needham market neighbourhood plan june 2015 draft
DESCRIPTION
The Needham Market Neighbourhood Plan is one of a fast growing number of new style planning documents which are based on the views of local residents and business communities. Central Government has encouraged local people to become involved in locally prepared plans through the Localism Act and this supports communities having a greater say in the way their locality is developed.TRANSCRIPT
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DRAFT
COPYNEEDHAM MARKET TOWN COUNCIL
Needham MarketNeighbourhood Plan
THE FUTURE OF OUR TOWN
2015 to 2030
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1CO
NTEN
TS
CONTENTS
Needham Market Neighbourhood Plan 2015 to 2030
Contents:
1: INTRODUCTION 2
2: NEEDHAM MARKET - THE PLACE 5
3: THE STORY SO FAR 7
4: STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES 9
5: HOUSING 12
6: COMMUNITY SERVICES 14
7: EMPLOYMENT 15
8: CONSERVATION 17
9: EDUCATION 18
10: MEDICAL SERVICES 20
11: KEY ISSUES 21
12: RISK ASSESSMENT 28
13: VISION & OBJECTIVES 29
14: A NEW FUTURE 33
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2INTRO
DUCT
ION
NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN
INTRODUCTIONThe Needham Market Neighbourhood Plan is one of a fast growing number of new style planning documents which are based on the views of local residents and business communities. Central Government has encouraged local people to become involved in locally prepared plans through the Localism Act and this supports communities having a greater say in the way their locality is developed.
Mid Suffolk District Council has adopted a Core Strategy planning document to explain where and how economic development and housing growth will take place in the period to 2025/6. The Core Strategy includes Needham Market. Needham Market Town Council believes it is important that its local community has a chance to comment on the location and possible impact of future development as the Core Strategy stipulates Needham Market will be expected to accept some new housing development during the Core Strategy period.
In the absence of an Area Action Plan explaining how local new housing development is to be delivered, the Town Council resolved to facilitate the creation of a local planning policy document which is a fair reflection of the local communitys aims for its neighbourhood, i.e. a Neighbourhood Plan. The Needham Market Neighbourhood Plan intends to ensure there is a clear overview of future development proposals, thereby anticipating issues growth of the town may present.
To accommodate the District Councils own strategic plan parameters the Town Council has proposed application of the fifteen year period, 2015 2030, to its own Neighbourhood Plan.
Needham Markets Neighbourhood Plan has been developed by a dedicated group of Town Councillors, the Town Clerk and a Planning advisor with experience of community plan making. They have sought and taken into account the views of the towns residents and businesses and a range of stakeholders gathered through a series of consultation events, questionnaires and surveys, which are documented in the appendices of the Neighbourhood Plan. The foundations of the Neighbourhood Plan are based on a diligent review of statistical and other relevant evidence gathered from a considerable scope of research and investigation. This information can be found in the Appendix Building the Evidence Base. Complimentary information is contained in the Suffolk Acre research document which combines local and census data about Needham Market.
Needham Market Neighbourhood Plan sets out a vision for the future of the town focussed on local aspirations, which is rational and acknowledges the context of the town in national, regional and district planning control. The plan has to conform to the national hierarchy of planning guidance as indicated below:
National Planning Policy Framework & Planning Practice Guidance
Local Development framework / Local Plan Mid Suffolk Core Strategy
Needham Market Neighbourhood Plan
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3INTRO
DUCT
ION
1: INTRODUCTION
A NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN - WHAT IS IT? A useful document to explain to the Planning Authority* how the community want to see development
pressures handled over the plan period of, say, 15 years or more.
A document that contains a strategy to help steer development into good practice and design and a list of infrastructure (i.e. the services and facilities) needed to help that process of development - without harm to the existing town, its residents, businesses and users.
A clear statement on the things that must happen to ensure that the happy and balanced town of Needham Market is not harmed by unsympathetic development which disrupts the existing network of roads or the community services which exist today.
It may also contain A framework for the timely delivery of new arrangements and services to ensure that the town and its
residents can assimilate any new development.
Needham Markets Neighbourhood Plan is not a Neighbourhood Development Order - NDOs are used to help a community to determine planning applications at the town or parish level but Needham Market Town Council believes that these decisions are better taken at the District Council Level*.
SOME GROUND RULESWhen completed the Needham Market Neighbourhood Plan must meet some legal requirements - It must be applied to an area defined in a map that has been agreed by the District Council, in a designation process following consultation. The designation map is printed overleaf.
The Neighbourhood Plan must specify the period of the Plan (Section 38B of the Localism Act) This Plan period will run from 2015 to 2030.
The Plan must be in general conformity with the strategic policies contained in the Development Plan. So, it may not be used to restrain development in a way that undermines the delivery of the aims of the Development Plan this includes national Planning Practice Guidance and any adopted Local Plans. In this case, the District Council has adopted a Core Strategy and a Core Strategy Focussed Review as part of the development plan for the area. As the town and residents accepted the terms of the CSFR at the time, the Neighbourhood Plan needs to
be in general conformity with that document.
The Plan must also aid the delivery of Sustainable development - The term is often debated but rarely agreed. In this plan we will ensure that the patterns of development achieved should try to:
1. Create a balanced approach to the delivery of new homes and new jobs so that existing and future residents may take advantage of this and;
2. Reduce the need to travel while encouraging the use of public transport and other alternatives to the car.
3. Encourage walking and cycling by making local services accessible whenever possible; especially by keeping and encouraging them to be centrally placed
4. Live wiser as we live longer and maintain a healthier lifestyle. To do this the Needham Market Neighbourhood Plan tries to offer innovative and imaginative ideas to overcome some of the challenges.
*The Planning Authority can be a District or County Council depending on the type of development being proposed. Some Parish and Town Councils have wanted to take on this responsibility by preparing a Neighbourhood Development Order.
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4INTRO
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NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN
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44m
41m
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PlantationShort
Track
28m
Farm
CottagesDoveshill
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Drain
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43mTrack
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ERNEST
RO
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32m
48m
31m
43m
Track
Trac
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Trac
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51m
Nursery
Drain
M
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31m
51m
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Badley
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Groves
Ash
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Path
(Track)
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Mast
Path
PathCovert
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43m
38m
Drain
Sinks
Lady Well
43m
ChurchGreen
Badley HallFarm
63m
Drain
Track
Track
Dial Farm Plantations
CottageBirch
Dra
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Moat
62m
Path
Trac
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Track
Dial Farm
BirchFarm
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Row Track
Path
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Coddenham
FB
The Drift (Track)
Coddenham Wood
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Long
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Path
Track
62m
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Crossways
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SevenAcres
The OwlHouse
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Issues
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Dra
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A140
Moat
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61m
Vale
Fox'sFarm
Cottages59m
61m
Track
TrackFarm
Path GreenCoddenham
62m
Cottage
HillFarm
Hill Farm
58m
53m
Track
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Drain
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PathPath
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53m
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Trac
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49m
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A140A
140
A14
44m
Lane (Track)
Holt's
Sally Wood's
Lane
Bungalow
FarmCollege
College Farm
A14
Reproduced by permission ofOrdnance Survey on behalf of HMSO.
