Elmbridge Settlement Strategy June 2009 Produced by: The Planning Policy Team Date: June 2009 Contents Page 1 Introduction 2 Why produce a Settlement Strategy? How is the Settlement Strategy set out? 2 Policy Context 4 National Policy Regional Policy Local Policy 3 Approach 7 Settlement profile and character Economic and social indicators Environmental designations / constraints 4 Assessment of Settlements within Elmbridge 9 Walton on Thames Weybridge Hersham East Molesey and West Molesey Thames Ditton, Long Ditton, Hinchley Wood and Weston Green Esher Cobham, Oxshott, Stoke D’Abernon, Downside Claygate 5 The Categorisation of Settlements in Elmbridge 25 Appendices 26 Appendix 1: Sources of information/ explanation of tables Appendix 2: Elmbridge school audit Appendix 3: Medical centres Appendix 4: Libraries Appendix 5: Bus services Appendix 6: Train services Produced by: The Planning Policy Team Page 1 of 41 1. Introduction Why produce a Settlement Strategy? One of the primary aims of establishing a settlement strategy is to promote sustainable communities by making sure that the scale of new development is appropriate for the settlement in question and that it can be supported by adequate infrastructure and services. Ideally, the aim is to bring housing, employment and services closer together, reducing the need to travel by private car. However, it is not always possible to do this and as such it is important to plan so that existing settlements can become more sustainable and, where appropriate, accessed by means other than the private car. Elmbridge contains a wide variety of settlements ranging from urban town centres to small rural villages. A clear planning approach needs to be adopted, based on an understanding of their current characteristics and function, as well as likely deliverable development opportunities that exist for providing new development and improving infrastructure where necessary. A settlement strategy assists in the consideration of the distribution of development across the area. How is the Settlement Strategy set out? There is no set formula in developing a settlement strategy. In Elmbridge it is considered that the following approach would be appropriate and would take account of the local distinctiveness of the different areas across the Borough. Location and character • Location detail • Key characteristics Population • Population Town centre and retail provision • Retail provision • Town centre facilities including restaurants, bars, cafes Community, open space and sports facilities • Indoor leisure facilities including cinemas, sports centres and swimming pools • Other community facilities including community/ village halls, places of worship and libraries • Parks, open spaces and sports pitches Produced by: The Planning Policy Team Page 2 of 41 Education • Education provision at infant, primary, secondary and college level. Private education provision. Health facilities • Health facilities including community hospitals and doctors surgeries Public transport provision • Access by train • Access by bus Employment • Access to employment facilities locally • Access to employment opportunities through commuting. Once these factors have been assessed, the potential to address any shortfall in provision in any of the areas will be considered in order that all communities are well served by infrastructure and services. Environmental constraints will also be taken into account including flood zones and proximity to the Thames Basin Heaths SPA, as well as the indicative housing land potential contained within the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment. In accordance with the Core strategy vision, the aim is to maintain and improve people’s quality of life and to share benefits with a greater number of people. Through undertaking the above ‘settlement audit’ it will be possible to identify where investment is needed most in order to deliver this vision. Produced by: The Planning Policy Team Page 3 of 41 2. Policy Context Currently the Replacement Borough Local Plan 2000 provides the policy basis for the consideration of development within Elmbridge. National and Regional planning policy that needs to be considered when developing the Core Strategy is set out below. National Policy Planning policy Guidance notes (PPG) and Planning Policy Statements (PPS) contain guidance and policy relating to settlement strategies. The most relevant policies are: Delivering Sustainable Development (PPS1) (January 2005) This underpins the concept of sustainable communities with sustainable development as the core principle. The four strands that make a sustainable settlement and, which should be addressed in integrating sustainable development into development plans are sustainable economic development, social inclusion, environmental protection and prudent use of resources. Green Belts (PPG2) (January 1995) The aim is to prevent urban sprawl and the merging of towns by keeping land permanently open and protecting countryside, agricultural and forestry land. The setting and special character of historic towns should be preserved and the recycling of derelict and urban land should be encouraged to assist in urban regeneration. Opportunities for access to the countryside should be provided, while securing nature conservation interests. Housing (PPS3) (November 2006) The key goal is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity of living in a decent home, which they can afford, in a community where they want to live. To achieve this, the Government is seeking to create sustainable, inclusive, mixed communities in all areas, both urban and rural. Planning for Town Centres (PPS6) (March 2005) The key objective of this planning policy for town centres is to promote their vitality and viability. This will be carried out by planning for the growth and development of existing centres, promoting and enhancing existing centres by focusing development there and encouraging a wide range of service in a good environment, accessible to all. Local Spatial Planning (PPS12) This national policy statement emphasises the importance of spatial planning in creating strong, safe and prosperous communities. It is a process of place shaping and delivery which aims to produce a locally distinctive vision for an area Produced by: The Planning Policy Team Page 4 of 41 that responds to local challenges based on sound evidence and set within the overall framework of national policy and regional strategies. Transport (PPG13) (April 2001) This aims to integrate planning and transport at all levels to promote more sustainable transport choices and reduce the need to travel by car. Integration needs to be ensured between different transport types and with policies for the environment, education, health, land-use and the economy. Securing the future: delivering UK Sustainable Development Strategy (March 2005) This strategy aims for social progress, which recognises the needs of everyone. There needs to be the promotion of a transport system, which provides choice and also minimises environmental harm and reduces congestion. Regional Policy South East Plan (Regional Spatial Strategy) This is a spatial framework for the preparation of local authorities’ local development frameworks that aims to ensure a higher quality environment, promoting economic opportunities and concentrating development in urban areas. The sustainable use of the region’s natural resources is also promoted as well as a wider choice in travel options, and reduction in reliance on the car. Policy CC1: Sustainable Development and policy CC6: Sustainable Communities and character of the environment are particularly relevant, promoting safe, secure and socially inclusive communities and actively promoting the character and distinctiveness of settlements. Local Policy Replacement Borough Local Plan 2000 The overarching strategy of the current document outlines the need to maintain and enhance the character of the settlements and communities, which together form Elmbridge and ensure growth and development, are economically, environmentally and socially sustainable. This includes protecting the Green Belt from inappropriate development and conserving open areas of land. Development should be accommodated by making the best use of land in the urban area in accordance with environmental and other polices and the reduction of car use and promotion of other modes of transport should be encouraged. The Residential Design Guide and Character Area appraisals also influence the type of development and are key documents. Produced by: The Planning Policy Team Page 5 of 41 Elmbridge Sustainable Community Strategy. The Core Strategy needs to deliver the spatial elements of the Elmbridge Sustainable Community Strategy which has been produced by the Elmbridge Community Partnership. The vision is reproduced below 'Our future vision for the Borough is based on what you have told us. It is of an Elmbridge: • with safe and healthy communities, vibrant town centres and a strong local economy; • with better transport connections, plenty of community facilities, affordable housing and efficient public services; • with a thriving and inclusive borough which integrates all sectors of the community; • where those with extra needs of whatever kind can better access support from their communities; • where there are reducing inequalities and people are able to make the most of the opportunities open to them; • which retains its attractive, green and unique character and where the communities work together