk LSP Community Plan 2006 -2016 Making Life Better 2006 Suffolk Economic Assessment Draft 2010 Suffolk Local Transport Plan 2006 to 2011 2006 Suffolk Cross Boundary Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment 2007 May 2007 Suffolk Design Guide 2003 Suffolk Joint Strategic Needs Assessment 2007 2008 Babergh, Mid Suffolk, Suffolk Coastal and Ipswich Strategic Updated Housing Market Assessment 2009 The A14 Trunk road (Haughley New Street to Stowmarket Improvement and Detrunking) Order April 2007 Suffolk’s Community Strategy 2004 Suffolk Structure Plan 2001 March Employment and land reviews – guidance manual 2008
89
Babergh
Babergh research and background documents
Babergh Local Plan Alteration No.2 June 2006 Babergh East LSP Community Plan July 2005 Babergh District Retail Study July 2008 Sustainability Appraisal (SA) and Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) Ongoing March Strategic Flood Risk Assessment 2009 Strategic Housing Land Availability Study (SHLAA) June 2009 Housing Needs Survey Nov 2009 Open Space, Sport and Recreation Strategy Sept 2010 Parish Information (Village Services & Facilities) Aug 2010 2005 – Babergh Annual Monitoring Reports 2004/5 – 2009/10 2010 Babergh District Profile Apr 2010 Conservation Area Appraisals Ongoing Sudbury Vision Report. - Civic Trust 2006 Sudbury and Hadleigh Town Centre Health Check Report. July 2008 March Safeguarding Employment Land SPD. 2008 Haven Gateway Water Cycle Study May 2008 Babergh Transport Impact Study Jan 2010 Suffolk Haven Gateway Employment Land Review & Strategic Sites Study Oct 2009 Felixstowe Port Logistics Study Oct 2008 Draft Suffolk Landscape Character Study Undated Local Development Scheme 2006 to 2009 (currently under review) July 2007 Babergh Statement of Community Involvement Dec 2006 Babergh Local Plan Alteration No.2 June 2006 Babergh East LSP Community Plan July 2005 Babergh District Retail Study July 2008 Sustainability Appraisal (SA) and Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) Ongoing Medium term Plan - All five of the Council’s Medium Term Plan themes are relevant to the LIP process, including quality homes that local people can afford, a greener cleaner Babergh, a safer and healthier Babergh, a strong and sustainable Babergh economy and vibrant places and strong communities. 2010 LSP targets – The two LSP groups working within the Babergh District both have plans and targets regarding the strengthening of Babergh’s community which requires in part, planned delivery and funding. 2010
90
Mid Suffolk Mid Suffolk District Council Adopted Core Strategy Development Plan Document Sep 2008 MSDC Statement of Community Involvement July 2006 MSDC Annual Monitoring Report Dec 2006 MSDC Annual Monitoring Report Dec 2007 MSDC Local Development Scheme (covering period 2006 to 2009) April 2006 MSDC SPD Social Infrastructure Including Open Space, Sport and Recreation Oct 2006 Mid Suffolk Local Plan Sep 1998 Initial Sustainability Appraisal 2008 Stowmarket Masterplan June 2008 Stowmarket Environmental Assessment Feb 2008 Stowmarket Retail Study May 2007 Stowmarket Retail Planning Strategy, Policy Position Statement Jan 2008 March Stowmarket Report 2002 Stowmarket Employment Sites Survey 2006 Stowmarket Local Transport Action Plan Nov 2002 Emerging Strategic Housing Market Assessment 2008
Suffolk Design Guide 2003 Stowmarket 10 minute contour map (Donaldson’s report) 2007 Topic Papers on Housing, Infrastructure and Employment 2008 Mid Suffolk Parish Profile Sep 2007 Strategic Housing Land Availability Report Sep 2007 Urban Housing Capacity Study and Appendix 1 Mar 2006 Housing Needs Survey 2007 Core Strategy Housing Policies Evidence Base Document Oct 2007
Housing Market Information for Mid Suffolk Oct 2010 Affordable Housing Alteration to Local Plan July 2006 Inspector’s Report, Affordable Housing Policies Inquiry June 2006 Mid Suffolk Retail Monitoring Report Sep 2007 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment Mar 2008 Mid Suffolk Employment Land Study Nov 2006 Haven Gateway Employment land Study Dec 2005 Secured By Design Ongoing Regeneration Strategy 2005 – 2009 2005 Infrastructure Capacity and Constraints Evidence Base Oct 2007 Mid Suffolk Community Strategy 2004 Mid Suffolk Corporate Plan 2007 - 2011 2007
Mid Suffolk Strategic Plan 2007
91 Mid Suffolk Cycling Strategy 1999 Mid Suffolk Transport Strategy 2006 Transport Evidence for Mid Suffolk core Strategy – David Sparkes 2008 Haven Gateway Ipswich A14 Corridor Study 2007
