Cheshire East Local Development Framework
Place Shaping Consultation
Crewe Snapshot July 2011
Foreword 2 1 Introduction 3 What is the Local Development Framework? 3 How is the Local Development Framework being prepared? 3 What are the timescales for preparing the Local Development Framework? 4 What is the Place Shaping Consultation? 5 How do we assess the suitability of proposals? 6 How does this relate to Community-Led Planning? 7 How does this relate to Neighbourhood Planning? 7 2 A Snapshot of the Town 8 Housing 9 Economy 12 Town Centre 16 Transport 17 Open Space and the Countryside 18 The Built Environment 20 Community Infrastructure 21 3 To Sum Up... 27
Appendices
A Glossary of Terms 30 B References 33 Contents
CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Crewe Snapshot Report 1 Foreword
Cheshire East Local Development Framework
Place Shaping Consultation – Snapshot Reports
Foreword
Cheshire East is facing many challenges over the next twenty years or so. These include climate change, moving to a low carbon and globalised economy and increased housing need. These challenges will need to be faced in a period of a slow growing national economy and much reduced levels of infrastructure investment by the Government.
It will therefore be important to have a clear strategy to tackle these issues and to indicate how we want our towns and villages to change and grow.
Your Place
Your Future
Your Say
In autumn 2010, we consulted on options for the overall strategy for Cheshire East. We are following this up with the Place Shaping Consultation to look at the challenges facing our towns and villages and how these can be addressed in the new development plan for Cheshire East.
The Place Shaping Consultation asks some fundamental questions:
What do you want your town or village to be like in 2030? What are the challenges facing the town or village? What are the constraints and opportunities for development? How can development help to deliver improved local infrastructure?
This Snapshot Report sets out an overview of your town with a wealth of interesting facts to help you think about planning its future.
Through this consultation we are embracing the spirit of localism and neighbourhood planning.
I want to encourage everyone to help us prepare the new plan so that we can make sure that Cheshire East continues to be a great place for our children, grandchildren and us to enjoy.
Cllr David Brown Foreword
2 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Crewe Snapshot Report 1 Introduction
1.1 Cheshire East Council is working together with town and parish councils, local area partnerships, businesses, community groups and local people of all ages to prepare the new development plan for Cheshire East – called the Local Development Framework. This will guide the future planning and development of our towns, villages and countryside up to 2030. It will cover all of Cheshire East except the area that lies within the Peak District National Park. The Local Development Framework will aim to ensure that Cheshire East continues to have:
a thriving economy an attractive environment a wide choice of housing vibrant town centres with good quality shops and leisure facilities, schools, health and community facilities, a choice of transport What is the Local Development Framework?
1.2 The Local Development Framework will consist of three main reports:
1.3 Core Strategy – this will set out the vision, objectives and strategy for the future development of the Borough. It may include strategic development sites.
1.4 Site Allocations Plan – this will include detailed policies to be used in considering planning applications as well as site allocations and policies.
1.5 Infrastructure Plan - this will set out the improvements required to transport, social and community infrastructure, such as schools and health services, that will be required to serve new development. It will set out a programme for their development and any financial contributions that new developments will be required to make.
1.6 The Local Development Framework will be a single plan for Cheshire East and will replace the Regional Spatial Strategy, the Cheshire Structure Plan, Cheshire Waste and Minerals Plans and the Local Plans for Congleton, Macclesfield and Crewe and Nantwich. How is the Local Development Framework being prepared?
Background Evidence
1.7 We started preparing the Local Development Framework in 2009, by producing background evidence to help us understand the challenges facing the Borough. This looked at housing, economic development, retailing, open space, environment, transport, minerals and waste. All reports can be viewed on the Council’s website at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/ldf and at the Council offices at Westfields, Sandbach.
Strategic Issues and Options Consultation
1.8 We carried out a Borough wide consultation from November to December 2010 to begin the discussions about how future housing and economic growth in the Borough should be planned for. Options for the level of growth and three development strategies were considered. This consultation provided valuable feedback which is summarised in the Report of Consultation available on the Cheshire East website and at the Council offices at Westfields, Sandbach. Introduction
CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Crewe Snapshot Report 3 The Place Shaping Consultation
1.9 One of the key messages from this consultation was that further work was needed to understand the challenges facing each town and village and the opportunities and constraints to addressing them. The Council is keen to embrace the new spirit of localism and to ensure that local communities have the opportunity to be involved in shaping the plan for their community. We want to be sure that all sections of the community have the chance to be involved and that the plan takes account of the needs of everyone, in particular the needs of the next generation.
1.10 Through the Place Shaping Consultation Cheshire East Council will be working closely with town and parish councils, local area partnerships, town partnerships, local businesses, community groups, young people and individuals to develop a plan for each town and larger village that will be taken forward into the Local Development Framework. Smaller villages will be asked to consider whether they have any development requirements and proposals to be included in the plan. What are the timescales for preparing the Local Development Framework?
1.11 The timescales for the preparation of the Local Development Framework are shown in the Figure below: Introduction
4 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Crewe Snapshot Report What is the Place Shaping Consultation?
1.12 There are three stages to the consultation and a number of events are planned. These stages are: Introduction
CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Crewe Snapshot Report 5 1.13 Firstly, we want to understand the issues and challenges facing the community.
1.14 This Snapshot Report sets out information about the development of the town: about the housing, economy, town centre, transport, built and natural environment and community infrastructure. It identifies some key challenges that we need to take into account as we plan the future of the town.
1.15 We would like to hear what you like about the town, the changes needed and your priorities. You can contribute through any of these events:
Local Area Partnership events – workshops for parish councils, community groups and stakeholders Community Exhibition with questionnaire On line and postal consultation with questionnaire Play Your Place with your group
1.16 Your Place - This activity has been developed for groups to think about the needs of different people in their community and what type of place they may want to live in. Contact the Spatial Planning Team to obtain an activity pack.
1.17 Secondly, we will then look at the constraints to development, the areas that need to be safeguarded and then consider and assess options for various types of development. This will help us to work together to develop the plan for the town. You can contribute through any of these events:
Stakeholder workshops Exhibitions - community consultation On line and postal consultation
1.18 Thirdly, we have to bring the plans for each town and village together and assess whether they will deliver the overall needs of the Borough as a whole. This will be through:
Local Area Partnership Assemblies will consider the plans Cheshire East Council will consider the plans and undertake assessments to ensure that they comply with and deliver European and national legislation and planning policy. The Council will have to ensure that there is a consistency of approach and that the plans in combination will deliver the growth aspirations for the Borough as a whole. Cheshire East Council’s Cabinet will consider the plans and assessments and agree the policies and proposals to be included in the Preferred Options draft of the Local Development Framework. How do we assess the suitability of proposals?
1.19 The options will be subject to a Sustainability Appraisal (incorporating a Strategic Environmental Appraisal) that will test the proposals against a number of social, economic and environmental indicators. Amongst other things, it will assess how the plan affects all sections of the community, whether it promotes health and how it affects rural areas.
