4/1 West of England HMA sub-regional strategy

Transcription

1 Bath and North East Somerset Council (3000) Bristol City Council (3001) North Somerset Council (3002) South Gloucestershire Council (3003) West of England Partnership 4/1 West of England HMA sub-regional strategy 4/1 West of England HMA sub-regional strategy Summary The West of England (WoE) has a clear Vision for its growth and development to 2026 with the successful regeneration of South Bristol and North Somerset at its core. There is a lack of clarity with respect to the proposed HMA sub region and we would prefer to plan on the basis of the West of England boundary for the sub region. Whilst the role of Bristol as a core city is well articulated there needs to be more detail regarding the unique international role of Bath. The relationship between urban regeneration and greenfield development is a key one where RSS policy needs to be strengthened to ensure that regeneration does actually take place and is not undermined by the sheer scale of potential greenfield development. Provision of infrastructure at the appropriate time is a fundamental prerequisite of successful growth. There are significant funding issues, which will need to be addressed. 1. The WoE has a very clear Vision for its future, set out in 2026 The Vision for the West of England, a copy of which is attached to this statement. 2. The importance of the growth agenda is acknowledged in this Vision as well as the need to reduce disadvantage: In 2026 the area will have one of Europe s fastest growing and most prosperous sub regions which has closed the gap between disadvantaged and other communities driven by major developments in employment and government backed infrastructure improvements in South Bristol and North Somerset. 3. Our approach to the planning of the West of England is set in the context of this Vision, which was adopted following widespread discussion and consultation. 4. This statement, prepared by the West of England Partnership, provided an overview to the sub region, with detail provided in the statements submitted by each of the four unitary authorities. 5. In responding to the Panel s questions we question the concept of the West of England HMA as a basis of the RSS and request that this is reviewed and subsequently altered. We are not clear what benefits are gained by extending the sub region boundaries into Mendip and West Wiltshire as housing targets are distributed authority by authority. It is also not at all clear 1

2 Bath and North East Somerset Council (3000) Bristol City Council (3001) North Somerset Council (3002) South Gloucestershire Council (3003) West of England Partnership 4/1 West of England HMA sub-regional strategy how the three SSCTs relate to these relatively distant locations. We are already finding it difficult to work with these Districts (even at a very preliminary stage) on Housing Market Studies because we already have existing shared issues and consistency of approach within the West of England. a) Is the draft RSS sufficiently clear about the spatial outcomes it is seeking in Bristol, Bath and Weston super Mare in terms of their present and future regional and sub regional roles and their relationship with the other parts of the HMA? 6. The general direction of the RSS is clear with respect to the sub region, identifying regeneration in South Bristol and Weston super Mare as priority areas for growth and investment. However, we remain sceptical regarding the means by which the RSS will ensure that regeneration is delivered. This is fundamental to the delivery of the Vision. 7. Within urban extensions our view is that precise housing numbers can only be identified following a great deal of detailed work through Local Development Frameworks and that the RSS should not allocate precise numbers to specific extensions. 8. The role of Bristol is well set out as a Core City and as the economic hub of the wider region, enabling growth within and beyond the sub region. This role is clearly set out in the statement by Bristol City Council. 9. However the role of Bath is not so clearly articulated Bath has a unique international and national status, which the RSS fails to adequately acknowledge. The RSS does not promote balanced growth in Bath and the scale of growth which is proposed would be likely to damage the World Heritage Site and its setting. In our view Bath requires a bespoke approach and strategy. b) Has the scale of additional greenfield development been adequately justified against the likely level of housing requirements and in particular the urban renewal opportunities in Bristol, Bath and Weston super Mare? 10. In general terms the RSS does support an adequate scale of urban renewal within Bristol, Weston super Mare and Bath. Already Bristol is developing at a very high level on brown field sites (92.6% of houses between 1996 and 2006) and this high % will eventually fall as sites become developed. 11. The RSS should support regeneration (within South Bristol and Weston in particular) in advance of greenfield releases, thereby ensuring that potentially more difficult and complex sites are tackled and that positive regeneration actually does take place. Without this emphasis there is a 2

