Torfaen Local Development Plan (LDP) Newsletter - January 2015

Transcription

1 Torfaen Local Development Plan (LDP) Newsletter - January 2015 When the Council adopted the Torfaen LDP on 3 rd December 2013, Members also requested that stakeholders be informed and involved in implementing the Plan. This will be the first of a series of newsletters intended to keep stakeholders informed of progress on implementing the LDP and, where appropriate, highlights how stakeholders can be involved, through consultations on planning applications, draft Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG), or in the preparation of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). In addition, stakeholders have the potential opportunity to comment and address Planning Committee / Council on relevant planning applications or ask questions at Council when SPG is being adopted or decisions are made on the CIL, LDP Annual Monitoring Report, etc. 1. Torfaen LDP Progress On adoption the Torfaen LDP became the statutory development plan for the area and superseded the Gwent Structure Plan and the Torfaen Local Plan. Links to the LDP Written Statement (final designed version will be available in due course), Proposals Maps North & South, Constraints Map and Welsh / English Summary Leaflet can be found on the following Council website page:- Plan/Local-Development-Plan.aspx Officers are now in discussion with allocated site landowners, applicants or developers, at varying degrees of detail, to encourage these sites or proposals to come forward in order for the LDP Strategy to be delivered. Housing and Strategic Action Area (SAA) Sites We propose to report progress on strategic housing sites of 100 or more dwellings or where smaller sites have reached planning application stage, have recently been permitted or are now under construction. Therefore from north to south in the County Borough (note LDP Policy numbers in brackets e.g. H3/4), we can report:- Former Hillside Primary School, Blaenavon (H3/4) - Melin Homes have recently obtained planning permission to develop this allocated site for 54 dwellings and construction is expected to start shortly. The British Strategic Action Area, Talywain (SAA5) - Discussions between the Council and HSBC Bank continue in an effort to secure the remediation, reclamation and development of this strategic site. New Road Farm, Blaenavon - This permitted housing site ceased development during the recession. Butler Wall Homes have now recommenced development of the site with 100 dwellings left to be built. Torfaen LDP Newsletter - January

2 Former Trevethin Comprehensive School, Penygarn (H2/1) (site being marketed as Penygarn Heights ) - Barratts Homes have received planning permission for this allocated site and construction is now underway to provide 124 dwellings. Mamhilad Strategic Action Area, Pontypool (SAA4) - The Council have been involved in active discussions with the owners and their agents progressing development proposals for this site which has involved discussions with Welsh Government Highways and CADW. The owners have appointed consultants to prepare a masterplan for the site. A planning application is expected to be submitted for the site later this year. South Sebastopol Strategic Action Area, Cwmbran (SAA6) - This allocated 1,200 dwelling site was granted outline planning permission on appeal by the Welsh Ministers on 16 th January Taylor Woodrow submitted a revised outline planning application for the whole site which was approved subject to a S106 Agreement on 23rd October This addresses some of the community s concerns regarding access arrangements and impact on the canal. It is expected that the first detailed planning application for 194 dwellings will be submitted in February 2015 and the developers hope to commence development in July Land at Foundry Cottages, Griffithstown - Whilst not a specific LDP allocation this windfall site for 31 dwellings was recently permitted subject to a S106 Agreement. The developer Sennybridge is looking to construct the site this year on behalf of Seren Housing. Former Crownbridge School, Griffithstown - Whilst not a specific LDP allocation this windfall site for 24 dwellings was recently permitted. Demolition of the site has commenced and Melin Homes hope to start construction of the dwellings shortly. Former Police College and adjacent land, St Dials (H1/2) - The Ministry of Justice recently marketed their land within this site, which is in the process of being acquired by Taylor Wimpey (South Wales). The Council have been involved in pre-application discussions with the developers over recent months. Taylor Wimpey held a consultation event with the local community and stakeholders on the 11 th December 2014 outlining proposals for the construction of dwellings on the west of the site. A planning application for the north of the site is expected to be submitted later this month. Canalside Strategic Action Area, Cwmbran (SAA2) - A Development Framework was prepared to support the allocation of the site in the LDP. The Council are currently reviewing the Development Framework and investigating options to enable the development of the site to come forward using Welsh Government Vibrant & Viable Places grant funding. Officers hope to be in a position by March 2015 to update Members and the Welsh Government. Eastern Strip Central, Cwmbran (SAA1) - The majority of the site has been permitted as part of a planning application in The Morrison s Store and associated shops / footbridge approved as part of the application have been built. In addition, the internal redevelopment and decontamination of the Meritor factory is in the process of being undertaken. The bringing forward of the remaining 2.7 hectares of the site for B1 uses and hotel with ancillary pub / restaurant will be considered in 2015 when the northern proportion of the Meritor factory is cleared and demolished. Therefore, a detailed planning application is expected in due course. Former County Hall & Police HQ, Llanyrafon (H1/1) - An outline planning application was approved for the whole allocated site subject to a Section 106 Agreement on 13 th August This application has now been withdrawn. The Gwent Police Commissioner has stated that the Police are likely to retain their HQ on the site; noting that their part of the site still remains allocated in the LDP and this position could change in the future. Notwithstanding this, the County Hall landowners have recently marketed the site. Torfaen LDP Newsletter - January

