• A Draft Interim Planning Policy Statement has been prepared in recognition of the advice to more effectively manage the housing land supply. 2
• Options have been considered by the Local Development Framework Sub-Committee, with chosen options being recommended in a Draft for Public consultation. 2
• Subject to the outcome of the consultation process, consideration will be given to adopting the Interim Planning Policy Statement until such time as the Core Strategy of the Local Development Framework is released for public consultation. 2
4 DRAFT BERWICK-UPON-TWEED URBAN HOUSING CAPACITY STUDY 4
• Government Guidance requires local planning authorities to prepare Urban Housing Capacity Studies as a means of estimating how much additional housing can be accommodated in urban areas. 4
• A Draft Urban Housing Capacity Study has been prepared for the Borough based upon a methodical assessment of settlements and individual sites. 4
• The True Urban Housing Capacity of the Borough is estimated at 788 – 808 dwellings. 4
• The methodology employed in producing the Study requires its findings to be validated, through consultation with interested parties. 4
5 NORTHUMBERLAND COAST AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2004-2009 7
• The Northumberland Coast AONB Partnership has amended its proposed Management Plan in the light of the consultation process undertaken earlier in the year. 7
• Under the provision of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 the Partnership is required to notify the Borough Council of its intention to adopt the Plan. 7
• A review and update of the Borough Regeneration Strategy first published in October 2000. A proposal to discontinue the strategy as a separate policy statement and refer to the Community Strategy. 8
• It is proposed to generate an economic development plan for 2005/06 as a means of focussing actions. 8
7 RATE RELIEF UNDER SECTIONS 43 AND 47 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE ACT 1988 15
• Applications for Mandatory and Discretionary Rate Relief under Sections 43 and 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 15
8 BUDGETARY CONTROL FOR POLICY (CORPORATE SERVICES AND REGENERATION) COMMITTEE TO THE END OF JUNE 2004 15
• Exception report at the end of the first three months 16
• Underspend shown of £87,385 against expected spend of £801,853 16
• Funding of Local Compact considered through virement 16
• Arts Council contribution to be funded by virement in 2004/05 and an addition to base budget from 2005/06 16
• Additional cost for Job Evaluation Analyst to be met through virement. 16
• Increase to Museum budget for business rates charge 16
9 BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT : CAPITAL PROGRAMME EXPENDITURE 2004/05 19
• Expenditure against estimate shown to end of June 19
• Capital programme revised to include slippage from 2003/04 19
10 BUDGET CONSULTATION EXERCISE – PROGRESS OF FUNDAMENTAL BUDGET REVIEW WORKING GROUP (FBRWG)/PLANNING FINANCIAL ISSUES 20
Members: Councillors A R Bowlas, D G R Buckle, G M Elliott, G P Horsburgh, A Hughes, E I Hunter, C M Liddell-Granger, J D Lockie, D McClymont, R J Patterson, L W Robson and J E Smith.
If you have any enquiries about items on this Agenda, please contact
The Meeting will be open to the Press and Public during consideration of
the items set out in Part 1 of this Agenda.
1 DECLARATION OF INTEREST
Members are invited to declare any interest they may have in any of the items included on the agenda for this Meeting.
[Note: Any Member wishing to seek clarification as to whether it may be appropriate to declare an interest in respect of any item on this agenda should seek advice from the Chief Executive or Borough Solicitor at least one working day before the Meeting].
2 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF POLICY (CORPORATE SERVICES AND REGENERATION) COMMITTEE HELD ON 28TH JULY 2004
• A Draft Interim Planning Policy Statement has been prepared in recognition of the advice to more effectively manage the housing land supply.
• Options have been considered by the Local Development Framework Sub-Committee, with chosen options being recommended in a Draft for Public consultation.
• Subject to the outcome of the consultation process, consideration will be given to adopting the Interim Planning Policy Statement until such time as the Core Strategy of the Local Development Framework is released for public consultation.
Purpose:
To consider, a draft Interim Planning Policy Statement – Housing 2004 as an interim mechanism to manage the supply of housing land, and a timetable for public consultation.
Report:
The Local Development Framework Sub-Committee (LDFSC) considered a report on a draft Interim Planning Policy Statement - Housing 2004 (IPPS) at a meeting on 17th August 2004. The principle of and need for an IPPS for the consideration of new residential development until such time as the Local Development Framework is adequately progressed to carry sufficient weight as a material planning consideration in the determination of planning applications for residential development, was agreed.
The Sub-Committee considered the Report and agreed;
(a) The draft IPPS should be re-worded and updated where necessary,
(b) Table 1 should be amended to indicate a Village Hall at Branxton and a community facility and sub-post office at Scremerston. Scremerston should therefore be included as a sustainable settlement.
(c) Indicate the settlement of Lucker does not have at least three core services and should be excluded from the list of sustainable settlements.
(d) Recommend to Policy (Corporate Services & Regeneration) that Option 6 of the Borough Wide proposals, Option 2 for the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and Option 3) for the Conversion of Agricultural and Other Rural Buildings be proposed in the Draft IPPS for Consultation.
Borough-Wide Proposals (Option 6)
Restrict new residential development to the four main settlements of Berwick-upon-Tweed, Belford, Wooler and Seahouses and sustainable settlements, as identified through the Draft Urban Housing Capacity Study, on sites of PDL/B or identified within Local Plan subject to sequential test. All sites must include an element of affordable housing where there is a proven housing need.
AONB Proposals (Option 2)
Moratorium in AONB except for Affordable Housing in Seahouses
(Members should note that since the consideration of this item, it has emerged that to resist affordable housing in sustainable settlements would conflict with Planning Policy Guidance Note 3, which makes specific provision for “exception” housing in rural areas. Thus, it is recommended that option 3, as set out below, is adopted as the policy to be applied to the AoNB.)
(Option 3)
Moratorium in AoNB, except in Seahouses and sustainable settlements.
Conversions of Agricultural and other rural buildings (Option 3)
Moratorium on all agricultural and rural building conversions except where the building is listed and the residential use is ancillary to an economic development use.
(e) The options are reworded as positive policies.
*** The above has now been completed and a Draft for Consultation, Interim Planning Policy Statement - Housing 2004 is appended to this report.
Public consultation of the draft IPPS would be for a period of six weeks. The responses will be considered by the LDFSC at a meeting in November 2004 with any recommended amendments placed before Policy (Corporate Services & Regeneration) meeting on 8th December 2004.
Method of consultation
*** Notification and a copy of the Draft IPPS for Consultation will be sent to those bodies and organisations, free of charge, listed in Appendix 2. Copies will be available for inspection or loan during normal office hours at the Borough Council Planning Department and in the Borough Libraries. In addition the document will be available to view and download from the Council Web Site.
A notice of the Consultation period will be given by local advert for one week in the Berwick Advertiser.