3 Bath and North East Somerset Council (3000) Bristol City Council (3001) North Somerset Council (3002) South Gloucestershire Council (3003) West of England Partnership 4/1 West of England HMA sub-regional strategy danger that the RSS strategy will not be wholly successful, as greenfield development will attract development investment to the detriment of the urban regeneration areas. 12. The relationship between urban regeneration and the proposed urban extensions is the key relationship to the delivery of the Vision and of the RSS. There needs to be a phased relationship in order that development takes place in a balanced, complementary and sustainable manner. More specific guidance is therefore needed in Policy SR4 to ensure that development in regeneration areas and in urban extensions take place in step. 13. We are concerned that the quantum of greenfield sites is such that their early development will dilute commercial interest within the urban areas (on more `difficult sites) thereby undermining the wider objectives of the RSS. 14. There is a particular, and very important, concern that early, uncontrolled greenfield development will inhibit the employment led regeneration of Weston-super-Mare, details of which are clearly set out in the statement submitted by North Somerset Council. c) Has sufficient consideration been given to the impact of the lead in times for larger developments on the required annual output for the HMA? 15. We are well aware of the impact of lead in times for larger developments planning authorities in the West of England have dealt with a number of such schemes in recent years. The housing trajectory which we have prepared for the sub region to 2026 clearly shows that the urban extensions are planned in the period , allowing sufficient time for adequate planning, design and negotiation. 16. It is especially important that infrastructure is provided in step with new development. Experience in the past has shown that there is often a lag before essential infrastructure is provided, sometimes of many years. The objective of both the RSS and the West of England Vision is to create high quality, sustainable environments and these are inevitably environments which are served by high quality, appropriate infrastructure. d) Have environmental limits arising from matters such as flood risk and the protection of environmental assets, including the Bath World Heritage Site, been adequately taken into account? 17. We have taken environmental limits into account in planning the sub region over many years. Indeed the 1 st Detailed Proposals were prepared following sieve analysis and these helped to shape the West of England views, which have been largely reflected in the Regional Spatial Strategy although there are still specific areas of dispute these are taken up in the individual statements of the unitary authorities. We are concerned that future 3

4 Bath and North East Somerset Council (3000) Bristol City Council (3001) North Somerset Council (3002) South Gloucestershire Council (3003) West of England Partnership 4/1 West of England HMA sub-regional strategy development within the sub region takes place within clearly defined environmental limits. 18. There are two specific issues where we consider that additional work will be essential: i. Bath is the only whole UNESCO World Heritage City in England, with more than 5,000 listed buildings. We suggest that a balance must be struck between the social and economic needs of the city and environmental impact too much development will cause damage to the World Heritage City. Deliverable levels of growth set out by Bath & North East Somerset Council are based on consideration of environmental impact, on recent experience of development trends and are considered more realistic than the proposal in the RSS. We believe that the RSS should reflect this local knowledge. ii. Strategic Flood Risk Assessments will need to be completed for the entire sub region before there is clarity over the total impact of flooding on future development. For example, a strategic study is nearing completion at Avonmouth but has not yet been carried for the River Avon and its tributaries, a study which may have implications for development in Bristol City Centre and in other regeneration areas. e) Have infrastructure considerations been adequately taken into account? 19. We do not believe that infrastructure requirements have been fully taken into account in the RSS. Infrastructure provision is absolutely key to the successful creation of sustainable communities and to the regeneration of urban areas. The huge quantum of proposed development in the West of England will also mean a huge quantum of infrastructure. 20. Because of this criticality we commissioned consultants (Roger Tym & Partners) to carry out a strategic assessment of infrastructure needs. Their study showed that a total of 4.2 billion would be needed, of which 75% comprised transport schemes and affordable housing. Investment of such significance is not properly reflected in the RSS. 21. We propose that the RSS contains an additional commitment to ensure that essential infrastructure is provided in step with, and to support, the scale of development. 22. We also propose that there is a specific policy reference to ensure the provision of social housing one of the largest and most expensive future needs. 4