Crown copyright and database right 2012Ordnance Survey Licence number 100023274
Kilometres
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Needham Market Town Council
NEEDHAM MARKET DESIGNATED AREA
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2: NEEDHAM MARKET
NEEDHAM MARKET - THE PLACEThe town of Needham Market has grown up alongside the River Gipping on its western bank in the lea of the river Gipping valley sides. Its earliest traces were found recently during pre-construction archaeology at the Needham Maltings housing development site. This one site showed evidence of Bronze Age funerary circles and ditches associated with Middle Bronze Age land divisions, some limited roman finds and an Anglo-Saxon settlement from the 7th and 8th Century. The barns and other commercial buildings that lie along the rivers edge reflect the Gippings commercial use as a navigable river until the 1960s. The road which followed the river valley between Ipswich and Stowmarket was also an important local artery serving the needs of industry, agriculture and the local communities. It was part of the Turnpike system from the early 18th century.
The town also benefitted from being located in the River Gipping valley when the Eastern Union Railway routed its line between Ipswich, Stowmarket and Bury St Edmunds (or Norwich) in the 1840s
Needham Market has adapted and grown since the 1880s and the map work overleaf will help to present a clearer picture of how the town has developed over time.
At the towns core lies the High Street which has a gentle wynd or bend, just sufficient to ensure a charm that arises from the constantly changing view of so many attractive Listed Buildings. The towns back streets linking to the High Street enjoy the narrowness and intimacy associated with terraces and cottages from the 18th/19th centuries.
Generally, the use of traditional building methods with timber frame / lime render and plain tile roofs is complimented by some local rat-trap bond brickwork, pantiled roofs and knapped flint walls; including those of the Parish Church of St John the Baptist.
The river valley is punctuated by much valued ancient woodlands which provide an attractive backdrop to the town and offer pleasant opportunities for walking. The rural nature of the town is emphasised by the scale of the arable farming that surrounds it and accounts for circa 90% of the land uses around the towns boundaries.
The more modern elements of the towns development have featured volume house building with varying standards of construction and design. There has been some criticism during the Neighbourhood Plan consultation phase for the way in which the redevelopment of the Needham Maltings housing development site has punctured the High Street rather than integrated with the scale and appearance of the typical frontages.
Following the various open consultation events, the importance to the community of the countryside surrounding the town and the access offered to it through the extensive network of footpaths, has been recognised. The Local Plan designation of Special Landscape Areas describes the areas that are worthy of protection and are supported in Policy NM6 of this neighbourhood plan.
The growth of the town since the 1880s is shown in the maps overleaf, which illustrate how Needham Market has grown from its historic core, broadening out across the river valley and away from the River Gipping.
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6NEED
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NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN
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7THE STO
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3: THE STORY SO FAR
THE STORY SO FARGathering an evidence base together provides a sound starting point for the preparation of a Neighbourhood Plan. Many sources of information have been identified and used to produce a comprehensive picture of the town of Needham Market.
These included:
The Suffolk Observatory for local statistics on employment, age structure, education and healthinformation.
A Community profile for Needham Market, ACRE, OCSI 2013.
The Census 2011 for health and wellbeing, car ownership and economic activity.
Mid Suffolk District Council - for Planning and Conservation Area issues affecting the town. TheDistrict Council web site also considers flood risk matters and provision of recreation / sport facilities.
In addition The Needham Market Health Check 2004, the towns last extensive appraisal, offered some valuable starting point information.
The research phase of the Neighbourhood Plan preparation identified the following key matters which will affect the town.
Rising average age of resident population
Outreach of health facilities keeping active keeping safe maintaining good mental health
Growth of younger peoples age group
Facilities education leisure including sport and informal recreation
Rising House prices Continuing need for a broad mix of homes across a range of tenures including affordable homes for rent.
Employment opportunities Encouraging and maintaining business growth
Low crime rates Maintaining an effective local Police presence
Please see Appendix A for a complete view of the evidence base called Building the Evidence Base. Click anywhere in red box to access link
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Please see Appendix B for a complete schedule of the Consultation Stages and the feedback received.
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THE STO
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NEIGHBOURHOOD PLANA programme of events has been used to help offer the Needham Market Neighbourhood Plan to the people and businesses of the town and the nearby Parishes
First discussion with adjoining parishes and OpenAnnual Town Meeting
Consultation with local groups including Bosmereschool parents via Environment Week SchoolProject
Publicity through the NM newsletter
Evidence base prepared for Town Council initialfindings circulated 4 April 2014.
First Consultation Open Day 22 June 2014
Business Community Survey High Street focus +industrial areas July 2014
Non statutory invitation to allow other agenciesinvolvement - letters sent August 2014
Second Consultation Open Day 20 September2014
Pop up High Street shop days October 2014
Facebook/Twitter presence October 2014
Third Consultation Open Day 21 March 2015
The Key issues raised by the event participants are:
Some new homes will be needed to maintain ahealthy flow without swamping the town
There is strong opposition to the development ofgreenfield (currently in use for agriculture) landon the fringe of the town before development ofbrown field sites is exhausted.
It is anticipated several brown field sites (areasof land which have been used previously e.g.Needham Market Middle School site) will becomeavailable for redevelopment during the plan periodNB: The downside of brown field redevelopmentis it rarely delivers meaningful contribution toimprovements in infrastructure and/or publicservice benefits as developers are often ableto make a case for making no or reducedcontributions as a result of viability (additionalcosts regularly apply to redevelopment of brownfield sites which dont exist for development ofgreenfield sites (e.g. remediation of land)
Needham Market Country Practice (GP Surgeryand Pharmacy) would be far better located in thecore of the town the current location of thePractice demands the use of a vehicle for manypatients causing pressure on grossly inadequateparking facilities
The High Street is already very busy and does ithave capacity to cope with extra traffic?