Implications:
Local Agenda 21:
The Draft Policy seeks to direct development to the most sustainable locations makes best use of previously developed land and buildings.
Equal Opportunities:
The Public Consultation exercise will be inclusive of all sectors of the community.
Best Value and Best Practice:
The Draft has been prepared in accord with government guidance and the public consultation will incorporate best practice.
Financial/Legal/Personnel:
Officer time is involved in the drafting of the policy and undertaking public consultation.
Recommendations: (i) To agree the format and content of the Draft Interim Planning Policy Statement – Housing 2004; (ii) to agree the preferred Options as recommended by the Local Development Framework Sub-Committee; and (ii) to agree the timetable for public consultation and adoption of the Interim Planning Policy Statement – Housing 2004.
4 DRAFT BERWICK-UPON-TWEED URBAN HOUSING CAPACITY STUDY
• Government Guidance requires local planning authorities to prepare Urban Housing Capacity Studies as a means of estimating how much additional housing can be accommodated in urban areas.
• A Draft Urban Housing Capacity Study has been prepared for the Borough based upon a methodical assessment of settlements and individual sites.
• The True Urban Housing Capacity of the Borough is estimated at 788 – 808 dwellings.
• The methodology employed in producing the Study requires its findings to be validated, through consultation with interested parties.
Purpose:
*** To advise the Committee about the preparation of the Draft Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough Urban Housing Capacity Study; to seek Members’ views on the application of the methodology employed in its preparation and its overall conclusions; and, subject to the outcome of the Committee’s deliberations, to authorise its publication for consultation. A copy of the Draft Study is appended to this report.
Report:
The need for the study
The government’s Planning Policy Guidance 3: Housing, advises local planning authorities to prepare Urban Housing Capacity Studies (UHCS):
“In order to establish how much additional housing can be accommodated within urban areas and therefore how much greenfield land will be needed for development.”
It advises Local Authorities to adopt a systematic approach towards assessing the development potential of sites, following a search sequence starting with the re-use of previously developed land and buildings within urban areas, then urban extensions and finally new development around nodes in good public transport corridors. The underlying objective is the promotion of “more sustainable patterns of development” by
“Making more efficient use land by maximising the re-use of previously-developed land and the conversion and re-use of existing buildings.”
Members will recall that the government’s national target is that by 2008, 60% of additional housing should be accommodated on previously developed land and through the conversion of existing buildings.
Methodology
Local planning authorities across Northumberland have agreed a methodology to guide the preparation of UHCS and the Borough Study has been prepared in accordance with the six stages employed within the methodology. These are summarised as:
(a) The identification of “sustainable” settlements and individual sites within those settlements.
(b) Assessing the potential yield of sites.
(c) Assessing the likelihood of sites being successfully marketed and developed and their contribution to environmental and community sustainability.
(d) Adding assumptions regarding sites where direct survey is not possible e.g. vacant residential property, living over the shop.
(e) The identification of Net or True Urban Capacity.
(f) Validation of findings through discussions with interested parties.
The Study
Stage 1
Sixteen “urban” settlements form the focus of the study, based upon a definition of “urban” in a rural context provided by the government, namely:
“Those settlements which have been identified through the Development Plan process as suitable for housing development on the basis of availability of and access to local services”.
Local services are defined, in turn, in the Northumberland methodology as comprising:
• First school
• Shop or Post Office
• Social/community facility
• Daily public transport service
The sixteen settlements are Bamburgh, Beadnell, Belford, Berwick-upon-Tweed (including East Ord, Spittal and Tweedmouth), Chatton, Cornhill, Ford, Holy Island, Horncliffe, Lowick, Lucker, Milfield, Norham, North Sunderland & Seahouses, Scremerston and Wooler.
Individual sites within the settlements were identified by desk top and site survey work; generally they comprise previously developed land and buildings, sites with current planning permission for residential development and greenfield sites which are identified for housing in the Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough Local Plan. The study’s base date is 31st March 2004.
Stage 2
The Estimated Unconstrained Urban Capacity of the Borough is 1854 -1874 dwellings. These figures are based upon estimates of the capacity of individual sites and assume that they are available and suitable for, and capable of, being developed.
Stages 3 and 4
The competitiveness of sites within the property market has been assessed with the assistance of a panel comprising members of the housebuilding, consultancy and property marketing professions. An assessment of the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the sites has also been undertaken by applying a scoring and ranking mechanism. Poorly performing sites have been discounted against the following criteria:
• Availability of core services
• Current land use
• Accessibility of services
• Accessibility by public transport
• Development and environmental constraints
• Ability to build communities
• Availability/timescale for development
• Marketability
Stage 5
Following the scoring and ranking process the True Urban Capacity (TUC) of the Borough has been estimated to be 788 – 808 dwellings.
The TUC figures for each settlement and their individual sites have been disaggregated into one of four, five year timespans, 5, 10,15 and 20 years from the base date. This information will inform both strategic and local targets for the development of previously developed land and the allocation of land for housing in the forthcoming Local Development Framework (LDF). It will also provide background information to facilitate sequential tests in connection with planning applications for housing, prior to the LDF being approved.
Stage 6
The completion of Stage 6 will conclude the study process and comprise a six week consultation period to test the validity of its findings with interested parties in both the private and public sectors; primarily the housebuilding industry and local authorities, agencies and utility companies.
Implications:
Local Agenda 21:
The principles of creating sustainable communities and environmental sustainability underpin the UHCS process.
Equal Opportunities:
The UHCS process is designed to meet the government’s objectives in the provision of housing, by “planning to meet the housing requirements of the whole community, including those in need of affordable and special needs housing.”
Crime and Disorder:
Access to housing is a basic social requisite; the provision of sustainable housing in sustainable communities will improve social and economic well being, helping to reduce incidences of crime and disorder.
Best Value and Best Practice:
The study will assist in meeting targets for the provision of new housing on previously developed land. The UHCS methodology is based upon best practice advice published by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
Financial/Legal/Personnel:
There are no direct financial or legal implications arising out of the study; officer time has been expended during its preparation and further time will be required to complete consultation on the draft report.
Recommendations: (i) To note the contents of the Draft Berwick-upon-Tweed Urban Housing Capacity Study and the methodology employed in its preparation; and (ii) to agree the Estimated True Urban Capacity as the basis for consultations with interested parties as the means of completing Stage 6 of the Study, thereby validating its findings.
5 NORTHUMBERLAND COAST AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2004-2009
• The Northumberland Coast AONB Partnership has amended its proposed Management Plan in the light of the consultation process undertaken earlier in the year.
• Under the provision of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 the Partnership is required to notify the Borough Council of its intention to adopt the Plan.
Purpose:
To advise the Committee of receipt of the AONB Partnership’s response to the consultation undertaken in connection with the Draft Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural beauty Management Plan.
To advise the Committee that in accordance with the provisions of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, the Partnership has notified the Borough Council that it intends to adopt the plan, incorporating amendments arising out of the consultation process.
