Planning in Tamworth

Community Facilities and Services

To facilitate the provision of convenient and accessible services and community infrastructure across the Borough, particularly in the most deprived neighbourhoods where initiatives that provide additional support, information and services to residents will be encouraged and supported.

Community Facilities

A network of high quality, well designed and accessible facilities will be provided across Tamworth to serve local needs where they arise and as identified in the Infrastructure Delivery Plan and policies HG1 Housing and HG2 Sustainable Urban Extensions. Where increased need is attributed to new development, contributions will be required in accordance with policy IM1 Infrastructure and Developer Contributions. Proposals will be encouraged that include mixed community uses on a single site. Proposals should be in locations accessible by walking, cycling and public transport. Proposals involving the loss of community facilities will be required to demonstrate: a) That there is insufficient use or demand for use to maintain the existing facility; or b) Adequate alternative provision is in place in a nearby accessible location; or c) Where the use is commercial in nature that there is a significant lack of market interest in maintaining the facility. The existing network of Tamworth wide education facilities will be protected and enhanced to meet local needs. The physical enhancement and expansion of higher and further educational facilities will be supported subject to having an acceptable impact on other community and sports facilities, the immediate environment and amenity.

Sport and Recreation

The Council will support a network of good quality sport and recreation facilities that meet the needs of Tamworth's current and future population, with particular emphasis on the needs of the Regeneration Priority Areas (Policy HG3). This will be achieved by: a) Ensuring all new facilities are in locations accessible by a range of transport modes including walking, cycling and public transport and are designed according to Sport England and national governing body guidelines. b) Delivering through contributions and public funding new and enhanced facilities identified in the Sports Strategy Update, in particular a new multi-purpose community sports centre in an accessible location, with appropriate facilities and 3G pitches, to meet identified need. Facilities should be designed to enable convenient public access and extended hours of use. c) Protecting and enhancing existing sport and recreational facilities. Sport and recreation facilities should not be built on unless any loss is compensated by the provision of an equal or higher quantity and standard of facility and in an accessible location or the development is for alternative sports and recreation provision, the needs for which are clearly set out in the Sports Strategy Update. d) Supporting the dual use of new and existing school sites in accordance with the following criteria: • Where it would not be detrimental to existing and proposed facilities on the school site. • Provides separate reception and changing facilities from the school or a design and layout that allows separation through site management. The sustainable urban extensions will provide provision or a contribution towards new provision in line with the Sports Strategy Update.

Design of New Development

High quality buildings and places will be achieved across Tamworth with particular attention paid to the enhancement of the town centre, conservation areas, the Sustainable Urban Extensions and Regeneration Priority Areas. Poor design or design that fails to take the opportunities available to improve the character and quality of an area and the way it functions will be refused. New developments will be expected to: a) Respect and where appropriate reflect existing local architectural and historic characteristics but without ruling out innovative or contemporary design which is still sympathetic to the valued characteristics of an area. b) Take into account the impact of the proposal on the significance of heritage assets. c) Be of a scale, layout, form and massing which conserves or enhances the setting of the development. d) Utilise materials and overall detailed design which conserves or enhances the context of the development. e) Be outward facing with active frontages which incorporate landscaping and boundary treatments appropriate to the local context. f) Be legible and allow users to navigate the area with ease by providing landmark buildings at key locations and a choice of routes to walk, cycle or drive along. g) Minimise or mitigate environmental impacts for the benefit of existing and prospective occupants of neighbouring land. Such impacts may include loss of light, privacy or security or unacceptable noise, pollution, flooding or sense of enclosure. h) Pay particular regard to highway safety and servicing requirements, the capacity of the local road network and the adopted parking standards set out in Appendix C. i) Incorporate landscaping appropriate to the site, using native species wherever possible. j) Maximise health benefits through the incorporation of usable open space and footpaths and links to the wider green infrastructure network, in accordance with Policy EN3.

Safe and High Quality Places

To create safe, high quality places that deliver Sustainable neighbourhoods and reflect Tamworth's small-scale and domestic character using a blend of traditional and innovative design techniques.

Sustainable Economic Growth

Policy EC6 allocates 18ha of new employment land to provide for the assessed level of economic growth anticipated over the local plan period. These sites extend and enhance the existing network of strategic employment areas within Tamworth.

Strategic Employment Areas

Planning permission should be granted for B1 (b,c), B2 and B8 uses on the network of strategic employment areas identified on the Policies Map. The expansion of any existing business within these use classes will be supported, provided it promotes and supports the role and performance of the employment area in meeting the strategic economic objectives of the plan and the wider objectives of sub-regional economic partnerships. Where planning permission is proposed for non B1(b, c), B2 and B8 uses within strategic employment areas, the development will be required to demonstrate: a) through an independent assessment, that the site is no longer attractive to the market for its existing permitted use, which will include evidence that it has been marketed for a period of at least 12 months, a market view of the site and details of the marketing. b) evidence to demonstrate that there are no other more suitable locations outside of strategic employment areas that are available c) good accessibility by walking, cycling and public transport, and d) there will be no direct or cumulative negative impact on the vitality, viability or function of strategic employment areas and other centres. To ensure the sustainability and viability of the strategic employment areas, new development should provide appropriate soft and hard landscaping, permeable surfaces and appropriately designed signage and lighting.

Climate Change and Energy

To minimise the causes and adapt to the effects of climate change by encouraging high standards of energy efficiency, sustainable use of resources and use of low carbon / renewable energy technologies as well as on site green infrastructure.

