Annual Monitoring Report 2011 - Dudley Metropolitan Borough

Transcription

Annual Monitoring Report
December 2011
1
Executive summary
3
1 Introduction
5
2 Contextual indicators
15
3 Local Development Scheme
19
4 Centres and Retail
21
5 Housing
31
6 Employment and Economy
45
7 Access and Movement
51
8 Nature Conservation
63
9 Historic Environment
65
10 Strategic Open Space
71
11 Environmental Protection and Energy
77
12 Minerals and Waste
81
13 Planning Obligations
89
14 Community Involvement
93
15 Conclusions
95
Appendices
Glossary
99
Contextual Indicators
103
Dudley Council AMR 2011
General Information
Dudley Council AMR 2011
This and other Local Development Framework documents are or will be made available on
request in large copy print, audio version, Braille or languages other than English. If you
require the document in one of these formats please contact:
Planning Policy Team, Directorate 3 St James's Road, Dudley, DY1 1HZ or tel 01384 816967
or email [email protected]
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1 Dudley Council AMR 2011
General Information
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The main findings of the 2011 Annual Monitoring Report are that the objectives of the Council's
policies as set out in the adopted Unitary Development Plan 2005 are being achieved. The
majority of the core indicators and local indicators are being effectively monitored.
According to the 2010 mid-year estimate Dudley has a population of 307,400.
This latest estimate for Dudley is the highest of the Black Country Boroughs,
showing a population increase.
Average earnings are £21,039 (2010) which is below the Black Country average
and the national average.
The percentage of 15 year olds achieving five or more GCSEs at grade A* - C
rose to 56.4% in 2010 which is higher than the other Black Country authorities
and is improving at a faster rate than national trends.
Crime rates in Dudley are falling and the borough has the lowest crime rate per
1000 population in the Black Country.
Life expectancy levels in Dudley are higher for both the average Black Country
and the West Midlands for both males and females and are comparable with
national figures.
Local Development Scheme
Dudley MBC has met its targets in relation to the Local Development Scheme,
in particular the Joint Core Strategy and the Area Action Plan for Brierley Hill
have been adopted in 2011.
Work is being progressed on the Halesowen AAP, Stourbridge AAP and the
Development Strategy DPD.
Core and Local Indicators
Dudley MBC is on course to meet its minimum housing targets as set within the
Black Country Core Strategy and has identified a five year land supply. The
Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment identifies 1707 dwellings.
Employment policies are also working with 95.8% of employment being on sites
designated and/or safeguarded for such land use. There is still a limited supply
of good quality employment land in Dudley.
The Centres and Retail policies appear to be working effectively. There will be
a rise in the number of completed floorspace for retail, office and leisure
developments now that the AAP for Brierley Hill Town Centre is adopted.
Good progress has been made in meeting the aims of the Access and Movement
policies with new facilities and improved provision in many areas.
Executive summary
Policies in Nature Conservation and the Historic Environment are working well.
No statutory listed buildings were demolished and no applications granted that
would adversely affect a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
There have been no inappropriate development proposals within the Green Belt
within the monitoring year.
No publicly accessible children's play areas or sports playing fields were lost.
Dudley MBC has committed to reviewing the Statement of Community
Involvement in the LDS and will promote opportunities for local communities to
become involved with neighbourhood planning.
1 Introduction
1.1
This is the seventh Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) to be produced by Dudley MBC
and covers the period 1st April 2010 to 31st March 2011.
1.2
The purpose of this document is to assess the implementation of Dudley's Local
Development Framework (LDF) and the "saved" policies of the Dudley Unitary
Development Plan (UDP) which was adopted in October 2005. The AMR monitors
the saved policies from the UDP until such time as they are superceded by the Local
Development Documents (LDDs). In summary, the main monitoring tasks are;
To check that the milestones and timetable set out in the Local Development
Scheme are being met;
The extent to which policies in Local Development Documents and saved UDP
policies are being implemented.
1.3
As part of this monitoring process a series of indicators have been identified to achieve
the tasks above, namely
contextual indicators - set out the wider context of the borough's social,
economic, environmental and demographic background against which planning
policies and strategies operate.
core output indicators - a set of nationally defined indicators which were
updated and amended in 2008.
local output indicators- locally defined set of indicators that monitor the effect
of the UDP policies. These are relevant and use data that is readily available.
significant effects indicators - locally defined indicators linked to the
sustainability appraisal objectives and indicators. These are intended to enable
a comparison to be made between the predicted effects and the actual effects
of policies.
1.4
The above indicators will be applied to the policies of the adopted UDP to ascertain
whether they are achieving their purpose. As there are over 180 policies in the UDP
it has been decided to prioritise which elements of the UDP should be monitored.
1.5
Following adoption of the Black Country Core Strategy in February 2011 policies in
the document will be monitored in next years AMR and many policies and indicators
in the Dudley UDP will be superseded. Next year there is also no longer a national
requirement to report on Core Output Indicators. It will a matter for each Local
Authority to decide what to include in their monitoring reports while ensuring that
they are prepared in accordance with relevant UK and EU legislation. (Update 2/2008 CLG, 2008)
1 Introduction
1 Introduction
1.6
The following Table sets out all the indicators and policies which have been monitored
in this AMR and gives an indication of whether those policies are successful.
Key to colours
Core Indicators
Local Indicators
Table 1
Key to symbols
Policy aims being met / being implemented
Policy aims being partially met / progress being made on implementing
policy
Policy aims not being met
?
Insufficient data to make an assessment at this stage
Housing
New Housing Development
Housing Assessment Criteria
Housing Mix
Affordable Housing
Housing Density
H1
H3
H4
H5
H6
UDP Policy
Net additional dwellings for the reporting year
Net additional dwellings in future years
Managed delivery target
Windfall Development
Supply of Ready to Develop Housing sites (NI159)
H2(b)
H2(c)
H2(d)
L1
L31
L3
H5
L2
Density of new housing development.
Gross affordable housing completions
Housing Mix
New Housing (gross) built on previously developed land
(pdl)
Net additional dwellings in previous years
H2(a)
H3
Plan period and housing targets
H1
Core Indicators and Local Indicators
Performance
Topic Area
1 Introduction
Access and
Movement
Centres and Retail
Employment and
Economy
Edge of Centre and out of Centre
Development
Retail (A3) Uses and Amusement
arcades
CR9
CR11
An Integrated, Safe, Sustainable
and Accessible Transport
Strategy
Expansion of Centres
CR2
AM1
Protected Frontages
Office Development
EE4
CR4
Existing Employment Uses
EE3
Hierarchy of Centres
Local Employment Areas
EE2
CR1
Key Industrial Areas and
Development Sites
EE1
Traveller’s Accommodation
H7
L7
BD4
L5
L4
BD3
BD2
BD1
H4
H6
Urban Design
DD1
Total amount of floorspace for ‘town centre uses’
Protected frontages.
Amount of completed retail, office and leisure
development in centres broken down by the retail
hierarchy.
Employment land available – by type
Total amount of employment floorspace on previously
developed land – by type
Total amount of additional employment floorspace (gross
+ net)
New additional pitches (gypsy and traveller)
Housing quality – building for life assessments
UDP Policy
?
Performance
Topic Area
1 Introduction
Bus Provision
The Midland Metro
Passenger Rail
Interchanges
Cycling
Public Rights of Way
Parking
Car Parking in Centres
AM5
AM6
AM7
AM9
AM11
AM13
AM14
CR12
UDP Policy
L16
L15
L14
L13
L12
L11
L10
L9
Publicly available long stay car parking spaces in the
borough’s main town centres.
Percentage of new residential development complying
with the council’s car parking standards.
Number of new rights of way.
To protect existing cycleways and improve accessibility
through further provision.
Number of interchanges completed/improved.
Amount of new and unused lines brought into service
To protect the route of the Metro Line 3
Inbound and outbound trips made to Dudley and Brierley
Hill town centres by bus.
Number of road improvements/emergency works undertaken over
the monitoring year.
L8
The percentage of new residential development within 30 minutes
public transport time of a GP, hospital, primary and secondary school,
employment and major retail centre.
Performance
Topic Area
1 Introduction
Number of employees in organisations with travel plans.
L17
AM16
Travel Plans
UDP Policy
Performance
Topic Area
1 Introduction
Historic
Environment
Nature
Conservation
Special Areas of Conservation
and Sites of Special Scientific
Interest (SSSI)
The Urban Forest
Biodiversity
NC2
NC10
NC1
HE3
Landscape Heritage Area
Castle Hill Special
Landscape Heritage Areas
3 Biodiversity
NC1
HE2
Sites of Local Importance for
Nature Conservation
NC5
Local Character and
Distinctiveness
Nature Reserves and Sites of
Importance for Nature
Conservation
NC4
HE1
Nature Conservation and
Development
DD10
UDP Policy
L21
L36
“Local Area Character Appraisals” as set out in Policy
HE1 and the Historic Environment SPD, are carried out
for all relevant Development Plan Documents (e.g., Area
Action Plans).
Protection of BAP Priority Fen, Reedbed and Coastal
and Floodplain Grazing Marsh.
Protection of Biodiversity Action Plan Ponds
Current level of protection granted by the planning
system to the ancient woodland resource.
L20
L32
Change in condition of Sites of Special Scientific Interest
The extent of Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) priority
grassland habitat type.
Change in areas of biodiversity importance
L19
L18
E2
Performance
Topic Area
1 Introduction
Strategic Open
Space
Protection of sport and recreation
facilities
Provision of open space, sport
and recreation facilities
Sport, Leisure and Recreation
LR6
DD8
S15
Archaeology and Preservation
HE11
Playing Fields
Sites of Regional Importance
HE10
LR5
Scheduled ancient Monuments
(SAMs)
HE9
Open Space
Archaeology and information
HE8
LR1
Canals
HE7
Green Belt
Listed Buildings
HE6
SO1
Buildings of Local Historic
Importance
HE5
L33
L28
L27
L26
L25
L24
L23
L22
Conservation Areas
HE4
The number of existing outdoor sports and recreational
green spaces lost to development.
The percentage of eligible open spaces managed to
Green Flag award standard.
Number of developments which compromise the open
nature of the green belt.
Planning permissions determined requiring
archaeological investigation and recording as condition
of consent or other mitigation to protect archaeological
remains.
Applications granted for development that would
adversely affect a Scheduled Ancient Monument in the
monitoring year.
Developers comply with all requests for further
information to be supplied in relation to development
proposals affecting the Historic Environment.
Planning Obligations SPD utilised effectively to achieve
canal side developments providing public realm
investment on the canal side/towpath.
Protection of Conservation Areas and buildings listed
as of historic or architectural interest.
UDP Policy
Performance
Topic Area
1 Introduction
Minerals
Environmental
Protection, Energy
and Waste
Air Quality
Waste and Energy
Renewable Energy
EP5
S6
EP10
Minerals
Development in Floodplains
EP4
M1
Water Protection
Allotments
LR9
EP3
Major Sports Facilities
LR7
Annual mean nitrogen dioxide concentrations.
Number of planning permissions granted contrary to
Environment Agency advice on flooding and water quality
grounds
The number of allotments which have been lost to
development
The number of major sports facilities which have been
lost to development
Renewable energy generation
Production of primary land won aggregates by mineral planning
authority
M1
E3
Amount of municipal waste arising, and management by type by
waste planning authority
W2
Capacity of new waste management facilities by waste planning
authority
W1
L30
E1
L35
L34
L29
Children’s Play Areas
LR3
The number of publicly accessible, equipped children’s
play areas and major sports facilities which have been
lost to redevelopment.
UDP Policy
Performance
Topic Area
1 Introduction
Community
Involvement
The extent to which community involvement undertaken
on the preparation of the LDF is in accordance with the
Dudley SCI
Assessment of the effectiveness of the community
involvement undertaken on planning applications and
consideration as to whether it was in accordance with
the Dudley SCI.
L37
L38
Table 2 Core and Local Output Indicators
Dudley Statement of Community Involvement
Production of secondary and recycled aggregates by mineral
planning authority
M2
M2
Minerals and After use
UDP Policy
Performance
Topic Area
1 Introduction
2.1
Dudley is a large metropolitan borough council (38 square miles), located to the west
of the West Midland conurbation. The Borough is located 9 miles west of Birmingham
and 6 miles south of Wolverhampton. To the west and south lie the rural areas of
South Staffordshire and Worcestershire. Despite the borough’s predominantly urban
character, an estimated 25% of the Borough consists of open space, including approx
1700 hectares of Green Belt, which contribute to its environmental quality and
attractiveness.
2.2
Dudley has a diverse network of town centres, each having its own character and
range of attractions. The main town centres are Dudley itself, Stourbridge in the
south-west and Halesowen to the south-east. The Black Country Joint Core Strategy
(2011) has designated Brierley Hill as a strategic town centre replacing Dudley. The
AAP for Brierley Hill has integrated the existing elements of Brierley Hill High St, the
Waterfront and the Merry Hill Shopping Centre. The Area Action Plan for Brierley
Hill Town Centre was formally adopted in August 2011.
Map 1 Location of Dudley in the West
Midlands and UK
Demographic Profile
2.3
According to the 2001 Census, Dudley has a population of 305,100. The 2010
mid-year estimate is 307,400. The latest population estimate for Dudley is the highest
of the Black Country Boroughs, showing a population increase.
There has been an increase of ethnic minorities in the Dudley Borough from
10.8% in 2008 to 11.4% in 2009. This coincides with the population increase of
the Borough.
Dudley has experienced an increase in ageing population for example, people
aged 85+ has increased from 5,200 in 2001 to 6,700 in 2010 (Mid-Year
Population Estimates, ONS).
A breakdown by age groups can be found in Appendix 2.
Economic Profile
2.4
Please see Economic Profile in Appendix 2 which contains economic indicators for
the Borough, along with regional and national trends. In summary:
Between 2008 and 2010 the employment sectors in Dudley followed national
and regional trends with a slight decrease in manufacturing and a slight increase
in the retail and health sectors.
Average median gross earnings per year of full time employees in Dudley was
£21,039 in 2010, which is below the Black Country average and £5,211 below
the national average.
The percentage of residence-based working age population claiming job seekers
allowance in Dudley has increased between July 2010 and July 2011 from 4.9%
to 5.1%. This is lower than both the Black Country and the West Midlands which
are both 6.3%.
Long-term claimant unemployment data between August 2010 and August 2011
demonstrates a drop in Dudley from 25.5% to 23.1%.
New VAT registered business stock steadily decreased from 2005 (45.1%) to
2009 (38.8%). This decline rate is higher than the national and regional average.
Business survival rates have also steadily decreased from 2006 (96.9%) to 2008
(93.2%) due to the economic climate, the national average in 2008 was 92.1%.
Housing Profile
2.5
Please see Housing Profile in Appendix 2 which contains housing indicator for the
Borough, along with regional and national trends. In summary:
There were 133,606 dwellings in Dudley in 2011, up by 596 on in 2009. The
vacancy rate of 2.9% is the lowest in the Black Country.
Dudley has a higher proportion of detached and semi-detached homes and a
lower proportion of flats when compared both regionally & nationally.