Felixstowe Port Logistics Study 2008 Greater Anglia Route Utilisation Strategy 2007 Suffolk Rail Strategy 2007 SnOasis Position Statement 2003 Annual Monitoring Report Annual MSDC Housing Topic Paper 2010 MSDC Employment Topic Paper 2010
MSDC Employment Land Review Paper 2010
MSDC Guidance for Developers 2009
Document Year
Additional Stowmarket Town Centre Study and Strategy – Final Report Sep 2003 Stowmarket Town Centre Study and Strategy – Draft June 2003 Stowmarket Interim Report Aug 2001 Consultation Evidence 2010
Stowmarket Consultation Day, 6 June 2009 2009 Stowmarket Masterplan Documents 2008 Stowmarket Retail 2006/ 2007 Stowmarket Transport Strategy 2010 Western Suffolk Employment Land Review May 2009
92 APPENDIX 4 POLICY CONTEXT
HOUSING DELIVERY:
This is dealt with in depth in both Councils’ annual monitoring including the latest report. This includes the latest housing trajectory and it should be noted that Babergh and Mid Suffolk are well provided for in terms of their 5-year housing land supply requirement.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING DELIVERY:
Both Councils have made affordable housing one of their strategic priorities, with the objective of delivering 800 completed new affordable homes between 1st April 2009 and 31st March 2014.
Babergh and Mid Suffolk work in partnership with other agencies, including Parish Councils, Registered Providers, Developers, Private Landlords and local people, to identify where housing is needed and then work to ensure it is delivered.
Over the last 20 years, our partnership working has achieved 76 rural housing schemes for local people, together with a considerable number of new affordable homes in Sudbury, Great Cornard and Hadleigh, totalling over 2,070 in all.
The Councils are currently both working in partnership with Parish Councils and Registered Providers to progress a further 53 potential village housing schemes, and with Private Developers to achieve a range of town developments on new open market sites. It is anticipated that this work will help deliver the 800 new affordable rented and shared ownership homes for set in our target for 2009 to 2014.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING POLICY
Both Councils are committed to understanding their local housing market and the housing needs of both districts and produce 5-yearly Housing Strategies to ensure that those needs are met in a planned way. Both these are currently due to be updated and the intention is to develop a joint strategy in partnership.
Babergh and Mid Suffolk are committed to deliver a range of affordable housing to meet the identified needs of their districts. This will include general needs housing, local needs housing, and supported housing for those who have specific housing requirements.
Housing Need
Both Councils undertake regular Strategic Housing Market Assessments and where appropriate Housing Needs Surveys to ensure that they have a comprehensive understanding of the local housing market and housing need across all tenures. The Councils also support Suffolk ACRE’s Rural Housing Enabler post and through this enable local housing needs surveys to be completed in villages where a need is identified through the Council’s Housing Registers or where a parish requests a survey.
93 Affordable Housing Tenure Mix for Open Market Sites
Babergh and Mid Suffolk seek:
Up to 35% affordable housing on each site; with 75% of the affordable housing for social rent and 25% of the affordable housing for intermediate tenures. This will need to be reviewed in the light of recent government announcements regarding the future tenure options for new affordable housing.
The mix of unit types and sizes should be - 50% 1 and 2-bedroom flats, houses and bungalows. Although the Babergh Housing Needs Survey of 2008 identified a need for more, smaller units of accommodation, across the District and in all tenures, it is not appropriate to encourage the delivery of a high proportion of one bedroom units. This is because longer term needs for individuals are more appropriately met through the delivery of two-bedroom flats and houses. Therefore developers and partner registered providers are encouraged to deliver a smaller number of one-bedroom flats alongside a higher number of two-bedroom flats, houses and bungalows; providing a more balanced range of dwelling types. For larger dwellings the Councils seeks 35% 3-bedroom houses and 15% 4-bedroom houses. This mix as recommended through our Housing Needs Surveys is used in most cases but will be modified according to specific local requirements.