1.20 A Habitats Regulation Assessment will be carried out to appraise the impact of proposals on any sites and habitats designated as being of European importance for nature conservation.
1.21 The Sustainability Appraisal and Habitats Regulation Assessment will be published for consultation alongside the Local Development Framework. Introduction
6 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Crewe Snapshot Report How does this relate to Community-Led Planning?
1.22 Many communities in Cheshire East have completed Parish Plans. These have provided an understanding of the challenges facing the community and an action plan for a wide range of initiatives. Parish Plans cannot allocate land for development or include policies to control the planning or use of land - that is the role of the Local Development Framework.
1.23 Parish Plans provide a useful starting point for the community to prepare its proposals for the future planning of its village. Many communities have identified the need to provide more affordable housing and / or starter homes in the village. Providing that a site can been agreed with the support of the community, this can be taken forward as a proposed allocation into the Local Development Framework. Other proposals such as new open space or community facilities may also be proposed for allocation and included in the Infrastructure Plan.
1.24 The Local Development Framework will include policies to safeguard important open areas such as parks and play areas as well as designated nature conservation sites and heritage assets. Communities may wish to review the boundaries shown in the Local Plan and highlight any changes they consider appropriate to reflect changed circumstances. How does this relate to Neighbourhood Planning?
1.25 The Localism Bill is introducing the concept of Neighbourhood Planning. The intention behind this is for Parish Councils or neighbourhood forums to work with the Borough Council to prepare their own development plan that will deliver the detailed planning policies and site allocations for their area in accordance with the Local Development Framework Core Strategy. Each Neighbourhood Plan would be required to demonstrate that it accords with European and national legislation and planning policy. It will be subject to a public examination and a referendum.
1.26 Cheshire East Council wants to embrace the spirit of localism by working closely with communities through the Place Shaping Consultation to ensure that all communities have the same opportunity to help shape the preparation of the plan for their town or village to be included in the Local Development Framework. By working together in this way it is envisaged that the resources and costs of plan preparation, assessment and examination will be managed more effectively. Introduction
CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Crewe Snapshot Report 7 2 A Snapshot of the Town
2.1 Crewe is the largest town in Cheshire East, with a population of approximately 70,000. It is located in the south west of Cheshire East, approximately 16km to the west of the M6.
Figure 2.1 Location of Crewe
2.2 Crewe grew up as a railway town in the nineteenth century. Today, Crewe station remains one of the largest railway stations in the country, functioning as a major interchange on the West Coast mainline.
2.3 The town is a major employment centre with a diversified base in education, manufacturing, services and distribution.
2.4 For the purposes of this document, Crewe is defined as the area within the settlement boundary of the Replacement Crewe and Nantwich Local Plan 2011 and the allocated employment sites of Basford East and West. This includes parts of the parishes of Willaston, Wistaston, Wolstanwood and Leighton. It does not deal with Nantwich, Shavington or Haslington. own T
2.5 Until the Grand Junction Railway (GJR) company chose Crewe as the site for its locomotive works and railway station in the late 1830s, Crewe in 1831 was a village with a population of just 70.
the The railway station was built in fields near to Crewe Hall and was completed in 1837. A new town
then grew up alongside the increasingly busy station. The population grew dramatically from around of 1,800 inhabitants in 1837 to 40,000 in 1871. The GJR provided support for the infrastructure of the town and provided money towards the upkeep of Christ Church, medical services, public baths and a fresh water supply. Queen's Park was donated by the rival London and North West Railway. Snapshot
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8 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Crewe Snapshot Report 2.6 In the twentieth century Crewe attracted further heavy industry with the establishment of factories for Rolls Royce and Midland Rollmakers. The Rolls Royce cars were produced at Crewe from 1946 until the company was sold in 1998 and became part of BMW. Rolls Royce production was subsequently moved away from Crewe and the factory is now the home of Bentley Motors Ltd. Midland Rollmakers closed in 2004 but Crewe's Bombardier depot, where trains are built and maintained, still remains. The town is now building on Crewe's history of engineering knowledge, to develop a more varied economy, to include science and technology. This is attracting new enterprises such as those located on the Business Park and Manchester Metropolitan University. Housing
2.7 There are more than 31,020 dwellings in Crewe; this represents 19% of the total number of dwellings in Cheshire East. The town is considered to be a popular place to live with demand for a mix of housing types.
2.8 Crewe has high levels of semi-detached and terraced houses, compared to the Cheshire East average. This reflects the industrial heritage of the town, as many terraced houses were built to house the workers on the railway, in the nineteenth and early twentieth Centuries.
Figure 2.2 Percentage of Houses by Type: Crewe and Cheshire East
2.9 Average incomes, for residents of the town, are £31,371 which is lower than both the Cheshire own
East average of £38,119 and all other towns in the Borough. T
2.10 Private and social renting within Crewe is high (9.6% private renting and 16.9% social renting) the compared to the Borough average (8.9% private renting and 12.5% social renting). of
2.11 Crewe also has an above average proportion of single person households of 14.8% (excluding pensioners), when compared with the Cheshire East figure of 13.5%. Snapshot
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CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Crewe Snapshot Report 9 2.12 The Cheshire East Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) (2010) identified a need for 256 affordable homes each year to 2014 in Crewe, particularly for 1 bedroom properties.
2.13 A total of 187 homes were built in Crewe in 2010 / 11. They include sites at the former Police Training College, Nantwich Road; 320 Crewe Road in Willaston; 190 – 200 Hungerford Road and Pickmere Court in Crewe.
2.14 A total of 91 of those new homes were Figure 2.3 New Build in Crewe affordable. They are located at Pickmere Court; land adjacent to Brooklands Cottage, Ford Lane and Whitegates, Larch Road, Crewe.
2.15 According to recent research in the Cheshire East Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA, 2010):
House prices for the town are currently below the Cheshire East average. The mean average house price from January 2008 to June 2009 was £124,652 in Crewe compared to the Cheshire East average of £208,716. Despite this, due to low incomes, there are a number of local people who cannot afford to purchase their own home. Compared to the Borough average, the town has more people who are living in overcrowded conditions - 2.7% (Compared to Cheshire East average of 1.8%) It is possible to identify households that are under occupying. That is where there are more bedrooms than the household needs. 8.1% of households in the town have three or more ‘spare bedrooms’ and are considered to be under occupying. This compares to the Cheshire East average of 14.1%. The SHMA identified that 3.8% of residential properties in the town are vacant. This is slightly higher than the Cheshire East average of 3.5%. These properties, if brought back into use, could meet some of the housing demand in the town.
