Consultation Portal

8 The Spatial Policies

8.0.1 The Core Policies follow:

8.0.2 For a Sustainable Future

• CP1 Sustainable Development
• CP2 Reducing Carbon Emissions
• CP3 Climate Change – adapting to the effects
• CP4 Biodiversity
• CP5 Sustainable Travel
• CP6 Waste

8.0.3 Protecting Local Character

• CP7 Maintaining and Improving the Local Environment
• CP8 Town and Local Centres
• CP9 Twickenham Town Centre
• CP10 Open Land and Parks
• CP11 River Thames Corridor
• CP12 River Crane Corridor

8.0.4 Meeting Peoples Needs

• CP13 Opportunities for all (Tackling relative disadvantage)
• CP14 Housing
• CP15 Affordable Housing
• CP16 Local Services/Infrastructure
• CP17 Health and well being
• CP18 Education and Training
• CP19 Local business
• CP20 Visitors and Tourism
  

8.1 For a Sustainable Future - CP1 - CP6

8.1.1 CP1 Sustainable Development

8.1.1.1 Justification

8.1.1.2 The Sustainable Construction Checklist  SPD was formally adopted by the Council in 2006 and is applied to development that meets relevant size criteria (this will be subject to review).  Developers are required to submit a sustainability statement with their application to show how the requirements of the 18 themes within the checklist have been met through the proposed new development. This statement should include Code for Sustainable Homes/ Ecohomes/ BREEAM certification to ensure that the borough's new developments meet high environmental standards, and contribute, particularly through energy efficiency and water conservation, to the Government's targets for carbon reduction (the main target being to achieve zero carbon emissions for all new homes by 2016) and to the Mayor's sustainable construction priorities.

8.1.1.3 The policy seeks to ensure that all new development and refurbishment is as sustainable as possible by requiring that these matters are considered from the strategic level down to the details of construction.  The location of facilities and services should provide for local needs and be in accessible locations to reduce the need to travel by unsustainable modes.  The most appropriate location for each type of facility or service within the hierarchy of town centres is set out in CP8 Town and Local Centres.  At the site level the best use should be made of existing facilities and services by co-location, dual use and extending opening hours where appropriate, and new facilities for education or leisure should be designed to provide for community use.

8.1.1.4 Almost all new development will be on brownfield sites.  The requirement for a net increase in the number of housing units or the amount of commercial floorspace where brownfield sites are redeveloped will also be subject to environmental considerations.  The loss of open areas should be minimised and areas of nature value and trees retained where possible.  Retaining and refurbishing existing buildings will normally be a more sustainable option if the embodied energy in the building and the impacts of removing and disposing of construction waste are taken into account and if the resulting building is fit for purpose.  On this basis, redevelopment will generally only be appropriate if there is a more sustainable construction, a building that will last longer or an improved layout which may include an increase in the number of units or floorspace.  Under PPG 15, there is a presumption against the demolition of Listed Buildings and Buildings of Townscape merit. Government legislation and guidance, including the provisions of PPS 23 and PPG 24 re. pollution and noise respectively, will be applied when considering the environmental impacts of new development.

8.1.1.5 Implementation

8.1.1.6 The implementation of this policy will be through the development process and operation of the Sustainability Checklist SPD.  Certain standards will be mandatory once the EU Directive and the Code for Sustainable Homes are in operation.  Other related Council strategies and programmes such as those for sustainable transport, housing, economic development and biodiversity and the Climate Change Strategy will also assist.  The Council will pay particular regard to sustainable development with its own land and buildings and will work with its Local Strategic Partners to achieve the same ends.  Already the Council is using sustainable construction methods in new school buildings and other premises.  The Council will also seek advice including from the LA21 Building Responsibly Group, which particularly promotes Sustainable Construction.

8.1.1.7 Summary of Implementation and Monitoring

8.1.1.8 Policy Background

• PPS 1: Delivering Sustainable Development - 2005
• PPS 1 consultation supplement – Planning and Climate Change- 2006
• Code for Sustainable Homes 2006
• PPS 23 – Planning and Pollution Control
• PPG 24 - Noise

• The London Plan Consolidated with Alterations since 2004

• GLA – Sustainable Design and Construction SPG

• Community Plan 2007-2017
• Sustainable Construction Checklist SPD 2006
• Climate Change Strategy

8.1.1.9 For more details on relevant National, Regional and Local policies and strategies, the spatial options considered, consultation and the results of the Sustainability Appraisal and the equalities assessment for all policies see also “Core Strategy Background Information”.

8.1.2 CP2 Reducing Carbon Emissions

8.1.2.1 Justification

8.1.2.2 Energy use in new development can be reduced by appropriate siting, design, landscaping and energy efficiencies within the building, and these can be retro-fitted to existing buildings.  New developments, including conversions and refurbishments, will be expected achieve high environmental standards, and all new buildings to include the use of renewable energy sources, in accordance with The London Plan consolidated with Alterations since 2004.  The production of energy close to where it is to be consumed (combined heat and power or CHP) is more efficient than centralised electricity generation where both heat and energy are wasted in production and transmission, and the potential for CCHP/CHP in new developments should be evaluated in accordance with The London Plan consolidated with Alterations since 2004. Where the principle of decentralised energy generation has been accepted on a specific site, developments on nearby sites should be designed to connect to the network when it is established. The Council will require an assessment of energy demand and carbon dioxide emissions from the proposed development, which should demonstrate the expected energy and carbon dioxide emissions savings from energy efficiency and renewable energy measures incorporated into the development.

8.1.2.3 Implementation

8.1.2.4 The implementation of this policy will be through the development process and operation of the Sustainability Checklist SPD and will be monitored by the post completion check.  Certain standards will be mandatory once the EU directive is in operation and the Code for Sustainable Homes is in operation.  The Council and the Local Strategic Partnership will take direction towards improvements to existing buildings and in new development programmes.  Where there are no direct controls, awareness raising and publicity will be used to influence the actions of others.  Other related Council strategies and programmes such as those for sustainable transport, housing, economic development and biodiversity and the Climate Change Strategy will also assist.

8.1.2.5 The Council’s Climate Change Strategy covers the following areas over which the Council has an influence – as a landowner, service provider, local education authority and as a community leader – various working groups have been set up for each of these roles to take forward a wide range of actions.

8.1.2.6 The Council intends to promote a CHP project with its Local Strategic Partners.  This is set out within the Sustainable Construction Checklist and it is intended to bring forward policies in the Development Control DPD in relation to the achievement of the different levels of the Code which would relate to individual developments.

8.1.2.7 Summary of Implementation and Monitoring

8.1.2.8 Policy Background

• PPS 1: Delivering Sustainable Development - 2005
• PPS 1 consultation supplement – Planning and Climate Change- 2006
• PPS 22 Renewable Energy
• Code for Sustainable Homes 2006

• The London Plan Consolidated with Alterations since 2004
• GLA – Sustainable Design and Construction SPG

• Community Plan 2007-2017
• Local Area Agreement
• Sustainable Construction Checklist SPD 2006
• Climate Change Strategy

8.1.2.9 For more details on relevant National, Regional and Local policies and strategies, the spatial options considered, consultation and the results of the Sustainability Appraisal and the equalities assessment for all policies see also “Core Strategy Background Information”.

8.1.3 CP3 Climate Change - Adapting to the Effects

• Water conservation and drainage
• The need for Summer cooling
• Risk of subsidence
• Flood risk from the River Thames and its tributaries

8.1.3.1 Justification

8.1.3.2 In this Borough the likely effects of climate change include increased likelihood of flooding from the River Thames and its tributaries, water shortages for people and the landscape, the need for summer cooling within the urban area due to the urban heat island effect, and the risk of subsidence due to drying out of underlying clay.

8.1.3.3 Although there are some localised drainage issues, the main risk in the Borough is from both fluvial and tidal flooding from the River Thames and its tributaries (the River Crane and the Beverley Brook). In accordance with PPS 25 the Council will apply the Sequential Test and Exception Test to any Site Allocations and when dealing with applications in areas of flood risk. The Council’s Strategic Flood Risk Assessment and advice from the Environment Agency can be used to identify the strategic flood risk, which will then need to be assessed at site level when development is proposed. Developers should undertake site specific flood risk assessments (FRAs) as set out in chapter 3 of PPS 25 Practice Guide and relevant CIRIA guidance. The FRA will need to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Council that any flood risks to the development, or additional risk arising from the proposal will be successfully managed with the minimum environmental effect, and that necessary flood risk management measures are sufficiently funded to ensure that the site can be developed and occupied safely throughout its proposed lifetime.  The Council will in principle support measures proposed by Thames Water, the Environment Agency, the Emergency Services and others to reduce flood risk, including increasing the quality of the floodplain, defend areas at risk and mitigate the effects of flooding through sustainable drainage and other measures.

8.1.3.4 As the demand for water rises and rainfall declines it will be important for buildings to be designed or refurbished to reduce water use, to improve permeability of surfaces, and to re-use rain and grey water.  Landscaping will need to take account of likely future climate change.

8.1.3.5 As temperatures increase it will be essential to introduce natural cooling through appropriate siting, orientation, landscaping and design and to minimise the urban heat island effect.  Trees can be planted to shade buildings and open spaces. Measures to avoid internal over-heating and excessive heat generation could include passive solar design, natural ventilation and vegetation on buildings. The risk of subsidence can be minimised by appropriate siting and design.

8.1.3.6 Implementation

8.1.3.7 This policy will be implemented through the control of development, sustainable drainage (SUDS) and other mitigation measures will be promoted through the Core Policy on Sustainable construction and the operation of the Sustainability Checklist SPD.  More detailed policies on development in areas of flood risk and other areas of vulnerability will be included in the Development DPD, and the Site Allocations DPD will take account of the likely effects of climate change when assessing suitability for new development.  A Borough Climate Change Strategy is being developed which will include further actions.

8.1.3.8 With respect to flooding specifically, community management measures will be taken forward through the Council’s Emergency Planning measures, in conjunction with others such as Thames Water, TLS, the Environment Agency and the Emergency Services.  Consideration will be given to the proposals by the Environment Agency to expand the flood plain – this may be put forward within the Site Allocations DPD if appropriate.