The High Street is subject to a vehicle weightrestriction but this is often ignored causingdisruption and danger to people in the vicinity plusdamage to heritage properties
The provision of adequate parking for visitors/customers of High Street businesses is vital tothose businesses prosperity
There are significant traffic related areas ofconcern, notably at Needham Market CountryPractice, Barking Road and problems associatedwith the low railway bridge on Coddenham Road,which provides the only direct link from the townto the A14
The impact of school traffic on Quinton Roadhas led to the rerouting of a bus service to thedetriment of bus users (in particular older peopleand people with young children)
Access to Needham Market Railway Station isrestricted for people who have mobility problems
Business and employment opportunities are good provided the industrial/commercial/retail areasof the town remain vibrant and attractive
The loss of banking facilities in the town hasundermined its offer to businesses, visitors andresidents
The population is living longer so there will be anincreasing number of older people in the town
There is a significant growth in young peopleforecast in the plan period (to 2029) and additionaldevelopment of new housing will bring youngfamilies to the town
Premises which provide facilities for children andyoung people (e.g. the Scout Hut at the CampingLand and the Internet Cafe in School Street) are ator nearing end of life
The general environment of the town is good andit benefits considerably from the proximity ofNeedham Lake
The Town Councils efforts to maintain thecleanliness of the town are welcomed but thereremains an ongoing problem with dog fouling.
Click anywhere in red box to access link
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9ST
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4: STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES
The last assessment of these issues occurred in the Town Health check in 2004.
Strengths then extended to three pages! The Character and Vitality of the town based on its historic core, its many distinctive buildings and community buildings were found to be at the heart of the towns success. The efforts put into the public environment, street furniture improvements and pedestrian safety added to the sense of wellbeing in and around the shops of the High Street. Good footpath and cycle routes and the bridleway network offered good access to the countryside around the town and the lack of development proposals around the town were also seen to be strengths. The protection of open spaces in and around the town afforded by planning policy was well supported.
The broad range of shops and a high level of occupancy (without closed shop fronts) presented a strong retail base and this was coupled with low unemployment, vocational training reflecting employers needs and good schools locally (including those offering pre-school facilities). The availability of a vibrant tourism economy, cultural activities and other sport and leisure activities in well used Community buildings suggested a decent balance existed between the populations needs and the facilities provided.
The Public also benefited from emergency services meeting their own response times, a low incidence of crime and effective crime prevention measures. Ease of movement to and from the town by bus, rail and car (excepting Coddenham Road Railway Bridge) was considered a real strength as were the bus stops in the town centre.
The weaknesses were quite limited by comparison at just over one page! However, some of the issues were of a high priority to participants. These included a limited range of
quality tourist accommodation, availability of Broadband and less than five national coach services per day. Ease of movement around the town was a concern arising from the conflicts between pedestrians, cars and buses at several identified points. There was no disabled parking available within 250m of town. Health services were also considered a weakness by virtue of (i) difficult access to non emergency hospital services, (ii) inadequate specialist or outpatient clinics and (iii) few mobile health clinics in operation.
Opportunities were identified as the management and value of the countryside, increasing job opportunities based on existing company expansion and development of Lion Barn industrial estate. The town centre had not been promoted and internet learning could be increased and include non-vocational courses. The ability to build on visitors to the town for the benefit of the local economy and the introduction of safe cycling and walking around the town would be enhanced by secure cycle parking in convenient locations.
The key threats identified were loss of retail floor space limited range of tourism accommodation and lack of tourism enterprise inadequate signage to visitor attractions alack of business support housing affordability a major concern frequency of rail services sports and leisure facilities in poor condition/inadequate outside sports facilities- poor public transport connection to surrounding villages growing town congestion.
The assessment of the 2004 Town Health check provided the Needham Market Neighbourhood Plan Group with a jumping off point to establish a vision and some objectives to get debate going at the consultation open days and workshops.
STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES
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STREN
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NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN
The expanded Objectives proposed for the purposes of discussion were:
To maintain existing facilities in the Town
To deliver new services to meet the changing needs of residents and businesses during the Neighbourhood Plan period.
To deliver the new homes expected in the District Councils Planning documents but only in accordance with the Needham Market Neighbourhood Plan vision
To influence the delivery of services provided by other agencies by cooperation and coordination (i.e. avoiding duplication).
The findings of SWOT analysis today are not dissimilar although information is not now collected in the same way as it was in 2004. Findings are based on our public discussions and consultation with local businesses. They confirm that the vision and objectives suggested for the purposes of consultation were well founded.
The following additional objectives came from the numerous stages of public consultation:
To prepare for the needs of an ageing population by improving connections and services within the town and preventing the need to travel elsewhere, particularly by car.
To encourage healthier life styles by helping people to enjoy cycling and walking safely .
The Neighbourhood Plan Group of the Town Council agreed the following
The suggested Vision for the purposes of debate was To help the towns growth occur in a balanced way - which does not harm its historic and attractive core or allow its future development to disrupt the community way of life already present in the town
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The numerous rounds of community consultation have produced the following updated assessment:
114: STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES
Strengths
Quality High Street environment as a Heritage asset
Good breadth of services available to the community
Jobs are available locally and low unemployment compared with Suffolk/national average
Housing stock in generally good condition
Attractive rural setting for the Town
Community Spirit based on activity of key community workers and participants
Threats
Vulnerability to traffic increases on local road network based on current and future development proposals
High Street shopping and residential environment is harmed by growth in traffic
Insufficient housing to meet needs of the existing and future residents with potential to disrupt community / family structures
Ageing population placing increasing pressure on local health facilities
Decline of key community workers and participants
Job losses in key employers and/or relocation of District Council Offices away from the town
Key sites becoming available for redevelopment with insufficient community input/benefits
Weaknesses
Age of facilities which house community service groups
Disconnect between the town and the Needham Lake area
Community dependency on limited number of key community workers and participants
Poor approach to the town from Coddenham Road
Fragmentation of existing Community Services
Ageing volunteer community workforce
Opportunities
Redevelopment sites possibly becoming available for, or to include, community benefit
Attraction of the Needham Lake to tourists and other visitors
Heritage asset in town centre may attract grant aid
The Localism Act and right to challenge activity
Central Government funding and loans to undertake community based programmes of improvement and new service delivery (including health initiatives)
Creation of a Community Hub offering centralised health and well being facilities in the community to reduce pressure on local hospitals and welfare services
Community Infrastructure Levy
Creation and adoption of a Neighbourhood Plan
STREN
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HOUSIN
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NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN
HOUSING GROWTH IN NEEDHAM MARKET With these facts and issues in mind the Needham Market Neighbourhood Plan will adopt the following themes and practical policies
The Mid Suffolk Local Plan and the subsequent plans of the Local Development Framework have recognised the important relationship between Needham Market and Stowmarket. Although there is some interchange of residents for work between the two towns they have retained a separate identity born from physical separation and planning policy controls. There has been a long term commitment on the part of both town Councils and the District Council to preventing the two becoming joined up by further development in the gap between the two settlements. For the purposes of ensuring that enough jobs are being made available to suit Stowmarkets growth in housing an exception to this restraint has been accepted in terms of the Mill Lane development area, currently known as Gateway14. While some residents of Needham Market are likely to find employment there the Town Council does not want to see Needham Market become a dormitory town for its neighbour. In this context the levels of development proposed by the District Councils policies were found to be acceptable.