2.16 With approximately 70,000 residents living in 28,000 households, Crewe is both the largest town and largest population centre within Cheshire East. The town has a low level of pensioners, with higher numbers of lone parent families and non-retired single person households than other areas in Cheshire East. The town has very high numbers of children and people aged 16 to 44. The number of residents who are of working age is therefore high. Given the generally younger age profile, the area has a high level of people who
own describe their health as poor. The area has a T high population density with only ten percent of the area classified as rural. Crime rates are the
high compared to other areas in Cheshire East. of 2.17 Qualification levels are poor with nearly one in three residents having no formal Figure 2.4 Crewe Age Structure qualifications; there are high numbers of Snapshot
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10 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Crewe Snapshot Report residents with low and other/unknown levels of qualifications. A high number of residents claim unemployment benefit. Around one in three residents do not work, with a high number that are permanently sick or disabled.
2.18 The 2010 Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) compares neighbourhood areas, based on a number of deprivation factors such as health, unemployment, quality of housing and so on. The IMD divides Cheshire East into 231 areas. It shows that 16 of these areas are in the top 20% most deprived in England & Wales affecting 25,900 people or 7.1% of Cheshire East’s population. Of those 16 areas, 11 are in Crewe. Those areas affected are:
Alexandra Coppenhall St Barnabas St Johns Central and Valley.
2.19 Wulvern Housing are producing ‘neighbourhood plans’ for the areas where they have homes. The plans will identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges that face an area or neighbourhood.
2.20 They will propose activities or projects that will result in an improved neighbourhood and do three main things: provide a vision of what residents would like their neighbourhood to look like, set out clear goals to achieve that vision, and outline an action plan to reach these goals.
2.21 The neighbourhood plan also guides the development of partnerships between Wulvern, the local residents, Cheshire East Council, community organisations, other government agencies and local businesses.
2.22 The neighbourhood plans will lead and inform decisions on:-
The improvement programme to existing properties and Figure 2.5 Wulvern Housing, Haselmere neighbourhoods Way The building of new homes Re-developing homes Environmental programmes such as driveways/parking schemes New housing services and products e.g. ‘green’ initiatives such as solar panel heating Improving maintenance and access to green spaces for leisure Developing existing and new partnerships Working with partners and residents to attract additional funding and resources to neighbourhoods own
wherever possible T
2.23 So far, in Crewe, Wulvern have prepared Neighbourhood Plans for the areas of: the
Valley of
Selworthy Gresty
2.24 It is proposed that further Neighbourhood Plans will be produced during 2011 and 2012. Snapshot
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CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Crewe Snapshot Report 11 2.25 Wulvern Housing have just won an award for their regeneration work on the Sherborne Road Estate which has been made a more attractive place to live. This is part of a major £4.5 million project to improve this housing estate.
2.26 There is a need to ensure that there is sufficient housing to meet the needs of the town’s existing and future residents over the next 20 years or so. It is also important to make sure that sufficient affordable housing is provided for people who cannot afford to purchase market housing. Crewe is likely to need around 10,000 additional new homes by Figure 2.6 Sherborne Road, Crewe 2030, this equates to around 500 houses per year. Studies have indicated that there is a need for a range of house types, sizes and tenures. Economy
2.27 Although the economy of Crewe has undergone significant change since its origins as a railway town, the railways still play a part in local industry at Crewe Works which carries out train maintenance and inspection. It has been owned by Bombardier Transportation since 2001. At its height, the site employed over 20,000 people; in 2005 fewer than 1,000 remained, with further redundancies since then. Much of the site once occupied by the Works has been sold off and is now occupied by the Morrisons supermarket, Eagle Bridge health centre and the Phoenix leisure park.
2.28 Bentley Motors Ltd is a major employer in Crewe. Its car factory is on Pyms Lane, to the west of town. In 2010, there were approximately 3,500 people working at the site. The factory used to produce Rolls Royce cars, until the licence for the brand transferred from Bentley's owners Volkswagen to BMW in 2003.
‘All Change for Crewe’
2.29 Cheshire East Council is working in partnership to develop and implement an economic masterplan for Crewe. 'All Change for Crewe' aims to support Crewe and its future economic development. It aims to address challenges within Crewe that include:
Crewe has a low skilled
own workforce which has a negative T
impact on overall earnings There are pockets of high the
unemployment within the town
of There is a need for more knowledge-based and high technology businesses Figure 2.7 Crewe Railway Station
2.30 It sets out ambitious plans for Crewe’s growth, seeking to make it a nationally significant economic centre by 2031 with a total population in excess of 100,000, a large skilled working age population, with business start-ups that match or exceed national levels. Snapshot
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12 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Crewe Snapshot Report 2.31 Strategic aims for Crewe are:
improving the skills of the town's residents increasing the town's transport links and broadband internet redevelopment of the town centre bringing forward strategic employment development sites at Basford making the town a better place to live, by tackling deprivation and improving public services improving the town's image.
2.32 A number of key projects have also been identified; they include:
Crewe railway station re-development Vibrant town centre and regenerated corridor to the station Development of Basford – focusing on high knowledge/science base industry Sustainable Urban Extensions – generating housing growth Next Generation Broadband – linked to wider a Cheshire East initiative Better school education Major employer care programme – linked to sub-regional delivery arrangements 21st Century leaders and raising aspirations programme
2.33 The Cheshire and Warrington Local Economic Partnership (LEP) was formed in 2010. It is a partnership between the local authorities Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council and Warrington and businesses and will aim to play a key part in promoting local economic development.
2.34 One of the LEP’s main purposes is to ensure that the aims contained within ‘All Change for Crewe’ are achieved. The chairperson of the LEP is Mrs Christine Gaskell, who is a board member of Bentley Motors Ltd. Councillor Wesley Fitzgerald, leader of Cheshire East Council, is also a member of the LEP board.
2.35 The South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) covers the Crewe area. It is actively helping businesses to grow and develop. SCCC is a key partner, in supporting the delivery of All Change for Crewe and is involved in working with local businesses to achieve this.
2.36 Out of a total of 164,400 jobs in Cheshire East, Crewe provides 28,136, in approximately 5,000 business units. This represents 19.2% of the total jobs available in the Borough.
2.37 Of the 500 largest employers in Cheshire East (with over 50 employees), over one third are based in and around Crewe. This includes major firms such as Bentley, Bombardier, Air Products, Barclays Bank and Fujitsu as well as key public sector employment sites such as Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) and Leighton hospital. own T
the
of
Figure 2.8 Manchester Metropolitan University Snapshot
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CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Crewe Snapshot Report 13 2.38 This is shown in Figure 2.9 which shows that employment within the manufacturing sector is well above the Cheshire East average, whilst employment within the sectors of:
Distribution, hotels and restaurants Banking finance and insurance Public administration, education and health
2.39 Are all higher than the manufacturing sector but is lower than the Cheshire East average.
Figure 2.9 Job Sector by Type: Crewe and Cheshire East
2.40 There are a number of employment sites in Crewe, where light industry and offices are located; they include:
Crewe Business Park Crewe Gates Industrial Estate Orion Park,University Way, Crewe Marshfield Bank Employment Park Weston Gate own T
the
of
Figure 2.10 Crewe Business Park Snapshot
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14 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Crewe Snapshot Report 2.41 Two large employment sites, known as Basford East and Basford West, have yet to be developed. They are located either side of the railway line, to the south of Crewe. The development of Basford East requires the construction of the Crewe Green Link Road South. This will ensure that land is available for employment in the future, of various types. Planning permission has been granted on land at Basford West, for a range of employment uses.
