Catalyst Corby
Catalyst Corby
Corby Utilities Capacity and Strategy Study
Volume 1 of 3 - Final Study Report
WSP Development Limited WSP House Unit 2 The Chase John Tate Road Foxholes Business Park Hertford Hertfordshire SG13 7NN Tel: 01992 526000 Fax : 01992 526001 http://www.wspgroup.com
Catalyst Corby
Corby Utilities Capacity and Strategy Study
Volume 2 of 3 - Appendices
WSP Development Limited WSP House Unit 2 The Chase John Tate Road Foxholes Business Park Hertford Hertfordshire SG13 7NN Tel: 01992 526000 Fax : 01992 526001 http://www.wspgroup.com
Catalyst Corby
Corby Utilities Capacity and Strategy Study
Volume 3 of 3 - Progress Reports and Progress Meeting Minutes
WSP Development Limited WSP House Unit 2 The Chase John Tate Road Foxholes Business Park Hertford Hertfordshire SG13 7NN Tel: 01992 526000 Fax : 01992 526001 http://www.wspgroup.com
Catalyst Corby
Corby Utilities Capacity and Strategy Study
Volume 1 of 3 - Final Study Report
Issue/Revision Draft Revision A Revision B Revision C Revision D
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Prepared By: J Biggins J Biggins J Biggins J Biggins J Biggins
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Catalyst Corby
Corby Utilities Capacity and Strategy Study
Volume 2 of 3 - Appendices
Issue/Revision Draft Revision A Revision B Revision C
Remarks :
Date :
Prepared By: J Biggins J Biggins J Biggins J Biggins
Signature :
Checked By : Dean Fox
Signature :
Authorised By: J Biggins J Biggins J Biggins
Signature :
Project No. 11500175 11500175 11500175 11500175
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Report Rev C
Catalyst Corby
Corby Utilities Capacity and Strategy Study
Volume 3 of 3 - Progress Reports and Progress Meeting Minutes
Issue/Revision Draft Revision A Revision B Revision C
Remarks :
Date :
Prepared By: J Biggins J Biggins J Biggins J Biggins
Signature :
Checked By : Dean Fox
Signature :
Authorised By: J Biggins J Biggins J Biggins
Signature :
Project No. 11500175 11500175 11500175 11500175
File Reference : Draft Report Draft Report Rev A Final Draft Final Study
Report Rev C
Volume 1 of 3 - Final Study Report
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1
2.0 INTRODUCTION 3
3.0 OVERALL PLANNING CONTEXT 5
4.0 PROPOSED REGENERATION FRAMEWORK 14
5.0 EXISTING SUPPLIES 17
6.0 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE AND ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES 23
7.0 SUSTAINABILITY AND STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 35
8.0 PROCUREMENT METHODS AND FUNDING 49
9.0 LAND RELEASE PHASING 55
10.0 UTILITIES DELIVERY PLAN 59
a) STRATEGY
b) PROGRAMME
c) COSTINGS
11.0 UTILITIES DELIVERY PLAN – INFORMING THE LOCAL PLAN REVIEW 75
12.0 RISKS MOVING FORWARD 79
13.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 80
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Volume 2 of 3 - Appendices
DRAWINGS - Prefixed 1150 0175:
01/B ELECTRICITY SUPPLY STRATEGY
02/B WATER SUPPLY STRATEGY
03/B GAS SUPPLY STRATEGY
04/B FOUL WATER STRATEGY
05/B SURFACE WATER STRATEGY
06/B TELECOMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY
07/B THE REGENERATION FRAMEWORK
APPENDICES
1A BRIEF TO CONSULTANTS – ISSUED BY CATALYST CORBY
2,3,4 NOT USED
5A UTILITY COMPANY MEETING RECORDS
6A ENVIRONMENT AGENCY CONSULTATION RESPONSE TO MILTON KEYNES AND SOUTH MIDLANDS SUB-REGIONAL STRATEGY AND THE JOINT STATEMENT ON GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
6B PRINCIPLES OF GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE – HAMMARBY SJOSTAD STOCKHOLM - ENERGY SAVING TRUST – OPTIONS APPRAISAL TEMPLATE
7A STRATEGIC SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES
8 NOT USED
9A LAND RELEASE PROGRAMME
10A LEGISLATIVE BACKGROUND TO SUPPLY ISSUES
10B EXTRACT OF ELECTRICITY ACT 1989
10C PROGRAMME FOR DEVELOPMENT AND UTILITIES [GANTT CHART]
10D TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORRESPONDENCE
10E RESPONSE FROM ANGLIAN WATER
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Volume 3 of 3 - Progress Reports and Progress Meeting Minutes
Progress Meeting No. 1 - 11 February 2004 Progress Meeting No. 2 - 24 February 2004 Progress Meeting No. 3 - 8 March 2004
Progress Meeting Minutes - 26 January 2004 - 12 February 2004 - 25 February 2004 - 8 March 2004 - 2 April 2004 (note, rather than minute)
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1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1.1 The relevant utility companies have been consulted with regard to the location and capacity of their various apparatus. Whilst we have found no apparent “blockers” to delivering The Regeneration Framework, there are a number of areas where strategic reinforcement is necessary and early action is required. This relates primarily to the existing sewage treatment works and to new large mains for water supply.
1.2 The strategic utility requirements to serve The Regeneration Framework have been identified with the utility companies and are described in detail within the Report.
1.3 Although not required by the Consultant’s Brief, we have made a broad cost estimate in excess of circa £23m to bring utilities form the existing strategic network to the “front door” of each of the Development Areas in The Regeneration Framework” This, or any figure, must be considered in the context that it is very early days in the life of The Regeneration Framework and this only an outline, preliminary estimate, requiring much further work to improve accuracy and confidence. The components of the figure would normally be met by developers.
1.4 The £23m+ figure excludes certain items, e.g. a new sewage treatment works (all of which would fall to Anglian Water Services), foul trunk sewer reinforcement, water supply reinforcements, as well as infrastructure and connection charges. The strategy is at a very early stage of development. As such, it is not possible to be entirely specific about the various costs involved. Caveats and exclusions regarding the costings are contained at the end of section 10 of this report.
1.5 Subsequent to iterative discussions with the utility companies and EDAW (concerning the timing of The Regeneration Framework), we have arrived at a preliminary programme for the delivery of major utility infrastructure. This is described in detail within the Report. Attention is once again drawn to the provision of water supply and sewage treatment works.
1.6 Significant further work is necessary to confirm the technical feasibility and economic viability of any alternative energy technology measures. A way forward is outlined for further consideration which includes potential sources of funding for early studies (note that the next available application to the Community Energy Programme for feasibility study funding is July 2004, see para. 6.33 and 8.23. Targeted S106 contributions may be necessary to facilitate alternative energy technology.
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1.7 Directive 2001/42/EC and current UK guidance requires a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of a Sustainability Assessment (SA) to be prepared to for the Local Development Framework for Corby. This could be delivered in various ways but for reasons explained within the Report we are recommending that the SEA/SA process is carried out through the Development Plan preparation.
1.8 The cost of utility infrastructure provision is likely to be borne by the private sector, e.g. developers and Anglian Water Services (in the context of water-related matters mentioned above). This is in the context that we have not yet identified any early infrastructure aspects that would require funding by other means. However, it is recognised that the build out of The Regeneration Framework will be incremental and market led as planning applications come forward. Consequently, it is likely to be restrictive to adopt a rigid programme for the delivery of Development Areas identified with The Regeneration Framework.
1.9 As individual developments come forward, it is probably that some will trigger a need for strategic utility provision above and beyond that necessary to serve the individual development. If abnormal, disproportionately high costs are associated with these developments (reducing residual land value), then developer interest may be adversely affected. S106 contributions may therefore need to be structured to “smooth out!” such investment peaks.
1.10 The geographic presence and spare capacity of existing infrastructure is a parameter that can inform the phasing of the Development Areas identified with The Regeneration Framework. However, there are many other parameters and phasing, to a large extent, will be market led and therefore not always compatible with the purely physical aspects of contemporary utilities. The current physical utility parameters tend to favour economic Development Areas if these were to come forward early, e.g. Central Corby as opposed to some less easy residential areas, e.g. Priors Hall/Weldon.
1.11 The Utilities Development Plan (UDP) described in the Report is multi-faceted and is the subject of many parameters that are subject to change. As The Regeneration Framework is taken forward, it is extremely important that the UDP is monitored and adapted as appropriate. It is therefore considered that an overall co-ordination role for early planning an subsequent development build out is fundamental. In conjunction with this role, a programme of reviews should be commenced.
1.12 Sections 12 and 13 of the Report address Conclusions and Recommendations respectively. But in brief summary, the recommendations going forward are :
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i. Prepare brief and engage Anglian Water Services re water supply study/planning/delivery – urgent (13.15)
ii Prepare brief and engage Anglian Water Services re sewage treatment works (STW) study/planning/delivery (13.16)
iii. LDF needs to include for :- - provision of sites for STW, 2 No. sub stations (13.17) - S106 contributions re renewable energy sources (consider) (1.6) - S106 contributions to “smooth out” investment peaks (consider) (1.9) - SUDS policy (13.13)
iv. Undertake SEA/SA for each Area Action Plan under LDF umbrella (1.7, 7.46, 13.7 +)
v. Promote the planning of development layouts to give due consideration to existing strategic utility routes, particularly water mains (13.18)
vi. Consider planning applications in the context utilities status (1.10, 13.11)
vi Renewable energy – needs more work – seek funding contribution from the Community Energy Programme for further feasibility work (1.6, 13.5, 6.33) – NB. Time running out for this funding source.
vii. Renewable energy – speak to Leicester CC re LCC work (13.6)
viii. Must maintain momentum/interest
x. Establish and resource a design liaison/coordination role as “Guardian” for the Utilities Development Plan. The scope of this role could include those items indicated overleaf.
xi. Consider the use of the A43 Southern Corby Link Road as a strategic services route throughout the area.
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“GUARDIAN” TO SAFEGUARD THE UTILITIES DEVELOPMENT PLAN SERVING THE REGENERATION FRAMEWORK
SCOPE
• The organisation, chairing, and output management of quarterly (initially round table meeting) with :
• Utility companies • Catalyst Corby • Corby Borough Council • Environment Agency
• Preparation of urgently needed briefs for Anglian Water Services
• Investigation the scope of and procurement of funding contributions for further feasibility work regarding Renewable Energy Technology to service The Regeneration Framework.
• Prepare scope for Renewable Feasibility Study
• Assist in the preparation of utilities related parts of the LDF
• Overview of planning applications as they come forward
• Meetings with Applicants or their agents as required by LPA
• Keep a weather eye on development as it comes forward in the context of reduction in utilities spare capacity
• Direct Liaison with utility companies as required.
• Forward planning and trouble shooting
• Point of reference for utilities related matters.
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2.0 INTRODUCTION
2.1 Catalyst Corby is the first of the special purpose Urban Regeneration Companies created following the Government’s Urban White Paper. Catalyst Corby and Corby Borough Council are the joint client for the Study which was commissioned in January 2004 (Appendix 1A). Proposals to regenerate and expand Corby were considered (prior to the Study) and then, during 2003 a planning study for the Corby area was undertaken. Output from the planning study is summarised within “The Regeneration Framework”, a vision document produced by Catalyst Corby. The programme for delivery of the development described in the Regeneration Framework is summarised at Appendix 10C contained in Volume 2.
2.2 The proposed population expansion of Corby from the current 53,000 to in excess of 100,000 will lead to an increased load on the various utilities networks. The Joint Client wished to discover what issues the regeneration of Corby would create for the utilities over the programmed buildout. The Brief to Consultants is contained at Appendix 1A.
2.3 Following a financial submission and interview, WSP were appointed to undertake the commission. The work required WSP to initially understand the existing networks and how they functioned. Subsequently WSP had to address how the networks could be modified and reinforced to cater for the expanded Corby. Once the network modifications were determined, the environmental impact of the alterations was to be considered.
2.4 The brief also required WSP to consider how Alternative Energy Sources and Green Infrastructure could impact on a utilities strategy for the area.
2.5 Production and completion of the commission has involved the co-operation of the utility companies, who have been consulted from the outset. WSP’s letter of appointment was issued on 20 January 2004 by Catalyst Corby, with a draft report submitted on 1 April 2004 and the finalised report to be submitted during the week commencing 7 June 2004.
2.6 Active participation by the utility companies has been encouraged throughout the work undertaken by WSP. This approach has generally been welcomed because utility companies generally no longer enjoy the status of “Statutory Consultee” in the planning process. Initially, telephone calls were made to establish the most appropriate point of contact within the company. Once contact was made a package of information was issued to the utility company.
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This comprised the :
• Regeneration Framework • Mapping for area • A programme for the framework • A questionnaire
Receipt of the information was confirmed by a follow-up call by WSP. During this call, arrangements were made for WSP and the various utilities to meet to discuss the impact of The Regeneration Framework.
2.7 The results of these meetings are reflected in Chapter 10 and the supply strategy. Time scale for the establishment of a strategy for Corby has been tight. The utilities have been dissuaded from undertaking detailed modelling because this would lead to delays. They are however aware that detailed modelling of the growth scenario is required going forward. Modelling will need to take place for the wider Milton Keynes and South Midlands expansion, as well as for the Corby area. Instead, the utilities have been encouraged to use their experience of network operation and knowledge of the area to arrive at solutions.
2.8 The utility companies have been encouraged to focus on key issues that may prevent the realisation of The Regeneration Framework.
2.9 The timing of the development and its relationship to utilities provision is explained graphically by means of a Gantt Chart, contained at Appendix 10C.
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3.0 OVERALL PLANNING CONTEXT
3.1 The Government’s plans for reform of the planning system have emerged over the last two years and are expected to come to fruition with a new Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act in Summer 2004. A new structure for plan making is being set in place which is based on two tiers: a tier of strategic plan making which will be at regional level; and a tier of local decision making, at the district and unitary council level. What this means for Corby is that a new Regional Spatial Strategy and Local Development Framework will come forward in place of the existing Regional Planning Guidance, County Structure Plan and Borough Local Plan.
Figure 3.1 Reform of the Planning System
CURRENT PROPOSED
REGIONAL PLANNING REGIONAL SPATIAL
GUIDANCE STRATEGY
DISTRICT STRUCTURE
PLAN LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
BOROUGH LOCAL PLAN
PLANNING APPLICATIONS PLANNING APPLICATIONS
3.2 The Regional Spatial Strategy is emerging through Revised RPG8 and the Milton Keynes South Midlands Sub Regional Spatial Strategy, however, at a local level, the Planning process will be led by the existing policy framework (Structure and Local Plans) until such a time as the Local Development Framework emerges. Inevitably this has led to a degree of ambiguity where the Regional guidance promotes significant growth for Corby but an outdated (1997) Local Plan is not geared towards expansion beyond the existing urban centre of Corby.
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3.3 The Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) for this area will be produced by the Government Office for the East Midlands (GOEM) and will take account of Revised Regional Planning Guidance 8 (which covers the East Midlands and is expected to be adopted during 2005) and the Milton Keynes and South Midlands Sub Regional Spatial Strategy. The latter was initiated through the Government’s Sustainable Communities Plan in response to intensifying pressure for residential growth within the South East of England. Within this regional ‘overview’ Corby, Wellingborough and Kettering are grouped together as a ‘growth area’. The Government has committed to a £610million programme of investment for the South East’s growth areas, £164million of this being focused on those areas outside the Thames Gateway. The investment will contribute towards site assembly, remediation of brownfield land, delivery vehicles, local infrastructure and facilitating affordable housing. Both the Draft RPG8 and MKSM Sub Regional Strategy will cover the period to 2021
3.4 Revised Regional Planning Guidance for the East Midlands (RPG8) was published in 2002 and will cover the period to 2021. As regional guidance, this document does not provide specific focus for Corby but does flag up Corby’s importance within the Southern Sub Area:
“The strategy looks to promote the regeneration of Corby whilst managing the growth of Corby/Bedford/Milton Keynes/Northampton sub region to promote sustainable development patterns.”
Key development policies promote new development along the following lines:
Policy 15: Strategic High Quality Employment Sites – detailing the need for Local Authorities to allocate these sites within their Development Plans; Policy 16: Providing for High Tech Industry – promoting new clusters of high tech industry; Policy 17: Sustaining the Role of Centres – focusing upon enhanced and sustainable existing town centres; Policy 18: Office Development – ensuring that new office development is directed to town centres or in the vicinity of public transport interchanges; Policy 20: Housing Provision – establishing a target for Northamptonshire to accommodate an annual average of 2,650 units for the period 2001-21; Policy 21: Sustainable Locations for Housing – promoting the sequential approach to assessing land/sites for new residential developments;
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3.5 The emerging Milton Keynes and South Midlands Sub Regional Spatial Strategy 2001-2021 (SRSS) commenced its Examination in Public on 23rd March 2004. The SRSS identifies Corby as a key growth area. In the SRSS, Northamptonshire Policy 1 states that “The majority of development in the Northamptonshire Sub-Area will be focused at the Principal Urban Areas of Northampton and Corby/Kettering/Wellingborough.” The SRSS advocates housing provision within the Borough of Corby at:
• 620 units per annum from 2001 to 2011; and, • 980 units per annum from 2011 to 2021; • This projects a total of 16,000 new residential units for Corby by 2021
Northamptonshire Policy 4: Principle Urban Area – Corby/Kettering/Wellingborough Provides for “Sustainable Urban Extensions Related to Corby (Total about 10,500 dwellings)” and identifies the following extension areas: • North East of Corby • North West of Corby • South of Corby • South West of Corby • West of Corby
In relation to Employment, Policy 4 states: “In Corby/Kettering/Wellingborough there should be an increase in the range of quality employment opportunities through B1 office development with an emphasis on high value knowledge-based industries. In Corby there should be a particular emphasis on the town centre.” The Policy advocates continued support for existing and emerging employment sectors and highlights the need to sustain and enhance the vitality of the town centre. Priors Hall/Oakley Hay Business Park is identified by the SRSS as a ‘new strategic employment site’.
The SRSS places significance upon the upgrade of Corby’s ‘social infrastructure’ so that it can cope with the planned growth. In particular:
“Electricity Supply – significant upgrades in the capacity of the supply networks will be required to meet the growth needs of Corby/Kettering/Wellingborough. Provision will also need to be made for the diversion of overhead power cables South of Corby…”
“Water Supply and Sewerage – significant upgrades in water supply and sewerage will be required to serve new developments to the North, East and South of Corby…”
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The SRSS issue relating to electricity supply is contrary to feedback we have received from East Midlands Electricity. The local electricity supplier considers that there is sufficient extra capacity to meet the growth plans for Corby certainly within the medium term. There is currently limited extra capacity in water supply and sewerage which will certainly require further investment to cater for Corby’s expansion plans (more information is detailed in Sections 5 and 10 of this report).
3.6 Northamptonshire County Council Structure Plan (1996 to 2016) will be superseded by the Sub Regional and Regional Spatial Strategies. The existing Structure Plan is likely to cease within three years of the commencement of the new Planning Act. The Structure Plan identifies Corby as a ‘Special Policy Area’ with Policy CO1 seeking the following:
“The regeneration of Corby town is a key objective. Corby is therefore identified as a Special Policy Area.
“Provision will be made for 7,000 dwellings and 190 hectares of industrial and commercial development within the existing urban area of Corby. This reflects its identification as a key focus for net in-migration into the County.” (Policy CO1, NCC Structure Plan)
Policy CO1 prioritises regeneration of the ‘existing urban area’ through improved social and physical infrastructure and through new development. It places an emphasis upon “The utilisation of brownfield land, contaminated land, existing buildings and infrastructure.” (Policy CO1)
The Structure Plan acknowledges the role of Catalyst Corby and its Regeneration Framework and states: “It is envisaged that The Regeneration Framework will complement the local planning process and help implement the approach set out in the Special Policy Area.”
3.7 Corby Borough Council Local Plan (1997-2006) is outdated and does not therefore plan for the sort of growth envisaged in the emerging Regional Spatial Strategy or the targets set in either the Government’s Sustainable Communities Plan or Catalyst Corby’s Regeneration Framework. The Local Plan envisages population growth of around 10,000 new residents (or 5,400 households) within the Borough between 1991 and 2006.
Development allocations for residential and employment use are almost entirely reliant on brownfield sites and/or refurbishment of existing buildings.
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The Local Plan identifies a number of sites for employment use:
Table 3.1 Employment Proposals
REF LOCATION GROSS TYPE AREA (HA)
Earlstrees J1 Princewood 3.1 Business/Industry/Distribution Road J2 Causeway Road 1.6 Business/Industry/Distribution J3 Causeway Road 1.4 Business/Industry/Distribution J4 Burkitt Road 3.6 Business/Industry/Distribution J5 S of Gretton 3.4 Business/Industry/Distribution Brook Rd J6 Brunel Road 4.7 Business/Industry/Distribution
Oakley Hay J7 CDC Plots 1.0 Business Oakley Hay J8 CNT Plots 2.5 Business Oakley Hay J9 Adj Astra 1.8 Business/Industry Headway J10 Adj BAT 8.0 Business (Prestige Site) Headway J11 Adj Oakley Hay 1.3 Business R/bout
Willow Brook J13 Willow Brook 16.9 Industry/Distribution East J14 Willow Brook 0.0 (Reclamation land) North J15 Willow Brook 5.5 Industry/Distribution South J16 Phoenix Industry 6.3 Business J17 Phoenix Park 2.4 Business Industry J23 N of Birchington 23.1 Business/Industry/Distribution Road
Rail Served Development J19 Former Tarmac 8.6 Rail Served Development Land J20 Barn Close 28.0 Rail Served Development J35 Stanion 25.0 Rail Served Development Lane/Sootbanks
Longhills J12 Longhills 13.0 Business/Distribution J21 S of Longhills 8.0 Business
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Other Sites J18 Station Yard 2.2 Business J22 Weldon Stone 0.9 Masonry Business and ancillary uses Quarry J24 Railway Station 0.2 Business J25 Science Park 11.1 Science Park J26 Ex Sludgebeds 5.5 General Industry J27 Seymour 11.0 Business (Prestige) Plantation J37 Prior’s Hill 51.6 Business/Industry/Distribution J38 Lloyds Road 1.0 Business/Industy/Distribution
Total 252.7 (Source: Corby Local Plan)
The total land allocation for new employment use in the Borough for the period 1988 to 2006 was 250ha (ie 13.9ha per annum).
