Appendix A

TARGETS AND INDICATORS

INTRODUCTION

1. The adopted Borough of Wellingborough Local Plan and Local Plan Alteration contain a number of broad 'aims' and more precise 'objectives'. With these in mind, a set of performance indicators and targets has been prepared in order to give a guide about how well the aims and objectives are being achieved. This is consistent with advice in Planning Policy Guidance Note 12. At this stage, these targets and indicators are intended solely to relate to the scope of this Local Plan Alteration (i.e. the urban area of Wellingborough and the adjacent Strategic Development Area). It is proposed that the targets and indicators will be widened to cover the whole Borough at a later date when the remainder of the Local Plan is reviewed. The topics chosen are taken from the Sustainability Appraisal published by the Council at the same time as the Deposit Local Plan Alteration. The chosen subjects and targets/indicators are not comprehensive and there are many topics relating to Policies which have not been covered. The overall aim is to give a general guide about the effectiveness of the Plan's Policies. Again, it is proposed that further targets and indicators will be included when the remainder of the Local Plan is reviewed.

2. The indicators are shown below and the targets either come from a number of sources or have been developed in line with current guidance. Where there is a specific source for a target this is described below. Where the targets come from other sources, monitoring of whether they are being achieved will often have to be carried out by organisations other than the Planning Authority. These other organisations may have a number of other targets which they are monitoring at the same time and which may also be relevant to the aims and objectives of the Local Plan.

3. The target date is normally for the end of the Plan period (2016) and the aim is that performance will be measured on an annual basis. Performance in relation to most indicators will vary year on year and is therefore best measured as an average over a longer period.

4. The following notes provide further guidance on the individual targets and indicators in the table:

   1. TRANSPORT- ENERGY EFFICIENCY. - The target in this section relates to increasing the percentage of all journeys undertaken by cycle and is the same as in the County Council's Local Transport Plan.
   2. BUILT ENVIRONMENT- ENERGY EFFICIENCY. - The target included in this category is a figure of 10 (on a scale of 0-10) in the National Home Energy Rating scheme as used by English Partnerships in Milton Keynes for development on their land. As the Borough Council is seeking to achieve sustainable development in connection with the Local Plan, it is considered that similar standards should apply.
   3. BIODIVERSITY. - Two targets have been chosen in this section. The first relates to Sites of Nature Conservation Value (SNCVs). These are areas designated by the Wildlife Trust as being of County-wide importance. There is a SNCV within the area covered by Policy U20. The aim is that this should remain protected in any development proposals. The second target relates to the creation of an ecological park in the Ise valley in connection with the proposed expansion of Wellingborough to the East.
   4. AIR QUALITY. - One target has been included in relation to this topic. This is also included in the Council's Best Value Performance Plan.
   5. WATER QUALITY AND CONSERVATION/ HEALTH AND SAFETY. - The careful use of our water resources is seen as very important in terms of sustainability. Accordingly, based on advice from the Environment Agency, it is considered that the developers of all new developments should be encouraged to use sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS). In addition, and overlapping with the topic of health and safety, it is considered that in general terms there should be no development in floodplains except for essential infrastructure or development in the wider interests of sustainability as a whole.
   6. LAND AND SOIL QUALITY/ URBAN RENEWAL. - It is important to try and keep as much agricultural land free from development in the interests of the country as a whole. One way this can be achieved is by encouraging that development which is carried out to be at as high a density as possible in order to minimise land take. To assist with this, residential development will normally take place at an average net minimum density of 35 dwellings per hectare. In addition, a good indicator of how much urban renewal is taking place is the amount of 'brownfield' land that is being developed.
      The Council has estimated that 25% of the area of sites identified in connection with the Alteration comprise 'brownfield' land as defined in PPG3. This target is lower than that required by the Government nationally but this is because of the relatively low level of 'brownfield' land in the Borough.
   7. LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AND QUALITY. - An important feature in the landscape of this country is the presence of hedgerows. These have diminished considerably in recent years and it is considered that those which remain should be retained wherever possible even if they are to become part of an area that, in overall terms, is to be largely developed. A target has therefore been included that means hedgerows should be retained where they are protected under the terms of the hedgerow regulations.
   8. CULTURAL HERITAGE. - The continued maintenance of the Borough's Listed Buildings contributes greatly to a sense of 'cultural heritage'. Accordingly, the development of the various identified sites should involve not loosing any of these buildings. In addition, sites of county archaeological importance should also be protected.
   9. PUBLIC ACCESS OPEN SPACE. - A good measure of this target is the provision of recreational space. The aim should be that this is provided in accordance with Policy L7 of the adopted Local Plan.
   10. HOUSING NEEDS. - The two targets included here are the overall number of dwellings required for the part of the Borough covered by the Alteration and a second figure derived from the Council's own Best Value Performance Plan target for social housing over the first few years of the Plan period.
   11. COMMUNITY FACILITIES/ ACCESSIBILITY. - A number of targets have been included here based on what are considered to be maximum distances from dwellings for typical facilities that residents may require. In addition, a good target on this point is considered to be the proximity of new development to public open space.
   12. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES. - One target is included here. This is the overall Structure Plan target for employment land being provided for as part of this review.
   13. MOVEMENT OF GOODS AND SERVICES. - An overall aim to reduce the amount of traffic on our roads should be to encourage more goods to be carried by rail. The development of a rail freight depot in association with 'Wellingborough East' would assist greatly on this point.
   14. VITAL AND VIABLE TOWN CENTRE. - It is considered important to maintain both the town centre of Wellingborough as a shopping location and to encourage a mix of uses to give it vitality. Two indicators from the Local Plan on the topics of shopping and housing have been included on this point. The housing topic includes the development of Local Plan site U2.

BOROUGH COUNCIL OF WELLINGBOROUGH - LOCAL PLAN ALTERATION, TARGETS AND INDICATORS.

KEY -

LTP- Local Transport Plan (Northamptonshire County Council).
BVPP- Best Value Performance Plan (Borough Council of Wellingborough).
LP- Local Plan (Borough Council of Wellingborough)
CSP- County Structure Plan (Northamptonshire County Council)
LGMB/UWE- Local Government Management Board/University of the West of England

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