Appendix C

Executive Summary

Background The purpose of the Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) is to provide an understanding of the future infrastructure needs of the borough and an evidence base on infrastructure for the Local Development Framework (LDF). Formulating a programme to meet infrastructure needs is now a mandatory part of LDF preparation.

Infrastructure planning is an important corporate tool and not just a town planning document. A robust and integrated IDP has the potential to support funding bids and influence decision making. Such a plan can become or form the basis of a key strategic document for the borough, the Local Strategic Partnership, the Local Enterprise Partnership and other delivery agencies.

Local Planning Authorities will be responsible for administering and securing infrastructure delivery through agreeing appropriate scheme design and appropriate S106 planning obligations with developers, or directly through other delivery agencies such as for water, electricity and telecommunications infrastructure.

Housing and Population The revocation of the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) along with the abolition of the housing targets (announced July 2010) gives freedom for the borough to establish its own housing target for the period 2010-2031.

The current SHLAA study shows that has the potential capacity to accommodate 6,200 new dwellings in the period 2010 -2031, equivalent to 295 dwellings per annum. This compares with the RSS housing target of 5,200 new dwellings for the period 2001-2021, equivalent to an annual target of 260 dwellings.

The housing target may have to be adjusted pending the outcome of the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment study (SHLAA) and identification of sites for housing that are yet to come forward in the LDF Site Allocations Document. However for the time being we are continuing with the 260 per annum target of the revoked RSS.

The Office for National Statistics 2006 based population projections anticipate that Watford’s population will increase by 12 percent over the period 2006- 2031. The most recent ONS projection (2008) anticipates a population increase of 23 percent over the period 2008-2033. This is the highest figure in the County.

The housing targets and population projections indicate that demand for new infrastructure such as school places and doctor’s surgeries will need to be closely monitored, and that this could have an impact on other areas such as the provision of social and community services.

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Education and Schools A significant infrastructure requirement that will need to be addressed over the next 5 years, is the provision of sufficient primary and secondary school places in order to accommodate the additional demand that will arise.

The Local Education Authority (LEA) informs us that this is the third year of growth in reception class numbers, and that this trend is expected to continue to 2012/13. Eventually this will feed into demand for additional places in secondary schools. Therefore, two sites for two forms of entry (60 pupils) primary schools are required to meet this demand.

The greatest area of need is in central and west Watford, around the Central Primary and Chater schools. This demand does take account of the projected population growth, however, it does not consider the specific potential growth from the from the Watford Junction and Health Campus development proposals.

It is critical to respond to changing needs rapidly and flexibly. This can be done without adding permanent additional capacity in the short to medium term. Current plans include the provision of temporary places in the short term to cater for known increased demand. A feasibility study is needed to ascertain the most appropriate long term solution for creating the required additional capacity.

Transport Road traffic is predicted to grow by 35% by 2021 (from a 2001 baseline). Sustainable transport initiatives are therefore required to try and counter balance the predicted increase in congestion.

The major transport projects including Watford Junction redevelopment, , Abbey Line improvements and the M25 widening aim to relieve congestion in the town and also provide feasible alternatives to the car.

The Croxley Rail Link in particular will improve accessibility from the area around Watford General Hospital, which has the lowest level of car ownership in the borough, the highest population density and is the least accessible area for rail services.

The Watford Junction Improvement Scheme combines improved access for all modes of transport to the station and the new Colonial Way Link Road.

Further work has been commissioned on developing a network of high frequency radial bus services in the area, linking the main retail, commercial and service areas in south-west .

The Council aims to support and improve local neighbourhood centres to serve as a focus for key services within walking or cycling distance.

50 The Council has delivered 14.1 km of new cycle routes over the last 6 years. Cycle route usage has increased at all monitored sites.

