Dorset Coastal Community Team Connective Economic Plan: Christchurch Coastal Area Plan 2016

The Christchurch Coastal Area plan is a daughter document of the Coastal Community Team Connective Economic Plan and covers the coastal area of Christchurch. This plan has been written by the Dorset Coastal Community Team with input from Dorset Coast Forum members.

Dorset Coastal Community Team Connective Economic Plan Christchurch Coastal Area Plan Key Information This document is linked to the Connecting Dorset Coastal Community Team Economic Plan and (Sections 1-4 can be found in this) 5. Local Area (Provide brief geographical description) Christchurch is the most easterly coastal town of Dorset. It boarders to the west and the , to the east. is the town’s natural harbour with two Rivers the Avon and the Stour flowing into it at its northwest corner. Marsh lies at the northern edge of the harbour and is a 65,000 Hectare local nature reserve. To the west side of the harbour is the prominent natural coastal headland, which protects the harbour. The harbour contains large areas of saltmarsh and is protected by spit (a sandbar) which has fine sandy beach on both sides of a walkway lined with beach huts. Christchurch is a gateway town to the , home to the nearby Castle and the cliff line of the Highcliffe to Barton Geological SSSI. The coastal area has a rich and diverse blend of historic, geological and environmental features and is a thriving community hub. It is an important place for coastal recreation and tourism activity, steeped in social history.

For the purposes of this plan the Christchurch coastal area is made up of the following wards:  Town Centre ward  and Stanpit ward  Mudeford and ward  Highcliffe ward

6. Context – community (suggested maximum 300 words) (Description of local community with demographics)

The borough of Christchurch consists of coastal, urban and rural areas offering residents a varied and attractive environment. The town of Christchurch has the role of a local service centre providing a range of shopping, sporting, recreation and other community facilities.

The 2011 census data shows the population of the Christchurch coastal area was 16919 of which 12% were aged 0-15 years ( 19%), 50% were 16-64 (England 65%) and 37% were over 65 (England 16%). As such, it has a significantly smaller working age population and a significantly larger proportion of retirement age residents than the national average.

There are 149 Lower Super Output Areas (LSOA) along the Dorset coastal area and Christchurch has no lower super output areas1 of multiple deprivations. For income deprivation, four of the most deprived LSOA and seven of the least deprived LSOA fall within the coastal area. In relation to employment deprivation, two of the most deprived LSOA and ten of the least deprived LSOA fall within the Poole coastal area.

In regards to the working population in Christchurch, 2550 people Live and work in the area, 4,133 people who live in Christchurch commute out of the area for work and

1 LSOA: lower super output area- a small geography containing roughly 1,500 residents and 650 households. 1 V3- 29 January 2016 Dorset Coastal Community Team Connective Economic Plan Christchurch Coastal Area Plan 4,429 people who don’t live in Christchurch commute into the area for work. In commuters represent 63% of the workforce and, with more in commuters than out commuters, the town has a net commuting gain of 300. Bournemouth is a significant origin of in commuters with almost a third (31%) of Christchurch in commuters travelling from here. 35% of in commuters travel to Christchurch from other parts of Christchurch borough itself. Bournemouth and the rest of Christchurch are also significant out commuting destinations accounting for more than half of out commuters from Christchurch.

Christchurch employees are more likely to be in high level occupations than the average: 45% compared with the England average of 41%. The top categories include professional occupations (18.8%), managers, directors and senior officials (14.2%), associated professional and technical occupations (12.3%) and skilled trades (12.3%)

Christchurch residents are less likely than the national average to rate themselves as in very good/good health. 11% of residents indicated that in terms of long term health problems or a disability, their day to day activities are limited a lot – above the England average of eight per cent. Economically active residents (aged 60+) were more likely to consider themselves in very good/good health than those economically inactive. 15% of Christchurch residents provide some level of unpaid care: this is above the 12% average for England. Economically inactive residents are more likely to provide unpaid care than economically active residents.