The numbers of new homes expected for our town are set out in the District Councils Core Strategy and the focussed review. Development of the 470 homes anticipated in Mid Suffolk Councils Core Strategy Focused Review (CSFR) will not be unreasonable as a minimum target for the 15 years of the Needham Market Neighbourhood Plan - 2015 to 2030. These homes will be built predominantly on brown field land. The Needham Market Neighbourhood Plan will conform to the CSFR in this respect until 2022 at which point the CSFR anticipates that some 150 homes may be approved and built on green field sites around the town. At that point, the developers who wish to see the green field sites being developed will have an expectation that the planning permission they want will be granted especially if there are delays in the delivery of the homes being built on the brown field sites.
Favouring Sustainable Development, the Needham Market Neighbourhood Plan wants to
encourage the reuse of brown field sites as a matter of priority over the loss of the countryside around the town. This is especially so in respect of those sites which were not given consideration as part of the Mid Suffolk Councils Core Strategy review process in 2011/2. Two key sites have been revealed since the CSFR was considered by an Inspector at Inquiry.
Mid Suffolk District Council may wish to leave their premises in the town following reorganisation and
Needham Market Middle School has also been found to be redundant following Schools Organisation Review.
Neither sites development could have been anticipated at the time of Mid Suffolks CSFR. They have only recently become apparent as possible sites in the heart of the town by virtue of announcements about the changes to their continued use. If developed they could provide a significant proportion of the strategic housing need for the town into the plan period. For these reasons the qualifying body, in support of these sustainable development aims, has not made a call for new sites. Similarly, there being no damage or loss to habitat of importance or other environmentally sensitive areas generated by the redevelopment of brown field sites the qualifying body has not found it necessary to undertake a Sustainability Appraisal or Strategic Environmental Assessment. This matter is referred to further in the Statement of Basic Conditions.
House types in Needham Market - In a Town that has been physically restrained from growth by the barriers of the railway and river Gipping on one side and the valley sides to the other, the town has had an organic growth of new homes over the last thirty years. Some say that the volume of 2 and 3 bedroom homes built over that period has outweighed the larger family homes and that the balance should be restored by building a greater number of 4/5 bedroom houses. Others have commented that a lack of
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13HOUSIN
G5: HOUSING
POLICY NM1
The Needham Market Neighbourhood Plan supports the delivery of a minimum of 470 homes during the plan period in accordance with the District Councils aim for the town set out in the Mid Suffolk Core Strategy Focused Review (December 2012).
Of these, 94 have already been completed on The Maltings site. Planning permission has been granted for a further 266 to be developed on Needham Market Chalk Quarry site and from the year 2022 the possibility of a green field extension to the town is anticipated to accommodate the remaining 110 homes. This represents a flow of new homes in the town to the CSFR end date (2027) and beyond to 2029 for this plan.
Please also see Policy NM 6
smaller homes, especially bungalows has meant that there are limited opportunities for older people to downsize to release the stock of larger houses. This tends to suggest that the balance of house sizes may be about right. A developers* choice of house type will depend on the ability to rent or sell it promptly. Whilst larger luxury homes may bring a profit premium the responsible developer will know that there are other house styles which will maintain a healthy balance in the market and sell equally quickly. The Town Council does not believe it should try to influence a developers calculations and therefore the Needham Market Neighbourhood Plan does not offer policy guidance on the mix of house types or the type of tenure. The Council, (as qualifying body) will consider the spread of house types delivered in the first five years of the Needham Market Neighbourhood Plan period and will look carefully at the matter during its review stage. In any event, the District Council has published its own Strategic Housing Market Assessment and this objective assessment of need is the more appropriate vehicle to guide the mix of homes proposed by potential developers.
Population growth - Note: 470 homes represent an approximate growth of 1130 persons in the period to 2027- based on 2011 Census average household occupancy for Mid Suffolk (i.e. 40,306 households / 96,731 population) Of these some 640 new residents would emanate from the
proposed 266 homes in the quarry. Of these 640, and based on census ratios, there would be 47 children aged 4-11 and 46 children aged 12-17.
Affordable homes - The mix of house types discussed above is a different matter from that of the need for affordable housing. The affordability question relates to the ability of local people to able to purchase or rent property in the property market. This specifically requires that the relationship between the cost of a mortgage or monthly rental is practical and capable of being paid - without causing distress or hardship to the persons seeking a home. To establish the housing need of residents and their families in the town the Town Council will complete a housing need survey. This will supplement housing need information gathered by the District Council. If it is to use the information to influence inclusion of a proportion of affordable homes in development proposals it will have to be accurate and proving local need. This means that some questions about incomes and expenditure may seem intrusive or personal. Even so the Council will offer the opportunity for local people to comment and support the delivery of less expensive homes to buy and rent, with a Housing Need Survey. This need not hold up the process of completing the Needham Market Neighbourhood Plan as the information may be used in support of planning applications submitted under existing planning policy.
*In this paragraph, the term developer is meant to include the Local Authority and those Registered Social Housing Providers who, we hope, will continue to provide local authority housing and sheltered housing. Tenure means the basis on which a house is made available e.g. for freehold sale, for leasehold or for rental
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COMMUNITY SERV
ICES
6: COMMUNITY SERVICES
POLICY NM2
Development of the land off Barking Road (adjoining the Doctors Surgery) should be phased into the plan process to accord with the period indicated in the Core Strategy Focussed Review. This approach will allow time for the delivery of homes on the Needham Market Chalk Quarry site and the achievement of other sustainable development, i.e. the reuse of the brown field sites identified in the plan area since completion of the Mid Suffolk Core Strategy Focussed Review.
Please also see Policy NM6
Local Community Services for all the family In an effort to make community services available to a larger number of people, the Neighbourhood Plan wishes to promote more centralised services in the core of the town. The significant, growing and continuing pressures generated by the number of elderly people seeking assistance from the accident and emergency services means that it would help the A&E services if only the more life threatening illnesses and accidents are treated at the hospitals in Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich. To maintain acceptable levels of care for minor injuries to people of all ages (minor broken bones soft tissue damage stitches - minor burns strains and sporting injuries) supplementary facilities could be made available in a health centre attached to a community hub. In an effort to keep people well for longer and in their own homes, the hub could provide a base for outreach services for Social Services and occupational health workers. The hub concept would necessarily require General Practitioners to be available to triage and treat patients. The hub would also provide scope for exercise classes, social events and other caring opportunities for the community of all ages.
