Watford's Monitoring Report 2012

Transcription

1 Watford's Monitoring Report 2012 Planning for a Better Watford /11

2 Contents 1. Executive Summary Introduction Local Development Scheme Local Plan - Core Strategy Site Allocations Document Development Management Policies Document Town Centre Area Action Plan Proposals Map Evidence Base Risks Contextual Characteristics of Watford Demographic Structure and migration Projected population growth Projected Household Growth Ethnicity Housing Crime Deprivation Economy Labour Demand and Supply Education, Skills and Training Health Built Environment Street Cleaning and Recycling Housing Business Development and Employment Environment Transport and Projects Infrastructure Delivery and Planning Obligations Appendix 1. Glossary of Terms Appendix Index of Multiple Deprivation Appendix 3. Watford Context Map Appendix 4. List of WDP 2000 Saved Policies agreed by Secretary of State s Direction dated 14 September Appendix 5. Outstanding Allocated Sites without Planning 31/3/ Appendix 6. Housing Sites listed in Watford District Plan /3/ Appendix 7. Summary of 5 Year Assessment of Housing Supply Appendix 8. Business Development Data Appendix 9. The Core Strategy and Duty to Cooperate March

3 List of Tables Table 3-1: Local Development Scheme Timetable Table 3-2: Local Plan - Core Strategy key stages Table 3-3: Site Allocations Document stages Table 3-4: Development Management Policies Document stages Table 3-5: Town Centre Area Action Plan key stages Table 4-1: Age of Population by numbers Table 4-2: Comparison of 2008 and 2010 based projected population figures Table 4-3: Comparison of 2011 and 2010 based projected population figures 19 Table 4-4: CLG 2008-based household projections and comparison of projected growth in households with CLG 2006 based projections for Table 4-5: DCLG 2008 based Household Projections by Household Type Table 4-6: Ethnic Composition of Resident Population in percentages Table 4-7: Average house prices in Watford, quarterly 2009 to Table 4-8: Number of recorded offences in Watford Table 4-9: Earnings by residence - Gross weekly pay all full time workers Table 4-10: Earnings by workplace Gross weekly pay all full time workers Table 4-11: VAT Registrations/Deregistrations by Industry Table 4-12: Number of and % change in VAT registered businesses for Watford Table 4-13: Total Claimant Count and Change Table 4-14: Jobcentre Plus Live Unfilled Vacancies - July Table 4-15: Qualifications of working age population (males/females 16-64) Table 5-1: Local Output Indicator LH1: Total Net Housing Completions by Allocated Housing Site or Windfall Type Table 5-2: Net Housing Completions and Projected 31 Mar 12 against East of England Plan target/period Table 5-3: Net Housing Completions and Projected 31 Mar 12 against Core Strategy target Table 5-4: Percentage of new and converted homes (gross) on previously developed land (H3) Table 5-5: Gross affordable housing completions mix provided (H5) Table 5-6: Local Output Indicator LH2: Number of affordable homes provided 2001/02 to 2011/12 and as % of gross housing completions on qualifying sites Table 5-7: Local Output Indicator LH4: Gross Housing Completions 2006/07 to 2011/12 by size Table 5-8: Local Output Indicator LH5: Gross Housing Completions 2006/07 to 2011/12 by type Table 5-9: Local Output Indicator LH6: Percentage of new-build dwellings (gross, not including conversions) completed by net density Table 5-10: Building for Life Assessments - post completion during 2011/ Table 6-1: Total amount of additional employment floorspace in Watford Table 6-2: Total amount of additional employment floorspace in employment areas 61 Table 6-3: Total amount and % of employment floorspace on PDL Table 6-4: Employment land available by type Table 6-5: BD4 Total amount of completed retail, office and leisure development: within the local authority area (LA) and town centres (TC) Table 7-1: Local Output Indicator LE1 - Average household water use (litres per head per day l/h/d)

4 Table 7-2: Number and area of sites of biodiversity importance in Watford (E2) Table 7-3: Renewable Energy Developments approved (E3a) Table 7-4: Planning permissions containing an element of renewable energy completed (E3b) Table 7-5: Domestic per capita CO2 emissions (LE2) 71 Table 7-6: Amount (hectares) of eligible open spaces managed to Green Flag Award standard (LE4) Table 7-7: Total open space managed by WBC and change in hectares (LE5) 73 Table 8-1: Percentage of completed non-residential development within UCOs A, B and D in 2011/12, complying with car-parking standards in Local Plan Table 8-2: Percentage of new residential development (net completions) within 30 minutes public transport time of key services/activities Table 8-3: % Change in Total Vehicle Kilometreage on HCC roads in Watford Table 8-4: Cycle route usage average cyclists per day and annual % change Table 8-5: Annual output in km for cycle routes in Watford Table 9-1: Local Output Indicator LI1 i): Section 106 funded schemes 2011/ List of Figures Figure 4-1: Age pyramid for Watford 2001 Census and 2011 Census Figure 4-2: Resident Population Estimates by Ethnic Group (Percentages) White persons Figure 4-3: Mean house prices 1st quarter 2001 to 2 nd quarter Figure 4-4: House purchase affordability ratio of median house price to median earnings, Figure 4-5: Key Crime Statistics in Watford 2007/08 to 2011/ Figure 4-6: Jobs density from representing the ratio of total jobs to working-age population (includes males and females aged 16-64) Figure 4-7: Percentage of Employee Jobs by Industry Groups Watford Figure 4-8: Claimant Count Comparison Figure 4-9: GCSE and equivalent results for young people, all pupils at the end of KS4 achieving 5+ A* - C, by location of educational institution Figure 4-10: Life expectancy (years) at birth, Figure 5-1: Housing Trajectory 2012 based on the East of England Plan target/period Figure 5-2: Housing Trajectory 2012 based on the Core Strategy target Figure 5-3: Local Output Indicator LH5 - Gross Housing Completions 2006/07 to 2011/12 by size and type Figure 8-1: Travel to Work Mode Share by Watford residents census Figure 8-2: Travel to Work Mode Share by Watford residents survey

5 1. Executive Summary Authorities Monitoring Reports ( AMRs ) must be prepared and published at least once a year, and this Monitoring Report covers the period 1 April 2011 to 31 March The Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 state what must be contained within the AMRs;for example, progress made on the timetable for the production of documents within the local plan, such as the Core Strategy; identifying where a local planning authority (LPA) are not implementing a policy specified in the local plan together with what steps, if any, the LPA intend to take to secure that the policy is implemented and information on the number of affordable dwellings and overall net additional dwellings. AMRs have an important purpose in the ongoing management of planning policy. Provided below is a summary of the main findings: Local Plan The Inspector s Report, dated 20 November 2012, concludes that the Watford Core Strategy is sound and legally compliant providing that the proposed modifications are made. The Core Strategy was submitted in February 2012, in accordance with the timetable and Examination hearings were held by an Inspector in June This was followed by consultation on proposed modifications which were due to the publication of new regulations in the NPPF and as a result of the representations and discussions at the hearings. The adoption date will slip from the October 2012 date published in the LDS due to the additional consultation stage required, and is now programmed for the end of January A new Local Development Scheme for the period was approved by government in September 2011 (superseding the previous 2007 LDS). This set out the intention to adopt four Development Plan Documents by 2014: the Core Strategy, Site Allocations, Development Management, and a Town Centre Area Action Plan (detail on the town centre will now be integrated into the site allocations and development management policy documents rather than being produced separately). Work has been ongoing on all these documents but the focus has been first on delivering the Core Strategy, which sets out the council s vision for development and conservation in Watford to Business Development There is a substantial amount of employment land available with planning permission, 10.2 hectares, which foresees a healthy amount of business activity in Watford, if all the planning permissions are actioned. The most significant sized employment site area for which planning permission has been granted but not yet implemented is the Watford General Hospital mixed use Health Campus site providing 6.5 hectares of employment 4

6 land, 38% of the total gain proposed. A wide range and number of planning approvals make up the remainder. 100% of employment development within Watford this year took place on previously developed land, often referred to as brownfield land and no greenfield land has been used for any employment development since at least 2006/07, which is the period monitored here (see Appendix 8). There has been a gain of 18,672 sq.m. of employment floorspace but a loss of 20,054 sq.m. equating to an overall net loss of 1,382 sq.m. in Watford. The bulk of the gains and losses, about 14,000 sq.m. were changes of use from industrial to warehouse or offices or vice versa and erection of replacement offices/warehouse. Although most of Leavesden Studios is in Three Rivers District, a flight shed within Watford s boundary accounted for another 3,306 sq.m in a change of use to film studios. The developments involving small amounts of office or other business floorspace lost will result in conversions to eight residential properties over various sites together with a mixed redevelopment and part conversion to provide retail, restaurants and 24 flats at King Street in the town centre. Housing There were 417 net housing completions during 2011/12 and Watford has almost six years worth of housing land supply - Watford s 5 year land supply is 118.4% under the East of England Plan which was current during this monitoring period, exceeding the required five year s supply of deliverable housing sites between 2013/14 and 2017/18. This is in addition to approximately 350 homes that are estimated to complete during 2012/13. Watford is continuing to provide a good delivery rate for new homes, ahead of the housing target of an average 260 dwellings per annum required under the Core Strategy. A total of 95 affordable homes has been provided this year across four sites. Affordable homes average 33% on the qualifying sites. On the 7 June 2010, the council agreed changes to saved policy H17 from a minimum of 30% of affordable housing on housing developments of 25 or more dwellings or on sites over 1 hectare to a minimum of 35% on developments of 15 or more dwellings or sites of more than 0.5 hectare. All the planning permissions containing affordable units which were completed during this monitoring year comply with the policy existing at the time of approval (all but one were approved prior to June 2010). The Core Strategy states that 35% affordable housing will be sought on major applications of 10 residential units and above (or sites of more than 0.5 ha), with a mix of 20% social rent, 65% affordable rent and 15% intermediate affordable housing. There are 1,403 affordable homes currently anticipated to be built over the period 2012/13 to 2030/31, which is 32% of the estimated total 4,415 housing commitment outstanding for the same period. In addition to 446 affordable homes with planning permission, there are also currently another 957 affordable homes anticipated to come forward, some of which have been 5

7 identified through pre-application discussions or form part of identified development schemes, such as Watford Junction. The total number of affordable homes anticipated is subject to schemes proving viable and funding being identified, as the future of the National Affordable Housing Programme is uncertain beyond Overall, the proportion of houses/bungalows completed has risen to 22% with flats making up 78% of the gross housing completions for 2011/12. This compares to the flat building peak of 2010/11 when it was 91%, the highest it has been over the period monitored since 2001/02. The majority (53%) of dwellings built during 2011/12 are two bedroom with one bedroom properties decreasing to 27% from 47% last year. The number of properties with three or more bedrooms has increased to 20% from just 7% the previous year. 92.5% of housing completions were built on previously developed land. This exceeds the Watford District Plan Policy H5, which seeks to ensure that at least 80% of all residential development is on previously developed land, often referred to as brownfield land (as opposed to greenbelt or greenfield land). Within the Core Strategy, Policy HS 2 Housing Supply and Residential Site Selection details factors that will support residential allocation or will be considered in determining planning applications, and includes previously developed land our local target continues to be 80% of all residential development on previously developed land, as specified in the Core Strategy s Monitoring Framework. Environment The amount of open space managed to Green Flag Award standards for 2011/12, is around 98 hectares, which is 31% of all Watford s open space (total of 311 hectares), unchanged from 2010/11. The council has again retained the three formal accreditations of the Green Flag award, the 4 th consecutive time for Woodside Playing Fields/Alban Wood and Cheslyn Gardens and the 6 th year for Cassiobury Park. All Green Flag Award-winning parks and green spaces were entered into an annual poll, which saw thousands of people voting for their favourite green space, the People s Choice Award for Cassiobury Park came third in this important national poll. In first place was The Old Station, Tintern, Monmouthshire in Wales, built as a Victorian country railway station and featuring refurbished railway carriages, a riverside walk and meadows and Warley Woods, a 100 acre park in Sandwell, West Midlands, came second. Various areas of open space are currently being improved, using planning obligation monies, and a major programme of works is underway to improve a large number of play areas and open spaces across the borough from 2011 to 2014, including Callowland Rec., Oxhey Park, Riverside Rec., King George V Playing Fields, the two cemeteries, various allotments and over 20 play areas. Major improvements will continue along the River Colne Corridor and a Heritage Lottery Fund Parks for People Project Round 1 pass has been successful for Cassiobury Park with 418,000 6

8 awarded from Heritage Lottery Funding/BIG lottery funding from 2012 onwards. All the character appraisal documents have been completed for the 9 Conservation areas in Watford, including the most recent MacDonnell Gardens, which was designated as a new conservation area by the Watford Borough Council Cabinet on the 16th January A Conservation Areas Management Plan is currently being prepared and will be subject to public consultation during A project to renovate the Dancing Woman sculpture and to move it from The Parade to Cheslyn Gardens was completed in October 2012, and she is now befitting of her beautiful new location. A major project which was completed on time and on budget in August 2011, was the stunning refurbishment of the Watford Colosseum. The Colosseum is a statutory listed building and the new glass fronted foyer extension has allowed the original façade to retain its importance while providing a stylish café bar, restaurant and customer lift. Improvement works to the Town Hall subway were also undertaken during 2011, and an ongoing maintenance programme is included in the scheme. Transport Transport modelling has shown that the Croxley Rail Link has the potential to take at least 1.4 million car trips per annum off the road network when completed. On 14 December 2011, the government announced that the proposal for the Croxley Rail Link scheme had been given the go ahead. An Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State conducted the inquiry into the Transport and Works Order application for the proposed Croxley Rail Link Order during October The Inspector is preparing his report and a decision by the Secretary of State is expected early in In line with previous years, 100% of net residential development in 2011/12 is within 30 minutes public transport time of key services/activities such as GPs, schools, employment and shopping. For hospitals, the result is 68%. The housing completions which were less accessible for the hospital were all in North Watford, further away from rail and underground stations. However, 6 of the 14 sites involved recorded between 30 and 35 minutes travel time, with another 6 sites recording between 35 and 37 minutes. The most inaccessible site recorded approximately 43 minutes. Traffic levels overall in Hertfordshire have remained generally stable between 2010 and 2011, with a slight decrease of 0.3% following a slight increase between 2009 and However there were more significant decreases on HCC roads in Three Rivers (11%) and Watford (5%). This has been mainly attributable to traffic routing back onto the M25 after the completion of improvement works in 2010 (junctions 16-21a). Croxley Rail Link and other initiatives to encourage less reliance on the car are being progressed. 7

9 The Core Strategy sets out the council s vision for development, conservation and the environment in Watford to 2031, with new and updated policies and objectives having been formulated, taking into account various evidence base studies including recent Monitoring Reports. The Inspector s Report has concluded that the Watford Core Strategy is sound and legally compliant providing that the proposed modifications are made. The council is pressing forward with development projects including Watford Junction, Watford Health Campus and Croxley Rail Link; also the Parade and Charter Place, with the proposed new indoor market and second market off the High Street; providing cultural facilities, such as the revitalized Colosseum and the second successful Imagine Watford Festival and the ongoing range of improvements to our parks, open spaces and play areas. We shall continue to plan for and protect Watford, aiming to provide employment, retail and housing opportunities in a high quality and sustainable environment whilst enhancing the quality of life for the benefit and enjoyment of all people in the local community and we shall continue to consult the community for their views on shaping the future direction of planning policy. 8

10 2. Introduction This Monitoring Report covers the period 1 April 2011 to 31 March Additional information that has subsequently become known with regard to more recent developments is supplied within the commentary where it is practical to do so, quoting the dates applicable, in order to provide as up to date a picture as possible. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was published on 27 March 2012 and came into force with immediate effect, superseding previous planning guidance, and on the 6 April 2012 The Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 were published. For reference, Part 8, Section 34 of these new regulations deals with Authorities Monitoring Reports in full, but in summary, this includes that they should: Report progress on the timetable for the preparation of documents set out in the local development scheme including the stages that each document has met or the reasons where they are not being met Identify where a local planning authority are not implementing a policy specified in a local plan together with the steps (if any) that the local planning authority intend to take to secure that the policy is implemented Include information on net additional dwellings and net additional affordable dwellings Report where a local planning authority have made a neighbourhood development order or a neighbourhood development plan Where a local planning authority has prepared a report in accordance with regulation 62 of the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010(b), the local planning authority s monitoring report must contain the information specified in regulation 62(4) of those Regulations i.e. details of CIL expenditure and receipts Any action taken during the monitoring period where a local planning authority have co-operated with another local planning authority, county council, or relevant body A local planning authority must make any up-to-date information, which they have collected for monitoring purposes, available in accordance with regulation 35 as soon as possible after the information becomes available During the monitoring year 2011/12, the development plan for Watford consisted of: the Regional Spatial Strategy, called the East of England Plan, prepared by the East of England Regional Assembly and approved by Government in May 2008; saved policies of the Watford District Plan 2000, until replaced saved policies of the Hertfordshire Structure Plan the Development Plan Documents within the Local Development Framework prepared by the council; and the Development Plan Documents within the Minerals and Waste Local Development Framework, prepared by Hertfordshire County Council. 9

11 However, it is the Government s policy to revoke existing regional strategies outside London; the first stage took effect when the Localism Act became law on the 15 November 2011 and secondary legislation to abolish existing regional strategies including the East of England Plan is being progressed. The revocation of regional spatial strategies means planning authorities will set their own strategy and targets for their area, underpinned by evidence, as part of the government's commitment to local decision making. With regard to present legislation, Local/District Plans and Structure Plans 'expired' on 27 September 2007 unless 'saved', in whole or in part, by the Secretary of State. Around 70% of the Watford District Plan was saved beyond this date, and details of this are set out in the Saving Direction in Appendix 4. The Monitoring Report for 2011/12 focuses on monitoring the effects of saved policies in the adopted Watford District Plan 2000 whilst also looking forward to some policies which are in the course of development. The Local Development Scheme ( LDS ) is the timetable covering the preparation of new local plan documents. The timetable approved by government in September 2011 for the period is available as Table 3-1 in the next section of this document and is also published separately on our website. The proposed Core Strategy contains a Monitoring Framework of targets and indicators, many of which have been included in this report, where relevant. This AMR currently contains indicators as described according to the type of information measured: Contextual Indicators provide a background and context against which to consider the effects of policies and interpret the output and significant effects indicators. Core Output Indicators ( COI ) although the mandatory requirement for many of these indicators has been withdrawn by the Government, the original aim was to provide a standardised set of measurable activities that can be compared on a national basis, and are directly related to and a consequence of planning policy. We have chosen to continue with these indicators as they provide important results and trends that can be compared with previous and future years, and are available for a more strategic overview of Hertfordshire. Local output indicators ( LOI ) to monitor local issues which are not sufficiently covered by the core output indicators we have currently elected to provide such indicators in the areas of housing, transport and the environment. Watford Borough Council participates in the Hertfordshire County/District Information Liaison Group quarterly meetings, in which issues concerning data collection and provision can be raised and examined. It remains our intention to continue to monitor the Core Output Indicators, despite the mandatory requirement being withdrawn in most cases, in order to provide consistency and enable some element of comparison and monitoring of planning policies to be maintained. 10