8.1.3.9 Summary of Implementation and Monitoring

8.1.3.10 Policy Background

• PPS 1: Delivering Sustainable Development - 2005
• PPS 1 Consultation Supplement – Planning and Climate Change - 2006
• PPS 25 Development and Flood Risk - 2006
• The Planning Response to Climate Change 2004

• The London Plan Consolidated with Alterations since 2004
• The South East Climate Change Partnership’s Checklist - 2005
• GLA – Sustainable Design and Construction SPG
• Thames Region Catchment Flood Management Plan
• Thames River Basin Management Plan - due 2009
• Thames Waterways Plan - draft

• Community Plan 2007-2017
• Floodscape studies
• Climate Change Strategy

8.1.3.11 For more details on relevant National, Regional and Local policies and strategies, the spatial options considered, consultation and the results of the Sustainability Appraisal and the equalities assessment for all policies see also “Core Strategy Background Information”.

8.1.4 CP4 Biodiversity

8.1.4.1 Justification

8.1.4.2 Biodiversity (i.e. biological diversity or the variety of life forms) is being promoted through the designation of nature conservation areas, green chains and corridors and statutory nature reserves, and opportunities will be taken to create new habitats.  As well as open land, the Thames, its islands, and its banks, and the West London Green chain which includes the River Crane and associated open land are vital elements for the Borough's biodiversity and it is important that all these areas, and where possible green linkages between them, are protected and conserved, from building and light pollution. Biodiversity conservation will be the primary function for SSSIs and Other Sites of Nature Importance. The Council and its partners will aim to increase the proportion of open space managed to promote biodiversity.  It will seek to improve access in the local areas less well provided (the areas of deficiency are those defined by the GLA as being more than 500m from an accessible area of nature conservation importance – shown on Map 5), and investigate opportunities at Murray Park, Moormead Recreation Ground, Kneller Gardens and Mereway Nature Reserve.  See also CP10 and CP 17.

8.1.4.3 Implementation

8.1.4.4 This policy will be implemented through the Councils actions with respect to its own land and the actions of other major open landowners with respect to the management of their sites, and  through the development control process.  Some Borough owned open spaces have their own management plans which include their biodiversity importance.  It is planned that all wildlife sites will have management plans (including biodiversity) in the near future.  Additionally actions for biodiversity will be implemented through the Richmond upon Thames Biodiversity Action Plan targets and objectives.

8.1.4.5 Summary of Implementation and Monitoring

8.1.4.6 Policy Background

• PPS 1 Delivering Sustainable Development, 2005
• PPG2 Green Belts
• PPS 9 Biodiversity and Geological Conservation
• PPG 17 Sport and Recreation
• National Environmental and Rural Communities Act includes a duty from October 2006 that public authorities should have regard to the conservation of biodiversity in exercising their functions.

• The London Plan Consolidated with Alterations since 2004, especially policies 2A.9, 3D.11 and 3D.14. and the Mayors Biodiversity Strategy 2002. The GLA have also identified
• Regional and Local BAP priority habitats and species and together with the London Biodiversity Partnership produced Biodiversity Action Plans for many of these.  See also GLA biodiversity Best Practice Guide and London Biodiversity Partnership web site which sets out priority habitats.

• Community Plan 2007-2017
• Appropriate Assessment

8.1.4.7 For more details on relevant National, Regional and Local policies and strategies, the spatial options considered, consultation and the results of the Sustainability Appraisal and the equalities assessment for all policies see also “Core Strategy Background Information”.

8.1.5 CP5 Sustainable Travel

• Protect and enhance local facilities and employment to reduce the need to travel.
• Require developments which would generate significant amounts of travel to be located on sites well served by public transport.

• Give priority to pedestrians, including those with disabilities, particularly in Richmond town centre and the district and local shopping centres.
• Provide and promote a well designed bicycle and walking network across the Borough (the Strategic Walks network, Richmond Borough Cycle Network and London Cycle Network Plus), and  improve conditions for cyclists and pedestrians elsewhere.
• Prioritise the needs of pedestrians and cyclists in the design of new developments including links to existing networks and requiring  the provision of adequate cycle parking.
• Investigate the possibility of a footbridge across the Thames between Ham and Twickenham for pedestrians and cyclists.

• Improve provision for buses particularly in Richmond and Twickenham town centres, and seek to improve bus services within River Crane Corridor through the implementation of development proposals.
• Achieve integration and convenient interchange facilities at all the borough's stations
• Seek improvements to orbital public transport including rail access to Heathrow.
• Improve walking, cycling and public transport in areas less well served by public transport, including some of the areas of relative deprivation.

• Undertake traffic management measures to reduce the impact of traffic particularly in Richmond town centre, the district and local centres,  residential areas and streets unsuitable for through traffic.

• Require new car free housing in Richmond and Twickenham town centres and in other areas where there is good public transport and elsewhere have regard to maximum parking standards.
• Require car share facilities and car clubs in appropriate new developments and encourage the use of low emission motor vehicles  in order to reduce congestion and pollution.
• Discourage commuter parking particularly by giving priority to residents’ needs.
• Limit any further expansion of parking in town and local centres and manage parking controls to help maintain the vitality and viability of the centres, including the evening economy.

• Encourage major employers and schools to develop Green Travel Plans and require these where appropriate with planning applications.
• Require all major developments to submit a Transport Assessment based on TfL’s Best Practice Guidance.
• Encourage efficient, safe and sustainable freight transport.
• Encourage river transport through the retention and support for new transport infrastructure.

8.1.5.1 Justification

8.1.5.2 The Council considers that reducing the need to travel by locating new development appropriately, the promotion of walking and cycling for shorter journeys and new and improved public transport provision for longer orbital and radial travel would be the most sustainable way to plan for the Borough’s future travel needs.  The approach is consistent with the objectives of the London Plan consolidated with Alterations since 2004, and Mayor’s Transport Strategy to facilitate the development of transport systems which are efficient and safe, and which contribute to the achievement of competitiveness, regeneration and urban quality.  The approach will also ensure that the needs of Borough households without access to a car (currently 24%) are met.

8.1.5.3 The reduction and management of car travel will also assist in improving air quality, reducing traffic noise nuisance and improving health.  The whole of the Borough is designated as an Air Quality Management Area, the primary pollutants are nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulates (PM10), largely caused by road traffic.  Traffic management measures will be used to reduce noise nuisance from road traffic.

8.1.5.4 The Council and its partners will encourage the development of green travel plans for all types of development, particularly those which exceed the thresholds set out in TfL Guidance on Workplace Travel Planning and Residential Travel Planning and where appropriate these should include car sharing and car clubs – the council has produced SPD on Car Clubs.  Parking will be limited and on street parking controlled to achieve aims of restraint, detailed standards for new development will be included within the Development Control DPD, the overall principles of the Council's Parking Strategy is to give priority to residents, then short term parkers (including shoppers) then long term parkers (including commuters).  The major developments required to produce Transport Assessments are defined as those which exceed the thresholds set out in Appendix B of Department of Transport Circular 02/2007 (Guidance on Transport Assessment). Developments smaller than this level should submit a Transport Statement. All travel plans should be produced in line with TfL Guidance on Workplace Travel Planning and Residential Travel Planning.

8.1.5.5 Walking and cycling networks and conditions for pedestrians and cyclists will continue to be improved.

8.1.5.6 The Council will continue to liaise with neighbouring local authorities, London-wide bodies, the Department of Transport, Transport for London, the Strategic Rail Authority and the transport operators to secure innovative and effective improvements in pursuit of its transport policies, improvements will be planned to relate closely to future growth and other objectives within the Core Strategy, and land for transport functions will be safeguarded in line with TfL Guidance.  For public transport in the Crane Valley, see also policy CP 12.

8.1.5.7 It is an objective of the Council and of the Royal Parks to reduce the impact of traffic on the Royal Parks.  River transport will be encouraged where practicable, this may be particularly appropriate for the transport of construction or waste materials, depending on the feasibility of access to the river.  As the allocation of road space and paths are reviewed, care will be taken to protect different users from each other.

8.1.5.8 Most of the Borough suffers from noise from aircraft landing and taking off from Heathrow and night flights are a particular concern. The Government has consulted on options for further capacity at Heathrow and in Januuary 2009, confirmed policy support for adding a third runway at Heathrow with additional passenger terminal facilities and a slightly longer runway (2,200m operational length), but subject to an aggregate limit of 605,000 annual movements, which would be subject to review in 2020. The Council is in principle opposed to the expansion of the Airport for reasons of direct impacts of residents of noise, pollution, road traffic and potential risk to public safety as well the general exacerbation of development pressure in West London.  The Council will press for the conditions relating to the 5th terminal to be imposed – in particularly the maximum number of flights (maximum 480,000 per annum) and segregated mode of operation with runaway alternation (where one runway is used for takeoffs and the other for landings and runways are swapped during the day).  The Borough is an Air Quality Management Area because of traffic, including that to and from Heathrow, along the strategic roads.  It will continue to press for improved public transport and restrictions on car use.  Although outside the administrative boundaries of the Borough, the Council will oppose further development likely to lead to an increase in flights or services including additional terminals or a third runway.

8.1.5.9 Implementation

8.1.5.10 This policy is likely to be implemented both through land use allocations and the operation of this and other related LDF policies during the development control process through the Local Transport Implementation Plan and indirectly by the Council using its influence over the plans of public transport operators.

8.1.5.11 The Council is a member of various transport organisations including acting as the lead authority for SWELTRAC (the South and West London Transport Conference), a grouping of 12 South West London local authorities, bus and train operators, transport authorities and passenger and business interests which aim to promote all forms of sustainable transport linked to local business interests.  The Council is a member of the South London Freight Quality Partnership which seeks to manage and improve the transport of freight by road, rail and water.

8.1.5.12 The Local Implementation Plan is reviewed annually and is the basis for the boroughs bid to Transport for London for transport projects.  In addition to this allocation from TfL, some resources will be provided through Section 106 agreements for new developments, this money would be spent in line with the projects in the Local Implementation Plan or other Council plans such as conservation area studies or pedestrian audits where smaller transport related projects might be identified.  Sustainable transport improvements will be phased to take account of existing needs and expected new development.

8.1.5.13 Funding bids have been made through the Local Implementation Plan for cross Thames bridges as described above, so far unsuccessfully, however it is hoped that at least one of these will be given favourable consideration in the future as they are in line with the objective of the Mayors Transport Plan.