Report:
Members will recall that a report on the Northumberland Coast AONB Management Plan 2004 - 2009 Public Consultation Draft was considered at the meeting of the Committee held on 16th June and subsequently at the meeting of the Local Development Framework Sub-Committee on 29th June. Members were also provided with a detailed response to the Action Plan.
The Partnership has notified the Borough Council that it intends to adopt the plan, amended in the light of the outcome of the consultation process, and subject to a small number of minor changes that the Partnership considers would not alter the direction or intention of the plan’s aims, policies or actions. This is a procedural notification made in accordance with the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
A copy of the amended plan is available for inspection in the Planning Unit and is available online. (Note: it is intended to report details of the hyperlink at the meeting.)
Implications:
Local Agenda 21:
The plan has been the subject of extensive consultation and promotes an integrated, partnership approach to securing the environmental, social and economic well being of an important part of the Borough in a sustainable manner. It therefore accords with the principles of Local Agenda 21.
Recommendations: (i) To note that the Northumberland Coast AONB Partnership intends to adopt the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Beauty Management Plan 2004 – 2009; and (ii) to welcome the adoption of the Plan and to work to secure its successful implementation within the Partnership.
• A review and update of the Borough Regeneration Strategy first published in October 2000. A proposal to discontinue the strategy as a separate policy statement and refer to the Community Strategy.
• It is proposed to generate an economic development plan for 2005/06 as a means of focussing actions.
Purpose:
This report informs Councillors of the key issues identified within the strategy, what has been achieved but also where changes have taken place. It advises members where roles and responsibilities now lie, and makes suggestions about how the strategy should now go forward.
Report:
The Regeneration Strategy for the borough was first published in October 2000 under the auspices of the then Regeneration Task Force. It was undertaken by external consultants, EDAW. The strategy set out a 15 year vision with a five year action plan. This first action plan is now nearing completion and it is therefore appropriate to take stock of what has been achieved and what further action is still required.
Key Changes to the Information Base since 2000
• The borough’s population has declined slightly (-3.1%) between 1991-2001. It is forecast to continue to decline over the next 10 years. This is unusual for rural districts. Countryside Agency analysis indicates that Berwick-upon-Tweed is only one of three rural districts in the North East experiencing population decline.
• An increasing proportion of the population are elderly.
• Educational attainment at 16 (key stage 4) has improved significantly. Berwick now performs above the averages for Northumberland County and England.
• Tourism employment has declined, while Manufacturing employment has increased.
• Visitor numbers have increased, but those going to Berwick town attractions have continued to decline.
• Housing. House prices have increased by over 30% in the last year putting the average house price at approximately £120,000. Local needs for affordable housing are intensifying, while the current review of housing allocations within the Regional Spatial Strategy are not responsive to these needs and pressures.
• Access to services. This continues to be an important issue for the Borough. The 2004 update of the Index of Multiple Deprivation highlighted this element for Berwick and placed two areas within the worst 10% of the Country.
The implications of these issues are:
• A declining population reduces the ability of the local economy to pay for services and activities it wants and needs to have delivered locally, and to sustain itself.
• A small, but very active workforce. Berwick has the highest economic activity rate for Northumberland districts at 83.7%. This is good in that unemployment is low, but also means there is little spare capacity to support growing businesses or inward investors.
• The tight labour market also makes it more important that other infrastructure support such as transport or childcare are readily accessible to ensure that workers can access available jobs.
• A seasonal migrant workforce is required to support some key sectors e.g. agriculture and tourism.
• Developing the local economy is finely balanced because of the consequential impact on other aspects of the rural location, such as housing, local services etc.
Policy developments since the endorsement of ‘Changing Perceptions’
• The creation of the Berwick Borough Local Strategic Partnership and an agreed Community Strategy. There is considerable overlap between this and the Regeneration Strategy, although the Community Strategy does cover a wider range of issues such as health and well-being, as well as environment and energy. The new power for local authorities also removed the requirement to publish economic development plans.
• Market Towns Initiative came into being through the Countryside Agency and One North East. Three towns in the Borough, each with its own Community Action Plan, are included under this initiative.
• Northumberland Strategic Partnership has grown into the LSP for the County with its own strategic team. This has generated several strategies for the County. Particularly relevant is the Rural Strategy for Northumberland agreed in 2003.
• A new strategy to create an ‘Enterprise Culture for Northumberland’ developed by Business Link and the Learning and Skills Council has been agreed by Northumberland Strategic Partnership in early 2004.
• The Regional Development Agency has taken over the delivery of Tourism promotion and development, and the Tourist Board has been subsumed into the Agency as ONE Tourism Team.
• The Haskin’s review has been completed suggesting significant changes for delivery structures at government and regional level. The initial response from Government as to how these changes will be implemented indicates that the Regional Development Agency will take on delivery of much of the socio-economic role of DEFRA; that there will be a new Countryside Agency, and a new Integrated Agency will be established to bring together Dairy Hygiene Inspectorate, English Nature, parts of the Countryside Agency and Rural Development Service. New legislation is required to allow these changes to be implemented from 2005.
Progress Towards The Vision
The 15 year vision within ‘Changing Perceptions’ set some challenging aspirations for regeneration in the Borough to be achieved by 2015. The table below, highlights these aims and charts progress against them.
ASPIRATION
PROGRESS
In-migration of young skilled people to the area.
The borough’s population has declined slightly as recorded in 2001 Census. In-migration has been through older people retiring to this area of the country taking advantage of the quality of life and environmental benefits as well as relatively lower cost of living.
A network of dynamic local businesses.
The Berwick and Berwickshire Business Forum has been established. It is seeking support for an Innovation Broker to local businesses.
A new breed of young entrepreneurs who are positive role models for young people.
Business Link for Northumberland and Learning and Skills Council have developed an Enterprise Culture Strategy for Northumberland, part of which will focus on young entrepreneurship.
The Prince’s Trust Youth Business Support programme has supported 5 new businesses to start up and 12 given ongoing support in 2003.
The RAIS project was developed to improve aspirations and educational performance – now being expanded Northumberland-wide.
The Berwickshire High School has achieved Specialist College status. This is directed at Business and Administration helping to raise the aspirations and entrepreneurial culture of young people as well as local businesses.
A learning and education infrastructure fit for the 21st century that provides young people and adults with local access to opportunity anchored by CERES.
CERES is no longer a single project. Key developments have been:
- Improvements at Northumberland College campus at Berwick.
- High School achieved specialist college status
- Villages On-Line providing access to IT facilities and training across the borough
- Significant improvements in 16 year olds GCSE attainment now at 69%
- Increase in range of FE courses available including Access to Higher Education
- Additional basic skills provision
- Information Advice and Guidance Network established.
A competitive physical business environment.