The current Local Plan identifies a number of sites for residential development:
Table 2 – Housing Land Proposals
Ref Location Gross Area No. of Tenure (ha) dwellings CORBY
R1 Exeter Estate 2.5 90 Affordable Housing R2 Pytchley Court 0.7 20 Affordable Housing R3 Samuel Lloyd School 1.2 45 R4 Pen Green Lane 0.7 20 R5 Cottingham Road 0.5 15 R6 Tamar Green 0.8 24 Affordable Housing R7 Garden Centre 0.4 15 Affordable Housing Gainsborough Rd 6.8 229
SNATCHILL R10 North 11.8 335 R11 Snatchill South East 13.5 350 R12 South 39.5 1008 R13 Snatchill North East 29.3 857 94.1 2550
SOUTH OF CORBY R8 West of Stanion 38.0 560 R9 Off Stanion Lane 0.9 20
TOTAL ALLOCATION 187.7 5694 1988-2006 (Source: Corby Local Plan)
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The total allocation of new residential dwellings in the Borough for the period 1988 to 2006 was 5,694 (ie 316 units per annum). It is interesting to note that proposed developments have been relatively low density with all of the allocations outside Corby being less than the 30 dwellings per hectare minimum target established by the Government’s Sustainable Communities Plan and PPG3.
3.8 The Emerging Local Development Framework (LDF) will be produced by Corby Borough Council and will replace the Borough’s existing Local Plan which was due to expire in 2006. Corby Borough Council’s timeframe for producing the LDF is for a preliminary draft by early Summer 2004 with the finalised document being adopted by Winter 2005. Local Authorities will be obliged to make sure their LDF’s are approved and adopted within three years of the imminent Planning Act’s endorsement, thus an LDF for Corby will have to be in place no later than Summer 2007. Until such a time as the LDF is produced and adopted in draft, the existing Local Plan remains the primary planning policy framework for the Borough of Corby and it does not legislate for the scale of regeneration which is now being advocated for Corby. In order to realise The Regeneration Framework it is essential that a robust LDF is adopted as soon as possible.
The LDF will comprise a number of component documents. Central to the LDF will be the Statement of Core Policies which will identify objectives, strategy and criteria based policies, this will be complemented by an LDF Proposals Map. The LDF will also include a Statement of Community Involvement establishing a clear role for engaging the community in the planning system, local authorities should develop these statements in partnership with their Local Strategic Partnerships. Additionally, a Sustainability Appraisal will be incorporated within the LDF, establishing guidance on economic, social and environmental impacts of the LDF. Finally, the LDF should incorporate component Area Action Plans for key development and special policy areas, it is likely that Strategic Environmental Assessments will be required for each action area (issues around SA and SEA further explored in sections 7 and 11 of this report).
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Fig 3.2 Components of the Local Development Framework
LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
STATEMENT PROPOSALS STATEMENT OF SUSTAINABILITY
OF CORE MAP COMMUNITY APPRAISAL POLICIES INVOLVEMENT
AREA ACTION PLANS
Corby Borough Council has taken the first step towards producing its LDF through publication of ‘Local Plan Review Issues Paper’ for consultation in October 2003. The consultation responses have yet to be analysed. Once this has been done, the feedback will be considered by the Borough’s planning committee prior to a resolution being made on how to progress the draft LDF. A resolution will need to be made quickly if the Borough Council is to meet its target of producing a preliminary draft LDF in early Summer 2004.
The Boroughs of Corby, Wellingborough and Kettering are currently discussing the possibility of producing a collective LDF. This approach is not discouraged by the Government and the three boroughs are collectively identified as a ‘Growth Area’ within the Sub Regional Spatial Strategy. The ramifications of producing a joint LDF have not been detailed and are outwith the scope of this report, however, if this approach were to be agreed then there will be a requirement for convergence of Borough policies at a strategic level with scope for more area specific policies within the Area Action Plans.
A significant development allocated in the Local Plan and currently underway at Oakley Vale is for 2,940 residential dwellings. Market confidence is such that this development is being built out far sooner than the original 10 year phased programme of implementation anticipated by developers.
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Whilst planning applications for urban expansion developments east and west of Corby pre- LDF would be premature, it is understood that developer interest is increasing as a result of the publication of The Regeneration Framework and as a reflection of the targets established by RPG8 and the SRSS. It is vital that local level and area specific planning policies are in place as soon as possible to ensure that the Local Planning Authority gives adequate consideration to any emerging development proposals. A comprehensive LDF would ensure that development proposals are guided in a way that maximises the quality of new development to meet the needs of Corby.
The following section (Section 4) considers the relationship of the Regeneration Framework with the statutory planning system. Section 11 of this Report identifies key utilities issues of this report which will inform the local plan review/formulation of the LDF.
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4.0 PROPOSED REGENERATION FRAMEWORK
4.1 The Catalyst Corby Regeneration Framework was launched in January 2003 and promotes a radical and ambitious strategy for change in Corby over a twenty-five year period. Its vision is as follows:
“Corby as a confident, successful, balanced and prosperous community, that is widely admired as distinctive, progressive and energetic. A community that will exceed expectations – Corby will be different, will innovate and implement better solutions with conviction.” (Shared Vision of the Catalyst Corby Board)
4.2 The Regeneration Framework is not a statutory document with material precedence within the legislative planning framework. The Framework does not therefore materially influence the decisions of the Local Planning Authority in its own right. It is however supported at Board level by Corby Borough Council, Northamptonshire County Council, the East Midlands Development Agency and English Partnerships who are the key agencies in policy formulation and regeneration delivery. With these key stakeholders represented it is fair to assume that the objectives of the Regeneration Framework will have some influence upon the emerging Regional Spatial Strategy and more directly upon Local Development Framework.
4.3 The Regeneration Framework advocates new development both within the existing footprint of the Corby urban area and in a number of new urban extensions around the town. In order to accommodate a target population of 100,000 people (an increase of 47,000 people), The Regeneration Framework considers a need for 23,500 new dwellings.
4.4 It should be noted that The Regeneration Framework covers some areas which are outwith Corby Borough Council’s Local Plan Area. In delivering the Framework, it will be necessary for Catalyst Corby to liaise with the neighbouring Boroughs of Kettering and Wellingborough to seek synergy between The Regeneration Framework and the LDF’s for these Boroughs.
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The Regeneration Framework identifies the following targets for new development: Residential Elements Housing Capacity Population Capacity Urban restructuring Nil Nil Urban Capacity Sites 1,400 3,220 Town Centre Living 800 1,840 Remodelling of existing sites No net dwellings increase No net dwellings increase Existing allocations Oakley Vale 2,900 6,670 Others (incl West Stanion) 1,100 2,530 Urban Extensions Priors Hall / Weldon 6,300 (30 dph) 14,490 Extension Oakley / Stanion Extension 4,500 (27 dph) 10,350 Western Extension 6,500 (27 dph) 15,180 Northern Extension 700 (30 dph) 1,610 Southern Extension 1,400 (25 dph) 3,220
Requirement for 375 ha employment land: Use Class B1 B2 B8 Land (ha) 113 131 131 Space (sq m) 506,000 525,000 525,000 Jobs per sq m 1 per 35 1 per 50 1 per 100 Total jobs 14,500 10,500 5,250 (Source: The Regeneration Framework, Catalyst Corby)
4.5 It is clear that the development ambitions of The Regeneration Framework are greatly in excess of the projections of the outdated Local Plan. In order to realise change, there must be a key relationship between The Regeneration Framework and the emerging Local Development Framework as this is the document which supersedes the Local Plan and establishes the statutory planning policy framework for Corby over the next twenty five years.
4.6 It should be acknowledged that the 25 year lifetime of The Regeneration Framework exceeds that of the regional strategy and the LDF which will run to 2021. The Regeneration Framework will therefore be a more strategic document but its effectiveness in bringing forward new development should be monitored against land and development allocations within the LDF and subject to review at each review stage of the LDF lifetime.
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4.7 The emerging Local Development Framework and its subsequent reviews is where much of the detail of the Regeneration Framework will need to be incorporated and the programme and policy areas developed. Particular action areas focusing upon the key aspects of the LDF will provide the context for implementation.
4.8 Whilst it is understood that Corby Borough Council broadly supports the aspirations of the Regeneration Framework, its role as Local Planning Authority dictates a wider remit which must assess these aspirations against environmental sustainability criteria and in consultation with the local community which will form key strands of the emerging LDF (refer to sections 3 and 7 for more information).
4.9 The Regeneration Framework does accord more readily with the objectives of RPG8 and the Sub Regional Spatial Strategy. However, the regional guidance places an emphasis upon facilitating new development on brownfield land, derelict sites and buildings whereas The Regeneration Framework promotes significant levels of new development on predominantly ‘greenfield’ land.
4.10 In summary, the primary areas of concern in terms of planning frameworks are as follows: • The Regeneration Framework advocates population growth and development volume which is significantly higher than the projections which informed the existing Local Plan and County Structure Plan • The Regeneration Framework covers land which crosses administrative boundaries between boroughs. • Land use allocations for Extension Areas within The Regeneration Framework are predominantly situated over large areas of greenfield land which will present challenges in terms of the sequential test and the Strategic Environmental Assessment which is a component of the Local Development Framework. • Some sites allocated as Extension Areas in The Regeneration Framework are designated as County Wildlife Areas in the Local Plan. • A key challenge will be that of controlling development in a phased approach which allows Corby to develop the social and physical infrastructure necessary to sustain new development and significant population growth.
4.11 Section 11 explores the best means of ensuring that the utilities infrastructure required to support The Regeneration Framework can be incorporated into the LDF in a proactive fashion to ensure that the regeneration of Corby is achievable and deliverable.
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5.0 EXISTING SUPPLIES
5.1 Corby is well serviced with the main utility facilities to supply both the existing uses and those proposed in The Regeneration Framework. These include electrical, water, gas, and telecommunication supplies as well as surface water and wastewater discharge.
5.2 The gas and electrical systems in the area appear to have been over designed in the past. Prudence has been shown in the planning of the ntl fibre optic ring main that exists. The surface water and foul water systems do not have adequate capacity for an expanded Corby, nor does the potable water supply system.
5.3 Information regarding the existing utilities has been gathered by means of meetings with the utility companies and exchange of plans. The utilities companies have co-operated throughout the Study. No financial payments have been made to the utilities regarding the acquisition of data. Meeting minutes have been produced and these are contained at Appendix 5A.
5.4 Table 5.1 outlines who was contacted and when.
Electricity (Drawing /01, Volume 2)
5.5 Corby has its own gas fired power station. The local electricity company, East Midlands Electricity, has its network connected to this bulk supply point at the power station. In many situations electricity would pass through National Grid TransCo equipment to reach the local electricity company, this is not the case at Corby.
5.6 The bulk supply point has ample reserve for expansion of the area, a further 40mw being available at the power station, which is sufficient to meet loads arising from The Regeneration Framework. Power is distributed around the Corby area using a 33kV ring main system. We are assured by EME that this ring main has spare capacity to supply all the future development and this is reflected within the proposed supply strategy developed.
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Gas Infrastructure (Drawing /03, Volume 2)
5.7 National Grid TransCo operate the gas supply pipelines to Corby. The area is supplied from the north by a High Pressure gas transmission pipeline. Separate transmission pipelines supply the power station and the built up area of Corby. These two pipelines are connected to the North of Corby.
5.8 We are assured by TransCo that an increase in power generation and gas consumption at the power station will not affect the pipeline supplying Corby’s residential and commercial needs.
5.9 The gas network operating pressure drops to intermediate and medium pressure within the built up area. The existing network has reserve capacity within it. TransCo has summarised the reserve as being equivalent to 50,000 residential units. This was demonstrated to WSP when we met TransCo at their Mansfield offices.
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TABLE 5.1 - CONSULTEES
Body Consultant Form of Contact Dates Comments Point of Contact Contact No. East Midlands Meetings 9 February 2004 Iain Gorman 0115 – 877 5923 Electricity Correspondence Various Telecons Various ntl Meetings 27 February 2004 Correspondence Various Tom Grant 01189 – 544 879 Telecons Various Mick Rockett 01832 – 510 448 NGT Transco Meetings 25 February 2004 (Gas Distribution) Correspondence Stuart Sayles 01623 – 413 750 NGT Transco Correspondence Various No equipment within the Richard Walsh 01926 – 655 881 (Electricity Distribution) Telecons Corby area. Anglian Water Meetings 10 February 2004 Mick Graley 01733 – 414 188 18 March 2004 Telecons Various Correspondence Various Antoinette Lynch 01733 – 414 188 BT Correspondence No meetings required Paul Williamson 024 – 7649 2648 Telecons Environment Agency Meeting 17 March 2004 Paul Hunt 01733 – 371 811 Correspondence Various Telecons Various Louise Johnson 0115 – 9455 722
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Telecommunications (Drawing /06, Volume 2)
BT
5.10 Very little information has been forthcoming from BT regarding its existing network. BT has confirmed that the study area is supplied from three exchanges, located at Rockingham, Corby and Great Oakley. BT has confirmed that all of these exchanges can supply telephony and broadband services. ntl
5.11 The cable TV and Internet Service Provider for the area is ntl. Supply to the area is from the Kettering area, along the A6003. The focal point for the incoming supply and the ring main around Corby is the virtual head end which is located in the southern extremity of Corby, where the two meet, near Copenhagen Road. The ring main around Corby comprises a mixture of 160 and 96 fibre cable. Not all these fibres are in use, there being ample pairs available for expansion to meet all the needs of The Regeneration Framework.
5.12 The existing fibre cable is located in ducts within public highway around Corby. There are various Remote Terminal (RT) points around the ring main, from where it is possible to extend the network.
Water Supply
5.13 Anglian Water is the supply company for the area. Water supply to Corby is taken from Rutland Reservoir at Wing and delivered to Corby via a 1200mm dia. trunk main that continues towards Grafham Water. This is a strategic main that currently supplies the areas identified within the MK Sub-Regional Strategy. Expansion of the Bedford area will also impact on Grafham Water which in turn has an effect on this strategic supply. From this trunk main supply, two water towers and an existing reservoir are supplied with water to feed Corby. These are located to the west of Corby and lie within the proposed Western Extension area as shown on Drawing 02.
5.14 Corby is also supplied via a spur 600mm dia. trunk main from the strategic supply that passes around the south west area of Corby.
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5.15 The current water supply is sufficient to meet Corby’s existing needs. At present there is a minimal volume of spare capacity.
Surface Water (Drawing /05, Volume 2)
5.16 The River Welland forms the northern boundary of the Borough. To the south of this, the area is dissected by tributaries of the River Nene. The main tributaries are the Willow Brook (two arms) which runs through the urban area and Harper’s Brook which skirts the south of the town. To the north east of the town Gretton Brook flows eastwards where it joins the Willow Brook. These collect the surface water run-off from Corby. Both drain to the River Nene. There are no other large-scale water areas within the town though a number of small balancing reservoirs exist. Some of these are privately owned, left over from the former steel works industry.
5.17 Original natural watercourses have been extensively culverted and diverted to facilitate earlier development. The water quality of the Gretton Brook is considered poor by the Environment Agency due to discharges from the steel works.
5.18 There are a number of springs noted around Corby, in particular to the north west of the town towards Cottingham. The existing surface water features are indicated in Drawing 05.
Wastewater (Drawing /04, Volume 2)
5.19 Foul water is treated at the Anglian Water Sewage Treatment Works (STW) located adjacent Willow Brook in the centre of Corby, position as shown on Drawing 04.
5.20 The foul water drainage system of Corby currently operates a gravity system to the sewage treatment works. An existing strategic trunk sewer system passes through the town centre of Corby to this STW. This plant is currently sufficient to meet the existing needs of Corby. To facilitate the redevelopment of Corby, the STW requires improvement including inlet works. This will be subject to Environment Agency approval on items including water quality and flooding as it is reported by the EA to receive regular flooding. The two trunk sewers to the west/south west of the STW, a 900mm dia. 750mm dia. trunk sewer, will also require upgrading.
5.21 Another smaller treatment works exists at Stanion located on the Harper Brook.
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6.0 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE AND ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES
6.1 The Environment Agency has responded to the Draft MKSM Strategy dated July 2003 and also issued a joint statement on the need for ‘Green Infrastructure’ in the MKSM Strategy February 2004. Copies of these two documents are contained in Appendix 6A.
6.2 The first report requests that an environment strategy, energy strategy and waste strategy be produced for Corby to provide the required sustainable Quality of Life for residents of an enlarged town.
6.3 The latter report recommends changes to the MKSM Strategy, modifications to RPG8 and production of RPG9 to provide consistency of Green Infrastructure guidance across the whole of the regions. The document aims to provide a framework for integrating the concept of Green Infrastructure to the Government for support. Discussions with the EA have established that for the Corby area they are interested in the grading of water, particularly for industrial use. For example the use of greywater wholecycle. This latter document contains suggestions for local policy Green Infrastructure and the delivery process. The following sections of this report address sustainable infrastructure, including sustainable urban drainage systems, for the additional development at Corby.
6.4 Doubling the population of Corby puts decision makers in a crossroad choosing strategy for the infrastructure and energy supply in a long-term perspective. The design of sustainable infrastructure in urban areas has a major impact on different aspects of life for the inhabitants. The system should be clean in the sense of having a low impact on the local and global environment. It should make possible the introduction of a fuel mix to facilitate use of local resources as waste heat and other options. It should be flexible enough to be able to adapt to changes in fuel prices and future options of new technologies. It should give opportunity to introduce Combined Heat and Power (CHP) generation in a longer perspective in order to increase the overall efficiency in line with the national strategies to deal with climate change. The system should also generate service to the inhabitants and companies in Corby, at a favourable cost level. A green infrastructure should, in the long term, offer lower costs for heating buildings than traditional systems. The infrastructure should contribute towards making Corby an attractive place to settle down and invest in.
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6.5 Expansion in close proximity to the existing town centre opens up unique opportunities to consider new and alternative solutions instead of planning for more supply of the same.
6.6 The objectives for a green infrastructure in Corby can be summarised as follows:
• Minimise use of fossil fuels for energy production • Minimise emissions of Green House Gases (GHG) • Utilise local waste energy from utilities and industrial plants • Utilise local fuels and combustible waste • Create flexibility to adapt to future changes in energy prices and environmental demands • Make possible the introduction of CHP for local electricity production • Offer a cost effective system that is attractive for residential and commercial investors
Identification of Local Energy Sources And Opportunities In Corby
6.7 The existing sewage treatment works is located close to the town centre and nearby the industrial area. This area is also proposed to be an area for expansion of business and processing parks. A sewage water treatment plant represents an opportunity to produce waste heat (utility heat dumps), biogas and nutrition.
Utility heat pumps 6.8 The increased temperature of sewage water can be utilized for heating buildings if one boosts the temperature up to higher levels by use of large heat pumps. Heat pumps for sewage water applications are normally very favourable installations that give a long running time and a high Coefficient of Performance (COP) factor. This means a high overall efficiency (300-400%) and a base load production all year around. To fully utilise this cheap and clean heat production it should be connected to a big enough end user and with a user profile spread out over the year.
Biogas production 6.9 The sewage sludge can generate biogas by means of an anaerobic process. The gas produced is low-grade methane that can be directly used as fuel in boilers or in a gas motor for combined heat and power production. The gas can also be used for fuel in vehicles if it is cleaned, refined and pressurised.
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6.10 In the same area as the sewage works there are also two landfill sites, one active and one that is closed down. These represent a large and cheap source for methane gas. Utilisation of landfill gas provides an opportunity to reduce the emission of green house gases by avoiding the continuous leakage of methane whilst concurrently generating fuel that replaces use of other fossil fuels.
6.11 The third option is to investigate possibilities to recover waste heat from industries in the area. Unfortunately the steel works are not in operation as they used to be. The potential of waste heat from this previous operation would probably have been large enough to heat the whole of Corby. Existing industries and new ones to come can be integrated in the infrastructure strategy for Corby. Many industries produce waste heat in the end and have problems and also have to pay to get rid of this heat. Utilisation of waste heat is often done by use of heat pumps. A heat pump is also at the same time a chiller. By making use of the cold side of the machine you can also produce cooling service to industries and to commercial buildings in the same operation. If you succeed in utlising both sides of this process, the efficiency and the economy in this service will be extremely affordable. Using the cold side of the heat pump at the sewage water works to deliver cooling service to end users in the area and can be integrated in a system like this. Offering companies service for heating and cooling at favourable tariffs can be a competitive mean for Corby.
6.12 The fourth local resource to identify in a utility strategy is waste. Although, in the past, there has been opposition and hesitation of the effects and impact on local environment from incineration, this is still a sustainable option to consider. New advanced technologies on flue gas cleaning and progress in sorting out hazardous materials have changed many of the arguments against incineration. The alternative, establishment of landfills, is not considered to be a long- term sustainable solution. Directives on landfills become more restrictive to reduce leakage and other impacts on the environment. In northern mainland Europe landfills are almost forbidden and involve high charges. As long as we are using fossil fuels for combustion, burning waste is often a better option. Life cycles analysis have pointed out that incineration is a better alternative than even recycling of plastic material. The energy potential of waste in an urban area represents a considerable portion of the heat needed for buildings.
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District Heating Network
6.13 Heating rooms to 20°C is a simple measure that is best done by use of a low-grade media such as warm water in pipes. High quality energy as electricity or gas can instead be reserved for more advanced purposes as lighting, motor drives or power generation. Most of the local energy resources comes as low-grade energy and must be used at that level. To utilise the local resources mentioned here you have to transform the energy into a media that can be distributed to end users in households and buildings. All these conditions lead to a conclusion that, the most rational system for distribution of recovered local sources that gives you flexibility and a potential to reduce the use of fossil fuels for heating is a district heating network.
6.14 Installing district heating systems is a long-term activity with an upfront investment problem that pays back in the long-term by lower fuel cost and opportunities to recover available free waste energy. The systems built in the Nordic countries were constructed over a number of decades starting in the 60’s and are still ongoing. In the beginning these systems were fired with crude oil only. The idea was to take away all chimneys in the city to improve the local environment and to use cheaper fuels. During the late 70’s and early 80’s a mixture of other fuels (coal, peat) replaced the oil consumption, due to security reasons after the first oil crisis. During the 90’s environmental aspects have diversified the energy mix even further to reduce the use of fossil fuels in these systems to a minimum. The driving force for district heating has accordingly changed during this time, from rationality aspects to security and to environmental aspects. It is the flexibility in fuel switch that made this change possible over time. The next area of great interest today is the introduction of district cooling in city centres by use of free cooling from District Heating (DH) heat pumps or ground/seawater cooling supply to commercial end users.
Phase 1, Strategic DH Opportunities For Corby
6.15 To build a new district heating system today gives you access to benefits from all the efforts from R&D as the DH industry approaches its maturity phase. These results can be used to optimise the economy in new developments. Newly developed technologies to lay down pipes by use of ploughing methods can easily be adapted while construction proceeds in new areas where there are no buildings in the way.