2.42 A number of other economic related indicators include:
Unemployment in the town is 4.3%, which is above the Cheshire East average of 2.5% (proportion of residents claiming Job Seekers Allowance in March 2011). 61.8% of town residents are of working age (compared to Cheshire East average of 60.1%) 67.3% of town residents are economically active (compared to 68.8% in Cheshire East) The 2001 Census provides information about economic inactivity in the town. Of all the people aged 16-74, 32.7% are economically inactive. This compares to the Cheshire East figures of 31.2%. The town has a higher than Cheshire East average proportion of residents who are sick or disabled. There is a lower than Cheshire East average of retired residents. Figure 2.11 breaks down economic inactivity by type.
Figure 2.11 Economic Inactivity: Crewe and Cheshire East
2.43 Travel to work data allows us to find out the number of people who both live and work in the town (self containment). Generally, the higher the level of self containment the greater the opportunity to work and live in the same area. Analysis of travel to work data from the 2001 Census provides the following information:
60.9% of people both live and work in the town. 39.1% of people live in the town but work
elsewhere (out-commuting). The main destinations residents out commute to include Nantwich, own T
Sandbach, Stoke-on-Trent and Cheshire West and Chester. 42.4% of people live elsewhere and work within the town (in-commuting). The main destinations the
from where people travel into Crewe are Nantwich, Sandbach and Newcastle-Under-Lyme. of 2.44 Within the Crewe area there are a large number of Eastern European migrants registered with the Worker Registration Scheme. The largest number of registrations (around 85-90% of all successful applicants) were Poles with Slovakians being the next largest. Snapshot
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CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Crewe Snapshot Report 15 Town Centre
2.45 Crewe is a key shopping destination in the Borough, and serves an important role in the sub region.
2.46 The main focus for retailing in the town centre is Earle Street, Hill Street,Market Square, Queensway, Victoria Street, Market Centre and the Victoria Centre. The town centre includes the large Asda store at the Victoria Centre and a Marks & Spencer. The town centre is also supplemented by Grand Junction Retail Park which is located 1km east of the town centre. There are also a number of food stores located either on the edge of centre or out of centre, including the Tesco store at Vernon Way, Morrisons at Dunwoody Way and the Aldi and Marks and Spencer's ‘Simply Food’, at Grand Figure 2.12 The Market Centre, Crewe Junction Retail Park. Town Centre
2.47 Planning permission was granted, to a development company known as Modus, for the redevelopment of Crewe town centre in 2007. The proposal included the demolition of a number of existing shops, next to the bus station; the creation of a new bus interchange, a Department Store and a new shopping centre, within Crewe town centre. The scheme was known as 'Delamere Place'. The development company went into administration which is why the town centre redevelopment has not taken place. The 'All Change for Crewe' economic master plan for Crewe includes a commitment to a town centre redevelopment scheme that will be similar to the 'Delamere Place' scheme that has planning permission. Discussions are taking place with the land owners, to ensure that the redevelopment scheme takes place and that it will improve the retail choice and town centre environment.
2.48 There is an indoor and outdoor market, in the Market Hall and outside the Lyceum Theatre, within the town centre. The market is open on a Monday, Friday and Saturday; a car boot market is held on a Wednesday morning.
2.49 Nantwich Road provides a wide range of secondary local shops, with a variety of small retailers and estate agents.
2.50 The 2010 Town Centre Survey, carried out by Cheshire East Council, provides the following information:
Figure 2.13 Market Hall, Crewe
Crewe Town Centre
There were 243 units in the town centre 18% (44 units) were vacant, higher than the own
T Cheshire East average of 12% and the national
average of 13.9%
the 136 units were shops
29 units were for financial and professional services of 25 units were for restaurants, cafes, drinking establishments and hot food take aways. A further 9 units were in other uses.
Figure 2.14 Market Square, Crewe Snapshot
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16 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Crewe Snapshot Report 2.51 In 2010, there were also 23 units on the Grand Junction Retail Park which is outside the town centre (22 shops and 1 restaurant).
Nantwich Road, Crewe
There were 160 units on Nantwich Road 8% (13 units) were vacant, lower than both the Cheshire East average of 12% and the national average of 13.9% 62 were shops 39 units were for financial and professional services 41 units were for restaurants, drinking establishments and hot food take aways (25 of these units were for take aways) 5 were for other uses.
2.52 The 2010 Cheshire Town Centre Retail Study provides the following additional information:
There is 74,950 square metres of retail floor space in the town centre 19.7% of floor space is used for convenience retailing (food) 45% of floor space is used for comparison retailing (clothes, electrical, furniture and so on) Comparison traders account for the highest number of requirements in outlet terms (15) and are seeking the highest amount of floor space (32,943 sq m gross). The Study has identified a need for additional retail premises within the town centre. This will mainly be provided by existing permissions for a new Sainsburys and a large new Tesco Store, to replace the existing one, along with the ‘Delamere Place’ town centre redevelopment scheme. Transport
2.53 Crewe Railway station is the largest in Cheshire East and is one of the largest stations in the North West. It is a major interchange station on the West Coast Main Line. It has 12 platforms in use and is of subregional importance. It is managed by Virgin Trains and has a direct service to London (Euston) (average journey time of around 1 hour 35 minutes), Edinburgh, Cardiff, Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Derby, Stoke-on-Trent, Chester, Holyhead and many other towns and cities. The most popular destinations accessed from Crewe in 2009/10 were Manchester, London and Stockport. The train station also has a direct service to Manchester Airport.
2.54 The railway station is however just over a kilometre from Crewe town centre. There is a frequent bus service to the town centre however links between the railway station and the town centre are in need of improvement.
2.55 The 'All Change for Crewe' economic master plan for Crewe includes a commitment to improve links between the railway station and the town centre and to remodel the railway station, to ensure that it can serve the needs of passengers in the 21st Century. This will include higher quality and safer passenger facilities.
2.56 Crewe is well connected to the national road network. It is 16km to the west of the M6 motorway, own T connected via the A5020 and A500. The A534 links Crewe to Nantwich, to the west and Sandbach to the north east. the
2.57 The six rail lines that converge at Crewe railway station only have road bridges across them of in a few locations. This can result in traffic congestion, at peak times, on roads into and out of the town. Snapshot
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CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Crewe Snapshot Report 17 2.58 There are 2 Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) in the town, at Nantwich Road and Earle Street. AQMAs are areas where the quality of the air is poor, due to the amount of polluting nitrogen dioxide within it. Within these areas the Council will take action to ensure that the quality of the air improves.
