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SWJCS Issues and Options

1 Introduction

1.1 The aim of this Issues and Options paper is to formally start the debate about the big planning issues facing South Worcestershire which comprises the local authority areas of Malvern Hills, Worcester City and Wychavon. It also suggests possible ways, or options, for dealing with the issues. This paper is the first step towards producing the Joint Core Strategy to shape South Worcestershire up to the year 2026.

1.2 Many planning issues cross district boundaries and they include:

• local housing market;
• local economic development needs and opportunities;
• role of Worcester;
• connections between urban and rural areas;
• communication and transport network; and
• demographic changes.

1.3 It therefore makes sense to consider planning policies for the whole area, rather than in isolation.

1.4 Specifically, the three local authorities have decided to work together because possible growth indicated through the partial review of the Regional Plan known as the 'West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy - Phase Two Revision',  will require cross boundary working in the vicinity of Worcester. This requires there to be an increase in housing and will establish detailed housing and employment requirements for the three local authorities up to 2026. The Joint Core Strategy will then need to determine where this growth should be accommodated.

1.5 The debate around the level of development and other strategic land use issues is therefore a matter for the Regional Spatial Strategy Revision process. The West Midlands Regional Assembly, responsible for producing the document, will be submitting the Revision to the Government in December 2007. For further details on this process see the West Midlands Regional Assembly web site www.wmra.gov.uk or telephone 0121 245 0200.

1.6 In addition the Regional Spatial Strategy has identified Worcester city as a Sub Regional Focus for growth.  In recognition of the need for significant growth and additional infrastructure, the Worcester area has also been designated by the Government as a New Growth Point.

1.7 The three local authorities are jointly committed to engaging with the public, businesses and service providers and voluntary sector organisations. It is important to us that views can be heard so you can help shape the future of the area.

1.8 The name South Worcestershire has been chosen to reflect how the area relates to the county of Worcestershire and to give  a clear sub regional identity for  the combined area covered by the three local authorities. However, each local authority will retain its planning powers and there are no proposals  to change the administrative boundaries.

Background

Local Development Frameworks

1.9 Reforms to the planning system were introduced in 2004, with the aim to involve local communities earlier in the process before any decisions are made. The range of planning policy documents that each local authority produce are incorporated within a Local Development Framework. Local Development Frameworks will eventually replace the current Local Plans for Malvern Hills, Worcester City and Wychavon and will guide development until 2026. The Joint Core Strategy is a common element of the Local Development Frameworks for all three of the South Worcestershire local authorities.

1.10 However when reading this paper please remember  that  the content also needs to reflect guidance set out by others.  The Government produces national Planning Policy Statements, and we have to take what they say into account.  Similarly the West Midlands Regional Assembly produces the Regional Spatial Strategy, which sets the spatial framework for the region as a whole, and also sets the amount of land that needs to be found for housing, employment and associated development and infrastructure from 2006 to 2026.  The partial revision of the Regional Spatial Strategy will not be adopted until 2009. However, the Joint Core Strategy needs to be flexible enough to respond to the requirements of the Regional Spatial Strategy.

Joint Core Strategy

1.11 The Joint Core Strategy will set out the key elements of the planning framework for the area. It will set out what sort of place South Worcestershire is, and what sort of place it should aim to become.  The Joint Core Strategy will determine which broad locations are suitable for more development or suffer from poor transport links, but it cannot deal with very local or site specific issues such as a neighbour's extension or the need for a bus stop.

1.12 For all three local authorities, the Joint Core Strategy will be the principal document of the Local Development Framework.  It will set out the vision, objectives and take an approach to policy planning for South Worcestershire by drawing from each of the Community Strategies within the area as well as other strategies which affect the way that land is used, managed and developed. Local Development Frameworks are not limited to actions that can be achieved through implementing planning applications, and are expected to bring together other key social, economic and environmental objectives and aspirations.

1.13 The Joint Core Strategy therefore seeks to address 'spatial' issues e.g. those issues that involve the use of land, the movement of people and access to opportunities, rather than simply planning for the use of land. That means it will deal with issues such as where houses are built, where employment opportunities are provided, where roads should go, how the unique character of an area will be conserved, or where tourists should be encouraged to visit. It also seeks to address health, education and energy usage and support for local communities.

1.14 As a member of the local community you can help and contribute to the process by telling us where you think housing, businesses, shops and parks should best be located so that they most benefit local people.  However, it is equally important to remember that the Joint Core Strategy cannot directly deal with non spatial issues such as length of hospital waiting lists or the price of petrol.

Sustainability Appraisal

1.15 The aim of sustainable development is to enable all people throughout the world to satisfy their basic needs and enjoy a better quality of life without compromising the quality of life for future generations.  Achieving development that is sustainable is an integral part of the new planning system.  

1.16 Sustainability Appraisal considers the potential impacts of the Issues and Options proposed against the social, environmental and economic objectives set out in the Sustainability Appraisal Framework (Appendix 1).  These were developed through consultation, as well as other available evidence to consider the contribution towards achieving the sustainability objectives. The Sustainability Appraisal judges all aspects of sustainable development including social, environmental and economic issues. Throughout this paper (to the right hand side of each options box) the key and colour coding below indicates how each option measures up to sustainable development criteria.

What next?

1.17 The timetable for preparation of the Joint Core Strategy is set out below:

1.18 The initial consultation has already been undertaken to inform this Issues and Options paper (Appendix 2), but now we formally invite the community to participate in this first stage of producing the Joint Core Strategy by testing further the Issues and Options in this paper.  The outcome and results of this consultation, supported by a programme of events, will help inform the preparation of our Preferred Options.  How, when and who we will consult on the Joint Core Strategy reflects the approaches to consultation set out in each local authorities Statement of Community Involvement.

1.19 We would like you to be involved in this process from the start as your views are important  to shape the future of South Worcestershire.  To be part of this debate please:

• give us your views on the questions asked in this document, by completing the separate questionnaire (also on the website www.swjcs.org);  and/or

• come along to the Issues and Options events detailed in your local library, your local paper, or on the website during November 2007. 

1.20 The period for consultation will commence on Friday 2 November and run for six weeks.  However, in order to encourage a more flexible approach to submitting comments on the Issues and Options set out in this paper, we welcome submissions by 14 December 2007.  Early in the New Year we will be analysing responses and moving onto the next stage - the Preferred Options.

1.21 Further copies of this document and the questionnaire are available from the website or available by contacting Email: contact@swjcs.org or 01905-722233.

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