The first phase of North Road was completed. An extension to North Road is planned, bringing 10 hectares of land into use for industrial development.
Newfields/East Ord are the subject of proposals for commercial development.
A new Business Advice Centre and business incubation managed workspace proposal is being brought forward for Berwick town centre.
A network of empowered and revitalised rural communities.
The borough has four active Community Development Trusts, with others emerging.
17 out of the 34 parishes in the Borough have completed or are working up parish plans or village design statements.
The Community Development Programme between 2001-2004 supported 55 initiatives across the borough providing £155,000 of small grants to community groups. The Community Council now administer a delegated grants programme – GOLD.
Progress Against Identified Priority Action Programmes
The Strategy highlighted six programme areas in order to realise the vision by 2015. These related to each of the vision areas. The tables in Appendix A indicate the actions that were proposed, what has been achieved, and any changes that have taken place since 2000. The six action programmes were:
• Building competitive businesses
• Creating new entrepreneurs
• Lifelong learning and skills development
• Quality business infrastructure
• Connecting communities
• Working in partnership
Targets
The Strategy proposed a set of interim targets to measure performance. One or two measures were not clearly defined, and none have been tracked during the period.
Interim Performance Targets to 2005
TARGET
BASELINE 1999
• Annual rate of economic out-migration will be halved from its 1999 level (defined as the population of working age)
14,000
12,000
• The business birth rate (excluding agriculture) will represent the average for Northumberland
N’land 8.1%
Berwick 6.2%
2002
N’land 8.2%
Berwick 5.7%
8.1%
• The Task Force key account SME’s will have increased their cumulative turnover by 50% and created 250 new jobs
No data
No data
No data
• GCSE passes at A-C levels for Berwick schools reflect the County Average
Northumberland 46.3%
Berwick 28%
48.8%
69%
46.3%
• Berwick’s position in the IMD will be no higher than its 1998 ranking of 152nd
1998 152
2000
164
2004
100
152
• Vacant floorspace will have halved from 1998 level
No data
No data
• Trips to visitor attractions in the Borough will have increased by 50% from 1998 levels
1998
Berwick Barracks 25,789
Bamburgh Castle 22,177
Etal Castle 13,166
Lindisfarne Priory 77,033
Farne Islands 28,829
2003
24,680
109,569
10,892
58,224
33,159
38,683
33,266
19,749
115,549
43,243
How The Borough Council Should Take The Strategy Forward
The Regeneration Strategy was not monitored by any body until this point, nor has it been evaluated. Given that it was developed under the auspices of the partnership body of the Regeneration Task Force and then Partnership, which has since dissolved, the strategy has no real home or responsible body.
This is a key point at which to determine how to take the Strategy forward, as a means for setting out the issues the Borough faces and priorities for action. The Borough now has an agreed Community Strategy in place, and was adopted by the Borough Council in March 2004. This describes the primary vision and objectives for regeneration across the Borough. It provides the framework within which the Council is able to deliver the promotion and improvement of the economic, social and environmental well-being for this area. From that a number of key objectives have been established. For the economy it identifies that the vision for Berwick Borough is…’that it should be a place where high quality businesses can prosper and local people have the confidence and skills to access the choice of jobs that they offer.’ The Corporate Strategy for the authority also identifies that the top priority is the economic, community development and regeneration of the borough through attracting inward investment and growing our own and expanded businesses. The recent Comprehensive Performance Assessment identified that the Borough Council needed to improve its focus and prioritisation through clear planning with robust and measurable targets and actions.
Therefore, it is proposed that the following steps are taken in order for the Borough Council to have effective tools in place by which it can plan and implement its economic development priorities :
(a) To accept that the Community Strategy is now the key regeneration policy document for the Borough which brings together the range of regeneration issues and priorities that stakeholders have identified for the Borough,
(b) Develop a more functional Economic Development Plan that identifies the Borough Council’s economic regeneration priorities and tasks it will carry out through its own resources and capacity to become operational from 2005/06. This can be fed back into the Community Strategy to provide greater clarity within the relevant elements of this document.
Implications:
Financial/Personnel/Legal:
Any financial or personnel implications arising from a new action plan will be dealt with through the budget setting process.
Legal:
There are no legal implications. The proposed Economic Development plan is suggested as a functional action plan for the Borough Council. With the Local Government Act 2000 establishing the well-being powers as the primary statutory authority for local authority’s economic development activity, the previous economic development powers within the 1989 Act are no longer relevant.
Best Value and Best Practice:
This action plan would be developed in line with Best Value principals and the Improvement planning process.
Recommendations: (i) To note the progress made within the Borough in terms of regeneration as established with the Changing Perceptions strategy; and (ii) to agree to the proposal that the Community Strategy defines the regeneration priorities for the Borough and the Regeneration Manager is tasked with preparing an Economic Development plan to commence in the 2005/06 financial year.
7 RATE RELIEF UNDER SECTIONS 43 AND 47 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE ACT 1988
• Applications for Mandatory and Discretionary Rate Relief under Sections 43 and 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988
Purpose:
To consider applications for rate relief under sections 43 and 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988.
Report:
80% relief under section 43 is mandatory where the ratepayer is a charity or the trustees for a charity and the property concerned is used for charitable purposes. The Council has a discretion, under the provisions of Section 47, to grant additional relief up to the full 100% of the charge levied.
The cost of the mandatory relief is met by the NNDR Pool. Where discretionary relief is awarded in addition to a mandatory award, the Council meets 75% of the cost of the discretionary relief. Where discretionary relief only is awarded, the Council meets 25% of the cost of the relief, as detailed below.
TotalTotal
Name/PropertyDatesMand. ReliefDisc. Relief
Oxfam 21/6/04 £4257.66(80%) £1064.42(20%)
103 Marygate, Berwick -31/3/05
Charity Shop
Cost to the Council: 798.32
Implications:
Financial/Legal/Personnel:
The financial implications are detailed in the body of the report.
Recommendations: (i) To grant mandatory relief; and (ii) to consider the application for discretionary relief for the period until 31st March 2005.
References:
Applications and supporting documentation.
Sections 43 and 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988.
8 BUDGETARY CONTROL FOR POLICY (CORPORATE SERVICES AND REGENERATION) COMMITTEE TO THE END OF JUNE 2004
Report Author: Richard Dell, Head of Finance (Accountancy & Audit), tel (01289) 301730, email rd@berwick-upon-tweed.gov.uk
Summary:
• Exception report at the end of the first three months
• Underspend shown of £87,385 against expected spend of £801,853
• Funding of Local Compact considered through virement
• Arts Council contribution to be funded by virement in 2004/05 and an addition to base budget from 2005/06
• Additional cost for Job Evaluation Analyst to be met through virement.
• Increase to Museum budget for business rates charge
Purpose:
To identify key budget variances and any necessary corrective action.
Report:
Changes to the Committee budget.