12 Most of the districts in Hertfordshire, including Watford Borough Council subscribe to a joint monitoring software system across the districts called CDPSmart, which provides purpose built spatial monitoring, analysis and reporting specifically designed for the needs of Local Authorities. Further examples of cooperation between Watford and other local authorities are set out in Appendix 6. This includes information on the jointly prepared evidence base for the Core Strategy; for example, the various joint housing studies which influenced Watford s approach to housing delivery and affordable housing policy. The Localism Act removed the requirement to submit the AMR to the Secretary of State but it is still required to be published as soon as reasonably practicable on the council s website at We welcome views on the AMR s format and content so that we can make improvements on future reports and request that any comments be sent to: Planning Policy Watford Borough Council Town Hall Watford WD17 3EX Alternatively, you can comments to strategy@watford.gov.uk 11

13 3. Local Development Scheme The timetable setting out the programme for production of Development Plan Documents is known as the Local Development Scheme ( LDS ). Authorities Monitoring Reports set out how progress with preparing local plan documents during the monitoring year meets targets set in the LDS, and whether changes to the LDS are required. A new Local Development Scheme for the period was approved by government in September 2011 (superseding the previous 2007 LDS). This sets out the intention to adopt four Development Plan Documents by 2014: the Core Strategy, Site Allocations, Development Management, and a Town Centre Area Action Plan. The timetable is shown below: Table 3-1: Local Development Scheme Timetable May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Core Strategy P S Examination A Site Allocations DPD Evidence Gathering Public Participation P S Examination A Development Management DPD Evidence Gathering Public Participation P S Examination A Town Centre Area Action Plan Evidence Gathering Public Participation P S Examination A Key stages, milestones marked with letters Evidence Gathering Public Participation Publication Submission Examination Adoption P S A A summary follows of the progress made on each Local Plan document since April 2011, focussing on key stages set out in current regulations. These are: Preparation (Reg 18), Publication (Reg 19), Submission (Reg 22) and Adoption (Reg 26). Previously, commencement of a plan was recorded as the stage at which the scoping for the Sustainability Appraisal was done. This was done as a single report for all proposed Local Plan documents in March 2006, even though preparatory work was begun earlier for the Core Strategy. Attention this year has focussed on progressing the Core Strategy to submission and through examination. The timetable for other Local Plan documents has been affected and is therefore under review in line with government changes to the 12

14 planning system to refer to a Local Plan rather than to a Local Development Framework consisting of separate documents, the appropriate format for taking these forward is also being reviewed. It is currently anticipated that initial consultation on site allocations, development management policies, and CIL will take place in the first half of The proposed Town Centre Area Action Plan is now unlikely to be produced as a separate document, but instead will be incorporated into site allocations and development management policy documents Local Plan - Core Strategy The Core Strategy sets out the council s vision for development and conservation in Watford to The document was submitted in February 2012 and was examined by an Inspector. Hearings took place in June 2012 followed by consultation on proposed modifications between 30 July and 10 September The Inspector s Report concludes that the Watford Core Strategy is sound providing that the proposed modifications are made. The adoption date will slip from the October date published in the LDS due to the additional consultation stage required, and is now programmed for the end of January Table 3-2: Local Plan - Core Strategy key stages Stages 2011 LDS Comments Target Date Date met Publication May 2011 May 2011 A further consultation on significant changes took place from 11 November to the 23 December Submission Feb 2012 Feb 2012 Adoption Oct 2012 Jan 2013 Additional consultation stage was required after the hearings to consult on changes made as a result of the NPPF and as a result of representations Site Allocations Document This document will identify sites for development in accordance with the Core Strategy and give details of proposals and requirements for development. 13

15 Table 3-3: Site Allocations Document stages Stages 2011 LDS Comments Target Date Date met Preparation N/A We issued a call for sites during 2006 and again in A Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) was consulted upon Jan/Feb Work has been ongoing but the focus has been on delivering the Core Strategy first. Publication Submission Adoption Jan 2013 May 2013 Jan 2014 This target date will not be met and is under review. This target date will not be met and is under review. Under review 3.3. Development Management Policies Document This will set out generic policies for Development Management. Table 3-4: Development Management Policies Document stages Stages 2011 LDS Comments Target Date Date met Preparation N/A We have been working with colleagues and some stakeholders to review the effectiveness of current Local Plan policies and to assess the requirements of the NPPF, to move towards initial consultation. Publication Submission Adoption Jan 2013 May 2013 Jan 2014 This target date will not be met and is under review. Under review Under review 14

16 3.4. Town Centre Area Action Plan Detail on the town centre will now be integrated into the site allocations and development management policy documents rather than being produced separately. Detail will be informed by the Town Centre Study published in December 2005, and a Cultural Master plan currently being prepared which concentrates on improving The Parade end of the High Street. Table 3-5: Town Centre Area Action Plan key stages Stages 2011 LDS Target Date Comments Preparation N/A A Town Centre Study was published in December Publication Jan 2013 No longer a separate document. Submission May 2013 Adoption Jan Proposals Map The Proposals Map, part of the development plan, is updated when required by the adoption of new Local Plan policies. As no new documents have yet been adopted which result in changes to the Proposals Map, no changes have yet been made to the Proposals Map that currently forms part of the adopted Watford District Plan Evidence Base A comprehensive evidence base was published to accompany the Local Plan Core Strategy. The evidence will be kept under review to ensure it is appropriately comprehensive and that it remains up to date Risks The published LDS contains a table identifying risks, their potential impacts and possible mitigation measures. 15

17 4. Contextual Characteristics of Watford Watford is an urban borough in South West Hertfordshire, on the edge of the East of England region to the north-west of London. It covers an area of 2,142 hectares (8.3 square miles), and is the only non-metropolitan borough wholly contained within the M25. However, about 20% of the Borough forms part of the Metropolitan Green Belt and this is supplemented by a variety of open spaces. The Rivers Colne and Gade and the Grand Union Canal give structure to the main open areas, which include the Colne Valley Linear Park/Watling Chase Community Forest and Cassiobury Park, a historic park with a Green Flag award, the national standard for quality parks and green spaces. The Borough has excellent transport links with mainline rail connections to London, Gatwick Airport, the Midlands and the North, Underground and Overground connections to London, its north-west suburbs and the rural Chilterns, community rail connections to St Albans, coach services to Heathrow airport, bus services to Luton airport and convenient road connections via the M1, M25 and A41. A long established urban centre, with a market charter dating to the 12th century, Watford expanded rapidly from its linear layout along the historic High Street during the nineteenth century with the coming of the railway line. Much of the character of the area is formed by the streets of terraced Victorian housing, which were followed by an extensive variety of planned housing estates during the twentieth century. These estates, along with their associated employment areas, reflect the styles of design that predominated at the time of their construction, with the resulting diversity of urban character visible across the Borough. Watford is the centre of a sub-region serving around 500,000 people, living within a 20 minute traveling time catchment. Known for traditional industries including printing, the town has successfully diversified into an attractive and popular regional shopping and business centre and a focus for culture and recreation. As part of the London commuter belt, Watford is strongly influenced by London; and whilst this brings the benefits of a buoyant economy, it also brings significant environmental pressures such as high levels of traffic congestion, high house prices and, with limited land available for development, pressure on all land, including the green belt. 4.1 Demographic Structure and migration In December 2011, ONS published an improved method for estimating local authority long-term immigration, and estimates were released with corresponding indicative population estimates - apparently most local authorities had changes of less than 2% in their population estimates. Watford's immigration figures were revised downwards by 47% over the period Watford was in the top 20% of LAs in downward revision - and the resulting indicative population estimate decreased by over 4,000 from the mid-2010 estimate of 86,000, (which refers to the population as at 30 June 2010) to just under 82,000. The first release of data from the 2011 Census was published by the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) on 16 July 2012 and the resident population estimate for Watford on Census Day was 90,300. This is an increase of 13.3% compared to the 16

18 figure of 79,726 from the 2001 Census, and an increase of 5% compared to the ONS mid-2010 estimate of 86,000. The 2011 Census showed that Watford s resident population was composed of 89,600 household residents and 700 residents of communal establishments. Figure 4-1: Age pyramid for Watford 2001 Census and 2011 Census Source: Office for National Statistics 2011 Census and 2001 Census population estimates 49.6% of Watford s resident population in 2011 are male, as compared to 49.2% in 2001 and 50.4% are female, as compared to 50.8% in 2001, so the sexes have evened out slightly. By 5 year age band, the largest amount of residents in Watford in 2011 is in the (8,100) and the (8,000) age groups. The largest increases since 2001 can be seen within the infants age band (0-4) and people in their forties, clearly apparent from the Age Pyramid provided. Watford has a high population density, which has risen to 42 persons per hectare from 37 persons per hectare in 2001, compared with an average of 7 persons per hectare in Hertfordshire and 4 persons per hectare in England overall. It is the most densely populated local authority in Hertfordshire, with Stevenage being the next most densely populated (32 persons per hectare). To put this into perspective, the 19 most densely populated local and unitary authorities in England and Wales were all London boroughs and the only non-london area in the top 20 was Portsmouth, with the top 20 ranging from 50 to 138 persons per hectare. 17

19 Table 4-1: Age of Population by numbers WATFORD Total Resident Population 2011 Census Total Resident Population 2001 Census All Ages 90,300 79, ,700 5, ,400 5, ,300 5, ,300 4, ,700 5, ,000 7, ,100 7, ,300 7, ,000 5, ,400 4, ,400 4, ,400 3, ,000 3, ,100 2, ,600 2, ,200 2, ,700 1, , and over Source: Office for National Statistics 2011 Census and 2001 Census (2011 Census figures are rounded to nearest hundred; figures may not sum due to rounding) The number of households in Watford with at least one usual resident provided by the 2011 Census is 36,700. The household definition has been updated from the 2001 Census so is not directly comparable. On the 25 September 2012, ONS released the mid-2011 population estimate, (as at the 30 June 2011) based on the 2011 Census data and this figure increased slightly to 90,700 as opposed to the 90,300 estimated on Census day Projected population growth The 2010-based sub-national population projections published in March 2012 incorporated new immigration methods, resulting in slightly lower projections for Watford (as can be seen in Table 4-2) than the previous corresponding set of based projections which they supersede. They do not take into account the 2011 Census results which were not available at that time. Table 4-2: Comparison of 2008 and 2010 based projected population figures 2008 based estimate ONS 2008 based population projections 2033 Increase projected over 25 figure years Change % increase 2010 based estimate ONS 2010 based population projections 2035 Increase projected over 25 figure years Change % increase Watford 82, ,400 18, % 81, ,100 18, % Herts 1,083,900 1,306, , % 1,099,000 1,363, , % Data Source: Compiled by Planning Policy, WBC, data sourced from Office for National Statistics 18

20 On the 28 September 2012, ONS released an interim set of 2011-based population projections, based on the new mid-2011 population estimate. The interim projections are only for a 10 year period rather than the usual 25 years. Watford s mid-2011 base population estimate is 90,700, which is 8,800 higher than the 2010 base figure of 81,900 and the resulting 2011 based estimated population at mid-2021 of 95,300 is 4,400 more than the 2010 based estimated population at mid of 90,900. Although the estimated population figures are higher under the new 2011 based population projections, Watford's resident population is projected to grow by just 5.1% over the 10 year period from mid-2011 to mid-2021, which is half the projected growth of 10% over the first ten years of the 2010-based projections. Table 4-3: Comparison of 2011 and 2010 based projected population figures ONS 2010 based population projections Increase 2020 over 10 projected years figure based estimate Change % increase ONS Interim 2011 based population projections Increase 2011 based estimate 2021 projected figure over 10 years Change % increase Watford 81,900 90,100 8, % 90,700 95,300 4, % Herts 1,099,000 1,212, , % 1,119,800 1,234, , % Data Source: Compiled by Planning Policy, WBC, data sourced from Office for National Statistics Initial findings are that the usual resident population of Hertfordshire is projected to grow by 10.2% over the 10 year period from mid-2011 to mid-2021 resulting in an estimated population at mid-2021 of 1,234,100. This compares to a projected growth of 10.3% over the first ten years of the 2010-based projections. In comparison, the projected population increases between mid-2011 and mid-2021 in England and the East of England region are 8.6% and 10.2% respectively. It is important to remember that the projections are not forecasts and do not take any account of future government policies, changing economic circumstances or the capacity of an area to accommodate the change in population. They provide an indication of the future size and age structure of the population if recent demographic trends continued. Population projections become increasingly uncertain the further they are carried forward, and particularly so for smaller geographic areas, such as at local authority level Projected Household Growth The most recent household projections are the 2008-based household projection, which were published by Communities and Local Government on 26 November 2010 and are linked to the 2008-based population projections published by ONS in May These projections supersede the previous revised 2006-based projections (covering 2006 to 2031), covering the period 2008 to They do not take into account the 2011 Census results which were not available at that time. The household projections are an indication of the likely increase in households given the continuation of recent demographic trends. They are not an assessment of housing need nor do they take into account the effect of future policies. Household projections are acknowledged to be more uncertain at district level and are limited by 19

21 the figures being expressed in whole thousands. The methodology used for the 2008-based household projections differs in some regards to that used for previous projections; the changes follow a review of different methodology approaches and testing of users needs in order to improve the performance of projections. Also, the new methodology includes data on the number of households with children which was absent from previous projections and was identified as of key interest to users. Projected Households by the Number of Dependent Children In all areas, the trend between 2008 and 2033 is an increase in the percentage of households without dependent children. In Hertfordshire, this increase is from 70.3% in 2008 to 72.9% in This is balanced by decreases in the percentages of households with two and three or more dependent children, offset by a slight increase in the percentage of households with one dependent child. Watford s households with no dependent children are projected to rise from 71.1% in 2008 to 72.3% in 2033, and those with one dependent child are projected to rise from 11.9% in 2008 to 13.4% in This is balanced by decreases in households with two dependent children, from 11% to 9.9%, with a slight decrease of 0.1% in households with three or more dependent children. Comparison of household growth with 2006-based household projections Comparing the DCLG 2008-based projections with the 2006-based projections from a national perspective, there is a 2.6% decrease in the expected growth of households over the relevant 25 year period from 29.3% to 26.7%, and in the East of England region, expected growth has decreased by 1.9% from 35.4% to 33.5%. In Hertfordshire, projected growth has increased slightly from 27.6% to 28.7% over the period but for the districts there are wide differences in the projected growth with Watford s projection increasing the most, by 11.2%, from 18.2% to 29.4% whereas North Hertfordshire is expected to decrease by 6.4%, from growth of 38.5% to 32.1%. The majority of districts have increases in projected growth between the two projections. Table 4-4: CLG 2008-based household projections and comparison of projected growth in households with CLG 2006 based projections for Increase DCLG 2008 based growth DCLG 2006 based growth Difference between 2008 and 2006 based projections Watford % 18.2% +11.2% Herts % 27.6% +1.1% East of 2,406 2,565 2,736 2,903 3,063 3, % 35.4% -1.9% England England 21,731 22,868 24,108 25,320 26,472 27,536 5, % 29.3% -2.6% Source: compiled by WBC, Planning Policy using data from and HCC factsheet CLG 2008-based hsehld projections, 6 December N.B. Hsehld numbers are expressed in whole thousands 20

22 Household projections by household type and average size Table 4-5 shows the household projections for Watford by household type. These show: Single person households are projected to increase steadily through the 25 years by 45.5% Couple households are projected to increase more slowly, from 2013 at a rate of 26.7% The average household size is projected to decrease from 2.38 to 2.27 over the period, experiencing a small increase between 2013 and 2018 (for comparison, the average household size in the 2001 census was 2.43). Table 4-5: DCLG 2008 based Household Projections by Household Type Source: HCC factsheet CLG 2008-based household projections using data from N.B: Increase 2008 to 2033 in avg. hsehld size shows differential hsehld size (increase in hsehld population) / (increase in hsehlds) Figures are expressed in whole thousands (exc. Avg. hsehld size & % increases) 4.4. Ethnicity The non-white proportion of Watford s population increased from 10% in 1991 to 14% in 2001, which is higher than the national average of 9% and reflects Watford s broad mix of cultures. People identifying as Asian or Asian British in the 2001 Census amount to 8.2% in Watford, as compared with 3% overall in Hertfordshire. People identifying as Black or Black British total 2.7% in Watford as compared with 1.2% in Hertfordshire as a whole (see Table 4-6). No results on ethnicity are yet available from the 2011 census (as at November 2012). 21

23 Table 4-6: Ethnic Composition of Resident Population in percentages WATFORD % HERTS % ENGLAND % White White Irish Mixed Asian or Asian British Indian Pakistani Bangladeshi Other Asian Black or Black British Caribbean African Other Black Chinese/Other Ethnic Source: Figures sourced from Office for National Statistics 2001 Census The Office of National Statistics has produced estimates on how ethnicity of the population has changed since the 2001 census and the chart below illustrates the declining trend in the proportion of white population, estimated to be 79% in Watford in 2009, as opposed to 90% in the Eastern region and 88% in England (and also Hertfordshire). Please note that these are experimental statistics only and validation of them is continuing; they must be viewed with caution especially at district level. Figure 4-2: Resident Population Estimates by Ethnic Group (Percentages) White persons Percentage % Watford East of England England Source: ONS estimates updated May 2011, compiled by Planning Policy, Watford Borough Council. 22

24 4.5. Housing House prices in Watford saw a decrease in 2008/09, along with the rest of the country, as shown in the graph of Mean House Prices, and since then, have seen varying degrees of recovery. Figure 4-3: Mean house prices 1st quarter 2001 to 2 nd quarter , , , , ,000 prices 240, , , , , , , , England East Hertfordshire Watford Source: Extract from CLG Table 581 Housing market: mean house prices based on Land Registry data, by district Downloaded 07/10/12 Between the 3rd quarter 2011 and the 3rd quarter 2010 the average price of a semidetached house increased in Watford by 5,200 to 295,900 (equivalent to 1.8%) and increased in all districts in Hertfordshire apart from Welwyn Hatfield, where it decreased by 7,500. At the 3 rd quarter 2011, St Albans was the district with the highest average price for a semi-detached house, the lowest price was 232,900 in Stevenage and the county average was 337,000. During the same period, prices increased in Watford for detached houses (3.1%) and flats/maisonettes (9.9%) but fell for terraced housing by 2.3%. The ratio of median house prices to median earnings for Watford reduced from the high of 9.49 in 2007 to 7.47 in 2009, almost back to 2003 levels. However, the average person in Watford would have needed nearly eight and a half times their annual salary in order to achieve the purchase price of the average home in the ratio has steadily increased to 8.37 in Watford and 8.92 in Hertfordshire, although 23