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6.16 The community plan to expand Corby in urban extension zones near to the existing town and near to the identified local energy sources gives Corby an opportunity to start the build up of a DH system step by step according to the construction of these new areas. The supply systems and production units can be built accordingly and designed to adapt to the energy demand in each phase. Depending on the time schedule for the different extensions different strategies can be considered. Looking at the map of Corby it seems that an establishment near by the existing sewage work is optimal from several aspects. It is close to the waste energy sources from the sewage plant, close to industry and close to existing landfill sites. This location is also between the extension areas of Priors Hall/Weldon and Oakley/Stanion (albeit some of Oakley is already being built out). This area is also proposed for location of business and processing parks which makes it suitable to establish an energy plant here. Finally this location is favourable due to existing access roads and the proposed Southern Relief Road.
Conceptual Layout of Phase 1 6.17 All installations are made on virgin land (where possible) and connected to new buildings.
Urban extension with DH
Main DH production unit
Business area
Landfill gas
Urban extension with DH
District heating pipes
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6.18 Installing the pipe network in virgin land reduces the cost and gives unique opportunities to use new methods for ploughing down the pipes. The pipe work can also be integrated and co- ordinated with other supply systems to the new buildings. Connected business locations in the middle zone can both be an end user of energy but also deliver surplus energy back to the network. The production plant has a fuel mix with landfill gas, biogas, and waste heat from sewage works and waste heat from contracted industries. Natural gas is used in the DH production unit for peak load periods. District cooling can be offered as an option to customers in the industrial zone. Cooling is produced as extra bonus from the large heat pumps at the sewage water plant.
Phase 2, Ideas For Expansion Of The DH System. 6.19 Due to the time schedule for the further extension of Corby, the second phase can include an expansion of the DH system to these newly constructed areas. When the northern supply feeder is completed one can consider closing the loop by laying down a pipe along Roman Road. Closing the loop makes the supply more robust and safe, whilst passing through the city makes it possible to expand the number of connected buildings to the DH network. The large energy users in the city centre can be connected to DH and eventually also to a new district cooling system.
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Extension for Industrial use Existing peak load power Possible station Location for future CHP
Northern extension
Western extension
Connection of town centre by building a ring feeder
6.20 All extensions of the network must of course be undertaken mindful of expected life cycle costs. The difficult task here is to make relevant predictions of future energy cost and energy demand in buildings.
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Phase 3, Fully Developed Network
6.21 Installation of combined heat and power generation is not economically viable until the size of the DH-network is big enough to balance the heat production from the investment. The same requirement is valid for investing in an incinerator. Both these investments represents large upfront economic drawback with an option to reduce the running costs to a minimum in the long run. A favourable location of these heavy industrial installations is in the northern industrial zone close to the existing power plant.
Hidden Reservation, The Risk For Exaggerated Energy Demand
6.22 The success of introducing DH depends on the ability to achieve a balance between capital expenditure and the income from delivered energy provision. There is a considerable risk that one overestimates the demand for energy in the new extension areas and ends up with too large a system that gives the owner a heavy economic burden. People often tend to be focused on the supply side of energy management. Demand side management and introduction of more and more energy efficient solutions is often underestimated. Design of residential buildings is improving over time. Different regional traditions and materials used can result in large differences in energy use for heating. In Sweden you can find newly constructed residential buildings without heating systems at all. Thick insulation and extremely low u-values on windows can reduce the energy demand to levels that can be met by the internal heat generated by the residents. It is essential that one has a reliable prediction of the energy demand in the new housing areas. The existing building stock will in the long run also reduce its use of energy by introducing better and more efficient appliances etc.
The Step-By-Step Strategy
6.23 Temporary and transportable boiler units can initially serve new housing areas under construction. Completed zones can later be connected to the main system where more efficient production units will be installed when the load is big enough. In this way the DH system can grow step-by-step, reducing the upfront investment to reasonable levels. New technologies can also reduce the economic size for calculating on investments like CHP. New micro CHP technologies can be interesting in remote applications or when the transmission cost to the main system is too high.
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The District Heating Company
6.24 Historically DH companies in the Nordic countries have been owned by the municipality and managed as a utility under political influence. In the last years most of these companies have been privatised in line with the deregulation of the rest of the energy sector. Discussion has started to separate distribution from production in order to open up for competition. It is technically possible to sign different contracts with suppliers to the heating network. Contracts for supply of heat to the system can be set up for a period of say 5 years in smaller systems. Temporary transportable units for combustion of biomass can be connected to specific prepared connection sites. Delivery of waste heat to the DH system from industries and other larger customers is also possible on short or long-term basis. The price of energy can be set on a local energy pool. In theory this kind of approach is discussed for testing in practice. The municipality can preferably be the owner of the distribution network and purchase the supply under its own conditions and environmental standards.
6.25 The other option is to invite an operator to set up a DH company. This will need long- term assurance of the volume of heat to be traded and index for energy prices connected to other activities. The municipality can preferably be a part shareholder in the DH Company to look after its interest. This local energy company can also work as an Energy Service Company (ESCO) also active in demand side energy management and offer other services asked for by customers.
Biomass and Energy Crops
6.26 Once you have established a system that calls for supply of fuel to centralised boiler plants where waste or other solid fuels can be fired, a new market for generation of fuels can be established in the region. The agricultural sector in all European countries is struggling with the fallow fields set aside as a result of over production. Growing energy crops or planting energy forests is a possible future for the farmers if there is a stable demand for these products on a long-term basis. Combustible sorted clean waste from industries or other cities/villages in the region can be utilised in the boiler plants of Corby instead of being a burden on the landfills. The price of these fuels can often be very favourable depending on negotiations with the stakeholders.
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Wind Power
6.27 Wind power is rapidly coming up as the most economic renewable energy source for electricity production. The development is of the wind power industry is pointing at development of larger windmills situated in parks and located where the average wind speed is high. A major barrier for wind power is local objection on grounds of visual intrusion. It is evident that wind power today is very much focused on large off shore wind parks. The size of the optimal windmill has increased to 3-5 MW per unit. In general terms it is only in these applications that wind power is economically viable without subsidies. In spite of that, some manufacturers are still working on development of windmills optimised for inland locations. The challenge is to overcome the lower wind speeds (than off shore), reducing the cost for the installation by using more lean construction and higher towers. The problem with local opposition against these installations is of course crucial. The time frame for the process to receive permission is often very long.
6.28 The wind power option for Corby is to await the design development of economic inland installations. Demonstration of new pilot constructions optimised for inland location can be of interest if the wind conditions in the surroundings of Corby are favourable enough. The other option is to look for remote installations by the coast or off shore opportunities as joint shareholders in ongoing projects or projects under preparation.
Solar energy
6.29 Thermal solar energy can be a competitive alternative in specific favourable applications. Production of domestic hot water by use of integrated solar panels on rooftops is a mature technology. The market for these installation is still small but increasing in line with higher energy prices. Planning for future expansion of housing areas solar energy is a factor that can considerably reduce energy demand, especially for hot water. New design of low energy houses often uses passive solar design to reduce the use of energy for heating as well.
6.30 Large-scale solar thermal installations can be found in Denmark, Sweden and Germany. Fields with solar panels mounted on the ground can support a group of houses with hot water for heating. Most of these projects are funded with subsidies as parts of national R&D programmes. The catch here is often to design a seasonal storage at reasonable cost. Very large-scale installations for production of solar energy district heating can be found in Sweden.
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6.31 Photovoltaic (PV) is still considered to be a future solution. New R&D results from development of thin film technology are promising. The next generation of PV installations has a potential to reduce costs to levels low enough to develop more examples of cost effective niches. Prognosis of a breakthrough for PV often points out 10 years as a possible time frame.
The Way Forward
6.32 The green infrastructure proposed here is a complicated and integrated scheme of measures hard to take in when it comes to strategies for implementation and economic considerations. There are a large number of questions that have to be cleared up to be able to identify the potential, opportunities and hindrances to introduce community heating for heat distribution and regeneration of local energy sources. The first step is to carry out a comprehensive feasibility study with a view to answer a number of core questions and illustrate the consequences of building up such a system in Corby. Some of the areas to be addressed in such a study are:
• What is the potential for local energy sources in Corby? Potential of biogas from wastewater treatment plant ? Potential of landfill gas from existing and planned landfills ? Potential of waste heat from industries. ? • Potential for heat production from combustion of sorted clean waste ? Is combustion of waste an option that can be accepted from political and environmental aspects? Review of alternatives for deposit of waste ? • What are the possibilities to generate local and renewable fuels in surrounding areas and from the agricultural sector near to Corby? • What is the level of energy demand in planned new residential and commercial areas? Density of heat load, location and timetables ? Is reduced demand by advanced design a better option? • Description of other heating options • Cost analysis of main options • Sensitivity analysis • Added value of introducing CHP and district cooling • Conclusion • Financing options and possible grants. • Experience from already implemented projects in UK. Already 28 projects in UK have received capital grants for investments in community heating and CHP installations from the programme.
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6.33 The Community Energy Programme is organised under the Energy Saving Trust. It offers financing of development costs with 50% of the cost to carry out feasibility studies of the kind mentioned here. The programme has fixed dates for application every three months. The next opportunity is in July 2004. The Community Energy Programme can also offer grants for capital cost due to investments. The last opportunity for application is in January 2005. The project must then be implemented one year after application. Information on the Community Energy options appraisal template is attached in Appendix 6B. The programme website is: http://www.est.org.uk/communityenergy/index.cfm
6.34 Another way to reduce capital cost is to apply to the Enhanced Capital Allowances. Quotation: see http://www.eca.gov.uk/. Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECAs) enable a business to claim 100% first-year capital allowances on their spending on qualifying plant and machinery. Businesses can write off the whole of the capital cost of their investment in these technologies against their taxable profits of the period during which they make the investment.
This can deliver a helpful cash flow boost and a shortened payback period
6.35 Possibilities to receive grants from the DTI while introducing new technologies with use of renewable energy sources and inter utility co-operation schemes should also be investigated. Grants for pilot and demonstration projects are often possible if they are in line with national strategies and policies for sustainable energy development. Projects of this kind can also be partly funded by European energy programmes.
6.36 Community energy heating projects can also be regulated according to the Climate Change Levy.
Recommendation
6.37 Perform a feasibility study of the energy options for Corby comparing community heating, integrated with CHP opportunities, with other options and including sources of funding.
6.38 Contact Councillor Ross Willmott at Leicester City to share the political and economical ideas behind the start up of district heating in Leicester.
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Principal layout of green infrastructure in Stockholm
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7.0 SUSTAINABILITY AND STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
Environmental Planning Framework
7.1 This section deals specifically with relationship of The Regeneration Framework with the current and proposed legislative framework for Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Sustainability Assessment (SA). The proposed regeneration for Corby must conform to these aspects of the regulatory framework that will govern development in the Borough, and in the wider context of the County, the East Midlands Region as well as conforming with national and international level guidance and regulations. Further detail on the overall planning context is given in Section 3.
7.2 Of particular relevance to the consideration of environmental and sustainability issues associated with the regeneration of Corby are the: - Integrated Regional Strategy, - Local Planning framework, - Community Strategy, - County-level Structure Plan, - Regional Planning Guidance (RPG) 8 and - application of SEA, SA and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations.
Integrated Regional Strategy 7.3 The Integrated Regional Strategy (IRS) is an overarching policy document that aims to ensure a high level of compatibility with all regional documents in the East Midlands. The IRS is principally the Sustainable Development Framework for the region, and is centred on eighteen Sustainable Development objectives. It seeks to apply the National Sustainable Development Strategy, providing a regional context for sub-regional, local, organisational and individual action. The IRS’s eighteen objectives are used to appraise strategies and action plans within the region, which must show how they contribute to the achievement of these objectives. Conformity with the IRS will assist the Framework’s progression through the planning process, and crucially gain regional support for the project.
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Local Planning Framework 7.4 The current Corby Local Plan was adopted in June 1997 and covers the period 1997 to 2006. The Local Plan predates the latest Regional Planning Guidance and Structure Plan and is therefore not in conformity with their revised policies and allocations, containing outdated housing and employment land provisions. The review of the Local Plan is just beginning and has commenced with the publication and circulation of an issues paper and it is intended to follow the approach outlined in the Government's Green Paper on the introduction of Local Development Frameworks. The review of the Corby Local Plan is, however, where much of the detail of The Regeneration Framework will need to be incorporated and programme and policy areas developed. Particular action areas focusing upon the key aspects of the plan will provide the context for implementation.
7.5 Whilst it is not currently clear how development projects will be assessed under the existing planning framework in terms of their potential environmental and sustainability implications, there is a need for the vision and objectives of The Regeneration Framework to be reflected in project delivery. There is the opportunity to co-ordinate the two plans in order to ensure that they both progress under a set of consistent environmental and sustainability objectives.
Community Strategy 7.6 The Community Strategy is in place for the promotion of the social, economic and environmental well-being of the area. The Community Strategy links the work and strategies of all stakeholders and aims to deliver community needs. The Regeneration Framework has been prepared in close collaboration with the Community Strategy to ensure that the two documents are complementary. It is important that the delivery of the Framework remains in accordance with the delivery and monitoring of the Community Strategy.
Strategic Environmental Assessment 7.7 The SEA Directive applies to a wide range of plans and programmes, including among others, those for town and country planning and land use. It will apply to both the present system of local authority development plans and Regional Planning Guidance and the proposed Local Development Documents and Regional Spatial Strategies.
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The SEA process including the baseline review, development of objectives, indicators and targets, scoping the study and development alternative, consultation, assessment of strategic options and development of a monitoring programme should be undertaken as part of the development of the Local Development Framework (LDF) and then be undertaken for each local development document. An alternative approach which is likely to be more appropriated for the redevelopment of Corby is to undertake an SEA of each Area Action Plan as it comes forward and feed these into the overall SEA once it is produced. Each SEA should be initiated at the outset of the plan development and inform the plan throughout the process until adoption.
7.8 Directive 2001/42/EC1 on the “Assessment of the Effects of Certain Plans and Programmes on the Environment”; otherwise known as the "strategic environmental assessment (SEA)" Directive, was adopted by the European Parliament on 31 May 2001 and by the European Council on 5 June 2001. Within the UK, the SEA Directive applies to plans and programmes, and modifications to them, whose formal preparation begins after 21 July 2004. However, it will also apply to plans and programmes whose formal preparation began before that date, if they have not been adopted (or submitted to a legislative procedure leading to adoption) by 21 July 2006.
7.9 The Directive will require a formal environmental assessment of certain plans and programmes which are likely to have significant effects on the environment. Authorities which prepare and/or adopt a plan or programme that is subject to the Directive will have to prepare a report on its probable significant environmental effects, consult environmental authorities and the public, and take the results into account.
7.10 The objective of the SEA Directive, is ‘to provide for a high level of protection of the environment and to contribute to the integration of environmental considerations into the preparation and adoption of plans… with a view to promoting sustainable development’ (Article 1). These aims are broadly consistent with a range of Government policies and have been reflected for some years in guidance for planning authorities.
1 European Directive 2001/42/EC on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment. 24/05/2010 – 11500175 – 37 Text/Reports/ Final Study Report Rev D Catalyst Corby
Sustainability Appraisal 7.11 The Consultation Draft on the Process of Preparing Local Development Frameworks2 produced by the ODPM (“Creating Local Development Frameworks” – November 2003) states that all Local Development Documents (LDDs) will be subject to Sustainability Appraisal (SA) and that SA is an integral part of the process for developing Development Plan Documents (DPDs) and Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs). This is in accordance with the requirements of Clause 38 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Bill3, the Draft Planning Policy Statement 124 (PPS12) and Draft Town and Country Planning (Local Development) Regulations 20045 (ODPM 2003).
7.12 The draft PPS12 states that Local Planning Authorities should adopt an integrated approach to Sustainability Appraisal and the requirements of the SEA Directive to avoid unnecessary confusion and duplication. The UK SEA guidance also presents SEA alongside SA, thus incorporating the two processes.
Strategic Environmental and Sustainability Assessment 7.13 This section looks at the requirements of the European SEA Directive and the UK Planning system on environmental and sustainability assessment with relation to The Regeneration Framework and builds on the description given previously in paragraphs 7.1 to 7.12.
7.14 An SEA of a development plan compares potential alternative actions in spatial plans and programs, thus identifying the environmental suitability of land for particular uses. Whilst current practice indicates a focus on environmental impacts, there is no reason why socio- economic impacts should not also be assessed if sustainable development is the leading objective. Application of an SEA/SA should help policy and strategy developers and planners to obtain a clearer view as to whether they are likely to achieve their intended goals.
7.15 SEA is mandatory if plans are prepared or adopted by authorities and are required by legislative, regulatory or administrative provisions, and which:
• are in “core” sectors, which includes the planning sector, and;
2 Creating Local Development Frameworks: Consultation Draft on the Process of Preparing Local Development Frameworks, ODPM, November 2003 3 Planning and Compulsory Purchase Bill, The Stationary Office, 2003 4 Draft Planning Policy Statement 12: Local Development Frameworks, ODPM, 2003 5 Draft Town and Country Planning (Local Development) Regulations 2004 ODPM, 2003 24/05/2010 – 11500175 – 38 Text/Reports/ Final Study Report Rev D Catalyst Corby
• set the framework for future development consent of projects listed in EIA Directive, or • need an assessment under Habitats Directive.
7.16 This can cover Area Action Plans, which is how the Expansion Areas identified in The Regeneration Framework are likely to be realised within the local planning documents. Area Action Plans tend to only be concerned with relatively small areas at local level, and relatively minor modifications to plans and programmes. However, in the case of the Regeneration Framework for Corby, the plan is likely to include several Area Action Plans. If considered on an individual basis, each Area Action Plan is likely to be judged as having significant environmental effects and will therefore be subject to assessment. In addition, UK guidance recommends that in many cases within SEAs and SAs undertaken for LDFs, major site specific allocations comprising a number of components individual elements should be identified for separate consideration. The relationship between SEA / SA and the LDF and its component documents is illustrated in Figure 7.1 This diagram also indicates that the SEA / SA can be undertaken of each local development document (LDD) as it is prepared.
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Figure 7.1 Relationship of SEA/SA to the Local Development Framework.
The Development Plan
Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) Local Development Framework (LDF)
Local Development Scheme (LDS
Statement of Community Involvement (SCI)
Local Development Documents (LDD)
Strategic Environmental Assessment/Sustainability Appraisal (SEA/SA)
Development Plan Supplementary Planning Documents (DPD) Documents (SPD)
7.17 SEA shares much in common with project-level Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in that they both aim to minimise the significant environmental impact of a proposed action. EIA is applied to specific development projects whilst SEA can apply at a higher, or earlier stage in planning such developments (e.g. development plans). Similarly, whereas the project EIA usually addresses specific, direct cause–effect relationships between the proposed development and an environmental receptor, an SEA looks at the broader picture. SEA is better able to address cumulative, indirect and multiplier effects.
7.18 Therefore, whilst project EIA will be a useful tool to guide development in terms of its potential impact on the environment, in the case of The Regeneration Framework it does not have the capacity to deal with more than one project application at a time. This will mean that there will be the risk that the cumulative impacts of many different projects taking place will be overlooked and there will not be the opportunity to ensure that a holistic approach to the consideration of environmental and sustainability impacts is adopted.
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Consideration of Environmental and Sustainability Issues Within The Regeneration Framework 7.19 In order to ensure compliance with the SEA Directive, to avoid delays in the determination of planning applications and to demonstrate accordance with best practice, it may be advisable that an SEA / SA of The Regeneration Framework is undertaken. In addition, it is likely that in the absence of a current Local Plan or LDF which adequately covers the proposals set out in The Regeneration Framework, then under the SEA European Directive, which is supported by the UK Guidance on the application of SEA to Local Development Plans, The Regeneration Framework should be subject to an SEA.
7.20 However, the preparation of the LDF has commenced and there is the desire to deliver much of The Regeneration Framework through the Local Development Planning system, therefore it may be possible to include the proposals put forward in The Regeneration Framework within the SEA/SA carried out of the LDF.
7.21 The inclusion of the SEA/SA of The Regeneration Framework within the SEA/SA of the LDF has the advantage of:
• Ensuring consistency and co-ordination between planning frameworks in terms of their coverage environmental and sustainability issues; • Conforming with European legislation and national guidance and legislation; • Providing support for planning applications in line with the Regeneration Framework and the LDF.
7.22 However there are also several potential disadvantages which include:
• Overcoming the different timescales of the planning frameworks; • Ensuring consistency between plans prior to SEA; • Lack of capability of assessing potential cumulative impacts of individual development proposals prior to SEA; • Inability to ensure co-ordination of individual development projects with The Regeneration Framework Vision; • Unable to provide standard guidance on environmental and sustainability issues for developers.
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7.23 Most of the disadvantages identified will occur due to potential delays in the LDF plan preparation process and the lack of any direct initiative to ensure consistency between the environmental and sustainability objectives of the Regeneration Framework and the Local Development Framework.
7.24 It is proposed to set up an agreed evaluation framework, with a range of criteria that underpin the vision and reflect the sustainability objectives of The Regeneration Framework. These criteria will be in accordance with the requirements of the SEA Directive, the emerging UK guidance on SAs of Local Development Frameworks, existing local, regional and national level strategies and where applicable, will reflect current best practice.
7.25 This evaluation framework can then be further supported by more detailed indicators and targets which can then be used to guide developers in designing their planning applications and be used for monitoring and evaluation the performance of the plan. If designed carefully these criteria are also likely to be reflected in the SEA/SA of the LDF which will ensure consistency between the two planning frameworks thus helping to avoid any potential conflicts and future delays following the formal SEA/SA and adoption of the LDF.
7.26 The objective of the evaluation framework will be to challenge whether the development proposals for each individual development have a sufficiently sound basis in sustainability principles, are in accordance with The Regeneration Framework Vision as well as being consistent with relevant planning documents.
7.27 The following section provides guidance on the scope of the assessment framework, through a brief review of existing local, regional and national strategy documents and an indication how best practice can support and assist in the generation of an assessment framework for Corby Regeneration Strategy. It should be noted that this report provides a guide only, and the assessment framework would need to be further developed through the incorporation of the SEA Directive requirements and through consultation with the Catalyst Corby Regeneration Company, Corby Borough Council and relevant environmental authorities and stakeholder groups where applicable.
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Scope Of The Assessment Framework 7.28 At present The Regeneration Framework does not have a set of clear sustainability objectives. Any objectives developed to guide the realisation of the framework should where possible, build on those which have already been developed within other strategy documents which are applicable to the area and the aims of the regeneration framework. This section provides guidance on the development of sustainability objectives for The Regeneration Framework.
7.29 A brief review of the relevant local and regional documents has been undertaken to obtain an understanding of the strategic objectives for the Corby area and its surroundings. As part of this review process, documents were identified for their particular importance and relevance to The Regeneration Framework. The key documents identified for the review included; the East Midlands Integrated Regional Strategy (December 2000), Inspirational Corby: Community Strategy 2003-2008, Regional Planning Guidance 8: East Midlands (January 2002), the Northamptonshire County Structure Plan 1996-2016 and associated Sustainability Appraisal, and the Local Plan Review (October 2003). In addition to these documents, other documents could be reviewed in the future such as “Destination 2010” the new regional economic strategy for the East Midlands. Primarily Local and Regional Policies have been reviewed as it has been assumed that the policies within these documents reflect international and national policy with a more local relevance. A table summarising the results of this review is provided in Appendix 7A.