These ambitious and ground breaking aims can only be achieved by bringing together a funding package from various sources, the support of the participating agencies and our local doctors. To reach the starting blocks the Neighbourhood Plan (through a community-based decision) must decide whether to accept that the existing Doctors practice on Barking Road is consolidated, maintained or run differently. In this context it may not be appropriate to spend developers funding on the existing surgery or its parking facilities. If more people can be encouraged to walk cycle or mobility scooter to a more centralised location it may be a better deal, in the longer term, to encourage the doctors to set up outreach facilities in the centre of town while maintaining their commitment to their car borne rural community on the edge of town. Development of green field sites has a place in the delivery of new homes and the land near to the doctors surgery (anticipated in the Mid Suffolk Core Strategy as being appropriate in the years 2022 -2027) will still be expected to make a valuable contribution to the towns needs as part of a neighbourhood planned approach.
However, green field sites are usually easier to develop rather than previously used land. Thus, if it were to be released too soon, it would dilute the ability to get the best out of the recently identified new town centre sites. To be clear, the Town Council as the qualifying body accepts that green field development will be needed at some point during the plan period - but in the light of the changed situation and with unforeseen brown field sites becoming available (that ought to be redeveloped first) it wants to advocate that the brown field sites are redeveloped first. It does not wish to sanction a specific green field site or to green light development when a more sustainable solution exists. It would like to propose to the community that decisions on green field development be held over to conform to the aims of the Core Strategy Focussed Review.
The foregoing comments are dependent upon the District Council being able to maintain a five year land supply throughout the plan area.
LOCAL COMMUNITY SERVICES
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7: EMPLOYMENT
Needham Market has played an important part in the economy of the Gipping River Valley since the river was made navigable through to Stowmarket. Today, it maintains a good supply of industrial and commercial property as part of the A14 corridor provision which lies within and contributes to the strength of the Haven Gateway area. Although the Stowmarket Mill Lane industrial development (Gateway 14 ) proposal may act as a draw for Needham Market residents to find employment there; it is not thought to be a threat to Needham Markets continued economic development. The Needham Market Neighbourhood Plan survey of industrial enterprises identified good maintenance and other management of industrial land as important to continued success, but these were not considered to be a threat to the body of industrial and commercial property at least in the short to medium term. With the closure of the Chalk Pits approximately 27 jobs will be lost or relocated from within the Quarry area to other locations. There will only be 4 jobs lost on cessation of chalk quarrying.
For some forty years the town has enjoyed the benefit of the contribution and spending power of the Mid Suffolk District Council employees and Members. Since 1974 not less than 150 people have been employed at the High Street / Hurstlea Road site. In recent times the Councils Offices have also been used for community police work and other community focussed activities. Looking ahead, if a decision is reached that means the Council office has to be relocated, to a more efficient location for the running of the new Mid Suffolk / Babergh combined Council, the closure of the office will have an impact on the working of the town. With the number of jobs involved, this is expected to be a more difficult challenge than the loss of the quarry to the employment base of the town. Should council staff move away completely the loss of expenditure from persons eating and spending in the town will have some effect on local businesses. If some Council jobs are retained locally (e.g. for outreach to the community from a more centralised office) the effect may lessened. Should the Neighbourhood Plan aim for a new community hub to be delivered on the site the number of people working (and spending) locally may be matched or at least offset. In this context there will need to be a decision concerning the future use of the Council accommodation and parking facilities.
THE EMPLOYMENT & BUSINESS MARKET
POLICY NM3
With the current surplus of commercial and industrial premises and available land (with the benefit of planning permission) currently available for Land Use Classes B1, B2 and B8, applications for Light Industrial, General Industrial and Distribution will be refused unless an applicant can show that the existing stock has moved significantly towards full occupation.
This will be demonstrated by the take up of the redundant/disused premises and commencement and substantial completion* of the Lion Barn Phase 2 development, which currently offers about 2.4 hectares of land.
During the plan period any consents given for new land or premises in the category B1, B2 or B8 will be expected to contribute to the construction and enhancement of the cycle path and footpath network linking the industrial areas and residential areas of the town to ensure the proper integration of new development with the rest of the town and town centre.
Developers will also be expected to provide Green Travel Plans that should be capable of implementation to accord with the Development Management policies of the District Councils Local Plans.* Note: For the purposes of clarity, the substantial completion of the development will be achieved when 60% (1.44Ha) of the land has been released and taken up for development. This is considered to offer the chance to review the matter at the end of the first phase of development during the Needham Market Neighbourhood Plan period without the opportunity to stifle ongoing development opportunities.
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YMEN
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NEIGHBOURHOOD PLANThe Middle school site has also become surplus to the needs of education following the Schools review process and potentially offers a similar opportunity to deliver the Community hub aspiration. In any event, the availability of land with outstanding planning permission for further industrial / commercial use will ensure that every opportunity exists for the creation of new job opportunities in the town and further proposals for allocations of new land are not considered necessary until redundant premises and green field land with outstanding consent are developed.
Commerce in the High Street and Station Yard.
As the recent survey of businesses has shown, the High Street remains a pleasant and popular place to do business and the importance of car parking and the link to the Station means that the shops and businesses of the Station Yard have also enjoyed a degree of vibrancy. The demise of businesses in either area will be harmful to the appearance and economic fabric of the town. It is not possible to require a business to stay open or indeed to require that other businesses are represented in the Town. However, to ensure that the shop and business owners cannot be drawn away to other off-centre premises in the town a policy aimed at preventing the change of use of industrial and commercial premises outside the towns Primary shopping areas is suggested. This will also reduce the need for further extensions of industrial land into the agricultural land which surrounds the town.
POLICY NM4
Development proposals that involve the change of use from Industrial or Commercial premises (Use Classes B1, B2, B8 or A3) into A1,Shops, A3,Cafe/restaurants; A4 Drinking establishments or A5 Hot food take away outside of the identified Primary shopping areas will be refused.
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NSERVAT
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8: CONSERVATION
Safeguarding the towns heart.
The High Streets continued success will depend on the wellbeing of its residents, the strength of the buildings through time and the attractiveness of the High Street as a place to do business. These factors are so affected by the volume and size of the traffic that passes through the High Street. The Town Council will remain supportive of those measures which help to reduce the effect of traffic; such as noise, fumes and vibration...without disturbing the vibrancy that comes with the movement of people and passing traffic. The possible means of doing this are set out in the traffic and transport section below.
Conservation and Listed Buildings The importance of the High Street in terms of the presence of so many listed buildings in such close proximity is clearly shown in the Conservation Area Appraisal maps published by the District Council.
Policy NM5 sets out the Plans perspective on the need for quality design work to protect and enhance the town as a whole. The Development Management policies for the District will maintain an excellent level of control over the towns attractive heart, in and around the High Street.