Home ownership is a tenure which is aspired to by many. Within Dudley, the
most common type of tenure is owner occupied which accounted for 79.3% of
Transport Profile
2.6
Please see Transport Profile in Appendix 2 which provides statistical information on
transport and travel for Dudley residents, along with regional and national trends. In
summary:
There is still a heavy reliance on the car as a usual method of transport in Dudley
compared with elsewhere in the Black Country, regionally and nationally
according to the 2001 census.
Alternative modes of transport need to be promoted to reduce Dudley's
contribution to climate change.
Bus use amongst residents in the Dudley Borough is higher than the national
average but is lower when compared with the other Black Country Boroughs.
The use of public transport needs to be increased, and this can be achieved by
ensuring that housing development occurs in areas well served by public
transport.
Reliance on the private car needs to be reduced, by encouraging mixed use
development comprising of housing and commercial development.
2.7
As the source of this information is based on the 2001 Census on travel to work
patterns and distance travelled there are no contextual trends for transport in the
AMR, a shorter distance to work is regarded as more sustainable and should be
promoted.
Socio-cultural Profile
2.8
Please see Socio-Cultural Profile in the Appendix which provides statistical information
on life expectancy, health and crime indicators for Dudley, along with regional and
national trends. In summary:
Life expectancy levels in Dudley are comparable with national averages, and
are slightly higher when compared to the other Black Country boroughs being
77.8 for males and 82.2 for females between 2007-2009.
Where figures relate to the positive perception of health, 65.8% of residents in
Dudley perceived their health as 'good'.
The percentage of children in reception year who are obese in Dudley is 10.2%,
which is higher than the national average.
Crime rates in the Borough are low when compared to regional statistics and
other boroughs, being 59.4 crimes per 1,000 of the population. This is a drop of
6.4 on the previous year (2009-2010) and is well below the rate for the other
dwellings in 2010 - higher than both the Black Country as a whole and the West
Midlands.
Housing affordability remains an issue for those on lower incomes and smaller
households. The average house price in Dudley was £151,181 in 2010, an
increase of £5,817 since 2009. This is in line with regional and national averages.
three Black Country authorities. Crime can be further minimised by ensuring
that routes, as part of new developments, are overlooked and well lit.
The percentage of 15 year olds achieving 5 or more GCSE's (and equivalent)
Grades A*-C Including English and Maths rose to 56.4% which is higher than
the other Black Country authorities and is improving at a faster rate than national
trends.
3.1
This chapter of the Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) looks at the progress Dudley
Council has made in producing the documents that make up the Local Development
st
st
Framework during the period April 1 2010 to March 31 2011. Progress is measured
against the milestones set out in the Local Development Scheme (LDS).
3.2
Dudley Council's current LDS came into effect in November 2009. The Local
Development Scheme sets out a timetable for the planning documents that Dudley
MBC are going to produce over the next three years, what status they have (i.e
whether they are a Development Plan Document (DPD) or a Supplementary Planning
Document) and what the key milestones are in their production. Dudley Council's
Local Development Scheme is available at www.dudley.gov.uk
3.3
The adopted LDS however doesn't reflect our most up-to-date work programme as
set out on the Council's website. Therefore, for the purposes of this monitoring report
the most current publicly available timetable has been used.
Local Development
Document
Progress Made
The Black Country
Core Strategy
The Joint Black Country Core Strategy was formally adopted by
the Council on 3rd February 2011.
Brierley Hill Area
Action Plan
The AAP went through Examination in Public in December 2010
and was formally adopted by the Council on 5th August 2011.
Stourbridge Area
Action Plan
To fulfil the requirements of Regulation 25 of the Town and Country
Planning Act two separate consultation stages were completed.
The 'Options Report' was consulted upon between March and April
2010. This was followed by a "preferred options" stage consultation
from 18th July 2011 to 29th August 2011. Work is now progressing
to produce the Publication Stage document for submission in 2012.
Halesowen Area
Action Plan
To fulfil the requirements of Regulation 25 of the Town and Country
Planning Act two separate consultation stages were completed.
The Options consultation ran from 30th July to 10th September
2010. An additional "Preferred Options" stage has been added to
the process to enable further consultation on the emerging strategy
and is anticipated to undergo consultation early in 2012 prior to
publication and submission in summer/autumn 2012.
Development
Strategy
Development Plan
Document
Consultation on the Scoping and Issues report ran from 30th July
to 10th September 2010. A 'preferred options' document will be
prepared for consultation in summer 2012.
Table 3 Progress on the Local Development Documents
Targets Met
3.4
Dudley MBC has kept a rolling timetable for its LDS to reflect changing timescales
due to external influences and availability of resources. Progress has been made
with the successful adoption of the Black Country Core Strategy and Brierley Hill
Area Action Plan. Furthermore, the following Supplementary Planning Document's
(SPD) have been reviewed and adopted:
Access for All SPD (September 2011)
Planning Obligations SPD (September 2011)
3.5
During the next year the policy team will maintain progress delivering the LDS and
providing a framework on which to base regeneration opportunities. The key
documents to be taken forward are the Halesowen AAP, Stourbridge AAP and the
Development Strategy DPD. This will be undertaken in the context of expected
changes to guidance and legislation from the emerging Localism Bill and National
Planning Policy Framework among other things. In particular, the Localism Bill seeks
to devolve greater power to local communities through opportunities such as
Neighbourhood Planning which Dudley Council will seek to promote as appropriate.
Objective
To facilitate and promote sustainable development and inclusive patterns of development,
to create safe, liveable and mixed communities with good access to jobs and key services
for all members of the community.
4.1
Planning Policy Statement 1 (PPS1), 'Delivering Sustainable Development' (2005)
sets out the Government's overarching planning policies for sustainable development
and Local Planning Authorities should aim to achieve the objective above through
the implementation of appropriate sustainable development policies. Regarding town
centres, the Government's aim is to promote lively and viable towns by focusing
development in existing centres in order to strengthen and where appropriate,
regenerate them.
4.2
National planning guidance for centres and retail is set out in Planning Policy
Statement 4 (PPS4) 'Planning for Sustainable Economic Growth' which was adopted
in 2009. PPS4 continues to promote a 'town centre first' approach and local authorities
should treat planning applications favourably providing they secure 'sustainable
economic growth'. PPS4 defines 'economic development' as including all class B
uses (offices, industry, warehousing) along with all main town centre uses including
retail (food and non-food) and leisure.
4.3
The guidance reinforces the importance of locating new retail, office and leisure
developments in existing centres, or on the edge of existing centres, in order to
promote and support viable town centres, to promote more sustainable forms of land
use and to stimulate and encourage positive town centre regeneration. The Black
Country Core Strategy designate Brierley Hill as the Strategic Town Centre for the
Borough. The policy framework is carried forward into the AAP which manages growth
in main town centre uses in Brierley Hill.
UDP Policy CR1, Hierarchy of Centres
Local Output Indicator L4 - Amount of completed retail, office and leisure development
in centres broken down by the retail hierarchy.
Targets
4.4
There is no quantifiable target set in the UDP.
The Core Strategy and the AAP requires that Brierley Hill (along with other strategic centres)
will be the focus for;
Major convenience and comparison retail development
Town centre uses which attract large numbers of people including major cultural,
tourist, social and community venues
Large scale leisure and office (Class B1a) developments
Key Data
4.5
The Core strategy confirms Brierley Hill as the new strategic centre for Dudley
Borough, and Dudley town centre has a particular function as a heritage and leisure
focus for regeneration.
4.6
Future development at Brierley Hill will be guided by the Area Action Plan (adopted
August 2011) which provides a clear framework for phased development. Policy
CEN3 in the Core Strategy sets out the conditions that will need to be satisfied before
additional comparison retail floorspace comes into operation at Merry Hill and this
is reiterated in the AAP. This has been recommended in the Core Strategy' Inspector's
Report 2010. This Policy states that new comparison retail development at Merry
Hill will be carefully controlled so that no additional comparison retail floorspace is
brought into operation until all the following conditions are met:
Adoption by the Local Authority of the Area Action Plan for Brierley Hill;
Implementation of improvements to public transport, including completion of
initiatives of equivalent quality and attractiveness to the proposed Metro extension
from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill, and improvements to bus services connecting
the centre with other locations in the Black Country and beyond, and other
measures to improve accessibility to and circulation within the centre by non-car
modes; and
Introduction of a car parking management regime including the use of parking
charges compatible with those in the region's network of major centres.
Thereafter, any further retail expansion will be subject to monitoring and review of the Brierley
Hill AAP and the Black Country Core Strategy.
The following table sets out the gain in floorspace for retail, office and leisure
developments within the Borough's centres. (The table does not include all use
classes which are appropriate in town centres as the Core Output Indicators guidance
requires only A1, A2, B1a and D2.)
Gain in Floorspace (sqm) for Retail, Office and Leisure Developments in the Borough's
Centres (10 - 11)
(Net)
Strategic
Centre
Town
Centre
District
Centre
Local Centre
Total Gain
A1 Retail
336 sqm
0
48 sqm
139 sqm
523 sqm
A2 Financial
0
0
0
0
0
B1a Offices
0
0
0
0
0
D2 Leisure
1673 sqm
755 sqm
0
0
2428 sqm
Total Gain
2009 sqm
755 sqm
48 sqm
139 sqm
2951 sqm
4.8
The A1 retail development in the Strategic Centre is attributed to a number of
small-scale change of use developments of the Merry Hill mall area to kiosk (A1)
space and one larger change of use of a storage area to retail. The 48sqm gain in
the District Centre of Lye was due to a small-scale extension to the existing retail.
The 139sqm gain in the local centres is attributed to one change of use from a
electrical sub station to a post office/retail shop in Sedgley.
4.9
The gain in D2 leisure floorspace is attributed to one change of use of premises to
a children's activity centre in Stourbridge and the change of use from B8 to a Martial
Arts Centre in Brierley Hill.
Conclusions and further action
4.10
Most developments are occurring in line with policy and we would expect there to
be a rise in the number of completed developments in the centres when the AAP for
the Strategic Centre begins to be implemented. Future regeneration and development
of two of the other town centres in the Borough, Stourbridge and Halesowen, will be
guided by their respective Area Action Plans which are currently at an advanced
stage. Dudley town centre development is guided by the Area Development
Framework and New Heritage Regeneration, an arms length company, who are
working with the Council to deliver many of the significant projects within Dudley
Town Centre.
UDP Policies: CR2 Expansion of Centres, CR9 Edge-of-Centre and Out-of-Centre
Development, CR11 Retail (A3) Uses and Amusement Arcades
4.7
Core Output Indicator BD4 - Total amount of floorspace for 'town centre uses'
Targets
4.11
The UDP sets targets of;
Approx 15,000 sqm comparison floorspace for Dudley town centre
Approx 4,500 sqm comparison floorspace for both Stourbridge and Halesowen
town centres
Over 2,300 sqm convenience floorspace at King Street/Flood Street, Dudley
and similarly at St. John's Ring Road, Stourbridge
Key Data
4.12
Although not quantifiable, the UDP also states that town centre uses will only be
permitted in out-of-centre locations where the PPS4 tests have been met. PPS4
maintains six impact tests for retail proposals not in town centres or on unallocated
sites, although need/capacity is not one of them. The six tests include the well
established analysis that is required in terms of effect on planned investment, vitality
and viability of centres and the implications for sites which are allocated within a
Development Plan.
4.13
It is envisaged that the AAPs will help deliver retail provision in Halesowen and
Stourbridge, and that New Heritage Regeneration will deliver further retail in Dudley
town centre in the near future.
4.14
The following table shows the completed retail, office and leisure developments
across the Borough in out-of-centre locations and includes the completions within
centres for comparison.
Completed retail, office and leisure developments in and out of centre in the
monitoring year
Use Class
A1 Retail (net)
Out-of-Centre
In Centre
7
6
554 sqm
523 sqm
No. Of Completions
0
0
Floorspace gain (sqm)
0
0
No. Of Completions
A2 Financial
(net)
Use Class
B1a Offices (net) No. Of Completions
D2 Leisure (net) No. Of Completions
Out-of-Centre
In Centre
2
0
272 sqm
0
3
2
2324 sqm
2428 sqm
Table 4
4.15
During the 2010/2011 monitoring year, there were not any significant retail
developments and the gain in floorspace shown above is made up of relatively small
scale changes of use or extensions to current A1 uses.
4.16
The gain in B1 offices is attributed to two small-scale change of use applications
which alone were not significantly large in scale to warrant an objection due to their
location being out-of-centre.
4.17
The gain in D2 leisure in out-of-centre locations is due to three separate applications.
Application P10/1584 was a small scale change of use from offices (B1) to a personal
training studio in Wordsley outside Stourbridge which resulted in 46 sqm gain in
floorspace. The second application, P09/0423 was 140 sqm gain in D2 floorspace
resulting from a two-storey extension to a Boxing Studio in Bull Street, Brierley Hill.
Both of these applications were not of significant scale to warrant any objection due
to the fact that they were out-of-centre. The third application, P10/0034, which resulted
in 2138 sqm gain in floorspace, is attributed to the change of use of a factory to an
indoor karting centre. Although this site lay within a previous Key Industrial Area
allocated under Policy EE1 within the UDP, sufficient evidence in the form of a
marketing exercise and a sequential test were submitted by the applicant to justify
the departure from the plan.
Conclusion and further action
4.18
It would appear from the data shown above that only slightly more development is
taking place in out-of-centre locations, rather than in centre. However, the A1
developments are relatively small scale and are consistent with the centres policies
for retail development that meets local day-to-day needs. The B1 and D2
developments were generally on a small-scale basis and only the large application
for the redevelopment of a factory to an indoor karting centre was a departure from
the plan. Although initially this application received a number of objections, adequate
evidence was submitted to justify the proposal.
Completed retail, office and leisure developments in and out of centre in the
monitoring year
UDP Policy: CR4 Protected Frontages
Local Output Indicator L5 Protected Frontages.
Targets
65% of all units in the core areas of Dudley, Halesowen and Stourbridge should
be Retail (A1)
50% of all units in the Borough's district and local centres should be Retail (A1)
Key Data
4.19
The Protected Frontages policy seeks to ensure a wide range of convenience and
comparison shopping goods within the Borough's town, district and local shopping
centres. The chart below shows that two of the local centres are below the 50%
proportion of A1 uses, Cradley and Shell Corner being the worst performing, with
33% and 36% respectively. The vacancy rate in these two local centres is currently
very high and investment is very low. However, the figures for both these centres is
an improvement on last year's figures. As a way forward, the emerging Development
Strategy DPD will identify centres which are in decline and where change needs to
be managed. The other centres are all above the required 50%.
4.20
The Black Country Core Strategy has identified two new local centres at Hawne and
Oldswinford where the need for them has been established. Whilst these two new
centres have been surveyed this year, they currently do not have Protected Frontages
and these will be identified through the Development Strategy DPD. Once these
have been allocated, they will be monitored and included in the AMR.
4.21
In the town centres of Dudley and Halesowen the policy is being effectively applied
with 83% and 74% of their protected frontage properties respectively being A1 retail
use. Stourbridge has risen from 64% last year to 68% in the monitoring year and is
therefore above the required level.