25 the ratio has decreased between 2010 and 2011 in the Eastern region and England overall (Table 577, Table 4-7: Average house prices in Watford, quarterly 2009 to 2011 Watford Detached Semidetached Terraced Flat / Maisonette Jan-Mar , , , ,000 Apr-Jun , , , ,100 Jul-Sep , , , ,600 Oct-Dec , , , ,000 Jan-Mar , , , ,200 Apr-Jun , , , ,900 Jul- Sep , , , ,200 Oct-Dec , , , ,900 Jan-Mar , , , ,300 Apr-Jun , , , ,500 Jul-Sep , , , ,200 Oct-Nov , , , ,100 Source: Land Registry house price data via HCC. Average prices rounded to nearest 100 N.B. Prices quoted are for sales during a particular quarter and are not necessarily representative of the price one would expect to pay for a particular house in Watford Figure 4-4: House purchase affordability ratio of median house price to median earnings, Ratio of median house price to median earnings England East Hertfordshire Watford Source: Base data extracted from CLG Table 577 on N.B. The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) is based on a 1 per cent sample of employee jobs. Information on earnings and hours is obtained in confidence from employers. It does not cover the self-employed nor does it cover employees not paid during the reference period. Information is as at April each year. The statistics used are workplace based gross earnings for full time employees. The 'median' property price/income is determined by ranking all property prices/incomes in ascending order. The point at which one half of the values are above and one half are below is the median. N.B figures have been revised due to revisions in ASHE data. Figures for 2011 are provisional and may change when the table is updated in 2013 to reflect revisions in ASHE data. 24

26 Within Watford, the 2001 census showed that 73 per cent of households were living in owner-occupied accommodation, with 13.7% in local authority housing, 9% in private rented housing and 2.5% in housing association properties. Watford Community Housing Trust (WCHT) was established in September 2007 following the transfer of just under 5,000 rented properties from Watford Borough Council. By 2009, 16.6% of the dwelling stock in Watford was Registered Social Landlords (RSLs), one of which is WCHT, and 83% was owner-occupied housing and private rented Crime Community safety remains a high priority with Watford residents. In the Budget Survey 2010 with Watford s Citizen s Panel 2010, with regard to importance of the non-statutory services, it was safety in town centres and parks, along with anti-social behaviour which at least 60% considered as very important. Table 4-8: Number of recorded offences in Watford Watford 07/08 Watford 08/09 Watford 09/10 Watford 10/11 Watford 11/12 % increase or - decrease between 10/11 and 11/12 Violence against the person % Sexual offences % Robbery offences % Burglary dwelling offences % Vehicle Crime % Source: Watford is a densely populated urban town and a key centre for shopping and entertainment and so, has generally higher levels of crime, proportionally, than other districts in Hertfordshire. Unfortunately, recordings of sexual offences, robbery and violence against the person all show an increase in , although these have all decreased the previous year. Overall crimes related to vehicle offences and burglary of dwelling offences show a reduction this year. The trend of crime levels over the last five years is illustrated in the accompanying graph - recorded crime figures are affected by changes in levels of reporting to the police and recording by them, and this should be borne in mind when looking at long-term trends. 25

27 Watford Borough Council is one of the members of Safer Watford the Watford Community Safety Partnership, whose aim is to reduce crime, anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime across the borough. To find out more about Safer Watford visit: Figure 4-5: Key Crime Statistics in Watford 2007/08 to 2011/12 Number of recorded offences Violence against the person Sexual offences Robbery offences Burglary dwelling offences Vehicle Crime Type of Crime Watford Watford Watford Watford Watford Source: Compiled by WBC, Planning Policy source data from Deprivation The English Indices of Deprivation 2010 was published by the Government on the 24 March 2011, and uses 38 separate indicators (most of which are from 2008), organised across seven domains; these are Income, Employment, Health and Disability, Education Skills and Training, Barriers to Housing and Other Services, Crime and Living Environment. These domains can be combined, using appropriate weights, to calculate the Index of Multiple Deprivation 2010 ( IMD 2010 ). This is an overall measure of multiple deprivation experienced by people living in an area and is calculated for every Lower Layer Super Output Area (LSOA) in England, of which there are 32,482. LSOAs are small areas of relatively even size (around 1,500 people). The IMD 2010 can be used to rank every LSOA in England according to their relative level of deprivation, 1 being the most deprived and 32,482 being the least deprived. According to the IMD 2010, the most deprived LSOA in England is to the east of the Jaywick area of Clacton on Sea (Tendring 18a) and the least deprived is in one of Watford s neighbouring authorities, to the north west of Chorleywood (Three Rivers 005d). Both are in the East of England region. 26

28 There is no definitive point on the scale below which areas are considered to be deprived and above which they are not. In most cases, users concentrate on defining deprived areas by using a cut-off value beyond which areas are deemed to be the most deprived, the suitability of the cut-off depending on the purpose of the analysis. The IMD 2010 states that deprived areas have been defined in the latest release of the Index of Multiple Deprivation as those LSOAs that are amongst the 10 per cent most deprived in England. Some of the key results quoted by the English ID 2010 are that: 98 per cent of the most deprived Lower layer Super Output Areas are in urban areas but there are also pockets of deprivation across rural areas 56 per cent of Local Authorities contain at least one LSOA amongst the 10% most deprived in England. To place results for Watford in context nationally, none of the LSOAs in Watford rank among the most deprived 10% or the most deprived 20% in England. Similarly, the LSOAs can be ranked within regional, county and district level, and we have compiled these figures for Watford, together with the national rankings, in Appendix 2; we have also shown by the shaded areas, those Watford LSOAs that come within the most deprived 10% and 20% of each larger geographical level considered (no shaded area appears in the England Rank column, as no Watford LSOAs are ranked within the most deprived 20% nationally). There are 3,550 LSOAs in our region, the East of England, 683 LSOAs in the county of Hertfordshire and 53 LSOAs in Watford. The most deprived LSOA in the borough is Watford 003D, a small area in Meriden ward, north of the North Western avenue, which is ranked 7 th in Hertfordshire, followed by Watford 009B in Central ward, north of the Harlequin centre, which ranks 8 th in Hertfordshire (and was ranked most deprived in Watford in the IMD 2007). Both these LSOAs rank in the most deprived 10% in the region, decreasing from 3 LSOAs in the IMD 2007, and another eight rank among the 20% most deprived in the region. There are thirteen LSOAs in Watford which rank in the most deprived 10% in Hertfordshire, increasing from 12 LSOAs in the IMD 2007; three LSOAs each are in Central and Meriden wards, two in Holywell, and one each in Stanborough, Oxhey, Woodside, Callowland and Leggatts. Unusually, all the LSOAs in Central ward come within the most deprived 20% in Hertfordshire, although LSOAs in this category can be found all over Watford, not just around the centre, including the majority of LSOAs in Meriden, Leggatts and Holywell ward. Watford 004B in Leggatts ward has not changed its ranking of 19 th most deprived in Watford from the IMD 2007 to the IMD 2010, but has joined the 18 other Watford LSOAs in the most deprived 20% in the county, which are the same as in the IMD 2007, although some have shifted their position within the rankings. Only Nascot, Tudor and Park wards do not have any LSOAs within the most deprived 20% 27

29 in the county and Nascot, Tudor, Park, Vicarage and Leggatts wards do not have any LSOAs within the worst 20% in the East of England region. The IMD 2010 also includes Local Authority District Summaries and there are 326 LAs in all. Watford ranks 189 so is among the 50% least deprived in England, as are all the Districts in Hertfordshire, apart from Stevenage (ranked 158). However, Watford is the 2 nd most deprived district overall in Hertfordshire, with St. Albans being the least deprived, ranked at 316. Further information on The English Indices of Deprivation 2010 can be found in the full report which can be located at: Also, neighbourhood summaries at LSOA level and above, including deprivation, can be seen by using the website: Economy Watford is, by national and regional standards, a healthy economy. Jobs density is the number of jobs per residents of working age (males aged and females aged 16-59). The total number of jobs used in calculating job density is a workplacebased measure and comprises employee jobs, self-employed, government supported trainees and HM Forces. High job densities are where there is at least one job for every working-age resident, which would be equivalent to 1.0. Historically, Watford has a much higher job density than the county, region and country. However, the recession saw Watford s job density decrease from 1.14 in 2006 to 1.04 jobs per working-age resident in It was still the highest job density of all the districts in the county together with Welwyn Hatfield. Data for 2010 shows Watford has an increased job density of 1.25 in 2010, with 73,000 jobs overall. However, this data should be treated with caution we believe the density and jobs figure have been overstated due to an anomaly in the reporting process, by a company based in Watford reporting positions both within and outside Watford. For comparison, the district with the next highest job density is Welwyn Hatfield with 0.95, Hertfordshire is 0.81, and England is

30 Figure 4-6: Jobs density from representing the ratio of total jobs to working-age population (includes males and females aged 16-64) 1.40 Job Density Year Watford Herts Eastern England Data Source: Crown Copyright. Office for National Statistics. August N.B. Watford and England values are labelled on the above chart Jobs density the number of jobs per resident of working age The total number of jobs is a workplace-based measure and comprises employees, self-employed, government-supported trainees and HM Forces. The number of working age resident figures used to calculate jobs densities are based on the relevant mid-year population estimates. The Business Register and Employment Survey (BRES) is a new ONS survey, providing an improved basis for annual estimates of employment, and has replaced the Annual Business Inquiry, the results of which are not comparable. The BRES is based on employee jobs only rather than the overall jobs figure detailed under job density. The BRES 2010 shows that Watford and Stevenage were the only districts in Hertfordshire to experience an increase in the total number employee jobs since 2009 and Watford had the largest increase of employee jobs, by 3,000 (4.7%) to 67,000. Over half the number of employee jobs in Watford are split between three main groups; Business administration & support services (29.5%) was the largest industry group in Watford and compared with all the districts in Hertfordshire; Professional was the second largest (13.3%) and Retail was third, with 12.7%. BRES estimates for 2008 have been calculated, and compared with the 2010 results (percentages are based on unrounded figures but the job numbers provided are rounded to nearest hundred). These show that Agriculture and Energy saw the main increase in the percentage of employee jobs between by 189.3% (increase from 100 jobs to 400 jobs) and was the largest percentage increase in an 29

31 industry group compared with all the districts in Hertfordshire. The smallest increase of 1.1% was in Public administration and defence (rounded figure of 1800 jobs applies for both 2008 and 2010) and the largest decrease of 44.4% was in the Construction industry group (decrease from 3200 jobs to 1800 jobs). 53% (35,700) of all employee jobs in Watford were full-time; this was the smallest percentage compared with all the districts in Hertfordshire and a decrease of 1,200 (3.3%) since Watford has the largest percentage (47%) of part-time employee jobs (31, 400) compared with all the districts in Hertfordshire. This was an increase of 15.4% (4,200), the largest increase in Hertfordshire overall. Figure 4-7: Percentage of Employee Jobs by Industry Groups Watford 2010 Data Source: Business Register and Employment Survey (2010) ONS Crown copyright reserved. Major employers in the district include Haden Young Ltd, Mirror Colour Print Watford Ltd, Asda, Marks and Spencer, Tesco Stores Ltd, Watford Borough Council, 30

32 J Sainsbury Plc, Total UK Ltd and John Lewis. Watford has an established office market concentrated around Clarendon Road in the town centre, with convenient access via Watford Junction. Watford residents have higher earnings than the regional and national average and in 2011, exceeded the average for Hertfordshire. In respect of gross weekly pay for full time workers, the median earnings for 2011 of Watford residents are 611.5, compared to in Hertfordshire and in the East of England region. Table 4-9: Earnings by residence - Gross weekly pay all full time workers Watford Herts East of England Source: 2011 ONS Annual Survey of hours and earnings resident analysis, Aug 2012 N.B. Median earnings in pounds for employees living in the area The median earnings for 2011 for full time employees that are working in Watford is 485.3, lower than 2010 and lower than for Watford residents, some of whom commute to higher paid areas such as London. The equivalent workplace median earnings for Hertfordshire overall are higher than Watford at 526.6, but also show a decrease in 2011 from the previous year. Table 4-10: Earnings by workplace Gross weekly pay all full time workers Watford Herts East of England Source: 2011 ONS Annual Survey of hours and earnings workplace analysis, Aug N.B. Median earnings in pounds for employees working in the area 31

33 VAT registrations and de-registrations are the best official guide to the pattern of business start-ups and closures. They are an indicator of the level of entrepreneurship and of the health of the business population. Table 4-11: VAT Registrations/Deregistrations by Industry Watford (numbers) Watford (%) Eastern (%) GB (%) Registrations (325) 400 (10.7) 12.6 (8.9) 9.6 (9.4) 10.2 Deregistrations (280) 295 (9.2) 9.3 (7.1) 7.2 (7.4) 7.3 Stock (at end of year) (3,030) 3, Source: BERR - vat registrations/deregistrations by industry (2007) Nov NB. % is a proportion of stock (at end of year) and figures in brackets are from the 2006 survey There have been mainly positive increases (the amount of start-ups outnumbering the closures) in the overall number of VAT registered businesses for Watford over recent years with a substantial increase in number for 2005, and a small increase in 2006 and again, substantial growth in These are the most recent figures available. Table 4-12: Number of and % change in VAT registered businesses for Watford (2,855) 0.4% (2,845) -0.4% (3,005) 5.6% (3,030) 0.8% (3,175) 4.8% Source: NOMIS, taken from the Inter-Departmental Business Register (IDBR) via 32

34 4.9. Labour Demand and Supply The official unemployment rate is published monthly at a national and regional level (but not at district level) from the Labour Force Survey and the definition of unemployed is those who are without a job, want a job, have actively sought work in the last four weeks and are available to start work in the next two weeks or out of work, have found a job and are waiting to start it in the next two weeks. Secondly, the claimant count is the number of people claiming Jobseeker s Allowance, and this is a useful indicator of unemployment trends and also is available at a more local level. The Jobseeker s Allowance (JSA) is payable to people under pensionable age who are available for, and actively seeking, work. The impact of the recession is clearly visible in Table 4-13 and Figure 4-8, with the total number of claimants having more than doubled since 2008, in all districts in Hertfordshire. There has been a little variation during 2011/12, with most districts slightly decreasing rather than increasing their claimant count numbers. Long term claimants (more than one year) increased throughout Hertfordshire, with the proportion as a percentage of all claimants in Watford increasing from 13.8% in July 2011 to 22.3% in July 2012, similar to the county average of 23.4%. Table 4-13: Total Claimant Count and Change Area July 2008 July 2009 July 2010 July 2011 July 2012 number rate number rate number rate number rate number rate % change 2011/12 Hertfordshire 8, , , , , % Broxbourne , , , , % Dacorum 1, , , , , % East Herts , , , , % Hertsmere , , , , % North Herts , , , , % St Albans , , , , % Stevenage 1, , , , , % Three Rivers , , , , % Watford , , , , % Welwyn Hatfield , , , , % Data Source: Crown Copyright. Office for National Statistics via N.B. Rates for local authorities from 2011 onwards are calculated using the mid-2010 resident population aged A summary of claimant count for the period in Figure 4-8 shows how rates have varied over time and how the current rate of 3.1% in Watford compares similar to the East of England (3%), higher than Hertfordshire (2.5%), and lower than the national rate of 3.8%. 33

35 Figure 4-8: Claimant Count Comparison % proportion Jul-06 Nov-06 Mar-07 Jul-07 Nov-07 Mar-08 Jul-08 Nov-08 Mar-09 Jul-09 Nov-09 Mar-10 Jul-10 Nov-10 Mar-11 Jul-11 Nov-11 Mar-12 Jul-12 Watford Herts East England Data Source: Crown Copyright. Office for National Statistics via N.B. % is a proportion of resident working age population. Rates from 2011 onwards are calculated using the mid-2010 resident population aged Jobcentre Plus does not have 100% share of the vacancy market. Coverage relates just to vacancies notified to them and as such represent a market share of vacancies throughout the whole economy. This proportion varies over time although the Vacancy Survey 2002 suggested that the market share lies between a third and a half. The figures for July 2012 show that there are just 2.2 JSA claimants per unfilled jobcentre vacancy in Watford, which is an improvement on the 3.8 in 2011, and better than the average for the county (2.6), region (3.5) and Britain (4.4). Table 4-14: Jobcentre Plus Live Unfilled Vacancies - July 2012 Watford Herts East Great Britain Unfilled jobcentre vacancies (numbers) 818 (461) 6,675 (4,544) 31,883 (25,754) 341,510 (261,144) Unfilled jobcentre vacancies per 10,000 pop. aged (80) 93 (64) 86 (69) 87 (67) JSA claimants per unfilled jobcentre vacancy 2.2 (3.8) 2.6 (4.0) 3.5 (4.4) 4.4 (5.7) Source: via N.B figures are shown in italics for comparison 34

36 4.10. Education, Skills and Training In Watford, 6% of the resident population were school pupils or full-time students aged years at the time of 2001 Census. This compared with 5.1% of the population in England and Wales. Figure 4-9: GCSE and equivalent results for young people, all pupils at the end of KS4 achieving 5+ A* - C, by location of educational institution Sep 06-Aug 07 Sep 07-Aug 08 Sep 08-Aug 09 Sep 09-Aug 10 Watford East of England England Data Source: Department for Children, Schools and Families via N.B. The results printed in this dataset are not comparable with previous years due to a shift from agebased reporting to stage-based reporting in Watford is within the Local Education Authority of Hertfordshire. In the academic year 2009/10, 80.6% of pupils in Watford achieved 5 or more GCSEs graded A* to C, compared to the England average of 76.1%, both increasing from last year s 76.8% and 69.8% respectively. Qualifications held by the working age population of Watford are given in the following table, showing that Watford has a skilled working population. Table 4-15: Qualifications of working age population (males/females 16-64) Watford Jan-Dec 2007 Jan-Dec 2008 Jan-Dec 2009 Jan-Dec 2010 Jan-Dec 2011 % with NVQ4+ - aged % with NVQ3+ - aged % with NVQ2+ - aged % with NVQ1+ - aged % with other qualifications - aged % with no qualifications - aged Source: ONS Annual Population Surveys (Jan 2007-Dec 2011) Definitions of qualification levels: NVQ4 and above: e.g. HND, Degree and Higher Degree level qualifications NVQ3 and above: e.g. 2 or more a levels, advanced GNVQ, NVQ3 35