CONSERVATIONNeedham Market NW
Crown copyright All rights reserved Mid Suffolk D C Licence no 100017810 2010 Needham Market SE
Crown copyright All rights reserved Mid Suffolk D C Licence no 100017810 2010
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EDUCAT
ION PRO
VISIO
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NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN
The Needham Market Neighbourhood Plan acknowledges the impact on education and education facilities in the town as a consequence of Suffolk County Councils countywide Schools Organisational Review (the move from 3-tier to 2-tier education). Ensuring the remaining school and pre-school provision in the town functions well (i.e. now and in the future for the benefit of children) is a key strategic priority for the local community. Currently, alongside that key strategic priority, is the immediate challenge of creating acceptable uses for the redundant Middle School site. The County Council has responded to the increase in pupil numbers at Bosmere Primary School (to fit the new 2-tier education model) by extending that schools accommodation.
The following statement is extracted from a recent report (December 2014) to Suffolk County Councils Cabinet on a new piece of work being developed by the County Council to provide a long term Strategy for education and learning infrastructure requirements. The statement refers specifically to the prospect of redevelopment (for approximately 300 new housing units) of the Needham Market Chalk Quarry but also long-term demand:
Suffolk County Council believes expansion of Bosmere Primary School, including taking on middle school playing fields, is a viable long term solution for the growth in the area.
and,
In respect of the redevelopment of Needham Market Chalk Quarry: Places Required from: 2016 - Funding: Developer Contributions
In the current period of fundamental change to education provision as a product of the Suffolk Schools Organisational Review, it is important Bosmere Primary School remains resilient to additional pupil demand as a consequence of planned development but, also be prepared for any additional pupil demand as a consequence of other changes, for example unplanned housing growth and/or an unexpected shift in demographics. Relative to the former case, the Neighbourhood Plan includes Policy NM2 which articulates a fundamental restraint on edge of town (Greenfield) development.
The Needham Market Neighbourhood Plan supports redevelopment of (additional to Needham Market Chalk Quarry) two significant potential brownfield (i.e. previously developed) sites in the town. The two are Needham Market Middle School site and the Mid Suffolk District Council Offices once the anticipated move away by that Council takes place. The yield of new homes from these two sites, if redeveloped, cannot be estimated until business cases and community plans for their reuse are concluded. However, it is crucial Suffolk County Council recognises and builds into its future strategy for education provision in the town, the potential additional demand from pupil numbers which could come from redevelopment of these two sites. Redevelopment of the two sites is set out in the Neighbourhood Plan as a strong preference prior to any need to look at development of edge of town (Greenfield) land (Please see Policy NM1)
Quinton Road is a recognised hotspot for traffic disruption around Bosmere Primary School pupil drop off and pick up times. The introduction (February 2015) of localised waiting and loading restrictions by Suffolk County Council is viewed by the Town Council as a temporary solution to try and mitigate the impact of the disruption on residents in the vicinity of the school. The disruption also extends to other road users and has, as an example, meant the rerouting of a regular bus service away from Quinton Road, to the detriment of bus passengers. This has greatly inconvenienced and, in some cases, taken a public transport option away from, in particular, elderly residents, those with young children and people with
EDUCATION PROVISION
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N9: EDUCATION
mobility problems.
The Neighbourhood Plan promotes the creation of a footpath and cycleway plan for the town included in which will be emphasis on the need to provide a safe cycling and walking environment around Bosmere Primary School. The cost of providing necessary infrastructure associated with the footpath and cycleway plan will be included in future claims for funding from the Community Infrastructure Levy (which developers have to pay in relation to new housing). The Town Council will also continue to seek and assess any opportunity which may provide a long-term solution to the Quinton Road traffic disruption problem, including an off-road facility to accommodate school related parking. The reintroduction of the regular bus service along Quinton Road will be part of its objective.
To assist in the general wellbeing and educational potential of the children in the town the Needham Market Neighbourhood Plan encourages the sustainability and improvement of the towns recreational facilities. The town has a number of quality play facilities plus a well-used library and a vibrant internet cafe. A town museum is also being considered to bolster the towns educational and cultural offer.
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MED
ICAL SERV
ICES
10: MEDICAL SERVICES
Like so many other towns and villages, there is concern over the future of medical services in the area. The Needham Market Country Practice provides a range of services to the wider area and Needham Market with an outreach surgery operating at Claydon. The consequences of the current changes in NHS funding systems are not yet known but residents are concerned at the perceived availability of Doctors appointments and the actual availability of parking during busy times at the Barking Road surgery. The Town Council, while having no direct responsibility for the provision of the services, will do everything it can to ensure that there is no deterioration in service for the existing population; arising from the future development proposed in this neighbourhood plan.
In particular, the Council wants to encourage the provision of new and innovative facilities which aids the delivery of a range of services to the towns population. The availability of two key town centre sites for regeneration is a major opportunity to help deliver the services we need. It will need the knowledge and backing of the trusted medical practitioners who are familiar with the needs of the local community, to cooperate with the commissioning bodies which operate in Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich.
As announced in topical health service reports a deeper understanding between Social Services and Health Services will become the norm and the opportunity to bring both elements into a single community hub will help them to help us remove all but the worst cases from Accident and Emergency.
From 2012 more than 35% of the towns population will be aged 55 and above while about 18% of the community are over 70 (as opposed to a county average of about 14%) Similarly, the growth in young people in the town will inevitably see a growth in the number of play and young persons accidents. Each groups medical needs, which would need to be accepted into the A&E elsewhere, may be offset by the chance for early interventions, and the quick responses locally which would arise from medical services operating in a Community hub. Police and Social services will also benefit from the opportunity of proximity working.
With an appropriate level of commitment from partner agencies such a facility could work well in the town and reduce the need for further expansion of the existing facilities at the Barking Road surgery.
MEDICAL SERVICES
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21KEY
ISSUES
11: KEY ISSUES
KEY ISSUESKey Issues, the main sites and the Community Infrastructure question.
With three key sites emerging as facing development during the Neighbourhood Plan period the NP group wants to ensure that the cumulative effects (i.e. the steady build up of new homes and people and businesses) on the town are positive, rather than disruptive. An opportunistic approach to a fourth site could also offer an opportunity to remedy a long standing community goal for an improved visitor attraction at the Needham Market Lake. To ensure that the town works well into the future the Town Council as qualifying body will publish a transparent and open request for developer help to ensure that the infrastructure needed in the town is delivered in a timely fashion but without harm to the viability of the schemes that are likely to be proposed in the plan period.
Developers can be expected to make contributions towards the delivery of good quality planned development and infrastructure by
A legally binding agreement (under S106 arrangements*) relating to services or facilities provided on the development site which is the subject of an application
Financial payments to the District Council through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).