4.22
Brierley Hill has been included with the main town centres as it is now the strategic
centre for the Borough. However, as the Brierley Hill AAP was adopted in August
2011, the above information and figures have been taken from the in-house Town
Centre Surveys for the Monitoring Year 10-11, and relate to the Protected Frontage
of the former District Centre of Brierley Hill. Therefore this does not include the Merry
Hill Shopping Centre which has a Primary Retail Frontage. The AMR to be produced
next year will include the Merry Hill Shopping Centre and the newly identified Protected
Frontage in the local Shopping Area of Brierley Hill High Street.
4.23
Referring to the District Centre of Brierley Hill, only 47% of the units within the
Protected Frontage are in A1 retail. The High Street has quite a high ratio of vacant
units and it is expected that when investment begins to increase within the area as
a result of the AAP being implemented, the vacancy rate will reduce.
4.24
While the policy is being successfully applied to the majority of the borough's centres,
there are examples where non A1 class uses and high vacancy rates occur. This
can affect the vitality and viability of the centres concerned and a more proactive
approach is necessary to bring vacant units back into effective use. The high rate of
vacancies is directly related to the current state of the economy but there are some
new and interesting initiatives being considered for empty shop units such as the
use of units on a temporary basis for showcasing local arts and crafts or for seasonal
retailing.
Conclusion and further action
5 Housing
Objective
The provision of housing that is accessible and meets the needs of the Borough's
residents is essential to enable people to make real choices about their homes. The
objective of housing policy at both regional and local levels is to meet the housing
requirements of the whole community by providing land for a sufficient quantity of new
homes to be built, and by ensuring greater choice of housing, including affordable housing.
5.1
In line with Planning Policy Statement 3 (PPS3): Housing the Council adopts the
plan, monitor and manage approach to the allocation of housing development in
order to both monitor levels of provision and meet the housing requirements of the
Black Country Core Strategy, adopted February 2011.
5.2
Regular monitoring and review of Dudley's housing delivery performance through
the AMR is key to achieving the outcomes set out above and the requirements of
the Black Country Core Strategy.
Core Strategy Policy HOU1 Delivering Sustainable Housing Growth
Core Output Indicators
As the Core Strategy is now adopted, this year's housing monitoring figures are based upon
the Black Country Core Strategy housing target of 63, 000, which is then split between the
four Black Country authorities.
HOU1: Plan period and housing targets
Table 5
Indicator
Start of
Plan Period
H1
2006
1.
End of
Plan
Period
2026
Total Housing
Required (Net)
(1)
16127
The net dwelling figure identified for Dudley
Source of Plan Target
Black Country Core Strategy
(2011)
5 Housing
5 Housing
H2 (a) Net additional dwellings-previous years
H2 (b) Net additional dwellings-for the reporting year
H2 (c) Net additional dwellings-in future years
H2 (d) Managed delivery target
Key Data
5.3
Dudley Council undertakes a yearly review of housing figures in order to measure
the rate of housing development within the Borough. These figures are assessed
against the Core Strategy housing targets (shown above) to meet the current and
future housing needs of the Borough.
Year
Completions
(Gross)
Demolitions
Completions
(1)
(Net)
2006/2007
781
21
760
2007/2008
582
40
542
2008/2009
673
10
687
2009/2010
438
320
150
2010/2011
588
71
517
TOTAL
3062
462
2656
(2)
Net Completions 2006/07-2010/11
1.
2.
Please note that net completions refer to the number of new dwellings built and new
dwellings gained from conversions, minus dwellings demolished and dwellings lost from
conversion.
Demolition figures from2006/2007 onwards are inclusive of conversion losses.
Figure 1 Housing Trajectory
5 Housing
5 Housing
5.4
The Housing Trajectory shown in both the table and chart below shows the projected
residential completion rates from 2011/12-2026 based on the Core Strategy net
housing figure of 16127. As this figure is from 2006-2026, the projected completion
rates account for the housing completions from 2006-2010/2011. The projected
completions have been plotted against both the target and Managed Delivery Target
which shows what remains to be completed to achieve the overall 16127 target
annually for each of the number of years of the plan period remaining.
Housing Trajectory chart 2006/07-2025/26
5.5
The above indicates both the trajectory and the net housing completions since
2006/07. The housing trajectory has been calculated taking into account completions
and existing housing commitments (those sites with planning permission). The
Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) has also been utilised to
predict projected completions which accounts for derelict and vacant sites, those put
forward by developers with potential for housing, those likely to come forward within
the regeneration corridors on surplus industrial land and most significantly, sites
coming forward through the Brierley Hill Area Action Plan for housing.
5.6
The 2011/12 projected completion is higher than the managed delivery target next
year due to the anticipated completion of the first phase of the North Priory
development. The first phase is currently under construction and is anticipated to
be completed in spring 2012. The trajectory is skewed towards quite a high
completion rate in the period from 2016 to 2021 as it is anticipated that up to 3000
dwellings in Brierley Hill will be delivered around this time. The Brierley Hill Area
Action Plan was adopted in August of this year. It is anticipated that the housing
market will pick up over time from existing levels, which would have to accelerate to
approximately 1100 dwellings per year to compensate for the existing low levels of
completion in order to achieve the totals anticipated towards the end of the plan
5 Housing
5.7
The managed delivery target is designed to ensure that where a projected completion
exceeds the yearly annualised total, the completion rate is balanced in later years
to ensure that at the end of the period completions are as close as possible to the
annualised strategic allocation. Despite the managed delivery target being high at
the start of the plan period, after 2016, the managed delivery target is set to drop
and remain constant for the remainder of the plan period, as a result of the high
anticipated completion rates exceeding the annual target between 2016-2021 and
the steady delivery of housing sites within the regeneration corridors.
5.8
As circumstances change, for example in the economy, it is anticipated that the
projected completions will be subject to change and therefore Planning Policy will
continue to monitor and review the housing trajectory.
Local Indicator: L31- Supply of Ready to Develop Housing Sites (National Indicator
159)
Units under construction
674
Other Housing sites with planning permission (i.e. Full, Outline or
Reserved matters)
2104
A 10% reduction has been applied to allow for potential non
implementation of permissions
TOTAL
2778
Table 6 Housing commitments as at March 2011
5.9
Due to existing economic conditions it is assumed that not all of the above
commitments will be implemented and therefore a 10% reduction has been applied
to those sites with planning permission (2338 dwellings), equalling 2104 dwellings.
5.10
The table above shows the total number of additional dwellings that are deliverable
for the 5 year period (2011/12-2015/16) (gross). In order to work out the net level
of commitments, it is necessary to subtract the number of anticipated demolitions.
In line with the Core Strategy the anticipated demolitions for the Dudley Borough is
400 for the plan period which equates to 20 per year (100 for the purposes of the 5
year supply). When subtracted from the gross figure this equals 2678 net dwellings.
period. Post 2021, the trajectory projects completions at 795 net dwellings, which
compensates for low completions in recent years and anticipates the delivery of
surplus industrial land for housing redevelopment within the regeneration corridors.
5 Housing
Other potential components of supply - Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment
(SHLAA)
5.11
The Council is required to produce a SHLAA in line with Planning Policy Statement
3: Housing and was completed in March 2010 as an evidence base to support the
Core Strategy. The purpose of the SHLAA is to identify sites with potential for
housing, assess their housing potential and assess when they are likely to be
developed. The SHLAA aims to identify as many sites with housing potential as
possible to provide an evidence base for emerging development plan documents
and meet the housing requirements of the Black Country Core Strategy.
5.12
The SHLAA identifies a land supply for up to 15 years of the plan which includes
specific sites for the first 10 years and broad locations for growth for years 11-15.
5.13
Due to the urban nature of the Dudley Borough, being located within a largely tightly
knit urban area, a high proportion of housing development is on small infill sites below
0.25 hectares. As only sites over 0.25 hectares have been accounted for in the
SHLAA, a windfall allowance per annum has been allocated.
5.14
The SHLAA now identifies 1707 dwellings on specific sites within the first 5 years.
This has taken account of sites that are now commitments that were previously
included in the March 2010 SHLAA, to prevent double counting, and new sites that
have been identified through the process. The SHLAA 5 year figure equates to 2187
dwellings when adding an additional windfall of 96 dwellings per annum (for years
2011/12-2015/16) totalling 480 dwellings. These windfall allowances were accepted
at the Core Strategy examination.
5.15
A summary of the housing supply is provided below.
Housing commitments
+2778
SHLAA (5 years)
+1707
Windfall allowance
+480
Demolitions (20 dwellings per year)
TOTAL
-100
4865
Supply of Ready to Develop Housing Sites
5.16
The formula for National Indicator 159 has been used to determine whether Dudley
has a 5 year supply of ready to develop housing sites (Net) in line with housing
trajectory shown in Figure 2.
5 Housing
Black Country
Core Strategy
4490
Average
Total per
annum
(1)
898
X-Total housing
X/Y * 100
that can be built on
deliverable sites
(Net)
Number of
years
supply
4865
5.4
108%
Table 7 Supply of ready to develop housing sites
1.
Housing target minus number of net completions, divided by years remaining in plan
period
Implications for the future
5.17
The above table indicates that the Borough has an adequate supply to meet its
housing requirements over the next 5 years in line with the housing targets set within
the Core Strategy. The above shows that the Borough has an adequate supply of
land to deliver housing growth in line with priorities of the Core Strategy. In addition
to planning commitments, the SHLAA process has provided further sites to add to
the supply. The SHLAA is currently being updated in conjunction with the emerging
Development Strategy DPD.
Local Output Indicator L1-Windfall Development
Key data
5.18
The table below sets out what proportion of this year's completions originate from
windfall sites.
Type of Development
Windfall Development
Actual Number of
Completions (gross)
Percentage of Total
Completions
350
60%
Other, e.g. Allocated, SHLAA sites 234
40%
TOTAL
100%
584
Y-Total housing
provision
required for the
5 years (Net)
5 Housing
5.19
As previously stated, due to the urban nature of the Borough, small, infill housing
plots often make up a high proportion of housing completions and therefore a windfall
allowance is required to take account of these sites in housing supply. This was
accepted as part of the Core Strategy examination.
5.20
The table above shows that 60% of total completions in the 20010/2011 monitoring
year are accounted for by windfall development which exceeds the windfall
assumptions used to calculate the 5 year supply. As the SHLAA only takes account
of sites over 0.25 hectares, it is anticipated that larger housing sites identified through
the SHLAA process will come forward, which will result in the windfall completion
percentage being lower.
UDP Policy H3 Housing Assessment Criteria and Core Strategy Policy HOU1 Delivering
Sustainable Housing Growth
Core Output Indicator H3 - New Housing (gross) built on previously developed
land (pdl)
Target
5.21
To ensure that at least 90% of new housing (gross) will be built on previously
developed land. Policy HOU1 in the Core Strategy increases the minimum
requirement to 95%.
5.22
To determine whether the local planning authority is meeting that aim, we will monitor
the number of gross new dwellings being built upon previously developed land (pdl).
Land Type
Number
As %
Previously Developed Land
584
100%
Greenfield Land
0
0%
Total Completions (Gross)
584
100%
Total Gross Completions on Previously Developed and Greenfield Land-2010/2011
5.23
The data shows that in the current monitoring year Dudley has exceeded both the
UDP target of 90% and the Core Stratergy target of 95% of new housing on pdl.
This indicates that the relevant policies are being successfully implemented and
Dudley will aim to sustain meeting this target. Whilst this is encouraging, this will
5 Housing
Housing Mix
Local Output Indicator L2 - Housing Mix
Target
5.24
To provide a mix of dwelling sizes in order to ensure flexibility and movement within
the housing stock to meet existing and future household needs.
Key Data
5.25
A mix of dwelling sizes is needed to help ensure flexibility and movement within the
housing stock and to meet existing and future housing needs. The figures below
show the size and type of new dwellings completed in the Borough in 2010/2011.
Size of new dwellings completed
have to be closely monitored in future years as a result of the recent changes to
PPS3, with private residential gardens now being excluded from the definition of PDL
to prevent "garden grabbing".
5 Housing
Type of Residential Completions
5.26
Similar to last year, the figures below show that whilst there is a mix of new dwelling
types in the Borough, smaller dwellings, in particular two-bed take up two thirds of
completions. The Borough is dominated by 3 bed dwellings and therefore a higher
proportion of two bed dwellings being built should help to address the balance of
housing in the Borough. Despite this, the Council still needs to ensure that the mix
of dwellings being completed contribute towards meeting the housing needs of all
residents in the Borough, not just those requiring smaller dwellings. In contrast to
last year, the data shows that a slightly higher proportion of flats have been delivered
than houses this year, these may have been on sites where flat construction has
been delayed in recent years, and have now been completed due to an increase in
market demand.
5.27
The Black Country Core Strategy was informed by the sub-regional Housing Market
Assessment to ensure that policies within the Core Strategy aim to achieve a balanced
mix of housing in the Black Country. Also the Housing Need study currently being
conducted will inform future development of housing needs of residents in the
Borough.
Affordable Housing
Core Output Indicator H5 - Gross affordable housing completions
5 Housing
To achieve a supply of housing to help meet the needs of its lower income residents
so that their housing needs can be met in the Borough.
Key Data
Tenure
Actual Number of
Completions (Gross)
% of Total Completions
Private
426
72%
Affordable Housing
162
28%
TOTAL (Gross)
588
100%
Affordable Housing Completions 2010/2011
Conclusions and Further Action
5.29
Dudley MBC has delivered a total of 162 affordable dwellings for monitoring year
2010/2011 which accounts for nearly a third of the total gross completions. The
affordable dwellings have been delivered through planning obligations, directly through
Homes and Community Agency funding and through initiatives such as Mortgage
Rescue and Home Buy Direct. The Council's Planning Obligations Supplementary
Planning Document (SPD) (2011) has contributed towards the delivery of increased
affordable housing in the Borough in recent years. The SPD has recently been
updated to reflect the adopted Core Strategy, which requires 25% affordable housing
on all sites of 15 dwellings or more. The number of affordable housing completions
will continue to be closely monitored to determine trends over time in the rate of
completions.
Housing Density
Local Output Indicator L3-Density of New Housing Development
Target
5.30
To make full and efficient use of land by establishing the highest possible densities
of new residential development, as appropriate in accordance with the most recent
national and local guidance. With the national indicative minimum density being
removed from national policy in PPS3, the adopted Core Strategy sets a minimum
net density of 35 dwellings per hectare under Policy HOU2, except where this would
prejudice local distinctiveness. The Council also uses its New Housing Development
SPD (2007) which provides guidance on design and density of housing, building on
local character and distinctiveness to guide new development.
5.28
5 Housing
Key Data
5.31
To determine what densities new homes are being built at, we monitor the percentage
of new homes completed at:
1.
2.
3.