The Hertfordshire Infrastructure & Investment Strategy Study (HISS), identifies priority infrastructure needs in the Borough, such as the Watford Junction rail interchange, and the Abbey Flyer. The proposal for the Watford Junction interchange, would contribute to improving connectivity and efficiency of the road network within Watford, including benefits for the bus network. Whilst the Abbey Line (Abbey Flyer) would improve rail connections between and Watford. The Croxley rail link scheme involves the extension of the , onto the disused Croxley Green Branch line, connecting Watford High Street and Watford Junction overground Stations, which connect with London Underground. These transport infrastructure needs would significantly contribute to improving connectivity within Watford and Watford’s connectivity with West Hertfordshire and London.

Emergency Services There are no current gaps in provision, and future demand will need to be continually assessed. The police services required depend on criminality rates rather than population. There should be an emphasis placed on “designing out crime” to reduce the potential need for an increased police or fire and rescue service presence in Watford.

Health The most significant health infrastructure planned for the borough, is the Health Campus development. The Health Campus proposal includes the replacement of the existing Watford General Hospital with a new 600 bed “Major Acute” hospital and primary care and health clinic facilities, business uses, a hotel and housing.

In terms of General Practitioner (GP) capacity, the level is broadly sufficient to serve the size of the population. There are two areas in the borough, Callowland and Central wards, which may be least able to cope with proposed growth and may require some moderate additional investment in the future.

Housing growth in Callowland and Central wards could give rise to an estimated 5,500 additional registrations, equating to 3.1 full time GPs and support staff.

The WatCom study reveals that in terms of projected housing growth, if all housing developments identified came forward, at best case, GP supply would exceed the worst case demand for registrations.

Social Care There are a total of 511 bed spaces provided in Watford’s care homes. By 2020/21 an additional 400 bed spaces will be required. There is therefore a significant need for housing for older people but little demand. Demand is restricted to those who are proactive in seeking retirement housing and those

51 who have little choice but to move because of an urgent health problem. The most prevalent reason for delayed discharge from hospital for an older person is difficulty in finding residential or nursing home placements.

Arts and Cultural Amenities Watford has one multiplex cinema which is located in the north of the borough at Woodside. However, there is an intention to locate a cinema in the heart of the town centre as part of the Charter Place development. The Council has committed £5.2 million from its 2010 budget for the refurbishment of the to provide a first class entertainment facility to enrich the cultural life of residents and become a focus for the regeneration of this part of the town centre.

Cemeteries The borough currently has two cemeteries, at and . A new cemetery will be required to serve the borough by 2014.

Water Infrastructure The findings of the Water Cycle indicate that Watford has adequate water resources and the borough should not experience supply shortages within the next 20 years.

Wastewater and sewage Maple Lodge Sewage Treatment Works serves Watford, St. Albans and Hemel Hempstead. It is anticipated that Maple Lodge will experience capacity issues by 2016, which means capital investment will be required to increase capacity in the future.

Thames Water is undertaking a 5 year investment programme (from April 2010) which includes the maintenance and upgrade of the sewer system in Watford and interventions to protect homes and businesses from flooding. The programme will also include the expansion of the sewer network and treatment capacity to meet the demands of new development, thereby enabling 200,000 new dwellings to connect to the sewer system between 2010 and 2015.

Whilst this five year investment programme will not impact directly on Maple Lodge the improvements may need to be included in the next programme.

Municipal Waste The treatment and disposal of municipal waste is a county responsibility. The Muncipal Waste Strategy prepared by the Waste Disposal Authority seeks to promote the provision of a new waste facility, supported by strategically located waste transfer stations needed in Hertfordshire by 2015.

Watford is currently provided for by the Waterdale waste facility at Garston. This provides waste transfer facilities in the west of the County and is an efficient facility. As a result the new waste facility for Hertfordshire is unlikely to be required in this location

52 The Way Forward The key messages from this IDP will be included in the production of the Local Development Framework, and in particular the Core Strategy, including the formulation of appropriate policies for dealing with infrastructure delivery.

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