7. Context – economy (suggested maximum 400 words) (Local economy, e.g. business, tourism, manufacture, etc., ‘Starting point’)

In Christchurch, the level of economic activity is below the average for both DCC Dorset and England (eight percentage points under the national average) and economic inactivity is relatively high. Of the economically active population in Christchurch, the percentage self-employed is above average at 19.5%, employed at 72.4% whilst unemployment is below average at 5.1% and students make up 3.1%.

Of the employed population, an above average percentage of residents are in part time employment: 34% compared with 29% nationally. Part time workers are more likely to be paid below the living wage than full time workers.

More than half of Christchurch’s 6,300 employees work in four sectors: accommodation & food services (19%); retail (15%); health (11%); education (10%). Workers in accommodation & food services and in retail are more likely to be paid below the living wage.

Christchurch has an above average percentage of employees in employment working in low pay sectors – those with median earnings below the national average including agriculture, forestry & ; distribution; accommodation & food service; real estate; admin & support; health & social care; some manufacturing sectors; culture & recreation; other personal services. The England average at 50% and DCC Dorset at 54%, Christchurch has 63% in low pay sectors.

39% of residents in Christchurch held high qualifications (NVQL3+) in 2011, marginally below the England average but in line with DCC Dorset while 35.9% had low or no qualifications which is also in line with the England average.

Over the first half of 2015, claimant unemployment (Jobseekers Allowance and Universal Credit) in Christchurch was about 1.0%: below the England average but above

2 V3- 29 January 2016 Dorset Coastal Community Team Connective Economic Plan Christchurch Coastal Area Plan the DCC Dorset figure. This was an average of around 85 claimants. More than half of all claimants in Christchurch were aged 25-49 and almost 30% were aged 50+: higher than the England average of 21%.

Christchurch2 has a business population of 1,080 VAT/PAYE registered units. Representation of micro sized business units employing fewer than ten employees is in line with the England figure at 84%. With 905 micro businesses and a further 155 with 10-49 employees, there are very few businesses with more than 50 workers and no businesses employing 250 or more. More than half of all Christchurch business units fall into four sectors: Retail; Professional, scientific & technical; Construction; Accommodation & food services.

Even though not perhaps commonly perceived as an industrial or commercial area, Christchurch can boast a diverse and successful economic base employing thousands of people. Statistics show 1.2% of the population working in agriculture, 17.8% in manufacturing and 25.5% in distribution and catering. Major employers include British Aerospace, Normalair Garrett and Penny & Giles. Companies are located across the Borough on industrial estates, the largest area being Bournemouth International Airport at .

8. Related initiatives (What else is going on in the community of economic importance, e.g. BID, LEP, CIC, CCF, CRF)  Christchurch Chamber of Commerce  Christchurch Harbour Management Group  Christchurch Community Partnership plan

2 For business count data, Christchurch is made up of the Middle Super Output Area which is a wider definition including Portfield, North Highcliffe and . 3 V3- 29 January 2016 Dorset Coastal Community Team Connective Economic Plan Christchurch Coastal Area Plan Plan 9. Ambition (A positive statement of the aims and objectives of the plan and a description of what it will achieve. Description of ‘what success will look like’): The redevelopment and regeneration of the coastal community area, to bring about the revival of the economic and social opportunities associated with the natural and social heritage of the coast.

10. Needs of the community and intentions of the team to meet them. (Identify the socio-economic needs of the community and the opportunities to meet them. Each element should be Specific, Measureable, Achievable, Realistic and Timed): Currently, we have highlighted the needs of the Christchurch coastal area and will present how the DCCT will measure and meet these needs following the submission of the plan once further assessment has been done.