Less than 30 dwellings per hectare
Between 30 and 50 dwellings per hectare; and
Above 50 dwellings per hectare
Density of New Residential Development 2010/11
5.32
The above figure indicates that over half of completions were built at over 50 dwellings
per hectare (dph), which is encouraging in order to meet the housing growth required
to meet the objectives of the Core Strategy. A high proportion (39%) of completions
were built between 30-50 dph which accords with the minimum 35 dph set by the
Core Strategy. Only 6% of dwellings were less than 30dph, due to the need for
developments to be in keeping with the character of the surrounding area, in line
with the New Housing Development SPD.
5.33
The density of new housing development will be monitored on a regular basis to
ensure high levels of development meet housing densities set out in the New Housing
SPD.
5 Housing
5.34
?
Data supporting the new core indicator detailed above has not been monitored in
the past. Building for Life criteria is a requirement of Policy ENV3 of the Core Strategy
and therefore a mechanism will need to be put in place for future monitoring.
Traveller's Accommodation
Core Output Indicator H4 - Net additional pitches (Gypsy and
Traveller)
Target
5.35
To make adequate provision for gypsy and traveller accommodation within the
borough to meet proven need.
Key data
5.36
The Council seeks to ensure that adequate provision is made for permanent and/or
transit accommodation for gypsies and travellers in response to proven need for such
accommodation.
5.37
As well as confirming that new or expanded sites need to be in response to proven
need, sites should be located in sustainable locations well-served to essential facilities
such as schools and shops. Proposals for new or expanded sites will not be
considered favourably in circumstances where they are located in designated Green
Belt, Linear Open Space, Landscape Heritage Areas or in areas of nature conservation
significance. This accords with national planning guidance set out in the then Circular
1/94 "Gypsy Sites and Planning". This guidance has now been replaced by a new
DCLG Circular 01/2006 "Planning for Gypsy and traveller Sites".
5.38
For the monitoring period 1st April 2010 to 31st March 2011 there has been no
development proposals for gypsy and traveller accommodation granted planning
approval.
H4 - Net additional Pitches (Gypsy and Traveller)
Permanent
0*
Transit
0*
Total
0*
Table 8 Net additional pitches (gypsy and traveller)
Core Output Indicator H6 - Housing Quality - Building for Life Assessments
5 Housing
5.39
*Please note that no new accommodation was created in the monitoring year
5.40
No development proposals have taken place within unsustainable and environmentally
sensitive locations such as the Green Belt or areas of sensitive green space of
designated importance for nature conservation. The Council is working effectively
to ensure that need is being met in a sustainable way by focusing developments
within existing and established Gypsy and traveller sites based on evidence within
the Black Country Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA).
Objective
There is a need to ensure there is sufficient employment land of the right type and in the
right place to cater for the needs of both local businesses and inward investment providing a balanced portfolio of employment land to cater for differing needs. Dudley
borough has a limited supply of better quality and accessible industrial land and premises
- it is thus important to safeguard this wherever possible. Office land use and development
is also recognised as being of increasing importance.
UDP Policies EE1 Key Industrial Areas and Development Sites, EE2 Local Employment
Areas, EE3 Existing Employment Uses, EE4 Office Development
Core Output Indicator BD1 - Total amount of additional employment floorspace
by type
Core Output Indicator BD2 - Total amount of employment floorspace on previously
developed land by type
Key Data
Core Output Indicator
BD1 - Gross Floorspace m
2
BD2 - Gross Floorspace on
2
Previously Developed Land m
(%)
B1a
B1b
B1c
B2
B8
B1b, B1c, B2 or
B8
Total
272
Nil
164
1339
267
3146
5188
272
Nil
164
1339
267
3146
5188
(100%)
(100%)
(100%)
(100%)
1241
147
3146
4970
(55.1%)
(100%)
(95.8%)
(100%)
Gross Floorspace on Designated 272
Nil
Employment Land
(100%)
- Adopted 2005 UDP Policies
2
EE1, EE2 or UR2, m (%)
164
(100%) (92.7%)
Table 9 Amount of Floorspace Developed for Employment Land Use (m2) - 2011
Monitoring Year
Data Source: Dudley MBC's 2011 Regional Employment Land Survey (RELS) and Office
Monitoring Returns
6.1
It should be noted that it is problematic to assess UDP Policy strictly in terms of Core
Output Indicator BD1 (total amount of additional employment floorspace by type)
given that no specific targets are stated in Dudley's Adopted 2005 UDP in this regard.
Notwithstanding this, the evidence in Table 9 shows a noticeable decrease of gross
employment floorspace developed up to March 2011, compared to the 2010
2
monitoring year (when there was 7192 m of gross floorspace developed). This
represents a continuation of a downward trend, reflecting the national economic
situation in general and investment in manufacturing in particular. On the other hand,
it is argued that given this economic context, this level of economic activity remains
reasonably encouraging.
6.2
With reference to Core Output Indicator BD2 (total amount of employment floorspace
on Previously Developed Land by type), it can be seen from the above table, that a
consistent and sustainable development approach has been successfully maintained
towards locating 100% of development for employment land use on Previously
Developed Land.
6.3
While this AMR represents the final monitoring year of the UDP and the UDP Policies
referred to in Table 9 (EE1, EE2 and UR2) have now been superseded by the relevant
policies of The Black Country Core Strategy (CS) (adopted February 2011), it is
considered significant that these UDP Policies have been highly successful in terms
of focusing 95.8% of employment development towards sites that are designated
and or safeguarded for employment land uses. Indeed, when compared to the same
figure for the 2010 monitoring year (90.6%), this year's figure (95.8%) represents a
noticeable increase in the percentage of employment land developed on these
designated sites for employment use.
6.4
Noting the above paragraphs, including the status of the relevant UDP Policies, it is
considered that no further action is required regarding UDP Policies EE1, EE2, EE3
and EE4.
Key Data
Core Output Indicator
B1a
B1b B1c
B2
B8
B1b, B1c,
Total
B2 or B8
BD3 - Employment Land Ha
10.11
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
23.61
33.72
Employment Land on
Previously-Developed Land Ha (%)
10.11
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
23.61
33.72
(100%)
(100%)
(100%)
Table 10 Amount of Employment Land Available (Hectares) - 2011 Monitoring Year
Data Source: Dudley MBC's 2011 Regional Employment Land returns (RELS) and Planning
Policy department's Land Resources monitoring
Year
Employment Land Supply (Ha)
Decrease in Supply from previous
year (Ha)
2001
58.11
N/A
2002
54.14
3.97
2003
52.03
2.11
2004
48.27
3.76
2005
44.40
3.87
2006
43.25
1.15
2007
42.68
0.57
2008
42.05
0.63
2009
37.01
5.04
2010
37.06
+0.05
2011
33.72
3.34
Table 11 Employment Land Supply 2001-2011 (Hectares)
Core Output Indicator BD3 - Employment Land Available - by Type
Note that the way in which employment land is monitored was changed by the Government
from 2008 onwards - requiring local planning authorities to include any sites with planning
permission for employment uses, including for B1a Office land use (i.e. rather than just the
Regional Employment Land Survey sites as previously).
6.5
It should be noted that it is problematic to assess UDP Policy strictly in terms of Core
Output Indicator BD3 (employment land available by type) given that no targets are
stated in Dudley's Adopted 2005 UDP in this regard.
6.6
The contents of Table 10 identify that a majority of the Borough’s employment land
supply is flexible in terms of those industrial employment uses considered appropriate
(i.e. 70% of the total available employment land is available for B1b, B1c, B2 or B8
development), with the remaining 30% identified for B1(a) (Office Land Use).
6.7
Significantly, it can be seen that a sustainable development approach towards the
supply of employment land has been successfully maintained: 100% of such land
being on Previously Developed Land.
6.8
Table 11 identifies a downward trend in the supply of employment land in Dudley
Borough. While the figure for the previous monitoring year (April 2009 to March 2010)
showed a slight increase in the supply of employment land from the year before, this
year's figure continues the downward trend, inferring that last year's figure appears
to be somewhat of an anomaly.
6.9
It is apparent that there continues to be a shortage of good quality employment land
sites within Dudley Borough. This is reflected in the RELS for this monitoring year
for Dudley which has shown a drop in the total amount of employment land available
within the Borough. This drop has largely been as a result of the loss of approx. 11
Hectares of land from the total as a result of planning permission being granted for
residential development on two adjoining, formerly designated employment sites (at
Tansey Green Road), with the new employment sites coming forward not being able
to fully compensate for this loss.
6.10
The Council recognises it has a limited supply of high quality, accessible and
unconstrained industrial land, and chiefly relies on recycling existing industrial
sites/buildings to contribute towards the Borough’s portfolio of employment land.
UDP Policies on employment sites and areas recognised this in seeking to protect
existing better quality industrial employment areas and sites, whilst also encouraging
the regeneration of older industrial areas.
6.11
Such a stance is, in the main, taken forward in the CS, which contains similar policies
that have a presumption in favour of safeguarding sub-regionally significant high
quality employment areas (termed Strategic High Quality Employment Areas - Policy
6.12
It is acknowledged that a major objective of the CS is to deliver housing land to meet
increased targets for housing, particularly within the specified Regeneration Corridors
and with a significant element on redundant and underused industrial land. However,
it is considered that the application of the EMP Policies and also CS Policy DEL2,
which seeks to ensure that the operational viability of existing, thriving industrial uses
are not prejudiced by the release of employment land, will ensure that a sufficient
amount of high quality and viable employment sites and areas remain to provide a
focus for job creation and investment within the Borough. It is considered important
that the emerging Site Allocation Documents (The Development Strategy Development
Plan Document and Area Action Plans) recognise this and provide for a sufficient
amount of employment land, within a balanced portfolio of sites, at the local level.
6.13
Noting the above paragraphs, including the status of the relevant UDP Policies, it
is considered that no further action is required regarding UDP Policies EE1, EE2,
EE3 and EE4.
EMP2) and also employment areas which provide fit for purpose accommodation
with good access to local markets and employees (termed Local Quality Employment
Areas - Policy EMP2).
Objective
Establish a balanced transportation network which is not dependant on any one mode
or energy source, in particular through the development of an efficient and effective
public transport system; through the development of an effective strategic highway
network; and by securing the convenient and safe movement of pedestrians, cyclists
and the disabled.
UDP Policy AM1 An Integrated, safe, sustainable and accessible transport strategy
Local Indicator L7 – The percentage of new residential development within 30
minutes walking and public transport time of a GP, hospital, primary and secondary
school, employment and a major retail centre.
Target
7.1
There is no specific target. This Policy aims to support sustainable modes of travel,
traffic management, safety and ensure that new development allows ease of access
to services.
Key Data
7.2
The provision of easy access to goods, services and markets is central to any strategy
for economic revitalisation and the development of an effective transportation system
is a crucial element of the local planning framework.
7.3
New housing developments should be located in proximity to essential services and
be accessible by frequent and effective public transport services. The following table
sets out the amount of completed residential units in the borough for 2009 – 2010
and assesses whether they are located within 15 minutes and 30 minutes walking
and public transport time from specific facilities.
Accessibility Indicators for 584 new residential units built in Dudley Borough in 2010-11
Destination Type
Units within 30mins walk-public
transport travel time
Number
Units within 15mins walk-public
transport travel time
%
Number
%
G.P's
582
99
Not calculated
N/A
Main NHS Hospital
404
69
Not calculated
N/A
Primary Schools
584
100
583
99
Secondary Schools
583
99
576
98
Employment Sites
575
98
Not calculated
N/A
Major Retail Centres 583
99
Not calculated
N/A
Table 12
7.4
The table shows that this target is generally being met and that the hospital is the
main facility that is more than 30 minutes walking or public transport time away from
about one third of new the residential developments. The table also shows that there
are a number of secondary schools further than 15 minutes walk and public transport
time from certain new residential development. This is only to be expected as the
number of secondary schools in the borough is less than the number of primary
schools.
7.5
We will continue monitoring this data in order to show the ease of access to key local
services from new residential development.
Local output indicator L9 - Inbound and outbound trips made to Dudley and Brierley
Hill town centres by bus.
Target
7.6
No specific target for Dudley
Key Data
7.7
The Local Transport Plan has targets for increased bus patronage for the West
Midlands but this is not disaggregated down to local authority levels. The Council
produces figures every two years for Dudley town centre and for Brierley Hill. A
comprehensive review of bus services across the borough was carried out in 2008
which re-focused a number of services to the Brierley Hill centre. The information
below sets out the amount of trips made by bus and private car for the survey years.
It can be seen that there has been a slight drop in total trips in the morning peak for
both centres since 2002 for Dudley and 2003 for Brierley Hill and that the bus mode
share has remained fairly constant.
Total Inbound Person Trips 7:30 - 9:30
Number of
Trips
Year
1998
2000
2002
2004
2006
2008
2010
Total Trips
25811
28077
28627
28231
27583
28499
26284
By Car
21815
23801
24455
24045
23604
24270
22733
By Bus
3996
4276
4172
4186
3979
4229
3551
% Bus mode
share
15%
15%
15%
15%
14%
15%
14%
Table 13 Dudley Town Centre
Total Inbound Person Trips 7:30 - 9:30
Number of Trips
Year
2001
2003
2005
2007
2009
2011
Total Trips
15846
16102
14501
13827
13614
12364
By Car
13836
14373
12865
12157
12104
10928
By Bus
2010
1729
1636
1670
1510
1436
% Bus mode
share
13%
11%
11%
12%
11%
12%
Table 14 Brierley Hill Town Centre
7.8
In September 2008 Dudley MBC entered into a 3 year Voluntary Partnership
Agreement with Centro and National Express West Midlands for the provision of
enhanced bus and passenger services. This agreement saw the delivery of improved
bus facilities on 5 key routes across the borough.
7.9
As part of the development of the Brierley Hill Area Action Plan a Public Transport
Strategy has been developed covering both the central and wider Brierley Hill area.
This identifies a range of bus priority measures that will be introduced alongside any
further development that takes place within the centre. This strategy along with the
overarching Area Action Plan for Brierley Hill was adopted in August 2011, and will
form the basis of a new voluntary multi-lateral partnership agreement with Westfield,
Centro and a number of bus operators in the borough.
7.10
Future AMR's will continue to provide up-to-date information on these trends.
Local output indicator L10 - To protect the route of the Midland Metro Line 3
Target
7.11
No specific target as the Council has no control over the programme concerning
Metro provision.
Key Data
7.12
Centro, having received statutory powers in 2005 for the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill
extension of the Metro are now pursuing alternative rapid transit solutions. Rapid
transit is an urban public transport service that operates at high levels of customer
performance, especially with regard to travel times and passenger carrying capacity.
It usually operates on specific fixed tracks or with separated and exclusive rights of
way according to established schedules along designated routes or lines with specific
stops (although Bus Rapid Transit and trams sometimes operate in mixed traffic).
Rapid Transit includes heavy rail transil systems ("metro" and "commuter rail"), light
rail transit (LRT) and bus rapid transit (BRT) systems.
7.13
The Brierley Hill Area Action Plan will continue to safeguard the route allocated for
the proposed Midland Metro extension (Wednesbury-Dudley-Brierley Hill) from
development for rapid transit. This area of land will only be developed for alternative
uses if rapid transit is not delivered within the requisite period.