*** The latest budget shows no changes to that set in budget in February. However there will be changes for the next report due to the carry forward of unspent budget from 2003/04 which was agreed in July. In accordance with an External Audit recommendation a summary is also included showing the gross expenditure and income position. Members should also note that there has been a movement of functions between committees as agreed by Council and most noticeably the move of Car parking and Highways functions to Policy Environment Committee
Salary Costs
There is a small amount of underspending due to new posts being appointed later than budgeted. There will also be an underspend due to the increase in cost of living rise being agreed at 2.75% whereas a 3.5% increase was budgeted. This will result in a saving of about £13,000 on General Fund revenue accounts. However, the analyst work for job evaluation is only funded to 30 September, It is anticipated that the role will be required for a further two months at an additional cost of about £4,000, to be met from virement from the salaries budget.
Exception Report
Actual expenditure is £87,385 less than expected expenditure for the first three months as shown on the summary. The gross expenditure summary shows that £11,786 of this is on expenditure heads whilst the remaining £70,578 is on income heads.
Variances are considered below wherever the difference between expected spend and actual spend on a main heading is greater than £2,000 Underspends are shown with figures in brackets and overspends without brackets.
Camping and Caravan sites – £9,811 underspend
Most of the underspend is due to income being higher than expected. A report has been requested by the Fundamental Budget Review Working Group (FBRWG) on camping and caravan sites and the recent trend of big increases in income above that budgeted will be looked at. The excess income is also subject to a planned virement detailed later in the report.
Sports and Community Centres – £6,724 underspend
The main underspend is on professional fees for investigation of a Leisure trust. There are a number of small underspends across expenditure budgets. Again FBRWG have requested a report on this budget head.
Tourism Projects £3,925 - overspend
Expenditure is higher on Local Events support and this budget will need to be kept under review as the year progresses.
Town Planning - £26,858 underspend and Building Regs. - £11,089 underspend
Income has continued at a high rate and a report on financial aspects of Planning is being presented to FBRWG on 3 September. Committee agreed in July that virement would be used to increase resources to cope with the increase in activity.
Election Expenses £4,107 underspend
There is some outstanding expenditure and the outturn is expected to be close to budget.
Council Tax Collection £4,723 underspend
There are a number of small underspends. Recovery action for 2004/05 has now commenced slightly later than envisaged which will lead to increased expenditure.
Corporate Management £3,976 underspend
The main underspend is on superannuation payments for past early retirements which is just a timing issue. The outturn is expected to be close to budget.
Administration - £3,002 overspend
The main area of overspend is employee related expenses. This is an area of overspend in 2003/04 and will have to be monitored closely throughout the year.
Mayoralty and Civic Expenses £4,290 overspend
£2,540 was agreed in July as a carry forward from 2003/04 which can be offset against the above overspend. £6,363 in total has been spent on Mayor’s Official expenses in the first three months against a revised budget of £11,750, including carry forward.
Miscellaneous £19,440 - underspend
Best Value is underspent by £4,255 but is expected to be fully spent by outturn. There is an underspend on contributions of £7,200 through money received for CCTV but increased expenditure will cancel out the underspend. The remaining underspend of £8,107 is a one-off system adjustment in the accounts for bank reconciliation.
Other Budget Issues
(a) Members agreed the principle of Local Compact at the last meeting of this committee, subject to a suitable virement being found. Additional resources are required to produce and publish a Compact agreement with the local voluntary and community sector This will ensure we comply with the target date set as a performance indicator for 2004/05 and provide for staff training and embedding in 2005/06 once published.
The cost of employing a temporary member of staff is estimated at £25, 982 including all overheads, but may be less if resourced by an external consultant. External funding is being sought from partners but is not yet secured. It is proposed that a virement of £8,000 is taken from camping and caravan sites income in 2004/05 as the Council’s contribution. This is within the delegated powers for scheme of virement.
(b) A £3,510 contribution to the Arts Council was deleted from the budget from 2004/05, as it was understood that this contribution was no longer being required. However, they have now asked for a contribution of £3,000 for this year in recognition of their current quite considerable level of input. A virement is therefore proposed from Miscellaneous budget head (surplus on Overhead Accounts) for 2004/05. The change will have to be built into the base budget from 2005/06 if Members are in agreement.
(c) Members were informed in the outturn report in July that the Museum is now liable for business rates. £11,180 will be added to the budget to provide for this
Implications:
Financial/Legal/Personnel
This report is in line with revised budgetary arrangements agreed in June 2002 and is in accordance with best practice
Conclusion:
Given the underspending in recent years there are a number of areas identified here to monitor during the year. There is nothing significant at this stage where action needs to be taken. The half-year spending position will be the key opportunity if decisions are needed which will impact during the year.
There was a similar level of underspending on Policy Environment for the first three months and this is also mainly as a result of increased income, particularly car parking. Whereas the income estimates for Town Planning, Building regulations and land Charges have been set as the average of the last three years, car parking estimates have been set close to that achieved in 2003/04. (Car park income is lower than expected during August though as a result of the wet weather and the inability to use a number of spaces at Castlegate car park).
Recommendations: (i) That the spending position is noted; (ii) that the virement is noted Camping and Caravan Sites Income and Economic Development for £8,000 in 2004/05 to meet the Council’s contribution towards the Local Compact; (iii) that a contribution to the Art Council of £3,000 is agreed, to be met by virement in 2004/05 and added back into the base budget from 2005/06; (iv) that the virement to meet the increased cost of job evaluation analyst is noted; and (v) the change to the Museum budget is noted.
9 BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT : CAPITAL PROGRAMME EXPENDITURE 2004/05
• Expenditure against estimate shown to end of June
• Capital programme revised to include slippage from 2003/04
Purpose:
To monitor progress of the capital programme and take corrective action as necessary.
Report:
*** The spend for the first quarter is £53,096 against an estimate of £1,180,450 for 2004/05. Detailed figures attached as an appendix.
Expenditure is very low for the first three months and will need to increase considerably in the remainder of the year.
The current position on the larger schemes are listed below for information :
North Road Extension
Following detailed discussions the Authority will now have to pass all expenditure through its books in order to meet grant conditions. The scheme has therefore been amended in the capital programme for the likely profile of expenditure over the next three years. For budgetary control purposes, it is expected that £134,040 out of a total scheme costs of £1.911 million will be defrayed during this year. The Director of Planning and Regeneration is currently undertaking detailed discussions to move the scheme forward and there will be a future report. Customs and Excise are also being contacted to ensure that VAT implications are taken into account.
Disability Discrimination Act
The high priority schemes have been agreed by this committee and work is currently being commissioned. A report was taken to Policy (Environment) Committee on 1 September concerning public conveniences and a substantial part of the budget is not committed.
Northumberland On Line
This was carried forward from 2003/04 and will need to be spent in accordance with the grant conditions.