For Babergh a proportion of the open market dwellings on sites of 0.1 hectares or more, and that can accommodate at least 5 dwellings should be in the form of smaller units of accommodation, in the form of 1 and 2 bedroom dwellings. The emphasis should be on 2-bedroom dwellings.* (LP Policy HS34)
For Mid Suffolk a proportion of the open market dwellings on sites of 0.17 hectares or more, or that accommodate at least 5 dwellings should provide affordable units in accordance with the preferred mix provided by the Council (Altered Policy H4).
For rural exceptions sites, Council owned land and other non-planning obligations sites the Affordable Housing Team will agree an appropriate tenure mix according to the identified housing need for the location, any planning restrictions on the site, and the views of its partners.
Affordable Housing Tenures
Social rented - Usually owned and managed by a Registered Partner (RP) or the local council. The objective is that all rented dwellings will be let on target rents, either on a secure tenancy if let through the council, or an assured tenancy, where let through a registered social landlord.
Shared ownership - The occupier buys a portion of the equity of the property. A rent is charged on the equity retained by the RP or Developer. There are a number of Shared Ownership models. The smallest percentage share purchased may be as little as 25%, but in most cases is 50%. In the majority of shared ownership schemes the purchaser can acquire further shares, as and when they can afford to do so, to the point where they may eventually own their home outright. This is known as 'staircasing' – see below. The rent element is a maximum of 3% of the equity retained by the RP or Developer.
94 Intermediate Rent - This is rented housing where the rent charged is less than open market rents, but higher than social rents. Rents are usually set at 80% of open market rent levels. This tenure is for people in housing need who can afford rent levels above social rents but not full open market rents. On some schemes these properties may be converted at the occupant’s request to shared ownership if financial conditions allow.
Following the Comprehensive Spending Review on 20 October 2010 and the proposed introduction of the Affordable Rent Tenure for Registered Providers, a review will need to be made of the range of tenures encouraged and adopted by both Councils, subject to the appropriate legislation.
Affordable Housing Standards
New affordable housing should be built to the Homes and Communities Agency's Design & Quality standards and as a minimum to the Code for Sustainable Homes - level 3.
In design terms the affordable housing provided on any open market development should be indistinguishable from the open market properties.
Management of Affordable Housing
Both Councils encourage all affordable housing to be owned and managed by one of their Registered Provider partners and will consider other providers who comply with Planning Policy Statement 3 and have attained Tenant Services Authority(TSA) Accreditation for managing affordable housing.
Affordable Housing Delivery – Open Market Sites
On developments in settlements with over 3000 population up to 35% affordable housing must be provided on sites of 15 dwellings or more, or 0.5 hectares or more for all Babergh sites within this category and for Stowmarket and Needham Market only in Mid Suffolk
On developments in villages of 3000 population or less Babergh will seek to negotiate on a site to site basis affordable housing of up to 35% on all windfall sites capable of providing 3 units or more.
For Mid Suffolk developments in villages of 3000 population or less the Council will seek to negotiate on a site to site basis affordable housing of up to 35% on all sites capable of providing 5 units or more or are on a site over and including 0.17 ha.* (Core Strategy Altered policy H4)
Affordable Housing Delivery - Rural Exceptions Sites
Both Councils support applications for rural exceptions schemes in principle, in villages with a population of less than 3000, where local housing need is identified and proven, and it is intended to develop affordable housing for local people in perpetuity. The criteria set out in the Local Plan/Local Development Framework in such circumstances should be noted.
They also prefer to bring forward rural exception sites with the agreement of the local Parish Council, as it is essential that the local community is fully supportive of such development. This policy fits well with the developing Localism Agenda. 95 Affordable Housing Delivery – Council Owned Sites Both Councils are committed to identifying and making available their own land, at up to a 100% discount, for the delivery of new affordable housing and will transfer approved sites to its partner Registered Providers in return for 100% nomination rights in perpetuity.
Social Housing Grant
Affordable housing on planning obligations sites must be provided without Social Housing Grant. This means that developers should consider the costs of providing affordable housing in the format detailed above, together with other appropriate planning obligations, when negotiating the purchase price of land within each district. Only in very exceptional circumstances will an application for Social Housing Grant (SHG), be supported for planning obligations developments. These will only be cases where ‘additionality’ is demonstrated – this means that the SHG required will deliver additional elements to the affordable housing; for example an increase in the total number of affordable units, or a higher number of rented units than the usual 75%, or an improvement in the Design and Quality standards of the units, or their Code for Sustainable Homes rating.