Climate Change Mitigation

Where appropriate proposals for new development will be expected to demonstrate how they will address the causes of climate change and limit greenhouse gas emissions with an aspiration of achieving zero carbon development through: a) promoting efficient and effective use of land. b) ensuring development is located in accessible locations which promote the use of sustainable modes of transport. c) appropriate sustainable design, layout, orientation and use of construction materials and methods that reduce embodied energy in their production where feasible. d) promoting landscaping and tree planting to provide shade, reduce local temperatures and carbon capture. Planning permission will not be granted for development if it compromises existing green and blue corridors and linear habitats. e) maximising energy and water efficiency including energy performance improvement in the fabric of buildings. f) facilitating the retrofitting of the existing building stock for resource efficiency. g) supporting opportunities for renewable and low carbon energy generation. h) exploiting opportunities for energy from waste, combined heat and power and district heating schemes subject to appropriate measures to mitigate any environmental, social and economic impacts. Proposals for securing energy from waste should take into account the Staffordshire County Council Waste Local Plan. Development will be required to contribute towards the Tamworth Waste Strategy, providing site waste management plans as appropriate and incorporating suitably located on-site facilities. The Council will work with neighbouring authorities to identify and promote the provision of appropriate waste management, treatment and disposal sites. Waste management facilities should be safeguarded in accordance with the Staffordshire County Council Waste Local Plan.

Landscape Character

Development and activities outside the urban area should be informed by landscape character assessments and contribute to the enhancement, restoration or regeneration of the landscape affected, as appropriate. Landscape character assessments will also act as a guide for re-introducing landscape features, habitat creation and management in areas of lower landscape quality and preserving and enhancing surviving historic features.

Green Belt

The Green Belt boundary, as defined on the Policies Map, subject to the possible review outlined below, will be maintained during and beyond the lifetime of the Local Plan and uses will be allowed in accordance with national planning policy. Inappropriate development is harmful to the Green Belt and should not be approved except in very special circumstances. In the event that land has not been brought forward to meet the balance of Tamworth's housing and employment needs sustainably by the end of 2017/18 as set out in policy SS1, the Council will consider undertaking another review of its Green Belt boundaries to reassess whether there is potential land to meet these local needs in the second half of the plan period. Where appropriate to their interest features, informal recreation and public access to sites of biodiversity and geodiversity value in the Green Belt through partnership projects will be supported. Links should be maintained between them, including the proposed footbridge link to the Middleton Lakes RSPB reserve from Dosthill Park.

Open Space and Green and Blue Links

Open space should be multi-functional and contribute to a range of objectives including increasing biodiversity, connecting habitats, healthy living, leisure and tourism, enhancing landscape character and helping to mitigate climate change. All new housing development should be within 400m of accessible high quality open space as defined in the Open Space Review 2012. New on-site open space should be provided where this is not the case using a standard of 2.43 hectares per 1000 population as a guide. New on-site open space should incorporate existing landscape features of value and provide links for biodiversity, cycling and walking to the wider green and blue infrastructure network within, and where appropriate, outside of Tamworth. Private management schemes for future open space maintenance will be encouraged. Where it is not appropriate to create new on-site open space, all new housing developments should contribute towards improving the quality and accessibility of nearby off-site open spaces. Planting for biodiversity will be encouraged where appropriate to the site using biodiversity opportunity mapping as a guide. Reference should be made to the Council's priority list of schemes which is contained in the Infrastructure Delivery Plan. Three circular access routes based on the existing green space network, blue corridors and rights of way will be promoted for public access. Links between green spaces and habitats will be reinforced, particularly where there are gaps and to the wider green infrastructure network beyond the Tamworth boundary. The quality and accessibility of the canal and river corridors will be supported providing ecological value is not compromised. Proposals for the creation of a new multifunctional urban park on the eastern side of the town will be supported. Proposals for development that would result in loss of open space or would adversely affect open space will not be permitted unless it can be demonstrated that: a) The strategic benefits of delivering the Local Plan outweigh the negative impact or loss. b) There remains access to good quality publicly accessible open space. Where alternative sites are not of good quality contributions to improving their quality will be expected. The integrity of the open space network and in particular its role in providing green links is maintained.