In selected circumstances an element of both e.g. where some on-site infrastructure can contribute to the delivery of an overall gain for the plan area.
The District Council has published a Community Infrastructure Levy Policy which explains how its charging methods will be worked. In accordance with nationally applied rules the CIL may only be collected on sites of 11 or more homes. The list set out on page 32 explains what the Needham Market Neighbourhood Plan aims are for Community Infrastructure in the town in the short and longer term. These aims are not thought to be deliverable through S106 agreements, however, where a development can help to deliver a part or parts of the broader schemes this may be taken into account during negotiation prior to application. The items listed on page 32 are thought appropriate for inclusion in the District Councils CIL Regulation 123 list for future reviews of the emerging Local Plan.
The Town Council will be eligible to receive 25% of the CIL on the homes built within its boundaries if a Neighbourhood Plan is adopted. If a Neighbourhood Plan cannot be adopted the Town Council will be eligible to receive 15% of the CIL.
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KEY
ISSUES
NEIGHBOURHOOD PLANThe Key sites (KS) raised during the consultation are set out below
KS1 Bosmere Community Primary School, Needham Market Middle School and area
NM Middle School redundant to the needs of Suffolk County Council for the purpose of education. Bosmere Community Primary School being extended and refurbished to accommodate additional year classes. Community Centre Library and Internet Cafe buildings created during the 1970s may soon need repair/refurbishment to safeguard their use for the future. Initiatives for new town Museum and retention of Internet Cafe
KS2 Mid Suffolk Council site and car parks
The Mid Suffolk District Council appears likely to withdraw from the Council Offices site during the Neighbourhood Plan Period 2015 2030 following its reorganisation and merger with Babergh District. The site occupies a valuable and accessible town centre site and has good transport connections (including a regular day time bus service) Access has worked well for the Community Police team in recent years. There will be an impact on the local economy as some staff eat and shop in the town. Although this impact may not be as significant as it might have been in the past a vibrant alternative use of the site must be encouraged
KS3 Needham Market Chalk Quarry
Mid Suffolk Council has received a full application for the development of 266 new homes within the old quarry. Details can be found at Mid Suffolk District Councils web site. The Neighbourhood Plan has a limited role in determining the future of the developments shape or design. With the quarry location at the South West end of the town the main entrance for residential traffic is situated about 0.6 miles from the railway station and the start of the commercial and retail areas of the towns High Street. For future residents to be properly welcomed into the community good cycle, walking and public transport links need to be established. The links need to avoid the isolation of residents from the towns shops and community facilities or the development could be seen as a satellite to the town. The Neighbourhood Plan wants to encourage integration by developing a usable network of footpaths and cycle ways which encourage residents to take advantage of community facilities and our towns shops; rather than see residents drive away to the A14 and services elsewhere.
KS4 The Needham Lake: rail bridge traffic issues and visitor facilities
There have been continuing problems with Heavy Goods Vehicles trying to access the Lion Barn Industrial site from the A14 via the B1078. Traffic hazards and disruption occur as HGVs reverse along this narrow country lane, often for an extended distance. Several attempts to create a new centre for community activities and visitors to the Lake and the River Gipping walks have failed due to lack of funding. Although currently outside the Local Plan settlement boundary for the town, some development of the Chesters wood yard (opposite Bosmere Mill) and land around the lakes Coddenham Road car park could be considered to assist in the delivery of enhanced visitor facilities and improved turning facilities. This would protect the long term integrity and structural fabric of the mainline rail bridge which will otherwise face a continued threat.
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23KEY
ISSUES
11: KEY ISSUESKS1 Bosmere C P School, Needham Market Middle School and area
Comments:Middle School redundant to the needs of Suffolk County Council for the purpose of education.
Bosmere Community Primary School being extended and refurbished to accommodate additional year classes.
Community Centre, Library and Internet Cafe buildings created during the 1970s. The Internet Cafe building is at end of life and the Library building, whilst currently in good repair, is not of permanent construction.
Potential opportunity to create a Town Museum within the Middle School site being explored.
Access to the site From Quinton Road to Bosmere CPS already harmful effect on local residents during school days at drop off and pick up times. The effect has caused the loss of a regular bus service along Quinton Road which is significant, particularly to older residents and those with young children.
From School Street to Middle School site draws traffic through the High Street / Causeway junction where access is insufficient to allow vehicles to pass each other.
Footpaths adjoining Bosmere Court and from the Causeway. There is also a footpath which runs on
the playing field boundaries between the Primary School and Middle School sites.
Policy StatementsOne of the possible sites (the other is the Mid Suffolk District Council Offices site) where a Community Hub could be established and relieve a number of the concerns regarding current community facilities/amenities which featured consistently in the Neighbourhood Plan public and business consultation exercises feedback. Social and Health services would be encouraged to locate in the Community hub. Outreach GP facilities from the Needham Market Country Practice (Barking Road) would also be welcomed to help local residents and reduce pressure on their inadequate car parking facility.
Internalise school traffic and parking for Bosmere CPS by providing parking and drop off bay from Quinton Road. Create space by extending playing field into redundant Middle School playing fields.
Redevelop remainder of the site (including the rarely used playing field area closest to The Drift and which is bounded by a line of trees) for residential and Community hub with major improvements to High Street Access or with creation of alternative new access (e.g. from Quinton Road and/or off The Causeway)
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KEY
ISSUES
NEIGHBOURHOOD PLANKS2 Mid Suffolk Council site and car parks
Comments:Mid Suffolk District Council appear likely to withdraw from the Council Offices site during the Neighbourhood Plan Period 2015 2030 following its reorganisation and merger (administration and service delivery) with Babergh District Council.
The site occupies a valuable and accessible town centre site and has good transport connections (including a regular day-time bus service) Access has worked well for the Community Police team in recent years.
There will be an impact on the local economy as some staff eat/shop in the town, however this is not thought to be anywhere near as much as it may have been in years past. Nevertheless, a vibrant alternative use of the site must be encouraged.
The site has extensive parking provision which (in the absence of Council workers) will become largely redundant. Some will be useful to Crowley Park and High Street users but a significant proportion of the site, including redundant parking space, could become available for redevelopment.
Policy Statement Policy Statements this is the other of the two possible sites where a Community Hub could be established although the Middle School site is currently deemed to be the most feasible option. If though the establishment of a Community Hub is focussed on the District Council Offices site, the oldest building element (Hurstlea) is Listed (for Planning purposes) and it would make sense to retain that with the other buildings on the sites southern boundary for use as a Community Hub.
Residential/mixed development on the site (possibly in conjunction with Community hub facilities) could provide a significant boost for the town.