5 Bath and North East Somerset Council (3000) Bristol City Council (3001) North Somerset Council (3002) South Gloucestershire Council (3003) West of England Partnership 4/1 West of England HMA sub-regional strategy f) Do the proposals adequately reflect the need to reduce the need to travel, support the use of public transport and minimise congestion and in particular do they reflect the output from the Greater Bristol Strategic Transport Study? 23. The West of England is well prepared for dealing with the transport implications of growth. At a strategic level the Greater Bristol Strategic Transport Study (GBSTS) provides a sound framework, which has been developed in detail in the Joint Local Transport Plan and reflected in the current Regional Funding Allocations. This process will need to be repeated, and involve even higher levels of investment, if the transport needs of the RSS proposal are to be met. 24. We are concerned that the RSS does not recognise the very high levels of investment that will be needed throughout the plan period in order to provide an appropriate and integrated transport network. The current Major Schemes are only the first phase of an ongoing investment programme. g) Are the proposed modifications to the Green Belt adequately justified? 25. In our view it is not appropriate for the RSS to define (in Policy SR3) the location of the inner boundaries of the Green Belt, as this is a matter to be addressed by the Local Planning authorities through their Local Development Frameworks. 26. Each local authority has specific points to make with respect to Green Belt boundaries and these are contained in their own statements. h) Does the draft RSS set out adequate guidance on the provision of Green Infrastructure? 27. Green Infrastructure is an important ingredient to the creation of attractive and sustainable communities in the West of England. The approach is relatively new and not widely understood and accepted there will always be pressure to reduce land take for Green Infrastructure and to maximise development. The RSS policy should therefore be stronger and more ambitious with the objective of securing integrated Green Infrastructure within future development. 5

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7 The West of England Partnership comprises the four unitary councils Bath and North East Somerset Council, Bristol City Council, North Somerset Council and South Gloucestershire Council and a range of social, economic and environmental partners, working together for the future well-being of the area. For further information, please visit The vision for thewest of England in 2026 and delivery priorities

8 Overall vision Our vision for how the area will be seen in 2026 In 2026 the area will have: One of Europe s fastest growing and most prosperous sub regions which has closed the gap between disadvantaged and other communities driven by major developments in employment and government backed infrastructure improvements in South Bristol and North Somerset. A buoyant economy competing internationally, based on investment by innovative, knowledge-based businesses and a high level of graduate and vocational skills. A rising quality of life for all, achieved by the promotion of healthy lifestyles, access to better quality healthcare, an upturn in the supply of affordable housing of all types and the development of sustainable communities. Easier local, national and international travel, thanks to transport solutions that link communities to employment opportunities and local services, control and reduce congestion and improve strategic connections by road, rail and through Bristol International Airport and seaport. Cultural attractions that are the envy of competitor city regions across Europe, making the West of England the place of choice for talented, creative workers and affluent visitors. Success secured in ways that are energy efficient, protect air quality, minimise and manage waste and protect and enhance the natural and built environment. Built upon the benefits of its distinctive mix of urban and rural areas. Real influence with regional and national government, by demonstrating vision and leadership and delivering these achievements. Strategic capacity and leadership of the West of England Our vision for how the area will be seen in The West of England is recognised nationally and internationally for the growth of its diverse, high performing economy and for its capacity to manage significant and sustained growth in employment, population and housing, whilst maintaining quality of life and delivering economic and social inclusion. 2 Confidence in the sub region and a cluster of high performing, diverse higher education institutions attracts high levels of public and private investment in infrastructure. This provides a strong platform from which to develop knowledge driven businesses with international reputations and to meet the challenges in innovation and skills development. 3 The West of England is the hub of the South West. Bristol as the regional capital and a core city successfully represents the interests of the region, drives its economy and provides international access through Bristol International Airport and the Seaport. The quality of its natural and built environment and its cultural and leisure attractions are of international importance and attract many visitors to the region. 4 The West of England Partnership shares a clear long term vision for the sub region supported by a delivery plan, and through its partner organisations meets the priority needs and aspirations of its distinctive cities, market and coastal towns and its rural areas. 5 The sustained leadership and achievements of the West of England Partnership secure real influence with regional and national government to the benefit of the sub region. Delivery priorities 1 Harness the vision as a framework for co-ordinating strategic decision making 2 Complement the vision with appropriate sub-regional development delivery plans 3 Support the vision with a marketing and investment strategy for the sub region which maximises government, other public and private investment.11 1