Commuted Sums
Commuted sums are only accepted in place of the provision of affordable housing on site in very exceptional circumstances. If it is agreed by the Council that affordable housing should not be provided on site, the developer will be expected to identify and acquire an alternative site in close proximity to their main development, on which the affordable housing must be provided. If it is agreed that none of these options are possible, only then will a commuted sum be negotiated.
Commuted sums accepted by the Council in lieu of affordable housing will be spent according to the terms set down in the relevant S106 agreement, and used to fund new affordable housing schemes according to this policy.
Mid Suffolk has developed guidance for Developers and is moving towards the production of an Affordable Housing SPD, whilst Babergh has an Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Guide in place.
Both Councils have adopted use of the 3-Dragons Viability Toolkit in partnership the Greater Haven Gateway Housing Sub-region and the Haven Gateway Partnership.
Allocation of Affordable Housing
Affordable housing on planning obligation sites will be available for allocation to anyone on the Choice Based Lettings system called Gateway to Homechoice.
Affordable housing on Rural Exceptions sites will be allocated according to the terms and conditions set down in the relevant S106 agreement for that site, and will be made to those who meet the appropriate local connection criteria to that scheme.
Affordable housing developed on Council owned land may be designated as general needs housing, and therefore allocated to anyone on the Choice Based Lettings System. Otherwise it may be designated as a local needs housing scheme when allocations will be undertaken according to the rural exceptions site allocations criteria.
96 Each scheme will have a nomination agreement in place detailing the type of scheme and the appropriate allocations criteria.
QUALITY OF DEVELOPMENT:
Given the high quality of both its natural and built environments, both Councils work hard to maintain and improve the quality of new development and is exacting in its requirements on this towards developers.
National planning policy and Local Plan policies require new development to be of a high quality. Local Plan policies also requires new housing development to provide for appropriate open space to support these developments.
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT:
The Government is promoting the cutting of greenhouse gas emissions as part of the design process for new development, with a target that all new homes will be zero carbon from 2016 and this will be implemented through Building Regulations (Code for Sustainable Homes and the Energy Efficiency Standard for Zero Carbon Homes).
REGIONAL ECONOMIC STRATEGY (RES):
As part of the Emergency Budget (22 June 2010), the government confirmed its intention to abolish all regional development agencies (RDAs) and replace them with Local Enterprise Partnerships.
It is recognised that the situation regarding how local economic development is monitored and progressed is changing and this will be reflected in this document once it is known what the Local Economic Partnership arrangements are for this area.
Gypsy & Traveller provision The Gypsy & Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA) 2007 advised that Mid Suffolk were required to provide between 42-43 additional permanent site pitches by the end of 2011 and Babergh to provide 1 pitch.
The Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) that until recently was in place, confirmed that Mid Suffolk DC were required to provide this level of requirement and Babergh 15 pitches. In the absence of the RSS, both Councils will be using the information included in the GTAA.
Since 2007 the Mid Suffolk has worked with individual Gypsy and Traveller families and has provided 28 additional pitches in the district, leaving a net requirement of 14 – 15 pitches by the end of 2011. 3 bids were submitted to the HCA in April 2010, but as funding was removed in June 2010, there has been no further progress in moving these sites forward. One particular site on the outskirts of Stowmarket is currently being pursued through the Compulsory Purchase order route to secure and bring into use, in the event the landowner will not sell the land to the Council. Other suitable land parcels are being considered but it is accepted that delivering these sites through the planning system will prove to be very difficult particularly in the absence of sufficient public funding to assist with the procurement and delivery costs.
Since 2009 Babergh has worked with local Gypsy and Traveller families to progress the required number of pitches for their District.
97 APPENDIX 5 - GREATER HAVEN GATEWAY SUB REGIONAL HOUSING STRATEGY - THEMES
Housing Growth Housing Needs of Older People Rural Housing Gypsies and Travellers Housing for Vulnerable People Existing Homes Tackling Fuel Poverty by Providing Affordable Warmth Cutting Domestic Carbon Emissions Empty Homes Enhanced Housing Options
The new Greater haven Gateway Housing Sub-regional Housing Strategy is out for consultation and will be reported to individual local authority members in early 2011.