UDP Policy AM7 Passenger Rail
Local output indicator L11 - Amount of new and unused lines brought into service.
Target
7.14
Increased public transport use in line with LTP2 targets.
Key Data
7.15
Although no unused railway lines have recently been brought into service, it is still
the Council’s intention to encourage this when it becomes feasible. Therefore,
although nothing has recently occurred, the Policy is working in that the Council’s
intentions are unchanged. Currently Centro are exploring the feasibility of the
reintroduction of passenger services alongside freight on the Stourbridge to Walsall
freight line and the Council is supportive of this approach.
UDP Policy AM6 The Midland Metro
7.16
The AMR will continue this situation and report on any progress in future years.
UDP Policy AM9 Interchanges
Local output indicator L12 - Number of interchanges completed/improved.
Target
7.17
No specific target as the policy aims to support provision and improvement of
interchanges between public transport and other modes of public transport.
Key Data
7.18
The Halesowen Bus Station and all the associated highway enabling works and traffic
management measures were completed in December 2008.
7.19
The Council have been supporting Centro in the development of proposals for new
facilities at Stourbridge Bus Station and Rail interchange. Having been granted
planning permission, work on the Bus Station commenced on site in late October
2010, and is due for completion in early 2012.
7.20
Future new and improved interchanges will be monitored in further AMR reports.
UDP Policy AM11 Cycling
Local Output Indicator L13 – to protect existing cycleways and improve accessibility
through further provision
Target
7.21
No specific target set for Dudley
Key Data
7.22
In the monitoring year a number of cycling facilities have been introduced across the
Borough including a comprehensive network of improved walking and cycling routes
serving the borough’s five healthy town parks, namely;
Mary Stevens Park, Stourbridge
Silver Jubilee Park, Coseley
The Dell / Fens Pool Nature Reserve, Pensnett
7.23
These routes include a range of measures including direction signing, warning signs
and road markings, improved crossing facilities, segregated and shared pedestrian
and cycle routes on existing footways, and improvements to public rights of way and
paths through parks and public open space.
7.24
As far as we are aware, all existing cycleways have been protected and further
provision has been made. The policy is working and hopefully further provision will
be made in order to increase the level of cycling. Every opportunity should be taken
through the planning process to enable this to happen.
UDP Policy AM13 Public Rights of Way
Local output indicator L14 - Number of new rights of way
Target
7.25
There is no specific target. The Council will seek to protect and enhance facilities for
walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
Key Data
7.26
During 2010/11 two new footpaths that now form part of the Public Rights of Way
network were formally adopted by the Council, these being;
Fairgreen Gardens, Pensnett
Cavalier Drive, Halesowen
7.27
The Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) was formally adopted by the Council
th
on the 18 August 2009. Delivery of the ROWIP will provide a significant contribution
towards meeting key Local Transport Plan objectives, particularly in terms of improving
accessibility and encouraging more sustainable modes of travel. The second phase
of a programme of PROW improvements and upgrading works were substantially
completed in the 2010/11 financial year. The following PROW’s have been upgraded:
Providence Street/Denise Drive/Hospital Lane, Coseley
Keats Close to High Street, Amblecote
Olive Lane to Malt Mill Lane, Halesowen
Greenhill Road to Springfield Road, Halesowen
Hagley Road, Stourbridge
Whittingham Road to Blagdon Road, Halesowen
Thorns Road to Stockwell Avenue, Quarry Bank
Huntingtree Park, Halesowen
Netherton Park
7.28
Work on Phase 3 of this programme is now underway.
7.29
In addition, the Council in partnership with Dudley Primary Care Trust, having been
successful in attracting Healthy Towns funding from the Department of Health, are
now progressing the ‘Lets Go Outside’ project which aims to get more people, more
active more often. The Dudley project will deliver 5 key family health hubs at main
parks around the borough which will be supported by a network of active travel
corridors. This will involve the provision of new and improved walking and cycling
routes, and will certainly result in an overall improvement in the quality of Dudley’s
PROW network.
7.30
Good progress has been made in meeting the aims of this policy and we will continue
to monitor it in future AMRs.
UDP Policy AM 14 Parking, Policy CR12 Car Parking and Centres.
Local output indicator L15 – Percentage of non-residential development complying
with the Council’s car parking standards.
Local output indicator L16 - Publicly available long stay car parking spaces in the
Borough’s main town centres.
Target
7.31
To reduce the level of parking in new developments and town centres in order to
promote sustainable travel choices and tackle congestion and encourage the change
of long stay spaces to short stay spaces.
Key Data
7.32
Through the planning process the majority of non-residential developments comply
with the Council’s parking standards.
7.33
Although no longer a core indicator, Dudley Council will still monitor car parking
standards within the four main town centres. The Council has a recently adopted
SPD on Parking Standards and Travel Plans which sets out the recommended
standards for car parking required within the Borough.
7.34
The Table below sets out the figures for publicly available car parking spaces for the
main town centres for this monitoring year, and includes private parking spaces as
well as Council owned car parks.
Council owned
Parking Spaces 2010
Private Parking
Spaces 2010
Total
Dudley
1588
240
1828
Stourbridge
999
98
1097
Halesowen
600
600
1200
Brierley Hill
267
10522
10789
Total
3454
11460
14914
Table 15 Car Parking Availability in Town Centres
7.35
The development of Area Action Plans for the main centres will assist in managing
the level of parking provision.
UDP Policy AM16 Travel Plans
Local output indicator L17 – number of employees in organisations with travel
plans
Target
7.36
There is no specific target.
Key Data
7.37
The Council may secure the preparation, development, implementation and ongoing
operation of a Travel Plan through the use of conditions of planning consent or
through the negotiation of a planning obligation. The Parking Standards and Travel
Plans SPD sets out a statement which will be included in the list of planning conditions
for a development, assuming that it has met the threshold criteria or has been deemed
to require a Travel Plan for other reasons, to ensure that a Travel Plan is submitted
to the Council for approval.
7.38
The tables below set out workplace and schools Travel Plans which have been
approved in the last five years. Progress is being made on workplace and school
travel plans.
Town Centre
Year
Actual No of Travel Plans approved
2006/07
10
2007/08
4
2008/09
8
2009/10
6
2010/11
5
Table 16 Workplace Travel Plan Progress
Year
No of TPs
Dudley %
DCSF % including
Independent Schools
2004
16
14%
14%
2005
16
29%
28%
2006
19
46%
44%
2007
17
61%
59%
2008
20
79%
77%
2009
14
92%
89%
2010
12
100%
100%
Table 17 School Travel Plan Progress
7.39
Good progress has been made in meeting the aims of this policy and we will continue
to monitor it in future AMRs.
Additional Transport Information
7.40
Although AM4 Road Improvements is no longer a saved policy, an update on road
improvements is considered useful supporting information.
Road Improvements
Local Indicator L8 - Number of road improvements / engineering works undertaken
over the monitoring year.
7.41
No specific target for Dudley. However, road improvements will assist in improving
safety, efficiency, traffic movement and accessibility.
Key Data
7.42
The road improvement/engineering works that were completed in the 2010/2011
financial year include;
High Street/Mill Street/Moor Street traffic signals as part of the overall Brierley
Hill Sustainable Access Network Major Scheme.
A459 Halesowen Road/Northfield Road priority junction improvement
7.43
In addition a Programme of Quick Wins traffic signal upgrades have been implemented
including:
B4173 Cradley Road/Saltwells Road, Netherton
A459 Halesowen Road/Cradley Road, Netherton
A461 High Street, Brierley Hill near Hill Street
A459 Wolverhampton Road, Sedgley near The Northway.
7.44
In addition a number of engineering improvement works associated with highway
structures have been implemented, including;
Audnam Brook Culvert - replacement of culvert due to flooding problems. Carries
public right of way and emergency access.
King Street, Dudley - Footbridge refurbishment of parapets and associated ramps
New Road Rail Bridge, Netherton - infilling scheme to enable removal of weight
limit
Avenue Road, Coseley - completion of interim measures for compliance with
Accidental Wheel Loading requirements
Gorsty Bank Rail Bridge, Brierley Hill - completion of interim measures for
compliance with Accidental Wheel Loading requirements
Maypole Hill Rail Bridge, Halesowen - completion of interim measures for
compliance with Accidental Wheel Loading requirements
Queensway River Bridge, Halesowen - upgrading of upstream parapet fencing
Lye River Bridge, Lye - replacement and upgrading of parapets to the bridge
over the River Stour
Furnace Hill/New Road Subways, Halesowen - infilling of subways with
assocaited road improvement works and pedestrian crossing
Meres Road/Abbey Road, Halesowen - completion of DDA compliance measures
7.45
This policy has been effective during the last twelve months and we will continue to
monitor road improvements in future AMRs.
Target
Objective
To preserve and improve the biodiversity of the natural and built environment
UDP Policies: DD10 Nature Conservation and Development, NC1 Biodiversity, NC2
Special Areas of Conservation and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), NC4 Local
Nature Reserves and Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation, NC5 Sites of Local
Importance for Nature Conservation, NC10 The Urban Forest.
Core output indicator E2: Change in areas of biodiversity importance.
Local output indicator L18: The extent of Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) priority
grassland habitat types.
Local output indicator L19: Change in condition of Sites of Special Scientific
Interest
Local output indicator L20: Current level of protection granted by the planning
system to the ancient woodland resource.
Local input indicator L31: Protection of BAP Priority ponds.
Local input indicator L36: Protection of BAP Priority Fen, Reedbed and Coastal
and Floodplain Grazing Marsh.
Target:
8.1
No loss
Key Data:
8.2
Five developments were permitted which reduced the size of six different Sites of
Local Importance for Nature Conservation. One of these (P10/1377, Enville Road,
Wall Heath) was the Reserved Matter application for a site reported in a previous
AMR (0.35ha). The remaining four approved applications result in permission for the
loss of a further 6.03ha. No sites were lost in their entirety.
8.3
Two of these applications included the removal of a total of 9.71ha of Priority
Grassland. Of this 8.62ha had no formal nature conservation designation and was
a designated Key Industrial Site (P09/1014 Land at Tansey green and Oak Lane).
The second site was an allocated Housing Site (P10/1535 Rear of 43-77 Middlepark
Road, Russells Hall). This total permitted reduction of Priority Grassland results in
a change of the borough's identified resource from 160.37ha to 150.66ha, a loss of
6.1%.
8.4
The remaining two sites are P10/0814 Former Rolling Mills site, Bradley Road,
Stourbridge, an identified UDP development block, which would significantly restore
the local environment including a stretch of the River Stour and P10/1138 Land off
Webb Street, Coseley which will restore the adjacent wildlife corridor.
8.5
All of these five planning permissions were granted conditionally on compensatory
actions being provided, either directly by works carried out by the applicant, or through
commuted sums. As a result of this roughly twice the area of land lost will be
significantly improved for the benefit of nature conservation.
8.6
No survey work had been carried out by Natural England of the borough's eight Sites
of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) within the reporting period. Therefore once more
all the borough's SSSIs are in "Favourable" condition except Turners Hill, which
remains as "Unfavourable - no change".
8.7
There were no planning applications approved during this monitoring period which
encroached upon any Ancient Woodland area within the borough.
8.8
There were no planning applications approved during this reporting period which
encroached upon any BAP Priority Ponds, Fens, Reedbeds or Coastal and Floodplain
Grazing Marshes within the borough.
Conclusion and further action:
8.9
Most of our Nature Conservation policies appear to be working well. This noted,
Policies NC1 Biodiversity and NC5 Sites of Local Importance for Nature Conservation,
have not protected six areas of nature conservation value and a reduction in area of
biodiversity importance has resulted during this reporting period. However suitable
compensation and mitigation was secured as part of permissions.
Objective
Conserve the locally distinctive character of the Borough's townscapes and landscapes,
conserve and enhance the Borough's local and statutory listed buildings and conservation
areas and sites of archaeological or historic interest.
UDP Policies:
HE1 Local Character and Distinctiveness, (now replaced by ENV2 of BCCS)
HE2 Landscape Heritage Areas,
HE3 Castle Hill Special Landscape Heritage Area.
Local Output Indicator L21 “Local Area Character Appraisals”, as set out in Policy
HE1 and the Historic Environment SPD, are carried out for all relevant
Development Plan Documents (eg Area Action Plans).
Target:
9.1
All relevant Development Plan Documents (eg Area Action Plans) to have an evidence
base informed by the carrying out of “Local Area Character Appraisals” that seek to
define local character and distinctiveness and identify significant historic assets.
Key Data:
9.2
“Local Area Character Appraisals” seek to define local character and distinctiveness
and within that context to identify significant individual historic assets worthy of
protection. These are both factors that need to be taken into account when developing
planning policies to guide future change in any given area. In relation to the Brierley
Hill Area Action Plan the Council has fulfilled these objectives by commissioning the
“Brierley Hill Urban Historic Landscape Characterisation” (UHLC) study. An Historic
Landscape Characterisation study was completed in 2008-2009 to support the
development of the Glass Quarter Supplementary Planning Document. In 2011 a
Stourbridge UHLC was undertaken and has been completed. Similarly a UHLC for
Halesowen has been commenced and work continues in order to bring this to full
completion also within required Area Action Plan timescales.
9.3
The policies are working and the Council will continue to apply them. The Council
has an adopted SPD on Historic Environment which provides advice on the
implementation of related policies in the UDP, in particular Policies HE1/ENV2, HE2
and HE5.
UDP Policies HE4 Conservation Areas,
HE5 Buildings of Local Historic Importance,
HE6 Listed Buildings.
Local Output Indicator L22 Protection of Conservation Areas and buildings listed
as of historic or architectural interest.
Targets:
UDP Policy HE4
9.4
An increasing percentage of Conservation Areas with up to date Character Appraisals
and Management Proposals;
UDP Policy HE5
9.5
No loss of locally listed buildings without pre-demolition archaeological buildings
recording;
UDP Policy HE6
9.6
100% protection of statutorily listed buildings;
Key Data:
9.7
There are 22 Conservation Areas in Dudley, upwards of 350 locally listed buildings
and nearly 300 statutorily listed buildings.
9.8
During the monitoring year 2010 -2011:
The Stourbridge UHLC identified three areas of sufficient architectural and
historic interest as to justify the carrying out of Character Appraisals with
Management Proposals. This proposal is curently being consulted upon as part
of the SAAP Preferred Options stage;
There were no statutorily listed buildings demolished;
No locally listed building was lost without an archaeological record having been
made.
9.9
The policies are working and the Council will continue to apply them. The Council
has an adopted SPD on Historic Environment which provides advice on the
implementation of related policies in the UDP, in particular Policies HE1/ENV2, HE2
and HE5. Lack of statutory protection for locally listed buildings outside conservation
areas and ability to demolish them outside the planning system is an issue that cannot
be addressed at a local level but it is being considered as part of the Heritage
UDP Policy HE7 Canals
Local Output Indicator L23 Planning Obligations SPD utilised effectively to achieve
canal side developments providing public realm investment on the canal side/
towpath
Target:
9.10
Increasing public realm investment on the canal side/ towpath as evidenced by
increased Planning Obligations contributions.