8.1.5.14 The Council through its membership of the Heathrow Airport Consultative Committee (HACC) and the Strategic Aviation Special Interest Group will continue to lobby the Government and BAA to achieve the measures described above.

8.1.5.15 Summary of Implementation and Monitoring

8.1.5.16 Policy Background

• PPS1 – Delivering Sustainable Development 2005
• PPG13 – Transport 1994

• Mayors Transport Plan
• The London Plan Consolidated with Alterations since 2004
• The London Freight Plan
• The London Rail Freight Strategy

• Community Plan 2007-2017
• Local Implementation Plan
• Borough Spending Plan
• Draft SPG on Car Clubs and Car Free Development
• Road Safety Plan
• Parking Enforcement Plan
• Borough Walking Strategy
• Richmond upon Thames Cycling Action Plan
• Air Quality Action Plan (reduction of pollution from transport sources)
• Waste Reduction and Recycling Strategy (Route planning for lorries; driver training ; emissions controls)

8.1.5.17 For more details on relevant National, Regional and Local policies and strategies, the spatial options considered, consultation and the results of the Sustainability Appraisal and the equalities assessment for all policies see also “Core Strategy Background Information”.

8.1.6 CP6 Waste

8.1.6.1 Justification

8.1.6.2 This approach seeks to minimise the amount of waste going to landfill and contribute towards London being more self sufficient in dealing with its waste. The London Plan consolidated with Alterations since 2004 sets out the requirements for each Borough (The London Plan consolidated with Alterations since 2004 apportionment), the broad pattern of types of waste management and other requirements including broad locations for search, the Joint Waste Plan will identify sites and more detailed policies to deal with the projected waste stream. The Borough sets it’s own targets in line with The London Plan consolidated with Alterations since 2004 and local circumstances and these will be reviewed as appropriate.

8.1.6.3 Implementation

8.1.6.4 This policy will be implemented by the Borough in coordination with the other Borough members of the West London Waste Authority and through the operation of the Waste Reduction and Recycling Strategy.  The Boroughs will work together to produce the Joint Waste DPD, and this will reflect the provisions of The London Plan consolidated with Alterations since 2004 and Mayors Municipal Waste Management Strategy.  The Council has recently changed its waste and recycling collection service, adding the door to door collection of plastic, cardboard to newspaper, tins, glass, green waste and food waste which were previously collected.  The expanded service, together with a publicity campaign appears to be raising the overall level of recycling and it is likely that in local recycling targets will be raised in the future.

8.1.6.5 Summary of Implementation and Monitoring

8.1.6.6 Policy background

• PPS 1: Delivering Sustainable Development, 2005
• Code for Sustainable Homes, 2006

• The London Plan Consolidated with Alterations since 2004
• Mayors Municipal Waste Management Strategy
• West London Waste Authority Municipal Waste Plan 2006
• GLA – Sustainable Design and Construction 2006

• Community Plan 2007-2017
• Unitary Development Plan
• Local Area Agreement (LAA)
• Waste Reduction and Recycling Strategy 2007
• Waste and Recycling Review 2007

8.1.6.7 For more details on relevant National, Regional and Local policies and strategies, the spatial options considered, consultation and the results of the Sustainability Appraisal and the equalities assessment for all policies see also “Core Strategy Background Information”.

8.2 Protecting Local Character - CP7 - CP12

8.2.1 CP7 Maintaining and Improving the Local Environment

8.2.1.1 Justification

8.2.1.2 The Borough is locally distinctive by virtue of its a very high environmental quality and historic environment which can be defined by: the River Thames which bisects the Borough, numerous conservation areas, listed buildings and buildings of townscape merit (locally listed buildings), scheduled ancient monuments and sites of archaeological interest including Hampton Court Palace, registered parks and gardens of special historic interest and other designated parkland and open space including the Royal Parks, the World Heritage Site at Kew Gardens and important strategic and local views, including the protected vista from Richmond Park towards St Pauls Cathedral.  Views and landmarks that are particular important to the Borough’s local architectural character will be identified on the Proposals Map and in supplementary planning documents, where appropriate.  Areas of poorer environmental quality also exist in the areas of relative disadvantage and a public realm improvement programme is under way.

8.2.1.3 The Council will support new development, including extensions and refurbishment, that has evolved from an understanding of the site, the impact on its surroundings, and its role within the wider neighbourhood; and that is based on  high quality sustainable design which  results in improvements to the area in which it takes place.  Considering more than the buildings themselves the design of the spaces between, both private and public, are key to the quality of the environment as a whole and the experience of those who use them.

8.2.1.4 New development must be accessible to all and provide opportunities to meet the needs of all the Borough’s residents and visitors.  Schemes should look to provide facilities and services at the most local level possible to ensure mixed communities and reduce the need to travel.  They should also minimise the risk and perception of crime by having regard to the design principles adopted by the Government in ‘Safer Places’ and 'Secured by Design' principles and in local planning guidance where appropriate.

8.2.1.5 Large parts of the Borough are sensitive to the impact of taller buildings by virtue of the high environmental quality that currently exists, with heritage and open space constraints and their lower density character and development patterns.  However it is recognised that in some instances density can be increased, making better use of land without the need for taller buildings, through good design, layout and mix of uses.  In general, a tall building is defined by CABE and English Heritage as one that is substantially taller than its neighbours or significantly changes the skyline.  In this Borough, large scale development is defined  as buildings of generally 6 or more storeys in height. A study by Turley Associates has identified those areas most suitable within the borough for higher densities and tall buildings by mapping various constraints and accessibility levels. This will be used as local guidance when determining applications.

8.2.1.6 In general, an appropriate mix of uses and higher densities of housing will be encouraged within the Borough’s five town centres as these are accessible by public transport, and occupiers of new development could benefit from a range of shops and services within easy walking distance.  It is recognised that the potential for higher densities is likely to be within the central areas of these towns  rather than within adjoining residential areas.  Higher densities will have to be compatible with local character and townscape, preserve the setting of listed buildings and areas of recognised quality and not adversely impact on residential amenity either within or outside the town centres.  In addition, taller buildings may be suitable in Richmond and Twickenham town centres close to the stations, rather than other town centres, if car travel can be minimised and townscape setting left unharmed.  All such proposals will require full design justification based on a comprehensive townscape appraisal and the use of 3D modelling images, and be assessed using the criteria for evaluation identified by CABE and English Heritage in ‘Guidance on Tall Buildings’ and local guidance.

8.2.1.7 The Council’s Design Quality Supplementary Planning Document encourages developers to take account of the 12 distinct character areas within the Borough and provides initial guidance on local distinctiveness.

8.2.1.8 Conservation Area appraisal statements and character studies also provide background.  Further design guidance on a topic and area basis, such as higher density, mixed uses or shop signage, will be progressed to supplement the Core Strategy and DC policies.

8.2.1.9 Implementation

8.2.1.10 This policy will be operated through the Council’s and Partners development programmes in relation to both buildings and the public realm.  The Council will:

• identify in the Site Allocations SPD, LDF sites where redevelopment would provide an opportunity to improve the local environment;
• maintain a programme of environmental improvements including Arcadia a HLF supported programme which will provide over £4.0m of improvements along the Riverside and a £2.0m programme to improve shopping and other key public areas in the area of deprivation;
• use the Public Space Guide to ensure that all works within the public realm contribute to maintaining and improving the local environment;
• maintain local character and promote environmental improvements through conservation area management proposals and the use as appropriate of Article 4 Directions.  

8.2.1.11 In relation to new development, developers will have to justify their design decisions within a Design and Access Statement for each application.  There will be more detailed policies within the Development Control Development Plan document and Supplementary Planning Documents on specific design and conservation issues.

8.2.1.12 Summary of Implementation and Monitoring

8.2.1.13 Policy Background

• PPS 1: Delivering Sustainable Development, 2005
• By Design: Urban Design in the Planning System: Towards better practice (ODPM/CABE) – companion guide to PPS1
• Protecting Design Quality in Planning (2003) CABE
• PPS 1 Supplement – Planning and Climate Change 2007
• PPG 3: Housing 2000
• Better Places to Live By Design: A companion guide to PPG3
• PPS 12 – Local Development Frameworks 2004
• PPG 15 – Planning and the Historic Environment  1994
• Building in Context  - CABE/English Heritage, 2002
• English Heritage Guidance
• Safer Places, 2005
• Guidance on Tall Buildings – CABE./English Heritage 2007

• The London Plan Consolidated with Alterations since 2004
• GLA – Sustainable Design and Construction 2006

8.2.2 CP8 Town and Local Centres

8.2.2.1 Justification

8.2.2.2 The hierarchy of centres provides for residents and visitors needs in a sustainable way.

8.2.2.3 Richmond is defined as a major centre in The London Plan consolidated with Alterations since 2004,   and as providing a cluster of night time activities of sub regional importance.  It is the most accessible centre by public transport and is therefore most appropriate location for new retail, office, leisure and tourism uses which attracts both local people and people who live outside the Borough. This strategy recognises that the centre should reinforced to an extent compatible with environmental constraints, resulting from the many listed buildings and conservation areas in the core of the town centre.  It also recognises that this expansion should be sustainable and therefore that there should be improvements at Richmond Station and for pedestrians but that there should not be any expansion in car parking over the maximum standards.  Richmond centre is suitable for higher density residential development in small unit form with no on-site car parking.  Within the town centre there is a Cumulative Impact Zone, as defined in the Council’s Licensing Policy (section 4).  In this zone new or variation applications for any licensed premises that are likely to add to the existing cumulative impact will normally be refused following relevant representations.  The Council will encourage restaurants, café bars and leisure uses.  There will be a proactive approach to managing the night time economy, which will be related to the Borough’s licensing strategy.

8.2.2.4 Twickenham is defined as a district centre in The London Plan consolidated with Alterations since 2004.  It is also highly accessible by both train and bus and again suitable for new retail, office, leisure and tourism uses, which attract both local people and people who live outside the Borough.  Further details are included in the justification to CP 9 (Twickenham town centre).