7.30 Key objectives emerging from this review are to:
• develop a modern competitive Town Centre; • create the environment to attract new jobs, broaden the economic structure and open-up new employment opportunities; • secure the necessary infrastructure, facilities and services to support development; • promote conservation, enhancement, sensitive use and management of the region’s natural and cultural assets; • ensure new development areas identified minimises impact on landscape, agriculture, nature, flood risk, drainage and historic and cultural assets; • seek the implementation of an integrated transport strategy including better public transport, that enhances economic competitiveness, social cohesion and sustainability; • improve the quality of housing available to residents within the Borough and achieve a more balanced social mix and diversity of housing areas; • address social exclusion, through the regeneration of disadvantaged areas; • improve the range and quality of sporting and leisure facilities as a means of improving health;
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• create an excellent system of education and learning that provides the people of Corby the knowledge and skills to participate fully in economic and social life; • create a safer environment by tackling drug problems through enforcement, education and rehabilitation, reducing crime, violence and anti-social behaviour;
7.31 In addition, the East Midlands Integrated Regional Strategy includes four spatial objectives, all of which are relevant to the regeneration of Corby:
• To ensure that decisions about the distribution and location of activity are consistent with sustainable development principles. • To enhance the Region’s infrastructure, including maximising transport choice and exploiting opportunities offers by information technology. • To recognise and respect the distinctive characteristics of different parts of the region and the need for regional policies and actions to take account of these. • To have full regard to the importance of linkages between different parts of the Region and with adjacent regions.
7.32 These objectives give an indication of the types of objectives The Regeneration Framework should be building into an assessment framework or performance management system to ensure the strategy is moving towards sustainable development. It is important to note that these objectives would need to be agreed by Catalyst Corby and this may also be supported by consultation with relevant stakeholders. A fuller framework would draw from wider sources, for example, the SEA objectives identified in the UK SEA Guidance would be particularly important for inclusion.
7.33 In addition, it is possible to demonstrate accordance with best practice through the consideration of sustainability within The Regeneration Framework, through a review of recognised initiatives, particularly those with a local relevance and also through the use of comprehensive appraisal tools.
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7.34 As an illustration, we looked to environmental and sustainability measures adopted by Leicester City Council, which was awarded Beacon Status in 2001 for maintaining a quality environment. Leicester was also Britain’s first Environment City and is one of Europe’s Energy Cities. Of particular interest are the initiatives in relation to energy. The Energy Sense scheme was launched 5 years ago. Through this scheme 1,700 homes with energy surveys to help people save money by using intelligent solutions for energy efficiency. Another example is the target Leicester City Council has set to supply 20% of its buildings energy needs from renewable sources by 2020.
7.35 Additional sustainability objectives have been identified from the Replacement City of Leicester Plan (2nd Deposit Copy) Sustainability Appraisal, July 2003. These objectives, are shown below:
• Promote the amount of open space. • Promote local air quality. • Promote affordability of housing. • Promote accessibility to range of places and facilities, including local shops and open space. • Take account of local needs. • Reduce unemployment levels. • Promote a mix and range of uses in the town centre (e.g. housing and leisure). • Promote sustainable design in the built environment, e.g. sources of materials. • Conserve the character of towns and villages. • Reduce derelict land. • Promote reuse/resource efficient recycling of materials. • Promote quality of land. • Promote wildlife potential for habitat retention and creation, e.g. corridors. • Reduce the use of fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas). • Reduce the need to use energy.
7.36 In carrying out this preliminary review we have drawn on an appraisal tool developed by WSP known as the Strategic Monitoring Assessment and Reporting Tool (SMART). This tool contains a database of indicators which has been developed through a process of reviewing existing indicators sets including the existing DETR and United Nations indicators sets as well as current regional sustainability indicator sets. In addition, this database is informed by a review of current best practice guidance, legal requirements including the SEA Directive, and existing published targets. This tool then provides an assessment framework to appraise proposals against a set of Headline Indicators and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
7.37 Examples of objectives contained within SMART which could be provided to improve breadth of coverage for The Regeneration Framework include:
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• To reduce environmental factors affecting health, such as respiratory illnesses. • To improve access to and quality of affordable healthcare facilities and information that promotes physical, social and mental health and wellbeing. • Promote design that discourages crime e.g. maximise natural surveillance and improve security in new developments through the “secured by Design” certification scheme. • Increase wage levels for both men and women. • Ensure that nuisance issues are addresses such as minimising or avoiding noisy activities, reducing the risk of vandalism, reducing light pollution. This may be of relevance to the Rockingham Speedway. • Identify and engage with hard to reach stakeholders. • Promote community cohesion. This may be of particular relevance if Corby plans to attract in migration. • To increase or improve the growth rates of business formation or ownership, particularly by underrepresented groups. • Improve access to support for small businesses, such as branches of Business Link and other business advice services.
Relationship of the Environmental Assessment to the Utilities Strategy
7.38 The Local Development Framework (LDF) and Local Development Documents (LDDs) will need to address the land allocations required by the infrastructure development (for example the potential new sewage treatment works, residential areas, communications network etc.). The environmental implications of these proposals which will be put forward within the LDF/LDDs will be addressed by the SEA/SA at an early stage and will help shape the policies to reflect a more sustainable approach to development (for example the inclusion of a policy that will oblige future developers in the area to plan and construct a SUDS drainage system). The SEA/SA will also allow for the assessment of strategic options of particular aspects of the development plan for example the expansion, relocation or new sewage treatment works.
7.39 This will in turn set the framework for the environmental assessments of the detailed planning applications relating to individual development sites. These individual applications will need to be subject to EIA if they fall within Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999 (SI No. 293) and will utilise the baseline data collated at the SEA/SA stage to inform their preparation, streamline their delivery and ensure a consistent approach across the area covered by the regeneration plan.
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Recommendations For Action
7.40 Directive 2001/42/EC and current UK Guidance will require a SEA or SA to be prepared for the LDF for Corby. As noted in Section 3, the Boroughs of Corby, Wellingborough and Kettering are currently discussing the possibility of producing a collective LDF and if this approach were to be agreed, then there will be a requirement for convergence of Borough policies at a strategic level with scope for more area specific policies within Area Action Plans.
7.41 The Regeneration Framework is likely to have significant environmental effects and there is the desire to deliver much of The Regeneration Framework through the Local Development Planning system. However, in the absence of a current Local Plan or LDF which adequately covers the proposals set out in The Regeneration Framework, then the environmental implications of realising The Regeneration Framework will only be addressed at the individual project application level. This will give rise to several potential disadvantages including:
• The inability to ensure consistency between The Regeneration Framework and the LDF in terms of their impact on sustainability; • The lack of capability to assess potential cumulative impacts of individual development proposals; • The inability to ensure co-ordination of individual development projects with The Regeneration Framework Vision; • The inability to provide standard guidance on environmental and sustainability issues for developers.
7.42 In order to ensure compliance with the SEA Directive, to avoid delays in the determination of planning applications and to demonstrate accordance with best practice, it may be advisable that an SEA / SA of The Regeneration Framework is undertaken. However, as much of The Regeneration Framework is to be realised through Area Action Plans prepared under the LDF, then it is recommended that the SEA / SA process is carried out through the Development Plan preparation. The recommendations below focus on a staged approach which enables the delivery of The Regeneration Framework, supports and provides key information for the SEA / SA of the LDF core policies and addresses the requirements of legislation and guidance.
7.43 Therefore, the following key activities are recommended for the next phase of the development of The Regeneration Framework:
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Activity 1 - Development of an Evaluation Framework
7.44 It is recommended that an agreed evaluation framework is set up with a range of criteria that underpin the vision and reflect the sustainability objectives of The Regeneration Framework. These criteria will be in accordance with the requirements of the SEA Directive, the emerging UK guidance on SAs of LDFs, existing local, regional and national level strategies and where applicable, will reflect current best practice.
7.45 It is recommended that the development of an evaluation framework is carried out as soon as practicable and this will build on the initial review carried out as part of this Study. This will ensure that there is a mechanism in place to align the delivery of The Regeneration Framework with the preparation of the SEA/SA for the LDF and provides the opportunity to ensure consistency and co-ordination between the plans in terms of their coverage of environmental and sustainability issues. This approach will also help to avoid any potential delays should there be any conflict with the SEA/SA of the LDF as the development of an evaluation framework will help identify any potential conflicts at an early stage and will provide support for the determination of planning applications which are required to be in line with The Regeneration Framework and the LDF.
Activity 2 - Undertake An SEA For Each Area Action Plan
7.46 It is recommended that each Area Action Plan prepared as part of The Regeneration Framework be subject to an SEA/SA. This should be undertaken as each of the Area Action Plans are developed and the results of the assessment should inform the development of the policies for that specific area.
7.47 This will have the advantage of streamlining the preparation of the SEA/SA for the overarching LDF as the detail of the assessment will be captured in the assessments undertaken for the Area Action Plans. This is particularly relevant if a collective LDF is prepared for the Boroughs of Corby, Wellingborough and Kettering.
7.48 In addition this approach conforms with European legislation and is consistent with current UK guidance which recommends that, in many cases within SEAs and SAs undertaken for LDFs, for major site specific allocations comprising a number of components, individual elements should be identified for separate consideration.
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Activity 3 - Broaden the scope of the SEA
7.49 The concept of sustainability is built into the Regeneration Framework and therefore it is recommended that coverage of the SEA be broadened out from the minimum requirements of the SEA Directive to include a greater coverage of social and economic issues. This will ensure that objectives such as, improving the range of services and facilities; community integration and social inclusion; building and design quality; economic and commercially viable growth and attracting inward investment, all of which are fundamental to the Regeneration Framework are included within the assessment.
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8.0 PROCUREMENT METHODS AND FUNDING
Preface
8.1 The previous sections of this report set out:
• The current utilities network
• The development programme for Corby’s expansion, and the timeframe
• The likely needs for investment in the utilities infrastructure and
• Emerging new forms of utility provision
8.2 This section provides an initial overview of the funding and delivery aspects to support infrastructure delivery. We identify recommended actions that the URC and its partners should consider taking in order to ensure that the lack of utilities provision is not a constraint on the delivery of the overall regeneration plans. The infrastructure funding strategy is also to ensure that funding strategies are in place to capture the maximum benefits of sustainable infrastructure development and utilities provision.
8.3 This scope of work to support this section is very limited, based on the brief to Consultants. Therefore this section identifies options and priorities for further investigation and action. It does not identify definitive solutions for adoption and implementation and the scope of the work to reach such conclusions were not within the scope of the Brief.
Overview – The Growth Aims For Corby
8.4 Section 3 of this report identified that within the regeneration and growth strategy for Corby, in the region of 23,000 new homes and 30,000 net additional jobs would be created as a result of the development programme. This effectively, would result in a doubling of the population of Corby to circa 100,000.
8.5 We are working on the basis that the delivery of these growth objectives is likely to take in the region of 15 years or more to achieve.
8.6 This section on funding and delivery of the utility framework is set in the context of those growth targets and the timing of the increase in demand for use of utilities.
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Utilities Provision And The Governing Market Issues
8.7 It might sound like an obvious statement, but generally, utility companies generate income from the provision of utilities to the consumer. The more utilities that are consumed the larger the charge. It is therefore logical but nevertheless important to stress that utilities providers would generally not be seen to be employing capital effectively by investing in assets for which there is uncertain levels of return at an uncertain point in the future.
8.8 In some sectors, such as the water sector, where there is only one supplier, the role of the Regulator (in the case of water, Ofwat) is important in setting the water companies charging policies to ensure that their position as a monopoly is not abused. Forward investment needs to be justified as ‘essential’ in order to be defined as eligible to be charged into the tariffs that consumers are charged. In most circumstances, the construction of capacity to respond to future possible demand is not considered to be essential – and the utility companies would therefore not be permitted to charge this cost onto the consumer until there was a utility service provided.
8.9 A number of large scale schemes are being developed in the UK at present which face similar problems in that the need for enhanced utilities provision and the potential for cost transfer to the utility companies or the developers are being examined.
8.10 In Liverpool, which is the most advanced project of this sort, and where there is Objective 1 funding and NWRDA assistance, the potential to transfer utility infrastructure costs is being tested by Liverpool Vision and its partners. The key message arising from that work is that there must be certainty of off-take and usage of utilities in order for the utility companies to invest. Furthermore in the case of private residential development, where the occupier has the right to change their supplier, there is no certainty that a utility provider in an area will maintain its market share.
8.11 In undertaking utility extensions, the investment would be deemed to be Contested Works, which means the extensions would go out to tender for providers to compete nationally. However, the scope for transfer of costs to utility providers is very limited in the current regulatory market. We must therefore reflect this cost in reduced land value, public sector intervention, or establishing a fund to start to capture infrastructure charges from current development to build up a reserve for future development. We would suggest all of these measures are examined and used as funding tools.
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Utilities – Key Delivery Challenges
8.12 The earlier sections of this report, identify the following with respect to utilities:
• in respect of electricity – no particular constraint is envisaged from the existing supply of energy generation and supply to the existing business and residential areas. There is, of course, the need to provide this supply to the growth sites and this may have material cost consequences;
• In respect of water – significant expansion of the main water infrastructure supplying Corby is required to meet future needs. Additional large (1200 dia) mains are required together with possibly a new water tower. Costs associated will be significant.
• in respect of the gas network – the analysis indicates that there are no material concerns associated with the capacity of the supply network to the area. However, as for electricity there may be significant costs associated with creating a local distributor network to provide the new homes and business space forecast within the plan;
• in respect of sewage and waste water –the analysis indicates that there are likely to be capacity constraints. This is an aspect that needs early action;
• in respect of telecoms and the cable network, linkages from the local supply into the new sites are identified. It is market experience that these connections are unlikely to be a material cost to any development and the funding of such provision is generally taken on by the utilities providers without material costs to development projects. These utilities are unlikely to present a barrier to the delivery of development; and
• the report also identifies the potential for the use of more environmentally sustainable forms of energy provision – such as the provision of district heating systems and energy from sustainable sources (methane, biomass, wind power). Incorporation of these technologies would not generally be led by the market place and therefore would need to be enabled.
Key Infrastructure Funding and Delivery Actions
8.13 Based on the above, the key challenges which Catalyst Corby faces in respect of establishing a utilities infrastructure provision strategy are, from an external perspective:
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• to ensure that utilities capacity and supply to sites is not constraining the pace of development;
• to ensure that the phasing of increase in infrastructure provision does not result in large single costs falling on any single development, such that these financial constraints result in the pace of development being slowed. Without public sector intervention and assistance, at such a point, development would slow to the point that sufficient value back- up is generated to be able to fund such large infrastructure costs.
8.14 We would suggest, as a first step, that it is important to develop on the mapping out of the forward provision of infrastructure to assess the resultant costs required to facilitate the delivery of the utilities framework for the delivery of the growth plans for the town.
8.15 This is useful, as it helps at a strategic level to understand the overall gross costs of infrastructure provision. From this, it is possible to understand the overall gross infrastructure costs that development is likely to have to bear across the town.
8.16 The viability of development, now and in the future, needs to be assessed. It is then possible to understand where there are ‘pinch points’ in relation to steps to upgrading the utilities network and the resultant ‘abnormal’ costs that might fall on development at any one time. Viability of development now, and in the future, needs to be considered in assessing whether the cost burden of a utility or infrastructure is such that it will limit the deliverability of the phases of development within The Regeneration Framework for Corby.
8.17 As there is a general forward need for utilities upgrading, we would suggest that the URC and its partners explore the need for, and benefits of, establishing an infrastructure fund through Section 106 contributions or an alternative system to help provide a fund for infrastructure provision. This might be forward-established from sites that are using up the current utility provision, so that there is a reserve to part fund future expansion, as it is needed.
8.18 We would suggest some early utility capacity and financial modelling is undertaken to inform the need for, and benefits of, the development of a fund.
8.19 The infrastructure fund could be delivered in the form of a surcharge through the Section 106 process, defined by each sq m of a certain type of development and held to procure infrastructure expansion and overcome costs at key ‘pinch points’. In a similar way, such an infrastructure fund could be useful in helping to establish and pay for up front costs associated with more environmentally sustainable forms of energy provision. This proposal is being developed for a large scale development project with significant infrastructure and utilities costs around Pool Harbour in the SW of England.
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8.20 In respect of the provision of expanding the water supply and sewerage facilities, we would suggest early discussions with Ofwat in order to explore the possibilities for the local water company to expand the local supply to respond to this need.
8.21 Based on current experience, however, if development is not viable due to the lack of capacity, then there is a need for the public sector to possibly joint venture such expansion with the local provider. This route has been adopted by SEEDA for electricity supply and also the NWRDA for a similar electricity scheme. If this route were adopted then we would also suggest that some of the costs of this investment could be recaptured through the planning frameworks for sites, or through agreements with the landowners through a utilities connection surcharge, paid per plot of land connected to the system.
8.22 In respect of assisting the funding of sustainable forms of utility provision, the earlier sections of this report set out the potential for the use of district heating. This could be for private or affordable housing. The Energy Saving Trust (EST) was established by UK Government in 1992. The Trust runs a number of funding programmes aimed at stimulating energy efficiency. EST has a £50 million Community Energy Programme (CEP), which will make grant contributions towards facilitating District Heating. There are two categories within the CEP:
• Development Works – whereby EST will consider grant assistance of up to 50% of costs of feasibility works for District Heating; and, • Capital Works – whereby EST will consider grant assistance of up to 25% of infrastructure costs
8.23 Grant applications can be made quarterly until 2005, with the next window for bidding being in July 2004. Applications must come from local authorities. Grant funding must be spent within a year of receipt. In line with the proposals for District Heating outlined in this report, it is recommended that Corby Borough Council consider applying for CEP Development Works funding to commission a feasibility study which further investigates the potential for District Heating in Corby.
8.24 WSP has strong contacts with the International Energy Agency who has encouraged this approach and provided us with further confidence about Corby’s prospects of being considered for such funding. Added value could be brought to this process should tie-ins be developed with the DTI’s targets for energy from renewable sources.
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8.25 Whilst the UK provides 40% of Europe’s renewable energy, the relative percentage of energy delivered from renewable sources is still very limited. Subject to earlier commentary, there may be scope for local wind farms to deliver some renewable energy within the local area and CC might promote the options for such development.
8.26 A more significant opportunity is the potential for the new developments in Corby to incorporate best practice by including photovoltaic cells on the new buildings that are developed. We would suggest that CC should make a specific case to Central Government (DTI) to allocate a proportion of the grant funding to these major schemes. In this way the regional economic strategy objectives can start to be met. If a local allocation can be made then CC can work with local developers to include this on buildings as they are brought forward in accordance with the Development Plan.
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9.0 LAND RELEASE PHASING
Land Release Phasing
9.1 The phasing of proposed residential areas, seven economic areas and Central Corby is identified in the EDAW report. A programme of how these development areas are proposed to be released is shown at Appendix 9A.
Up to 2010
9.2 Central Corby will be the first area to be developed, providing the transport and shopping facilities required by an expanded Corby. Development of economic areas of B1 and B2 employment will begin by 2005 to the South and North of Corby. Late in this period, the residential development area at Priors Hall/Walden will be released along with the Motor Cluster economic development area.
2010 to 2020
9.3 The Western and Southern extension areas will be released for development following the construction of the Corby western bypass. Development of leisure facilities in Central Corby will begin. All economic areas will be released for development in this period. Towards the end of the period, the Oakley/Stanion residential areas will be released.
2020 Onwards
9.4 The final residential area to be released will be the northern extension by 2025.
9.5 The baseline for the release of land is that contained within The Regeneration Framework that is reproduced at Appendix 9A. Many factors need to be considered in the release of land and the sequence it is brought to the market and permissions granted. These factors are summarised as: • Planning • Access • Economic Climate • Market Demand • Risk • Green/Environmental Issues
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• Gas Supply * • Electricity Supply * • Telecoms * • Water Supply * • Foul Water Disposal * • Surface Water Disposal * • Cost Estimates *
9.6 Many of the above go beyond the scope of the Brief. Those marked * are however within the scope. Ignoring aspects beyond the Brief, a view has therefore been formed on the sequence for which the sites could come forward, based on the ease of servicing them.
9.7 An attempt has been made to rationalise the approach to sequencing of the various sites. This exercise is not wholly objective as it relies to a degree on data provided by others and the subjective assessment of it. Not withstanding this, the assessment has been made on the basis of ‘ease of supply’ to the various zones by the different utilities. Each aspect has been allocated a score between 1 and 5. The scores are summarised in table 9.1.
Score Difficulty 5 Very easy to service 4 Easy to service 3 Average 2 Moderately easy to service 1 Least easy to service 9.8 BT is not included in the table as BT’s legal obligation to supply means that the difficulty is considered neutral throughout.
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Table 9.1 Deliverability of Utilities
Development Area Electricity Gas Water Foul Surface ntl Total Ranking Comments Supply Supply Supply Water Water Priors Hall, Weldon 3 3 2 3 4 2 17 9 Oakley, 4 4 3 3 3 1 18 8= ntl are not having a network Stanion/Technology/Innovation * constructed Cluster in Oakley, Stanion Western Extension 4 4 3 2 2 3 18 8= Northern Extension 5 5 4 4 3 2 23 2 Southern Extension/HQ 2 2 4 4 4 3 19 7 Business Parks Town Centre 5 4 5 5 4 3 26 1 HQ, Business Park/B1/B8 Uses 2 3 4 4 4 4 21 4 General Industrial Use 3 4 2 3 3 3 18 8= Expansion of Retail Park 3 4 3 3 3 4 20 5= Motor Cluster 4 3 2 3 4 5 21 3 Quality Business 3 4 3 3 2 5 20 5= Locations/B1/B8
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9.9 It is observed from the rankings contained in table 9.1 that
• Central Corby is the easiest area to service with utilities. • Generally, the economic regeneration areas are easier to supply. • The residential strategy is harder to supply.
9.10 It must be stressed that from WSP’s work, we conclude that all sites can be serviced. We also consider that whilst the residential element is harder to supply, the economics of the housing market will lead to the more expensive items of strategy falling into place.
9.11 Comparing the rankings in table 9.1 with scheme start dates on the programme contained at Appendix 9A, it is apparent that
• The early programme for Central Corby is correct • The technology and innovation park should be brought forward • The Motor Cluster should be brought forward • The Northern Extension should be brought forward.
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10.0 UTILITIES DELIVERY PLAN
10.1 The delivery plan comments upon three issues related to the provision of the different utilities. The issues covered for each utility are, strategy, programme and costs. The plan is to meet the development content of The Regeneration Framework, which was issued to all the utilities as part of the consultation process. Costings are covered in detail towards the end of this Chapter.