2.59 Two bus interchanges exist within Crewe at Crewe bus station (managed by Arriva) and on-street stops at Crewe Railway Station.
2.60 Crewe bus station is in need of major Figure 2.15 Earle Street, Crewe improvement. The 'All Change for Crewe' economic master plan for Crewe includes a commitment to a town centre redevelopment scheme that will be similar to the 'Delamere Place' scheme that has planning permission. Such a scheme would include a new bus interchange. Discussions are ongoing with the developers, to ensure that this will take place.
2.61 The main bus company in Crewe is Arriva. Crewe is served by approximately 500 bus journeys arriving at or departing from the town each day. The Crewe PLUSBUS allows users to have unlimited travel within a defined catchment area with a number of bus operators taking part, including Arriva, First, D&G and Bakerbus.
2.62 Bus routes out of Crewe give access to Sandbach, Nantwich, Chester, Winsford, Northwich, Middlewich, Macclesfield, Hanley and Alsager.
2.63 The urban area is well served by several bus routes, including a bus link to Leighton hospital.
2.64 National Express coaches also operate services from Crewe to London, amongst other destinations.
2.65 There are 30 publicly owned car parks in the town providing 2643 spaces.
2.66 There are a number of cycle routes within Crewe, including the Leighton Greenway which runs along a hard surface path, in the corridor of the Leighton Brook. This is part of the National Cycle Network Route 74. Cycle lanes have also been marked out along the A534 between Crewe and Nantwich.
2.67 Work has commenced on the SUSTRANS Connect 2 walking and cycle route. The first phase own opened in January 2010. It will link Queens Park in T Crewe, with the Nantwich riverside. It will also partially fill an existing gap between the National Figure 2.16 The opening of the first phase of Connect the Cycle Network Routes 45 and 5. 2, January 2010 of Open Space and the Countryside
2.68 Crewe is located within a low lying landscape which is part of the Cheshire Plain. It is surrounded by countryside, with a character of traditional hedgerows and mature trees and ponds. This is however being changed by modern farming methods. Snapshot
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18 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Crewe Snapshot Report 2.69 To the south of Crewe, the landscape has gentle slopes, with fields of varying shapes and sizes. This reflects the re-use and changes to medieval and post-medieval fields in modern times.
2.70 Around the edge of Crewe the landscape is relatively open due to the combination of flat fields and low field boundaries. This means that man-made buildings such as large warehouses and industrial buildings, bridges, tall lighting columns associated with both road and rail and built development can all easily be seen.
2.71 To the north of Crewe, is low lying landscape, with fields of varying shapes and sizes. This reflects the re-use and changes to medieval and post-medieval fields in modern times. There are also long, narrow, straight-sided fields that are the result of draining former mossland e.g. Figure 2.17 Countryside on the western edge of Crewe Warmingham Moss and Coppenhall Moss.
2.72 There are few hedgerow trees or large hedgerows. This, along with few mature trees, creates an open landscape with long views in all directions. The Pennine Hills are visible to the east and the Sandstone Ridge to the West.
2.73 To the south east of Crewe, lies the Crewe Hall estate, a designated Historic Park and Garden. This includes an area of mature woodland which is the only significant area of mature woodland in Crewe.
2.74 To the north east of Crewe is the Sandbach Flashes. This is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is of importance for wildlife, especially birds.
2.75 There are public footpaths into the countryside, from Crewe, with more links from the north east and south west of the town. This will be further strengthened by the Connect 2 walking and cycle route which will link Queens Park in Crewe, with the Nantwich riverside.
2.76 There are 4 Sites of Biological Importance at :
Swift colony, West Street Woodland, Hinging Bank Covert Woodland, Old Covert Woodland, Quakers Coppice Figure 2.18 Queens Park own
2.77 There are more than 60 Tree Preservation Orders that seek to protect trees within the town. T The trees within the town and its park are an important environmental asset. the 2.78 There are areas at risk of flooding along Valley Brook and within the Macon Meadows area. of
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CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Crewe Snapshot Report 19 The Built Environment
2.79 When Crewe was first built, much of the development took place around the railway works, not the railway station, hence Crewe town centre is not located immediately adjacent to the railway station. The typical form of development was 2 storey red brick terraced houses, for the railway workers, built on a grid pattern. Crewe today has several areas which are almost unchanged from those days. Dwellings were also built for the railway managers, with some still remaining at Gaffers Row. The next stage of development was the construction of large council estates and private housing. More council house building followed after 1945. The outer areas of the town are now dominated by private housing Figure 2.19 Gaffers Row, Crewe developments, which have started to change the image of the town and attract the commuter.
2.80 Crewe has a clearly defined town centre which was redeveloped and extended in the 1980’s, following the demolition of a large number of buildings. There is also the Grand Junction Retail Park, just outside the town centre. West Street still retains a number of different shops, serving the neighbourhood. Nantwich Road, runs along from the railway station and includes shops, pubs, restaurants and estate agents.
2.81 There are 30 Listed Buildings, of which 4 are located within Queens Park. Within the town centre, they include the tower of Christ Church and the Lyceum Theatre which is a fine Edwardian building which has undergone major refurbishment and restoration.
2.82 On the outskirts of the town is Crewe Hall, a magnificent Jacobean mansion built for Sir Ranulph Crewe in 1615.
2.83 Extensions to the Hall were added in the 18th century and following a fire in 1866 which almost destroyed the building; it was repaired and reoccupied in 1870. The Hall is now a luxury hotel and restaurant.
2.84 There are 25 buildings on the Local List of Historic Buildings. It is clear that buildings
own of special architectural value or historic T Figure 2.20 Crewe Hall buildings are in short supply in Crewe. Those that are included on this list are therefore of the
great value for their contribution to the local scene and as such they will be protected from loss or
of insensitive alteration.
2.85 Crewe does not have a Conservation Area. Snapshot
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20 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Crewe Snapshot Report 2.86 There are three principal civic spaces within the town centre:
Municipal Square –opposite to the Municipal Buildings, this space includes the Listed War Memorial and places to sit Lyceum Square – opposite to the Lyceum Theatre, this space is home to part of Crewe’s outdoor market and includes seating. A new café will soon open next to it. Market square – next to Marks and Spencer's, this space has seating.
Figure 2.21 Municipal Square, Crewe
Community Infrastructure
2.87 The term ‘community infrastructure’ covers a wide number of facilities and services in Crewe including open space and parks, education, learning and childcare: health care and social services; leisure facilities; community safety and policing; meeting places and places of worship and renewable energy installations. own T
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Figure 2.22 Queens Park, Crewe Snapshot
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CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Crewe Snapshot Report 21 2.88 Ensuring a good range of community infrastructure provision within a town is important, to provide residents with access to the necessary services and facilities. The location of community facilities in Crewe is shown on the map below:
Figure 2.23 Community Infrastructure in Crewe
2.89 Queens Park is a Victorian Park (1888), created on just over 18 hectares of land donated by the London and North Western Railway, for use by the people of Crewe. It is listed on the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens in England. The Park is currently being restored, using money from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Cheshire East Council. It is expected that this will be completed by September 2011. The Park includes bowling, a boating lake, children's play areas, walks, areas planted with shrubs and trees, memorials and a cafeteria.