37 NVQ2 and above: e.g. 5 or more GCSEs at grades A-C, intermediate GNVQ, NVQ2 NVQ1 and above: e.g. fewer than 5 GCSEs at grades A-C, foundation GNVQ, NVQ1 Other Qualifications: includes foreign qualifications and some professional qualifications No qualifications: no formal qualifications held There have been increases in all NVQ qualifications held in Watford during 2011, and there has been a mostly increasing trend over the last few years. For comparison, the amount of people holding NVQ4 or above in Watford is 36%, slightly lower than the 38.5% in Hertfordshire, but higher than the 29.2% in the East of England (28.5%), and the 32.7% in England overall. The percentage of people with other qualifications (which includes foreign qualifications and some professional qualifications) has dropped between 2010 and 2011 from 8.3% to 4.6% in Hertfordshire, from 8.6% to 6.8% in England but more significantly in Watford - from15.3% in 2010 to 5.7% in Health In the last Place Survey, 44% of residents stated that health services were the most important factor in making somewhere a good place to live (second only to the level of crime) although only 20% thought it was one of the issues that most needed improving. According to the NHS Health Profile 2012, (see the health of people in Watford is generally better than the England average, which is overall an improvement on the 2011 conclusion which was mixed, compared to the England average. Over the past ten years rates of deaths from all causes have fallen; the early death rate from cancer, heart disease and stroke has fallen and is similar to the England average. 32 indicators make up the health summary in these profiles, which show how the health of people in the area compares with the rest of England. In 2011, violent crime, physically active children and hip fracture in 65s and over, were those indicators which were categorised as significantly worse than the England average these have all improved in 2012 to levels that are not significantly different from the England average. The 2012 NHS Health Profile shows three different indicators for Watford which have been categorised as significantly worse than the England average acute sexually transmitted infections, statutory homelessness and female life expectancy; thirteen indicators have been measured as not significantly different from England average and sixteen indicators have been measured as significantly better than England average. Life expectancy at birth is an important indicator of health. Although female life expectancy in Watford at 81.6 years has been categorised as significantly worse than the England average of 82.6, it has decreased only slightly since last year s 81.7 (which was an increase of the 2010 figures of 81.3 years) whereas male life expectancy has again increased from 78.1 to 79 years, not significantly different to the England average of

38 Figure 4-10: Life expectancy (years) at birth, Female Male Watford average Hertfordshire average England average Source: Department of Health NHS Health Profile 2012 The NHS Health Profile 2012, similarly to 2011, indicates that priorities include physical activity and obesity, particularly among younger people, older people s health, including a specific focus on falls prevention and continuing to reduce levels of smoking. The amount of physically active adults has improved again since last year (8.8% in 2010, 10% in 2011, and 10.5% in 2012) and is not far from the England average (11.2%). The amount of healthy eating adults has remained the same at 32.2%, better than the national average of 28.7%, as has the proportion of obese adults at 17.3%, below the England average of 24.2% but the percentage of obese children in Year 6 has again increased both in Watford (from 16.4% to 18%) and in England (18.7% to 19%). In the council s Corporate Plan , the first objective is to Improve the health of the town and enhance its heritage. Many Watford residents are already enjoying the benefits of the modernised leisure centres, Woodside and Watford Central, illustrated by Watford being ranked first in the country in satisfaction with sport and leisure facilities in the Place Survey Ensuring that our leisure centres and also our parks and open spaces are maintained to a high standard all contributes to a potentially healthier town. However, it is recognised that we still need to increase participation in sports and leisure activities amongst our community as this has a positive impact on issues such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease. There is also a link in the council s other aims, for example, tackling problems such as alcohol and drug abuse has a positive impact on health as well as crime levels. 37

39 4.12. Built Environment The first objective in the Corporate Plan is to Improve the health of the town and enhance its heritage. A major project undertaken by Watford Borough Council was the refurbishment of the Watford Colosseum, which was completed in August The Colosseum is a statutory listed building and the new foyer extension is an integral part of the building but sits back from the Colosseum s original façade to allow this to retain its importance in the overall composition. A project to renovate the Dancing Woman sculpture and to move it from The Parade to Cheslyn Gardens was completed in October 2012, and she looks glorious and befitting of her new location. 38

40 Improvement works to the Town Hall subway were undertaken in 2011 and an ongoing maintenance programme is included in the scheme. The current projects include delivering further improvements to The Parade, together with improvements to Multi Use Games Areas and the Watford Museum. An application was made by Watford Borough Council to the War Memorials Trust for financial support relating to a renovation project for the Peace Memorial in August The renovation work is scheduled to take place in Also, an application was made to English Heritage for financial support relating to a renovation project for listed and locally listed chest tombs in St Mary s churchyard in August The renovation work is scheduled to take place, subject to funding, in The preservation and enhancement of our cultural heritage is important to allow the community and future generations to experience and enjoy it. The council aims to conserve and enhance the built environment of the town through careful control of development and design, and protection of historic assets. Policies which seek these aims are included within the Watford District Plan Conservation Areas MacDonnell Gardens was designated as a new conservation area by the Watford Borough Council Cabinet on the 16th January 2012, making a total of 9 Conservation areas in Watford, together with 50 Historic Environment Character Zones. A draft version of the character appraisal examining the proposed new conservation area at MacDonnell Gardens, describing why it is an area of special architectural and historical interest, was published for public consultation between 18 October and 18 November Comments and suggestions were invited on the draft document, and these have helped to inform the revised version. The Planning and Development Department has been reviewing the existing conservation areas, preparing area appraisals and management plans for each area in accordance with government advice and evaluating the potential for new areas. The conservation areas are: Civic Core Conservation Area Estcourt Conservation Area Grove Mill Lane Conservation Area High Street/King Street Conservation Area MacDonnell Gardens Nascot Conservation Area St Mary s Conservation Area The Square Conservation Area Watford Heath Conservation Area The Square Conservation Area Character Appraisal was consulted on between 19 October and 18 November 2011 and the final version was adopted in December

41 Grove Mill Lane was originally designated as a Conservation Area in 1973 and part of the Conservation Area is located within Three Rivers District. A draft version of the character appraisal document for the Grove Mill Lane Conservation Area was prepared by the council together with Three Rivers Council, and was published for public consultation between 19 October and 18 November The document was then revised in the light of some useful suggestions that we received during that consultation and the final version was adopted on the 30th January All the character appraisal documents have now been completed for the 9 Conservation areas. A Conservation Areas Management Plan is currently being prepared and will be subject to public consultation during Further information on conservation areas can be found on our website. Nationally listed buildings and locally listed buildings Nationally listed buildings are buildings or structures that have been judged to be of national historical or architectural interest. Listing ensures that the architectural and historic interest of the building is carefully considered before any alterations, either internally or externally, are agreed. These are included on a register known as the statutory list, drawn up by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, and assisted by English Heritage (EH). There are 94 statutory list entries for listed buildings in Watford. In 2011, the council produced a survey of the listed buildings at risk in Watford (available online through the link provided). The majority of these are well maintained; however, a small but significant number have been neglected and are under threat. Watford Borough Council aims to reduce the number of listed buildings at risk of decay and will continue to actively conserve and protect historic buildings in the district. Locally listed buildings have been designated as such because of their local architectural and/or historic value, and any development adversely affecting these buildings will be resisted. These buildings were previously identified and listed in the Watford District Plan 2000 but on the 13 December 2010, Watford Borough Council Cabinet approved the revised register of Locally Listed Buildings in Watford, at that time numbering 240 locally listed buildings. Since that date, the road bridge over the River Gade, Grove Mill Lane was added to the register of Locally Listed Buildings on 30 January 2012, while Sugden House, 2 Farm Field has been upgraded to statutory listed status Street Cleaning and Recycling Watford Borough Council conducted the Budget Survey 2010 with Watford s Citizens Panel in order to consult with local people on managing the impact of the substantial reductions in central government funding. It showed that collection of household waste (81%) and street cleaning (72%) were the most valued statutory services. Levels of litter over provided some cause for concern having reduced the target from 5% to 4%, the actual result was 4.78% so the target was not met (results 40

42 are now available to additional decimal places). Results for Improved street and environmental cleanliness indicators for levels of detritus and graffiti show an improving trend to 5.03% from 6% and 3.72% from 4% respectively. There has been a slight increase in levels of fly posting and fly tipping although there is no cause for concern at this stage. There has been a reduction in small fly-tipping with the exception of car boot load size fly-tipping which is showing unexpected peaks on a few months. Enforcement actions to deal with fly-tipping have increased, as have inspections of businesses to assess their waste disposal arrangements. Overall, there has been an improving trend in results for 4 indicators on recycling and composting of household waste, apart from a slight decrease in the percentage of the total tonnage of household waste arising which has been recycled, reducing from 17.38% in , to 16.73% in

43 5. Housing Indicators numbered H1 to H6, previously Core indicators, covering the main elements of housing development are considered in this section together with Local Output indicators covering more local issues. H1: Plan Period and Housing Targets We have considered the target quoted in the East of England Plan, forming the Regional Spatial Strategy, still valid during this monitoring period and also the housing requirement contained in Watford s Core Strategy, due to be adopted at the end of January H1 (a): East of England Plan Target/period The target contained in the East of England Plan for Watford covering the period 1 April 2001 to 31 March 2021 is 5,200 dwellings over 20 years, equating to 260 units per annum. The same annual target of 260 has been extended to 2028, in order to provide a 15 year trajectory period. However, it is the Government s policy to revoke existing regional strategies outside London. The first stage took effect under the Localism Act, which became law on the 15 November 2011 and secondary legislation to abolish existing regional strategies is being progressed. The East of England Plan will no longer form part of the development plan meaning that local government will have control over determining the local housing target. We are now working towards housing levels as required by the evidence resulting from background studies for the Core Strategy. H1 (b): Core Strategy Target/period Watford Borough Council has reviewed the housing targets against the evidence available (such as the Strategic Housing Land Availability Study and the population/household projections that were available at the time) and is continuing with the previous East of England average annual target of 260 dwellings. Therefore, the Core Strategy, which covers the period 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2031, states that we are seeking a minimum level of supply of 6,500 dwellings over 25 years. The housing figures will be kept under review in light of new evidence and joint working with neighbouring authorities and other partners. H2 (a): Net additional dwellings in previous years The housing trajectory demonstrates housing provision by providing the actual numbers of net annual completions in the past and projected numbers of completions in the future, and compares these to the targets for new housing. The main purpose of the trajectory is to support forward planning by monitoring housing performance and supply. This highlights whether any action is necessary in amending planning policy or other means of support to the housing market. 42

44 Figures 5-1 and 5-2 illustrate the housing trajectory graphically and Tables 5-2 and 5-3 show the figures in chart form, against both the East of England Plan target to 2028 and the Core Strategy target to East of England Plan Target/period - originally covering 1 April 2001 to 31 March 2021, extended to 2028 to provide a 15 year supply period H2 (a) i: Table 5-2 and Figure 5-1 firstly show the annual net number of dwellings completed between , the total being 3,836, against the East of England Plan target. The total of 3,836 is above the combined annual target for the years (11x260=2,860), making 199 the revised annual rate necessary in order to achieve the target of 7,020 by The housing trajectory has been extended beyond the RSS Plan period to 2028 to enable a 15 year trajectory to be provided. Also shown are the projected completions for 2012/13 to 2027/28. Core Strategy Target, covering period 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2031 H2 (a) ii Table 5-3 and Figure 5-2 firstly show the annual number of net dwellings completed between 2006/07 and 2011/12, the total being 2,430 against the Core Strategy target. The total of 2,430 is above the combined annual target for the years (6x260=1,560), making 214 the revised annual rate necessary in order to achieve the total of 6,500 by Also shown are the projected completions for 2012/ /31. H2 (b): Net additional dwellings for the reporting year (the past year of 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012) H2 (b) i: The net figure of 417 completions for against the East of England Plan target exceeds the average 260 homes required per year and also the revised annual rate required to remain on target. If development continues in line with the projections calculated, we estimate that there will be 1,057 dwellings in excess of the overall target by H2 (b) ii: The net figure of 417 completions for against the Core Strategy target exceeds the average 260 homes required per year and also the revised annual rate required to remain on target. If development continues in line with the projections calculated, we estimate that there will be 345 dwellings in excess of the overall target by For the AMR year 2011/12, there were 28 units completed from an allocated housing site, 7% of the total 417 net completions. The absence of units completed on allocated housing sites is largely due to the number of such sites coming forward for development in previous years. A summary of all the Housing Sites allocated in the WDP 2000 and their current status is provided in Appendix 6. 43

45 Table 5-1: Local Output Indicator LH1: Total Net Housing Completions by Allocated Housing Site or Windfall Type No. of Allocated Housing Site Units Completed Allocated Housing Site Units as % of Total Net Completions No. of Large Windfall Site Units Completed Large Windfall Site Units as % of Total Net Completions No. of Small Windfall Site Units Completed Small Windfall Site Units as % of Total Net Completions Total Net Housing Completions Year 2001/ % 19 31% 31 50% / % 30 18% 42 25% / % 12 5% 31 13% / % % 51 14% / % % 96 16% / % % 51 21% / % % 85 29% /09 8 2% % 76 23% /10 0 0% % 64 12% /11 0 0% % 56 9% / % % 97 23% 417 Totals % % % 3836 Source: Compiled by Planning Policy, WBC Windfall sites refer to development proposals that come forward that have not been previously identified as available in the Local Plan process. Watford has a history of a substantial windfall delivery rate as can be seen in Table 5-1. The entirety of Watford s 516 and 633 net housing completions for years 2009/10 and 2010/11 respectively were composed of windfall sites, as were 93% in 2011/12. There are a number of factors which could mean that development will not follow the projections outlined; for example, not every permission granted is implemented; once a permission is granted and until the expiry date, Watford Borough Council do not have any control over when development commences (therefore development may not happen in the year predicted); building works may take longer than currently scheduled and more or less windfall sites than expected may come forward for development. Factors such as these are outside local authority control, as are downturns in the housing market. For example, in the AMR 2011, the estimated figure for net completions in was 321 units, whereas the actual net completions figure was 417 units. Compiling the trajectory and phasing when dwellings are likely to be completed is never going to be an exact science. Various sites which were estimated to complete in were built as predicted such as 24 homes in Nascot Wood Road and 22 homes in York Way. The majority of the difference in actual and anticipated completions results from larger developments where more units were completed sooner than expected. 44

46 These developments include: 92 dwellings completed rather than the 35 estimated at Watford Springs 65 dwellings completed rather than the 30 estimated at the former Leggatts Campus 37 dwellings completed rather than the 20 estimated at the former Fire & Ambulance Station, Whippendell Road Additionally, at least 14 completions relating to various small size permissions were granted during the same year

47 Table 5-2: Net Housing Completions and Projected 31 Mar 12 against East of England Plan target/period East of Projected England Net Annual Annual Net Annual Projected Projected Annual Plan Revised Actual Completions Completions Completions Completions Completions Completions Annual Annual Cumulative Year Private Affordable Totals Private Affordable Totals Target Rate Totals 01/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / Target 7020 less actual achieved 8077 excess over plan period 1057 Source: Compiled by Planning Policy, WBC 46

48 Figure 5-1: Housing Trajectory 2012 based on the East of England Plan target/period Watford Borough Council Monitoring Report /02 02/03 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13 13/14 14/15 15/16 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20 20/21 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 25/26 26/27 27/ Net Annual Completions Private Annual Completions Affordable Projected Completions Private Projected Completions Affordable Revised Annual Rate Annual Target N.B. Annual completions affordable portrayed in the table/chart relate to new builds only and form a part of the net annual completions totals. Affordable totals including acquisitions were 224 for 2009/10 and 356 for 2010/11 47

49 Table 5-3: Net Housing Completions and Projected 31 Mar 12 against Core Strategy target Projected Core Net Annual Annual Net Annual Projected Projected Annual Strategy Revised Actual Completions Completions Completions Completions Completions Completions Annual Annual Cumulative Year Private Affordable Totals Private Affordable Totals Target Rate Totals 06/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / Target 6500 less actual achieved 6845 excess over plan period 345 Source: Compiled by Planning Policy, WBC 48

50 Figure 5-2: Housing Trajectory 2012 based on the Core Strategy target Watford Borough Council Monitoring Report /07 07/08 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13 13/14 14/15 15/16 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20 20/21 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 25/26 26/27 27/28 28/29 29/30 30/ Net Annual Completions Private Annual Completions Affordable Projected Completions Private Projected Completions Affordable Revised Annual Rate Core Strategy Annual Target N.B. Annual completions affordable portrayed in the table/chart relate to new builds only and form a part of the net annual completions totals. Affordable totals including acquisitions were 224 for 2009/10 and 356 for 2010/11 49

51 H2(c): Net additional dwellings in future years Local Planning Authorities are required to identify a fifteen year supply of deliverable sites and Table 5-2 and Figure 5-1 show the annual level of additional housing expected to come forward up to 2028 against the East of England Plan target. For comparison, Table 5-3 and Figure 5-2 show the corresponding figures up to 2031, in respect of the Core Strategy period. Also provided separately in Appendix 5 is a list of the outstanding allocated sites without planning permission as at 31 March 2012, which shows the estimated likelihood of whether development will proceed and when figures for these sites are included in the projections. Additional sites may come forward sites are being assessed and will be published for consultation as part of the Site Specific Allocations DPD process. The results of the consultation will then be reviewed before any allocation of sites. Planning applications will be considered and determined having regard to the NPPF, Development Plan policies and other material considerations. As permitted by the National Planning Policy Framework, a conservative windfall allowance was made within the housing trajectory from year 6 onwards of 58 units. This allowance is the average windfall delivery rate for the period on small sites only (583/10=58). Large windfall sites are developments where there are at least 10 dwellings or more, and small windfall sites are developments of less than 10 dwellings. No windfall allowance has been made in respect of large sites because the lower number of sites involved, together with the relatively large number of completions on these sites gives a less dependable average, which may not be repeated and could therefore unduly distort the figures. We have also chosen not to include any windfall allowance in years 1 to 5 of the trajectory, to ensure that there is no double counting, given that the housing trajectory would already include planning permissions that have arisen on windfall sites and are estimated to come forward in years 1 to 5. Assessment of a Five Year Housing supply A more detailed assessment is required for the first five years and further details are provided in Appendix 7. Basically, we have calculated both a five year assessment against the East of England Plan target for Watford, valid during this monitoring year 2011/12, and also against the housing requirement contained in our Core Strategy. The East of England Plan requirement was 5,200 dwellings over 20 years from , being 260 dwellings per annum. The same annual target of 260 has been extended to 2028 (260*27=7,020) in order to provide the required 15 year trajectory period, equating to 7,020 dwellings by Taking into account the total completions of 3,836 units between 2001/2-2011/12, this equates to 3,184 units remaining to be achieved and a residual annual requirement of 199 dwellings (7,020-3,836=3,184/16=199). Therefore, 50