10.2 The delivery plans will need maintenance and refinement as planning policy emerges, development proposals become clear, and progress is made toward a start on construction. The basic strategy to supply shown on the drawings within Volume 2 will need refinement to be tailored to specific proposals. As masterplans for each area are worked up, the strategy will need to be reviewed and developed into a firm proposal for the area. As construction approaches, detailed design will need to be undertaken for each individual plot to be built out.
A43 / Southern Corby Link Road
10.3 The Regeneration Framework contains a Transport Strategy. Part of this strategy will involve the construction of the A43/Southern Corby Link Road. An approximate route for this road is shown on the appended drawings. Proposals for the road pass through the area for the Oakley / Stanion Extension.
10.4 The proposed road constitutes a possible route for utilities equipment to the south of Corby. We recommend that this proposed road be considered by the developers and utilities as a potential route. This planning should be investigated as part of the design process for the road.
10.5 A lack of planning at this stage may lead to a situation whereby new utilities equipment is laid along the newly opened road. Conversely, the utilities may need convincing that investments in plant, which may not be fully utilised for sometime is worthwhile.
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Surface Water a) Strategy
10.6 An indicative surface water strategy is shown on Drawing 05. Indicative flow directions are shown using arrows to demonstrate the likely direction of surface water discharge. These correspond to the same general falls of the existing topography. This is considered the most economical system by using existing gradients to direct surface water runoff to the natural river and watercourse catchments.
10.7 Run-off from development is to be catered for such that peak discharges do not exceed those from the existing rural catchment. The resulting drainage design should be based upon a combination of a positive piped system and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS). SUDS shall be used as the normal drainage system, wherever possible, utilising source control techniques. The existing rivers, watercourses and ditches should be retained and incorporated into the proposed drainage strategy where possible. These existing features are not to be utilised for attenuation purposes. The proposed SUDS system will depend on the infiltration rate of the existing soil, hydrology of the area and size of the catchment.
10.8 The proposed discharge rates will need to be agreed with the Environment Agency. Attenuation will be required such that the peak discharge rates are not exceeded to prevent flooding downstream.
10.9 Licenses are required to consent for surface water discharge, including permits during construction under the Water Resources Act 1991 Groundwater Regulations 1998 and Control of Pollution Regulations 1996. Features within the floodplain shall be avoided. Mitigation measures are to be agreed with the Environment Agency.
10.10 The surface water system should be separated from the foul water as required by the Water Industry Act 1991. The existing catchment areas within the surface water strategy should be maintained and no redistribution of flows from one catchment to another.
10.11 Where development areas exist with no natural watercourse, for example, historic quarry areas filled, appropriate drainage methods will be required. These areas may require more innovation, however, SUDS features may not be suitable for these sites. Possible features could include strategic ditches for example. These areas requiring further investigation are shown on Drawing /05.
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10.12 All drainage systems should be designed to adoptable standards and made as attractive as possible for maintenance to facilitate adoption.
10.13 The Local Plan should support the statements made above by the inclusion of a policy that will oblige future developers in the area to plan and construct a SUDS drainage system. The policy should stress the need to plan the drainage for each area as a whole. An uncoordinated approach to the planning of drainage could lead to the creation of a system whereby developers at the lower end of the system could ransom those upstream. Attenuation ponds will form part of the strategy and it is suggested that ideally these should be built out in their entirety at Phase 1 for each area. Plans for the area need to take into account the proposed buildout for each area. Policy could also highlight the need to have a maintenance body in place for the SUDS system. b) Programme
10.14 The surface water strategy will shape the proposed development with the areas closest to the outfall typically being constructed first. Where communal attenuation facilities are provided agreements and land consortiums may be required for each Major Development Area to ensure ransom situations are not created, and contributions are made by later development.
10.15 The surface water disposal should match the existing natural discharge rates to be agreed and approved with the EA. Planning and buildout of the surface water system falls largely under the control of the developers and it is considered that long procurement times associated with other utilities are unlikely. c) Costings
10.16 The cost of the surface water systems will be borne by the developments. Maintenance fees can be bonded to S106 Agreements to ensure SUDS features are catered for. The EA recommend that one maintenance company be set up for all drainage maintenance works for the residential areas. For SUDS features a maintenance schedule is required so that these items can be priced for the design life, typically 25 to 30 years.
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Foul Water a) Strategy
10.17 The foul water strategy is shown on Drawing /04. To the North and South of Corby the development areas can utilise the existing trunk sewer network. The Eastern areas will require terminal pumping stations and rising mains to the existing sewage treatment works.
10.18 Water quality is an issue for the Sewage Treatment Works (STW) discharge to Willow Brook. To facilitate the development, the STW will require expansion or relocating or alternative STW capacity increased.
10.19 Pumping mains are less sustainable and the EA are interested in the grading of water, particularly for industrial uses.
10.20 A new STW would appear to be difficult to locate in the immediate area particularly due to the 400m cordon sanitaire requirements adjacent to residential areas. Anglian Water has indicated that either a new or expanded STW will be required in the future for the area. This needs to be planned to meet the growth requirements for the area, so that development is not impeded. Instruction needs to be issued to AW for a feasibility report to be produced outlining the options available for the area.
10.21 This is very important to the delivery of The Regeneration Framework. If adequate facilities cannot be planned and constructed development will be adversely effected. The issues attached to the construction of new facilities are difficult to address. The EA and the AW will have to agree a discharge consent. For smaller watercourses the discharge requirements may be hard to achieve. English Nature will probably require a downstream survey of the watercourse.
The 400m cordon sanitaire requirement set by Anglian Water is not a technical requirement set by Sewers for Adoption, for example. It is presumably a “best practice” requirement based upon avoiding nuisance. Anglian Water apply this criteria, however, Thames Water do not. If a cordon sanitaire is to be reduced, the environmental statement would have to provide justification for the diversion from the standard. Human Rights issues and Law of Nuisance issues may also come into play.
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We consider that the following process will be followed to arrive at an improved or new STW. A developer will requisition an outfall from Anglian Water and it will be concluded that some form of improvement is required. Anglian Water would then undertake a study into the feasibility and options available.
Anglian Water would then have to undertake studies of the area proposed for the STW and studies downstream of the outfall. The EA is then approached by Anglian Water for a discharge consent at the outfall location identified. The EA would then provide the consent critereia (volume, rate, quality). 10.22 Development areas to the West and central areas of Corby require reinforcement of the existing trunk sewers. The proposed strategy is summarised on Drawing /04 and table received from Anglian Water contained within Appendix 10E. b) Programme
10.23 The programme to expand the STW could well determine the rate of the extension of Corby. Planning and construction of a new STW was discussed with AW. They were noncommittal regarding the timescales for delivery of a facility. We would suggest that a 7 years be allocated to the planning and construction. Typically this would comprise 3 years planning and 4 years for construction. Construction may be quicker if gravity filter beds are not used, but a more modern approach using UV light is taken. We recommend that AW address in detail the programme and interaction between the new facility and The Regeneration Framework.
10.24 Existing areas will be developed first, followed by the eastern areas, followed by the western areas last. c) Costings
10.25 The extent of costs will depend on the detailed assessment of the existing infrastructure. An indication of costs is summarised in Table 10.1.
Table 10.1 typical foul water costs.
Main Pumping Station £200,000 Rising Mains £250/m
10.26 The extent of likely reinforcement works required applicable to the above costs are shown on Drawing 04.
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Water Supply a) Strategy
10.27 Anglian Water have confirmed that the existing water supply network has sufficient capacity to deal with current needs. It is possible that there is some spare capacity within the existing system and that, at present, additional development areas could be supplied off the existing network. AW current capital investment plans for Corby are based upon actual growth and imminent growth within the existing local plan. Amendments of the local plan and future plans would require a detailed evaluation.
10.28 There is sufficient capacity to supply the northern (700) houses and southern (1400) houses. In the cases of the other proposed residential areas, offsite works are required. AW comment that the food manufacturing industries within Corby have applied for additional capacity and therefore by 2007 the existing spare capacity may have disappeared.
10.29 To supply Priors Hall, Weldon, Oakley, Stanion and Western extensions, offsite works are required. These include approximately 3km of 280mm PE to supply the Priors Hall and Weldon site, a local booster to supply the Oakley, Stanion site and a new connection from Beanfield Tower to supply the Western site. Mains extensions from the point of connection to the existing system into the development area will also be required. The proposed strategy is shown on Drawing /02.
10.30 In addition to the local network reinforcements required for the individual development areas, it is necessary to carry out mains reinforcements/pump upgrades on the existing strategic network for the outstanding commitments in the Local Plan plus the additional residential and commercial developments of this redevelopment proceed. The options for the strategic upgrade would be one or a combination of :
• a new main or upsizing of part of the existing 1200mm diameter main from the strategic supply location at Wing; • expansion of the existing reservoir and upgrading of the pumps at the existing water towers; and • upgrading the pumps at Wing.
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10.31 Further details are required to assess the commercial developments including demand figures to carry out an assessment of the system for the commercial proposals. AW are currently considering options into the reinforcement of supply in the area. During the meeting WSP had with Anglian Water on 10 February 2004, (meeting notes Appendix 5A), it was explained that AW will undertake studies required by Local Plans and Regeneration initiatives free of charge at present, and would take 2 to 3 months for a full study. For the purpose of this study, due to the short timescale, AW have only made an initial response. b) Programme
10.32 Some additional capacity may be provided by upgrading pumps in the existing strategic supply network. However, in the longer term the 1200 dia. strategic main will reach capacity and may have to be supplemented or sections improved to meet the demands of the MKSM strategy. Laying a new mains from Wing for part or for the whole length to Corby will meet a possible lengthy legal process. Whilst AW have statutory powers any land owners objecting to the proposals can significantly delay the process. Therefore AW cannot at present determine the time constraints for the delivery of the strategic upgrading of the supply for Corby or the MKSM Strategy.
10.33 It is recommended that the development layouts be planned around the existing route of the strategic mains to avoid costly and timely diversion works. c) Costings
10.34 The costs to supply the Corby expansion will be subject to a more detailed assessment by AW. The Eastern extension main of some 3km would typically cost approximately £1,260,000 for budget purposes. AW has stated that it has 3 main mechanisms to recover costs of the strategic supply under the Water Industry Act.
10.35 The employment areas are responsible for 100% of the costs. The funding strategy for the strategic reinforcement will be determined by AW. They will assess the supply required and plan accordingly. Residential development will pay its contribution based on the proportion of the provision i.e. they would take into account betterment and future development. Therefore AW has a financial risk of providing reinforcement that if developments do not go ahead, the costs will not be recouped.
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10.36 Funding is available to AW through its charging costs. However, it can take 12 years for them to recoup the costs. Timing is critical to their planning of the strategic supply.
10.37 AW expressed that they would welcome the conservation of water in the strategy for the development.
10.38 For the provision of the booster pumps, land negotiation is required as early as possible.
Proposed Gas Supply Infrastructure a) Strategy
10.39 At our meeting with TransCo on 25 February 2004, the modelling of the network and additional load arising from the development framework was demonstrated to us. The high pressure main supplying the area has spare capacity for the equivalent of an additional 50,000 homes. The picture is very similar for the intermediate and medium pressure mains that radiate through the area. All have spare capacity within them, albeit to a lesser extent.
10.40 The strategy is based upon the premise that the development areas are large and will require connection to the TransCo network using medium pressure mains. This is considered a reasonable assumption at this stage of the development’s progress through the planning process.
10.41 Supply mains will be laid along existing public highway to the site. On the site pressure will be stepped down from medium to low by means of a gas governor.
10.42 Medium pressure mains run through several of the sites and offsite costs for these should be minimal. These situations are apparent on Drawing /03. b) Programme
10.43 To supply The Regeneration Framework, no strategic reinforcement is envisaged for the first 10 years at least. New development will need to fund offsite connections between the medium/intermediate pressure network and the site. Inspection of Drawing /03 shows that all the development areas are within reach of these networks.
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10.44 Onsite, developers will need to provide sites within Phase 1 areas for gas governors, typically 10 x 10m. These sites need to be adjacent to the main routes through the areas. The governors permit the conversion of gas from medium to low pressure, at which it is consumed. c) Costings
10.45 The onsite works will be funded by developers and the offsite work will be subject to economic testing by TransCo. The offsite economic testing leads to the developer funding improvements to the gas mains, to return the network to a situation which would have existed, had the development not been constructed.
Proposed Electrical Strategy a) Strategy
10.46 The proposed strategy requires use of the existing 33kV ring main around Corby. EME inform us that this ring is robust and does not require reinforcement. The basic strategy is shown on Drawing /01. Proposals for the area will require the ring main to be broken into at three strategic locations. From these points, the ring main will be linked to the development area by two 33kV cables. At the end of each links, in the development area, a primary substation is required.
10.47 The primary substation will step the voltage down from 33Kv to 11Kv. It is envisaged that from each primary substation an 11Kv ring main will run around the development area. Connected to this ring main will be small substations that will step down the voltage to a 415V three phase supply suitable for commercial use and 240V for domestic use.
10.48 Primary substations will require a plot of land to be transferred to EME, measuring approximately 30 x 40m. EME will require this land as a freehold transfer. The area includes for a planting/buffer strip around the perimeter. The smaller substations will need a plot of land typically 5m x 5m to be transferred to EME.
10.49 The precise location for the primary need to be agreed with the Masterplanners for the area. A location will need to be found within the “Phase 1” area for each development zone. EME estimate that they could supply the equivalent of 500 houses in any of the areas before the Primary substation is required.
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10.50 Of the three primary substations required, one is fully planned (Oakley/Stanion) and two exist as nothing more than concepts. Of the two that require planning, one is proposed for the Western Extension and another in the Priors Hall/Weldon Extension.
10.51 Strategy is to be developed at three levels and refined as development plans proceed. The first level is that contained on Drawing /01. Secondly, area planning needs to take place. This is to be undertaken at the development brief stage when a masterplan has been arrived at showing the basic layout for an area. Thirdly, detailed design when the layout of individual plots is known.
10.52 Should the primary substation be required by a specific user, in advance of other users the economics of the situation need to be considered. This is relevant to the business locations adjacent to Weldon and not the residential elements. If the requirement for the substation is triggered off by a small business who could not realistically fund such an item, then use of the second comers provision within the Electricity Act should be considered. Sections 16 to 20 of the 1989 Act provide for the situation whereby :
• A single body (the first comer) funds an overall network improvement;
• A second comer wishes to use the network improvement funded by the first comer.
10.53 Given the above scenario, the Act provides for the provision of funds by the second comer to be transferred to the first corner. The relevant legislation is contained at Appendix 10B.
10.54 The strategy outlined above is the traditional approach to supplying developments. Changes in the regulation of the electricity supply and distribution industry have lead to an alternative approach to supply. Developers can seek to have an “Imbedded Distribution Network” (IDM) within their development area. Licences to distribute electricity are now granted on a national basis e.g. Scottish and Southern Electricity can now operate outside what was previously their franchise area.
10.55 The IDN which comprise the various substations and cabling, forms an asset of the company which builds it out. Ownership does not revert to the Regional Electricity Company. The owner can consider the whole life costing of the asset with an income stream being generated over a period of years, typically in excess of 15 years.
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10.56 Income is generated by charging the supply company for distributing electricity through the asset. There is no obligation upon customers to purchase power from the asset owner. Billing is fully automated and customers receive only one bill, which contains an element of “distribution charge”. At a national level, funds are transferred between the various supply and distribution companies to reflect who owns and runs the networks.
10.57 Developers should be encouraged to investigate this approach. Due to the whole life costing approach taken by the asset owner, initial set up costs can be reduced.
10.58 Before leaving electricity strategy, it is appropriate to say a few short words about existing overhead lines. It is understood that the largest of these is 132kV and consequently all the lines will be in the ownership of East Midlands Electricity. It is probable that as masterplans emerge for various parts of The Regeneration Framework, it will be necessary to consider either the overhead diversion or undergrounding of some of these lines. It is important to identify where this is necessary at as early a stage as possible as the planning and execution of these works can be lengthy (two years or more is not uncommon). b) Programme
10.59 EME has indicated that a new primary substation can be planned and constructed in 2 years. Given the time that developments take to progress through the planning process, the lead time to plan and build a new substation should not impede development in any way, provided always that a start is made. To close the electrical system down and create an “outage” lead times are as follows, 11Kv - 28 days, 33Kv – 35 days, 132Kv – 6 months. No 132Kv outages are envisaged. c) Costings
10.60 Costs associated with these facilities can normally be expected to be borne by the developers/land owners. A budgetary allowance of £1.5m should be made for each primary substation. Links between the primary and the existing network should be costed at circa £500/m. The construction of the substations will require staged payments in advance of the construction works. Cabling will need one payment in advance of the works.
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The Telecommunications Buildout Strategy
BT
10.61 BT have a statutory obligation to supply new development. The infrastructure to supply the areas and enable connection is to be funded by BT. Only the end user can be charged by BT. BT have confirmed that responsibility for funding and delivery sits firmly with them. BT have confirmed this in their letter of 11 March 2004 which is contained in Appendix 10D.
10.62 BT will require ongoing liaison with the developers to permit advance planning for the various areas.
10.63 Developers can request that BT build out their own onsite networks. Alternatively, developers can build out the BT ductwork and be paid by BT for undertaking this work. Payments for this service are currently £135 per house and £47 per flat. Further details are contained at Appendix 10D ntl a) Strategy 10.64 ntl have outlined how it is possible to supply the new areas of development from the existing ringmain. The ring main has RT cabinets located on it at intervals around Corby. These form an appropriate point to connect into the spare unused fibres in the existing cable of 96 fibres. Each development will need a connection of two fibres linking back to the ringmain.
10.65 ntl assure us that there are sufficient spare fibres in the ringmain to supply the whole of the regeneration framework.
10.66 Layout of ducts and boxes for the onsite works needs to be agreed with the developer. The links between the existing network and the sites will comprise a pair of upvc ducts and boxes at 200m centres. Space within prospectively maintainable public highway needs to be reserved for a small HUB on the site. This will comprise a small green cabinet, set at the back of the highway. A HUB will be required for every 500 lines needed.
10.67 ntl have not been able to achieve network buildout on all new developments in Corby. ntl undertake financial testing for each development and shortfall funding is sought from developers. If developers decline to make up the shortfall, the ntl network is not built out.
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10.68 With a growing trend towards broadband use, CATV and home working the ntl network should be built out through all new developments in Corby. This should become part of planning policy for the area, thus offering competition to BT and an increased range of services to both domestic and commercial customers.
10.69 The obligation to build out should extend to all developers. If it is not, there is potential for areas of roads to be constructed without ducts for ntl’s future use. This could lead to problems of supply in certain areas.
10.70 The connection between the ring main and the site may be funded by either the developer or ntl, depending on the business case established. All cabling and connections will be funded by ntl who yield an income from the customer.
Cost Estimates for the Strategy
10.71 Detailed layouts and masterplans are not yet available for the different development zones. Assumptions have therefore been made in the costings for the area. These assumptions and caveats are summarised below. Cost estimates are summarised in Table 10.1 below
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Table 10.1 – Summary of Cost Estimates (that would normally be borne by the developer) Cost Estimates shown are for “off-site” works Development Electricity Gas Water Foul Surface ntl BT Total Comments Supply Disposal Water Area *1 *1 Disposal Priors Hall Weldon 2690 215 360 525 180 130 0 4100 Oakley Stanion 3040 295 100 450 0 185 0 4070 Southern 555 285 42 488 0 35 0 1405 Extension Western 2925 410 2000 1350 405 40 0 7130 Extension Northern 440 115 35 180 0 75 0 845 Extension Town Centre 500 250 - - 0 0 0 750 General Industry 220 75 - - 0 40 0 335 Uses (North) General Industry 175 75 - - 0 0 0 250 Uses (Central) Motor Cluster 525 160 - 30 0 90 0 805 HQ, Business 550 75 - 300 750 105 0 1780 Park B1/B8 Uses Exp. Of Retail 160 75 - - 0 0 0 235 Park Techno & 525 195 - 60 0 55 0 835 Innovation HQ, Business 130 75 - 270 0 15 0 490 Parks (South) 12435 2300 2538 3653 1335 770 0 23,030 Note: Figures shown are £1,000’s Connection and Infrastructure charges are not included. * 1 No cost estimates provided for economic component of The Regeneration Framework, by Anglian Water. Costs will almost certainly be incurred for water supply and foul disposal, for these areas, but of the time of report production no costs are available. 24/05/2010 – 11500175 – 73 Text/Reports/ Final Study Report Rev D Catalyst Corby
1) The costs shown in the table are for “offsite” works. Those works which are required to connect the area to the main network, in terms of reinforcement
2) It is assumed that sites required for substations will be provided by the developers free of charge, this being normal practice.
3) Offsite works need to link the external network to the first area to be built out within each zone. For the purposes of the costings it has been assumed that the initial buildout is near the centroid of each area (ntl, electricity, gas).
4) Offsite electrical works costings are based on 33kV/11 primary substations and 33kV links to the Western Extension, Oakley/Stanion and Priors Hall. These substations will also supply the Business Parks/B1/B8 sites. The smaller sites are based on 11kV links back to the nearest primary substation in Corby.
5) Costs are current at June 2004.
6) Costs are indicative and for budgetary purposes only.
7) Values include a 50% contingency. . 8) Onsite costs are excluded, with the exception of – 33kV/11k primary substations.
9) The gas strategy costings are based on supply to the centroid of the area, supply being drawn from nearest main at medium pressure or above. This approach is considered conservative because.
- some of the sites may be able to draw supply from low pressure mains - the Phase 1 area for each development zone should be planned nearer to the existing supply. This will reduce abnormal offsite costs. Without detailed buildout proposals for each area costs cannot be refined further. - costings provided are for the cost of works and ignore any discounts that developers may obtain.
10) An allowance of £75,000 for a Pressure Reduction Station/Gas Governor (PRS/GG) has been made for each development zone.
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11) Five zones have medium pressure (or high pressure) gas mains running through them. (General Industrial sites North and Central, Head Quarters Business Parks B1/B8, Expansion of the retail park, Head Quarters Business Park South Corby). In these instances only an allowance of £75,000 for a PRS/GG has been made.
12) Anglian Water is unable to give timescales for providing supply infrastructure because their capital expenditure programmes are only for a five year period. Supply to commercial development has not been considered by AW and therefore only budget costs for the residential areas are provided. AW were also unable to provide costs for the offsite strategic upgrading required.
13) The expected cost of providing a new Sewage Treatment Works is approximately £9m. The cost of upgrading the existing sewers, STW, and associated works for the regeneration framework is not expected to exceed £5m. AW will also have to make a substantial investment for the expected future population growth.
14) The surface water costs within the development areas are excluded as this is considered a normal cost as part of the infrastructure implementation. Costs are given where obtaining a suitable surface water outfall requires additional infrastructure provision.