9 Quality of Life Our vision for how the area will be seen in The West of England is committed to a better quality of life for everyone, now and for future generations. Decisions that have long term implications reflect a balance between social, economic and environmental considerations. 2 The gap between disadvantaged and other communities has closed to below the national average for city regions. Inclusive and cohesive communities are the norm; diversity is valued and celebrated. 3 All communities value education and lifelong learning. Educational attainment in schools, colleges and universities is consistently above the national average for city regions and the gap in attainment between disadvantaged and other communities has closed. 4 Following healthy lifestyles is the norm. The incidence of health inequality and avoidable deaths has substantially reduced and communities are well served by local health centres and hospitals. 5 Significant and sustained economic growth is matched by a wide range of places to live that are accessible and provide quality affordable housing including both intermediate markets and social housing. 6 Sustainable communities are being developed by linking existing and new, higher density residential areas to investment in transport, employment and economic growth. Safe higher density development with quality design and public space are the norm, with good access to public and other services producing local centres and neighbourhoods that work; some investment is in sustainable extensions to urban areas. 7 Cultural, sporting and leisure attractions are appropriate to an international destination. These and local community facilities add to the quality of life and health of local people. Delivery priorities 1 Ensure educational attainment is consistently above the average for city regions and gaps in attainment levels have closed by: increasing achievement levels and entry to higher education; bringing people back into education; and meeting the skills agenda of existing and emerging sectors. 2 Invest 500 million in new hospitals in South Bristol and North Bristol/South Gloucestershire and in substantial parts of the Bristol Royal Infirmary to transform the quality of health care. Couple this with action to reduce the incidence of health inequality and avoidable deaths through the promotion of healthy lifestyles and improved access to local health care. 3 Secure urgent support from government and the public and private sectors to accelerate investment and the delivery of sufficient homes of the right type, including an adequate proportion of affordable homes, in quality neighbourhoods that work. 4 Promote and secure quality of place and environment in neighbourhoods and safer and sustainable communities. 5 Put in place the cultural infrastructure and activities to make the West of England a place of choice. 6 Support energy saving schemes in households, businesses and other organisations. Ensure energy efficiency in new developments, implementing targets for renewable electricity production and facilitating renewable energy projects. Develop an effective and co-ordinated approach to waste minimisation and sustainable waste management. Champion the Avon Biodiversity Action Plan. 8 The environmental awareness of its communities, investment and planning policy have preserved and enhanced the heritage of a diverse natural vision and built environment to the benefit of residents and visitors. 9 A carbon neutral sub regional economy has reduced household, transport and commercial energy consumption, increased renewable energy generation and adapted to climate change and rising sea levels. The sub region is resource efficient with waste production minimised and waste managed using sustainable approaches. The diversity of wildlife has been retained, enhanced and restored. delivery 2

10 Connectivity and Accessibility Our vision for how the area will be seen in Information and communications technology (ICT) contributes to sustainable communities and has reduced the need for travel and improved the quality of life. 2 Access to jobs, learning, local healthcare services, leisure and local services in urban and rural areas has much improved and has contributed to greater economic and social inclusion and more sustainable communities. 3 A marked increase in cycling and walking, and public transport investment and connectivity in urban and rural areas, is contributing to easy, safe and low cost travel and has assisted in the regeneration of disadvantaged communities. 4 Strategic transport corridors and networks have improved movement between main towns and cities, Bristol International Airport the Seaport and other strategic sites, encouraging business investment and employment opportunities and supporting regeneration. 5 Investment attracted by national and international road, rail, air and sea links has increased the competitiveness and growth of the West of England and South West economies. 6 Success in developing innovative, integrated and joined up solutions to connectivity and accessibility is attracting additional investment in transport and business. Delivery priorities 1 Reduce the need to travel, promote cycling and walking and the use of public transport through short term measures including bus corridors, park and ride schemes and real time information systems and through longer term measures including innovative schemes such as alternative rapid transit and ways to discourage car use. 2 Secure a strategic road network which: improves access to, and movement in and around south Bristol; provides efficient links between Bristol International Airport and Bath, Bristol and Weston-super-Mare; improves connectivity to the motorway network in North Somerset and South Gloucestershire; reduces road congestion and local traffic on the motorway network; and as a result increases business investment, economic growth and productivity, accelerates regeneration and improves the local environment. 3 Secure an increase in rail capacity to strengthen public transport by: improving rail access to Weston-super-Mare to support the regeneration of the town and the development of employment land at RAF Locking ensuring a passenger rail link between Portishead and Bristol and improving services to suburban stations. securing a local link between Avonmouth and Portbury to support the expansion of the Port and to reduce local traffic on the motorway. 4 Reduce the need to travel through a range of measures and policies including promoting and enabling: business and household access to imaginative information and communication technologies; remote/home working; more school buses; better access to local healthcare services; closer living to work and services. 5 Secure government support for the joint local transport plan for the West of England to deliver improved performance against the shared priorities of: congestion, accessibility, road safety and air quality. delivery3 6 Secure Investment and leadership for longer term transport priorities that reinforce the sub region s spatial planning strategy and improve national and international links, building on the recommendations of the Greater Bristol Strategic Transport Study. Access government, EU and other investment programmes including the South West Sustainable Communities Plan, SWRDA and the Strategic Rail Authority.