8.2.2.5 East Sheen, Teddington and Whitton are defined as district centres under The London Plan consolidated with Alterations since 2004. They are less accessible by public transport than Richmond and Twickenham, and therefore more suited to providing shops, services and employment opportunities for local residents.  The strategy recognises the need to maintain rather than significantly expand these centres.  East Sheen and Teddington have an established office base, which is to be retained.  Opportunities should be taken to improve shopping – particularly to provide for day-to-day and weekly food shopping needs and to improve public transport, walking and cycling provision.  It is recognised that there is limited public car parking within East Sheen and Whitton and it may be appropriate for additional public car parking to be brought forward as part of retail schemes.  These three centres are closely related to the surrounding residential areas and therefore higher densities in the centres must respect the scale and character of the related residential areas.  Local drinking establishments and nightclubs will be limited to a scale to serve local people and there will be an proactive approach to managing the night time economy, which will be related to the Borough’s licensing strategy. 

8.2.2.6 Local and neighbourhood centres are essential for day-to-day shopping and provide a focus for local communities.  They are particularly important to the 24% of households who do not have cars.  Such centres generally have limited purpose-built offices and while these employment opportunities are to be retained, the public transport accessibility is generally not sufficient to encourage any significant expansion.  New retail uses will need to be appropriate to the function of the centre.  Any local drinking establishments and nightclubs need to be of a scale to serve local people.  In general it would not be appropriate to provide additional car parking in these centres.

8.2.2.7 Areas not conveniently accessible to local shops are shown on the table at 8.D above.  The Council will be concerned to retain and where practical support individual shops.  These are particularly important where they serve the areas of relative deprivation.

8.2.2.8 Implementation

8.2.2.9 There are a whole range of services which support the town centres including town centre management initiatives, highways and transport, waste and street cleaning, licensing and trading standards and enforcement.  Working with stakeholders and partners the Council will take a proactive approach to diversify and manage the night time economy in line with current Best Practice Guidance.  The Community Safety Partnership will take forward the Community Safety and Substance Misuse Strategy, of particular relevance are actions in relation to Safe Streets, Alcohol and Anti-Social behaviour.  Policies with respect to managing the night time economy will be included within the Development DPD and will be part of an integrated approach which will be related to the Borough’s licensing policy.  Specific proposals for the centres will be taken forward through the Site Allocations DPD or in the case of highways and transport direct action by the Council.

8.2.2.10 Summary of Implementation and Monitoring

8.2.2.11 Policy Background

• PPS 1 Delivering Sustainable Development, 2005
• PPS 6 Planning for Town Centres 2006

• The London Plan Consolidated with Alterations since 2004 - Key town centre policies – 2A.8, 3D.1,  3D.2, 3D.3, 3D.4, Annex 1
• Mayor of London (2007) Managing the Night Time Economy, Best Practice Guidance, GLA, London

• Community Plan 2007-2017
• Community Safety and Substance Misuse Strategy2008
• Report of Alcohol Task Group 2008

8.2.2.12 For more details on relevant National, Regional and Local policies and strategies, the spatial options considered, consultation and the results of the Sustainability Appraisal and the equalities assessment for all policies see also “Core Strategy Background Information”.

8.2.3 CP9 Twickenham Town Centre

• employment location particularly for new or refurbished high quality offices;
• district retail centre including specialist shops and ensuring the protection of retail use in the key shopping frontages;
• visitor and tourist destination;
• centre for sports, leisure, arts and cultural activities;
• place with a more diverse evening economy attractive to all age groups;

8.2.3.1 Justification

8.2.3.2 The Strategy recognises the need for revitalisation of the centre. Twickenham is highly accessible by both train and bus and the centre is suitable for retail, and employment uses, which attract people from further away.  It is however recognised that its location between Richmond and Kingston means that competing directly with these centres is unrealistic and that shopping should be to meet needs of local residential communities, local workers and students, and visitors to the local attractions including the Riverside, the RFU, Strawberry Hill, Marble Hill House, Twickenham Museum and Orleans House.  There should be expansion of the type of specialist shopping already found in Church Street and Heath Road and continued encouragement of street markets. The accessibility by public transport again suggests that there should not be an expansion of car parking and that improvements should be oriented to improving the pedestrian environment.  It also means the Centre is suitable for higher density residential development in small unit form with no on-site car parking.  The Twickenham Riverside site will provide a major opportunity for improving the Riverside environment.  Within the town centre there is a Cumulative Impact Zone, as defined in the Council’s Licensing Policy (section 4).  In this zone new or variation applications for any licensed premises that are likely to add to the existing cumulative impact will normally be refused following relevant representations.  There will be a proactive approach to managing the night time economy, which will be related to the Borough’s licensing strategy.

8.2.3.3 There is the opportunity through redevelopment of some key sites, environmental works and promotion and marketing to improve the viability and viability of Twickenham.  New residents and office workers as well as visitors will support the local retail economy.  Town centre management initiatives will continue to be directed at promoting the retail offer and specialist functions.

8.2.3.4 The new development will also provide the opportunity for Twickenham to be the first centre in the Borough to develop local energy generation initiatives. (see also CP2).

8.2.3.5 It is considered that there is the opportunity to improve the local built environment and public space particularly by the Thames as Twickenham Riverside is redeveloped and along the main shopping streets, including the shop fronts of existing premises, this will include accessibility for all users.  Any redevelopment in or around Twickenham Station will provide the opportunity for an improved transport interchange and local environment.  The railways lines and the River are barriers which restrict the accessibility of the centre, opportunities should be taken to improve pedestrian and cycle links including new pedestrian routes along the Crane valley and across the River to Ham.

8.2.3.6 The evening economy is already well developed, but there are some concerns about anti-social behaviour and safety.  The proposed approach is therefore to promote diversification through encouraging restaurants, café-bars, cinemas and leisure uses which might attract evening users, so that the centre is more attractive to all age groups.

8.2.3.7 Implementation

8.2.3.8 Many of the proposed changes will be brought about as key sites within the town centre and the nearby area are redeveloped, or refurbished.  Local improvements to transport, the pedestrian environment and civic spaces could be funded either by Transport for London or through S106 funding as new sites are developed.  The Council will continue to work with the RFU to manage traffic on match days.  The Town Centre Management Board will continue to take forward initiatives to enhance the centre. The Council will work with stakeholders and partners to promote an integrated approach to managing the night time economy in line with current Best Practice Guidance.  Actions will range from restricting further changes of use to bars and restaurants through planning control and licensing, encouraging a range of other evening uses such as leisure, sports, cultural or evening opening of retail uses, working with transport providers, including the Public Carriage Office, to ensure the provision of night time transport and associated facilities and improving arrangements for street cleaning, rubbish collection and maintenance.  The Community Safety Partnership will take forward the Community Safety and Substance Misuse Strategy; of particular relevance are actions in relation to Safe Streets, Alcohol and Anti-Social behaviour.  More detailed policies with respect to entertainment and other town centre uses will be taken forward in the Development Control DPD and Site Specific proposals within the Site Allocations DPD.  A number of environmental improvement schemes are being promoted at Twickenham Embankment, King Street, Garfield Road, Holly Road and at York house and improvements to shop fronts will be encouraged.  The Council is looking at promoting local energy generation initiatives on its own and other sites and will work with partners such as the Town Centre Management Board to implement such initiatives.

8.2.3.9 Summary of Implementation and Monitoring

8.2.3.10 Policy Background

• PPS 1 Delivering Sustainable Development, 2005
• PPS 6 Planning for Town Centres 2006

• The London Plan Consolidated with Alterations since 2004 -Key town centre policies – 2A.8, 3D.1,  3D.2, 3D.3, 3D.4, Annex 1
• Mayor of London (2007) Managing the Night Time Economy, Best Practice Guidance, GLA, London

• Community Plan 2007-2017
• Community Safety and Substance Misuse Strategy2008
• Report of Alcohol Task Group 2008

8.2.3.11 For more details on relevant National, Regional and Local policies and strategies, the spatial options considered, consultation and the results of the Sustainability Appraisal and the equalities assessment for all policies see also “Core Strategy Background Information”.

8.2.4 CP10 Open Land and Parks

8.2.4.1 Justification

8.2.4.2 The borough is characterised by extensive areas of open land designated as Green Belt, Metropolitan Open Land, green chains and corridors which link across borough boundaries and have a strategic function in south west London.  Many smaller pieces of open land designated Other Open Land of Townscape Importance are of value to the local area.  As the Council can achieve its strategic dwelling target and other land use needs without the loss of protected open land it is not envisaged that significant changes will be brought forward through the site allocations DPD, and there may be scope for including some additional areas for further protection.

8.2.4.3 The Council places a high priority on the protection and enhancement of the natural environment at its present high level of quality without compromising its future and its wider local, national and global context.  This means that the Borough can remain an attractive area for people to live, work and visit to enjoy their heritage and leisure time.

8.2.4.4 The open space hierarchy (see table above, based on the London Plan table 3D.1) provides for a range of open spaces for formal and informal recreation.  Many of the Borough's parks and open spaces are of metropolitan importance in providing opportunities for recreation, and many have historic significance, biodiversity value or can be regarded as areas of relative tranquillity.  The open space network of spaces, corridors and the links in between provide a ‘green infrastructure’ that performs a wide range of functions.  Areas of public open space will be safeguarded and where practical opportunities will be taken to improve both the provision and quality of open space and associated recreational facilities, including for children’s play as identified in the Open Spaces Strategy, the Council’s Sport and Recreation Strategy and the Sport and Recreation Needs Assessment.  Opportunities will be taken to make the best use of open spaces by promotion, reviewing opening hours and extending activities where practicable, pedestrian and cycle links to parks and cycle parking facilities in parks will be improved as appropriate.  Key parks, as identified above, will be invested in to provide a higher standard than is usually provided at local parks, they will generally be staffed, multi-use sites with a playground and variety of activities, likely to attract users from up to 1.2km.  Priority will be given to areas of deficiency in relation to open space and areas of deprivation as shown on Map 5, and on the proposals map and new developments will be expected to contribute, in accordance with the Planning Obligations Strategy.

8.2.4.5 Implementation

8.2.4.6 This policy will be implemented through the Council’s parks and open spaces and sports development services.  The Council will also work with other landowners particularly the Royal Parks Agency, Network Rail and South West Trains, Thames Water plc, Richmond Housing Partnership and the other RSLs to take forward the management and proposals referred to above.  The Thames Strategy and the Thames Landscape Strategy will take forward improvement projects and volunteer projects along the Riverside.