15) If a site is allocated in the Local Plan, the water company will, in principle, fund strategic drainage infrastructure. However, the water company makes no commitment to expenditure until the site has planning permission. No infrastructure improvements are made by water companies based purely on what is set out within the Local Plan as there is no certainty that development will proceed and therefore the water company has no need to account for it. It is not yet known whether the new planning framework will affect this position but Anglian Water feel that the funding position of the water company is unlikely to change. From a planning perspective, delivery of drainage outfalls for the development site should have been taken into account at Sub Regional level and one would hope that the water company has been consulted (although since 1989 water companies have not officially been statutory consultees). We do however recommend that a legal view on the position be sought due to the changes in planning legislation that are forthcoming.
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Reviews of the Strategy
10.72 The strategy to supply the area will evolve and become more refined as it passes through the planning and implementation process. Monitoring the strategy and the implementation process by a series of reviews will bring benefits to the major stakeholders in the project The basis benefits are summarised below.
10.73 A knowledge of what utilities work is required and forthcoming will be gained by Corby Borough Council planners. This will provide an insight into what may be required in forthcoming Section 106 Agreements.
10.74 Catalyst Corby will be able to monitor the progress of the critical aspects of the strategy which are most critical to the delivery of The Regeneration Framework. At the moment these are : - the enclosed/new sewage treatment works - enhanced water supply facilities - the three primary electricity substations.
10.75 The Utilities can be provided with an overview of how The Regeneration Framework is progressing. Possible or proposed charges to the size and mis allocated into each area can be outlined.
It is therefore recommended that a series of reviews be commenced with the following stakeholders involved.
• Catalyst Corby • Corby Borough Council • Utility companies • Environment Agency
We suggest that initially reviews are commenced on a quarterly basis with the timing being reviewed as the strategy evolves.
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11.0 UTILITIES DEVELOPMENT PLAN – INFORMING THE LOCAL PLAN REVIEW
11.1 The Planning Context and its relationship with the Regeneration Framework are established in Sections 3 and 4 of this Report. This Section focuses upon where utilities information will inform the Local Plan Review process which is currently underway resulting in formulation of a Local Development Framework (LDF) for Corby.
Input to Statement of Core Policies
11.2 The Statement of Core Policies should identify the objectives and means of delivering utilities infrastructure. This statement should ensure that adequate utility supply is in place to meet the phased allocation of land for new developments and the expansion of Corby.
Utilities Supply Impact upon Development Phasing
11.3 The Statement of Core Policies and Area Action Plans should reflect the restrictions upon development resulting from existing utility supply. Based upon the information outlined in this Report on Utilities, it is clear that in the context of utility provision alone, then developments at Oakley Vale/Stanion Extension and Priors Hall/Weldon Extension could be facilitated in advance of the Northern and Southern Extensions with the Western Extension likely to be last due primarily to requirements for Water Utilities.
Section 106 Provision
11.4 The LDF should also establish principles for Section 106 contributions which will contribute significantly to the supply of new infrastructure to meet new development needs. In the context of utilities provision, a Section 106 ‘wish list’ should incorporate the following: − Contributions to renewable energy − Contributions towards management and maintenance of SUDS to cover a 25-30 year maintenance schedule. − Developments to south of Corby should contribute to undergrounding/diversion of National Grid powerlines
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Allocations for Water Supply
11.5 Excess water capacity is likely to run out post 2007 therefore new water supply infrastructure will be required to service development post 2007. This would be facilitated through upgrade of the existing trunk mains to the west of Corby. Development in this area must be planned around the route of the existing trunk mains (western area to be developed last to facilitate water supply in time).
Allocations for Sewage Treatment Works
11.6 The LDF must make provision for improvements to the Sewage Treatment Works (STW). The existing STW will need to be expanded but is physically limited to the immediate area. A further STW may need to be constructed later in the town’s expansion. (relocation or alternative STW capacity is a requirement). The LDF should identify this requirement and allocate a suitable location on the Proposals Map.
Allocations for Gas Infrastructure
11.7 Gas infrastructure can facilitate a further 50,000 new homes, The Regeneration Framework envisages 23,500 new homes, there is therefore no requirement for new primary gas infrastructure. The LDF (or its area specific Action Plans) should identify the need for new developments to fund offsite connections between medium/intermediate pressure network and the site. Onsite developers will have to provide sites within Phase 1 areas with local area gas governors.
Allocations for Electricity Infrastructure
11.8 Electricity generating infrastructure is not required in the short or medium term to cope with Corby’s expansion but should be considered for the longer term (post 2021). Three new substations are required to service new development in Corby. One is fully planned for Oakley/Stanion, the other two require full planning but are proposed for the Western Extension and another at Priors Hall/Weldon Extension. At each of the three areas, allocations in the LDF will have to be made for land areas of 30x40m (this includes buffer) to accommodate the sub stations
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Allocations for Telecoms Infrastructure
11.9 Telecoms provide little by way of land requirements as these will usually be located within public highway. BT have a statutory obligation to supply their infrastructure to all new developments and are responsible for funding and delivery. NTL are the other telecoms provider in the area and they would expect funding and delivery of their infrastructure to be supplied by developer.
Sustainable Approach to Utility Provision
11.10 The LDF’s Sustainability Appraisal provides the opportunity for the LDF to establish Corby’s aspirations to promote ‘greener’ and more sustainable forms of energy production, supply and consumption. These aspirations need to accord with the objectives established in the LDF’s Sustainability Appraisal.
11.12 Most of the Extension Areas identified in The Regeneration Framework fall upon ‘Greenfield’ land, the impact of the utilities needs to be considered along with wider development impacts for these areas through Strategic Environmental Assessments for each Extension Area.
11.13 The LDF should allocate land for new sustainable and renewable energy sources (details provided in section 6) this could include: • Utility Heat Pumps connecting to the sewerage system to generate heating for buildings • Expansion of the existing Sewage Treatment Works to provide infrastructure for harvesting sewage sludge biogas • Identify new land areas for landfill as a cheap source of methane gas • Promote the development of infrastructure to recover waste heat from local industry • Identify land appropriate for accommodating advanced technology incineration plants • Identify agricultural land for Biomass and energy crops • Wind power and solar energy field infrastructure could be considered as long term sustainability options
11.14 There is an opportunity for Corby Borough Council to involve the community in the process of developing more sustainable energy supplies through the Statement of Community Engagement.
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Provisions for a District Heating Network (Detailed in Section 6)
11.15 A full feasibility study will be required to establish viability, cost and land take implications of this kind of infrastructure, and the following is a summary of the general requirements which would need to be accommodated within the LDF:
• Pipes should be laid in the ground during new developments – supply systems and production units can be adapted to suit energy demand in each phase of development • Phase 1 would see a primary District Heating supply and production unit to be located closed to existing STW as this is close to energy sources (STW, industry, landfills) and close to early development phases at Priors Hall and Oakley/Stanion.(see figure at 6.9) • Phase 2 would see expansion of the system north and west through Corby to connect with these extension areas and to connect with housing and industry in central Corby (see figure at 6.10) • Phase 3 would see addition of the Combined Heat and Power plant and/or incinerator located close to the northern industrial estate or by the existing peak power plant. • S106 allocations to service the District Heating Company
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12.0 RISKS MOVING FORWARD
12.1 Timely planning and commissioning of the utility infrastructure (foul water/STW and water supply, in particular) will remain a constant risk that will be required to be managed.
12.2 Expansion of the existing sewage treatment works may be constrained by the physical constraints around the existing site, roads, commercial premises, and in particular the floodplain bound the site. Relocating or providing a new facility has legal issues, which may be a lengthy process. However, another existing STW could be upgraded to meet the demand. The expansion of the STW will be determined by approvals from the EA on water quality and flooding requirements.
12.3 The reinforcement of the water supply at present is considered a risk as the legal land requirements to provide an additional or part upgrading of the supply from Rutland Water at Wing may be a lengthy process as landowners are likely to object to Anglian Water’s proposals for the laying of water mains across their land, to supply Corby. However, upgrading pumps may provide a short term solution and further investigation of these options would be required by Anglian Water. AW has statutory powers and the risk would be that development is delayed. Water conservation could play a key part in the planning of the water supply.
12.4 It is recommended therefore that the Western Extension Area be in the final phase of the programme.
12.5 Proposed areas of development may not have a suitable surface water discharge within the site area, or geographically obstructed by a raised land form. These areas are on the central made ground areas and areas to the north west of the town. A detailed watercourse survey is required.
12.6 Perhaps the largest risk of all is, having commissioned this study, that the recommendations and actions are not taken forward. Coupled with this is the need for future vigilance and interation/engagement with the utility companies to track that base parameters are holding fast.
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13.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Conclusions
13.1 The provision of all the utilities for the expansion of Corby are shown on the strategy drawings and indicate that the services required to deliver The Regeneration Framework, albeit dependent upon the commissioning and completion of various identified measures, can be delivered.
13.2 Provision of some of the facilities such as the electricity, foul water and in particular the water supply are likely to have long lead-in times.
13.3 Major investment is required to deliver the strategic supply. This investment can be facilitated in a number of ways to include private utility provider funds and developer funds supplying the majority of the requirement.
13.4 The Western Expansion Area in particular requires major costs and utilities planning.
Recommendations
Green Infrastructure
13.5 That a detailed feasibility study be undertaken, investigating and reporting on the energy options for Corby, including CHP, community heating and sources of funding.
13.6 That Councillor Ross Willmott at Leicester City Council is contacted to share political and economic ideas that lie behind the Leicester scheme.
Strategic Environmental Assessment
13.7 We recommend that an SEA/SA of each Area Action Plan is undertaken and that these are linked to the LDF preparation. This should also ensure that the preparation of each of the masterplans for the Area Action Plans take into account the findings of the SEA/SA and incorporate potential enhancement opportunities where appropriate.
13.8 It is recommended that an agreed evaluation framework be developed. The criteria for the framework are given within the SEA framework (para 7.44 refers).
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13.9 It is recommended that the Area Action Plans prepared as part of The Regeneration Framework be the subject of an SEA/SA (para 7.46 refers).
13.10 That the coverage of the SEA be broadened out from the minimum requirements of the SEA directive (para 7.49 refers).
Land Releases
13.11 The recommended changes to the phasing strategy are to consider : • bringing forward the Technology and Innovation area • bringing forward the the Motor cluster should be brought forward within the programme • bringing forward the Northern Extension.
Utilities Strategy
13.12 Recommendations regarding the utilities strategy are as follows:-
13.13 That a policy be included in the Local Plan/LDF/LDDs requiring developers to bring forward SUDS drainage systems for the various development areas. This policy needs to highlight the need to achieve satisfactory arrangements with a maintenance body.
13.14 That regular meetings be held by the Local Delivery Vehicle for the plan, together with each utility on an individual basis. These meetings need to monitor the progress of key items of infrastructure provision to ensure timely delivery of the infrastructure and hence the regeneration framework.
13.15 That Anglian Water are engaged to undertake detailed studies into the provision of water supply facilities.
13.16 That Anglian Water are engaged to undertake detailed studies into the provision of larger sewage treatment facilities to meet an expanded Corby. The output of the studies must address in detail the programme for the delivery of the new facilities and their interaction with The Regeneration Framework.
13.17 That the Local Plan etc., provides for a site for the construction of facilities that arise from the AW report mentioned above.
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13.18 It is recommended that the development layouts be planned around the existing route of the strategic water mains.
13.19 It is recommended that developers are encouraged to investigate the possibilities of an electrical Imbedded Distribution Network for each area to minimise start up costs.
13.20 The Utilities Development Plan (UDP) that we have identified is multi faceted and is the subject of many parameters that are subject to change. As The Regeneration Framework is taken forward it is extremely important that the UDP is monitored and adapted as appropriate. It is therefore recommended that an overall co-ordination role be established for early planning and subsequent build out of the jig-saw puzzle.
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APPENDICES
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DRAWINGS - Prefixed 1150 0175
01/B ELECTRICITY SUPPLY STRATEGY
02/B WATER SUPPLY STRATEGY
03/B GAS SUPPLY STRATEGY
04/B FOUL WATER STRATEGY
05/B SURFACE WATER STRATEGY
06/B TELECOMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY
07/B THE REGENERATION FRAMEWORK
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APPENDIX 1A
BRIEF TO CONSULTANTS – ISSUED BY CATALYST CORBY
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APPENDIX 5A UTILITY COMPANY MEETING RECORDS
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APPENDIX 6A
ENVIRONMENT AGENCY CONSULTATION RESPONSE TO MILTON KEYNES AND SOUTH MIDLANDS SUB-REGIONAL STRATEGY AND THE JOINT STATEMENT ON GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
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APPENDIX 6B
PRINCIPLES OF GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE – HAMMARBY SJOSTAD STOCKHOLM ENERGY SAVING TRUST – OPTIONS APPRAISAL TEMPLATE
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APPENDIX 7A
STRATEGIC SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES
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Strategic Sustainability Objectives
Potential Project Sustainability Objectives Reference Documents Objectives Environment General To achieve effective protection of the environment by Regional Planning Guidance 8: avoiding significant harm and securing adequate East Midlands mitigation where appropriate. Reduce pollutants Northamptonshire County Structure Plan 1996-2016 Deposit Draft Sustainability Appraisal April 1999 To ensure the new development areas identified minimise Local Plan Review, Corby impact on landscape, agriculture, nature, flood-risk, Borough Council, Oct 2003 drainage and historic and cultural assets. Climate change To take action to reduce the scale and impact of future Regional Planning Guidance 8: climate change, in particular the risk of damage to life and East Midlands property from flooding, especially through the location and design of new development. Retain the floodwater storage function of riparian land. Northamptonshire County Structure Plan 1996-2016 Deposit Draft Sustainability Appraisal April 1999 Air quality The need for conservation of energy, resources and the Northamptonshire County natural environment such as the use of recycled materials Structure Plan 1996-2016 and incorporation of alternative heating sources. Soils and geology To reduce the physical and environmental constraints on Northamptonshire County development of land, including, for example, the level of Structure Plan 1996-2016 contamination, stability and flood risk, taking into account that such risk may increase as a result of climate change. EN2: To enhance and conserve the environmental quality East Midlands Integrated of the Region including high standards of design and Regional Strategy maximise the re-use of previously used land and buildings. Develop and conserve the built and natural environment, Inspirational Corby: to ensure that expansion of the urban area, utilises Community Strategy 2003- Brownfield sites first, is sensitive to Greenfield areas and 2008 has a positive impact on rural settlements. Policy 2: sustainability criteria Regional Planning Guidance 8: To promote the availability and location of previously East Midlands developed land and vacant or under-used buildings To minimise physical constraints on the development of land, including, for example, the level of contamination, stability and flood risk To encourage the use of previously-developed sites and Northamptonshire County empty or under-used buildings and their suitability for Structure Plan 1996-2016 development. Policy 1: Locational Priorities for Development - Regional Planning Guidance 8: To ensure the most sustainable mix of locations within, East Midlands adjoining and outside of urban areas, the selection of land for development should be adopted with preference to: Suitable previously developed sites and buildings within urban areas that are or will be well served by public transport Managing assets (such as the provision of land) and Northamptonshire County resources by conserving the environmental assets, Structure Plan 1996-2016 minimising impact on natural resources and optimising the use of brownfield land, contaminated land, buildings and infrastructure within the urban areas. To assist urban regeneration and reduce unnecessary take-up of Greenfield land for development. Archaeology and To promote conservation, enhancement, sensitive use Regional Planning Guidance 8: cultural heritage and management of the region's natural and cultural East Midlands assets.
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Landscape and To ensure the visual appearance of the development is Northamptonshire County townscape designed in the context of the defining characteristics of Structure Plan 1996-2016 the local area. Maintain and enhance the quality of the landscape Northamptonshire County Structure Plan 1996-2016 Deposit Draft Sustainability Appraisal April 1999 Maintain and enhance the quality of the built environment Northamptonshire County and maintain distinctiveness Structure Plan 1996-2016 Deposit Draft Sustainability Appraisal April 1999 To ensure the holistic and sustainable development of the Inspirational Corby: town with balanced green space, cycle and walking routes Community Strategy 2003- and generate funding for large scale estate changes to 2008 improve the quality of housing stock, and the safety of the community and the physical environment of the estates. Policy 24: Design and housing layout Regional Planning Guidance 8: To encourage innovation in the design of housing and East Midlands housing layouts. Development should make provision for more sustainable modes of transport, more efficient use of land, energy and materials and take account of the environmental impact of construction. Reduced parking provision and more flexible highway standards should be incorporated in order to achieve a high quality living environment. Policy 29: Protecting and Enhancing Natural and Cultural Regional Planning Guidance 8: Assets (note this has been amended) East Midlands To protect and where possible enhance the East Midlands environment, Important aspects of the environment, including individual features, special sites and landscapes should be protected Regional and local distinctiveness and variety should be recognised, based on a thorough assessment of local character and any local, national or international designations Damaged environmental features should be restored wherever possible; and a common approach should be taken to landscape, biodiversity and character issues which cross local planning authority boundaries Ecology and To adopt the principle of no net loss of priority habitats Regional Planning Guidance 8: biodiversity and wherever possible manage and develop habitats so East Midlands as to enhance biodiversity within the region. EN1: To protect, improve and manage the rich biodiversity East Midlands Integrated of the natural and built environmental and archaeological Regional Strategy assets of the Region. Policy 29: Protecting and Enhancing Natural and Cultural Regional Planning Guidance 8: Assets (see landscape and townscope section). East Midlands Policy 24: Design and housing layout Regional Planning Guidance 8: Ensure that development maintains local distinctiveness, East Midlands encourages biodiversity and provides access to green spaces
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Travel and To seek the re-instatement of a passenger rail service to Inspirational Corby: Transport Corby. Community Strategy 2003- 2008 To seek the implementation of an integrated transport Inspirational Corby: strategy that enhances economic competitiveness, social Community Strategy 2003- cohesion and sustainability. 2008 Secure better public transport across the town Regeneration Framework – Catalyst Corby Developments and designs which give priority to means of Northamptonshire County transport other than the private car. Structure Plan 1996-2016 Integrating land-use and transport planning by having a Northamptonshire County disposition of land-uses that encourages sustainable Structure Plan 1996-2016 patterns and modes of movement. To improve opportunities for walking, cycling and the use of public transport. Encourage location and accessibility of potential Northamptonshire County development sites to jobs, shops and services by modes Structure Plan 1996-2016 other than the car, and the potential for improving such accessibility and transport choice. Economy Material Assets To develop a modern competitive Town Centre as a Inspirational Corby: powerful driver of local economic development and Community Strategy 2003- provide facilities for residents and visitors. 2008 Establish the Town Centre as a location for high quality Regeneration Framework – commercial, retail, leisure and civic facilities that will Catalyst Corby enhance the quality of life To promote a positive and inspirational image of Corby Inspirational Corby: and identify it as a place to live and do business. Community Strategy 2003- 2008 Create the environment to attract new jobs, broaden the Regeneration Framework – economic structure and open-up new employment Catalyst Corby opportunities. Securing the necessary infrastructure, facilities and Northamptonshire County services to support development. Structure Plan 1996-2016 To ensure that the regeneration of the existing Borough is Local Plan Review, Corby in line with the intended growth. Borough Council, Oct 2003 To increase the capacity of existing and potential Northamptonshire County infrastructure, including public transport, water and Structure Plan 1996-2016 sewerage, other utilities and social infrastructure (such as schools and hospitals) and to be able to absorb further development and the cost of adding further infrastructure. Policy 2: sustainability criteria Regional Planning Guidance 8: To ensure the capacity of existing infrastructure, including East Midlands the highway network, public transport, utilities and social infrastructure (such as schools and hospitals) to absorb further development To redevelop and extensively renew Corby's estates and Inspirational Corby: areas of poorest housing quality. Community Strategy 2003- 2008
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Investment in the EC5: to empower communities to create solutions that East Midlands Integrated community meet their needs – ensuring that everyone in the Region Regional Strategy has the opportunity to benefit from, and contribute to, the region’s enhanced economic competitiveness, thereby supporting a socially inclusive region. EC3: To use the global information and communications East Midlands Integrated technology revolution to create the capability for everyone Regional Strategy in the region – individuals and businesses – to use information and knowledge to maximum benefit. EC1: To bring about excellence in out approach to East Midlands Integrated learning and skills – giving the region a competitive edge Regional Strategy in how we acquire and exploit knowledge, by creating a “learning region” – with individuals and employers who value learning and a learning industry that is proactive and creative- leading, in time, to a workforce that is among the most adaptable, motivated and highly skilled in Europe. To ensure that Corby's skills base of the work force and Inspirational Corby: the level of vocational qualifications is much improved and Community Strategy 2003- closely attuned to the needs of a dynamic modern 2008 economy. Policy 7: Development in Rural Areas Regional Planning Guidance 8: Development plans and local transport plans should East Midlands ensure that, where appropriate, new development strengthens rural enterprise and links between settlements and their hinterlands, helps to shorten journeys and facilitates access to jobs and services by: Providing for employment development to strengthen the vitality and viability of market towns Investment in To promote and improve economic prosperity, Regional Planning Guidance 8: business employment opportunities and regional competitiveness. East Midlands To generate a local cluster of hi-tech engineering sector Inspirational Corby: and help develop the Rockingham Speedway opportunity Community Strategy 2003- and the proximity to "Motorsport Valley". 2008 EC4: To create a climate for investment in which success East Midlands Integrated breeds success – providing the right conditions in the Regional Strategy Region for a modern industrial structure based on a combination of indigenous growth and inward investment EC2: To develop a strong culture of enterprise and East Midlands Integrated innovation, putting the Region at the leading edge in Regional Strategy Europe in our exploitation of research, recognised for our spirit of innovation – and creating a climate within which entrepreneurs and world-class businesses can prosper To make best use of information and communication Regional Planning Guidance 8: technology. East Midlands To create a flourishing culture of entrepreneurship and a Inspirational Corby: dynamic base of growth focussed on small firms. Community Strategy 2003- 2008 To develop the tourism sector and attract more visitors. Inspirational Corby: Community Strategy 2003- 2008 To establish Corby as a major business and commercial Inspirational Corby: centre in the wider county and regional economy by Community Strategy 2003- attracting major national / international businesses. 2008
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Natural resources Building and To promote good design in development so as to achieve Regional Planning Guidance 8: design quality high environmental standards and optimum social East Midlands benefits. Policy 24: Design and housing layout Regional Planning Guidance 8: To encourage innovation in the design of housing and East Midlands housing layouts. Development should make provision for more sustainable modes of transport, more efficient use of land, energy and materials and take account of the environmental impact of construction. Reduced parking provision and more flexible highway standards should be incorporated in order to achieve a high quality living environment. EN2: To enhance and conserve the environmental quality East Midlands Integrated of the Region including high standards of design and Regional Strategy maximise the re-use of previously used land and buildings. Materials Development minimises the use of, resources especially Local Plan Review, Corby non renewable ones. Borough Council, Oct 2003 Maintain access to minerals stock for the future Northamptonshire County Structure Plan 1996-2016 Deposit Draft Sustainability Appraisal April 1999 Waste EN3: To manage the natural resources of the Region East Midlands Integrated including water, air quality and minerals in a prudent Regional Strategy manner and to seek to minimise waste and to encourage re-use and recycling of waste materials To promote the prudent use of resources, in particular Regional Planning Guidance 8: through patterns of development and transport that make East Midlands efficient and effective use of existing infrastructure, optimise waste, reduce overall energy use and maximise the role of renewable energy generation. To generate sustainable improvement in the Street Scene Inspirational Corby: throughout the Borough, substantially increase waste Community Strategy 2003- recycling both in homes and business and encourage 2008 communities to develop a better environment through energy conservation and waste management. Social Population To improve the quality of life for everyone in the Borough. Local Plan Review, Corby Borough Council, Oct 2003 SO2: To ensure that the delivery of a wide range of life- East Midlands Integrated long learning opportunities is provided for all parts for the Regional Strategy community. The ability to build and sustain mixed-use communities to Northamptonshire County support new physical and social infrastructure and to Structure Plan 1996-2016 provide sufficient demand to sustain appropriate local services and facilities. Access Improve and extend the housing market - with Regeneration Framework – improvements to existing housing areas and new Catalyst Corby opportunities throughout the Borough Ensuring a scale of housing and other development that Northamptonshire County provides for local needs and those arising from in- Structure Plan 1996-2016 migration from other areas. SO1: To ensure that the housing stock meets the housing East Midlands Integrated needs of all parts of the community Regional Strategy To ensure that there are clear links and balances between Local Plan Review, Corby the provision of jobs, houses and transport. Borough Council, Oct 2003 To improve accessibility to jobs, homes and services Regional Planning Guidance 8: across the region by developing integrated transport, East Midlands ensuring the improvement of opportunities for walking, cycling and the use of high quality public transport.