Protecting and Enhancing Biodiversity

When dealing with a planning application that impacts on a site of biodiversity or geodiversity value, a distinction will be made between statutory and non-statutory sites defined on the Policies Map as follows: • Statutory European and national sites (Special Area of Conservation or SAC and Site of Special Scientific Interest or SSSI): will be protected from development that would have an adverse impact on their interest features. Development will be required to demonstrate appropriate mitigation to ensure no negative impact. Development will not be permitted that has a negative impact on the water quality of the Alvecote Pool SSSI. Development in the vicinity of the SSSI should be designed to incorporate appropriate mitigation including management and alternative recreational green space to minimise recreational pressure on the site. • Statutory and non-statutory local sites (Local nature reserves or LNR, Sites of County Biological Importance or SBI, Local Geological/Geomorphological Sites or LoGS and Biodiversity Alert Sites or BAS): development should not have an adverse impact on a site that is designated as having local importance for nature conservation, geodiversity or a green link, except in exceptional circumstances where the importance of the development outweighs the harm. In these circumstances, the opportunity should be taken to create greater than equivalent compensatory habitat in an appropriate location. • Non-designated sites, including the canal and river networks that provide the opportunity for habitat enrichment to create more robust and functional ecological units will be safeguarded, particularly if they form part of a green or blue link, including links to the wider green infrastructure network outside Tamworth. Development will be supported that preserves designated biodiversity and geodiversity sites, high quality agricultural land (Grades 1, 2 and 3a), termed as Best and Most Versatile (BMV) land, maintains the favourable conservation status of populations of protected species and incorporates existing landscape features. Development should not result in a net loss of biodiversity by ensuring that where harm to biodiversity is unavoidable and it has been demonstrated that no alternative sites are suitable, development is adequately mitigated or as a last resort, compensated for; otherwise planning permission should be refused. Development should create and reinforce links between semi-natural habitats, including habitats beyond the Tamworth boundary. Areas of Biodiversity Action Plan habitat will be protected from net loss, taking the opportunity to restore and re-create habitats, using the Tamworth Phase One Habitat Survey and biodiversity opportunity mapping as a guide. Opportunities for public access should be incorporated where compatible and appropriate. The Council will support proposals for habitat restoration and creation identified through local partnerships. Development should incorporate planting of native tree species where appropriate to the site. Development that would involve the removal of any tree, woodland or hedgerow, which contributes significantly to its setting, local landscape character or its surroundings, will be resisted unless the wider benefits of the development are sufficient to offset the loss and cannot be avoided by appropriate siting or design. Where removal is justified and unavoidable, suitable and appropriate mitigation planting will be required to off-set the loss of these features. In line with the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive, Development will not be permitted that could negatively impact the River Anker, River Tame and their associated tributaries, that would degrade the classification of the waterbody (as specified in the Humber River Basin Management Plan). Development should exploit opportunities to deliver priorities of the EU Water Framework Directive and the Humber River Basin Management Plan to ensure that the River Anker and River Tame meet Good Ecological Status by 2027. This could include opening up culverted watercourses and re-aligning and naturalising watercourses where possible when development is taking place.

Green and Blue Linkages and Recreation

To encourage active and healthier lifestyles by providing a network of high quality, accessible green and blue linkages and open spaces and formal indoor and outdoor recreation facilities that meet identified need and link neighbourhoods to each other and the wider countryside.

Natural and Historic Environment

To protect and enhance statutory and non-statutory areas of nature conservation, ecological networks and landscape value on the doorstep of Tamworth residents, for their biodiversity, geological, historical and visual value and for the opportunities they provide for education and leisure. This extends to the rivers and their important functioning floodplains.

Flood Risk and Water Management

A sequential approach will be applied to all proposals for development in order to direct it to areas at the lowest risk of flooding, unless it has met the requirements of the sequential test and exceptions test as set out in government guidance. All new development, including regeneration proposals, will need to demonstrate that there is no increased risk of flooding to existing properties and shall seek to improve existing flood risk management. All proposals for development in Flood Zone 2 or 3, or greater than 1 hectare in Flood Zone 1 or where otherwise required by national planning guidance must be accompanied by a Flood Risk Assessment that sets out the mitigation measures for the site and agreed with the relevant authority. Where necessary, proposals will be expected to contribute towards building and maintaining any necessary defences and maintaining existing defences that are necessary for new development. Developers should consult the Environment Agency's flood maps to ascertain the effects of surface water flooding on potential development sites. A minimum 8 metre riparian easement for biodiversity and access purposes must be maintained adjacent to the rivers Anker and Tame. Furthermore, an 8m easement must be maintained between any built development and the toe of Environment Agency maintained flood defences. Planning permission will not be granted for development that compromises the integrity and quality of the strategic network of environmental infrastructure. Development should exploit opportunities to deliver priorities of the EU Water Framework Directive and the Humber River Basin Management Plan to ensure that the River Anker and River Tame meet Good Ecological Status by 2027. All developments will be expected to incorporate appropriate Sustainable Drainage techniques that will manage flow routes on site, limit surface water run off discharge rates to the pre-development condition and limit or avoid the connection of surface water discharge into the combined sewer network. Sustainable drainage should be considered at an early stage of the design process and be clearly demonstrated and evidenced within the information accompanying planning applications. Development should capitalise on opportunities for incorporating accessible green infrastructure, replicating natural systems and improving biodiversity with SuDS. New development will be required to open up culverted watercourses wherever it is technically feasible, re-aligning and naturalising watercourses where possible, and to ensure that development does not occur above or adjacent to existing culverts. Development will be permitted where proposals do not have a negative impact on water quality, either directly (through pollution of surface or ground water) or indirectly (through overloading of wastewater treatment works.) Any major development should demonstrate that there is adequate wastewater infrastructure in place to serve the development. Proposals for recreational and tourist development on Tamworth's river, canal or lake areas for better public access and for suitable water sports, including fishing, swimming, rowing and canoeing, will be encouraged. Such development should not adversely affect water quality or quantity, amenity, visual quality, navigation or ecological value of a watercourse, associated wetlands and surrounding environment. Developments should be integrated into the existing footpath, cycleway and public transport network and highway access and parking issues should be satisfactorily resolved.

Pollution, Ground Conditions and Minerals and Soils

Development should manage the risk of air, light, noise, ground or water pollution and land instability. Relevant reports proportionate to the scale of the development will be required to assess pollution levels and mitigation measures where a risk is identified. Planning permission will be refused for any proposal where pollution would pose an unacceptable risk to public health, quality of life or the environment which is not mitigated. Proposed land uses should be appropriate to the level of ground contamination risk. Where an Air Quality Management Area is declared, development should incorporate any measures identified in the associated Action Plan. All new development must consider site characteristics such as land stability and ground contamination, and be supported with an appropriate risk assessment: a) All proposals should include a preliminary risk assessment to identify previous site uses and potential for contamination. Development must conserve the water quality of aquifers in the district. b) Sites which fall within the Development High Risk Area shown on the Coal Authority's maps must be supported by a Coal Mining Risk Assessment. The Council will consult with Staffordshire County Council in their role as the Minerals Planning Authority and the Coal Authority on the existence and extent of mineral and coal reserves and importance of relevant infrastructure when dealing with applications within or in proximity to strategic mineral allocations, mineral infrastructure sites, mineral safeguarding areas and mineral consultation areas. Where it is necessary for non-mineral development to take place in such areas, consideration should be given to extracting the mineral resource in advance of development. This should be done where practicable and environmentally acceptable and where the benefits of mineral extraction would outweigh the benefits of the development. This will avoid sterilisation of these resources. Consideration will be given to mineral and coal reserves with cross boundary implications. When considering proposals for new development on greenfield land, areas of poorer quality land within the site should be developed in preference to higher quality land (Grades 1, 2 and 3a agricultural land) where possible.