2.90 There are 3 small parks at:
Queen Street Westminster Street Valley Park own T 2.91 There are no urban parks in the north-eastern areas of Crewe. the 2.92 Although Crewe’s residents benefit from Queens Park, Crewe does not have a ‘country park’
of on the edge of the town which many towns do have. There is however an as yet unimplemented
proposal in the Borough of Crewe and Nantwich Local Plan 2011 (Policy RT.13 – Leighton West Country Park),which lies to the west of the town.
2.93 Next to Queens Park is Tipkinder Park, which includes the Shanaze Reade BMX Track and a skate park. Snapshot
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22 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Crewe Snapshot Report 2.94 There are a number of natural open spaces that have public access and are good for wildlife, including wooded areas and ponds at Leighton Community Woodland, Macon Meadows, Wistaston Brook and Crewe Business Park. Their quality ranges from good to poor. Accessibility to these sites for some residents is poor; those who live in the north eastern part of Crewe have access to very little natural open space.
2.95 Some open spaces create ‘corridors’ through housing areas and form an important network of open spaces through the town such as ‘Joey the Swan’. Their quality ranges from good to poor and most of these sites lie within northern Crewe. Those who live in the central and north eastern parts of Crewe have access to very little such open space.
2.96 Outdoor sport facilities in Crewe include -
King George V Playing Fields – adult and junior football pitches Cumberland Arena – class A1 athletics track, ‘3rd generation’ artificial pitch and full size pitch Municipal golf course, adjacent Queens Park Various bowling greens, cricket pitches and tennis courts
2.97 Facilities can also be used at some schools and colleges including -
Sir William Stanier School – junior football pitches Ruskin High School – junior football pitches and tennis courts South Cheshire College – adult football pitch and indoor sports facilities
2.98 The quality of the outdoor sport facilities ranges from excellent to poor. Although there are a number of such sites, there is a shortage of outdoor sports facilities. Access to such facilities is poor for those residents that live in northern and southern Crewe.
2.99 Provision for children and teenagers includes –
Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs) Children’s play areas (varying ages) Skateboard/BMX areas Basketball/rebound area/teen shelter Figure 2.24 Pocket park, Haslemere Way, Crewe 2.100 The quality of the sites ranges from excellent to poor. Some sites are intensively used, whilst others need upgrading. Although there are a number of such sites, there is a shortage of provision for children and teenagers. Access to such facilities is poor for those residents that live in north eastern and southern Crewe.
2.101 There are 14 allotment sites in Crewe, with a large demand for more sites. Their quality ranges from good to average. Those residents that live in north and north eastern Crewe have poor access to allotment sites. A further community garden/allotment site is planned in the St Barnabas own
Ward, in north western Crewe and has gained lottery funding. T
2.102 A 'Green Infrastructure Plan' is currently being written for Crewe. Green infrastructure includes the open spaces, woodland, footpaths, cycleways and so on. The Plan will look at the existing green of infrastructure within Crewe and will make recommendations for enhancing and increasing Crewe's green infrastructure, in the future.
2.103 There are a large number of community groups within Crewe, many of which are located within the different neighbourhoods in the town. They include Greenscape Community Vision and Crewe West Community Group, along with a ‘Friends of Queens Park’ group. Snapshot
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CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Crewe Snapshot Report 23 2.104 Wulvern Housing are also working with Greenspaces South Cheshire (a Community Interest Group) and local residents to improve the environment, in various locations throughout Crewe. Projects include litter picking, planting bulbs, putting up bird boxes and planting wildflower meadows.
2.105 Crewe’s public swimming pool is located at Flag Lane. There are also swimming pools at the Bannatynes and Fitness First private gyms.
2.106 Indoor sports facilities are also available in the Bannatynes, Total Fitness and Fitness First private gyms, along with some of the schools and colleges such as South Cheshire College and Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU Cheshire).
2.107 Crewe has a library within the town centre which is used by different community groups as a meeting place.
2.108 There are plans to develop a new Lifestyle Centre for Crewe, that will provide leisure, library and some social care facilities.
2.109 The Lyceum Theatre is a restored Edwardian Theatre, located in the town centre. It has a varied programme of entertainment throughout the year.
Figure 2.25 Lyceum Theatre, Crewe
2.110 The Crewe Heritage Centre is located at the junction of the West Coast, North Wales and Manchester lines. The centre aims to reflect the heritage of Crewe. Items on display include historic locomotives, signal boxes and a prototype Bentley Continental GT car.
2.111 There are over 9 Places of Worship within the town including All Saints (Church of England), St Mary’s (Roman Catholic), St Stephen’s (Methodist), New Life Community Church (International Pentecostal) and Union Street (Baptist). own T
2.112 There are 3 cemeteries in the town:
the Crewe Cemetery, Badger Avenue
St Mary’s Church, Wistaston of Meadow Brook Cemetery, Minshull New Road
2.113 Crewe Cemetery is an important green space in the centre of Crewe, whilst Meadow Brook Cemetery is a new cemetery, on the north-western edge of Crewe. Snapshot
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24 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Crewe Snapshot Report 2.114 Maw Green landfill site lies approximately 1.5 km north east of Crewe Town Centre located off Maw Green Road, Coppenhall. The site serves as a disposal facility for residual household waste (i.e. what’s not recycled) collected from the borough.
2.115 The Registrars Office is located within Cheshire East Council’s offices at Delamere House.
2.116 All schools in Cheshire East are clustered in voluntary partnerships known as Education Improvement Partnerships (EIPs). Each EIP covers a discrete area and seeks to develop an integrated approach to delivering children's services and ultimately to achieving better outcomes for young people. Crewe is an EIP area. Within Crewe there are 14 primary schools and 4 secondary schools.
Figure 2.26 Sir William Stanier school, Crewe
2.117 Based on current projections, there are sufficient primary school places in the area to meet demand over the next 5 years. However, the anticipated surplus is low putting pressure on individual schools. This is being kept under review.
2.118 South Cheshire College has been rebuilt on its Dane Bank site; the building opened in September 2010. It is a carbon-neutral and environmentally sustainable building. Members of the local community can make use of the facilities there such as indoor basketball, cricket, korfball and trampolining. The college serves the higher education needs of pupils aged 16 and over, from a wide area of Cheshire East. Courses on offer include A Levels, NVQs, Diplomas, BTEC and Honours Degrees.