Theme 1: Sustaining and developing the tourism economy  Improving the visitor experience, through improved accommodation, attractions and facilities  Extend the visitor season – more jobs for local people  Accessibility to the coast  Increased demand for facilities Theme 2: Having thriving and dynamic maritime businesses to encourage economic growth  Raising annual visitor spend  Increasing or sustain businesses linked to the seafront  Develop economic resilience - growth, jobs and increase year round demand Theme 3: Connecting the urban, rural and coastal communities across the Dorset coast  Improving the infrastructure within the coastal area for residents, visitors and businesses  Improving local resident facilities  Protect economic viability of Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch;  Having Accessibility to the coast  Increased demand for facilities  To promote safe, sustainable and convenient access- roads and cycleways, SWCP, Walking routes and possibly ‘Boris Bikes’  Health and Wellbeing opportunities Theme 4: Conserving enhancing and promoting Dorset’s special natural and cultural assets  Support adaptability of coastal communities  Manage risk to properties due to erosion and flooding where sustainable;  Keeping the intrinsic landscape value of the area  Involving local residents, businesses and other stakeholders in actively shaping proposals for their community and town in a meaningful way  Protect Respect and enhance the environment

4 V3- 29 January 2016 Dorset Coastal Community Team Connective Economic Plan Christchurch Coastal Area Plan 11. Analysis (Describe the strengths, opportunities, weaknesses and threats in meeting the needs at 10): Strengths Weaknesses  A diverse range of seafronts with individual characteristics including Mudeford  Restricted access to harbour entrance due to seasonal geomorphological and Christchurch Quay changes  A unique and highly designated environment with diverse landscape and  Limited all-weather visitor attractions and year round tourism seascape with rich coastal and marine biodiversity  Many areas have limited high quality (3*+) accommodation for visitors  High quality landscape, seascape and built environment  Above average % of employees in low pay sectors leading to increased  A historic working harbour that supports businesses and bring in tourists number of people earning below living wage  Good transport connections to the main conurbation areas  Skills gap across the region with a loss of young workers in the area  Strong tourism industry including historical sites such as  Flood risk and continuing deterioration of the coastal defences  High quality of life and attractive destination for individuals  Disparity between low earnings and high housing costs meaning the area is  Good connectivity and facilities for businesses to work efficiently one of the least affordable to live  Excellent partnership working through the Dorset coast forum and other related  Poor transport and access connections to some rural coastal areas tourism and economic partnerships all aimed at improving the local economy,  Below average economically active population tourism sector and quality of life for residents.  Ageing population  More people commuting in for work that commuting out Opportunities Threats  Increase development and innovation in the maritime, and coastal related  Ageing population sectors including tidal energy  Climate change, weather impacts, coastal erosion and increased flooding  Develop the tourism offer especially business and other year-round markets  Continued dependency on public sector employments with decreased local  Increase harbour business e.g. cruise ships and ferry services government funding  Increase the skills within the local workforce to support the development of  Lack of a coordinated approach through partnership working across the coast maritime and coastal related sectors  Environmental designation restrictions to development along the coastal  Connect branding and marketing across the Dorset coastal area area  Improve adaptability of coastal communities to coastal and climate change  Increased second home ownership  Look at coastal defence in a more holistic way in a partnership approach  Improve sustainable transport links and access to the coast e.g. water taxis, bus  Improve the facilities and services available for coastal destinations so all people can access coastal environment  Increased partnership working to share resources, knowledge and access to funding to improve the Dorset coastal area  Innovative development along the coast to minimize the impacts on the natural environment

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12. Data – while an essential element of the plan, it could be included in a ‘daughter’ document. (Provide evidence to support the intentions of the plan. This will include statistical data but broader data should also be included. Data used should be specific, relevant and transparent. It is sufficient to reference evidence held elsewhere)

The statistical data used throughout the document is obtained from the census 2011 and analysed by the Research and Consultation Team at unless otherwise stated.

Other documents/strategies that support this plan include:  Christchurch and East Dorset Economic Growth Strategy - https://www.dorsetforyou.com/economic-development/christchurch-and-east-dorset  Christchurch Harbour and Waterways Management Plan- https://www.dorsetforyou.com/article/389369/Christchurch-Harbour  Christchurch and East Dorset Local Plan part 1- core Strategy- https://www.dorsetforyou.com/article/348323/Christchurch-and-East-Dorset-Local-Plan-Part-1--- Core-Strategy  Poole and Christchurch Bays Shoreline Management Plan –  Mudeford Quay Management Plan- https://www.dorsetforyou.com/article/389367/Mudeford-Quay  Christchurch Quay Management Plan- https://www.dorsetforyou.com/christchurchquay