98 APPENDIX 6 - GROWTH TRAJECTORIES
POPULATION GROWTH
This is covered by a series of alternative population and household projections that are summarised in Babergh’s current Core Strategy Growth consultation document (see www. babergh. gov. uk/ babergh/l df ) and the ONS website (www.statistics.gov.uk)
PERCENTAGE OF THE POPULATION IN THE DISTRICTS AGED 65 PLUS.
To be completed.
EMPLOYMENT GROWTH
Information on projected employment growth, timescales and growth sectors is provided by Babergh’s BDF evidence base work in the form of its comprehensive joint Employment Land Review research study, which is available at: http://www.haven- gateway.org/documents/research__1/employment_land_review
Housing Growth Trajectory – Babergh District Council
Housing Trajectory 2001 - 2024 600 Dwellings Completed
Identified for completion 5 4 1 Managed Delivery target 9 0 9 400 4 3 3 0 9 8 4 5 1 3 2 2 0 8 7 4 2 9 No of Dwellings 5 2 200 4 2 3 2 1 1 1 7 1 1 2 8 8 8 7 7 9 5 1 8 1 3 2 9 0 0 577 7 7 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 4 07 08 12 13 21 22 23 5/06 5/16 6/17 0 06/ 07/ 11/ 12/ 1 1 20/ 21/ 22/ 2001/022002/0 2003/042004/0520 20 20 2008/092009/102010/1120 20 2013/1 2014/1520 20 2017/182018/192019/2020 20 20 2023/24 Year
99 Housing Growth Trajectory - Mid Suffolk 2001 - 2025
100 APPENDIX 7 - STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, OPPORTUNITIES AND THREATS
Babergh:
Economy:
Strengths Weaknesses High quality environment No major road, rail or river links to Sudbury or Hadleigh Good health, education and lifestyle opportunities Limited opportunity for further employment allocations in the District Within Haven Gateway Growth Point House prices high for lower paid Proximity to good road and rail links to employees London and Cambridge, the east coast ports of Felixstowe and Harwich and Shortage of affordable housing for lower Stansted airport paid employees
Strong and expanding local businesses in Public transport limited for employee travel Sudbury and Hadleigh to work
Allocations in place for future business Internet access poor and unlikely to expansion in Sudbury, Sproughton, improve soon Brantham and Hadleigh Babergh is not identifiable as a known Successful record of encouraging and destination, partly because of its name and supporting business growth in market partly because of its geographical location towns and rural hinterland between Ipswich, Colchester and Bury St Edmunds Diverse industry base with a strong manufacturing presence
Attractive area for business relocation
Attractive land prices
Reliable and loyal workforce
Small/medium business and enterprises able to adapt to changing economic environment
Tourist destination
Opportunities Threats Encouraging rural enterprise using small Pressure on designated employment sites business grants scheme and encouraging for residential development use of redundant farm buildings Lack of funding and support for improved Ipswich, Felixstowe and Harwich port infrastructure expansion 101 Opportunities Threats
Development of Suffolk/East Anglian Local Enterprise Partnership
Joint work with SCC and other Suffolk LAs to develop Economic Development Team in partnership
Suffolk wide Local Economic Assessment being undertaken and action plan being developed to further economic growth
Promoting Babergh and Suffolk as an attractive and vibrant place to do business
Local Economic Partnership
Completed Economic Assessment
Sudbury:
Strengths Weaknesses The larger of Babergh’s two towns with Infrastructure issues - lack of by-pass multi national and local businesses present Congestion
Good employment opportunities in retail Only has branch line rail link – Sudbury to and industrial environment Marks Tey
Tourism linked with Gainsborough country Competition from larger centres of and museum Colchester and Bury St Edmunds
Small managed workspace Delays to development of allocated site at accommodation to encourage new and Chilton Woods where employment and small businesses housing opportunities exist
Housing development opportunities are Other potential employment sites are being taken up and delivering a range of available but landlocked different size and priced dwellings including affordable housing
Opportunities Threats Chilton Woods allocated site Chilton woods delays
Town centre improvements – Hamilton Land ownership and funding issues relating Road Quarter: to Hamilton Road Quarter improvements
• Relocation of existing bus station Failure to expand the town centre to match near to rail link and car parks housing and business growth
• Encouraging new business and leisure facilities 102
Hadleigh:
Strengths Weaknesses Attractive and historic local environment Fail to promote Hadleigh better as a tourist destination Good range of local and specialist retailers Lack of future employment land Strong and expanding local employment base Limited future growth opportunities
Small managed workspace The range of housing is limited, with no accommodation to encourage new and private sheltered accommodation and few small businesses larger low density dwellings
Attractive land values Historic fabric of the town limits economic growth
Competition with Ipswich
Opportunities Threats New employment and housing land Loss of local businesses due to inability to allocation in place off Lady Lane expand
Businesses collaborating to develop and Impact of potential Council merger promote new products
Promote Hadleigh better as a tourist destination
Ipswich Fringe:
Strengths Weaknesses Proximity to major transport links and park Identity – residents are more associated and ride with Ipswich than Babergh
Large allocated employment sites Farthing Road Industrial Estate suffers with fragmented ownership and old style layout, Range of employment sites available requiring major investment, leading to reduced attractiveness to high end, high One Suffolk educational development earning businesses.