Berwick Gateway Project (New Road)
The County Council, through the Local Member Improvement Scheme has made available £17,500 towards the costs of carrying out improvements to the New Road (below Castle Hills House). Together with the Authority’s contribution of £15,000, works are now progressing satisfactory and should be completed later this year.
Town Centre Drop Off Facility
Members are reminded that this Committee has agreed to a drop off/uplift trial area for visiting coaches in Walkergate. The various traffic orders are currently being processed by NCC with a view to a one year trial beginning just before Easter 2005. Discussions are currently on going with English Heritage regarding the possibility of improving the grass area used for parking at Castlegate by installing a plastic mesh type of reinforcement and installing drainage. There is a possibility that this scheme will not commence this year if agreement is not reached in time.
Car Park Continual Improvements
Although no scheme has been formally agreed by Committee yet it is recommended that funding is retained for the Seahouses Car Park Improvements even though the timescales have still to be agreed.
Gabions Dock Road
It is hoped to commence survey works later this month with this scheme.
Spittal Improvement Trust
Works are currently on going and should be completed in the Autumn.
Implementing Electronic Government
£41,700 has been spent out of a potential £350,000 and so spending will need to increase significantly in the remainder of the year.
Updating the Prudential Code
The Prudential code was presented to Members as part of budget setting. Since then the only element that has changed is the capital financing requirement (CFR). This, amongst other things, gives the indication of the need borrow to finance capitalexpenditure. Due to receipts being higher than expected in 2003/04, the CFR has reduced from £529,417 at 31/3/2007 to £118,415 at the same date. We have a loan of £1million at 5.5% repayable in 2010 and it is not prudent to repay this. Th gap between the CFR requirement and loan has been identified as funding for accommodation and members have received reports on this through Council. No scheme has been added to the capital programme at this stage until there are firm prospects of a purchase or lease.
Implications:
Financial/Legal/Personnel:
None directly.
Recommendations: To note the budgetary control report to the 30th June 2004.
10 BUDGET CONSULTATION EXERCISE – PROGRESS OF FUNDAMENTAL BUDGET REVIEW WORKING GROUP (FBRWG)/PLANNING FINANCIAL ISSUES
Report Author: Richard Dell, Head of Finance (Accountancy & Audit), tel (01289) 301730, email rd@berwick-upon-tweed.gov.uk
Summary:
• Budget consultation areas agreed
• Need to develop the final document to go to the company and give all Members sight before finalisation
• Delegation is sought to resolve any differences resulting from the consultation exercise.
• Shona Alexander and John Hayward gave a presentation on Planning financial issues
Purpose:
To update members on what could be a significant consultation exercise.
Report:
Budget consultation exercise
Members will recall a substantive item in July to agree to undertake a “SIMALTO” budget consultation exercise.
FBRWG met on the 3rd September to discuss the content, sampling and timing of the budget consultation exercise.
Whilst the issues to be included in the consultation were agreed, it was felt that all members should have sight of the “consultation grid” before it was finalised. It is the intention to send this out to all Members in the week commencing 13 September and ask for response within the week. Delegation is then sought for the Head of Finance (Accountancy and Audit) to consult with Chair of FBRWG, the Chair of this Committee and the Chief Executive to resolve on any conflicting responses to the consultation. The timescale is short if results from the consultation are to assist budget setting in February 2005.
The company quoted for 200,250 and 300 interviews. FBRWG decided that a sample size of 300 at a cost of £14,500, funded through the Best Value budget, would optimise the benefits from the work.
Whilst there were some arguments for delaying this work until the Improvement Project Team and Improvement Board had developed their work further, it was felt that the exercise would assist in developing priorities and give useful feedback from the electorate.
Planning Financial Issues
Shona Alexander and John Hayward gave a presentation on Planning financial issues and how they affect the Planning Delivery Grant. Members felt that the seriousness of the issues warranted a full report to this committee in October.
Implications:
Financial/Legal/Personnel:
None directly
Recommendations: (i) That the Head of Finance (Accountancy and Audit) consults with Chair of FBRWG, the Chair of this Committee and the Chief Executive to resolve any conflicting responses from members on the content of the budget consultation exercise; and (ii) to note that a report Planning Financial issues will be taken to this committee in October.
11 PROGRESS REPORT ON CULTURE AND ARTS WORKING GROUP
Report Author: Shona Alexander, Director of Regeneration and Development, (01289) 301800, email spa@berwick-upon-tweed.gov.uk
Summary:
• Outline of the work carried out by the Working Group since June 2004
• Identifies the key projects underway
• Sets out the Group’s work programme for the next six months
Purpose:
To ensure that Members are informed about the good progress being made by the Culture and Arts Working Group.
Report:
The Culture and Arts Working Group was tasked with promoting and sustaining good quality cultural activities within the Borough. During the last three months significant progress has been made on a number of projects:
(a) Partnership Agreement with the Arts Council North East - the Council has confirmed a three year partnership agreement with the Arts Council which provides a firm base for future work. The Working Group has considered a review procedure for this partnership which identifies key joint projects and initiatives for both partners. The review document has now been submitted to the Arts Council as the basis for joint work over the next twelve months.
(b) The Maltings Theatre and Arts Centre - The Working Group met with Dave Ramage, the new manager, who has been in post since June. The Group has considered the findings of the Roger Lancaster report on the Maltings, particularly the recommendations for action. It was agreed jointly that governance arrangements for the Maltings should be addressed as soon as possible, as recommended by this report.
The Maltings Board of Trustees have commissioned an external advisory body, with particular expertise in the management of arts organisations, to carry out a special day workshop with them to help improve their work. This workshop is due to take place later this month and our three Councillors who also serve as Trustees on the Maltings Board will be invited to attend.
*** The Working Group has been reviewing the current position with the lease for the building and the Director of Regeneration and Development has been working closely with the Manager of the Maltings to make progress on this. The Working Group has also been reviewing the Council’s relationship with the Maltings Trustees and a draft partnership agreement has been written (copy attached as an appendix). This agreement is now being considered by the Trustees and if agreed, it will be the basis for our joint working.
(c) Arts and Culture Development Officer - the Working Group has been reviewing the job description for this post which will co-ordinate and promote arts and cultural activities across the Borough. Members of the Working Group are keen to see the post develop new activities, linking in to regional, national and cross-Border arts and culture programmes. It has been agreed to pursue funding in addition to the £10,000 already provided by the Arts Council. A funding bid is now being finalised for a Leader + submission. Subject to funding being secured, it is hoped that the post can be filled early in the new year.
(d) Cultural Strategy - Members of the Working Group have been reviewing our existing Cultural Strategy which is now somewhat outdated. Their next meeting, on 16September will consider this strategy in detail.
(e) Sport - Members of the Working Group are keen to include sport as an important aspect of culture in the Borough, and will be reviewing the Council’s work in this area at their October meeting.