8.2.4.7 The Council through its planning function will seek to protect open space from development, and seek the provision of additional open space where appropriate with new developments, more details of requirements will be set out in the Development DPD and requirements for developers contributions towards open space are set out in the Planning Obligations Strategy.

8.2.4.8 Summary of Implementation and Monitoring

8.2.4.9 Policy Background

8.2.4.10

• PPS 1 Delivering Sustainable Development, 2005
• PPG2 Green Belts
• PPS 9 Biodiversity and Geological Conservation
• PPG 17 Sport and Recreation

8.2.4.11

• RPG 3 Strategic Planning Guidance for London 1996 states that Metropolitan Open land should be give the same protection as the Green Belt (para 7.8)
• The London Plan Consolidated with Alterations since 2004 - Open Land Policies 3D.8, 3D.9, 3D.10 and 3D.11.
• The London Plan Consolidated with Alterations since 2004 - Sports Policies 3A.18, 3D.6, 3D.8, 3D.11, 3D.12 and 4C.4.

8.2.4.12

• Community Plan 2007-2017

8.2.4.13 For more details on relevant National, Regional and Local policies and strategies, the spatial options considered, consultation and the results of the Sustainability Appraisal and the equalities assessment for all policies see also “Core Strategy Background Information”.

8.2.5 CP11 River Thames Corridor

8.2.5.1 Justification

8.2.5.2 The River Thames runs for 34 km through the borough, one of the longest river frontages in London.  The Thames and the riverside settlements which grew up on both banks give the borough a unique and historic landscape character that provides a valuable habitat for wildlife.  Other relevant considerations will be the London Plan which defines the Blue Ribbon network with policies to enhance and protect all of London’s water bodies, a Thames Policy Area policy within the Development  DPD which sets out in more detail what will be considered and The Thames Landscape Strategy (Hampton to Kew) and Thames Strategy (Kew to Chelsea) which define the special character of those respective reaches and set out a framework for co-ordination between the relevant Boroughs and other interest groups to protect and enhance the river corridor as well as a number of projects ranging from strategic to small scale maintenance.  Typical projects are the Teddington Gateway (improvements to the area around Teddington Lock), London’s Arcadia – a multi million pound project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund  to improve the historic Thames landscape from Ham to Richmond, a towpath Management Plan to ensure that the path is cared for from day to day maintenance through to longer term planting and clearance, an Education and Outreach programme and a Waterspace and Visitor Action Plan to ensure that the best use is made of the river. River-related industries are important for the continued functioning of the River and in terms of local character, river related recreation on and beside the river is also important and the Thames Path National Trail is of strategic significance.

8.2.5.3 Implementation 

8.2.5.4 The policy will be implemented in a number of ways.  Decision making with regard to development and other activities on or in the vicinity of the River Thames can raise strategic (including London wide) issues, matters which impact on the immediate environment, and detailed design issues.  Much of this will occur during the development control process.  Further development control policies which will set out how applications within the Thames Policy area will be dealt with within the Development DPD.  Some key sites are in ownership of the Council and its partners, and therefore have potential for direct action in relation to both property and the towpath.

8.2.5.5 The Tidal Thames Habitat Action Plan Working Group has been implementing the Richmond Biodiversity Action Plan since 2005.  Other issues such as inter-Borough coordination, smaller scale project work and matters of day to day management, all have an impact on the River Thames environment but would be more properly covered outside the Local Development Framework, much would come under the auspices of the Council in its role as landowner, the Thames Landscape Strategy, the Thames Strategy and the management of the Thames Path National Trail.  The two Thames Strategies referred to are both supported by the Boroughs which they cover and other relevant organisations, both financially and in kind, and both have paid staff to take forward their Action Plans.  Both strategies have been successful in raising resources in the form of financial assistance (grants, sponsorship, payment in kind etc) and many man hours of voluntary assistance to take forward their projects and there is every indication that the success of these two projects will continue to build.  The Borough is a member of the River Thames Alliance and supports the aims an plans of the Thames Waterway Plan 2006-2011.The Thames Path National Trail is managed by English Nature and is one of the six strategic walking routes in London, as such it has received funding for improvements to signage and interpretation from TFL.  All of the bodies referred to above work in coordination with each other.

8.2.5.6 Summary of Implementation and Monitoring

8.2.5.7 Policy Background

• PPS 1 Delivering Sustainable Development, 2005
• PPS 9 Biodiversity and Geological Conservation
• PPG 17 Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation 2003
• PPS 25: Development and Flood Risk 2006

• The London Plan Consolidated with Alterations since 2004 especially Blue Ribbon Policies
• National Trail Management Strategy 2006-2011

• Thames Landscape Strategy Hampton to Kew
• Thames Strategy Kew to Chelsea
• Community Plan 2007-2017

8.2.5.8 For more details on relevant National, Regional and Local policies and strategies, the spatial options considered, consultation and the results of the Sustainability Appraisal and the equalities assessment for all policies see also “Core Strategy Background Information”.

8.2.6 CP12 River Crane Corridor

8.2.6.1 Justification

8.2.6.2 The Crane Valley within the Borough forms part of the much longer West London Green Chain which runs for 30 km from Harrow to the Thames at Isleworth.  The Crane Valley contains large areas of open land, which could benefit from significant environmental improvement and a number of areas of change (referred to below) where there is potential for sympathetic development, of appropriate design and density for the location, taking account of historic features and archaeological interest.  The Council is committed to the overall improvement of the corridor to provide an attractive walk and open wedge with improvements to the biodiversity between the London Borough of Hounslow and the River Thames.

8.2.6.3 The Council has developed the Crane Valley Planning Guidelines for the main area of potential change, which includes the Stoop Memorial Ground, the Craneford Way playing fields, the Council Depot, the Richmond upon Thames College and the Post Office Sorting Office (see key diagram).  It has considered this area comprehensively with a view to enhancing the open space, historic landscape and the associated linkages, improving sports facilities and providing for possible improvement to the College.  Also included are improvements to the banks of the River Crane to enhance their ecological interest and provision of a through pedestrian/cycle route along the River Crane.  The development of the sites referred to above and others in the nearby area will provide the opportunity to contribute towards these improvements including through planning obligations. Planning briefs have been prepared or are programmed to secure appropriate development and associated improvements. The Council will work with the local community as appropriate in the planning and carrying out of improvements.  It is the intention that the existing level of cultivated allotments within the Crane Valley should be retained.  It is recognised that there are limited vehicular access points into the area and this would need to be fully taken into account.

8.2.6.4 Implementation

8.2.6.5 As a major landowner the Council will seek to take forward the proposals on its own sites.  It will also work with key landowners, including the Royal Mail, the Richmond upon Thames College and Harlequins Rugby Club to implement the strategy.  The development control process will be relevant to the development sites within the area.  Improvements to the open areas may be achieved through Section 106 contributions or other assistance from the developments both within the area and nearby, and the actions of the Environment Agency, land owners, voluntary groups and the Council with respect to its own land.  In particular the Friends of the River Crane (FORCE) are working with funding from both London Boroughs of Hounslow and Richmond as well as grant funding to look at improvements to a wider area which would link existing open areas from Hounslow Heath to Twickenham Station to form the Crane Riverside Park.

8.2.6.6 Summary of Implementation and Monitoring

8.2.6.7 Policy Background

• PPS 1 Delivering Sustainable Development, 2005
• PPS 9 Biodiversity and Geological Conservation 2006
• PPG 17 Sport and Recreation

• The London Plan consolidated with Alterations since 2004 - particularly policies 3D.11,  3D.14,
• North London Rivers Restoration Strategy 2006 – Environment Agency

• Community Plan 2007-2017
• Crane Valley Planning Guidelines 2005 (SPG)

8.2.6.8 For more details on relevant National, Regional and Local policies and strategies, the spatial options considered, consultation and the results of the Sustainability Appraisal and the equalities assessment for all policies see also “Core Strategy Background Information”.

8.3 Meeting People's Needs - CP13 - CP20

8.3.1 CP13 Opportunities for All (Tackling Relative Disadvantage)

• Improve Castelnau shopping area;
• Provide Children’s Centre;
• Tree planting with open space upgrading in Barnes/Castlenau residential streets.

• Promote improvements to public transport, including bus links to Richmond, Kingston and Kingston Hospital and local shopping;
• Consider potential for regeneration to provide a mixed community;
• Upgrade the Back Lane shopping parade;
• Improvements to Ham Close and shopping area in Ashburnam Road;
• Continue to develop facilities for teenagers;

• Improve public transport including access to Hampton Station;
• Improve shopping on Hampton Nursery Lands;
• Environmental improvements at Tangley Park road including the recycling area.

• Improve Nelson Road, Hanworth Road, and Powder Mill Lane local shops;
• Promote improved primary care facilities;

• Improve Mortlake Station;
• Environmental improvements beside Sheen Lane Centre;
• Upgrade the footpath links from Mortlake Station;
• Environmental Improvements to Mortlake High Street.

8.3.1.1 Justification

8.3.1.2 The Borough is relatively affluent but with pockets of deprivation.  The most deprived areas of the Borough are parts of Castelnau, Ham, Hampton Nursery Lands, Heathfield and Mortlake.  There are many individuals in relative deprivation including some older people, disabled people, people on lower incomes and others.

8.3.1.3 The Areas of Relative Deprivation are characterised by relatively high proportions of people renting from Richmond Housing Partnership.  There tend to be more people living in flats, more lone parents, older people, more people black and ethnic minority groups, fewer people with access to a car or van and more people more prominently sick or disabled and more people unemployed.  Life expectancy is significantly lower than in the Borough as a while.  The Community Plan indicates there are a complex mix of factors which prevent some from these groups realising their full potential, these can include:

• the long-term effects of discrimination;
• information often not easily accessible because of language, culture or disability,
• a lack of affordable childcare and child friendly policies;
• limited assessable and affordable transport.

8.3.1.4 The Council will work with its Strategic Partners, including Registered Social Landlords, to tackle specific problems in geographic areas or of certain groups.  Actions will include regeneration (particularly at Ham), investment in the provision of specific facilities or services and by community building.  The Council would like to reduce social exclusion by ensuring that basic requirements such as affordable housing, suitable employment, shops, education, social and medical facilities and transport are provided in convenient locations for all residents, including those who do not have a car.  In order to help people into work, it will also be necessary to develop employment opportunities and to provide access through improvements to transport, childcare and training.  Other opportunities for children’s play, sport, recreation and culture should be provided and promoted in such a way as to improve take up by those who do not currently participate.