52 this corresponds to a five year housing requirement of 995 (y) dwellings (199*5=995). the number of projected completions between 2013/ /18 has been identified as 1,178 (x). The five year land supply is calculated as (x/y) *100. Under the East of England Plan and the period to 2028, Watford s 5 year land supply is (1,178/995)*100=118.4%. However, it is the Government s policy to revoke existing regional strategies outside London; the first stage took effect when the Localism Act became law on the 15 November 2011 and secondary legislation to abolish existing regional strategies including the East of England Plan is being progressed. We have also considered a five year housing assessment with regard to our Core Strategy, which is due to be adopted in January The Core Strategy covers the period to , where we are seeking 6,500 dwellings over 25 years. Taking into account the total completions of 2,430 units between 2006/07 and 2011/12, this equates to 4,070 units remaining to be achieved and a residual annual requirement of 214 dwellings for the remaining period ( =4,070/19=214). This corresponds to a five year housing requirement of 1,070 (y) dwellings (214*5=1,070). The number of projected completions between 2013/ /18 has been identified as 1,178 (x). The five year land supply is calculated as (x/y) *100. With regard to the Core Strategy, covering the period to , Watford s 5 year land supply is (1,178/1,070)*100=110.1%. Both the five year supply figures calculated are above the National Planning Policy Framework requirement of 105%. The larger sites (10 units and over) are detailed individually in the five year assessment listing, and summary totals are provided for the smaller sites (under 10 units) in order to reduce the volume of paperwork. A site specific list of all the planning permissions and sites contained within the five year assessment or the full trajectory listing detailing all housing commitments is available online to download or from the Planning Policy team ( strategy@watford.gov.uk); or write to us at our address on the back page of this document. H2 (d): Managed delivery target The purpose of the managed delivery target is to keep track of our housing delivery performance. We calculate the delivery rate necessary to achieve the housing requirement by the end of the relevant plan period, showing how levels of future housing are expected to come forward and taking into account the number of homes provided since the start of the relevant plan period. 51

53 The managed delivery target for each year is illustrated as Revised Annual Rate within Tables 5-2 and 5-3 and the corresponding Housing Trajectory graphs, Figures 5-1 and 5-2. Table 5-2 shows the annual net number of dwellings completed between , the total being 3,836 (see H2 (a) i), against the East of England Plan target period. Taking these total completions into account, the revised annual rate or managed delivery target is calculated to be 199 for in order to achieve the total of 7,020 by Table 5-3 shows the annual net number of dwellings completed between 2007 and 2012, the total being 2,430 (see H2 (a) ii), against the Core Strategy requirement period. Taking these total completions into account, the revised annual rate or managed delivery target is calculated to be 214 for in order to achieve the total of 6,500 by As each future year s estimated completions vary, so does the annual rate required to reach the target, and is thus revised each year as shown. This enables us to monitor housing delivery performance over the relevant plan period, identify any shortfall and plan accordingly. H3: New and converted dwellings on previously developed land ( PDL ) The national annual target that 60% of new housing should be on previously developed land was abolished when the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was introduced in March 2012 However, saved policies H5 (Development on Previously Developed Land) and SE1 (Making Development Sustainable) of the Watford District Plan 2000 prioritise and encourage development on brownfield sites. Policy H5 seeks to ensure that at least 80% of all residential development is on previously developed land (often referred to as brownfield land). Within the Core Strategy, Policy HS 2 Housing Supply and Residential Site Selection details factors that will support residential allocation or will be considered in determining planning applications, and includes previously developed land our local target continues to be 80% of all residential development on previously developed land, as specified in the Core Strategy s Monitoring Framework. Previously developed land (PDL) is land that is or has been occupied by a permanent structure, excluding agricultural or forestry buildings; also excluding land in built-up areas such as private residential gardens, parks, recreation grounds and allotments see the NPPF for a full definition. The definition of previously developed land was already changed in June 2010 to exclude private residential gardens. The revised definition is required to be applied to all completions to assist in measuring subsequent results as consistently as possible, even though the data will include completions that were granted under the previous definition, and this obviously affects any comparisons made between results prior to and after this date. On this basis, there were 479 completed dwellings (gross) in total during the year, of which 92.5% (443 units) were on previously developed land. 52

54 Table 5-4: Percentage of new and converted homes (gross) on previously developed land (H3) 2002/ / / / / / / / / /12 100% 100% 97.89% 100% 99.66% 100% 100% 100% 97.90% 92.50% Source: Compiled by Planning Policy, WBC. N.B. PDL definition amended 9/6/10 to exclude private residential gardens and applied to results from 2010/11. H4: Net additional pitches (Gypsy and Traveller) - there have been no additional pitches delivered. Watford Borough Council currently accommodates a 10-pitch public gypsy/traveller site at Tolpits Lane in the south of the town, managed by Hertfordshire County Council. It also contains two privately-owned travelling show people s sites in the north. There are no transit sites in Watford. There have been no unauthorised encampments since 2004 apart from 2 instances in 2009 of a total of 15 encampments. In July 2010 the Government announced that regional spatial strategies, including house building targets and targets for Gypsies and Travellers pitches were to be abolished. However, the council still has a responsibility to provide sites to meet the established needs of gypsies, travellers and travelling show people in Watford. The Regional Strategy set a target for Watford to provide 10 additional pitches for Gypsies and Travellers by 2011 and a further 10 pitches by The council will allocate sites to meet this regional target in the Site Allocations Plan in accordance with Policy HS4 and HS1. The council acknowledges a need for 10 transit pitches in south and west Hertfordshire to complement the existing South Mimms site by 2011 and will work with neighbouring authorities to identify the most appropriate location(s) for these pitches. There is not considered to be a need for any additional plots for travelling showpeople in the District. These targets will be kept under review. Any applications for pitches will be assessed on a case by case basis against the policies of the Core Strategy and other relevant guidance. H5: Gross affordable housing completions and housing mix There has been a total of 95 affordable homes delivered during 2011/12, across 4 sites. In total there were 79 social rented dwellings delivered during the year 8 x 1 bed flats, 46 x 2 bed flats, 8 x 2 bed houses, 3 x 3 bed houses, 2 x 3 bed flats and 12 x 4 bed houses. There were also 16 shared ownership dwellings 10 x 1 bed flats and 6 x 2 bed flats. Affordable homes average 33% on the qualifying sites. 53

55 Table 5-5: Gross affordable housing completions mix provided (H5) Scheme Social Rented Affordable Rented Intermediate Housing (shared ownership and equity loans) Total Old Fire and Ambulance Station - Whippendell Road Watford Springs Yeatman House, Foxhill Former West Herts College, Leggatts Campus, Leggatts Way Total 79 (83%) 0 16 (17%) 95 Source: Watford Borough Council On the 7 June 2010, the council agreed changes to saved policy H17 from a minimum of 30% of affordable housing on housing developments of 25 or more dwellings or on sites over 1 hectare to a minimum of 35% on developments of 15 or more dwellings or sites of more than 0.5 hectare. All the planning permissions containing affordable units which were completed this monitoring year comply with the policy existing at the time of approval (all but one were approved prior to June 2010). New affordable targets for Watford have been developed through the Core Strategy, informed by the evidence produced by various studies such as the Development Economic Study (DES) and the Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) that were commissioned in partnership with neighbouring local authorities. The Core Strategy, states that 35% affordable housing will be sought on major applications of 10 residential units and above (or sites of more than 0.5 ha), with a mix of 20% social rent, 65% affordable rent and 15% intermediate affordable housing. 54

56 Table 5-6: Local Output Indicator LH2: Number of affordable homes provided 2001/02 to 2011/12 and as % of gross housing completions on qualifying sites Planning Permission No. Address No. of affordable homes per permission and % of permission s total housing units 07/01398/FULM Watford Springs 42 32% (total units 129) 08/00440/REM Old Fire and Ambulance Station, 27 30% Whippendell Road (total units 90) 09/00835/FUL Former West Herts College, 66 30% Leggatts Campus, Leggatts Way (total units 217) 10/00894/FULM Yeatman House, Foxhill % (total units 12) (147/448)x100= 33% average achieved on qualifying sites Source: Watford Borough Council No. of affordable homes completed 11/ The East of England Plan set an expectation that 35% of all housing that is delivered will be affordable. In these terms, the 95 affordable units delivered this year represent 23% of the total 417 net housing completions. Since 2001/02, there have been 1,051 affordable homes provided in Watford which is 27.4% of the overall number of net housing completions over the same period. Local Output Indicator LH3: Affordable Housing Commitments In addition to 446 affordable homes with planning permission, there are also currently (as at 31 March 2012) another 957 affordable homes anticipated to come forward, some of which have been identified through pre-application discussions or form part of identified development schemes, such as Watford Junction. This makes a current total of 1403 affordable homes anticipated to come forward over the period 2012/13 to 2030/31, which is 32% of the estimated total housing commitments outstanding. The total number of affordable homes anticipated is subject to schemes proving viable and funding being identified as the future of the National Affordable Housing Programme is uncertain beyond

57 Table 5-7: Local Output Indicator LH4: Gross Housing Completions 2006/07 to 2011/12 by size 1 bed 2 bed 3 bed 4 bed 5 bed Total Gross Housing Unknown Completions 2006/ % 55% 6% 5% 0% 0% 2007/ % 55% 7% 2% 2% 6% 2008/ % 43% 9% 6% 2% 1% 2009/ % 41% 6% 8% 3% 0% 2010/ % 46% 5% 2% 0% 0% 2011/ % 53% 7% 12% 1% 0% Source: Watford Borough Council, Planning Policy The majority (53%) of dwellings built during 2011/12 are two bedroom with one bedroom properties decreasing to 27% from 47% last year. The number of properties with three or more bedrooms has increased to 20% from just 7% the previous year. Figure 5-3: Local Output Indicator LH5 - Gross Housing Completions 2006/07 to 2011/12 by size and type No. of houses/flats / / / / / /12 House 1 bed House 2 bed House 3+ bed Flat 1 bed Flat 2 bed Flat 3+ bed Flat-unknown Source: Watford Borough Council, Planning Policy 56

58 Overall, the proportion of houses/bungalows completed has risen to 22% with flats making up 78% of the gross housing completions for 2011/12. This compares to the flat building peak of 2010/11 when it was 91%, the highest it has been over the period monitored since 2001/02. Watford s dwelling stock is estimated to be over 37,000 as at the 31 March Table 5-8: Local Output Indicator LH5: Gross Housing Completions 2006/07 to 2011/12 by type Bungalow Flat House Total Gross Housing Completions /07 0% 89% 11% /08 1% 89% 11% /09 0% 79% 20% /10 0% 83% 17% /11 0% 91% 9% 2011/ % 78% 21% Source: Watford Borough Council, Planning Policy Local Output Indicator LH6: Percentage of new dwellings (gross, not including conversions) completed by net density Saved policy H12 (Housing Density Standards) of the Watford District Plan 2000 sets a minimum density of 30 dpha for sites greater than 0.05 hectares, it also encourages higher densities in sustainable locations such as the town centre and close to passenger transport links. There is no national indicative minimum density contained within the NPPF. It is for local authorities and communities to decide for themselves the best locations and types of development in their areas. Policy HS 2 in the Core Strategy deals with housing mix including density. Densities will vary according to the accessibility of locations, with the highest densities around the town centre and key strategic sites. Housing development will be required to make efficient use of land but in all areas the appropriate density for development will be informed by the Residential Design Guide (character area map) and the Watford Character of the Area Study, keeping with the character of the area appraisals and supporting the development of sustainable, balanced communities. As can be seen from Table 5-9, the average density for equates to 62 dwellings per hectare. 57

59 Table 5-9: Local Output Indicator LH6: Percentage of new-build dwellings (gross, not including conversions) completed by net density New Dwellings (Gross completions, excluding conversions) % dwellings less than 30 dpha % dwellings between 30 and 50 dpha % dwellings greater than 50 dpha Net Dev. Area (ha) Average density 2006/ / / / / / Source: Compiled by Planning Policy, WBC and Information Management Unit, HCC N.B. Please note these figures relate to new-build dwellings completed and exclude conversions for the purposes of density calculations Percentages may not sum 100% due to rounding Dpha = dwellings per hectare H6: Housing Quality Building for Life Assessments This indicator was originally introduced in July 2008 for the purpose of showing the level of quality in new housing development. The definition was the number and proportion of total new build completions on housing sites of 10 or more dwellings, reaching very good, good, average and poor ratings against the Building for Life criteria. It is no longer a mandatory requirement to report on housing quality in Monitoring Returns but it is Watford Borough Council s aim to improve the quality of design build and this will continue to be monitored. The format of Building for Life assessments was revised nationally in It is based on the new National Planning Policy Framework and the Government s commitment to build more homes, better homes and involve local communities in planning. The number of questions has been reduced from 20 to 12 and there are no longer scoring brackets for 'good', 'average' etc. The developments have been scored using the traffic light system proposed, but numerically and therefore, green= 1; amber= 0.5; red = 0, so the highest score available is 12. We have continued to carry out assessments on new build completions on housing sites of 10 or more dwellings and all schemes meeting the threshold are listed below. 58

60 Table 5-10: Building for Life Assessments - post completion during 2011/12 Proposed Development Name units Former Fire & Ambulance Station, Whippendell Road Net comps Score out of 12 To be assessed in Former Watford School of Music, Nascot Wood Road Watford Springs, Lower High Street Former Sun Chemical Site, Cow Lane Former West Herts College, Leggatts Campus To be assessed in Queens Road Former Meriden Nursery School, York Way R/O 154 Ridge Lane & R/O 271,273,275 Gammons Lane Cassio College, Langley Road To be assessed in Queens Road Compiled by Planning Policy, WBC. As there is a new format, results are not directly comparable to previous years. It is hoped the current version Building For Life 12, will have a lifespan of 7 to 10 years and it can be identified in the future whether scores are generally improving. Details of the BFL 12 assessment criteria can be viewed at the following link: 59

61 6. Business Development and Employment The following indicators include employment data on newly built floorspace as well as information concerning changes of land use to and from employment. Employment type is defined by planning Use Class Orders: B1 Business, encompassing: B1 (a) Offices (other than those permitted in class A2 Financial and Professional Services) B1 (b) Research and development B1 (c) Light industry B2 General Industrial carrying out an industrial process other than within class B1 B8 Storage or Distribution B0 - used to indicate where a mix of 'B' Uses granted permission. Saved policies E1, E2, E3, E5, E6 and E8 in the Watford District Plan 2000 deal with safeguarding employment provision. Please note that if demolitions are involved, these can often take place in one year and the replacement premises are not completed until the following year (or years in the case of larger sites), which can sometimes be the cause of an apparent net loss. Totals for each year since 2006/07 with respect to indicators BD1 BD4 are provided in Appendix 8. BD1 (i): Total amount of additional employment floorspace in Watford Table 6-1 illustrates changes to employment floorspace (gross internal floorspace) completed within Watford, during 2011/12. Table 6-1: Total amount of additional employment floorspace in Watford BD1 (i) B0 B1 B1a B1b B1c B2 B8 Total Gross gain sq.m Loss sq.m Net gain sq.m Data Source: Planning Policy, WBC and HCC via CDPSmart monitoring system N.B. Category B1a is also captured under BD4 where the same figure is quoted. The bulk of the gains and losses, about 14,000 sq.m. were changes of use from industrial to warehouse or offices or vice versa and erection of replacement offices/warehouse. This included a change of 5,929 sq.m. from B2, with 5,119 sq.m. to B1a and the remaining 810 sq.m. to B8 at Polychrome Industrial Estate. Leavesden Studios accounted for another 3,306 sq.m in a change of use from a flight shed to film studios. The various developments that involve small amounts of office or other business floorspace lost will result in conversions to eight residential properties together with a mixed redevelopment and part conversion to provide retail, restaurants and 24 flats. 60

62 The data in Appendix 8 shows that there has been a net loss of 27,082 sq.m. of floorspace in Watford since 2006, most of which has been from class B2 (general industrial use). Much of the loss from B2 this year was to other B uses, including the change at Polychrome Industrial Estate identified above. However Table 6-4 shows that planned developments should more than replace this amount of floorspace. BD1 (ii) Total amount of additional employment floorspace in employment areas There are seven main blocks of land identified as employment areas within the Watford District Plan 2000 where the council seeks to protect the land for employment use (saved policy E1) and Table 6-2 shows the amount of floorspace developed in those areas. Table 6-2: Total amount of additional employment floorspace in employment areas BD1 (ii) B0 B1 B1a B1b B1c B2 B8 Total Gross gain sq.m Loss sq.m Net gain sq.m Data Source: Planning Policy, WBC and HCC via CDPSmart monitoring system N.B. These figures form part of the overall figures for Watford in Table 6-1. Most of the gains and losses shown have been between the various B use classes. The only losses that have been permitted in employment areas outside the B use class are to other employment generating uses such as vehicle rentals and motor repair and MOT testing and two applications changing use from an office to leisure (D2) gyms, considered to be a healthy alternative to nearby residents in the first instance, and in the second case, attractive to existing employees and potential tenants of vacant business premises in Watford Business Park. This resulted in a small net loss of B use floorspace in employment areas but these changes are only allowed where the council considered it more appropriate that approval be granted. Appendix 8 shows that there has been a small net gain in employment space within allocated employment areas since 2006, showing that policies to protect employment within allocated employment areas are being applied effectively. BD2: Total amount of employment floorspace on Previously Developed Land ( PDL ) Previously developed land (PDL) is that which is or was occupied by a permanent structure, excluding agricultural or forestry buildings; also excluding land in built-up areas such as private residential gardens, parks, recreation grounds and allotments (the full definition is contained within the NPPF). The target in the Core Strategy states that we are seeking 90% of employment floorspace to be completed on previously developed land. 61

63 Table 6-3: Total amount and % of employment floorspace on PDL BD2 B0 B1 B1a B1b B1c B2 B8 Total Gross gain sq.m Gross gain sq.m. on PDL % on PDL N/A 100% 100% 100% 100% N/A 100% 100% Data Source: Planning Policy, WBC and HCC via CDPSmart monitoring system It is shown that 100% of employment development within Watford took place on previously developed land, often referred to as brownfield land (compare the identical amounts quoted for gross gain in Table 6-3 with those quoted in Table 6-1). It can be seen from Appendix 8 that no greenfield land has been used for any employment development since at least 2006/07, which is the period monitored here. BD3 (i) Employment land available by type sites defined and allocated in the Local Plan Within the broad scope of the Employment Areas, there is a defined site allocated in the Watford District Plan 2000 for employment, which is Key Development Site No. RA6. The Watford Junction site area is also identified in the Core Strategy as Special Policy Area 2, a major mixed use regeneration scheme. Watford Junction is currently included in our residential commitments as the SPA2 policy proposes 1500 dwellings, estimated to come forward BD3 (ii) Employment land available by type (sites for which planning permission has been granted, but not implemented) The most significant sized site area for which planning permission has been granted, but not yet implemented, is Watford General Hospital mixed use health campus site providing a substantial 6.5 hectares of employment land, 38% of the total gain proposed of hectares, shown in Table 6-4, and almost 16,400 sq.m of employment floorspace, in the various B uses. A wide range and number of planning approvals make up the remainder of the proposed gain, which foresees a healthy amount of business activity in Watford if they are all actioned. Table 6-4: Employment land available by type BD3 B0 B1 B1a B1b B1c B2 B8 Total Gross gain sq.m Area of land gain in hectares Data Source: Planning Policy, WBC and HCC via CDPSmart monitoring system 62