Heritage Assets

The Council will support public realm improvements and proposals that will enhance buildings classed as 'at risk' and 'vulnerable' in the Heritage at Risk Survey. The Council will support proposals that promote the use of vacant, under-used historic buildings, including necessary and appropriate minor changes that involve sensitive adaptation and minimal disturbance. Non-designated assets, including local listing and archaeology, will be a material consideration in determining planning applications, with weight given to their significance and contribution to their environment. The Council will support the conservation and enhancement of locally listed buildings and will review the local list in consultation with the public.

Protecting the Historic Environment

Development that affects designated heritage assets including conservation areas, listed buildings, scheduled monuments and non-designated heritage assets including locally listed buildings and undesignated archaeology, will be required to assess the impact of the development on the asset through a heritage statement and statement of significance and clearly demonstrate how the significance, including its setting, will be protected, conserved and, where possible, enhanced. Where sites are located in a conservation area or an area of high archaeological potential, particularly the historic town centre core, the Council's Conservation Officer and Staffordshire County Council Environment Team (Historic Environment) should be consulted at an early stage. Proposals will be required to pay particular attention to: a) the scale, form, height, massing, detailing and materials of the development, the existing buildings and physical context to which it relates. b) historically significant boundaries, street layouts, open spaces, landscape features and structures identified in the conservation area appraisals including walls, railings, street furniture and paved surfaces. c) important views of listed buildings, scheduled monuments and historic townscape as identified in the conservation area appraisals. Reference should be made to the Historic Environment Record for up-to-date information and the Extensive Urban Survey to identify potential for archaeology. Where potential for archaeology exists, the heritage statement should incorporate an archaeological desk-based assessment that evaluates surviving above and below ground archaeological remains and where necessary, a field based evaluation by an appropriate professional. An appropriate mitigation strategy will also be required, where necessary. Where archaeology may be lost through development, there will be a requirement for archaeological recording to be undertaken by an appropriate professional and entered in the Historic Environment Record. Where practical and viable, development should address issues identified in the historic environment evidence, in particular the Extensive Urban Survey and, Conservation Area Appraisals. Development of allocated housing and employment sites should have regard to the Heritage Impact Assessment. Particular attention will be paid to enhancing key buildings in the town centre, the Creative Quarter initiative, positive redevelopment or enhancement of negative features, public realm improvements and proposals that will enhance buildings classed as 'at risk' and 'vulnerable' in the Heritage at Risk Survey. The Council will support proposals that promote the use of vacant, under-used historic buildings, including necessary and appropriate minor changes that involve sensitive adaptation and minimal disturbance. Non-designated assets, including local listing and archaeology, will be a material consideration in determining planning applications, with weight given to their significance and contribution to their environment. The Council will support the conservation and enhancement of locally listed buildings and will review the local list in consultation with the public.

Heritage Assets

To protect and enhance heritage assets by ensuring that proposals for change respect the historic character of the Borough including street layout, surviving historic buildings, street furniture, archaeology and open spaces.

Sustainable Urban Extensions

Anker Valley, Tamworth Golf Course and Dunstall Lane, as shown on the Policies Map will be allocated for housing with accompanying services and infrastructure. Where appropriate all sustainable urban extensions should: a) Encourage the co-location of any required community infrastructure, retail or services to form a new local or neighbourhood centre. All new infrastructure should be easily accessible by foot, cycle and other sustainable modes of transport. b) Be well connected internally and to the adjacent urban areas, the town centre, employment areas and green infrastructure by means of walking, cycling and public transport. This will help to maximise internal trips and sustainable travel whilst mitigating the traffic impacts of the proposal on the strategic and local road network. Opportunities for active travel and outdoor recreation will support healthy lifestyles. c) Ensure that the development is of a high quality, sustainable and inclusive design and that the layout reflects the requirements of Policy EN5 Design of New Development. This will be tested through an appropriate design review process informed by local and nationally recognised design standards. d) Protect, utilise and enhance existing and provide additional green and blue infrastructure linkages to the adjacent and surrounding green space and waterscape networks and the urban area. Where appropriate new habitats should be created and links made to existing sites of high biodiversity value. All developments should positively contribute towards meeting the objectives of the Water Framework Directive. e) Create integrated, distinctive neighbourhoods to meet the needs of the community including young and older persons and families to ensure social cohesion. The provision of community growing spaces or community orchards should be considered as part of the development, and be accessible to those with restricted mobility. The inclusion of Flexicare schemes for older people should be considered as part of the development where feasible. f) Development must ensure that surface water runoff is managed using sustainable drainage measures to limit discharge rates from the site to the pre-development (i.e. greenfield) condition, to ensure no increase in flood risk to off-site areas or loss of water quality. g) Incorporate elements of significant historic landscape character into their overall design as identified in the Extensive Urban Survey and the Borough Heritage Impact Assessment. Any proposal for all or part of a sustainable urban extension must be supported by an up to date masterplan to ensure that the infrastructure requirements for the whole allocation will be delivered. Masterplanning should be informed by vision statements or development briefs prepared by the Council for each site. The infrastructure elements to be delivered by each phase should be identified.