2.119 Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU Cheshire) is the only university in Cheshire East. It employs 500 staff and has almost 6,000 students. The site includes a 144 seat theatre, the Axis Arts Centre and a large number of sports facilities.
2.120 The university has two campuses in the area, at Crewe and Alsager, although the latter is in the process of closing and transferring to Crewe. The departments are:
Business and Management Studies own T
Contemporary Arts Exercise and Sport Science the
Interdisciplinary Studies
Some Institute of Education facilities of
2.121 Student accommodation includes the modern Booths Hall which provides approximately 800 places. Snapshot
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CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Crewe Snapshot Report 25 2.122 There are 6 doctors surgeries, within Crewe, these are Eagle Bridge Health Centre, off Dunwoody Way (3 Doctors surgeries); the Hungerford Medical Centre off Hungerford Road; the Grosvenor Medical Centre, Grosvenor Street and Gresty Brook Surgery, Brookhouse Drive. There are also 14 dental surgeries, 14 pharmacies and 9 opticians within the town.
2.123 Leighton Hospital is located to the north west of the town. It serves a wide area of Cheshire East and is run by the Mid Cheshire NHS Trust. It is one of the largest employers in the Borough.
2.124 The Police Station and Courts are located in the town centre, next to the library. A small police office Figure 2.27 Eagle Bridge Medical Centre is located at Leighton Hospital. British Transport Police are located on Pedley Street, near to the railway station.
2.125 There is an ambulance station on Badger Avenue and a fire station on Macon Way.
2.126 There is a wind turbine next to the Tesco store, on Vernon Way.
2.127 Planning permission was granted to Bentley Motors Ltd, in June 2011, for solar panels to be fitted to the roofs of a number of its factory buildings. When fitted, they will save 2,150 tonnes of carbon per year.
2.128 The Cheshire East 'Climate change and Sustainable Energy Planning Research: Technical Report' identifies 3 areas within Crewe that could be suitable for district heating schemes -
Leighton Hospital Crewe Business Park Figure 2.28 Wind turbine, adjacent to Basford East and West Tesco, Crewe own T
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26 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Crewe Snapshot Report 3 To Sum Up...
3.1 Some of the challenges for Crewe are as follows. What else should be added to this list?
Housing
Crewe is likely to need about 10,000 additional homes by 2030, including a range of house types, sizes and tenures. There is a need for 256 affordable homes each year, especially 1 bedroom homes. There is a high level of deprivation in Crewe which is related to people's health, unemployment, quality of housing and so on. Wulvern Housing are producing 'neighbourhood plans' for the areas where they have homes. So far, 3 such plans have been produced. Wulvern Housing propose to produce further plans during 2011 and 2012. There is not enough land within the town to accommodate the level of housebuilding required to meet the identified need for new homes.
Economy
Unemployment in Crewe is higher than the Cheshire East average. Qualification levels are poor, with nearly one in three residents having no formal qualifications. Crewe has a higher than average number of residents who are sick or disabled. There is a need for Crewe to develop a more varied economy, to include science and technology and to attract new businesses and investors. To increase the number and type of jobs that are available within Crewe, the two large employment sites of Basford East and West need to be developed, for a variety of employment types. The development of Basford East requires the construction of the Crewe Green Link Road South.
Town Centre
There are a number of vacant units in the town centre. This is due to the current global economic difficulties and a number of short leases being granted, in anticipation of the Crewe town centre redevelopment scheme taking place. Discussions are taking place with the land owners, to ensure that the redevelopment scheme takes place and that it will improve the retail choice and town centre environment.
The Cheshire Retail Study has shown that there is a need for more retail floor space in Crewe. Part of this will be provided by the new Tesco and Sainsburys stores, along with the Crewe town centre redevelopment scheme
Transport
There are issues with traffic congestion, in the town, at peak times of the day. Crewe railway station is the largest in Cheshire East. Crewe is well served by rail services but the railway station is in need of improvement, as are the links between the railway station and the town centre. Bus services link various areas of the town and nearby towns including Nantwich and Sandbach. The bus interchange in the centre of Crewe is however in need of improvement. Up...
Open Space and the Countryside
Queens Park is currently being restored, with the aid of Heritage Lottery funding. Although Crewe Sum
benefits from Queens Park, it does not have a country park on the edge of town. o T
CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Crewe Snapshot Report 27 There are shortages of outdoor sports space and facilities for teenagers and children within the town. There are particular shortages of open space in north east Crewe. Although there are 14 allotment sites within Crewe, there is a large demand for more sites. A 'Green Infrastructure Plan' is currently being written for Crewe. It will be important to ensure that its recommendations for enhancing and increasing Crewe's infrastructure in the future are followed.
The Built Environment
The town of Crewe was established as a railway town in the nineteenth century. There are a number of heritage buildings within the town centre such as the former railway workers cottages on Betley Street and Dorfold Street; Christ Church and the Lyceum Theatre. It will be important to ensure that such heritage buildings are maintained, conserved and enhanced, especially as part of a town centre redevelopment scheme.
Community Infrastructure
There is a strong feeling of community spirit within Crewe. There are a large number of community groups, within the different neighbourhoods of the town. It will be important to ensure that such groups are involved in discussions relating to future developments that take place in the town. Consideration is being given to the development of a new Lifestyle Centre for Crewe that will provide leisure, library and some social care facilities. There are opportunities for the installation of renewable energy generating technologies within Crewe; this includes three potential district heating schemes. Up...
Sum
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28 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Crewe Snapshot Report Appendices Appendices
CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Crewe Snapshot Report 29 Appendix A: Glossary of Terms
Affordable Housing Affordable housing covers a range of housing types and tenures. It includes social rented, affordable rented and intermediate housing, provided to eligible households whose needs are not met by the market. Affordable housing should meet the needs of eligible households including availability at a cost low enough for them to afford, determined with regard to local incomes and local house prices. It should include provision for the home to remain at an affordable price for future eligible households or, if these restrictions are lifted, for the subsidy to be recycled for alternative affordable housing provision. Allocated An allocated site is one that has been identified for development through the planning process. Existing allocated sites in Cheshire East are those identified within the three former authority Local Plans. Future site allocations will be made within the Core Strategy and Site Allocations Development Plan Documents. Annual Monitoring The Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) forms part of the Local Development Report Framework. The purpose of the report is to:
Provide a profile of the Borough of information and key trends; Identify the effects of planning policies on social, environmental and economic outputs; Help determine the extent to which objectives, targets and programmes are being met; Inform and guide future plans and policies; and Monitor the extent to which the timetable set out in the Local Development Scheme is being met.