64 BD4 Total amount of floorspace for town centre uses Town centre uses encompasses the completed amount of floorspace in respect of retail (A1), financial and professional services (A2), office (B1a), and leisure (D2) development, which ideally should be concentrated in the town centre as opposed to less central and less accessible locations. Table 6-5: BD4 Total amount of completed retail, office and leisure development: within the local authority area (LA) and town centres (TC) BD4 - total gain in LA A1 A2 B1a D2 Totals Gross gain sq.m. in LA Loss sq.m. in LA Net gain sq.m. in LA BD4 - gain in TC A1 A2 B1a D2 Totals Gross gain sq.m. in TC Loss sq.m. in TC Net gain sq.m. in TC % gained in TC of total gross gain to LA in each use class 0% 47% 0% 13% 7% Data Source: Planning Policy, WBC and HCC via CDPSmart monitoring system NB: Floorspace is specified as square metres, not confirmed as gross internal floorspace Use Class A1, not expressed as net tradable floorspace, data not available for historic applications B1a totals in LA is the same data as included within Indicator BD1 The town centre boundary currently used is that contained within the WDP 2000, although this may be reviewed in the future. There was minimal retail, office and leisure development in the designated town centre, with only two changes of use from retail (A1) to financial and professional services (A2) and a change of use from a restaurant to a family entertainment centre. However, although there is a net loss of 337 sq.m. shown within the town centre, this is due to the loss of 508 sq.m. of existing A2 floorspace which will be redeveloped and part converted to provide retail, restaurants and 24 flats essentially there are no major losses within the town centre. The only other changes of use which count as losses to retail, office and leisure are an 83 sq. m. loss of an office to a health spa and beauty salon, and a 69 sq.m. loss of A2 premises to a nail bar, both considered to be appropriate uses in the town centre. There has been a noticeable net increase in leisure floorspace outside the designated town centre; each case has been considered in line with our policies e.g. 590 sq.m. (nearly 25%) of the total gain in D2 floorspace was conversion of a vacant office in Watford Business Park, Greenhill Crescent to a small gym, which was considered to be an attractive amenity to current employees and potential tenants of other vacant premises in Watford Business Park, so beneficial to the area as a 63

65 whole. Another 504 sq.m. (20%) represents the erection of extensions to the Colosseum the new glass fronted foyer extension provides a stylish café bar, restaurant and customer lift. The increase in office space outside of the town centre included 810 sq.m. within an allocated employment area at Polychrome Industrial Estate (conversion from B2), conversion of a block of nurses accommodation at Watford General Hospital, and replacement and extension to office space at Wiggenhall Depot. Local Indicator LBD1: Losses of employment land (completed sites only) It is important to try and identify the reasons for any losses to employment land. This indicator relates to site areas where the redevelopment has been completed during this monitoring year and will not necessarily correlate with floorspace figures in BD1, which can be over a number of floors; also, demolitions pertaining to larger sites often take place in one year and the replacement premises are not completed until following years. i) in employment areas = hectares There were three planning permissions completed that technically resulted in a small loss of employment land in employment areas, where the council had considered it appropriate that approval be granted. One change of use was to a mixed use of motor repair and MOT testing, retaining the existing employment use of the premises while two changes of use were from offices to gyms, helping to meet the council s objective of creating a healthy town. ii) in Local Authority Area = hectares Please note that the amount of employment land lost in employment areas forms part of the larger amount reported in the local authority area. 80% of the overall employment land lost in Watford is office space and the remaining loss was to B2 General Industrial. 30% of the overall land lost has been used for residential development, resulting in a total of 17 dwellings, over four sites. Other changes of use included to a training room, a health spa and beauty salon as well as the changes of use previously mentioned above within employment areas. 64

66 7. Environment E1: Number of planning permissions granted contrary to the advice of the Environment Agency on flooding and water quality grounds Within the adopted Watford District Plan 2000, there are saved policies (namely SE 26 to SE 30) that include requirements for flood prevention and defence and the safeguarding of water quality. The Environment Agency produce yearly reports of their objections lodged with Local Authorities on the grounds of Flood Risk and Water Quality and these can be found on their website Between 1 April 2011 and 31 March 2012 Our research has found that no objections have been received in the monitoring period on the grounds of water quality from the Environment Agency. Only one objection on flood risk grounds, stating that a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) is required, is listed by the Environment Agency (EA) for Watford Borough Council, relating to the following planning application: 11/00952/FULM - Demolition of all existing buildings and extensions to the rear of Rembrandt House, Whippendell Road; refurbishment of Rembrandt House for flexible commercial use (Class B1 and D1) including alterations to entrances; erection of 12 blocks (between 2 and 5 storeys in height) comprising 107 residential dwellings, together with landscaping, ancillary structures and 215 car parking spaces. However, a revised FRA was received by the EA in February 2012 and the EA withdrew their objection, providing that the development only be carried out in accordance with the approved amended FRA (Issue 4, February 2012), amongst other conditions to be included in the decision notice, if permitted. The decision on this application is pending (as at time of writing, 7 November 2012), awaiting Section 106 agreement. As the EA reports are mainly to assist Local Authorities with the compilation of this data, the reports are records of initial objections and are not updated to take account of further developments after the initial objection. Please note that the council is always guided by the advice of the Environment Agency in such matters and planning permissions are granted in accordance with the advice of the Environment Agency. In order to help appraise, manage and reduce flood risk in relation to the location of new development in Watford the council commissioned a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA), first published in April 2008 and updated with effect from April 2012, to take account of upgrades to the flood defences on the River Colne and subsequent Regional Flood Risk modelling by the Environment Agency. The updated SFRA study is available on our website under the evidence base of documents for the Core Strategy. 65

67 Hertfordshire County Council is the lead local flood authority for Hertfordshire and it is their responsibility to develop, maintain, apply and monitor a Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS). The LRFMS will focus on local flood risk due to flooding from surface water, groundwater and ordinary watercourses and will identify opportunities for organisations to work together to improve the management of local flood risk WBC would contribute to some of the proposals. The Strategy has been drafted in consultation with key partners and underwent public consultation between 18 June and 7 September Part of the process also included drafting a Surface Water Management Plan to help manage the risks from non-fluvial sources of flooding in Watford and St Albans. Hertfordshire is classified as suffering from serious water stress and assessments for the county show that the vast majority of the rivers and groundwater in the county are over-abstracted. A Water Cycle Study scoping report was completed with adjoining authorities and stakeholders in April 2010; this assessed the network and waste water treatment works and how it can cope with additional growth. The Water Cycle Study recommends that water consumption in new developments is reduced to 105 l/p/d. The scoping report also highlights the need for upgrades to the sewerage network and Maple Lodge STW to accommodate development. The council will need to consult Thames Water about the phasing and planning of future development within the Maple Lodge sewerage treatment works catchment to ensure any infrastructure upgrades/improvements necessary to serve development are investigated, planned and constructed ahead of occupation. Such upgrades will be necessary to ensure that new developments do not result in sewer flooding or impacts on water quality. The council aims to minimise water consumption, surface water run-off and nonfluvial flooding whilst also protecting water quality, as per Policy SD 2 contained in the Core Strategy. One objective is to reduce the per capita consumption. Table 7-1: Local Output Indicator LE1 - Average household water use (litres per head per day l/h/d) 2000/ / / / /12 Watford Hertfordshire England and Wales Source: Contains Environment Agency information Environment Agency and database right N.B. The data provided at district or county level is calculated - based upon data for each water company water resource zone. It is therefore an estimate of household water use. Figures are provided for last three years with 2000/01 for historic comparison. During 2011/12, there has been little variance in Watford s average household water use since last year. The districts in Hertfordshire with the highest water use per person are St Albans, Three Rivers and Watford district where average water use per person is approximately 167 l/h/d. Household water use in Hertfordshire overall was approximately 160 l/h/d in 2011/12 and has declined from the previous year although 66

68 still much higher than the England and Wales average of 145 l/h/d. However, water use in Hertfordshire is slightly lower than Surrey, a comparative county, where average household water use was 162 l/h/d in 2011/12. The lengthy hosepipe bans in the South of England earlier this year show how quickly water supplies can become diminished and how much work still needs to be done on conserving water supplies and decreasing use where possible. E2 Change in areas of biodiversity importance The importance of conserving biodiversity, which is the full range of plants and animal life around us, is recognised around the world. The Hertfordshire and Middlesex Wildlife Trust have produced a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) for Hertfordshire, with support from English Nature, the Environment Agency and local authorities. The plan urges local authorities to protect what remains of their semi-natural habitat. It particularly advocates that all land managed by local authorities should be managed in a way which promotes conservation. Watford Borough Council is committed to ensure the nature conservation value of our parks and open spaces is protected and enhanced and is actively looking at how it can improve the wildlife value of all the sites it manages. Some sites have more status and the most important wildlife sites in Hertfordshire have been designated County Wildlife Sites. They are protected for their biodiversity and have also been targeted for the rehabilitation and re-creation of habitats, where feasible. The number of wildlife sites recorded in Watford shows a decrease from 34 in 2011 to 33 in 2012, but this is due to a boundary revision rather than an actual loss the site still remains a wildlife site but not within Watford Borough. Part of the wildlife site WS 90/004, formerly River Colne between Watford and Oxhey (now re-named Hartsbourne Stream between Watford and Oxhey ) was originally shown as being along the boundary between Watford and Three Rivers, but HBRC have recently found that the interest is solely within Three Rivers. Five of the wildlife sites in Watford are also designated Local Nature Reserves Albans Wood, Harebreaks Wood, Lairage Land, Cassiobury Park and Garston Park and these offer a variety of accessible habitats, birds and wildlife. The council, in partnership with local Friends of groups regularly organises events such as river clearance, scrub removal and tree planting to encourage and support our wildlife. The saved policies SE32, SE33, SE36, SE37 and SE 39 support the safeguarding of natural habitats important for priority species or rare species and the enhancement of biodiversity, as does Policy GI 3 in the Core Strategy. 67

69 Table 7-2: Number and area of sites of biodiversity importance in Watford (E2) 2010 no area (ha) 2011 no area (ha) 2012 no area (ha) Difference 2011 to 2012 LNRs Wildlife 1 no. sites (4.46 ha) SSSIs N/A RIGS N/A Source: HBRC and WBC, compiled by Planning Policy, WBC N.B. LNRs = Local Nature Reserves; SSSIs = Sites of Special Scientific Interest; RIGS Regionally Important Geological Sites. The areas may continue to vary from year to year with the addition and de-selection of sites, as well as major boundary amendments (particularly to Wildlife Sites). Throughout the year, there are also numerous minor changes to boundaries as new information becomes available (e.g. the removal of areas with no ecological value). Re-digitising is also necessary when Ordnance Survey baseline mapping data is updated. Although there are no Sites of Special Scientific Interest within Watford, there is a site with this designation that is managed by Watford Borough Council, which is Whippendell Woods it is adjacent to the Borough boundary in Three Rivers District. There are no sites in Watford that are considered to be Regionally Important Geological Sites. Change in priority habitats and species (by type) It has been recommended that this information be used as a contextual indicator to be reported less frequently. Hertfordshire Biological Records Centre ( HBRC ) have previously provided those statistics that were available, including changes in bird populations and changes in butterfly numbers and species, although data is not available in all cases down to district level. It should be noted that the surveys to obtain the data on birds and butterflies are carried out by volunteers and enthusiasts in their own time. It would seem impractical for districts to attempt to calculate the precise loss of particular species to development, due to a lack of resources including time, money and expertise although the possible site-specific impact of development, both directly (loss of habitat) or indirectly (disturbance, pollution light, noise, air particles) should always be considered. As there has not been any new data supplied since 2007, the data is not repeated here but can be located in previous AMR s 2007 to

70 E3: To show the amount of renewable energy generation by installed capacity and type Within the adopted Watford District Plan 2000, there are saved policies (namely SE4, U1 and U2) which support and encourage the use of renewable energy sources. Not all renewable energy installations require planning permission; small scale domestic installations may be considered permitted development. Contributed capacities are often not supplied in planning applications where renewable energy is included, but they are provided in the following tables where available. a) Planning permissions containing an element of renewable energy, granted : Table 7-3: Renewable Energy Developments approved (E3a) Permission Reference Solar Power (PV) 11/00300/FULM 20/06/ /00461/FUL 15/07/ /00490/FUL 01/09/ /01121/FUL 06/02/ /00197/FUL 20/04/ /01045/CM 11/01/ /00880/FULH 20/10/2011 Granted Date Address Description West Herts College, Cassio Campus, Langley Road, Watford, WD17 4YH Watford Grammar School For Boys, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD18 7JF Friends Meeting House, 150 Church Road, Watford, WD17 4QB 44 Ridge Street Watford, Watford, WD24 6BP 38 High Road, Leavesden, Watford, WD25 7AQ Cassiobury Infant & Nursery School, Bellmount Wood Avenue, Watford Revised design for Block A incorporating enlarged retail unit (Class A1), deletion of doctors surgery (Class D1) and addition of 3 flats at ground floor level; provision of building to have water booster etc (solar panels included) 0 Installation of Photovoltaic cells to the roofs of two buildings: the Sixth Form Study Centre and the Economics Block. 39 Installation of 21 photovoltaic panels to south facing roof of the Meeting House 5 Installation of 39 solar PV panels on the roof 8 Erection of a single storey rear extension to include rebuilding of existing garage and roof mounted solar panels. 0 Proposed new single storey detached classroom block - solar power (pv) Halberton, Nascot Place, Watford Installation of roof solar panels 4 Solar Power (PV) Total known: 56 Data Source: WBC, Planning Policy and HCC Capacity (kw) if available 69

71 b) Planning permissions containing an element of renewable energy completed : We cannot positively identify that contributed capacities from renewables are on the increase in Watford as capacities have not been consistently available, but there does appear to be an increasing trend in the number of applications identified as including renewable energy sources. As well as individual householders buying in to the concept of renewable energy by having solar panels fitted to their existing properties there is evidence that various forms of renewable energy are increasingly being incorporated into the designs for new residential development and other developments for community use. Table 7-4: Planning permissions containing an element of renewable energy completed (E3b) Permission Reference Completed Date Address 09/00217/FUL 15/03/2012 Land R/O St Albans Road 11/00461/FUL 09/02/2012 Watford Grammar School For Boys, Rickmansworth Road Renewable Power Source Solar Panel (Unknown) Solar Power (PV) 10/00894/FULM 01/03/2012 Yeatman House, Foxhill Solar Water Heating 10/01279/FUL 21/03/2012 Land R/O, 20-22, Capel Road 10/01279/FUL 21/03/2012 Land R/O, 20-22, Capel Road Solar Power (PV) Ground Source Capacity (kw) Data Source: WBC, Planning Policy and HCC The use of renewable energy sources on the council s own buildings fits in with our aim to manage carbon emissions in our own premises, and across the town. Both Watford Woodside Sports and Leisure Centre and Watford Central Baths were completed in 2008 and provide continuous reductions in CO2 emissions and reduced energy use. Policy SD 3 Climate Change in the Core Strategy states that all new developments must maximise the use of energy efficiency and energy conservation, such as incorporating renewable energy and water saving measures, SUDS and green roof systems, and reduce the overall energy demand and CO2 emissions. New development will also be required to include a commitment to climate change adaptation and mitigation from design stage. Local Output Indicator LE2: Domestic per capita Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions Estimates of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions from the Department of Energy and Climate Change can be used to measure local and regional contributions to climate 70

72 change. Domestic per Capita CO2 is an indicator that measures household contribution to carbon emissions. Data for 2010 is the most recently published in August With regard to the domestic sector in the U.K. every single local authority has experienced an increase in emissions between 2009 and This is the reverse of the result observed between 2008 and 2009, when emissions decreased in the domestic sector in every local authority. Household contribution to carbon emissions in Hertfordshire is varied, and although all districts have increased between 2009 and 2010, they are still below 2008 levels. The lowest domestic emissions for 2010 were in Stevenage with 2.0 tonnes. Watford s domestic emissions were 2.20 tonnes CO2, lower than the average domestic per capita CO2 emissions in Hertfordshire which was 2.3 tonnes. Three out of the ten districts in Hertfordshire had emissions greater than the average, including Hertsmere with 2.40 and the greatest emissions were in St. Albans and Three Rivers, with 2.5 tonnes CO2 per capita. As can be seen from the accompanying table, there has been a decreasing trend in domestic emissions both in Watford and in Hertfordshire overall from 2005 until the 2010 increase. Table 7-5: Domestic per capita CO2 emissions (LE2) Year Watford - tonnes Herts - tonnes Source: Compiled by Planning Policy, WBC, from data published by Dept. of Energy & Climate Change N.B. In order to ensure that the data for is consistent with the data now available for 2010, the estimates for these years have been revised to incorporate both new data and improvements in the underlying methodology. The estimates published previously have now been superseded by the revised figures provided and any estimates published previously for all years prior to 2005 are not comparable with the new data owing to improvements in the source data and methodology used. Watford Borough Council has made a commitment to reducing the level of greenhouse gas emissions from its own local authority operations by 30%, using 2009/10 as a baseline figure. We achieved a reduction between 2009/10 and 2010/11 and although there has been an increase this year, we are still intending to meet the target and our overall emissions are below our 2009/10 baseline. For more information please see Local Output Indicator LE3: Air Quality Traffic levels can have an adverse effect on the air we breathe and our Environmental Services Department carries out regular monitoring on traffic pollutant emissions. The council completed an assessment in 2004, ultimately ratified by the 71