8.3.1.5 Implementation

8.3.1.6 Whilst the Community Plan aims to improve economic and learning outcomes in these areas the Local Development Framework core policy sets out the over arching intention to tackle areas of deprivation and widen opportunities.  In addition, the other core policies should also take account of deprivation and equalities issues and address specifically the needs of people within the 5 areas where possible ( for example in policies with respect to transport and the provision of community facilities and services).

8.3.1.7 The Council has committed itself to a range of actions for the Areas of Relative Deprivation including to work with the Richmond Housing Partnership and Primary Care Trust to support projects tackling inequality and disadvantage.  Funding has already been allocated to achieve this – in Summer 2007 a £1 million Community Development Fund was agreed by the Council for the 5 areas, £732,000 was allocated for the children’s centre at Lowther School and a £1 million youth development fund was committed and this will be used to match Government funding from the youth opportunities fund and youth capital funds.  The Play Strategy 2007 includes a bid for £300,000 lottery funding for recreation facilities for the 8-15s focussing on the Areas of Relative Deprivation.  Specific needs identified for transport improvements will be taken forward into the Local Transport Plan and Borough Spending Plan and bids will be made for funding from TfL.

8.3.1.8 A broad range of schemes have been identified for environmental improvement within and immediately adjacent to the areas of relative deprivation.  Civic spaces that are the focus for local communities, such as shopping parades have been chosen.

8.3.1.9 The proposed environmental improvements are varied depending on specific requirements and condition of the site, and range from basic improvements in the form of upgraded furniture (benches, bins) and tree planting, to more comprehensive schemes.

8.3.1.10 The Council has committed a total funding package of £2m over a period of 3 years.  The funding breakdown for schemes up to 2010/2011 is as follows:

8.3.1.11 The site allocations document will identify specific proposals and ensure that priority is given to proposals for necessary buildings or facilities within the 5 areas.  Other proposals will be taken forward by the Council (e.g. Childrens Centres/environmental improvements) and/or partners such as TFL, Richmond Housing Partnership and Network Rail.

8.3.1.12 Summary of Implementation and Monitoring

8.3.1.13 Policy Background

• PPS 1 Delivering Sustainable Development, 2005

• The London Plan Consolidated with Alterations since 2004

• Community Plan 2007-2017
• Local Area Agreement
• Strategy for Sport and Recreation (draft 2006)
• Local Housing Assessment
• Richmond and Twickenham NHS Primary Care Trust (PCT) Local Delivery Plan.
• Richmond upon Thames Strategic Plan for Children’s Centres and Extended Schools

8.3.1.14 For more details on relevant National, Regional and Local policies and strategies, the spatial options considered, consultation and the results of the Sustainability Appraisal and the equalities assessment for all policies see also “Core Strategy Background Information”.

8.3.2 CP14 Housing

• For the ten year period between 1 April 2007 and 31 March 2017, an additional 2,700 dwellings (Alterations to the London Plan, Dec 2006), annualised as 270 dwellings per year.
• In the ten years from March 2017, indicative capacity is expected to be in the range of 150-330 dwellings a year. An early alteration to the target contained in this strategy will be brought forward to reflect the updated London wide Housing Capacity Study /SHLAA.

8.3.2.1 Justification

8.3.2.2 The amount of housing to be provided

8.3.2.3 Alterations to The London Plan consolidated with Alterations since 2004, operative from Dec 2006, show a housing capacity in the Borough of 2700 units between April 2007 and April 2017. From 2017, capacity is likely to be increasingly reliant on sites with fewer than ten units, for which an estimate is generally made, and less reliant on larger sites which can be identified in future Housing Capacity Studies/ SHLAA undertaken by the GLA in collaboration with London boroughs. The indicative figure for the ten years from 2017 is taken from the London Plan 2008, appendix 10.

8.3.2.4 Although PPS3 expects that this housing capacity will normally be derived from a Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA), the Council together with other London Boroughs, has been advised by the Government Office for London (GOL*) not to undertake its own SHLAA (and strategic Housing Market Assessment) as this should be undertaken on a regional basis i.e. a London wide study undertaken by the GLA; relatively similar to the London Housing Capacity Study (2005) which has informed The London Plan consolidated with Alterations since 2004 and Core Strategy housing targets. * (Strategic Housing Market Assessments in London - Addressing the PPS requirements for a 15 year Housing Land Supply - A Joint Statement from GOL, the GLA and London Councils - March 2008).

8.3.2.5 The strategic dwelling requirement takes account of net housing gain from all sources, including site-specific proposals, large windfall sites, small sites and conversions. The housing trajectory below shows that the Council over recent years has exceeded it’s yearly housing target of 270 dwellings. The requirement may be exceeded, but it is hard to gauge to what extent, as the number of large sites is likely to reduce in future. Further information on the phasing and delivery of housing can be found in the study London Borough of Richmond upon Thames Local Housing Availability Assessment 2008.

8.3.2.6 On the basis of current large site commitments and the assumptions made in the London Housing Capacity Study about small sites coming forward, the phasing of development is anticipated to be 1,714-1,834 units in the five years 2009-2014 and 1,012 units during the five years 2014-2019. This front-loading is partly because of the expected completion of two particularly large sites – at Kew Riverside and at Richmond Lock, totalling 364 units – and the early implementation of a permission for a site of 198 units at Sandy Lane, Hampton Wick.

8.3.2.7 The Borough is characterised by large areas of protected open land, and the remaining area is built up, much of it being designated as conservation areas, resulting in few large potential housing sites being available. The Council will encourage relatively higher density development in more sustainable locations, such as town centres and areas better served by public transport, subject to compatibility with established character. While The London Plan consolidated with Alterations since 2004 density matrix provides general guidance, local factors, such as proximity to facilities and to public transport routes, and the character of the surrounding area, will be taken into account in reaching the appropriate density for a particular site. Some additional housing will be provided through conversions and through change of use to housing from other uses where this would not conflict with other policies.

8.3.2.8 The housing allocation is capable of being met without recourse to development on greenfield sites as defined in PPS3. The Council will encourage relatively higher density development in more sustainable locations, such as town centres and areas better served by public transport, maximising the potential of sites. The density and mix of residential development will take into account the need to use land as intensively as is compatible with the protection of the quality, character and amenity of the area. The Borough’s Employment Land Study and the GLA Industrial Land Capacity SPG have identified the need to retain existing employment land in the Borough therefore the housing land allocation is capable of being met without the release of employment land.  However, there will be some housing gain on employment land where sites are no longer suitable for employment use or where mixed developments are promoted which maintain the level of employment floorspace.

8.3.2.9 The Council will generally resist the loss of housing to other uses, proposals resulting in a reduction in housing units and the loss of Homes in Multiple Occupation. One-for-one replacements of a house will not normally be permitted, on sustainability grounds. More detailed housing issues are addressed in Development Plan Documents and Supplementary Planning Documents.

8.3.2.10 Types of housing to be provided

8.3.2.11 The additional housing provided should contribute to the development of mixed and balanced communities, and help fulfil the aim to provide for the full range of housing needs. These include the needs of older people, the need for supported housing, for the future increase in one-person households, and for those unable to afford market housing.

8.3.2.12 Gypsy and Traveller Sites

8.3.2.13 The local authority’s own site in the Borough has been able to accommodate an increase in capacity in past years, and it is intended to retain this existing provision.  A London-wide assessment of supply and demand has been conducted on behalf of all London Boroughs under the auspices of the GLA, and this has identified a need for a further 2 - 11 pitches in the Borough. In terms of supply, it is likely that few opportunities for further provision will arise and great care would be required in finding a location which conformed with other policies and minimised visual intrusion.

8.3.2.14 Housing standards

8.3.2.15 Housing should be designed to a high standard, respecting the characteristics of the surrounding area. All housing should be built to Lifetime Homes standards. 10% of housing should be built to wheelchair standards, provided across all tenures. The Council will take account of space standards inside and outside the home and the energy efficiency and sustainability of all housing proposals.

8.3.2.16 Implementation

8.3.2.17 Those responsible for delivering future housing will mainly be private developers and Registered Social Landlords, enabled principally by the planning application process and support from Housing Services and the Housing Corporation. The delivery of housing will be met through:

• Ensuring development maximises the most efficient use of brownfield land, mainly achieved through working with development control
• Producing a supplementary planning document giving guidance on achieving increased density, in sustainable locations
• Promoting mixed use developments in Town Centres
• Ensuring that future Development control policies resist the loss of housing, and promote development that would achieve good mixed use developments in town centres, conversions of properties and detail requirements for airspace developments
• Considering the potential for additional housing on sites through the Site Allocations DPD process
• Implementation of the Councils Empty Property initiatives.
• Encouraging Airspace development in suitable locations
• Conversion of suitable properties into self contained flats
• Redevelopment of  sites in other uses, subject to other policies of the plan
• Preparing site briefs for larger sites

8.3.2.18 Summary of Implementation and Monitoring

8.3.2.19 Policy Background

8.3.2.20 National

• PPS 1 Delivering Sustainable Development, 2005
• PPS 3 Housing, November 2006
• Circ 1/2006 Planning for Gypsy and Traveller Caravan Sites

8.3.2.21 Regional

• The London Plan Consolidated with Alterations since 2004, especially Policies 3A.1 - 3A.16
• London Housing Capacity Study 2004
• Greater London Requirements Study Dec 2004
• Housing. London Plan SPG Nov 2005
• Accessible London: achieving an inclusive environment 2004

8.3.2.22 Local

• Community Plan 2007-2017
• Local Housing Availability Assessment 2008

8.3.2.23 For more details on relevant National, Regional and Local policies and strategies, the spatial options considered, consultation and the results of the Sustainability Appraisal and the equalities assessment for all policies see also “Core Strategy Background Information”.

8.3.3 CP15 Affordable Housing

1. expects 50% of all new units will be affordable housing, with a tenure mix of 40% housing for social rent and 10% intermediate housing.
2. expects that the affordable housing mix should reflect the need for larger social rented family units and the Sub-Regional Investment Framework requirements.