Key Data:
9.11
Planning approval for the redevelopment of the Stourbridge Rolling Mills site in the
Canal Street Conservation Area included provision for substantial Section 106
contributions to the canal side public realm. The Glass Quarter SPD has as one of
its objectives the enhancement of the public realm in historic areas including the
Canalside. Planning Inspectors at Appeal have recently acknowledged this as a
legitimate vehicle for requiring Section 106 contributions.
9.12
The Policy is working through the implementation of the adopted Dudley Canals
Strategy and eg the carrying out of canal based Conservation Area Character
Appraisals with Management Proposals. Policy ENV 4 "Canals" of the Black Core
Strategy will also assist in attaining this target after its' formal adoption as does the
adopted Glass Quarter SPD.
UDP Policy HE8 Archaeology and Information
Local Output Indicator L24 Developers comply with all requests for further
information to be supplied in relation to development proposals affecting the
Historic Environment.
Target:
9.13
All requests to developers for them to commission further information are 100%
complied with.
Protection Reform programme. More recently a High Court judgement has had the
effect that demolition now constitutes "development" that in certain circumstances
can be brought under planning control.
Key Data:
9.14
Policy HE8 requires that where proposed development sites have high Historic
Environment potential but the available information about the significance of any
remains is judged to be insufficient that Archaeological Desk Based
Assessments/Evaluations or other specialist records are commissioned by developers
at pre-determination stage. This is in order that planning decisions can be properly
informed and suitable measures put in place to avoid or mitigate any negative impacts
associated with the development.
9.15
During the monitoring year 2010 -2011, 100% of requests for further information
were complied with representing;
5 Desk Based Assessments; 26 Archaeological Evaluations; 3 Specialist Building
Recording Reports. All of the information is published and made accessible to
all through the Dudley Historic Environment Record (HER).
9.16
It is considered that the policy is working and no further action is required.
UDP Policy HE9 Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs).
Local Output Indicator L25 Applications granted for development that would
adversely affect a SAM in the monitoring year.
Target:
9.17
Zero
Key Data:
9.18
UDP Policy HE 9 states a presumption against development that would adversely
affect a SAM or other site of national importance or its’ setting, such that damaging
proposals will be resisted and remains preserved “in situ”.
9.19
There were no applications approved that would adversely affect a SAM in the
monitoring year 2010-2011.
9.20
It is considered that the policy is working and no further action is required.
UDP Policies HE10, HE11 Sites of Regional Importance and Archaeology and
Preservation.
Target:
9.21
No specific target set for Dudley
Key Data:
9.22
Policies HE 10 and HE11 deal with instances where remains of less than national
importance are affected by reasonable development proposals. Where preservation
in situ is not feasible and damaging development can be justified negative impacts
can nevertheless be mitigated through full archaeological recording and subsequent
publication through the Dudley HER to achieve “preservation by record”.
9.23
It is considered that the policies are working and no further action is required, however,
success of these policies entirely depends on the types of applications received,
which vary from year to year.
Local Output Indicator L26 Planning permissions determined requiring
archaeological investigation and recording as condition of consent or other
mitigation to protect archaeological remains
Green Belt
Objective
To protect the Green Belt from inappropriate forms of development and enhance and
protect the openness of the Green Belt
UDP Policy SO1 Green Belt
Local output Indicator L27 - Number of developments which compromise the open
nature of the Green Belt.
Target
10.1
Zero
Key Data
10.2
'Saved' UDP (2005) Policy SO1 sets out to protect and enhance the Green Belt in
Dudley in line with national planning guidance set out in Planning Policy Guidance
Note 2 (PPG2) (1995) "Green Belts". There is 1,765.93 hectares of land designated
as Green Belt in the Borough and the policy follows the national guidelines set out
in PPG2 on Green Belts. The above local indicator will monitor development proposals
in the Green Belt. The criteria chosen for this is any scheme of 5 or more dwellings
or any non-residential scheme of 500 square metres or over as these developments
will compromise the open nature of the Green Belt.
10.3
For the period 1st April 2010 to 31st March 2011 there have been no development
proposals (of the type referred to above) granted planning approval within the Green
Belt.
10.4
The policy is working effectively as there have been no inappropriate development
proposals approved planning permission within the Green Belt during the above
monitoring period.
Open Spaces
Objective
To protect sensitive open space areas within the Borough from inappropriate forms of
development. This is especially the case where the open space is important for local
distinctiveness and visual amenity, where it provides a facility for outdoor sport and
recreation, where it is a green buffer or where it is an area of proven interest for nature
conservation and landscape value.
Policy LR1 Open Space
Local Output Indicator L28 - The percentage of eligible open spaces managed to
Green Flag award standard.
Target
10.5
To achieve one Green Flag standard open space within the borough.
UDP (2005) Policies LR5 Playing Fields and LR6 Protection of Sport and Recreation
Facilities.
Local Output indicator L33 - The number of existing outdoor sports and recreational
green spaces lost to development.
Target
10.6
To ensure that sensitive open space areas and outdoor sports green space areas
such as playing fields remain protected from inappropriate development.
Key data
10.7
'Saved' UDP (2005) Policy LR1 "Open Space" protects open space areas, both within
public and private ownership, which are of value for recreation and children's play,
local distinctiveness and visual amenity. Policy LR1 also protects open space areas
of value for nature conservation.
10.8
'Saved' UDP (2005) Policy LR5 "Playing Fields" specifically protects playing fields
from inappropriate development. The policy encourages the improvement and
upgrading of existing playing fields and stresses the need for replacement playing
field facilities in circumstances where an existing playing field site is being lost to
redevelopment. Policy LR5 protects both playing field sites within private ownership
with restricted public access (e.g. such as school playing fields fenced off from the
10.9
The award of a Green Flag is a national benchmark standard for parks and green
spaces which attain a level of high quality. Significant efforts are being made through
the Liveability Project to target certain sites to meet the standard. In accordance with
PPG17 guidance, the purpose of Dudley's Parks and Green Space Strategy (adopted
June 2009) is to assess the existing quantity, the current quality, public accessibility
level and distribution of the borough's parks and green spaces.
10.10
It is difficult to monitor Policy LR1 "Open Space" proposals involving the encroachment
and change of use of very small areas of public open space to private residential
gardens. Development proposals affecting Playing Fields are easier to monitor in
comparison.
10.11
For the period 1st April 2010 to 31st March 2011 there has been one development
proposal granted planning approval on an existing playing field sports pitch. This
involved the redevelopment of an existing private sports ground site containing a
natural turf sports pitch (playing field), bowling green and tennis court. The site is
located at the Coombs Wood Sports and Social Club, Coombs Road, Halesowen.
The development was considered acceptable in policy terms as the outdoor sports
pitch and other recreation facilities which were being lost to the new-build residential
redevelopment proposal were being replaced by the developer in the nearby vicinity
in accordance with guidance set out in PPG17 (2002).
10.12
'Saved' UDP policies LR5 "Playing Fields" and LR6 "Protection of Sport and
Recreation Facilities" are working effectively as the policies have ensured that
replacement outdoor sports green space facilities have been secured as part of the
development proposal referred to above. Policies LR5 and LR6 have been effective
and successful in protecting existing sites from inappropriate re-development as no
other outdoor sports facilities have been lost within the borough during the monitoring
period, and as stated above, where a site has been lost, full replacement of facilities
have been secured.
10.13
The Council is aware that it is not meeting the national core indicator regarding Green
Flag standard for open spaces and the Council is doing all it can via the Liveability
Project work to address this situation. However, on a positive note, as stated above,
the Council now has in place an adopted Parks and Green Space Strategy (PPG17
Audit).It is hoped that the adopted Parks and Green Space Strategy (adopted June
public and playing fields owned by private sports clubs) and sites within public
ownership which have unrestricted public access. Both policies LR1 and LR5 reflect
advice set out in Planning Policy Guidance Note 17 (PPG17) (2002) "Planning for
Open Space, Sport and Recreation". 'Saved' UDP (2005) Policy LR6 "Protection of
Sport and Recreation Facilities" also protect sports facilities including playing fields
and other outdoor sports pitches.
2009) alongside the ongoing green space improvements work being completed
across the borough by the Liveability Project will have a positive effect in helping the
Council to attain a Green Flag Award for one of the borough's parks in the near future.
Children's Play Areas
Objective
To ensure that publicly accessible equipped children's play areas remain protected from
inappropriate redevelopment.
UDP (2005) Policies LR3 Children's Play Areas and LR4 Young Persons Informal
Recreation
Local Output indicator L29 - The number of publicly accessible equipped children's
play areas and young people's outdoor recreational facilities which have been
lost to re-development
Target
10.14
Zero
Key data
10.15
'Saved' UDP (2005) policies LR3 "Children's Play Areas" and LR4 "Young Person's
Informal Recreation" protect publicly accessible equipped children's play areas and
young people's recreational facilities from inappropriate development and where
necessary encourages the improvement of existing equipped children's play areas.
Policy LR3 states that where an existing equipped children's play area is lost to
redevelopment then it should be replaced to at least the same standard. This policy
does not cover equipped children's play are sites located within school play grounds
or within the gardens of public houses as these play area facilities are not accessible
to the general public. Policy LR4 confirms that provision of outdoor recreational
facilities for young persons will be supported in areas of recognised need.
Major Sports Facilities
Objective
To ensure that major sports facilities remain protected from inappropriate re-development.
UDP Policy LR7 Major Sports Facilities
Target
10.16
Zero
Key data
10.17
'Saved' UDP (2005) Policy LR7 "Major Sports Facilities" specifically protects major
sports facilities (both sites with unrestricted public access and private sites with
restricted public access) from inappropriate development. It includes major sports
facilities that accommodate teams and clubs which operate at a regional and national
level such as football grounds/ stadia. Policy LR7 emphasises that in circumstances
where a major sports facility site is lost to re-development, then the lost facility should
be reinstated should there be demand for it. Policy LR7 reflects advice set out in
PPG17 (2002).
Conclusions and future action
10.18
For the period 1st April 2010 to 31st March 2011 there have been no development
proposals granted planning approval which have resulted in the loss of either an
existing publicly accessible equipped children's play area, young persons outdoor
recreational facility or major sports facility within the borough.
10.19
The Council recognises the value and importance of recreational facilities to the
borough. 'Saved' UDP (2005) Policies LR3, LR4 and LR7 have been effective and
successful in protecting existing sites from inappropriate re-development as no
facilities have been lost within the borough during the monitoring period.
Allotments
Objective
To ensure that existing allotment sites remain protected from inappropriate
re-development.
Local Output indicator L34- The number of major sports facilities which have been
lost to re-development.
UDP Policy LR9 Allotments
Local output indicator L35 - The number of existing allotment sites which have
been lost to re-development.
Target
10.20
Zero
Key data
10.21
'Saved' UDP (2005) Policy LR9 "Allotments" specifically protects existing allotment
sites from inappropriate development. The Policy confirms that the development of
allotment areas for other uses will not be allowed if a substantial part of the site is in
use, or if there is proven demand for allotments in the area. The Policy supports the
establishment of new allotment areas in circumstances where there is proven demand.
Conclusions and future action
10.22
For the period1st April 2010 to 31st March 2011 there have been no development
proposals granted planning approval which have resulted in the loss of an existing
allotment site within the borough.
10.23
The Council recognises the importance of existing allotment sites for the benefits of
healthy living, promoting healthy diet and their value as an important outdoor
recreational resource for the local community. Policy LR9 has been effective and
successful in protecting existing allotment sites from inappropriate re-development
as no facilities have been lost within the borough during the monitoring period.
Introduction
11.1
The Environmental Chapter covers the following topic areas:
Water Protection and Floodplain Protection,
Air Quality,
Renewable Energy.
Water Protection and Floodplain Protection
Objective
To protect the quality of water resources and existing flood plains and areas liable to
flooding from development to ensure that developments and public safety are not put at
risk.
UDP (2005) Policy EP3 Water Protection
Core Output Indicator E1 - Number of planning permissions granted contrary to
Environment Agency advice on flooding and water quality grounds
Target
11.2
Zero
Key Data
11.3
During the monitoring period 1st April 2010 to 31st March 2011 there were six planning
applications received by Dudley Council where the Environment Agency submitted
a specific objection on either flood defence grounds or water quality grounds.
However, one of these planning applications was refused planning permission
(P10/1245), one planning application was withdrawn by the applicant (P10/0502),
two have not yet been determined by the Council (P11/0106 and P11/0107), and the
Environment Agency has later withdrawn its objections on two of the planning
applications (P10/0914 and P10/1429).
11.4
The Council has ensured that no new development proposals have taken place within
the borough during the monitoring period which were contrary to the advice of the
Environment Agency. There are no issues arising that would necessitate any
amendments to the Policy.
Air Quality
Objective
To protect the air quality of the borough by ensuring that the location of new development
does not have a deleterious effect and through traffic management schemes.
UDP (2005) Policy EP5 Air Quality
UDP (2005) Local Output Indicator L30 - Annual mean nitrogen dioxide
concentrations.
Target
11.5
Air pollution levels not to exceed national objectives by due dates.
Key data
11.6
The whole of the Dudley Borough has been designated an Air Quality Management
Area (AQMA) for nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The main cause of this pollutant is road
traffic and the problems of congestion associated with an urban area, but levels can
often be increased by buildings close to the carriageway that may have the effect of
trapping air and thus preventing normal dispersion of NO2. Successive annual surveys
since 2001 have increasingly identified a number of roadside locations in the Borough
where the mean NO2 levels are exceeded. Dudley Council adopted an Air Quality
Action Plan (AQAP) in September 2011. This sets out the policy for improving the
Air Quality and contains targets and indicators.
11.7
In next years AMR findings from Dudley's adopted AQAP will be considered. Dudley's
adopted AQAP (2011) addresses the issue of NO2 hotspots and makes
recommendations as to how to relieve the problem through planning and transport
policies. The recent completion of the Brierley Hill High Street relief road is an example
where a traffic management scheme was successful in reducing NO2 levels in the
Brierley Hill High Street. During 2009/ 2010, the Council monitored air quality in the
area to compare readings with previous pre-scheme data. The implementation of
the AQAP should allow compliance with the Black Country Core Strategy (adopted
February 2011) and review of the targets will determine if the plan and policy are
effective or whether they need amending.
Objective
To encourage the provision of new renewable energy resources within proposed and
existing developments in Dudley.
Core Output Indicator E3 Renewable Energy Generation
Target
11.8
There is no specific target.
Key data
11.9
National Guidance has been produced stating that new development should contribute
towards the reduction of carbon emissions and there will be a requirement for all
new homes to be designed to be as environmentally sustainable as possible by
reducing carbon emissions. The Council is also currently preparing Supplementary
Planning Document (SPD) which will consider renewable energy requirements for
new developments. The Black Country Core Strategy (adopted 3rd February 2011)
has produced policies (Policy ENV7: Renewable Energy) on the targets the area
should adopt and this will need to be applied to all development schemes in Dudley
in future Annual Monitoring Reports.