73 Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), which suggested that there were likely to be six areas where the annual mean objective for Nitrogen Dioxide, contained in the Government s National Air Quality Strategy, were unlikely to be met. It was then determined whether any residential premises were situated in these areas and after the public exposure assessment, a period of public consultation was undertaken and on 17 February 2006, the following 6 Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) were declared: AQMA1 St Albans Road AQMA2 Vicarage Road AQMA3 Aldenham Road AQMA4 Chalk Hill AQMA5 A405/Horseshoe Lane AQMA6 M1/Meriden In 2009 the council completed a further assessment of the air quality within these AQMAs. This study recommended that: AQMA 1 be retained unchanged AQMA 2 be enlarged to include more of Vicarage Road, Merton Road, Cassio Road and Wiggenhall Road AQMA 3 and AQMA 4 to be merged into a single larger AQMA 3A AQMA 5 be reduced in size AQMA 6 be revoked These recommendations have been accepted by DEFRA. In partnership with Hertfordshire County Council, a plan to improve Air Quality in the revised AQMAs is being developed. The council s outline draft Air Quality Action Plan was completed in 2009 and accepted by DEFRA. In 2011 we completed our more detailed plan that determined which of the original options were feasible and we carried out a public consultation on the proposals in The next steps will be to make the formal changes to the AQMAs, and implement the measures outlined in our Air Quality Action Plan. It is hoped that these will both be done in Local Output Indicator LE4: The amount (in hectares) and percentage of total open space managed to Green Flag Award standards The Green Flag Award is the national standard for parks and green spaces in England and Wales. The award scheme began in 1996 as a means of recognising and rewarding the best green spaces in the country. It was also seen as a way of encouraging others to achieve the same high environmental standards, creating a benchmark of excellence in recreational green areas. The amount of open space managed to Green Flag Award standards for 2011/12 is hectares, unchanged from 2010/11. The Green Flag parks at Cheslyn, Cassiobury and Woodside continue to be maintained to high standards along with St. Mary s Churchyard. The council has 72

74 again retained the three formal accreditations of the Green Flag award, the 4 th consecutive time for Woodside Playing Fields/Alban Wood and Cheslyn Gardens and the sixth year for Cassiobury Park. All Green Flag Award-winning parks and green spaces were entered into an annual poll, which saw thousands of people voting for their favourite green space, the People s Choice Award for Cassiobury Park came third in this important national poll. In first place was the Old Station, Tintern, Monmouthshire in Wales, originally built as a Victorian country railway station and featuring refurbished railway carriages, a riverside walk and meadows and Warley Woods, a 100 acre park in Sandwell, West Midlands, came second. Table 7-6: Amount (hectares) of eligible open spaces managed to Green Flag Award standard (LE4) 2008/ / / /12 Alban Woods N/A N/A Lairage Land N/A N/A Harebreaks Woods N/A N/A Cassiobury Park Garston Park Nature Reserve N/A N/A Cheslyn Gardens Woodside Playing Fields (exc. Alban Wood) Goodwood Recreation N/A N/A St.Mary s Churchyard Total Data Source: Planning Policy, WBC. Figures have been rounded to two decimal points. N.B. See for criteria of the Green Flag Award The difference between 2008/09 and 2009/10 measurements was due to implementation of GIS and a resulting improvement in accuracy. The reduction between 2009/10 and 2010/11 was due to cost cutting and service prioritisation. The amount of open space managed to the Green Flag standards represents 31% of Watford s total open space ( hectares). Local Output Indicator LE5: Total open space managed by WBC and change (in hectares). There has been no change in the total amount of open space managed by WBC during 2011/12. Table 7-7: Total open space managed by WBC and change in hectares (LE5) 2008/ / / /12 Change in hectares 2011/ Data Source: Planning Policy, WBC. Figures have been rounded to two decimal points. N.B. The difference between 2008/09 and 2009/10 measurements was due to implementation of GIS and a resulting improvement in accuracy. 73

75 A major programme of works is underway to improve a large number of play areas and open spaces across the Borough from 2011 to 2014, including Callowland Rec., Oxhey Park, Riverside Rec., King George V Playing Fields, the two cemeteries, various allotments and over 20 play areas. Major improvements will continue along the River Colne Corridor and a Heritage Lottery Fund Parks for People Project Round 1 pass has been successful for Cassiobury Park with 418,000 awarded from Heritage Lottery Funding/BIG lottery funding from 2012 onwards. Further qualitative work is currently underway to inform the review of the Green Spaces Strategy, with a revised strategy due to be in place for early Watford Borough Council commissioned work to assess playing pitch and changing facilities and are in the process of developing a playing pitch strategy which will inform future direction for sports provisions in the Borough for the next 5 years. This is due for completion by March The importance of open space in Watford s urban environment is recognised and protected by the existing planning policies L4: Open Space Protection, L5: Playing Fields, L6: Provision of Additional Open Space, L8: Open Space Provision in Housing Development, L11: Maintenance of Open Spaces, Play Areas and Pocket Parks and L12 Allotments; and in the Core Strategy, it is addressed within Policy GI 1: Green Infrastructure and GI2: Green Belt. 74

76 8. Transport and Projects The evidence base for the LDF indicates that transport is one of Watford s most important local issues, together with affordable housing and looking after the environment. Local Indicator LT1: Amount and percentage of completed non-residential development within UCOs A, B and D complying with car-parking standards set out in the Watford District Plan 2000 (WDP 2000) Policy T22 and Appendix 2: Car and Cycle Parking Standards in the adopted Watford District Plan 2000 set out Watford s car parking standards, which are based on maximum demand-based parking. Car parking standards are in place to ensure that appropriate provision is made for car parking in relation to new development or in land use conversions. They are intended to restrict over provision, over capacity and to encourage the use of alternative transport modes. Table 8-1: Percentage of completed non-residential development within UCOs A, B and D in 2011/12, complying with car-parking standards in Local Plan Use Class Order (UCO) No. of development sites in each UCO Total no. and % of developments complying with maximum car parking standards A1 5 5 A2 4 4 A3 3 3 A4 1 1 A5 1 1 B1 1 1 B1a 5 5 B1c 1 1 B8 6 6 D1 7 7 D2 7 7 Total (100%) N.B. Where a Use Class within A, B and D has not been listed, no developments have completed in that category. There have been 41 applicable developments, which have been completed over the monitoring period of 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012 and there was no change to the existing car parking spaces in most of the developments. Two schemes reduced the existing number of car parking spaces, retaining sufficient spaces in both cases. All complied with the Local Plan WDP 2000 maximum car parking standards. 75

77 Local Indicator LT2: Accessibility - Percentage of new residential development within 30 minutes public transport time of a GP, hospital, primary and secondary school, employment and a major health centre Accessibility planning is essential to effective spatial planning in order to identify whether people can get to jobs, education, health and other key activities. In order to this, government-approved Accession software is used - this is a Geographic Information System which is able to address all aspects of travel time and cost mapping using digital road networks and public transport timetable data, and enables specific locations to be mapped and analysed. Hertfordshire County Council, as the highway authority in the county with the main responsibility for transport issues, runs the software on behalf of the districts. The following table shows the results provided by running the program on net residential development for the last six years. The result for this year, in line with previous years, is that 100% of net residential development is within 30 minutes public transport time of key activities such as GPs, schools, employment and shopping, apart from hospitals, the result of which is 68%. Table 8-2: Percentage of new residential development (net completions) within 30 minutes public transport time of services/key activities Service/key activity 2006/ / / / / /12 GPs 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Hospitals 100% 100% 78% 89% 75% 68% Primary schools Secondary schools 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Employment 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Retail centre 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Data Source: Hertfordshire County Council/Watford Borough Council via Accession software The housing completions which were less accessible to hospitals involved 14 sites which were all in North Watford in Woodside, Meriden, Leggatts, Stanborough and the northernmost part of Nascot ward. These areas are the furthest away from rail and underground stations and so not quite as accessible as other parts of Watford. However, 6 of the 14 sites involved recorded between 30 and 35 minutes travel time, with another 6 sites recording between 35 and 37 minutes. The most inaccessible site recorded approximately 43 minutes. Results can also be affected because of the particular parameters set and bus/train timetables and routes can change. 76

78 Local Indicator LT3: % Change in Total Vehicle Kilometreage on HCC roads in Watford The level of traffic congestion was identified as most needing improving, followed by road and pavement repairs in the Watford Place Survey The Hertfordshire County Travel Survey (HCTS) 2009 identified the three highest first priorities for residents are maintaining existing roads, improving bus and rail facilities and reducing traffic congestion. Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) is the highway authority for all public roads in the county except the motorway and trunk road network, which is the responsibility of the Highways Agency (executive arm of the Department for Transport). A large element of the motorway and trunk road network is of a long-distance nature so a comparison of traffic on just Hertfordshire County Council controlled roads (which excludes these) provides a measure of locally generated traffic change. Table 8-3: % Change in Total Vehicle Kilometreage on HCC roads in Watford % -0.6 % Source: Hertfordshire s Traffic and Transport Data Reports N.B. HCC roads Hertfordshire County Council controlled roads, which excludes motorway and trunk roads; + denotes an increase and denotes a decrease in traffic flow levels. Road congestion and traffic growth are closely associated. Traffic levels overall in Hertfordshire have remained generally stable between 2010 and 2011, with a slight decrease of 0.3% following a slight increase between 2009 and However there were more significant decreases on HCC roads in Three Rivers (11%) and Watford (5%). This has been mainly attributable to traffic routing back onto the M25 after the completion of improvement works in 2010 (junctions 16-21a). Local Indicator LT4: Travel to Work Mode Shares Large numbers of people travel both into and out of Watford to work. The 2001 census showed that gross in-commuting of 28,636 outnumbered the gross outcommuting of 20,912, resulting in net in-commuting of over 7,700, reflecting the importance of Watford as an employment centre. Fifty-eight percent of people working in Watford came from outside the borough. Although the figures are likely to have changed since 2001, it is expected that Watford continues to provide employment for people living outside the borough boundaries. In the 2001 census, figures showed that Watford had a much higher proportion of residents walking to work than any other district in Hertfordshire (13.3%) and higher than the county average (1.8%) of those travelling to work by bicycle at 2.3%. 77

79 Figure 8-1: Travel to Work Mode Share by Watford residents census Other 2% Bicycle 2% Works mainly from home 8% Walk 13% Public Transport 14% Car 61% Source: Chart compiled by WBC, Planning policy - data from 2001 census N.B. Working from home comparisons are not comparable due to differences in the classification of home workers in the 2001 census and the 2009 County Travel Survey HCC carry out County Travel Surveys periodically and the 2005 survey showed that the highest levels of walking to work were found in Watford (18%). Walking was also the second most popular mode for food shopping (after car) and again the highest levels of walking to shops were found among Watford residents. However, the 2009 survey showed that walking to work levels had dropped to 9% in Watford and had less than 10% mode share in most districts. Despite an increase in the use of public transport for journeys to work by 6% from 14% in 2001 to 20% in 2009, the 2009 County Travel Survey also showed 66%, almost two thirds, of journeys to work by Watford residents were made by car, increasing by 5% from 2001, with 11% walking or cycling (decreasing by 4% from 2001). However, the 2009 Survey recorded a 15% mode share in walking in Watford, when taking overall journeys for all purposes into account. 78

80 Figure 8-2: Travel to Work Mode Share by Watford residents survey Works mainly from home Bicycle 2% 3% Walk 9% Public Transport 20% Car 66% Source: Chart compiled by WBC, Planning policy - data from 2009 Herts County Travel Survey N.B. Working from home comparisons are not comparable due to differences in the classification of home workers in the 2001 census and the 2009 County Travel survey In a move to reduce congestion, improve transport choice and act on climate change, the town implemented a Business Network Green Travel Plan called Watford Commuter. By December 2012, 38 of the town s employers were actively involved in the Watford Commuter scheme, representing over 9,500 Watford commuters with access to car sharing, discounted bus travel or finding out more about sustainable ways to travel into and around Watford. A number of local organisations benefited from support on how to reduce their carbon emissions, helping them reduce costs as well as being more environmentally friendly. These have included Hilton Hotels, Mothercare and John Lewis.. From January 2013, the Watford Commuter programme will be superseded by HCC s BIGHERTSBIGIDEAS business network travel plan. Local Indicator LT5: Watford s cycle route usage annual number of trips and % change Since the late 1960s, national cycling levels have been less than a quarter of the level of The 2001 Census found that 1.8% of journeys to work in Hertfordshire, and 2.3% of journeys to work in Watford were by bike. In both the 2005 and 2009 County Travel survey, overall 43% of adults surveyed owned a usable bicycle. Respondents were asked to fill out a one day travel diary. Despite relatively high levels of ownership in the county, only 2% of trips were made by bicycle in Hertfordshire. However the 2009 Survey has revealed some inter district 79

81 variation in cycling levels with Watford and North Hertfordshire having the highest overall cycling mode share of 3%. Although the travel diary provides useful information on cycling behaviour it is difficult to accurately ascertain overall levels of cycling from the information because of the reliance on a small sample of residents recording their behaviour on one day of travel. However, four sites in Watford have been continuously monitored with automatic counters and usage increased at all sites between 2003/04 and 2008/09, summarised below: Tolpits Lane, Ebury Way: usage more than doubled over the period, by 131.9% Town Hall site: usage increased by nearly 12% Radlett Road site: usage increased by 54.5% Dalton Way: usage more than trebled, by 222% (annual number of trips and change annually between 2003/04 and 2008/09 can be viewed in the AMR 2011). During 2010, responsibility for the cycling monitoring transferred from Watford Borough Council to Hertfordshire County Council, who are reporting on the basis of average number of cyclists per day. We have calculated the annual percentage change where possible, to provide some comparison with previous years. Between 2010/11 and 2011/12, it can be seen from the following table that there has been an increase in use of over 20% recorded at Tolpits Lane, Ebury Way, with little change at other sites. Table 8-4: Cycle route usage average cyclists per day and annual % change Site % Site WAT 2 % Site % Site WAT 1 change Hempstead change WAT 3 change WAT 4 Tolpits annually Road, by annually Radlett annually Dalton Lane, subway Road Way Ebury Town way Centre Site Year 08/ / % % Not available Not available - - Not available Not available % change annually 10/ % % / % % % % Data Source: Hertfordshire s Traffic and Transport Data Reports N.B. Number of cyclists are given on weekdays between 6:00-22:00. Data not available from Sep to Dec 2010 for 2010/11, other months factored from previous years data HCC s Local Transport Plan (LT2) set a target of increasing cycling levels in the County by 11% over the plan period of 2006/07 to 2010/11. The target increase has been achieved across the county, with an overall increase of around 15%. A more challenging target was set in the latest Local Transport Plan (LTP3), and is based on the percentage of all trips, where the journey length is less than 3 miles, which are made by cycling. The baseline figure has been calculated from the 2009 County Travel Survey, where it was 2.7%. It is intended that the target will be

82 tracked every 3 years through future travel surveys, the first target being 3% by 2015/16. Local Indicator LT6: Annual output for cycle routes in Watford Cycling as a mode of transport is cheap, healthy and sustainable and Watford Borough Council has been strongly committed to encouraging cycling by developing a safe network of useable routes and improved storage facilities in Watford. Watford s cycle path runs through the middle of the town centre shopping area and is largely traffic free, although cyclists should abide by Watford s cycling code and give way to pedestrians at all times, taking care and being aware that they could be hard of hearing, visually impaired or have some other disability. Table 8-5: Annual output in km for cycle routes in Watford 2003/ / / / / / / / / Source: Watford Borough Council During 2011/12, there has been an extra 0.8km of cycle route added; about 450m at Woodside Playing Fields and 350m in Oxhey Park. Improvements to the Town Hall cycle link, connecting the Town Centre cycle route to the West Watford cycle route and the installation of the Oxhey Park Bridge over the river linking Oxhey Park and Oxhey Playing Fields took place the previous year. Since 2003/04, 15.4 km of new cycle route has been delivered in support of Policy T9 and the Cycling Strategy (see Table 8.5) providing cyclists with easier, more direct and safer journeys around the town. There is further information on Watford s cycling code and some useful cycle route maps for Watford available on our website Cycle lanes and routes for the Ebury Way, the Grand Union Canal towpath and a general map covering all the cycle routes. The maps are also available from the Customer Service Centre at the Town Hall. Other local initiatives to improve sustainable transport have included: An HCC initiative called TravelSmart was a project offering households information and support in order to encourage people to walk, cycle and use public transport more often. The first project in Hertfordshire started in Watford running until 2010 with the aim of reducing car use and encouraging healthier lifestyles. The Watford project s results showed a relative 13% reduction in car as driver trips across the target population, with a relative increase in levels of walking (20%), cycling (33%) and public transport use (13%). These changes represent the change in overall trips per person per year, rather than a change in the overall share of transport mode of choice. Watford Borough Council has a Green Travel Plan in place which sets out a programme of initiatives to encourage and support green travel. A car and journey sharing partnership was established at the outset with other major employers in the town.. This was incorporated into the Watford Commuter 81

83 carshare scheme which is being superseded by the Hertsliftshare programme. WBC staff have been charged for car parking at the Town Hall since 2010 and car sharers have priority parking. Interest free loans are offered for public transport season tickets and for the purchase of cycles and the cycle shed facility at the Town Hall has been extended. A survey was undertaken in April 2010 to discover the changes in travel choice which showed that staff travelling by car alone had reduced from 64% in 2007 to 44% in 2010; car share increased from 4% to 14% and all more sustainable travel mode use increased e.g. train/tube use from 3% to 12%. With an increase in walking, cycling, public transport and car share, together with a reduction to single occupancy car use by staff, this has begun to reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to local and national targets. During the summer of 2011, improvements were made to the Town Hall subway; having been completely cleaned and painted, pictures of life in Watford have been displayed on the walls, which also have a special coating against graffiti and there is an ongoing programme of maintenance. There are also plans to refurbish the Beechen Grove subway. The council, in partnership with Hertfordshire Highways has been working to deliver the South West Herts Transport Plan, which was finalised and adopted in November The overall aims are to reduce congestion, enable infrastructure to support existing and proposed development, achieve a shift to more sustainable modes of travel, minimise the environmental impact of transport provision and to make the roads safer. More information can be found in the document which is available on A new Local Transport Plan (LTP3) for Hertfordshire has now been published, and covers the period This new Local Transport Plan sets out the transport strategy for Hertfordshire, the goals and challenges to be met, and outlines a programmed of transport schemes and initiatives. The Plan covers all modes of transport - including walking, cycling, public transport, car based travel and freight - and takes account of the effect of transport on wider aspects including the economy, environment, climate change and social inclusion. Further information on the LT3 and its associated documents is available on Local Indicator LT7: Development progress on major schemes Potential major developments that are likely to impact in some way on transport include the Croxley Rail Link, Watford Junction scheme, Watford Health Campus, Charter Place and the Abbey Flyer, and updates on progress are provided: The Croxley Rail Link is a scheme to extend the London Underground Metropolitan line from Croxley to Watford Junction, via Watford High Street. Watford Borough Council, Hertfordshire County Council, London Underground, Network Rail and Three Rivers District Council have all supported the scheme and have committed over 40 million. 82