Regeneration Priority Areas

In the following areas the focus for regeneration will be on improving the physical environment and delivering social and economic renewal. 1. Post war planned neighbourhoods These areas shown on figure 5.4 are identified for regeneration with the purpose of revitalising the housing areas and building cohesive and sustainable communities. Where feasible and appropriate, development in these areas should: a) improve the quality of the existing housing stock, providing new and existing properties with renewable and low carbon technologies or energy efficiency measures. b) enhance the mix of housing within the area that meets local needs. c) improve or provide local community facilities and services where opportunities are available. d) protect and enhance the network of high-quality open space. e) support the vitality and viability of existing local and neighbourhood centres. f) increase integration of the areas with surrounding areas and improve accessibility to employment, key services and the town centre by walking, cycling and public transport, facilitating improved public health by supporting active lifestyles. g) be of a high quality design which contributes towards designing out crime and improving the attractiveness of the area. 2. Wilnecote Regeneration Corridor The Wilnecote Regeneration Corridor is defined on the Policies Map. Proposals to enhance the roadside environment or improve Wilnecote Rail Station and its access by bus or active travel will be supported. The Council will actively support mixed use and high density development and adopt a flexible approach to land uses where they will contribute to regeneration. Proposals that include housing, commercial or community facilities or a mix of these uses will be supported where: h) Active ground floor frontages are provided. i) New buildings or alterations are designed to improve the visual quality of the public realm. j) External areas facing the street are landscaped to create a more attractive environment for pedestrians and cyclists. k) Any opportunities are taken to improve pedestrian and cycle access between the Regeneration Corridor and surrounding areas. l) Mitigation measures are provided if proportionate and necessary in accordance with the other policies in the Local Plan to prevent conflict with neighbouring uses or other uses on site.

Affordable Housing

The provision of at least 1,000 affordable housing units over the Plan period will be sought, approximately 40 per annum. The provision of affordable housing to meet local needs will be maximised through working in partnership with relevant organisations. The release and development for affordable housing of Council, Registered Provider and other public bodies' surplus land holdings will be sought. Unless demonstrated to be unviable through an independent assessment by a suitably qualified person, the Council will require: a) new residential development involving 10 or more dwellings (gross) to provide a target of 20% affordable dwellings on site. b) The Land North of Coton Lane (406) and Dunstall Lane sites allocated in Policies HG1 and HG2 will be expected to provide a target of 25% affordable dwellings on site. c) new residential development involving 3 to 9 dwellings (gross) to provide a financial contribution through a Section 106 agreement, equivalent to a target of 20% on site affordable dwellings. d) for on site provision a mix of 25% Intermediate Tenure and 75% Rented which should be split between Social Rented and Affordable Rented. e) a range of sizes of residential dwellings to be provided to meet local requirements. f) a range of housing to meet the needs of older persons, persons with disabilities and those with special needs where there is a proven need and demand. g) affordable housing units to be well designed and blend in well with the rest of the development to promote cohesion within the community. The Council will monitor development activity, land values and market signals to ensure it adopts a flexible approach to negotiations to achieve the above targets. This monitoring will inform discussions over viability, local needs and where appropriate lead to a review of targets.

Housing Mix

In granting planning permission for residential development, housing sizes and types that reflect local needs will be secured. Proposals for housing development should achieve the following mix of units: • 4% of new housing will be 1 bedroom sized units • 42% of new housing will be 2 bedroom sized units • 39% of new housing will be 3 bedroom sized units • 15% of new housing will be 4 bedroom or more sized units Both the affordable housing provision and the overall housing mix of the development shall be in accordance with the specified housing mix. Flexibility in dwelling types (e.g. flats, attached or detached houses or bungalows) will be permitted to suit household needs and in order to create well designed developments that meet the housing mix. Where it is demonstrated that this is not feasible or viable, an alternative mix will be acceptable that matches local needs as far as possible. Proposals for non-standard residential development types with a different housing mix such as extra care housing will be supported. Such development should meet a local need for a population group that would not be served by normal standard housing development. Extra care housing should: a) Serve people with care needs in Tamworth, as identified in the latest information provided by Staffordshire County Council. b) Be located within walking distance of a bus stop and community facilities including a GP practice, pharmacy and convenience retail, unless it can be demonstrated that alternative arrangements for access to these facilities will be put in place when needed by residents. Proposals for housing on sites of greater than 0.4 hectares should demonstrate how the proposal will meet the population needs of the area, including older people, and consider provision of an extra care scheme where a need for extra care housing remains in Tamworth and it would be deliverable. The Council will monitor the delivery of housing, market and household trends to ensure the development of sustainable mixed communities and where appropriate lead to a review of housing mix targets.

Housing Density

New residential development will make efficient and effective use of land, while enhancing the character and quality of the area it is located in. Where viable and appropriate to the local context and character it will be expected to achieve the following densities on the sites net developable area: • Within or in close proximity to the town centre, local and neighbourhood centres and the Wilnecote Regeneration Corridor a density of 40 dwellings per hectare or greater. • Away from these locations but within the urban area, a minimum density of between 30 and 40 dwellings per hectare. A range of housing types of high quality design will be supported where they contribute to meeting these minimum densities. Lower densities will be accepted where they would prevent significant negative impacts to the historic environment.