Prominent location at gateway to Ipswich Lack of public transport links to this area and the rest of Babergh Copdock interchange retail park
Opportunities Threats Future development potential at Inappropriate planning applications for Sproughton and Thorrington Hall available sites
Improve the vibrancy of the Farthing Road Piecemeal development at Sproughton Industrial Estate 103
Rural:
Strengths Weaknesses Attractive environment Poor public transport
Unspoilt character Restricted road access
Strong and vibrant agricultural business Many villages lack provision of basic sector services
Farm diversification providing employment Lack of affordable housing to buy and rent and business opportunities Limited or no broadband connectivity Vibrant communities Sustainability of dormitory villages Many villages have good community spirit and facilities
Attractive housing stock Good village schools
Rural land allocations for employment and housing in place
Tourism – Constable Country, Flatford Mill, Stour and Orwell estuaries, historic villages such Lavenham and Kersey and area of outstanding natural beauty Opportunities Threats Increased broadband and IT infrastructure Increasing fuel prices for homes and transport Promote increased home-working opportunities Continued lack of broadband connectivity
Promote rural tourism Erosion of existing village facilities
Promote community shops Ageing rural population – drain on limited existing community support networks and Promote rural local needs affordable healthcare facilities etc housing
Promote farm diversification and use of redundant farm buildings
Support rural businesses through encouraging networking and providing business support
Linking business growth to affordable housing and community facilities schemes –‘ Village Hall to Village Hub’
104
Mid Suffolk:
Economy:
Strengths Weaknesses A14 runs east west through district Shortage of affordable homes and house prices high for lower paid workers Close proximity to A12 and Felixstowe, Ipswich & Harwich ports Poor public transport across much of the district leading to a reliance on private car Direct rail links with London, Cambridge ownership and Harwich Slow broadband speeds High quality physical environment High level of outward commuting Lower house and land prices than Suffolk and regional average Uneven distribution of services and facilities throughout district Diverse and resilient employment base with strong manufacturing presence because of access to port for exports
Opportunities Threats Potential larger employment sites in Pressure on existing employment sites for Stowmarket, Gt Blakenham, Eye & residential development Needham Market Lack of funding and support for Expansion of business grant scheme to infrastructure improvements support local enterprise, reuse redundant buildings and attract lifestyle businesses Difficulty in accessing high speed broadband in many parts of district Relocation of logistic businesses due to the expansion of the Port of Felixstowe Increase in outward commuting with dormitory villages and towns Joint working with SCC and other L.A’s in partnership including the establishment of an East Anglian LEP
Projects arising from the Action Plan based on the Suffolk Local Economic Assessment
Promotion of Mid Suffolk as an attractive and vibrant place to do business
105 Stowmarket:
Strengths Weaknesses Excellent strategic road and rail links to Lack of diversity and restricted size of A14 corridor retailing in town centre
Focus of future housing growth Dormitory town with too much outward commuting Sustainable location with many local facilities
Lower than county average house prices
Opportunities Threats Future employment growth link to Rapid growth in lower cost housing could Felixstowe port expansion increase commuting levels
Employment opportunities planned to Lack of investment into the Town Centre match population growth Regeneration
Increase in number and size of retail units and resulting retailing jobs.