84 On 14 December 2011, the government announced that the proposal for the Croxley Rail link scheme had been given the go ahead. The Department for Transport (DfT) will contribute 76.2m towards the total cost of about 116m. The next stage was submission of a Transport & Works Act Order to the Department for Transport in January An Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State conducted the inquiry into the Transport and Works Order application for the proposed Croxley Rail Link Order during October The Inspector will write his report and forward to the Secretary of State, with a decision expected early in Two new stations will be opened along the route and the existing Watford Metropolitan line station will close. Ascot Road station, where it is planned to have car parking facilities, will serve the local community and provide a valuable new transport link for businesses in the area. A second station will be sited to serve the existing Watford Hospital, the football ground and the planned Health Campus. The new stations will also provide better transport links to Croxley Business Park and Watford Business Park. Transport modelling has shown that the Croxley Rail link has the potential to take at least 1.4 million car trips per annum off the road network when completed. The lead promoter is HCC in partnership with London Underground and Network Rail and the aim is to have trains running along the new track by 2015/2016. For more information, please see The Watford Health Campus In 2008, outline planning permission was conditionally granted by Watford Borough Council, subject to the signing of a planning obligation/section 106, for a Health Campus in West Watford. The planning obligation/section 106 agreement was signed in 2010 and provides for a potential contribution of over 2m from the Campus to substantially increase and enhance facilities and support services within West Watford. The project is to include the redevelopment of the hospital, new offices and housing, hotel, leisure and hospitality facilities. The Health Campus partnership announced on the 30 August 2012 that Kier Property had been selected as the preferred private sector partner. Their master plan fully meets the aims for the scheme in terms of creating an attractive and sustainable community in west Watford that incorporates health, employment, quality open space and new homes. The initial phases of the project are expected to commence in 2013 over a period of eight years to For more information, please visit the website: Watford Junction is a scheme to improve the railway station, road and transport facilities together with new residential development. In February 2011, unlike the Croxley Rail link, the Department of Transport did not agree to move the scheme forward into the development pool of projects across the county competing for funding. Discussions are continuing between the key parties involved in an attempt to resolve the many complex issues and find a viable scheme for the site and Hertfordshire County Council are preparing a Transport brief. Croxley Rail Link 83

85 however increases the importance of Watford Junction and this should improve the long term regeneration potential. The National Stations Improvement Programme means that station improvements are going ahead with the station front to create more space for all rail users and at the same time creating the kind of gateway that the people of Watford will be proud of. The bus station is also undergoing renovation. Charter Place The council took a decision in June 2012 to progress discussions with Capital Shopping Centers (CSC), with a view to taking forward the redevelopment of Charter Place, as part of a broader land transaction. CSC s proposal involves leasing then redeveloping Charter Place and subsequently incorporating it into The Harlequin shopping centre, the freehold of which is also owned by the council. CSC already has considerable interest in Watford as operators of the highly popular Harlequin shopping centre. Their proposed redevelopment of Charter Place builds on the company s existing investment and commitment to the town and will be designed to complement what the Harlequin currently offers, with the aim of enhancing the town s overall retail, entertainment and leisure offer at regional level and hopefully see it move up retail rankings nationally. Proposals recently agreed by the council s Cabinet will see a new indoor market as part of the redevelopment at Charter Place and another market off the High Street. It is anticipated that CSC s design consultation on the Charter Place market will take place the end of 2012/early 2013, and if agreed, could be open by late summer of Meanwhile the council plans to provide a second market off the High Street to ensure that all traders can be accommodated; the preferred one of four options considered, is a market by the side of the former Clements and more recently TJ Hughes store. This would be an approximate 1.5 million capital investment by the council (i.e. not from council tax). These plans should make the top of the town area more attractive for shoppers and families and also boost business. Abbey Flyer conversion to light rail The proposed transfer of the Abbey line to light rail operation would mean that the local line between Watford Junction and St Albans Abbey would run a tram-like service, allowing increased capacity on the line and a more frequent service. HCC would be responsible for the service as it would be removed from the London Midland franchise. A consultation took place in 2010 and then a tendering process for bids to operate the service took place in early 2011; the latter, along with legal requirements has highlighted some issues, such as land ownership and responsibility for bridges and other structures that need to be resolved before a Transport and Works Order Application (TWAO) can be made by HCC. 84

86 DfT remain committed to the project and have designated it as a pilot scheme in gathering lessons learned to assist in the delivery of other similar schemes across the country. 85

87 9. Infrastructure Delivery and Planning Obligations Infrastructure encompasses the entire framework required to support daily life, such as transport, utilities, education and hospitals and open space. The Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP), part of the evidence base for the Core Strategy, considers the infrastructure improvements that are needed to support the planned increase in new homes, business premises and other facilities arising from the population and job growth in the borough up to 2031, as outlined in the Core Strategy. The main conclusions of the IDP include the need to provide new infrastructure for schools, health care facilities, transportation, green infrastructure and additional cemetery capacity over the plan period. The IDP includes an infrastructure delivery schedule and the intention is to update the IDP and infrastructure delivery schedule on a regular basis. Whilst some infrastructure is funded directly by both public and private organisations, much is only needed as a result of the impact of new development. To ensure that the burden of providing the additional infrastructure that is needed does not fall on existing communities, planning authorities are able to seek appropriate funding for this infrastructure from developers via planning obligations, which are legal agreements negotiated as part of the planning application process. Community Infrastructure Levy On 6 April 2014, restrictions on the use of S106 obligations will come into force. From that date local authorities can no longer rely solely on S106 planning obligations to address the impact of new development on infrastructure to enable the grant of planning permission. This will have considerable implications for obligations in more strategic sites, which are based on cumulative collection, and therefore require pooled contributions for their delivery. CIL is not intended to replace S106 agreements. It will subsume many of the issues that are currently addressed through S106 Agreements. However, S106 agreements will remain in force and will deliver the more site specific and local matters that cannot otherwise be achieved through the CIL. The principal uses for S106 agreements would be the delivery of affordable housing (which is expressly omitted from the definition of infrastructure in the CIL Regulations) and the mitigation of the direct effects of proposed development. Watford Borough Council has commissioned along with 8 other Hertfordshire Authorities a Stage 1 CIL Economic Viability Study. The Stage 1 report provides economic viability evidence that identifies a range of CIL rates that each authority could charge. A further Stage 2 study is being undertaken by consultants. This will then be used to form the charging schedule that will be subject to public consultation. 86

88 Local Output Indicator LI1 i): Infrastructure provided - Section 106 funded schemes 2011/12 Watford Borough Council currently negotiates with developers their contribution towards site specific infrastructure including affordable housing (results for provided in the Housing section of this report), open space and children s play space. In 2011/12, the council spent 1,030,659 from Section 106 funds on public open space and children s play space. Refurbishment and improvement to a number of local playgrounds and parks have taken place during the last financial year, as shown in the accompanying table. Table 9-1: Local Output Indicator LI1 i): Section 106 funded schemes 2011/12 Allotments Green Toilets Meriden Park Play Area Callowland Recreation Ground Norbury Avenue Playground Cassio Park Ph 2 Consultation North Watford Cemetery Cassiobury Park Signage North Watford Playing Fields A Cassiobury Pk Study Facilities Oxhey Green Play Area Changing Facs Knutsford Playing Fields Oxhey Park Colne River Project Oxhey Village Green Colne Valley Improvements St. John Road Play Area Courtlands Play Area Stamford Road Playground Croxley Rail Link Stamford Road Rec Play Area Goodwood Rec Play Area Improvements Townscheme Enhancements Ph2 Jellicoe Road Playground Vicarage Road Cemetery King George V Nature Reserve Watford Fields Play Area King George V Playing Field Watford Museum Knutsford Road Westfield & Rec Knutsford PG Local Nature Reserves Wiggenhall Allotments Local Park Improvements Woodside Playing Fd Green Flag Local Output Indicator LI1 ii): Section 106 monies received 2011/12 The amount of S106 monies received by Watford Borough Council for public open space and children s play space in 2011/12 was 575,179. There is a programme of works using S106 funds covering to 2014/15, where a large number of projects have been allocated funding across the town, including play areas, parks and open spaces, a major investment in the Colne River Park, allotments, cemeteries, playing pitches and changing rooms. Please note that Hertfordshire County Council is also responsible for negotiating planning obligations from developers in areas including transport, education, libraries, youth and childcare facilities, fire and rescue services and adult care facilities. Any monies from planning obligations for health facilities were administered by the NHS through the Primary Care Trust, but responsibility for this has now been transferred to HCC under the Public Health Team - the statutory responsibility officially starts from April

89 The council will review their planning obligations guidance to ensure that the range and level of contributions towards our local infrastructure needs are kept up to date. The new guidance on planning obligations is likely to emerge in the context of the change in legislation towards the use of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) as the main source of financial contribution towards local and strategic infrastructure provision. 88

90 10. Appendix 1. Glossary of Terms Accessibility The ability of everybody to go conveniently where they need, including elderly people, people with disabilities and those with children, particularly in relation to services and facilities. Affordable housing Affordable housing includes social rented and intermediate housing, provided to specific eligible households whose needs are not met by the market (see National Planning Policy Framework for full definition). This includes not only newly built affordable housing delivered through planning policy, but also acquisitions and conversions but it does not include low cost market housing. AMR Authority s Monitoring Report A report by local planning authorities assessing Local Plan production progress and policy effectiveness. CIL Community Infrastructure Levy A levy on new developments to support infrastructure delivery, introduced by the Planning Act 2008 established powers to create a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) in England and Wales. The CIL regulations 2010 made the first use of these powers and came into effect in April 2010 and the amendment regulations came into force on 6 April COI Core Output Indicators Originally a mandatory standardised set of indicators introduced in 2005 by the government in order to monitor the effectiveness of policies and enable national comparison. In March 2011 the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) withdrew published guidance on local plan monitoring leaving it to local councils to decide which indicators to include. Although the NPPF includes guidance for Authorities Monitoring Reports, it is less prescriptive with regard to indicators. However, most of the district councils in Hertfordshire intend to continue to monitor the Core Output Indicators, although they may not be labelled as such, in order to provide consistency and enable some element of comparison to be maintained. Core Strategy The Core Strategy is the central part of the Local Plan and sets out the key elements of the council s planning vision and spatial strategy for the Borough. It establishes the direction for other documents that will set out our planning strategy and policies in more details. All other Local Plan documents must be consistent with the Core Strategy. CLG Communities and Local Government The Department for CLG was created on 5 May 2006, with a powerful remit to promote community cohesion and equality, as well as responsibility for housing, urban regeneration, planning and local government. 89

91 EELGA East of England Local Government Association From 1 April 2010, some of EERA s work will be taken forward by a new organisation called the East of England LGA which is the association of the 52 local authorities of the East of England. EERA East of England Regional Assembly EERA was the Regional Planning Body for the East of England, providing regional planning guidance for the East of England in the form of a Regional Spatial Strategy until it was dissolved on the 31 March It no longer functions as an organisation. G.I.S Geographic Information System Computerised mapping system. HBRC - Hertfordshire Biological Records Centre Conducts biological recording and manages an extensive database with information on habitats, species and sites across the county. Also provides an ecological advisory service. Hectare 10,000 square metres (about 2.5 acres) IMD Index of Multiple Deprivation The Government publishes an Index of Multiple Deprivation combining individual indices for the following domains: income deprivation; employment deprivation; health deprivation and disability; education, skills and training deprivation; barriers to housing and services; crime; and living environment deprivation into an overall measure of deprivation, the most recent being the 2010 IMD. LDS Local Development Scheme A document setting out a timetable for the preparation of the different documents that make up the Local Plan. Local Plan The plan for the future development of the local area, drawn up by the local planning authority in consultation with the community. LSOAs Lower Super Output Areas Administrative areas designated in the 2001 Census, having relatively uniform numbers of residents (around 1,500). There are 32,482 LSOAs in England as opposed to 8,414 local authority wards. LSP Local Strategic Partnership A partnership that brings together organisations from the public, private, community and voluntary sector with the objective of improving people s quality of life. Watford s LSP is called One Watford and is responsible for producing the Sustainable Community Strategy. 90

92 NPPF National Planning Policy Framework The NPPF sets out the Government s planning policies for England. It provides a framework within which local councils can produce their own distinctive local plans which reflect the needs and priorities of their communities. PDL Previously Developed Land Previously developed land (also known as brownfield land) is land that is or has been occupied by a permanent structure excluding agricultural or forestry buildings; also excluding land in built-up areas such as private residential gardens, parks, recreation grounds and allotments see the NPPF for a full definition. PPS Planning Policy Statement These were Government statements of national planning policy guidance. They were phased in to replace PPGs (Planning Policy Guidance) and have since been superseded by the National Planning Policy Framework. RSS Regional Spatial Strategy This is an overarching strategy prepared by the Regional Planning Body. The RSS covering Watford is the East of England Plan (E of E Plan) which sets out a strategy to guide the planning and development of the East of England to It was prepared by EERA, the former East of England Regional Assembly, and forms part of the development plan for Watford. In 2010, the coalition government made clear its intention to revoke regional spatial strategies; the first stage took effect when the Localism Act became law on the 15 November 2011 and secondary legislation to abolish existing regional strategies including the East of England Plan is being progressed. SA Sustainability Appraisal An assessment of the social, economic and environmental impacts of the policies and proposals contained within the Local Plan. SCI Statement of Community Involvement A document that sets out how the council will engage with the community in preparing and reviewing the Local Plan, and also in major planning application decisions. In effect it is the council s planning policy on consultation. A statement demonstrating how the local planning authority has complied with the Statement of Community Involvement is required for all Local Plan documents. SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment The European SEA Directive (2001/42/EC) requires a formal environmental assessment of certain plans and programmes, including those involving planning and land use. The assessment will examine the potential impacts of policies and proposals on the environment, and includes proposals for the mitigation of these impacts. 91

93 Section 106 Planning Agreement Section 106 (S106) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 allows a local planning authority to enter into a legal agreement or planning obligation with a landowner in association with the granting of planning permission. They tend to apply to major development schemes and are often made in order to secure contributions towards community infrastructure to meet the needs of residents in new developments and/or to mitigate the impact of new developments upon existing community facilities. SP Structure Plan Hertfordshire Structure Plan adopted Structure Plan produced by the County Council, part of the development plan for Watford until revoked by government. Spatial Planning Spatial planning goes beyond traditional land use planning to bring together and integrate policies for the development and use of land with other policies and programmes which influence the nature of places and how they function. This will include policies which can impact on land use by influencing the demands on, or needs for, development, but which are not capable of being delivered solely or mainly through the granting or refusal of planning permission and which may be implemented by other means. SPD Supplementary Planning Document These documents provide additional guidance to policies contained in Local Plan documents. Sui Generis A Latin phrase meaning of its own kind, which in planning refers to any use that does not fall within a specified Use Class, and therefore always requires permission for a change of use; it includes nightclubs, motor car showrooms, retail warehouse clubs, taxi or vehicle hire businesses, laundrettes, amusement centres, petrol stations, hostels and theatres. WDP 2000 Watford District Plan 2000 The adopted Local Plan for Watford, which sets out policies on land use development and conservation will be replaced by a revised Local Plan, the first part of which is the Core Strategy. 92

94 11. Appendix Index of Multiple Deprivation LEGEND. Lower Layer Super Output area (LSOA) Code Watford LSOAs that fall within the 10% most deprived in the specified area Watford LSOAs that fall within the 20% most deprived in the specified area Lower Layer Super Output area (LSOA) Name 2010 IMD SCORE Rank (where 1 is most deprived) East of England rank Watford Herts England Ward rank rank rank E Watford 003D Meriden E Watford 009B Central E Watford 009C Central E Watford 002B Stanborough E Watford 011C Holywell E Watford 012B Oxhey E Watford 011D Holywell E Watford 009A Central E Watford 001C Woodside E Watford 006C Callowland E Watford 003A Meriden E Watford 004C Leggatts E Watford 003E Meriden E Watford 009D Central E Watford 001B Woodside E Watford 011B Holywell E Watford 004A Leggatts E Watford 010A Vicarage E Watford 004B Leggatts E Watford 011E Holywell E Watford 001A Woodside E Watford 010E Vicarage E Watford 003B Meriden E Watford 008C Park E Watford 007C Nascot E Watford 008A Park E Watford 006A Callowland E Watford 010C Vicarage E Watford 002C Stanborough E Watford 004D Leggatts E Watford 006D Callowland E Watford 012C Oxhey E Watford 005C Tudor E Watford 010B Vicarage

95 Lower Layer Super Output area (LSOA) Code Lower Layer Super Output area (LSOA) Name 2010 IMD SCORE Rank (where 1 is most deprived) East of England rank Watford Herts England Ward rank rank rank E Watford 003C Meriden E Watford 011A Holywell E Watford 006B Callowland E Watford 010D Vicarage E Watford 002A Stanborough E Watford 004E Leggatts E Watford 012A Oxhey E Watford 001D Woodside E Watford 007B Nascot E Watford 002D Stanborough E Watford 005A Tudor E Watford 007D Nascot E Watford 012D Oxhey E Watford 005B Tudor E Watford 002E Stanborough E Watford 005D Tudor E Watford 007A Nascot E Watford 008B Park E Watford 008D Park Compiled by Planning Policy, Watford Borough Council IMD score data source: Department for Communities and Local Government, The English Indices of Deprivation N.B. Lower Layer Super Output Areas (LSOAs) number 32,482 in England, of which the LSOA with a rank of 1 is the most deprived, and the least deprived. There are 3,550 LSOAs in the East of England region, 683 LSOAs in Hertfordshire and 53 LSOAs in Watford. LSOAs are small areas of relatively even size (around 1,500 people). Notes as background information (please refer to the full document The English Indices of Deprivation 2010 for further guidance). The ID 2010 identifies concentrations of deprivation and it is important to note that not all deprived people live in deprived areas and conversely, not everyone living in a deprived area is deprived. The ID 2010 is not a measure of affluence. The indicators which have been used have been chosen because they represent different aspects of deprivation. A lack of deprivation does not necessarily equate to affluence. Therefore the LSOAs with the highest ranks (i.e. close to 32,482 within England) are not necessarily affluent, just less deprived. The English Indices of Deprivation 2010 are based on broadly the same methodology as the previous version in 2007 and it is possible to compare the current pattern of deprivation with the pattern in There is no definitive point on the scale below which areas are considered to be deprived and above which they are not. In most cases, users concentrate on defining 94

96 deprived areas by using a cut-off value beyond which areas are deemed to be the most deprived, the suitability of the cut-off depending on the purpose of the analysis. The IMD 2010 states that deprived areas have been defined in latest release of the Index of Multiple Deprivation as those LSOAs that are amongst the 10 per cent most deprived in England. The ID 2010 is a relative measure of deprivation and therefore it cannot be used to determine how much more deprived one LSOA is than another. For example, it is not possible to say that LSOA x, ranked 20 is twice as deprived as LSOA y, which is ranked 40. However, it is possible to say that x is more deprived than y. The IMD 2010 is the most detailed (part of the ID 2010) and should be used to pinpoint pockets of deprivation or to highlight variations within a wider geographical area. The district and county council summaries are useful when only a broad overview is required. 95

97 12. Appendix 3. Watford Context Map 96