1. on sites below the threshold of ‘capable of ten or more units gross’, a financial contribution to the Affordable Housing Fund commensurate with the scale of development.  The amount involved will be set out in the Development  DPD and will be reviewed annually.
2. on sites capable of ten or more units gross, at least 50% on-site provision.  Where possible, a greater proportion than 50% affordable housing on individual sites should be achieved.

8.3.3.1 Justification

8.3.3.2 The types of housing to be provided are as important as the quantity. Within the expected housing capacity, consideration will be given to the range of housing, and its relationship with the wider issues of sustainability, economic buoyancy, the labour market and Care in the Community.  The Council recognises the need for dwellings of a variety of sizes, types, tenures and costs throughout the Borough to meet the requirement of all types of households, including those with special requirements such as older people, key workers, single persons, the less mobile, those with low incomes, gypsies and travellers and the homeless.

8.3.3.3 The Borough's substantial need for affordable housing, provided in partnership with Registered Social Landlords, has been confirmed by the Local Housing Assessment carried out in 2006.

8.3.3.4 The Council supports the principle of Richmond Housing Partnership’s ‘Homes for Richmond’ project which aims to bring forward a series of small affordable housing schemes over the lifetime of the Plan.  The Council itself has also agreed to the release of several surplus sites for affordable housing as part of a linked site strategy.  It recognises that in order to bring forward 100% affordable housing it may be necessary to balance benefits against other objectives including the requirements set out in the planning obligations strategy.

8.3.3.5 The split between 40% housing for social rent, and 10% intermediate housing accords with the Council’s priorities and the evidence resulting from the research.  Intermediate housing can be for rent at substantially below market levels, or shared ownership sale (new build Homebuy).  Although this tenure split differs from The London Plan consolidated with Alterations since 2004, requiring more social rented accommodation, the tenure split is supported by the GLA.  Where provided, the Council will seek a suitable balance of these intermediate tenures and where possible more choice, with affordability a key criterion for this form of provision.

8.3.3.6 The Borough expects the size of affordable housing to reflect that in the Sub-Regional Investment Framework. The Sub-Regional Investment Framework sets out the funding priorities of the South West London Housing Partnership and sets out units size targets for different types of affordable housing for boroughs.

8.3.3.7 Where viability is an issue in providing affordable housing, the onus will be on developers to produce a financial assessment showing the maximum amount that could be achieved on the site. On sites where 100% affordable housing is being provided the Council will consider reducing or removing planning obligations if justified through a financial appraisal model or other evidence. Further information will be available on this position in the Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document.

8.3.3.8 The GLA’s Three Dragons or a similar model should be used in presenting the viability of a scheme.  The 7.2 ‘Costs and Viability’ section of this report gives further details of what will be expected.

8.3.3.9 Implementation 

8.3.3.10 This policy will be implemented through a mixture of measures which include:

• direct provision by Registered Social Landlords (RSLs), who will be responsible for managing affordable housing, in conjunction with the Housing Department;
• the Homes for Richmond project;
• and sites in Council ownership which it has identified for affordable housing;
• the allocation of sites for housing in the Site Allocations DPD;
• the council will engage with landowners to identify sites and buildings especially for the provision of affordable and special needs housing.

8.3.3.11 The Development policies DPD and Affordable Housing SPD will set out in greater detail the mechanisms for providing affordable housing and for determining applications.  The Site Allocations DPD will include sites for housing of which a percentage will be for affordable housing.

8.3.3.12 Summary of Implementation and Monitoring

8.3.3.13 Policy Background

• PPS 1 Delivering Sustainable Development, 2005
• PPS 3 Housing, November 2006
• Delivering Affordable Housing 2006

• The London Plan Consolidated with Alterations since 2004 especially Policies 3A.8 – 3A.13 and 3A.15
• London Housing Capacity Study 2004
• The South West London Sub-Regional Investment Framework 2008-2011

• Community Plan 2007-2017
• Local Housing Assessment
• The Council’s Housing Strategy
• The Council’s Homelessness Strategy 2003-2007

8.3.3.14 For more details on relevant National, Regional and Local policies and strategies, the spatial options considered, consultation and the results of the Sustainability Appraisal and the equalities assessment for all policies see also “Core Strategy Background Information”.

8.3.4 CP16 Local Services/Infrastructure

8.3.4.1 Justification

8.3.4.2 The projected growth within the borough needs to be supported by adequate infrastructure and community facilities.  The provision of such services and facilities are essential for the quality of life of residents in the future and add to the creation of more inclusive and sustainable communities.  Development will not be permitted unless essential infrastructure is available. Infrastructure needs will be identified with the relevant partner organisations and this is to be taken forward into further DPDs or the Obligations Strategy as appropriate.  The Obligation Strategy reflects The London Plan consolidated with Alterations since 2004 and local priorities and will be kept under regular review.  The principles of securing developer contributions are currently under Government review and this policy will apply under any subsequent legislation.

8.3.4.3 New development will need to be supported by adequate infrastructure provision, and this includes transport infrastructure, and utilities.  The infrastructure requirements of new development will need to established, and the need for any new infrastructure should be planned in conjunction with new development.

8.3.4.4 Infrastructure includes the main utilities of water, sewage, gas, electricity, and telecommunications and also transport infrastructure.  The borough includes Hampton Water Treatment Works, located in the Green Belt, which is of strategic importance in water delivery and it is recognised that further operational development may be necessary over the plan period.

8.3.4.5 Community facilities are essential for the Borough’s population and it is important that these facilities and services are accessible by all.  The Council will work with Partners such as the infrastructure providers, the Local Strategic Partnership, the Police and Community Safety teams, and the Community and Voluntary sector in ensuring the provision of services.  The Council will ensure that essential services are not lost to the community, even if there may be changes in the way some services and facilities are provided, and will support the provision of new essential community facilities, such as those needed by the police e.g. patrol bases and custody centres.

8.3.4.6 Community facilities include: public services, community centres and public halls, arts and cultural facilities, policing, fire and ambulance services, youth centres, libraries, places of worship, and services provided by the voluntary sector.  Such facilities are important to the local community.  The Borough is well provided but it is important to ensure good public transport to all of the facilities and specifically to improve the library service by consolidating the Central and Lending libraries in Richmond town centre and providing more suitable accommodation for Kew and Hampton Hill branch libraries.  Orleans Gallery and Riverside Gallery provide the main arts venues and it is the intention to provide local provision through existing public buildings, libraries and within parks and open spaces.  The Council will encourage public art within new buildings and the involvement of professional artists in appropriate schemes at an early stage.

8.3.4.7 Specific requirements in the areas of relative deprivation are covered in CP 13.  Schools and other education facilities, health and social care facilities and leisure and recreation facilities are dealt with in more detail in subsequent policies.  The Metropolitan Police Asset Management Plan identifies the need to improve current accommodation based primarily on the three Police Stations at Richmond, Twickenham and Teddington to more specialist facilities including safer neighbourhood bases (ward level), front counters, a custody centre, a patrol base and office accommodation.  While Twickenham Police Station is likely to be the main patrol base there remains a need to identify a site for a custody centre and to provide front counter and safer neighbourhood bases to complement those already established within existing Police Stations and in Hampton, Whitton and Ham.

8.3.4.8 Implementation 

8.3.4.9 The provision or re-provision of community facilities will be achieved through the capital programmes of the Council, Local Strategic Partners and possibly the voluntary sector.  Infrastructure needs will continue to be identified with the relevant partner organisations and these may be taken forward into further DPDs or the Obligations Strategy where appropriate. For sustainable transport infrastructure and services see CP 5. Some new facilities will be provided on site or funded through Section 106 agreements with new developments, in line with the requirements of the Planning Obligations Strategy.

8.3.4.10 The retention of community facilities will be achieved through the development control process.  This policy will be elaborated in the development policies DPD to provide the basis for delivery through control of development.

8.3.4.11 Summary of Implementation and Monitoring

8.3.4.12 Policy Background

• Sustainable Communities Plan (2003)
• PPS1: Delivering Sustainable Development (2005)
• PPS3: Housing (2006)
• PPS6: Town Centres (2006)
• Planning Bill 2007-2008

• The London Plan Consolidated with Alterations since 2004, especially policies 3A.17; 3A.20; 3A.21; 3A.22; 3A.23; 3A.24; 3A.25; 3B.11; 3D.1; 3D.6.
• South London Sub-Regional Development Framework (2006)
• London Plan for Sport and Physical Activity 2004-2008
• Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance: Planning for Equality and Diversity in London (December 2006)
• Learning and Skills Council Delivery Plan
• Metropolitan Police Service Estates Strategy – ‘Planning for Future Police Estate Development’ (May 2005)
• The Mayor’s Cultural Strategy (2004)

• Community Plan 2007-2017
• The Local Area Agreement (LAA)
• Draft Property Strategy for Voluntary and Community Use of Council owned property 2005-2010
• Richmond upon Thames Cultural Services Strategic Plan 2007-2012
• Joint Commissioning Board for Older People: Strategic Framework for Older People 2004-2009
• Richmond and Twickenham NHS Primary Care Trust (PCT) Local Delivery Plan 2005-2008
• Richmond and Twickenham NHS Primary Care Trust (PCT): Estates Strategy and Strategic Development Plan (August 2005)
• Property for Policing - Providing the best estate for borough based policing
• Metropolitan Police Asset Management Plan – Richmond upon Thames 2007

8.3.4.13 For more details on relevant National, Regional and Local policies and strategies, the spatial options considered, consultation and the results of the Sustainability Appraisal and the equalities assessment for all policies see also “Core Strategy Background Information”.

8.3.5 CP17 Health and Well-being

8.3.5.1 Justification

8.3.5.2 Health & Social Care Facilities

8.3.5.3 It is important that health and social care can provide quality care to local communities, be responsive to patient needs and prevent ill health by improving service provision, tackling health inequalities and promoting positive lifestyles.  The Council, PCT and MHT are developing an integrated strategy for health and social care facilities with a view to co-locating in single buildings.  The aim would be to have high quality receptions, an appropriate mix of services, excellent working conditions and the flexibility and adaptability to meet rapidly changing needs.