Combined Heat and CHP is the use of a power generator to simultaneously generate electricity Power (CHP) and useful heat, to provide hot water for example in a district heating system. Community Infrastructure Community infrastructure is the basic facilities, services, and installations needed for the functioning of a community or society. Community infrastructure includes community buildings and halls, leisure facilities, education services, healthcare facilities and renewable energy installations. Comparison Retail Non-food retailing, e.g. clothes, electrical goods, furniture etc. Conservation Area An area considered worthy of preservation or enhancement because of its special architectural or historic interest. Convenience Retail Food retailing. Core Strategy The Core Strategy will set the strategic spatial planning framework for how Cheshire East will develop in the future. Its vision, objectives and erms
T strategic policies are overarching and form the basis for the whole LDF.
of District Heating A system for distributing heat generated in a central location for example
in a combined heat and power plant. Green Infrastructure The network of natural environmental components and green and blue spaces that lies within and between cities, towns and villages which Glossary
30 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Crewe Snapshot Report provides multiple social, economic and environmental benefits. Green Infrastructure is the region's life support system. Habitats Regulations The Habitats Regulations Assessment process is intended to describe Assessment and evaluate the likely significant effects of implementing a policy document on Special Protection Areas, Special Areas of Conservation and Ramsar sites, taking into account the document‟s objectives and geographical scope. It is required to ensure that the document will not individually or cumulatively impact on the Natura 2000 network. Index of Multiple The IMD measures the level of deprivation of an area down to the Lower Deprivation (IMD) Super Output Area level. Jobs Density The number of jobs per working age person in a given area. Listed Building A building or structure that has been placed on English Heritage's Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest. Listed Buildings may not be demolished or altered without permission from the local planning authority. There are three grades of listing: Grade I (buildings of exceptional interest); Grade II* (particularly important buildings of more than special interest); and Grade II (nationally important buildings of special interest). Local Development A folder of documents that will outline the development plan for Cheshire Framework (LDF) East. This sets out the planning policies used when determining planning applications. Locally Listed Building Locally listed buildings are listed by the Council in addition to English Heritage's Statutory List for buildings that are of local importance. There is no statutory protection for buildings on the local list. Lower Super Output A set of geographical areas developed by the Office for National Statistics Area (LSOA) to enable data to be analysed at a very local level. They typically have a population of around 1,500 people. Ramsar Site Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance, designated under the Ramsar Convention.
Scheduled Ancient A SAM is a nationally scheduled (protected) structure of special historic Monument (SAM) interest or significance, ranging from a earthworks to ruins to buried remains. Section 106 Agreement A legal agreement relating to monies paid by developers to the Council (s106) in order to offset the costs of the external effects of development, for example to fund new school places, provide new green spaces or improve a road layout. Site Allocations The Site Allocations document is part of the LDF and will contain land Document allocations and detailed policies and proposals to deliver and guide the future use of this land. erms
Site of Biological A SBI is a local non-statutory designation to protect locally valued sites T Importance (SBI) of biodiversity. of
Site of Special Scientific A SSSI is an area with statutory protection of national importance for its Interest (SSSI) special interest, which may be due to its fauna, flora, geological or geomorphological features. Glossary
CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Crewe Snapshot Report 31 Special Area of SACs are areas which have been given special protection under the Conservation (SAC) European Union’s Habitats Directive. They provide increased protection to a variety of wild animals, plants and habitats and are a vital part of global efforts to conserve the world’s biodiversity.
Special Protection Area SPAs are areas which have been identified as being of international (SPA) importance for the breeding, feeding, wintering or the migration of rare and vulnerable species of birds found within European Union countries. They are European designated sites, classified under the ‘Birds Directive 1979’ which provides enhanced protection given by the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) status all SPAs also hold.
Strategic Environmental SEA is a method of ensuring that policies, plans and programmes Assessment (SEA) incorporate environmental considerations and is required under an EU Directive. This will be incorporated into the Sustainability Appraisal. Strategic Housing Land The SHLAA is is a key component of the evidence base to support the Availability Assessment delivery of sufficient land for housing; to meet the community’s need for (SHLAA) more homes; and to inform housing policy within the Cheshire East Local Development Framework. Strategic Housing Market This is a study that assesses the local housing markets and need for Assessment (SHMA) housing in the area. Sustainability Appraisal Sustainability Appraisal is a process that identifies and reports on the (SA) likely effects of a plan, and the extent to which the plan's implementation will impact upon the environmental, social and economic objectives for an area. Worker Registration Workers from one of the eight Central and Eastern European new Scheme European Union member countries were required to register under the Worker Registration Scheme within one month of starting a new job. Those countries are the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia or Slovenia. The scheme was introduced in May 2004 and ceased in April 2011. erms T
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Glossary
32 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Crewe Snapshot Report Appendix B: References
Author Document Date Snapshot Crewe and Nantwich Adopted Replacement Local Plan 2011 2005 Borough Council Cheshire East Council Settlement Study 2010 Office for National Census 2001 Statistics Housing Cheshire East Council Strategic Housing Market Assessment 2010 Cheshire East Council Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment 2010 Cheshire East Council Annual Monitoring Report 2010 Cheshire East Council Housing Monitoring Database Unpublished Wulvern Housing Neighbourhood Plans for Valley, Selworthy and Gresty 2010 DCLG Index of Multiple Deprivation 2007 Economy Office for National Annual Business Inquiry 2008 Statistics Office for National Census 2001 Statistics SQW All Change for Crewe Final Report 3 2010 Crewe and Nantwich Adopted Replacement Local Plan 2011 2005 Borough Council UK Borders Agency Worker Registration Scheme 2010 Town Centre Cheshire East Council Shopping Surveys 2010 Cheshire East Council Annual Monitoring Report 2010 Cheshire East Council Cheshire Retail Study Update 2011 SQW All Change for Crewe Final Report 3 2010 Transport Cheshire East Council Transport Baseline Data Report 2010 Cheshire East Council Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2011 Cheshire East Council Local Transport Plan 2011 Cheshire East Council Car Parks Town by Town 2011 Cheshire East Council Cycle Routes in Cheshire 2011 Sustrans Cheshire Cycle Routes 2011 National Rail Train Timetables 2011 Cheshire East Council Bus timetables 2011 Open Space and the Countryside Cheshire East Council Annual Monitoring Report 2010 Cheshire East Council Cheshire Landscape Character Assessment 2007 Crewe and Nantwich Adopted Replacement Local Plan 2011 2005 Borough Council The Built Environment Crewe and Nantwich Adopted Replacement Local Plan 2011 2005 Borough Council Cheshire East Council Local List of Historic Buildings 2010 Community Infrastructure Cheshire East Council Leisure, Culture and Tourism 2011 Cheshire East Council Infrastructure Study Unpublished Cheshire East Council Open Spaces Database Unpublished Cheshire East Council Climate Change and Renewables Study 2011 Cheshire East Council Green Infrastructure Framework for North East Wales, Cheshire and 2011 Wirral
Sources of information for this Town Strategy References
CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Crewe Snapshot Report 33 Cheshire East Council Planning and Housing Service, Westfields, Middlewich Road, Sandbach, CW11 1HZ www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/ldf email: [email protected] Tel: 01270 685893
Issues and Options Paper