3 Tenders have been submitted and are currently being assessed and it is likely that a decision will be made on the sale of the site early in A planning application for the County Hall site is expected in the spring of Llanfrechfa Grange Strategic Action Area, Cwmbran (SAA7) - An Outline planning application for the demolition of the old hospital buildings and construction of a new Specialist Critical Care Centre (SCCC) with up to 450 beds, hospital sterilisation unit, energy centre, helicopter landing pad and associated infrastructure was approved subject to conditions on 11th January Preliminary site preparation works have commenced on site in advance of the detailed Reserved Matters planning application for the SCCC which is expected early this year. Current forecasts from the Aneurin Bevan Health Board, subject to approval of necessary business cases and planning applications for the development, is that major construction will commence in February 2016 with the hospital opening in July Currently there is no detailed progress to report on the housing and employment elements of SAA7 which are expected to be delivered by Llantarnam Strategic Action Area, Cwmbran (SAA3) - An Outline Planning Application for the majority of the site for up to 450 dwellings, B1 employment floor space, neighbourhood centre, public open space provision and associated infrastructure works was approved by Planning Committee on 8 th January 2015 subject to a S106 Agreement. The detailed Reserved Matters Applications are expected in the next few months. The developers hope to commence development in Former Commodore Hotel, Llanyravon - Whilst not a specific LDP allocation, the S106 Agreement for this estimated 20 dwelling outline permission windfall site has been signed. The developers propose to commence demolition of the building in February and it is anticipated that a detailed Reserved Matters Application will be submitted in Former Cold Stores, Llantarnam (site being marketed as Abbey Park ) - Whilst not a specific LDP allocation, this windfall site for 48 dwellings was allowed on appeal. The site is currently under construction by David Wilson Homes (who are part of the Barratt Group). Gyspy and Traveller Sites Rose Cottage Gypsy Traveller Site, Cwmynyscoy (H7/1) - A planning application for 10 permanent pitches on this site is expected to be progressed this year. Former Race AFC Football Pitch, Cwmynyscoy (H7/2) - A planning application for the provision of 31 Gypsy Traveller Pitches on the former Race AFC pitch, Cwmynyscoy was approved by Planning Committee on January 8 th The Council is seeking Welsh Government grant aid to hopefully commence construction of the first phase of 10 pitches this year. Discussions are ongoing with Race AFC regarding the provision of alternative recreation provision. Employment In addition to the recent success of the Eastern Strip Central SAA1 site in Cwmbran as stated above, we currently have several enquiries from significant employers who are seeking employment land / premises in the County Borough on existing or allocated employment sites. These discussions are currently commercially confidential, but we hope to bring you news in due course and will also consult on any necessary planning applications should development proposals come to fruition. Transport North Torfaen Transport Corridor (T1/1) - The Council, with WG funding, recently improved (including peak time signals and dedicated slip roads) the A472 / A4043 roundabout so that traffic now flows more efficiently through this area. Further projects will be implemented along this corridor as funding becomes available. Torfaen LDP Newsletter - January