(f) World Heritage Status - it has been agreed that we should pursue the designation of Berwick town and the wider area as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in recognition of our unique historical landmark sites and buildings. The Working Group will be doing further work on this over the next six months.
Implications:
None arising directly from this report.
Recommendation: To receive this report for information.
12 PROGRESS REPORT ON THE NORTH ROAD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE
Report Author: Shona Alexander, Director of Regeneration and Development, (01289) 301800, email spa@berwick-upon-tweed.gov.uk
Summary:
• To provide Members with a progress report on the scheme
• To outline the revised timetable for the project
• To agree recommendations for further work
Purpose:
To appraise Members of progress with the scheme to extend the North Road Industrial Estate.
Report:
(a) Background - the Council’s Local Plan, formally adopted in April 1999, indicated our intentions to extend the current North Road Industrial Estate to an adjacent site on the northern boundary. The site is required for the development of new office and light industrial premises for both the expansion of existing businesses whose current premises are inadequate, and for new businesses. This is key to our corporate priority 1: The economic and community regeneration of the Borough.
(b) Progress To Date - during the last twelve months, significant progress has been made. The site has been purchased by the Council, initial funding bids for the infrastructure have been prepared, and site surveys have been carried out. Specific studies have been carried out, including:
• An archaeological assessment
• An environmental impact assessment
• Drainage investigation
• A landscape Masterplan report
This last report highlights the considerable attractions which the site offers to businesses, particularly its coastal location and its proximity to both the A1 and the main east coast rail line. The site effectively serves as a key northern “gateway” to England and has the potential to become a highly attractive landmark. Indeed it is recommended that we adopt a more appealing name for the site, to emphasise its qualities – one suggestion so far has been “Ramparts Business Park”. This report also highlights the potential for the Council and our partners to adopt best practice in terms of environmental sustainability on the site, using high quality landscaping, sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) and good quality design standards for the new business units themselves.
(c) The Revised Work Programme for the Project - is as follows:
Activity
Target Date
Funding bids for the site infrastucture submitted to NSP / ONE
October 2004
Outline Planning Permission Consideration
December 2004
Contractual arrangements agreed
December 2004
Funding agreed
January 2005
Marketing of site commences
January 2005
Contractor tendering process commences
January 2005
Contractor appointed
March 2005
Start on Site
March/April 2005
Site work completed
October 2005
(d) Partnership Working - Northumberland County Council is providing technical guidance and support for the project. Northumberland Strategic Partnership is also closely involved, and has provided funding for the initial project costs so far. It is proposed that we investigate options for using the County Council’s partner contractor for the site works, subject to the satisfaction of both legal and financial audit requirements. This work will be carried out as part of the preparation for funding bids over the next three months.
Implications:
Financial/Legal/Personnel:
The legal, financial and planning implications are already identified in this report, and proper risk assessments have or will be carried out as the work progresses.
Recommendations: (i) To receive this progress report and approve the revised workplan; and (ii) to receive a further progress report on this matter at Committee in January 2005.
Background Papers: Report documents held by the Director of Regeneration and Development
• Revised Service Plan for Corporate Services Directorate
• Heralds next round of Service Plans
Purpose:
To ensure Members are content with the service planning process.
Report:
(a) In March, and for the first time, service plans were submitted for all three of the Council’s Directorates. At that time, it was made clear that the service planning process was still in its infancy and the plans lacked both consistency and completeness. It was agreed that revised plans would be brought back to the September cycle of Policy Committees.
(b) In the intervening period, the context within which this Council and, therefore, the three Directorates, operate has changed. Most importantly, the Comprehensive Performance Assessment outcome is causing a fundamental reappraisal of this Council’s vision, intentions and role, especially in light of the Community Strategy. The ambitions and goals of the Council have yet to be fully developed and the revised service plans cannot, therefore, take account of them. At the same time, the Community Strategy was agreed in March 2004 and the accompanying Community Plan will be before Members at the next meeting of Council. However, it is clear that that Strategy will also need wholesale revision by March 2005 – and that is inevitable given the range of partners and stakeholders participating and contributing.
(c) Within the Council, there are other emerging approaches that significantly impact on our services and so on our service plans.
Moving towards a policy-based budgeting approach through Fundamental Budget Review Working Group.
Commissioning the SIMALTO exercise in which the views of Council Tax payers will be gathered in order to inform future budget-setting cycles.
The Communication Group is looking at how we best communicate and consult with service users, stakeholders and partners – this is likely to lead to a house style in our communications and, almost certainly, the conclusion that our service plans are over complex.
The refinement of our ambitions and goals will stimulate the need for a revision of the overarching priorities set out in our Corporate Strategy – which forms the framework for our service plans. The Corporate Strategy is nearing its third birthday and a review is both timely and CPA compliant.
(d) A further issue is that of engagement by all employees and it is fair to say that this has not yet been achieved. Especially in Regeneration and Development, where the change in Director and vacancy during recruitment has led to discontinuity and there has simply been insufficient time to fully refine and refresh the document. In addition, disaggregating budgets so that they accurately reflect total costs of services within each Directorate has not proved possible.
(e) Given the current rate of change within and outside the Council, the process of submitting completely revised service plans that are meaningful cannot be perfected. From the Environment Directorate, a revised plan for the Environmental Health element was considered at Committee on the 2nd September. A revised plan for Regeneration and Development will be submitted to the next cycle’s Committee. The Corporate Services plan was incomplete in that it did not include budgets and as this will need significant additional work, for which we currently have no resources, it is proposed that no further action be taken now. Instead, financial information will be included in the plans for 2005/06 and, in the meantime, Members have their budget books for reference.
PART B
Report Author: Shona Alexander, Director of Regeneration and Development
Summary:
• Outlines Service Planning Progress to date
• Revised Service Plan for Regeneration and Development Directorate
• Proposed next steps
Purpose:
To provide Members with a progress report on service planning development within the Directorate
Report:
(a) Earlier this year, a service plan for the Regeneration and Development Directorate was submitted to the Committee. This was the first service plan ever compiled for the Directorate as a whole, and it was emphasised that further work was needed to ensure that all services within the Directorate are covered, and that there is a consistent approach adopted to target setting. It was agreed that a revised service plan would be brought back to the Committee in September.
(b) During the last six months, there have been a number of changes within both the staffing of the Directorate and also the workloads of particular parts of the services.
In addition, the Comprehensive Performance Assessment has required the Council to fundamentally review our vision, priorities and targets for action.
(c) The Council’s top priority is “the economic and community regeneration of the Borough”. All services within the Directorate have been focused on this priority, increasingly working as a team to ensure joined-up service delivery. Significant progress has been made in achieving the targets within the first service plan. However, some key issues are emerging:
An increasing workload within Development Services Unit - as the Council is actively encouraging regeneration in the Borough, the number and complexity of planning applications has increased considerably. In addition, there are major planning policy initiatives underway which required substantial input from our staff. These include the Regional Spatial Strategy and the creation of our Local Development Framework. Whilst there have been some recent improvements in staffing levels within the Unit, there are still concerns about workloads. These issues are being considered by the Fundamental Budget Review Working Group.