11 The economy Our vision for how the area will be seen in The West of England has anticipated, encouraged and shaped high levels of growth in employment, population and housing through its competitive, knowledge driven businesses and successful investment by government in physical and social infrastructure in accordance with the Sustainable Communities Plan for the South West. 2 The sub region enjoys a robust and diverse economy driven by knowledge, innovation, enterprise and excellence and positive support for key sectors, namely: advanced engineering, including aerospace and defence ICT, creative and media financial and business services tourism, including retail environmental technology construction. 3 Achieving excellence in innovation through learning and research in our world class universities, business enterprise, collective action and investment in innovation and knowledge based businesses. 4 South Bristol and Weston-super-Mare are benefiting from increased business investment, economic growth, accelerated regeneration and an improved local environment, following government investment in a strategic road network. This has strengthened links between Bath, South Bristol, Bristol International Airport and Weston, and with motorways in North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. 5 The benefits from the growth and development of Bristol International Airport, the Port and other strategic sites have been maximised. 6 The large proportion of graduate level skills in the workforce has been complemented by a substantial increase in basic and vocational skills to produce a skilled, adaptable and well-motivated workforce. This has raised business confidence, investment and productivity. 7 Strong links developed between communities, educational establishments and employers have reinforced the importance of education and skills to job opportunities and reward, and enlarged the capacity to identify and address the skills gap. 8 Economic growth has enabled the sub region to increase economic and social inclusion through better long term employment opportunities. 9 A better distribution of economic opportunity across the sub region has been achieved through investment in transport links and infrastructure and co-ordinated spatial planning strategies for employment, housing and transport. Delivery priorities delivery 1 Understand, strengthen and promote key business sectors in the sub region. 2 Provide the circumstances that support the growth and development of key sectors: Act to improve basic education and vocational skills, to sustain graduate level skills and to attract and retain a flexible and adaptable workforce. Accelerate innovation through increased collective action and investment by companies, universities and business support agencies, including the active promotion of the Science Park. Ensure the spatial plan provides adequate employment land sustained by proper investment in transport, housing and quality of life. Successfully develop existing and additional strategic employment sites in the sub region. Sustain the success of businesses in the North Fringe of Bristol by the M4 and M5 motorways but avoid accelerating development until investment is made in improved transport solutions. Conclude with government a sustainable Communities Plan for the South West; one that secures timely government investment in current and future physical and social infrastructure to support the spatial strategy for the sub region and significant economic growth. 3 Market the West of England to grow and attract investment and encourage visitors. 4 Secure the economic regeneration of disadvantaged communities, particularly in South Bristol and Weston-super-Mare. 4

12 TYPOOL A4042 A449 W A L E S Valley A466 A48 r S e v e r n A38 A AM- A A38 CAERLEON 25 NEWPORT 21 WESTON- SUPER-MARE M5 23A MAGOR A48 23 Bristol Channel PORTISHEAD CLEVEDON 20 Axbridge Reservoir Port of Bristol NAILSEA A370 CHURCHILL CHEPSTOW M A38 M49 A4 A368 1 M4 17 M e n d i p H i l l s Somerset Levels CHEDDAR WELLS v e R i Bristol International Airport Blagdon Lake Wookey Hole Caves Chew Valley Lake A39 21 THORNBURY M /20 BRISTOL A37 A37 A4 M5 KEYNSHAM A39 PAULTON 14 River Avon YATE WICK BATH A367 MIDSOMER NORTON RADSTOCK CHIPPING SODBURY A46 A362 WOTTON- UNDER-EDGE 18 C o t s w o l d H i l l s A36 A46 FROME M4 A363 TROWBRIDGE A361 A420 A4 A43 COR WESTBU 23 IDGWATER A39 For further information, please visit: GLASTONBURY A West of England STREET Partnership A361 Greater Bristol Strategic Transport Study South West Regional Assembly Joint Strategic Planning and Transportation Unit Greater Bristol Joint Transport Plan. SHEPTON MALLET the West of England A303 WARMINS If you need this information in a different format, for example Braille, audiotape, large print or a community MERE language, please contact Partnership on Designed by Bristol City Council, Corporate Design GRA 4487 SEPT 05 5