6 V3- 29 January 2016 Dorset Coastal Community Team Connective Economic Plan Christchurch Coastal Area Plan Delivering the Plan 13. Key projects and/or bodies of work (High level description of discrete pieces of work showing CCT role, indicative partners and timescales) DCCT Cost (if Timescale5 Project Name Summary Economic Plan known)4 Value to local economy

Theme 3 Investing in future business Supporting jobs both full time and seasonal Potential sites for additional Additional beach huts 1 L M Direct jobs & Indirect jobs beach huts along coastline Investing in future business

Investing in future business Supporting jobs both full time and seasonal Surf Hire /surf tuition /beach Direct jobs & Indirect jobs Highcliffe undercliff 'surf'pods/ online surf cam on 1 M M Health and wellbeing benefits area highcliffe beach Investing in future business Improve visitor experience

Investing in future business Supporting jobs both full time and seasonal Gundimore Direct jobs & Indirect jobs Food concession/watersports promenade new hard- 1 L M Health and wellbeing benefits hire/ watersports tuition standing Increased skills Improve visitor experience

Investing in future business Supporting jobs both full time and seasonal Increased commercial activities / Direct jobs & Indirect jobs Friars Cliff Project watersports hire / watersports 1 L S Health and wellbeing benefits tuition Increased skills Improve visitor experience

3 Theme which the project relates to within Section 9 of the Dorset Coastal Community Team Connective Economic Plan 4 High (H) - ≥ £1million, Medium (M) - ≥ £250K -£1million, Low (L) ≤ £250K 5 Long (L) ≥ 5 years +, Medium (M)≥ 6mth-5yrs, Short (S)≤ 6 mths 7 V3- 29 January 2016 Dorset Coastal Community Team Connective Economic Plan Christchurch Coastal Area Plan

DCCT Cost (if Timescale Project Name Summary Economic Plan known) Value to local economy

Theme Introduce public slipway charging Health and wellbeing benefits River Stour area / licences for commercial 1 L S Improve visitor experience Project watersports activities Investing in future business Supporting jobs both full time and seasonal Commercial catering or leisure- Direct jobs Stanpit area Project related facility / activity / 1 L M Indirect jobs enhance functionality Health and wellbeing benefits Community value Local area value Introduction of business licensing Investing in future business Commercial Fishing- for commercial fisherman 2 L M Community value Mudeford Quay operating from council land Local area value Community value Local area value Community and visitor value Increased commercial Mudeford Quay Green 2 tbc M Environmental Value activities/public events Indirect jobs

Community value Local area value Increased commercial activities / Friars Cliff 2 M M Community and visitor value public events Indirect jobs

Community value River Stour Project Increased commercial activities / Local area value 2 M M area public events Community and visitor value Indirect jobs

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DCCT Cost (if Timescale Project Name Summary Economic Plan known) Value to local economy

Theme Direct jobs River Stour Project Indirect jobs Commercial centre 2 M M area Business to business opportunities

Community value Local area value Introduction of 'North Shore' bike Options of sites within Community and visitor value facilities (in the style of Moors Harbour & Beach 2 M M Environmental Value Valley) / potential commercial Foreshore Area Indirect jobs business opportunity Direct Jobs Health and wellbeing benefits Car park charging pay and The meridans open display/ introduce minimum Local area value 3 M S space car park standard charge for access agreements Revamp layout/enhance site Local area value Two rivers meet golf functionality for golf, cycling, 3 M M Community and visitor value course walking etc. Car park charging pay and Stanpit recreation car display/ introduce minimum Local area value 3 M M park standard charge for access agreements Mudeford Quay / Introduction of new facilities / Local area value Gundimore types of storage for dinghy 3 M M Community and visitor value Promenade parking Introduction of educational play Local area value trail to improve connectivity Community and visitor value Friars Cliff 3 M M between Friars Cliff and Highcliffe Environmental Value Castle sites (in the style of Moors Health and wellbeing benefits