Housing Provision

To provide a range of affordable, adaptable and high quality housing that meets the needs of Tamworth residents.

Infrastructure and Developer Contributions

Planning permission for new development will only be granted if it is supported by appropriate infrastructure at a timely stage. Developer contributions will be sought where needs arise as a result of new development, the infrastructure delivery plan specifies the infrastructure required, when and where it will be needed in the plan and how it could be funded. Key strategic infrastructure required to support development: a) Improving quality, access and links to; the town centre and local and neighbourhood centres; green and blue infrastructure and the open space network; and public realm in accordance with policies EC2, EC4, EC5, HG2, HG3, EN2, EN3, EN4 and EN6 b) Improving quality, access and links to; the town centre and local and neighbourhood centres; green and blue infrastructure and the open space network; and public realm in accordance with policies EC2, EC4, EC5, HG2, HG3, EN2, EN3, EN4 and EN6 c) provision of appropriate sport and recreation facilities and new and improved open space in accordance with policy SU7 d) improving accessibility and links by means of public transport, cycleway and pedestrian access to, community facilities and open space to deliver strategic urban extensions and housing allocations in accordance with policies HG1, HG2, EC5 and EC6 e) cross-boundary infrastructure to help deliver and mitigate the effects of Tamworth related future development. f) improvements to transport infrastructure, in accordance with policies EC6, HG1, HG2, SU1 and SU2. g) Climate change mitigation measures in accordance with policy SU3 h) Water management measures including flood alleviation where required, in accordance with policy SU4. Key service and site-specific infrastructure required to support development are: i) affordable housing, as set out in policy HG4. j) New and expanded community facilities, in accordance with policy SU6 k) new and expanded community facilities, in accordance with policy SU6 l) new and expanded school facilities, in accordance with policies HG2 and SU6 m) emergency services related infrastructure, including police services, in accordance with SU6 n) water supply and waste water drainage o) supporting service infrastructure

Infrastructure Delivery

To ensure that appropriate infrastructure is in place to support the delivery of development across the Borough.

The Spatial Strategy for Tamworth

The Council's spatial strategy is to provide development in the most accessible and sustainable locations, including within and around the town centre, within the network of local and neighbourhood centres, regeneration priority areas and employment areas. In addition to this the Local Plan will set out which areas of the urban area are to be expanded and ensure that these locations are accessible and sustainable. This will meet most of Tamworth's housing and employment needs whilst safeguarding natural and built assets and addressing social and economic deprivation and exclusion. Outside of these specified areas, the majority of Tamworth will not experience significant change during the lifetime of the plan. The focus for these areas will be on protecting and enhancing environmental and heritage assets whilst ensuring that development has a positive impact on local amenity and character. Between 2006 and 2031 a minimum of 4,425 dwellings will be built in Tamworth, this sets the annual housing requirement to a minimum of 177 dwellings each year. Sustainable urban extensions and smaller sites within the urban area have been allocated to meet this requirement. Following strategic planning discussion under the Duty to Co-operate, the Council recognises that Tamworth's objectively assessed housing need cannot be fully met, therefore a minimum of 1,825 new homes will be delivered outside of the Borough within locations which assist the delivery of Tamworth's strategy and those of its neighbours. Lichfield District Council has committed to deliver at least 500 dwellings in their Local Plan, and North Warwickshire Borough Council has committed to deliver at least 500 dwellings in their Core Strategy both to meet Tamworth's needs. The three local authorities have committed to continue this co-operation on strategic planning issues to deliver the remaining unmet need of 825 dwellings and a minimum of 14 hectares of employment land. However if it has not been possible to propose sites for allocation through a statutory development plan for Lichfield District or North Warwickshire Borough or through the granting of planning permissions in either district by the end of the year 2017/18 an early review of the Tamworth Plan will seek to address any outstanding issues. This will ensure that the appropriate housing and employment land provision is allocated within the relevant Local Plans; in sustainable locations in relation to Tamworth's needs; and that the appropriate infrastructure is identified within agreed programmes. Tamworth Town Centre will be the primary focus for new retail leisure and tourism development complimented by appropriate residential development to create a vibrant town centre community. The town centre will be the preferential location for 7,800 sq metres of new comparison retail floor space and 2,900 sq metres new convenience retail floor space between 2021 and 2031. Investment in local and neighbourhood centres will enable local needs to be met in a sustainable way whilst strengthening their role as community hubs. Regeneration will be focussed in the most deprived 'post war planned neighbourhoods' and the Wilnecote Corridor along Watling Street, with an emphasis on improving the quality of the physical environment, housing provision, employment and the availability of community facilities and services. The existing Green Belt will be strengthened and retained. High quality open spaces will be retained and where possible enhanced, new open spaces will be provided through appropriate new development and an urban park created in the east of Tamworth. Sport and leisure facilities will be retained and provision enhanced through the provision of a new multi-purpose community sports centre. This will help to project a positive image of Tamworth and to provide opportunities for improving biodiversity and recreation, thus improving health and wellbeing. The existing network of green and blue linkages will be enhanced through the provision of environmental and access improvements to provide safe linkages between Tamworth's neighbourhoods, employment sites and to the town centre. Linkages between the urban area and areas of countryside outside of the Borough will be developed and promoted. High quality development will be encouraged in all new development and the historic environment will be protected and enhanced with consideration of designated and non-designated assets.