4 Pontypool / New Inn Park & Ride (T1/2) - The Council is currently seeking phased WG funds to progress this project. Walking and Cycling Routes (T3/3) - The Council, with WG funding, is currently implementing 90% of this route linking Abersychan Town Centre to the National Cycle Route 492 at Merchant s Hill, albeit the final link to Merchant s Hill remains outstanding, but this will be the subject of a further funding bid to WG. Minerals Tir Pentwys Preferred Area for Aggregates, Near Pontypool (M3) - The planning application for the Tir Pentwys allocation is still undetermined; the main outstanding issue being the environmental effects of the proposed haul road through the Ancient Woodland to the Old Crumlin Road / A472 below. South Wales Regional Aggregates Working Party (SWRAWP) Regional Technical Statement (RTS) on Aggregates 1 st Review The first RTS for South Wales was produced in October 2008, and based on the identified need requirement for Torfaen of 400,000 tonnes per annum. The LDP subsequently through Policy M3 made a 7.2Mt allocation in the Tir Pentwys Preferred Area for Aggregates; which covers the period The RTS 1 st Review (2014) has reviewed the previous requirement and considered that there is generally no justification, on sustainability grounds, for requiring a change in the current geographical pattern of supply as, in most areas the existing pattern is sensibly balanced in terms of proximity and environmental capacity. Therefore, as there are no current aggregates sites in Torfaen, the RTS 1 st Review makes a zero aggregate apportionment (allocation) for Torfaen. This zero aggregate apportionment for Torfaen will be taken into account when the LDP is next reviewed; and, in the interim, it will be a material consideration in the determination of aggregate planning applications. The Council endorsed the final version of the RTS at the Joint South and North Wales RAWPs Member Forum on 1 st April The Welsh Minister subsequently endorsed the RTS 1 st Review on 1 st August The RTS 1 st Review is available on the website. Waste The Council has recently obtained planning permission and has constructed a new Household Waste Recycling Centre to the rear of the current Civic Amenities (CA) site in New Inn. The new site will be operational in April The existing site will continue to be operated for receiving trade waste and as a waste transfer station for kerbside collected food, green, cardboard and residual black bin waste. This permission represents the last remaining open air waste facility to be identified in Torfaen under the South East Wales Regional Waste Plan 1 st Review (see LDP paragraph ). Community Facilities Ysgol Panteg, Griffithstown (CF2) - The Council has recently announced that it intends to build this new 420 place Welsh Primary School by September 2016 on a site safeguarded for this use in the LDP which was secured as part of the S106 Planning Obligation for the recently completed Parc Panteg (former Panteg Steelworks) housing site. A planning application for the new school is expected in due course. 2. Torfaen LDP - Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) There is a statutory requirement to monitor the extent to which the LDP is achieving its objectives and whether the policies are being implemented effectively. This will be Torfaen LDP Newsletter - January