Design IssuesThe site contains listed buildings and a highly valued pond at the junction of Hurstlea Rd and Barretts Lane.
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25KEY
ISSUES
11: KEY ISSUESKS3 Needham Market Chalk Quarry
Further potential Brownfield sitesIn addition to the above three significant potential brownfield site opportunities for redevelopment, there are smaller pockets within the town which may come forward for redevelopment. A typical example of a privately owned brownfield site is the former car showroom site on the High Street.
The Town Council has only very limited land assets in the town but maintains a review of their potential for redevelopment. One such asset is the former public toilet site on Barretts Lane, currently in use as a poorly laid out parking area.
Comments:Subject to current planning application for residential development (266 homes). The development to take place alongside retention of a small amount of light industrial/commercial use.
Redevelopment of previously developed land (brownfield) reduces the prospect of development of previously undeveloped (greenfield typically agricultural) in the short to medium term.
In broad terms, the site is separated from the main town, station and High Street facilities.
Policy StatementsAny efforts in relation to the current application or subsequently through local cycling, walking or other transport initiatives that can help knit the Quarry and the Lion Barn Industrial Estate into the fabric of the town will be encouraged. Retrospective support for such initiatives will become the subject of spending proposals to be included in Community Infrastructure Levy submissions.
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KEY
ISSUES
NEIGHBOURHOOD PLANKS4 The major problem of Coddenham Road (B1078) Railway Bridge
CommentsOngoing HGV issues potential bridge damage and train disruption.
Local traffic frustration due to reversing HGVs causing delays.
Undesirable access to the town or exit to NM Lake and A14 with insufficient space for two cars to pass safely under the bridge. Vehicle accidents are many, often involving temporary road closure.
Delays and traffic hazard for businesses and their workforces on the Lion Barn Industrial/Commercial area.
Long standing Town and District Council commitments to improved visitor facilities at the Needham Market Lake.
Under bridge improvements to include segregated pedestrians / cycle route, to new separated tunnel, and road widening within existing arch space will be suggested in the Plan (Approximate cost 3M) (Potential Network Rail contribution?)
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27KEY
ISSUES
11: KEY ISSUES Needham Market Neighbourhood Plan
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KS5 The Link Road, B1078 Kettle Lane to B1113 Ipswich Road
There has been a long held belief in the Town Council and among some local residents that the provision of a link road across the River Gipping Valley would benefit the town of Needham Market. It would
Help remove Stowmarket bound traffic from passing through the High Street, in contravention of the existing HGV weight ban of 7 tonnes.
Take away vibration and traffic carbons from the fabric of the bulk of Listed Buildings in the High Street and the service pipelines that lay under the street.
Reduce costs, CO2 and emissions from HGVs operating from the Barking / Wattisham Airfield side of town and the Lion Barn Estates
Remove the threat to the Norwich to Liverpool Street rail services from bridge strikes at the Needham Lake Bridge.
Its cost might lie anywhere between 20 and 30 million and need support from the Highways Agency and the Suffolk County Council. Even so the Neighbourhood Plan wishes to maintain a long term commitment to further consideration of such an arrangement if major development is to be proposed in subsequent rounds of strategic planning policy making at the (new) District Council level.
Unless Government funding or other sources of finance can be found such a proposal would need to be developer funded i.e. from the value of land changing use from agricultural to residential. A similar bridge and road connection in Stowmarket has been funded by the completion of c 1800 homes. Unless grant aid can be achieved from other sources similar levels of development may be needed. Alternatively, if other competing infrastructure spending were curbed or curtailed then such a solution might be more easily achieved.
Kettle Lane
Ipswich Road
LONG TERM PLANNING New A14 to Ipswich Road Link
Comments
There has been a long held belief in the Town Council and among some local residents that the provision of a link road across the River Gipping Valley would benefit the town of Needham Market. It would
Help remove Stowmarket bound traffic from passing through the High Street, in contravention of the existing HGV weight ban of 7 tonnes.
Take away vibration and traffic carbons from the fabric of the bulk of Listed Buildings in the High Street and the service pipelines that lay under the street.
Reduce costs, CO2 and emissions from HGVs operating from the Barking / Wattisham Airfield side of town and the Lion Barn Estates
Remove the threat to the Norwich to Liverpool Street rail services from bridge strikes at the Needham Lake Bridge.
Its cost might lie anywhere between 20 and 30 million and need support from the Highways Agency and the Suffolk County Council. Even so the Neighbourhood Plan wishes to maintain a long term commitment to further consideration of such an arrangement if major development is to be proposed in subsequent rounds of strategic planning policy making at the (new) District Council level.
Unless Government funding or other sources of finance can be found such a proposal would need to be developer funded i.e. from the value of land changing use from agricultural to residential. A similar bridge and road connection in Stowmarket has been funded by the completion of c 1800 homes. Unless grant aid can be achieved from other sources similar levels of development may be needed. Alternatively, if other competing infrastructure spending were curbed or curtailed then such a solution might be more easily achieved.
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RISK
ASSESSM
ENT
12: RISK ASSESSEMENT
RISK ASSESSMENTThe Town Council has completed a risk assessment of the Neighbourhood Plan to consider what might happen to disrupt the achievement of the plans vision and objectives. They are predominantly matters beyond the control of the Town Council.
Changes in planning policies at national and district level before the end of the neighbourhood plan period in 2030.*
An inconsistent interpretation of national and local planning policy by decision makers.
Failure to relate the Neighbourhood Development Plan adequately to the Greater Norwich Joint Core Strategy (2011), County level plans and the National Planning Policy Framework.
Inability to prevent development happening within the approved Needham Market Neighbourhood plan area due to a lack of five year land supply being applied on a District wide basis.
Successful challenge by developers to the 5 year land Supply within Mid Suffolk or within the broader shared Mid Suffolk/Babergh district plan area once plan areas are combined.
With the increased potential for flooding (especially in Flood Plains) which may occur during the plan period whether derived from further development accepted in this plan or from changes to our climate - development proposals must not increase the incidence of flooding for existing homes within the town or further downstream in the river valley. To plan responsibly for community resilience and safety the Needham Market Neighbourhood Plan will expect development proposals to adopt Sustainable Urban Drainage systems (SUDs)
These measures are designed to reduce the impact surface water run-off from one area of the town has on any other. Paving or building over land can result in flash flooding. Additional problems can occur when surface water flows enter a sewer exceeding its capacity causing it to overflow. The SUDs system aims to minimise or eliminate discharges from new sites, thus reducing the impact of heavy rainfall on the local sewerage system. Through its measures for the natural filtering of water it can also help to protect and enhance ground water quality. Policy NM5 will therefore anticipate inclusion of Sustainable Urban Drainage syst