11.10
During the monitoring period 1st April 2010 to 31st March 2011 there were two
renewable energy development proposals granted planning approval within the
borough. These were for small household domestic proposals. These involved the
installation of 8 number solar pv panels to the roof space of a converted barn, and
a separate proposal for the installation of 8 number solar pv panels to a house
extension. It is important to note that very small domestic schemes involving the
installation of solar panels do not require planning permission or building regulations
consent and therefore are not easily monitored.
11.11
Dudley schools are working towards sustainability with the aim of all schools being
carbon neutral by 2016. The Dudley Grid for Learning (DGfL) is a PFI contract
providing 110 Dudley schools with a fully managed ICT service with energy efficient
PCs (two thirds less than standard PCs). Its success means that Dudley is now a
national reference site for local authorities embarking on large-scale managed service
contracts for educational ICT.
Renewable Energy
11.12
As stated above, renewable energy is difficult to monitor as initiatives such as solar
panels can be installed without the need for planning permission. The two
development schemes referred to above did require planning permission so it has
been possible to monitor these proposals.
11.13
Policy ENV7 "Renewable Energy" in the recently adopted Black Country Core Strategy
(February 2011) identifies the requirements for renewable energy for the sub-region.
Future Dudley AMR's will need to monitor the targets set as they apply to Dudley
through additional local indicators.
Minerals
Objective
Mineral extraction is an important local economic activity in Dudley Borough. However,
minerals can only be retrieved from where they occur. It is therefore important that the
Council ensures that the opportunity for mineral exploitation is made available both now
and for future generations in a way that minimises environmental impact.
Please note that Dudley Adopted 2005 UDP Policies M3 Secondary Aggregates and M4
Opencast Coal Workings were deleted from the Plan on 15th October 2008 given that they
repeat or can be replaced by national planning policy guidance.
UDP Policies M1 'Minerals' and M2 'Minerals and After Use'
Core Output Indicator - M1 Production of primary land won aggregates by mineral
planning authority
Key Data
12.1
In Dudley Borough the only known accessible mineral reserves are clay (Etruria Marl)
and coal – as opposed to the primary land won aggregates which are crushed rock,
sand and gravel that are used for construction purposes. It is therefore known that
no primary land won aggregates are currently produced within Dudley Borough.
12.2
Given it is known that no primary land won aggregates are being produced within
the Borough, there has been no opportunity to test UDP Policies M1 and M2 under
Core Output Indicator M1.
12.3
However and in broad terms, the UDP Policy can be considered suitable in terms of
safeguarding known and accessible mineral resources and ensuring appropriate
restoration and after-use of mineral workings. An example of this would be the Policy
M1 Minerals designated and safeguarded sites in the Kingswinford area of the
Borough, and any planning conditions and restoration plans for the after use of such
sites as required under Policy M2 Minerals and After Use. There is therefore no
further action required at the present time regarding UDP Policies M1 and M2.
UDP Policies - None applicable
12.4
As earlier identified, Policy M3 Secondary Aggregates has been deleted from the
Plan. However, Dudley Council supports the national planning policy requirement in
Minerals Policy Statement 1 Planning and Minerals (MPS1) paragraph 18 (5th
bullet-point) to 'ensure so far as is practicable, the use of acceptable substitute or
recycled materials in place of primary minerals'. It should also be noted that the 4
Black Country local planning authorities have now produced a Black Country Core
Strategy (BCCS) – this now further informing Dudley's minerals planning approach
and to be included/monitored in our 2012 Annual Monitoring Report.
Core Output Indicator - M2 Production of secondary and recycled aggregates by
mineral planning authority
Key Data
12.5
It is known that none of the brick-works/quarry operators in Dudley Borough produce
any secondary aggregates.
12.6
Challenges continue to exist in Dudley (and likely across the West Midlands Region)
in terms of the monitoring of secondary aggregates production. Figures for the
production of primary, secondary and recycled aggregates tend only to be available
at a sub-regional rather than individual local authority level. On release, such data
(where available) will be with regard to an earlier monitoring year than that under
consideration in the local authority's Annual Monitoring Report. Recycled aggregates
resulting from demolition often remain on-site and are re-used within the new
development - the quantities of these demolished/recycled aggregates not being
notified to the local planning authority.
12.7
Given the above, it can be seen that Dudley MBC cannot fully monitor/report on Core
Output Indicator M2 at the present time. Opportunities will be taken to improve on
this situation as they arise.
Objective
The treatment of waste should be based on the waste hierarchy: reduction, re-use,
recycling & composting, energy recovery, and (least favourably) disposal. Where disposal
(generally landfill) is necessary, it should be only as regards waste that cannot be
managed in a more preferable way.
Please note that Dudley Adopted 2005 UDP Policies EP8 Waste and Development and EP9
Waste Management Facilities were deleted from the Plan on 15th October 2008 given that
they repeat or can be replaced by national planning policy guidance - primarily Planning
Policy Statement 10 (PPS10) Planning for Sustainable Waste Management.
UDP Policies - None applicable.
12.8
Noting that UDP Policies EP8 and EP9 were deleted (see above), Dudley Council’s
policy approach towards waste planning will reflect that set out in national planning
policy as PPS10 'Planning for Sustainable Waste Management' and any other
applicable guidance. It should also be noted that the 4 Black Country local planning
authorities have now produced a Black Country Core Strategy (BCCS) – this now
further informing Dudley's waste planning approach and to be included/monitored in
our 2012 Annual Monitoring Report.
Core Output Indicator - W1 Capacity of new waste management facilities by waste
planning authority
Key Data
12.9
New waste management facilities are defined as those which have gained planning
permission, and have become operable within the reporting year - two such facilities
have been completed during the 2010/11 monitoring period:
Site Address
Description
of facility /
use
Wastes to be
managed
Annual
throughput
capacity
(tonnes)
Date planning
permission
granted
PW Mills (Cradley)
Ltd, Bassett Road,
Cradley, Halesowen
Skip storage
area
Asbestos
250
25 November
2009
Waste
Site Address
Description
of facility /
use
Dudley MBC, Former Recycling
BT Depot, Blowers
Depot
Green Road, Dudley
Wastes to be
managed
Annual
throughput
capacity
(tonnes)
Date planning
permission
granted
Municipal Wastes
(as glass, paper
and cardboard,
cans and foil,
plastics, and
cartons)
41,100
(maximum)
3 March 2011
Table 18
12.10
Additionally, a significant proposed waste management facility gained planning
permission during November 2009 (RDF Ltd, Moor Street, Brierley Hill) but remains
to be fully implemented on site.
12.11
It can be seen from the above that two waste management facilities gained planning
permission in November 2009 and March 2011, and have since been completed and
commenced operation during the current monitoring period. Although when these
proposals were granted permission the Adopted 2005 UDP Policies EP8 and EP9
had been deleted from the Plan (see above), these two applications were determined
in accordance with national planning policy as PPS10 'Planning for Sustainable
Waste Management' and any other then applicable guidance. On this basis, and
noting that the Black Country Core Strategy (BCCS) is now available to further inform
Dudley's waste planning approach, no further action is at present required.
UDP Policies - None applicable.
12.12
Noting that UDP Policies EP8 and EP9 were deleted (see above), Dudley Council’s
policy approach towards waste planning will reflect that set out in national planning
policy as PPS10 and any other applicable guidance. It should also be noted that the
4 Black Country local planning authorities have now produced a Black Country Core
Strategy (BCCS) – this now further informing Dudley's waste planning approach and
to be included/monitored in our 2012 Annual Monitoring Report.
Core Output Indicator - W2 Amount of municipal waste arising, and managed by
management type by waste planning authority
Key Data
Picture 1 Municipal Waste Managed by Management Type
12.13
The above municipal/household waste information was supplied by Dudley Council's
Waste Care department, which has the lead role in managing the Borough's municipal
waste.
12.14
In total (recovery + recycled + landfill) the above diagram identifies that 122,779
tonnes of municipal waste was managed by Dudley Council during the 2010
monitoring year. This represents a significant decrease of 16,173 tonnes compared
to 2010's figure of 138,952 tonnes. It should also be noted that Dudley's 2010 Annual
Monitoring Report (AMR) identifies that this 2010 municipal waste figure was in itself
a reduction of 23,967 tonnes compared to the 2009 figure of 162,919 tonnes (recovery
+ recycled + landfill). Reasons for this decrease include that:
Dudley Council's refuse collection service will no longer collect more than three
bags (maximum) of waste from each household;
Revised operating procedures at Stourbridge household waste reception centre
(HWRC) has led to an overall reduction in the quantity of wastes managed;
There is increasing encouragement for less packaging of a wide variety of retail
goods - resulting in less waste produced;
The recession has likely resulted in reduced levels of production and sale of
goods - with a consequent reduction in wastes arising.
12.15
As set out above, Dudley Council's Waste Care figures identify that a total of 122,779
tonnes of municipal waste was managed during the 2011 monitoring year. Waste
Data Flow information provided by the Government's Department for the Environment,
Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) indicates this figure should actually be 133,742
tonnes - i.e. an additional 10,963 tonnes as compared to Dudley Council's figure.
This differential is due to differences in approach - Dudley Council's Waste Care
department only take into consideration household wastes, whereas DEFRA considers
that all wastes collected by Dudley Council are deemed to be 'municipal' - i.e. including
trade waste collected by Dudley Council from such as shops, offices and restaurants.
Difficult to quantify municipal wastes such as fly tipping, road planings, and certain
household clinical wastes can also contribute to this discrepancy.
12.16
This gives rise to slightly differing percentage figures (Waste Data Flow) as compared
to those in the above diagram:
Management Type
Target % (set annually by
Dudley MBC to meet
those targets set by
Government (DEFRA) on
a less frequent basis)
Dudley MBC Achieved %
Recovery
49%
55.02%
Recycled
36%
34.3%
Landfill (least favoured
method - hence a low target
and achieved figure is
preferred)
15%
10.7%
Table 19 Municipal Waste managed by Management Type - Waste Data Flow figures
(1st of April 2010 to 31st of March 2011)
12.17
The above identifies that the quantity of municipal waste arising in Dudley Borough
continues to decrease significantly as compared to the previous two monitoring years
- waste reduction being at the top of the waste hierarchy as set out in national planning
policy guidance as Planning Policy Statement 10 Sustainable Waste Management
(PPS10).
With reference to the above diagram and table, it can be seen that Dudley's waste
management performance is acceptable and relates well to its annual targets set for
levels of recycling, recovery and disposal to landfill.
12.19
Noting that only some 11% of Dudley Borough's municipal waste goes to landfill Dudley performs well in terms of managing waste by methods other than disposal
to landfill sites (the PPS10 waste hierarchy identifying disposal as the least preferred
waste management option). Dudley Council's Waste Care department inform that
the council is one of the top 20 waste disposal authorities in the country in terms of
minimising disposal of its municipal waste to landfill.
12.20
It can be seen from the above that the Council’s planning department does not have
the lead role in terms of the authority’s municipal waste management performance.
Rather, the planning department sets out to safeguard existing waste management
facilities and encourage new ones as appropriate in accordance with national
guidance. The now adopted Black Country Joint Core Strategy will help further in
this regard.
12.21
In these terms and noting Dudley's currently good performance in terms of managing
its municipal waste, it can be considered that the Council’s approach towards waste
planning is satisfactory at the present time and hence that no further action is required.
12.18
Objective
Secure planning obligations on new developments within the Borough where the scale
and impact of development proposals can be shown to result in a consequential planning
loss to the existing community.
UDP Policy DD7 Planning Obligations
Target
13.1
There is no specific target. The Policy aims to ensure that new developments provide
for their direct infrastructure requirements, whether on-site or off-site, in accordance
with the Council’s adopted Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document.
Key Data
Legal Agreements signed
13.2
A total of 52 Legal Agreements were signed, made up of 45 S106 Agreements and
7 Unilateral Undertakings
Financial Planning Obligations Approved
Type of Infrastructure
Amount Approved
Open Space, Sport and Recreation
£666,301.90
Transport Infrastructure Improvements
£290,987.22
Public Realm
£161,884.08
Nature Conservation
Public Art
£64,415.81
£12,000
Affordable Housing
Libraries
£617,695
£78,634.54
Traffic Regulation Orders
£65,000
Highway Improvements
£50,000
TOTAL
£2,006,918.55
Table 20 Financial planning obligations approved
13.3
In addition 3 outline planning applications were approved with likely contributions for
Education, the actual amounts to be calculated at the time of the Reserved Matters
Planning Application when the exact number and mix of the dwellings is known.
13.4
In the vast majority of cases, the contributions are required to be paid to the Council
on commencement of development, therefore there will be a time lag between when
the obligations were approved and when the monies are received by the Council.
Non-Financial Planning Obligations Approved
13.5
In addition to the financial obligations approved as set out above, a range of additional
planning obligations have been approved and will be provided on-site rather than
through a financial contribution. A summary of the planning permissions providing
on-site infrastructure is as follows:
Type of Infrastructure
Number of Sites with
on-site infrastructure approved
3
Highway Infrastructure
3
Public Realm
14
Nature Conservation
47
Public Art
9
Affordable Housing
8
Economic and Community Development
Statements
23
Historic Environment
2
Air Quality Measures
1
Table 21 Non-financial planning obligations approved
Financial Planning Obligations Received
13.6
Financial planning obligations totalling £531,436.48 were received, broken down into
the areas of infrastructure as set out in the table below:
Amount Received
£118,973.32
Public Realm
£16,183.43
£363,914.38
Nature Conservation
£6,345.84
Libraries
£11,019.51
Traffic Regulation Orders
£15,000
TOTAL
£531,436.48
Table 22 Financial planning obligations received
Financial Planning Obligations Spent
13.7
Financial planning obligations totalling £625,742.24 were spent, broken down into
the areas of infrastructure as set out in the table below:
Infrastructure
Amount Spent
£360,611.78
£18,993.18
Public Realm
£3,991.52
Libraries
£2,623.70
Air Quality Monitoring Equipment
Affordable Housing
£24,522.06
£200,000.00
Education
£15,000.00
TOTAL
£625,742.24
Table 23 Financial planning obligations spent
Affordable Housing
13.8
In terms of on-site provision of affordable housing a total of 92 dwellings were built
in 2010/11; this equates to 16% of the total number of dwellings completed within
the financial year. These Affordable Housing dwellings have been delivered through
a combination of S106 Agreements and through other means outside of the S106
process, for example funding from the Homes and Communities Agency.
Type of Obligation
13.9
This Policy has been effective during the 2010/11 financial year and planning
obligations will continue to be monitored.
13.10
Regulations giving powers to Local Authorities to introduce a Community Infrastructure
Levy were introduced in April 2010. The Regulations also embedded into law the
tests that a planning obligation must meet; these are essentially a concise version
of the previous five tests that are set out within Circular 5/05 ‘Planning Obligations’
as follows:
Necessary to make the development acceptable in planning terms;
Directly related to the development; and
Fairly and reasonably related in scale and kind to the development.
13.11
As a result of the adopted Black Country Core Strategy, an updated evidence base,
and introduction of the Community Infrastructure Regulations, the Planning Obligations
SPD has been reviewed during 2011 and a revised document was adopted by the
Council on 14th September 2011. Works are also underway to consider the
implementation of a Community Infrastructure Levy for Dudley Borough.