Presumption in Favour of Sustainable Development

Any proposals for development that demonstrate that they are in accordance with policies in this plan and are sustainable will be granted planning permission without any delay. When determining applications the Council will take the following approach to reflect the presumption in favour of sustainable development contained in the National Planning Policy Framework. It will always work proactively with applicants jointly to find solutions which mean that proposals can be approved wherever possible, and to secure development that improves the economic, social and environmental conditions in the area. Planning applications that accord with the policies in this Local Plan (and, where relevant, with policies in neighbourhood plans) will be approved without delay, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Where there are no policies relevant to the application or relevant policies are out of date at the time of making the decision then the Council will grant permission unless material considerations indicate otherwise – taking into account whether: a) Any adverse impacts of granting permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in the National Planning Policy Framework taken as a whole; or b) Specific policies in that Framework indicate that development should be restricted.

Supporting investment in Tamworth Town Centre

The Council will work in partnership with businesses and landowners to revitalise Tamworth Town Centre and attract visitors. In accordance with the Council and its partners' key objectives, the town centre will be promoted as Tamworth's preferred location for the development of town centre uses along with higher density, high quality residential developments. In particular, the Gungate Redevelopment Scheme for 20,660 sq m of comparison retail goods floorspace is proposed for completion prior to 20 21. Other t own centre uses will be permitted within this scheme in accordance with the criteria set out in policy EC3, and residential uses will be permitted on the upper floors. If substantial progress has not been made towards securing the Gungate Scheme by 2020/21, the Council will review its retail requirement and will consider the potential for retail developments on other sites in accordance with the 'town centre first' hierarchy set out in policy EC1. After 2021, in addition to the Gung ate scheme, planning permission will be granted for development such as retail (7,800 sq. metres comparison and 2,9 00 sq. metres convenience goods floor space after 2021), leisure, tourism, cultural and office development that support and enhances its dual function as both the Borough's town centre and growing status as a sub regional tourism and leisure hub. Tamworth Town Centre will benefit from improved connectivity in terms of cycling, walking and public transport, to and from the existing out of town retail areas, the railway station and leisure facilities. Where possible development should contribute to enhancing the public realm through high quality building design, the town centre's open spaces and linkages at strategic entrances to the town centre. Development within the town centre and appropriate edge of centre locations should protect and enhance its historic character. Key historic landmarks such as the Castle, St Editha's Church and the Town Hall define Tamworth's identity as a historic market town. Development should respect and enhance the se asset s in terms of use, design, appearance and interpretation. Development that will have a significant adverse impact on the vitality and viability of the town centre will not be supported unless it has been demonstrated that the wider economic benefits will outweigh the detriment to the town centre. The outdoor street markets should be protected by nearby development and will be enhanced through environmental improvements and promotional activity.

Primary and Secondary Frontages

The shopping area, defined on the Policies Map town centre inset, identifies t he primary and secondary frontages areas. The primary frontages have been subdivided into 5 evaluation areas: • PF1: Ankerside • PF2: Middle Entry – Includes 1-24 Middle Entry, 18, 18a and 19 George Street, 15-17 Market Street, 43-49 Church Street • PF3: George Street (north side) - Includes 20-38 George Street • PF4: George Street (south side) – Includes 1-1 7 George Street and 22, 23, 24 Market Street • PF5: Colehill – 1-5 Colehill (includes Co-op Department Store) Within the primary frontages area, it is expected that 75 % of the number of units should fall within the A1 (retail) use class. Planning applications which would result in more than 25% non-retail uses within the re levant evaluation area of the primary frontage, shown in Figure 4.2, will not be supported. Applications within primary frontages which involve the loss of a use which would have an active frontage on the ground floor will be refused. Within secondary frontages, uses that result in active ground floors or promote the evening economy will be supported. Applications within secondary frontages which involve the loss of a use which would have an active frontage on the ground floor will be refused.

Supporting Investment in Local and Neighbourhood Centres

The local and neighbourhood centres in Tamworth are defined on the Policies Map. Both local and neighbourhood centres offer the potential to be a focus for the regeneration of surrounding communities and proposals which enhance their vitality and viability will be supported. These include higher density residential development and improvements to existing housing provision, particularly in those centres located within regeneration priority areas identified in Policy HG3. Environmental enhancements, including improvements to green links and spaces, will be supported and encouraged to improve their overall attractiveness and help design out crime. Transport improvements, particularly in relation to the frequency and quality of public transport provision and the provision of bike storage, will be encouraged to enhance the accessibility of centres. Local centres and neighbourhood centres are suitable for retail, leisure, employment uses, services and community facilities serving local needs. Within local and neighbourhood centres the loss of A1 (retail) uses will only be supported where: a) at least one of the units remaining in the centre acts as a general convenience store b) the new use is compatible with the retail character of the centre or directly serves the needs of the local community c) the new use would not undermine the function and vitality of the centre New development or proposed changes of use should maintain or enhance the range of uses available. Local and neighbourhood centres are suitable locations for medium-higher density development, including residential where it is above ground floor, to support local services.