8.3.5.4 Healthy Lifestyles

8.3.5.5 These play an important part in creating healthier communities.  Although the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames is one of the most active in the UK as a whole (Sport England Active People Survey 2006) there are identified areas of the borough where communities have lower levels of physical activity and good health overall.  The provision of as many services and facilities as practical near to home will encourage walking and cycling with consequential health benefits (see also sustainable development CP 1 and sustainable travel CP 5).

8.3.5.6 The extensive provision of parks and open spaces in the Borough (see CP 10) and sports and recreation facilities gives people the opportunity to be active.  The Council's strategy for outdoor sports is based on the parks and open spaces identified in policy CP10 all but the small local parks contain sports pitches while many of the smaller parks have courts.

8.3.5.7 In terms of indoor provision the strategy is based on the existing facilities at Hampton, Whitton, Sheen and Teddington with the priority for new provision being dual use facilities at Ham (Greycourt School).  The Council is also promoting the development of a new sports centre at Barn Elms Playing fields and this will complement the provision in the West of the Borough at Fullwell.  Although the 2 indoor and 2 outdoor public swimming pools are well distributed there is limited indoor provision and options to improve provision at Richmond (Pools on the Park are being investigated).  St Mary's University College provides facilities for competitive and elite sports and will provide training facilities for the 2012 Olympics.

8.3.5.8 Opportunities for play are an important element of establishing a healthy lifestyle.  The Mayor’s Draft Play Space Strategy SPG sets standards for certain developments to include play space.  The Borough’s Play Strategy seeks the following standards of provision:

8.3.5.9 Retention of facilities

8.3.5.10 There is a need to retain and make best use of the existing facilities in the Borough and ensure accessibility for all including those on lower incomes.  The future provision or loss of facilities will take into account the Borough’s Sport’s, Open Space and Recreational Needs Assessment 2007, the Strategy for Sport and Physical Activity (Draft) and the Richmond and Twickenham PCT strategies for Health Inequalities and choosing health.

8.3.5.11 Implementation

8.3.5.12 In improving health in the Borough and providing facilities for health the Council will work with its partners in the Primary Care Trust (PCT), The Strategic Health Authority (NHS), The South West London Mental Health Trust and other public and voluntary bodies involved in providing health and social care facilities within the borough.

8.3.5.13 The Council will also work with TFL to promote and encourage new and improved cycle and walking routes, active living and later life schemes and support the policy drive to prevent ill health and provide local accessible Quality care out of the acute hospital setting.

8.3.5.14 Locations in the Borough identified by partners where there is a need for further health and social care provision will be taken forward through S106 and the Planning Obligations Strategy.  Specific requirements in the Areas of Relative Deprivation are covered in CP 13.  Sites and locations may also be elaborated on in the Site Allocations Development Plan Document.

8.3.5.15 The retention and enhancement of existing health and recreation/ leisure facilities will be achieved through the Council and its partners actions with respect to their own facilities in line with for example,  the Council’s Play Strategy, Open Spaces Strategy and Recreation Strategy, and the Richmond and Twickenham NHS Primary Care Trust (PCT) Local Delivery Plan 2005-2008 and Estates Strategy 2005, and in dealing with applications for specific proposals through the development control process.  This policy will be elaborated in the development policies DPD to provide the basis for delivery through control of development.

8.3.5.16 Summary of Implementation and Monitoring

8.3.5.17 Policy Background

• Sustainable Communities Plan (2003)
• PPS1: Delivering Sustainable Development (2005)
• PPS3: Housing (2006)
• PPS6: Town Centres (2006)
• PPG17: Planning for Open Space, Sport & Recreation (2003)
• The Framework for Sport in England (2004)
• Choosing Activity: A Physical Activity Action Plan 2005 (DoH)

• The London Plan Consolidated with Alterations since 2004, especially policies 3A.20; 3A.21; 3A.22; 3A.23; 3D.1; 3D.6;
• South London Sub-Regional Development Framework (2006)
• London Plan for Sport and Physical Activity 2004-2008

• Community Plan 2007-2017
• The Local Area Agreement (LAA)
• Community Safety and Substance Misuse Strategy 2005-2008
• Strategy for Sport and Physical Activity (Draft 2007)
• Play Space Strategy (Draft 2007)
• Richmond and Twickenham NHS Primary Care Trust (PCT) Local Delivery Plan 2005-2008
• Richmond and Twickenham NHS Primary Care Trust (PCT): Estates Strategy and Strategic Development Plan (August 2005)
• Borough Walking Strategy 2002, updated 2005

8.3.5.18 For more details on relevant National, Regional and Local policies and strategies, the spatial options considered, consultation and the results of the Sustainability Appraisal and the equalities assessment for all policies see also “Core Strategy Background Information”.

8.3.6 CP18 Education and Training

8.3.6.1 Justification

8.3.6.2 The Council gives priority to providing a high standard of education and training services for all people in the Borough, through schools, higher and further education colleges, university, youth centres and arts and recreation facilities.  The provision of these services needs to be located in areas of the Borough that are easily accessible by all.  Education and training facilities are important not only for individual needs and achievement, but also to support the local economy.

8.3.6.3 The provision of services is changing as many facilities aimed at children and young people and families are being co-located where partners work together to deliver services, and though the Extended Schools Initiative school facilities are being made available for community use outside school hours.  The borough has many pressures on school sites through providing new and improved facilities, increased demand and performance, and providing choice, especially in post 16 education.

8.3.6.4 Primary Education

8.3.6.5 Demand for primary school places in the borough is growing, and continues to be especially high in three areas of the borough: Richmond / East Sheen; St Margaret's / East Twickenham; and Teddington. It is therefore anticipated that in the short term three additional temporary classes will be required for the 2008/2009 intake.  The forecasts for longer-term demand show that by 2010/2011, up to seven additional reception classes, and resultant space within schools, will be required to meet demand.  The principal reasons for this increased demand are rising birth rates, which have been experienced throughout outer London, and the success of Richmond upon Thames schools.

8.3.6.6 Secondary Education

8.3.6.7 The last few years has seen the performance of most secondary schools in the borough improve, and the increased demand in primary education could have a knock on future effect on the provision of secondary education places.  Current Possibilities and opportunities for secondary education are:

• Joining the academies programme
• Providing higher performing schools the opportunity to deliver post-16 education

8.3.6.8 Along with the need to meet the demand for school places at both primary and secondary level the Council also has a duty to modernise schools and provide new facilities to meet changing curriculum requirements.  This could require the change of use of land not currently used for educational purposes.  Over the lifetime of the Strategy it is expected that most of the Borough schools will be refurbished, redeveloped and/ or extended.  In some cases these changes and the need to keep schools operational may require some development on open land or the complete re-configuration of buildings, whereby the new school is built in open land, the pupils moved in and then the old building demolished and restored as an open area within the school site.  The objective at the end of the construction process will be to minimise the overall loss of open land and continue to meet all relevant standards.

8.3.6.9 Post-16 Education

8.3.6.10 Additional need has been identified in post-16 education, including life-long learning, which is mainly provided in the borough by Richmond Adult Education College, Richmond upon Thames College and St Mary’s University, and also through voluntary educational activities.  Access to further education and training is important in reducing inequalities, updating the skills of the workforce in the Borough, maintaining the economic prosperity of the area and reducing the need to travel.  There will be a need to continuously update and refurbish existing facilities to provide modern and up to date facilities which meet the needs of the community, and enable voluntary educational activities to continue.

8.3.6.11 The Council has an aim to extend choice for post-16 education and training opportunities in the Borough, and also strengthening existing provision. Current Possibilities and opportunities for post-16 education are:

• Rebuilding of Richmond upon Thames College, through a capital bid to the Learning and Skills Council
• Rebuilding of Richmond Adult College, through a capital bid to the Learning and Skills Council
• The provision of a diploma centre for up to 500 students at Richmond Adult and Community College
• A successful Learning and Skills Council bid to provide a range of new diplomas, apprenticeships and other work based learning for 430 learners.

8.3.6.12 It is recognised that the situation fluctuates and funding sources will vary over the lifetime of the plan, however the need would remain, and new schemes not yet identified may come forward in the future.

8.3.6.13 Pre-school and Nursery Places

8.3.6.14 Future requirements to provide pre-school places for all will need to be met and there is a need to retain nursery places, so it is essential to resist the loss of facilities unless the evidence clearly shows it is no longer required.

8.3.6.15 The following children’s centres are planned.  Three purpose built centres will be at Heathfield/Whitton, Ham/ Petersham and Lowther School/North Barnes.  The other children’s centres will involve services being offered from existing buildings that will act as 'hubs' for the area at Mortlake, Kew/ North Richmond, South Richmond, West Twickenham/Hampton Hill/Fulwell and Hampton.  The final three areas, St.Margaret’s/ Central and South Twickenham, East Sheen and Teddington/Hampton Wick will have children’s centres developed in 2008-10.

8.3.6.16 Implementation 

8.3.6.17 The strategy towards providing services and facilities for education and training will primarily be taken forward through the implementation of the Education Strategy and the Richmond upon Thames Strategic Plan for Children’s Centres and Extended Schools Initiative, and the Building Schools for the Future programme, as well as achieving the targets set out in the Community Plan.  As well as the BSF funding other funding streams will be available including the Academies Programme, the “Safety Valve” programme for extra primary school places, the Council’s own budget and monies from Planning Contributions, for new schools, rebuilds, extensions and refurbishment.

8.3.6.18 Implementation will involve partners in various agencies working together such the higher and further education colleges and the university, as well as liaising with neighbouring authorities and the community and voluntary sector.

8.3.6.19 Where new development generates the need for additional school places, a contribution or facility provision will be expected through Section 106 agreements with new developments, in line with the requirements of the Planning Obligations Strategy.  The Council will also seek through Planning Obligations training support for local residents in construction and operation phases of development.  The retention of education and nursery facilities will be achieved through the development control process.  This policy will be elaborated in the Development Policies DPD to provide the basis for delivery through the control of development.  Any site specific proposals will be included in the Site Allocations Development Plan Document.

8.3.6.20 Summary of Implementation and Monitoring

8.3.6.21 Policy Background

• Sustainable Communities Plan (2003)
• PPS1: Delivering Sustainable Development (2005)
• Every Child Matters 2003 (DfES)

8.3.6.22 Regional Policy

• The London Plan Consolidated with Alterations since 2004