Needham Market
Strengths Weaknesses Attractive small market town Weight limit on main High Street and restricted access to A14 for larger vehicles Large industrial estate on outskirts of town
Strong industrial base
Opportunities Threats New employment and residential Limited opportunity to expand existing developments at the chalk pit and former industrial site Unilever factory site
Eye:
Strengths Weaknesses Close proximity of A140 connecting Limited visitor attraction and retail offer Ipswich and Norwich Ageing population Large industrial site at former Airfield
Good access to services
Opportunities Threats Expansion of Eye Airfield to provide a High cost of generating employment at large number of new jobs in a variety of airfield due to infrastructure challenges sectors
106
Opportunities Threats
Relocation of chicken processing plant to airfield and redevelopment of that site for housing
Good links for additional low carbon power generation
Ipswich Fringe (Ipswich Policy Area)
Strengths Weaknesses Very well located for A14 and A12, Current concentration of manufacturing and transport to Midlands and London logistics uses
Close proximity to Ipswich
Opportunities Threats Development of SnOasis - Europe’s Could be absorbed into a greater Ipswich largest indoor winter sports complex and and become urbanised national tourist attraction Lower value employment uses could New railway station will provide direct dominate future land use access to London Increased traffic movements by new New SCC waste transfer facility developments could cause increased congestion at A14 Junctions 51 and 52 Pressure for increased logistics uses
Rural
Strengths Weaknesses Attractive environment Poor or non-existent public transport services Unspoilt character Restricted road access in some areas Strong and vibrant agricultural business sector Many villages lack provision of basic services Farm diversification providing employment and business opportunities Lack of affordable housing to buy and rent
Vibrant communities Limited or no broadband connectivity
Many villages have good community spirit and facilities Sustainability of dormitory villages
Attractive housing stock Good village schools
107 Strengths Weaknesses Rural land allocations for employment and housing in place
Opportunities Threats Increased broadband and IT infrastructure Increasing fuel prices for homes and transport Promote increased home-working opportunities Continued lack of broadband connectivity
Promote rural tourism Erosion of existing village facilities
Promote community shops Ageing rural population – drain on limited existing community support networks and Promote rural local needs affordable healthcare facilities etc housing Increased cost of bringing support in to Promote farm diversification and use of rural settlements redundant farm buildings
Support rural businesses through encouraging networking and providing business support
Linking business growth to affordable housing and community facilities schemes –‘ Village Hall to Village Hub’
108
APPENDIX 8 – GLOSSARY/ ABBREVIATIONS
BDC Babergh District Council CO2 Carbon Dioxide CIL Community Infrastructure Levy CSR Comprehensive Spending Review CS Core Strategy Decent Homes Standard A decent homes meets the following four criteria: - it meets the minimum standard for housing, it is in a reasonable state of repair, it has reasonably modern facilities and services and it has a reasonable degree of thermal comfort EEFM East of England Forecasting Model EEDA East of England Development Agency GOEAST Government Office for the East of England GHGHG Greater Haven Gateway Housing Group Gateway to Homechoice Sub regional Choice Based Lettings scheme GVA Gross Value Added G&T Gypsies and Travellers GTAA Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment HAPPI Housing our Ageing Population Panel for Innovation – report 2009 HCA The Homes and Communities Agency HGP Haven Gateway Partnership HOLD Home Ownership for Learning Disabilities HNS Housing Needs Survey IBC Ipswich Borough Council IPA Ipswich Policy Area IDP Integrated Development Programme IDP Infrastructure Delivery Programme JSNA Joint Strategic Needs Survey JSA Job Seekers Allowance LDF Local development Framework LIP Local Investment Plan LSP Local Strategic Partnership LA Local Authority LTP Local Travel Plan LEP Local Enterprise Partnership MSDC Mid Suffolk District Council Medium Term Plan The Medium Term Financial Plan provides a brief guide to the Council's finances and gives information for a period of three years NHF National Housing Federation ONS Office for National Statistics OMV Open Market Value PCT Primary Care Trust (for health commissioning) PPG Planning Policy Guidance PPS Planning Policy Statement PO Planning Obligation RDA Regional Development Agency RES Rural Exception Site RSS Regional Spatial Strategy
109 RP Registered Provider (previously known as Registered Social Landlord and Housing Association) SAAP Stowmarket Area Action Plan SHG Social Housing Grant Staircasing Staircasing refers to the practice of purchasing additional percentages of a shared ownership house SHLAA Strategic Land Availability Assessment SEA Suffolk Economic Assessment SHMA Strategic Housing market Assessment SPD Supplementary Planning Document SPG Supplementary Planning Guidance SCC Suffolk County Council SRPG Suffolk Rail Policy Group TSA Tenant Services Authority VSH Very Sheltered Housing 3 Dragons Viability toolkit used for assessing development scheme proposals
110