Lack of Space Within the Archives and Public Records Office - the current office space occupied by the Borough Archivist is now considered inadequate for the services which we wish to provide. In particular, designated archive space is very limited which could restrict our capacity to take in any major new additions to the archives. A feasibility study, looking at possible options for relocating both the archives service and our museum to more suitable accommodation will be commissioned shortly
Regeneration Unit - staff in our Regeneration Unit are working on a number of key initiatives which bring much-needed extra resources into the Borough. Some new initiatives, particularly those sponsored by central government agencies, are publicised at relatively short notice, which involves our staff working to very tight deadlines on project proposals and funding bids. This is in addition to their planned work on a number of longer-term projects. Our service plans will need to recognise that this area of work requires some flexibility to enable staff to respond to new initiatives. In addition, it is being proposed elsewhere on the agenda that a new plan is generated for Economic Development work. This would be brought to the committee as a draft for consideration at the next meeting.
(d) The Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) requires us to re-visit our Corporate Strategy, policy priorities and service plans. The Improvement Board will be the main driver for this work and it is timely that a revised service plan for the Regeneration and Development Directorate is prepared in line with this. A revised service plan for the Directorate will be brought to the next meeting of Committee.
Implications:
None directly arising from this report.
Recommendation: To note this report and accept that a full set of service plans for 2005/06 will be submitted to the last cycle of this municipal year’s Policy Committees.
14 REGIONAL SPATIAL STRATEGY
Report Author: Shona Alexander, Director of Regeneration and Development, (01289) 301800, email spa@berwick-upon-tweed.gov.uk
Summary:
• Progress being made in compiling the Regional Spatial Strategy
• The key Berwick Borough issues emerging during the course of this work
• The latest timetable for consultation and publication of documents
Purpose:
To inform Members about the Regional Spatial Strategy currently being prepared by the North East Assembly, and outline the Council’s initial response to the draft documents produced so far.
Report:
(a) Background - The Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) sets out a long-term strategy for the spatial development of the North East of England. The document is being written to cover the period up to 31 March 2016, although the overall vision, strategy and general policies will guide development over a longer timescale. The RSS provides the spatial context for the delivery of other regional strategies, particularly the Regional Economic Strategy (RES), Regional Housing Strategy (RHS) and the Integrated Regional Framework (IRF). It is part of the statutory development plan system, as set out in the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. Local planning authorities, such as Berwick Borough Council, are expected to prepare Local Development Frameworks (LDFs) which should generally conform with the RSS. Local Transport Plans should also reflect the transport strategy contained in the RSS.
(b) Progress To Date - Officers from The Association of North East Councils (ANEC) have written a pre-consultation draft of the RSS document. This has been done through an informal process, involving Members of the North East Assembly’s Planning and Transport Advisory Group together with officers from all the local authorities. The Leader of the Council, Councillor Tony Hughes, and Councillor Alan Bowlas have been involved in this work, with Stephanie Linnell, Principal Planning Officer (Forward Planning) serving on the officers’ working group. A second version of the pre-consultation draft RSS document is now being prepared, taking into account the comments made on the first one. This second draft is scheduled to be circulated to Members of the North East Assembly soon after the Regional Assembly Referendum on 4 November.
(c) Berwick Issues - A number of key issues have been raised by both Members and officers of the Council during their work on the pre-consultation draft RSS document:
The proposed numbers of new housing units allocated to the Borough are too low - the figure quoted in the first draft allocates only 500 units between 2004 – 2011, i.e. 70 per year, which is considered to be too low. Our recent Urban Housing Capacity Study indicates that the more appropriate figure is between 788 – 808 in the same period, approximately 114 units per year. These increased numbers are needed to ensure that towns and settlements in the Borough are made sustainable, by providing adequate housing type and tenure for residents, particularly young people wishing to remain in the villages where they grew up. The lack of affordable housing and housing for special needs groups is an issue which we will be seeking to address in our Local Development Framework, and we will need to have support for this in the RSS. A further housing issue in Berwick is that of “second” homes, which are not fully occupied, yet count towards our RSS housing allocation. Too many second homes can create substantial seasonal shifts in the local population of our small towns and villages, so affecting the long term sustainability of services such as shops, and schools.
Sustainable regeneration of our town centres - our town centres, particularly Berwick and Wooler, are key areas for regeneration, to encourage a better mix of retail, residential and commercial uses. Schemes which include “living over the shops” (LOTS) are especially welcome, since they provide much needed living accommodation while at the same time bringing empty or derelict buildings back into use. These schemes are entirely in keeping with central government directives on town centres, and are particularly appropriate for conservation areas. However, the new housing units will count towards our RSS housing allocation, so there is a real danger that innovative, ambitious regeneration schemes may be thwarted by restricted housing numbers.
Our City – Region is both Newcastle and Edinburgh – in its present form, the draft document maintains that we are part of the Newcastle City – region. However, in Berwick Edinburgh is just as important to us in terms of our housing, retail, jobs and leisure markets. This needs to be recognised in the revised document, which must also acknowledge that Berwick is a true “gateway” for the whole North of England.
Rail, road and sea links - the East Coast rail line is a major economic “artery” for both Scotland and England. Substantial improvements are scheduled for Berwick station, to improve its facilities for rail travellers, and there is potential to expand the station further as a major commuter travel centre, especially for residents in the Scottish Borders for whom it is their main rail stop. The current rail freight facilities at Tweedmouth could be expanded to enhance access for local businesses. It is essential that the A1 in Northumberland is upgraded to dual carriageway to ensure that it fulfils its potential for bringing prosperity to the region, particularly enhancing tourism.
(d) Work Timetable
The current timetable for ANEC and NEA producing the Regional Spatial Strategy is:
Activity
Date
Second Pre-consultation draft published for circulation to NEA Members
mid-November 2004
Consultation with local authorities
November – February 2005
Revisions to second draft
March 2005
Revised document submitted to the Secretary of State
End of March 2005
Public examination
September 2005
Formal adoption of final document
April 2006
Implications:
None arising directly from this report.
Recommendation: That Members agree that this report should form the basis of our formal submission to the North East Assembly in response to their draft Regional Spatial Strategy consultation documents.
15 EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC
The Committee are asked to consider passing the following resolution:
'That under Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the Meeting during consideration of the following items on the grounds that they would involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I Schedule 12A of the Act:
Item 16 : Paragraph 7 : Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (other than the authority).
PART II
The Press and Public are likely to be requested to leave the meeting during consideration of the items set out in Part II of this Agenda.
16 UPDATE ON BERWICK INCUBATION CENTRE DEVELOPMENT