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Policy 2: sustainability criteria Regional Planning Guidance 8: The accessibility of development sites by non-car modes East Midlands and the potential to improve such accessibility to town centres, employment, shops and services Policy 24: Design and housing layout Regional Planning Guidance 8: To encourage innovation in the design of housing and East Midlands housing layouts. Development should make provision for more sustainable modes of transport, more efficient use of land, energy and materials and take account of the environmental impact of construction. Reduced parking provision and more flexible highway standards should be incorporated in order to achieve a high quality living environment. Provide for a range of dwellings designed for all sectors of the community, including people with disabilities, single person households and larger families To create an excellent system of education and learning Inspirational Corby: that provides the people of Corby the knowledge and Community Strategy 2003- skills to participate fully in economic and social life. 2008 Human health and Build community capacity in areas where self help and Inspirational Corby: lifestyles independent living is appropriate, including the elderly, Community Strategy 2003- and in particular improve health and health education, 2008 provide a sure foundation through healthy pregnancy and early childhood and ensure the provision of education in financial management and thereby reduce individual debt. To improve the range and quality of sporting and leisure Inspirational Corby: facilities as a means of improving health. Community Strategy 2003- 2008 To improve the health of the region's residents, for Regional Planning Guidance 8: example through improved air quality, the availability of East Midlands good quality housing and access to leisure and recreation facilities. SO3: To promote, support and sustain healthy East Midlands Integrated communities and lifestyles. Regional Strategy SO4: To maximise the contribution of arts, culture, East Midlands Integrated heritage, media and sport to the quality of the East Regional Strategy Midlands To ensure social balance and that improvements to Local Plan Review, Corby shopping education, health, transport, and community and Borough Council, Oct 2003 recreational facilities are for the benefit of all. Crime and Safety To create a safer environment by tackling drug problems Inspirational Corby: through enforcement, education and rehabilitation, Community Strategy 2003- reducing crime, violence and anti social behaviour. 2008 The need for measures for planning out crime and Northamptonshire County promotion of community safety. Structure Plan 1996-2016 SO5: To ensure commitment and co-ordinated action to East Midlands Integrated secure community safety and reduce crime. Regional Strategy Social inclusion Policy 2: sustainability criteria Regional Planning Guidance 8: To ensure the suitability of sites for mixed use East Midlands development and the contribution that development might make to strengthening local communities The need to encourage mixed-use development and the Northamptonshire County relationships of different land-use with each other to Structure Plan 1996-2016 create vibrancy and vitality and foster community interaction. To ensure equal opportunity for everyone regardless of Inspirational Corby: age, gender, ability, race, religion or sexual orientation. Community Strategy 2003- 2008 To address social exclusion, through the regeneration of Regional Planning Guidance 8: disadvantaged areas and reducing regional inequalities in East Midlands the distribution of employment, housing, health and other community facilities.
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Strategic Sustainability Objectives
Potential Category or Sustainability Objectives Reference Documents Headline Objective Economy Investment in the To develop a modern competitive Town Centre Inspirational Corby: Community as a powerful driver of local economic Community Strategy development and provide facilities for residents 2003-2008 and visitors. Establish the Town Centre as a location for high Regeneration Framework quality commercial, retail, leisure and civic – Catalyst Corby facilities that will enhance the quality of life To promote a positive and inspirational image of Inspirational Corby: Corby and identify it as a place to live and do Community Strategy business. 2003-2008 Create the environment to attract new jobs, Regeneration Framework broaden the economic structure and open-up – Catalyst Corby new employment opportunities. EC5: to empower communities to create East Midlands Integrated solutions that meet their needs – ensuring that Regional Strategy everyone in the Region has the opportunity to benefit fro, and contribute to, the region’s enhanced economic competitiveness, thereby supporting a socially inclusive region. To promote and improve economic prosperity, Regional Planning employment opportunities and regional Guidance 8: East competitiveness. Midlands Securing the necessary infrastructure, facilities Northamptonshire County and services to support development. Structure Plan 1996-2016 Investment in Business To generate a local cluster of hi-tech engineering Inspirational Corby: sector and help develop the Rockingham Community Strategy Speedway opportunity and the proximity to 2003-2008 "Motorsport Valley". EC4: To create a climate for investment in which East Midlands Integrated success breeds success – providing the right Regional Strategy conditions in the Region for a modern industrial structure based on a combination of indigenous growth and inward investment EC3: To use the global information and East Midlands Integrated communications technology revolution to create Regional Strategy the capability for everyone in the region – individuals and businesses – to use information and knowledge to maximum benefit. EC2: To develop a strong culture of enterprise East Midlands Integrated
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and innovation, putting the Region at the leading Regional Strategy edge in Europe in our exploitation of research, recognised for our spirit of innovation – and creating a climate within which entrepreneurs and world-class businesses can prosper To establish Corby as a major business and Inspirational Corby: commercial centre in the wider county and Community Strategy regional economy by attracting major national / 2003-2008 international businesses. To make best use of information and Regional Planning communication technology. Guidance 8: East Midlands To create a flourishing culture of Inspirational Corby: entrepreneurship and a dynamic base of growth Community Strategy focussed on small firms. 2003-2008 To develop the tourism sector and attract more Inspirational Corby: visitors. Community Strategy 2003-2008 Skills and learning EC1: To bring about excellence in out approach East Midlands Integrated to learning and skills – giving the region a Regional Strategy competitive edge in how we acquire and exploit knowledge, by creating a “learning region” – with individuals and employers who value learning and a learning industry that is proactive and creative- leading, in time, to a workforce that is among the most adaptable, motivated and highly skilled in Europe. To ensure that Corby's skills base of the work Inspirational Corby: force and the level of vocational qualifications is Community Strategy much improved and closely attuned to the needs 2003-2008 of a dynamic modern economy. Rural Development Policy 7: Development in Rural Areas Regional Planning Development plans and local transport plans Guidance 8: East should ensure that, where appropriate, new Midlands development strengthens rural enterprise and links between settlements and their hinterlands, helps to shorten journeys and facilitates access to jobs and services by: • encouraging the provision of public transport and opportunities for the use of other non- car modes of travel • providing for housing and a range of services in market towns to serve a wider hinterland
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• providing for employment development to strengthen the vitality and viability of market towns • identifying other settlements, or groups of settlements, which are accessible to the rural population, as the preferred location outside of market towns, for local housing and most other services
Environment Environmental To take action to reduce the scale and impact of Regional Planning Protection future climate change, in particular the risk of Guidance 8: East damage to life and property from flooding, Midlands especially through the location and design of new development. To reduce the physical and environmental Northamptonshire County constraints on development of land, including, for Structure Plan 1996-2016 example, the level of contamination, stability and flood risk, taking into account that such risk may increase as a result of climate change. To promote conservation, enhancement, Regional Planning sensitive use and management of the region's Guidance 8: East natural and cultural assets. Midlands To achieve effective protection of the Regional Planning environment by avoiding significant harm and Guidance 8: East securing adequate mitigation where appropriate. Midlands EN2: To enhance and conserve the East Midlands Integrated environmental quality of the Region including Regional Strategy high standards of design and maximise the re- use of previously used land and buildings. Reduce pollutants Northamptonshire County Structure Plan 1996-2016 Deposit Draft Sustainability Appraisal April 1999 Biodiversity and To adopt the principle of no net loss of priority Regional Planning Natural Habitat habitats and wherever possible manage and Guidance 8: East develop habitats so as to enhance biodiversity Midlands within the region. EN1: To protect, improve and manage the rich East Midlands Integrated biodiversity of the natural and built environmental Regional Strategy and archaeological assets of the Region. Policy 29: Protecting and Enhancing Natural and Regional Planning Cultural Assets (note this has been amended) Guidance 8: East
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To protect and where possible enhance the East Midlands Midlands environment, • important aspects of the environment, including individual features, special sites and landscapes should be protected • regional and local distinctiveness and variety should be recognised, based on a thorough assessment of local character and any local, national or international designations • a more broadly-based concern for, and awareness of, biodiversity and other environmental issues should be integrated into site-based approaches • damaged environmental features should be restored wherever possible; and a common approach should be taken to landscape, biodiversity and character issues which cross local planning authority boundaries Transport To seek the re-instatement of a passenger rail Inspirational Corby: service to Corby. Community Strategy 2003-2008 To seek the implementation of an integrated Inspirational Corby: transport strategy that enhances economic Community Strategy competitiveness, social cohesion and 2003-2008 sustainability. Secure better public transport across the town Regeneration Framework – Catalyst Corby Developments and designs which give priority to Northamptonshire County means of transport other than the private car. Structure Plan 1996-2016 Landscape & To protect and where possible enhance the Regional Planning Townscape quality of the environment in urban and rural Guidance 8: East areas so as to make them safe and attractive Midlands places to live and work. To ensure the visual appearance of the Northamptonshire County development is designed in the context of the Structure Plan 1996-2016 defining characteristics of the local area. Maintain and enhance the quality of the Northamptonshire County landscape Structure Plan 1996-2016 Deposit Draft Sustainability Appraisal April 1999 Maintain and enhance the quality of the built Northamptonshire County environment and maintain distinctiveness Structure Plan 1996-2016 Deposit Draft
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Sustainability Appraisal April 1999 To redevelop and extensively renew Corby's Inspirational Corby: estates and areas of poorest housing quality. Community Strategy 2003-2008 To ensure the holistic and sustainable Inspirational Corby: development of the town with balanced green Community Strategy space, cycle and walking routes and generate 2003-2008 funding for large scale estate changes to improve the quality of housing stock, and the safety of the community and the physical environment of the estates. Develop and conserve the built and natural Inspirational Corby: environment, to ensure that expansion of the Community Strategy urban area, utilises Brownfield sites first, is 2003-2008 sensitive to Greenfield areas and has a positive impact on rural settlements. To generate sustainable improvement in the Inspirational Corby: Street Scene throughout the Borough, Community Strategy substantially increase waste recycling both in 2003-2008 homes and business and encourage communities to develop a better environment through energy conservation and waste management. To ensure the new development areas identified Local Plan Review, Corby minimise impact on landscape, agriculture, Borough Council, Oct nature, flood-risk, drainage and historic and 2003 cultural assets. Land Use Policy 2: sustainability criteria Regional Planning • to promote the availability and location of Guidance 8: East previously developed land and vacant or Midlands under-used buildings • to minimise physical constraints on the development of land, including, for example, the level of contamination, stability and flood risk Integrating land-use and transport planning by Northamptonshire County having a disposition of land-uses that Structure Plan 1996-2016 encourages sustainable patterns and modes of movement. • To improve opportunities for walking, cycling and the use of public transport. To encourage the use of previously-developed Northamptonshire County sites and empty or under-used buildings and Structure Plan 1996-2016
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their suitability for development. Social Social capital To improve the quality of life for everyone in the Local Plan Review, Corby Borough. Borough Council, Oct 2003 To promote good design in development so as to Regional Planning achieve high environmental standards and Guidance 8: East optimum social benefits. Midlands SO6: To support the development and growth of East Midlands Integrated social capital across the communities of the Regional Strategy Region. Health & Lifestyle Build community capacity in areas where self Inspirational Corby: help and independent living is appropriate, Community Strategy including the elderly, and in particular improve 2003-2008 health and health education, provide a sure foundation through healthy pregnancy and early childhood and ensure the provision of education in financial management and thereby reduce individual debt. To improve the range and quality of sporting and Inspirational Corby: leisure facilities as a means of improving health. Community Strategy 2003-2008 To improve the health of the region's residents, Regional Planning for example through improved air quality, the Guidance 8: East availability of good quality housing and access to Midlands leisure and recreation facilities. SO3: To promote, support and sustain healthy East Midlands Integrated communities and lifestyles. Regional Strategy SO4: To maximise the contribution of arts, East Midlands Integrated culture, heritage, media and sport to the quality Regional Strategy of the East Midlands Community Identity To improve the quality of housing available to Inspirational Corby: (Housing and Local residents within the Borough and achieve a more Community Strategy Regeneration) balanced social mix and diversity of housing 2003-2008 areas. Improve and extend the housing market - with Regeneration Framework improvements to existing housing areas and new – Catalyst Corby opportunities throughout the Borough To ensure social balance and that improvements Local Plan Review, Corby to shopping education, health, transport, and Borough Council, Oct community and recreational facilities are for the 2003 benefit of all. Housing To ensure that the regeneration of the existing Local Plan Review, Corby Borough is in line with the intended growth. Borough Council, Oct
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2003 Ensuring a scale of housing and other Northamptonshire County development that provides for local needs and Structure Plan 1996-2016 those arising from in-migration from other areas. Policy 20: Regional Planning Housing provision for Northamptonshire for the Guidance 8: East period 2001 - 2021 should be made at the Midlands following annual average rate of 2,750. SO1: To ensure that the housing stock meets the East Midlands Integrated housing needs of all parts of the community Regional Strategy Local Regeneration Policy 2: sustainability criteria Regional Planning • to ensure the capacity of existing Guidance 8: East infrastructure, including the highway Midlands network, public transport, utilities and social infrastructure (such as schools and hospitals) to absorb further development • to ensure the suitability of sites for mixed use development and the contribution that development might make to strengthening local communities The need to encourage mixed-use development Northamptonshire County and the relationships of different land-use with Structure Plan 1996-2016 each other to create vibrancy and vitality and foster community interaction. The ability to build and sustain mixed-use Northamptonshire County communities to support new physical and social Structure Plan 1996-2016 infrastructure and to provide sufficient demand to sustain appropriate local services and facilities. Policy 1: Locational Priorities for Development - Regional Planning To ensure the most sustainable mix of locations Guidance 8: East within, adjoining and outside of urban areas, the Midlands selection of land for development should be adopted with preference to: • suitable previously developed sites and buildings within urban areas that are or will be well served by public transport To increase the capacity of existing and potential Northamptonshire County infrastructure, including public transport, water Structure Plan 1996-2016 and sewerage, other utilities and social infrastructure (such as schools and hospitals) and to be able to absorb further development and the cost of adding further infrastructure. To increase growth of the Borough by doubling Local Plan Review, Corby the population within the next 30 years. Borough Council, Oct
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2003 To address social exclusion, through the Regional Planning regeneration of disadvantaged areas and Guidance 8: East reducing regional inequalities in the distribution Midlands of employment, housing, health and other community facilities. Education and Training To create an excellent system of education and Inspirational Corby: learning that provides the people of Corby the Community Strategy knowledge and skills to participate fully in 2003-2008 economic and social life. SO2: To ensure that the delivery of a wide range East Midlands Integrated of life-long learning opportunities is provided for Regional Strategy all parts for the community. Safety and Crime To create a safer environment by tackling drug Inspirational Corby: problems through enforcement, education and Community Strategy rehabilitation, reducing crime, violence and anti 2003-2008 social behaviour. The need for measures for planning out crime Northamptonshire County and promotion of community safety. Structure Plan 1996-2016 SO5: To ensure commitment and co-ordinated East Midlands Integrated action to secure community safety and reduce Regional Strategy crime. Equal Opportunity To ensure equal opportunity for everyone Inspirational Corby: regardless of age, gender, ability, race, religion Community Strategy or sexual orientation. 2003-2008 Access To ensure that there are clear links and balances Local Plan Review, Corby between the provision of jobs, houses and Borough Council, Oct transport. 2003 To improve accessibility to jobs, homes and Regional Planning services across the region by developing Guidance 8: East integrated transport, ensuring the improvement Midlands of opportunities for walking, cycling and the use of high quality public transport. Policy 2: sustainability criteria Regional Planning • the accessibility of development sites by Guidance 8: East non-car modes and the potential to improve Midlands such accessibility to town centres, employment, shops and services Encourage location and accessibility of potential Northamptonshire County development sites to jobs, shops and services by Structure Plan 1996-2016 modes other than the car, and the potential for improving such accessibility and transport choice. Natural Resources
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Development minimises the use of, resources Local Plan Review, Corby especially non renewable ones. Borough Council, Oct 2003 EN3: To manage the natural resources of the East Midlands Integrated Region including water, air quality and minerals Regional Strategy in a prudent manner and to seek to minimise waste and to encourage re-use and recycling of waste materials To promote the prudent use of resources, in Regional Planning particular through patterns of development and Guidance 8: East transport that make efficient and effective use of Midlands existing infrastructure, optimise waste, reduce overall energy use and maximise the role of renewable energy generation. The need for conservation of energy, resources Northamptonshire County and the natural environment such as the use of Structure Plan 1996-2016 recycled materials and incorporation of alternative heating sources. Managing assets (such as the provision of land) Northamptonshire County and resources by conserving the environmental Structure Plan 1996-2016 assets, minimising impact on natural resources and optimising the use of brownfield land, contaminated land, buildings and infrastructure within the urban areas. • To assist urban regeneration and reduce unnecessary take-up of Greenfield land for development. Retain the floodwater storage function of riparian Northamptonshire County land. Structure Plan 1996-2016 Deposit Draft Sustainability Appraisal April 1999 Maintain access to minerals stock for the future Northamptonshire County Structure Plan 1996-2016 Deposit Draft Sustainability Appraisal April 1999 Sustainable Design Policy 24: Design and housing layout Regional Planning To encourage innovation in the design of Guidance 8: East housing and housing layouts. Development Midlands should make provision for more sustainable modes of transport, more efficient use of land, energy and materials and take account of the environmental impact of construction. Reduced
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parking provision and more flexible highway standards should be incorporated in order to achieve a high quality living environment. • ensure that development maintains local distinctiveness, encourages biodiversity and provides access to green spaces • provide for a range of dwellings designed for all sectors of the community, including people with disabilities, single person households and larger families • take into account the relationship between housing areas and adjoining parts of settlements, particularly in terms of public transport accessibility and integration with shopping, education, cultural and health facilities
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APPENDIX 9A
LAND RELEASE PROGRAMME
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APPENDIX 10A
LEGISLATIVE BACKGROUND TO SUPPLY ISSUES
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APPENDIX 10B
EXTRACT OF ELECTRICITY ACT 1989
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ELECTRICITY ACT 1989
Supply by public electricity suppliers
Duty to supply on request.
16.—(1) Subject to the following provisions of this Part and any regulations made under those provisions, a public electricity supplier shall, upon being required to do so by the owner or occupier of any premises— (a) give a supply of electricity to those premises; and (b) so far as may be necessary for that purpose, provide electric lines or electrical plant or both. (2) Where any person requires a supply of electricity in pursuance of subsection (1) above, he shall give to the public electricity supplier a notice specifying— (a) the premises in respect of which the supply is required; (b) the day on which the supply is required to commence; (c) the maximum power which may be required at any time; and (d) the minimum period for which the supply is required to be given. (3) Where a public electricity supplier receives from any person a notice under subsection (2) above requiring him to give a supply of electricity to any premises and— (a) he has not previously given a supply of electricity to those premises; or (b) the giving of the supply requires the provision of electric lines or electrical plant or both; or (c) other circumstances exist which make it necessary or expedient for him to do so, the supplier shall, as soon as practicable after receiving that notice, give to that person a notice under subsection (4) below.
(4) A notice under this subsection shall— (a) state the extent to which the proposals specified in the other person's notice under subsection (2) above are acceptable to the supplier and specify any counter proposals made by the supplier; (b) state whether the prices to be charged by the supplier will be determined by a tariff under section 18(1) below, or a special agreement under section 22(1) below, and specify the tariff or the proposed terms of the agreement; (c) specify any payment which that person will be required to make under subsection (1) of section 19 below, or under regulations made under subsection (2) of that section; (d) specify any security which that person will be required to give under section 20 below;
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(e) specify any other terms which that person will be required to accept under section 21 below; and (f) state the effect of section 23 below. (5) In this section and sections 17 to 23 below— (a) any reference to giving a supply of electricity includes a reference to continuing to give such a supply; (b) any reference to requiring a supply of electricity includes a reference to requiring such a supply to continue to be given; and (c) any reference to the provision of an electric line or an item of electrical plant is a reference to the provision of such a line or item either by the installation of a new one or by the modification of an existing one.
Exceptions from duty to supply.
17.—(1) Nothing in section 16(1) above shall be taken as requiring a public electricity supplier to give a supply of electricity to any premises if— (a) such a supply is being given to the premises by a private electricity supplier; and (b) that supply is given (wholly or partly) through the public electricity supplier's electric lines and electrical plant; and in this Part "private electricity supplier" means a person, other than a public electricity supplier, who is authorised by a licence or exemption to supply electricity.
(2) Nothing in section 16(1) above shall be taken as requiring a public electricity supplier to give a supply of electricity to any premises if and to the extent that— (a) he is prevented from doing so by circumstances not within his control; or (b) circumstances exist by reason of which his doing so would or might involve his being in breach of regulations under section 29 below, and he has taken all such steps as it was reasonable to take both to prevent the circumstances from occurring and to prevent them from having that effect; or (c) it is not reasonable in all the circumstances for him to be required to do so. (3) Paragraph (c) of subsection (2) above shall not apply in relation to a supply of electricity which is being given to any premises unless the public electricity supplier gives to the occupier, or to the owner if the premises are not occupied, not less than seven working days' notice of his intention to discontinue the supply in pursuance of that paragraph.