9 V3- 29 January 2016 Dorset Coastal Community Team Connective Economic Plan Christchurch Coastal Area Plan Valley)

DCCT Cost (if Timescale Project Name Summary Economic Plan known) Value to local economy

Theme Local area value Weddings / private parties on Community and visitor value Open Space sites, such as Direct jobs All OS Sites 3 L M beaches, bandstand, riverside Indirect jobs etc. Investing in future business Increased opportunities for volunteers Local area value Improvement / expansion of Community and visitor value Avon Beach Project existing facilities through new 3 M M Direct jobs window of opportunity Indirect jobs Investing in future business Local area value Introduction of café facilities / Community and visitor value Friars Cliff events at Information Centre (in 3 M M Direct jobs the style of Moors Valley) Indirect jobs Investing in future business Joining existing sections to enable Local area value Mudeford Quay to one continuous path along the Community and visitor value 3 H M Chewton Bunny coast / potential commercial Environmental Value business opportunity Health and wellbeing benefits Cycle network New signage will promote the directional signage. existence of the 24 mile cycle Encourages sustainable travel reducing congestion & network and will aid navigation pollution. Improved visitor offer/experience that will 1,3 L S for commuters, residents and encourage greater visitor spend. Improves sustainable travel visitors. access to inland and coastal visitor attractions.

Chewton Bunny and Redevelopment and revival of a Local area value Highcliffe Beach 1.5 mile section of the Dorset `1,3,4 H M Community and visitor value Revival Project coastline. Re-provision of beach Investing in future business 10 V3- 29 January 2016 Dorset Coastal Community Team Connective Economic Plan Christchurch Coastal Area Plan huts, improved access to paths, environmental and geological impact assessment. Provision of water sports. Community engagement in the project and promotion and interpretation of the natural and social history of the site.

14. Barriers (Identify any barriers to delivering the plan and if you have contingencies to manage them) Common barriers include:  Permissions being granted including planning or environmental designation approval from Natural England/Marine management Organisation approval  Partnership working – consensus on working together to deliver cross cutting projects rather than just area specific projects  Funding  Match funding  Local skills 15. Resources (Who and what will be required to deliver each element of the plan. Include ‘in kind’ services, volunteers, etc. demonstrate how local expertise will be utilise and/or grown) There will need to be a range of organisations, groups and individuals to deliver the plan. The DCCT have more detail on the different organisations needed for each project and the different project leads.

16. Funding (Identification of funding streams and how costs of project(s) will or could be met) Some of the projects have match funding in place and some have private and public investment. Grant funding will need to be found to fully deliver the projects.

17. Maximising resources and costs (Describe how this will be minimised, e.g. shared services, use of technology, avoidance of bureaucracy, etc) By working together we could share resources, have a wider selection of people with expertise in a real range of skills in delivery and fund raising.

Communications 18. Consultation (Describe existing results of consultations and planned consultation exercises) All documents used to inform this plan have been consulted on by the relevant organisations or groups and key local stakeholders including resident groups, local interest groups, tourism industry, land owners, statutory authorities such as Natural England, MMO and Environment Agency

All supporting documents that were consulted had already been consulted on with the community. For each coastal area plan, the Dorset Coastal Community Team (DCCT) has consulted with their corresponding organisations. The DCCT asked the Dorset Coast Forum members for projects, strategies and policies that they feel should 11 V3- 29 January 2016 Dorset Coastal Community Team Connective Economic Plan Christchurch Coastal Area Plan be included in the economic plan. The draft Dorset Coastal Community Team Connective Economic Plan and the individual Coastal Area Plans were sent out to the Dorset Coast Forum members for comments. The communities will be able to send the CCT their projects to put into the plan on an on-going basis. It is intended that these plans be given approval at member level by Christchurch Borough Council, the Local Enterprise Partnership and the Local Nature Partnership.

All consultation on this plan will be done via the Dorset Coast Forum website and the most up to date version of the plan will be available here: https://www.dorsetforyou.com/dorset-coast-forum/coastal-community-team

This Plan has been put together by Bridget Betts t: 01305 224760 e: [email protected] and Rhiannon Jones 01305 224833 e: [email protected]

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