Objective
To enable communities within Dudley to participate and contribute to the planning process,
both in the preparation of plans and policies and in the consideration of planning
applications.
Local Development Framework
Local output indicator- L37- the extent to which community involvement undertaken
on the preparation of the Local Development Framework is in accordance with
the Dudley Statement of Community Involvement
Local output indicator- L38- assessment of the effectiveness of the community
involvement undertaken on planning applications and considerations as to whether
it was in accordance with the Dudley Statement of Community Involvement
Targets
Community involvement in the preparation of the Local Development Framework
is in accordance with the requirements set out in the Statement of Community
Involvement (SCI).
Community involvement in planning applications is in accordance with the
requirements set out in the SCI.
Key data
14.1
Dudley Council's SCI was adopted in November 2006 and included a commitment
to monitoring its implementation.
14.2
In 2009 the Council carried out an assessment of its overall Planning Service. This
was seen as an opportunity to consult the stakeholders on planning policy services.
The questionnaire sent to stakeholders gathered information on engagement with
the planning application process and the planning policy process. The questions
ranged from asking who the applicants were i.e whether they were an agent,
householder or applicant.
14.3
In 2010 a similar questionnaire was sent to the individuals who are on the Council's
Developer's Forum database. The questionnaire was made available on the website
from 15th October to 12th of November 2010. In addition to this a planning officer
and a senior planning officer attended a community engagement event to involve
people in the consultation process.
14.4
The overall response from the consultees suggested that the majority of the
respondents were content with Dudley Council's consultation process. Of the concerns
that were raised, these centred on issues such as the ease of navigating the website
to get to particular documents; the length and technical detail in some documents;
the ways the Council carries out the consultation process and transparency in how
consultation responses were being considered.
14.5
The SCI is now somewhat outdated in the context of changes that have been made
to the planning system through the Town and Country Planning (Local Development)
(England) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 and 2009 and the Localism Act. As such,
Dudley Council has committed to reviewing the SCI in its Local Development Scheme
with commencement currently scheduled for January 2014. This review will provide
an opportunity for Dudley Council to further consider and promote opportunities for
local communities to become involved with neighbourhood planning.
14.6
Within the monitoring year, an examination in public was held into the Black Country
Core Strategy and Brierley Hill Area Action Plan. The purpose of the examination is
to consider whether the planning policy documents in question have been prepared
in accordance with the statutory requirements. One of those requirements relates to
whether appropriate consultation has been undertaken in accordance with the
Regulations and the SCI. Both plans were found to be sound and as such it is
reasonable to conclude that community engagement is continuing to be undertaken
effectively in Dudley Borough and therefore it was considered unnecessary to repeat
the questionnaire exercise detailed above to monitor the SCI.
15 Conclusions
Overview
It can be seen from the findings of the 2011 Annual Monitoring Report that the objectives of
the Council's policies as set out in the adopted Unitary Development Plan 2005 are being
achieved. The majority of the core indicators and local indicators are being effectively
monitored.
Local Development Scheme
The Local Development Scheme sets out a timetable for the planning documents that Dudley
MBC are going to produce. The Council has met its targets in relation to the LDS, in particular
the Black Country Core Strategy and the AAP for Brierley Hill have been adopted this year.
Good progress is being made on both the Stourbridge AAP and Halesowen AAP.
Housing
Following the completion of the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA)
Dudley has sufficient commitments and allocated sites in order to identify a five-year supply
of land available for housing. The total number of completed dwellings for the last twelve
months is up to 517 from 150 last year. Last years figure was due to the high number of
demolitions (320), due to the redevelopment of the North Priory Estate, Dudley and its resulting
demolition in 2009.
Of the completions 60% were on windfall sites and 100% were on previously developed land.
As the SHLAA only takes account of sites over 0.25 hectares, it is hoped that larger housing
sites identified through the SHLAA process will come forward, which will result in the windfall
completion percentage being lower. Affordable housing completions were up this year and
met the UDP policy requirement.
Employment and Economy
The UDP policies are relatively successful in that 95.8% of employment development was
on sites designated and/or safeguarded for such land use. When compared with the figure
for the 2010 monitoring year (90.6%) this year's figure represents a noticeable increase.
However, there is still a limited supply of good quality employment land in Dudley.
Centres and Retail
The retail policies appear to be working reasonably effectively. Most developments are
occurring in line with policy and we would expect there to be an increase in the number of
completed developments in Brierley Hill when the adopted AAP begins to be implemented.
15 Conclusions
15 Conclusions
Access and Movement
Good progress has been made in meeting the aims of these policies. In the monitoring year
all existing cycleways have been protected and further provision has been made. The
development of Area Action Plans for the main centres will assist in managing the level of
parking provision.
Nature Conservation
The policies in the UDP are aimed at protecting and enhancing Dudley's important biodiversity
sites and these, together with the Council's Nature Conservation Supplementary Planning
Document, appear to be working well. Suitable compensation and mitigation was secured
as part of permissions for areas where biodiversity has been lost.
Historic Environment
The policies are working successfully in that no statutory listed buildings were demolished
in the last twelve months and there was no development which adversely affected a Scheduled
Ancient Monument. An Urban Historic Landscape Characterisation for Halesowen has been
commenced and work is progressing in order to bring this to full completion within the required
AAP timescales.
Strategic Open Space
There have been no inappropriate development proposals approved planning permission
within the Green Belt during the monitoring period. During the monitoring year there has
been one development proposal granted planning approval on an existing playing field sports
pitch at the Coombs Wood Sports and Social Club, Halesowen. The relevant Open Space
policies ensured that the replacement outdoor sports green space facilities were secured as
part of the new-build residential redevelopment proposal. No publicly accessible children's
play area or sports playing field was lost during the last twelve months.
Environmental Protection and Energy
The policies on water protection and flood protection are working in that no development has
taken place in the monitoring year which was contrary to the advice of the Environment
Agency.
Regarding air quality, the Council has adopted an Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) for Dudley
in September 2011 and next years AMR will consider the issues of NO2 hotspots in compliance
with the Black Country Core Strategy. Regarding renewable energy small domestic schemes
involving solar panels do not require planning consent and therefore cannot be easily
monitored. Dudley schools are working towards sustainability with the aim of all schools
being carbon neutral by 2016.
15 Conclusions
Policies relating to safeguarding sites are working although no aggregates were extracted
in the last twelve months. Monitoring of secondary and recycled aggregates cannot be carried
out as data is only available on a sub-regional level and not on a local level. However and
in broad terms, UDP Policy can be considered suitable in terms of safeguarding known and
accessible mineral resources and ensuring appropriate restoration and after-use of mineral
workings.
Two waste management facilities gained planning permission in November 2009 and March
2011, and have since been completed and commenced operation during the current monitoring
period. The adopted Black Country Core Strategy will inform Dudley's waste planning approach
and be monitored in the 2012 AMR.
Planning Obligations
UDP Policy DD7 aims to ensure that new developments provide for their direct infrastructure
requirements, whether on-site or off-site, in accordance with the Council's adopted Planning
Obligations Supplementary Planning Document. This policy has been effective during the
2010/11 financial year and planning obligations will continue to be monitored. As a result of
the adopted Black Country Core Strategy, an updated evidence base, and introduction of
the Community Infrastructure Regulations, the Planning Obligations SPD has been reviewed
during 2011 and will be monitored in next years AMR.
Community Involvement
Although there are no policies in the UDP regarding community involvement, the Council is
committed through its Statement of Community Involvement to consult with the public regarding
work undertaken as part of the Local Development Framework and on planning applications.
Dudley MBC is committed to reviewing the SCI in its LDS with commencement currently
scheduled for January 2014. This review will provide an opportunity to further consider and
promote opportunities for local communities to become involved with neighbourhood planning.
Minerals and Waste
15 Conclusions
Aggregate
Granular or particulate material used (on its own or with a binding
agent such as cement or bitumen) in construction as concrete,
mortar, roadstone, asphalt or drainage courses, or for use as
constructional fill or railway ballast. The two principal types are
crushed rock and sand and gravel.
Area Action Plans
(AAPs)
A Development Plan Document focusing on a specific part of the
Borough and providing the planning framework for areas of
significant change.
Annual Monitoring
Report (AMR)
Report submitted to the Government Office each December which
assesses the progress of the Local Development Framework,
whether targets are being met and whether policies in Local
Development Documents are being achieved.
Biodiversity
The whole variety of life encompassing all genetics, species and
ecosystem variations, including plants and animals,
Biodiversity Action National, Regional or Local level documents identifying key habitats
Plan (BAP)
and species for which targeted conservation actions are assigned.
Black Country Joint Local Development Document being carried out by all four Black
Core Strategy
Country authorities setting out the vision, objectives and detailed
spatial strategy for future development up to 2026 and specific
strategic policies and targets.
Core Output
Indicator
Theninekey indicators set out by Government to monitor annually
to measure the impact the implementation of planning policies is
having on a wide range of quantifiable spatial activities.
Development Plan LDF documents outlining the key development goals and including
Documents (DPDs) the Core Strategy, site-specific allocations of land and area action
plans.
Green Belt
A designated area of land around certain cities and large built up
areas which aims to keep this land permanently open or largely
developed.
Green Flag Award
Standard
National standard for parks and green spaces in England and Wales.
Housing Trajectory A means of showing both past and anticipated future levels of annual
housing completions.
Local Development A series of documents within the LDF which will generally take the
Documents (LDDs) form of Development Plan Documents or Supplementary Planning
Glossary
Documents, each having a specific function and together providing
a complete spatial planning strategy for the Borough.
Local Development A portfolio of documents that provides the framework for planning
Framework (LDF)
in the Borough and for delivering the spatial vision.
Local Development Sets out the timetable for the production of Local Development
Scheme (LDS)
Documents and the key milestones in their production.
Local indicators
Key indicators set out by the local authority in order to monitor
specific local issues .which are not already covered.
Planning and
Compulsory
Purchase Act 2004
The legislation that introduced the new planning system of Local
Development Frameworks
Planning Policy
Statements/
Guidance
(PPSs/PPGs)
National planning policy documents produced by the Government
and which all regional and local planning documents and policies
must conform to.
Primary Aggregate
Produced from naturally occurring mineral deposits won from the
ground and used for the first time.
Priority Habitats
and Species
Habitats and species identified by the UK Biodiversity Steering Group
as being at risk or suffering from a high rate of decline.
Recycled Aggregate Mainly consists of construction and demolition waste, although can
also be recycled road planings and rail ballast.
Regional Spatial
Strategy (RSS)
Prepared by the Regional Planning Body and setting out the broad
development strategy for the region for the next 15-20 years.The
RSS forms part of the Development Plan.
Renewable Energy
Energy flows that occur naturally and repeatedly in the environment
such as from wind, water flow, tides or the sun.
Secondary
Aggregate
Material which originates as a waste product from other quarrying
activities, or as a by-product of certain industrial processes.
Significant Effect
Indicators
Locally defined indicators which are linked to the objectives and
indicators in the sustainability appraisals of DPDs and SPDs.
Statement of
Community
Involvement (SCI)
Sets out the standard approach that the Council intends to achieve
by involving stakeholders and the public in the preparation and
production of all its documents.
Strategic Housing
Land Availability
The purpose of a SHLAA is to identify sites that have the potential
for residential development and assess when these sites are likely
to be developed to meet the community's need for housing.
Supplementary
Planning
Documents (SPDs)
Documents produced to elaborate on and to support policies set
out in DPDs by providing additional guidance.
Sustainability
Appraisal (SA)
An assessment that considers the social, economic and
environmental implications of policies and proposals and ensure
that they contribute towards sustainable development objectives.
Unitary
Development Plan
(UDP)
Local planning policy and proposal document adopted under the
previous planning system. UDP policies can generally be saved for
three years from their date of adoption, in Dudley's case October
2005.
Windfall sites
Sites which come forward for development, e.g.for housing, where
no allocation was made in the UDP.
Assessment
(SHLAA)
Demographic Profile
Socio-Cultural Profile
Area
2003-2005
2004-2006
Dudley
80.8
81.3
Sandwell
79.4
Walsall
2005-2007
2006-2008
2007-2009
81.6
81.9
82.2
79.7
80.0
80.0
80.7
80.7
80.8
81.3
81.3
81.9
Wolverhampton
79.9
80.1
80.3
80.5
81.0
West Midlands
Region
80.4
80.7
81.10
81.2
81.6
England
81.1
81.6
81.8
82.0
82.3
Table 24 Life Expectancy at Birth in Years (Females)
Area
2003-2005
2004-2006
Dudley
76.2
76.6
Sandwell
74.4
Walsall
2005-2007
2006-2008
2007-2009
77.1
77.2
77.8
74.4
74.2
74.3
74.9
75.7
75.7
75.7
75.9
76.3
Wolverhampton
75.0
75.4
75.7
75.7
76.3
West Midlands
Region
75.4
75.7
75.9
76.2
76.7
England
76.9
77.3
77.7
77.9
78.3
Table 25 Life Expectancy at Birth in Years (Males)
Economic Profile
Employment by Industrial Sector
Source: Annual Business Inquiry (ABI), Office for National Statistics (ONS)
Table 26
2009
SIC (2003) Broad
Industrial Group
Agriculture, Fishing,
Energy & Water
Dudley Black
Country
2010
West
England Dudley
Midlands
Black
Country
West
England
Midlands
0.2
0.2
0.1
1.4
0.0
0.0
0.0
1.4
14.3
15.5
11.7
8.7
14.1
15.2
11.4
8.6
Construction
6.8
5.3
4.9
5.2
6.6
5.6
4.7
4.8
Accommodation &
Food Services
4.8
4.6
5.6
6.7
4.0
3.9
4.9
6.6
Transport & Storage
(inc postal)
2.5
4.4
4.3
4.6
2.6
4.3
4.2
4.6
Financial & Insurance
2.2
2.6
4.2
3.9
1.8
2.5
4.1
3.9
Manufacturing
2009
2010
Public Administration
& Defence
3.7
4.1
5.2
5.1
3.6
3.9
6.0
5.2
Education
9.3
9.6
11.0
9.0
9.2
9.8
11.2
9.2
Health
12.5
12.7
12.9
12.1
13.6
13.6
13.2
12.4
Total
56.3
59.0
59.9
56.7
55.5
58.8
59.7
56.7
Table 27 Employment by Industrial Sector
Housing Profile
Dwelling Stock and Percentage of Vacant Dwellings at April in Year
Table 28
Number of Dwellings
Area
2010
Percentage of Vacant Dwellings
2011
2010
2011
Dudley
133,010
133,606
2.6
2.9
Sandwell
127,195
127,845
3.7
3.7
Walsall
111,162
112,016
3.8
3.3
Wolverhampton
105,032
105,426
4.7
4.4
1,119,796
1,124,773
3.0
2.9
West Midlands
Table 29
Table 30
Transport Profile
Source: Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG)

Annual Monitoring Report 2011 - Dudley Metropolitan Borough

Transcription

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