Power to recover charges.
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18.—(1) Subject to the following provisions of this section, the prices to be charged by a public electricity supplier for the supply of electricity by him in pursuance of section 16(1) above shall be in accordance with such tariffs (which, subject to any condition included in his licence, may relate to the supply of electricity in different areas, cases and circumstances) as may be fixed from time to time by him.
(2) A tariff fixed by a public electricity supplier under subsection (1) above — (a) shall be so framed as to show the methods by which and the principles on which the charges are to be made as well as the prices which are to be charged; and (b) shall be published in such manner as in the opinion of the supplier will secure adequate publicity for it. (3) A tariff fixed by a public electricity supplier under subsection (1) above may include— (a) a standing charge in addition to the charge for the actual electricity supplied; (b) a charge in respect of the availability of a supply of electricity; and (c) a rent or other charge in respect of any electricity meter or electrical plant provided by the supplier; and such a charge as is mentioned in paragraph (b) above may vary according to the extent to which the supply is taken up.
(4) In fixing tariffs under subsection (1) above, a public electricity supplier shall not show undue preference to any person or class of persons, and shall not exercise any undue discrimination against any person or class of persons.
Power to recover expenditure.
19.—(1) Where any electric line or electrical plant is provided by a public electricity supplier in pursuance of section 16(1) above, the supplier may require any expenses reasonably incurred in providing it to be defrayed by the person requiring the supply of electricity to such extent as is reasonable in all the circumstances.
(2) The Secretary of State may, after consultation with the Director, make provision by regulations for entitling a public electricity supplier to require a person requiring a supply of electricity in pursuance of section 16(1) above to pay to the supplier, in respect of any expenses reasonably incurred in providing any electric line or electrical plant used for the purpose of giving that supply, such amount as may be reasonable in all the circumstances if—
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(a) the supply is required within the prescribed period after the provision of the line or plant; and (b) a person for the purpose of supplying whom the line or plant was provided ("the initial contributor") has made a payment to the supplier in respect of those expenses. (3) Regulations under subsection (2) above may require a public electricity supplier who, in pursuance of this section or the regulations, has recovered any amount in respect of expenses reasonably incurred in providing any electric line or electrical plant— (a) to exercise his rights under the regulations in respect of those expenses; and (b) to apply any payments received by him in the exercise of those rights in making such payments as may be appropriate towards reimbursing the initial contributor and any persons previously required to make payments under the regulations. (4) Any reference in this section to any expenses reasonably incurred in providing an electric line or electrical plant includes a reference to the capitalised value of any expenses likely to be so incurred in maintaining it, in so far as they will not be recoverable by the supplier as part of the charges made by him for the supply.
Power to require security.
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20.—(1) Subject to the following provisions of this section, a public electricity supplier may require any person who requires a supply of electricity in pursuance of subsection (1) of section 16 above to give him reasonable security for the payment to him of all money which may become due to him— (a) in respect of the supply; or (b) where any electric line or electrical plant falls to be provided in pursuance of that subsection, in respect of the provision of the line or plant; and if that person fails to give such security, the supplier may if he thinks fit refuse to give the supply, or to provide the line or plant, for so long as the failure continues.
(2) Where any person has not given such security as is mentioned in subsection (1) above, or the security given by any person has become invalid or insufficient— (a) the public electricity supplier may by notice require that person, within seven days after the service of the notice, to give him reasonable security for the payment of all money which may become due to him in respect of the supply; and (b) if that person fails to give such security, the supplier may if he thinks fit discontinue the supply for so long as the failure continues; and any notice under paragraph (a) above shall state the effect of section 23 below.
(3) Where any money is deposited with a public electricity supplier by way of security in pursuance of this section, the supplier shall pay interest, at such rate as may from time to time be fixed by the supplier with the approval of the Director, on every sum of 50p so deposited for every three months during which it remains in the hands of the supplier.
(4) A public electricity supplier shall not be entitled to require security in pursuance of subsection (1)(a) above if— (a) the person requiring the supply is prepared to take the supply through a pre-payment meter; and (b) it is reasonably practicable in all the circumstances (including in particular the risk of loss or damage) for the supplier to provide such a meter.
Additional terms of supply.
21. A public electricity supplier may require any person who requires a supply of electricity in pursuance of section 16(1) above to accept in respect of the supply— (a) any restrictions which must be imposed for the purpose of enabling the supplier to comply with regulations under section 29 below; and
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(b) any terms restricting any liability of the supplier for economic loss resulting from negligence which it is reasonable in all the circumstances for that person to be required to accept.
Special agreements with respect to supply.
22.—(1) Notwithstanding anything in sections 16 to 21 above, a person who requires a supply of electricity in pursuance of section 16(1) above— (a) may enter into a special agreement with the public electricity supplier for the supply on such terms as may be specified in the agreement; and (b) shall enter into such an agreement in any case where—
(i) the maximum power to be made available at any time exceeds 10 megawatts; or (ii) it is otherwise reasonable in all the circumstances for such an agreement to be entered into. (2) The Secretary of State may by order provide that subsection (1) above shall have effect as if for the wattage mentioned in paragraph (b) there were substituted such other wattage as may be specified in the order; but before making such an order, he shall consult with public electricity suppliers and with persons or bodies appearing to him to be representative of persons likely to be affected.
(3) So long as any such agreement as is mentioned in subsection (1) above is effective, the rights and liabilities of the parties to the agreement shall be those arising under the agreement and not those provided for by sections 16 to 21 above; but nothing in this subsection shall prejudice the giving of a notice under section 16(2) above specifying as the day on which the supply is required to commence the day on which such an agreement ceases to be effective.
(4) In this Part "tariff customer" means a person who requires a supply of electricity in pursuance of section 16(1) above and is supplied by the public electricity supplier otherwise than on the terms specified in such an agreement as is mentioned in subsection (1) above.
Determination of disputes.
23.—(1) Any dispute arising under sections 16 to 22 above between a public electricity supplier and a person requiring a supply of electricity— (a) may be referred to the Director by either party; and
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(b) on such a reference, shall be determined by order made either by the Director or, if he thinks fit, by an arbitrator, or in Scotland arbiter, appointed by him; and the practice and procedure to be followed in connection with any such determination shall be such as the Director may consider appropriate.
(2) Where any dispute arising under sections 16 to 22 above between a public electricity supplier and a person requiring a supply of electricity to continue to be given falls to be determined under this section, the Director may give directions as to the circumstances in which, and the terms on which, the supplier is to continue to give the supply pending the determination of the dispute.
(3) Where any dispute arising under section 20(1) above falls to be determined under this section, the Director may give directions as to the security (if any) to be given pending the determination of the dispute.
(4) Directions under subsection (2) or (3) above may apply either in cases of particular descriptions or in particular cases.
(5) An order under this section— (a) may include such incidental, supplemental and consequential provision (including provision requiring either party to pay a sum in respect of the costs or expenses incurred by the person making the order) as that person considers appropriate; and (b) shall be final and—
(i) in England and Wales, shall be enforceable, in so far as it includes such provision as to costs or expenses, as if it were a judgment of the county court; (ii) in Scotland, shall be enforceable as if it were an extract registered decree arbitral bearing a warrant for execution issued by the sheriff. (6) In including in an order under this section any such provision as to costs or expenses as is mentioned in subsection (5) above, the person making the order shall have regard to the conduct and means of the parties and any other relevant circumstances.
The public electricity supply code.
24. The provisions of Schedule 6 to this Act (which relate to the supply of electricity by public electricity suppliers) shall have effect. Enforcement of preceding provisions
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Orders for securing compliance.
25.—(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (5) and section 26 below, where the Director is satisfied that a licence holder is contravening, or is likely to contravene, any relevant condition or requirement, he shall by a final order make such provision as is requisite for the purpose of securing compliance with that condition or requirement.
(2) Subject to subsection (5) below, where it appears to the Director— (a) that a licence holder is contravening, or is likely to contravene, any relevant condition or requirement; and (b) that it is requisite that a provisional order be made, he shall (instead of taking steps towards the making of a final order) by a provisional order make such provision as appears to him requisite for the purpose of securing compliance with that condition or requirement.
(3) In determining for the purposes of subsection (2)(b) above whether it is requisite that a provisional order be made, the Director shall have regard, in particular— (a) to the extent to which any person is likely to sustain loss or damage in consequence of anything which, in contravention of the relevant condition or requirement, is likely to be done, or omitted to be done, before a final order may be made; and (b) to the fact that the effect of the provisions of this section and section 27 below is to exclude the availability of any remedy (apart from under those provisions or for negligence) in respect of any contravention of a relevant condition or requirement. (4) Subject to subsection (5) and section 26 below, the Director shall confirm a provisional order, with or without modifications, if— (a) he is satisfied that the licence holder to whom the order relates is contravening, or is likely to contravene, any relevant condition or requirement; and (b) the provision made by the order (with any modifications) is requisite for the purpose of securing compliance with that condition or requirement. (5) The Director shall not make a final order or make or confirm a provisional order in relation to a licence holder if he is satisfied— (a) that the duties imposed on him by section 3 above preclude the making or, as the case may be, the confirmation of the order; (b) that the licence holder has agreed to take and is taking all such steps as it appears to the Director for the time being to be appropriate for the licence holder to take for the purpose of securing or facilitating compliance with the condition or requirement in question; or (c) that the contraventions were, or the apprehended contraventions are, of a trivial nature.
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(6) Where the Director is satisfied as mentioned in subsection (5) above, he shall— (a) serve notice that he is so satisfied on the licence holder; and (b) publish the notice in such manner as he considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing the matters to which the notice relates to the attention of persons likely to be affected by them. (7) A final or provisional order— (a) shall require the licence holder to whom it relates (according to the circumstances of the case) to do, or not to do, such things as are specified in the order or are of a description so specified; (b) shall take effect at such time, being the earliest practicable time, as is determined by or under the order; and (c) may be revoked at any time by the Director. (8) In this Part— "final order" means an order under this section other than a provisional order; "provisional order" means an order under this section which, if not previously confirmed in accordance with subsection (4) above, will cease to have effect at the end of such period (not exceeding three months) as is determined by or under the order; "relevant condition", in relation to a licence holder, means any condition of his licence; "relevant requirement", in relation to a licence holder, means any duty or other requirement imposed on him by or under section 9 or sections 16 to 23 above.
Procedural requirements.
26.—(1) Before he makes a final order or confirms a provisional order, the Director shall give notice— (a) stating that he proposes to make or confirm the order and setting out its effect; (b) setting out—
(i) the relevant condition or requirement for the purpose of securing compliance with which the order is to be made or confirmed; (ii) the acts or omissions which, in his opinion, constitute or would constitute contraventions of that condition or requirement; and (iii) the other facts which, in his opinion, justify the making or confirmation of the order; and (c) specifying the period (not being less than 28 days from the date of publication of the notice) within which representations or objections with respect to the proposed order or proposed confirmation may be made,
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and shall consider any representations or objections which are duly made and not withdrawn.
(2) A notice under subsection (1) above shall be given— (a) by publishing the notice in such manner as the Director considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing the matters to which the notice relates to the attention of persons likely to be affected by them; and (b) by serving a copy of the notice, and a copy of the proposed order or of the order proposed to be confirmed, on the licence holder to whom the order relates. (3) The Director shall not make a final order with modifications, or confirm a provisional order with modifications, except— (a) with the consent to the modifications of the licence holder to whom the order relates; or (b) after complying with the requirements of subsection (4) below. (4) The requirements mentioned in subsection (3) above are that the Director shall— (a) serve on the licence holder to whom the order relates such notice as appears to him requisite of his proposal to make or confirm the order with modifications; (b) in that notice specify the period (not being less than 28 days from the date of the service of the notice) within which representations or objections with respect to the proposed modifications may be made; and (c) consider any representations or objections which are duly made and not withdrawn. (5) As soon as practicable after making a final order or making or confirming a provisional order, the Director shall— (a) serve a copy of the order on the licence holder to whom the order relates; and (b) publish the order in such manner as he considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing it to the attention of persons likely to be affected by it. (6) Before revoking a final order or a provisional order which has been confirmed, the Director shall give notice— (a) stating that he proposes to revoke the order and setting out its effect; and (b) specifying the period (not being less than 28 days from the date of publication of the notice) within which representations or objections with respect to the proposed revocation may be made, and shall consider any representations or objections which are duly made and not withdrawn.
(7) If, after giving a notice under subsection (6) above, the Director decides not to revoke the order to which the notice relates, he shall give notice of his decision.
(8) A notice under subsection (6) or (7) above shall be given—
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(a) by publishing the notice in such manner as the Director considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing the matters to which the notice relates to the attention of persons likely to be affected by them; and (b) by serving a copy of the notice on the licence holder to whom the order relates.
Validity and effect of orders.
27.—(1) If the licence holder to whom a final or provisional order relates is aggrieved by the order and desires to question its validity on the ground— (a) that its making or confirmation was not within the powers of section 25 above; or (b) that any of the requirements of section 26 above have not been complied with in relation to it, he may, within 42 days from the date of service on him of a copy of the order, make an application to the court under this section.
(2) On any such application the court may, if satisfied that the making or confirmation of the order was not within those powers or that the interests of the licence holder have been substantially prejudiced by a failure to comply with those requirements, quash the order or any provision of the order.
(3) Except as provided by this section, the validity of a final or provisional order shall not be questioned by any legal proceedings whatever.
(4) The obligation to comply with a final or provisional order shall be a duty owed to any person who may be affected by a contravention of the order.
(5) Where a duty is owed by virtue of subsection (4) above to any person, any breach of the duty which causes that person to sustain loss or damage shall be actionable at the suit or instance of that person.
(6) In any proceedings brought against a licence holder in pursuance of subsection (5) above, it shall be a defence for him to prove that he took all reasonable steps and exercised all due diligence to avoid contravening the order.
(7) Without prejudice to any right which any person may have by virtue of subsection (5) above to bring civil proceedings in respect of any contravention or apprehended contravention of a final or provisional order, compliance with any such order shall be enforceable by civil proceedings by the Director for an injunction or for interdict or for any other appropriate relief.
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(8) In this section and section 28 below "the court" means the High Court in relation to England and Wales and the Court of Session in relation to Scotland.
Power to require information etc.
28.—(1) Where it appears to the Director that a licence holder may be contravening, or may have contravened, any relevant condition or requirement, the Director may, for any purpose connected with such of his functions under section 25 above as are exercisable in relation to that matter, serve a notice under subsection (2) below on any person.
(2) A notice under this subsection is a notice signed by the Director and— (a) requiring the person on whom it is served to produce, at a time and place specified in the notice, to the Director or to any person appointed by the Director for the purpose, any documents which are specified or described in the notice and are in that person's custody or under his control; or (b) requiring that person, if he is carrying on a business, to furnish, at a time and place and in the form and manner specified in the notice, to the Director such information as may be specified or described in the notice. (3) No person shall be required under this section to produce any documents which he could not be compelled to produce in civil proceedings in the court or, in complying with any requirement for the furnishing of information, to give any information which he could not be compelled to give in evidence in any such proceedings.
(4) A person who without reasonable excuse fails to do anything required of him by notice under subsection (2) above shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.
(5) A person who intentionally alters, suppresses or destroys any document which he has been required by any notice under subsection (2) above to produce shall be liable— (a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum; (b) on conviction on indictment, to a fine. (6) If a person makes default in complying with a notice under subsection (2) above, the court may, on the application of the Director, make such order as the court thinks fit for requiring the default to be made good; and any such order may provide that all the costs or expenses of and incidental to the application shall be borne by the person in default or by any officers of a company or other association who are responsible for its default. Provisions with respect to supply generally
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Regulations relating to supply and safety.
29.—(1) The Secretary of State may make such regulations as he thinks fit for the purpose of— (a) securing that supplies of electricity are regular and efficient; (b) protecting the public from dangers arising from the generation, transmission or supply of electricity, from the use of electricity supplied or from the installation, maintenance or use of any electric line or electrical plant; and (c) without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (b) above, eliminating or reducing the risks of personal injury, or damage to property or interference with its use, arising as mentioned in that paragraph. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) above, regulations under this section may— (a) prohibit the supply or transmission of electricity except by means of a system approved by the Secretary of State; (b) make provision requiring notice in the prescribed form to be given to the Secretary of State, in such cases as may be specified in the regulations, of accidents and of failures of supplies or transmissions of electricity; (c) make provision as to the keeping, by persons authorised by a licence or exemption to supply or transmit electricity, of maps, plans and sections and as to their production (on payment, if so required, of a reasonable fee) for inspection or copying; (d) make provision for relieving persons authorised by a licence to supply electricity from any obligation to supply in such cases as may be prescribed; (e) make provision requiring compliance with notices given by the Secretary of State specifying action to be taken in relation to any electric line or electrical plant, or any electrical appliance under the control of a consumer, for the purpose of—
(i) preventing or ending a breach of regulations under this section; or (ii) eliminating or reducing a risk of personal injury or damage to property or interference with its use; (f) provide for particular requirements of the regulations to be deemed to be complied with in the case of any electric line or electrical plant complying with specified standards or requirements; (g) provide for the granting of exemptions from any requirement of the regulations for such periods as may be determined by or under the regulations. (3) Regulations under this section may provide that any person— (a) who contravenes any specified provision of the regulations; or
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(b) who does so in specified circumstances, shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale; but nothing in this subsection shall affect any liability of any such person to pay compensation in respect of any damage or injury which may have been caused by the contravention.
(4) No proceedings shall be instituted in England and Wales in respect of an offence under this section except by or on behalf of the Secretary of State or the Director of Public Prosecutions.
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APPENDIX 10C
PROGRAMME FOR DEVELOPMENT AND UTILITIES (GANTT CHART)
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APPENDIX 10D
TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORRESPONDENCE
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APPENDIX 10E
RESPONSE FROM ANGLIAN WATER
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CATALYST CORBY
UTILITIES LEGISLATION
Potable Water Supply
Obligation to supply rests with the Water Undertaker as appointed under Section 6 of the Water Industry Act 1991 (WIA). Section 37 of the WIA sets out the General Duty to Maintain the water supply system as follows:
“It shall be the duty of every water undertaker to develop and maintain an efficient and economical system of water supply within its area ……”
The Act covers supply to premises on demand and for extending the network to meet the undertakers’ obligations.
The obligations are enforceable by the Secretary of State under Section 18 of the Act.
Other undertakers are empowered to provide supplies within an area if it is deemed necessary or expedient by the Director. This is covered in Section 40 of the Act and is often termed an Inset Appointment.
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Foul Sewerage
Sewerage Undertakers are also appointed under Section 6 of the WIA 1991.
Part IV of the Act covers sewerage services.
Section 94 sets out the general duties to provide a sewerage system:
“It shall be the duty of every sewerage undertaker (a) to improve and extend such a system of public sewers (whether inside its area or elsewhere) and so to cleanse and maintain those sewers as to ensure that the area is and continues to be effectually drained (b) to make provision …… for effectually dealing, by means of sewage disposal works or otherwise, with the contents of the sewers”.
These provisions are also enforceable under Section 18 of the Act.
Adoption of sewers is covered in the Act under Sections 102 – 105.
Surface Water Sewerage
Duties to provide a surface water sewerage system are contained within Part IV of the Act. These are as noted above.
Land Drainage
Current legislation makes the distinction between drainage provisions for buildings and constructed items such as roads, as distinct from the land itself. Land drainage deals with natural flow and excludes drainage from man-made surfaces.
The Land Drainage Act 1991 (LDA) and Water Resources Act 1991 (WRA) are the Principal Land Drainage Statutes and cover the most common aspects of land drainage principles and responsibilities.
The powers and duties of the Environment Agency, the Internal Drainage Board, Local Authorities and Riparian Owners are defined in the LDA.
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Land drainage is deemed to include defence against water, including sea water, as well as alleviation or control of flooding of urban and agricultural land.
Water Act 2003
The Water Act 2003 will come into force in Spring 2004. The Act will amend the provisions of the WIA 1991 in relation to new water mains, services and sewers.
The objective is to increase choice and clarity for developers. Key changes are centred on the requisition mechanism and on “self-lay” arrangements, for instance, determination of disputes by OFWAT, payment for requisitions and formal agreements for self-lay water mains, including repayments of interest to the self-lay organisation by the undertaker.
Electricity Act 1989
The Electricity Act of 1989 places an obligation upon the public electricity suppliers to supply “upon being required to do so by the owner or occupier of any premises”. This obligation is covered at Section 16 within the Act and does require the customer to provide a variety of details about the property to be connected.
Section 17 outlines when there are exceptions to the obligation to supply e.g. when the supplier is prevented from doing so by circumstances not within their control.
The Supply of Gas
Obligations are placed upon public gas suppliers by the Gas Act 1986. Section 9(b) of the Act states that “to comply, so far as it is economical to do so, with any reasonable request for him to give a supply of gas to any premises”.
Section 10 contains further details of the obligations and considerations that are required. It should be noted that this legislation is now 18 years old and varicurious regulations and Codes of Practice have been introduced since enactment.
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Community Energy: Options Appraisal Template
The Community Energy programme offers development grants of up to 50% of the costs for public sector organisations to investigate community heating schemes This investigation can take the form of an options appraisal.
An options appraisal covers everything up to the point where a decision can be made on which heating option to implement but not how to implement it. A report should contain the following sections:
b 1. Executive Summary
c 2. Introduction • State the customer, consultant, and scope and objectives of the work. • Provide a map of the site and scope of work description.
d 3. The Site, Current Heating Systems and Heat Demand Included in this should be • The buildings likely to be served in early and later phases. • Adjacent sites and customers who may be considered for later phased connection.
e 4. Heating Options considered Description of all suitable options, which could include:- • assessment procedures; • the proposed Community Heating Scheme; • the Alternative Scheme(s) such as electric heating, individual gas boilers, or no change.
f 5. Whole Life Costing of the Main Options
Community Energy is a Government Programme jointly managed by the Energy Saving Trust and the Carbon Trust.
• an analysis showing the Net Present Cost of each alternative using Green Book methodology; • an analysis showing NPV of alternatives at commercial rates of discount and project life to determine the attractiveness to a developer.
Included in this should be all costs associated with the project at net present values, such as • the annual heating cost per dwelling for each option (incorporating an allowance for the annualised capital cost); • fixed costs such as capital, replacement, maintenance; • the cost of money; • sensitivity analysis to gas and electricity price alternatives; • the carbon savings from the proposed scheme compared to the alternatives.
g 6. Conclusions • State which is lowest whole life cost heating option. • State whether or not it is technically practical and feasible to pursue this option. • In view of the above, state which option it is recommended to pursue.
2 FURTHER INFORMATION
Talk to the Community Energy helpline on 0870 850 6085 or email [email protected].
Community Energy is a Government Programme jointly managed by the Energy Saving Trust and the Carbon Trust.