Culture and Tourism

Planning applications which deliver a vibrant cultural and tourism economy which will help improve the quality of life of residents and visitors will be supported. The Council will work with partner agencies and organisations that: a) Safeguard existing cultural facilities that are serviceable or which continue to provide a service to the community, and support the expansion of the Assembly Rooms as the centrepiece of the emerging Creative Quarter b) Promote, protect and enhance Tamworth's landscape character and heritage c) Support proposals for the provision of a diverse range of cultural facilities, including leisure and conference facilities within Tamworth Town Centre d) Encourage leisure and cultural facilities as part of mixed use development schemes within Tamworth Town Centre and of an appropriate scale in local and neighbourhood centres e) Support appropriate proposals for re-use of historic buildings f) Promote existing tourist attractions such as Tamworth Castle, and awareness of and interest in heritage assets such as mining, pottery and Tamworth's Mercian heritage g) Encourage developments which result in additional tourist attractions within Tamworth Town Centre including a Heritage Centre as well as appropriate infrastructure such as hotel accommodation, public transport, improved walking and cycling routes and facilities, signposting, interpretation and information centres h) Promote a family focussed evening economy within Tamworth Town Centre by expanding the restaurant and leisure offer i) Deliver improved physical linkages between the out of centre retail parks, the railway station and leisure facilities to the town centre j) Encourage the regeneration and restoration of the rivers and the Coventry Canal through Tamworth as an important tourism resource k) Improve the transport connections and physical routes through promoting what already exists to visitor attractions outside of Tamworth; particularly to Drayton Manor, Kingsbury Waterpark, Middleton Lakes and the National Memorial Arboretum Planning applications that achieve these aims will be supported

Hierarchy of Centres for Town Centre Uses

A hierarchy for where development involving main town centre uses (for example A1 (retail), B1(a) (office) and leisure) should be located is established. Development involving main town centre uses should be located within Tamworth Town Centre in the first instance, followed by Local and Neighbourhood Centres. All of the available capacity for retail floorspace should be met as far as possible within Tamworth town centre. Where a main town centre use is proposed outside of a defined centre, an impact assessment on the relevant centre will be required above a locally set floorspace threshold to ensure that development outside of centres is only allowed where it would not harm their vitality and viability.

Supporting Investment in Tamworth Town Centre

The town centre will be supported and regenerated over the plan period through appropriate types of development and specific projects and stakeholders. The town centre should present a distinctive environment complementing the out of centre retail areas, with improved physical linkages between the out of centre retail areas and the town centre. Residential development, in particular that of a higher density, will be encouraged within the town centre to maximise development on brownfield sites and increase the demand for town centre services.

Sustainable Transport

To promote sustainable transport modes for all journeys by improving walking, cycling and public transport facilities throughout the Borough and to neighbouring areas and beyond.

Sustainable Transport Network

The ease and quality of access to and between the town centre, local and neighbourhood centres, employment sites, key internal and external destinations will be improved. The following transport measures will be supported through planning decisions and the Infrastructure Delivery Plan: a) Provision, by addressing barriers and missing links, of a joined up Tamworth wide cycle and pedestrian network - which exploits the existing green linkages and canal towpaths between the town centre, local and neighbourhood centres, railway stations, residential areas and employment sites - and off-road pedestrian and cycle routes associated with the Central Rivers Initiative. b) Improved pedestrian and cycle linkages, bus stops and real time bus passenger information between Ventura Retail Park, Tamworth Town Centre and Tamworth Railway Station and an improved bus interchange in the town centre for local routes within Tamworth and inter-urban routes, including to Lichfield and the West Midlands conurbation. Bus stop improvements will subsequently be delivered across Tamworth. c) Proposals which improve the attractiveness, accessibility and passenger capacity of both Tamworth and Wilnecote Rail Stations or which increase the frequency of services to Birmingham, London and the North West. d) Proposals to support bus service extensions to the sustainable urban extensions. e) Improvements to the Wilnecote Regeneration Corridor to provide traffic management, environmental and highways safety measures and increase access to Wilnecote station. f) Improved traffic control, junction traffic management and capacity improvements and bus, cycle and pedestrian routes on the Upper Gungate / Aldergate Corridor to support development to the North of Tamworth. g) Following an assessment of the impacts of any proposed development on the Strategic Road Network where required by Highways England, capacity and safety measures at any of the following junctions: • A5 Mile Oak • A5 Ventura Way • A5 Marlborough Way • A5 Stoneydelph • M42 Junction 10 • M42 Junction 11 h) Signage or junction improvements to improve access to Drayton Manor Theme Park. i) Local highway improvements and traffic management measures as required to mitigate the impact of development traffic. Where appropriate and proportionate contributions toward infrastructure will be required from development that has a significant impact on the transport network.

Delivering Sustainable Transport

Development should be accessible by walking, cycling and public transport and proposals should prioritise access by these modes of transport above the private car. Planning permission should only be granted where development would ensure adequate highway safety, suitable access for all people and where feasible reduce the impact of travel upon the environment. Planning permission will be refused where travel to and from the development would be likely to cause harmful levels of pollution, highway safety or capacity impacts. A Transport Assessment and comprehensive Travel Plan must accompany all major development proposals as set out in Appendix E. New roads, both public and private, should be designed to provide a high-quality public realm for pedestrians, meeting Manual for Streets specifications and any design guidance set out in the Design Supplementary Planning Document. New developments should provide active street frontages to create attractive and safe street environments. They will be required to contribute towards public realm improvements where appropriate. Development proposals will be required to make appropriate provision for parking on or off the street in accordance with the parking standards set out in Appendix C. Development with lower levels of parking provision may be acceptable in locations that are highly accessible by walking, cycling and public transport, including Tamworth's network of centres. In considering the level of provision regard will be had to: a) the anticipated demand for parking arising from the use proposed, or other uses to which the development may be put without needing planning permission b) the scope for encouraging alternative means of travel to the development that would reduce the need for on-site parking. This will be particularly relevant in areas well-served by public transport c) the impact on highway safety from potential on-street parking and the scope for measures to increase highway capacity d) the need to make adequate and convenient parking provision for people with disabilities The Council will require the provision of sufficient, safe, weatherproof, convenient and secure cycle parking within developments to assist in promoting cycle use where viable and appropriate.