5 assessed against the Monitoring Framework which is set out in Appendix 8 of the adopted LDP. The Authority is required to submit the resultant AMR to the Welsh Government (WG) by October of each year. The purpose of the AMR is to provide an opportunity to review the progress in implementing the LDP and to enable the Council to identify the need for modifications to the LDP where appropriate. The first AMR will be considered by Council before submission to the WG before 31 st October The AMR will also include the results of the parallel sustainability monitoring of the Plan undertaken as part of the associated LDP Sustainability Appraisal. A full review of the plan will be undertaken 4 years after its adoption, starting in December You will have the opportunity to ask questions on the factual AMR and our resultant conclusions when it is considered by Council. 3. Torfaen LDP - Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) Progress Supplementary planning guidance (SPG) is a means of setting out more detailed topic based or site specific guidance on the way in which the policies of an LDP will be applied in particular circumstances or areas. SPG are prepared in consultation with interested parties and when adopted are a material consideration in the determination of planning applications for development and are reviewed regularly to ensure consistency with national and local planning policies and alignment with community aspirations. SPG does not form a part of the development plan but must be consistent with it. In producing the LDP a Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) programme was prepared to compliment the policies coming forward. The SPG programme and estimated timescales was set out in the Council Report of 3 rd December 2013 when the LDP was adopted. Progress on specific SPG s is underway including for example Biodiversity SPG and Heritage SPG. The timing and delivery of the SPG programme will be based upon policy priority and also available resources going forward. 4. Torfaen Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Progress The Planning Act 2008 makes provision for local planning authorities in England and Wales to prepare and implement a ClL; which Torfaen has chosen to do. The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) allows local planning authorities to raise funds from developers who are undertaking new building projects in their area. CIL is a mandatory Charge that can be levied on new floorspace created by development or where the proposal involves at least one dwelling. Charges will be based on the size, type and location of the new development and be made on a /m2 basis dependant upon how viable each type of development is. Any money raised from the CIL will go towards infrastructure that is needed to support growth in the LDP which the Council would identify in its Regulation 123 Infrastructure List. Infrastructure could include new schools, transport improvements, public open space / recreation / green infrastructure facilities, etc. A proportion of CIL receipts must also be passed to any relevant Town or Community Council where the development takes place to also be spent on infrastructure. The CIL Regulations also limit the use and number of Section 106 Planning Obligations to mainly the provision of on-site facilities and affordable housing; noting that affordable housing is relieved from paying the CIL Charge, alongside charitable organisations and self-build housing, all subject to certain criteria being met. The Regulations require the Council to set a CIL Charge which does not threaten the ability to viably develop the sites and scale of development identified in the LDP. Therefore, the Council (jointly with Blaenau Gwent CBC) has commissioned consultants to produce a CIL Viability Study to test the viability of a variety of sites and land uses across Torfaen LDP Newsletter - January

6 the two County Boroughs to evidence if introducing a CIL Charge on new development will be viable. Following the outcome of this viability study, should the Council decide to progress further work on introducing CIL, then a CIL production timetable for the remaining process will be produced and uploaded onto the Council s Planning Policy website. Get Involved - We will be consulting statutory organisations, including Town and Community Councils on any proposed CIL as a matter of course; but if you also wish to be formally consulted, and if you haven t already done so, please send us your details so we can add you to our CIL Consultation Database - our contact details are provided below. 5. Torfaen Joint Housing Land Availability Study (JHLAS) All Local Planning Authorities (LPA s) in Wales have a duty to ensure that sufficient land is genuinely available or will become available to provide a 5 year supply of housing land and in line with national planning policy should prepare a JHLAS every year. The Study provides a statement of Housing Land Availability for Development Management purposes and, where an insufficient housing supply is identified outline what the LPA is doing to address this shortfall. The studies also provide information on; housing completions (including affordable housing), sites on previously developed land and sites subject to flood risk. April 2013 Study - The latest approved Torfaen JHLAS (2013 study), has been published on the Council s website (link below) which shows that Torfaen has a 6.6 year housing land supply. Availability-Studies.aspx April 2014 Study Officers have prepared the 2014 Study, with the Statement of Common Ground (SOCG) submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in October for examination. Based on the position of different parties in the Study Group the land supply ranges from 4.46 years to 4.9 years. The Planning Inspectorate will make a decision on the final land supply on review of the SOCG, expected in March In line with the Council s position the land supply is marginally below 5 years at 4.9 years. Delays to the bringing forward of key sites following adoption have led to a marginal shortfall in the current land supply with build rates lower than anticipated. The Council will continue to promote appropriate new housing development in the County Borough to deliver the LDP Strategy. 6. Contact Us Forward Planning Team If you have any questions arising from this Newsletter or comments as to how it can be improved please contact us at ldp@torfaen.gov.uk or on /8805/8140/8438. You can also write or visit us at: The Forward Plans Team, Planning & Public Protection, Ty Blaen Torfaen, Panteg Way, New Inn, Pontypool, NP4 0LS Website: Policy.aspx Torfaen LDP Newsletter - January