Nottingham Core Strategic Housing Market Assessment & 2009 Update

Strategic Housing Market Assessments (SHMA) provide a way of assessing housing markets and housing need. SHMAs are a crucial aspect of the evidence base for the Borough Council’s Local Development Framework. However, they are only one of several factors that should be taken into account.

The Nottingham core housing market area (HMA) includes Nottingham City, surrounding suburbs outside the city boundary and neighbouring towns. The key issues identified and examined within the study are:

• The increasing impact of affluence and choice, but not for all, on the housing market
• Problems of affordability in the suburbs and parts of the city
• The household and tenure projections and the implications that more private social renting will be required
• Issues of under occupation and utilisation of stock
• Stock renewal in the city and improving neighbourhoods and environments
• Prevention and reversal of polarisation in the housing market on several dimensions.

The executive summary provides a sample of key information contained within the Strategic Housing Market Assessment:

• strategic housing market assessment executive summary.

The Full Report can also be viewed here:

• Full strategic housing market assessment.

The 2009 needs update can be found here:

• Core Housing Market Needs Assessment      

Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA)

The SHLAA will be an important study to support the forthcoming Local Development Framework. The assessment is known as the Nottingham Core SHLAA and has been carried out alongside the five other local authorities that make up the Nottingham Core Housing Market Area.

The Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) for Rushcliffe is an assessment of a number of sites to consider whether they could be suitable for housing development. Please note that these are sites that could be suitable for development rather than sites that should be developed.

The final version of the 2010 Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment has been published and can be downloaded below

See Strategic land availability assessment.

Nottingham Core Affordable Housing Viability Assessment (2009)

The purpose of the Affordable housing viability assessment is to provide the Borough Council with an understanding of local housing markets in respect of affordable housing delivery. The results of the Housing Viability Assessment will inform the development plan process by forming an important part of the evidence base that will support the Council's Local Development Framework (LDF).  The intention is that the Local Development Framework will be able to fulfil a more strategic housing enabling role, based on a better understanding of all housing needs and affordable housing opportunities across the Borough. 

Nottinghamshire Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment

Section 225 of the Housing Act 2004 introduced a specific requirement for Local Authorities to assess the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers within their area. In response to this requirement, the authorities across Nottinghamshire County (excluding Bassetlaw) jointly commissioned a Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment.

The aim of this assessment is to understand the Accommodation Needs, and related support needs, of the Gypsy and Traveller community within Nottinghamshire in order to make a properly planned provision of sufficient and decent accommodation for this community, informing the allocation of new sites in both regional and local development documents. In addition, the Accommodation Needs assessment will provide robust and credible evidence in which the needs and wider demand of the Gypsy and Traveller communities for suitable accommodation can be considered and met equally and fairly alongside other sectors of the community.

Planning Policy for Traveller Sites (March 2012) re-iterates the requirement for LPAs to set pitch targets for gypsies and travellers and plot targets for travelling showpeople which addresses the likely permanent and transit site accommodation needs of travellers in their area, working collaboratively with neighbouring LPAs.

The study was completed in May 2007:

• gypsy and traveller accommodation needs assessment

The Nottinghamshire Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment - update April 2010 updates the original assessment.

2008 Based Subnational Household Projections

These are the most recent national statistics on household projections to 2033 produced by the Office for National Statistics.  The statistical release presents information on the projected number of households accross England to 2033. The figures in this release are based on the 2008-based population projections and replace the 2006-based household projections released in March 2009.  The household projections are produced by applying projected household formation rates to the population projections published by the Office for National Statistics. The assumptions underlying national household and population projections are demographic trend based.  Information for Rushcliffe, and other authorities across England can be found at: http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/xls/140987.xls

Forecasts of Population and Household for Greater Nottingham, February 2011

This study has been produced to provide a suite of population, household (and labour force) forecasting models that take full account of the very latest statistical releases from the Office of National Statistics and Communities and Local Government (CLG).  The projections have been produced to inform local authorities about the likely outcomes for households and population, by testing a limited selection of future assumptions.

Greater Nottingham - Population and Household Forecasts Guide

Nottingham, Broxtowe, Rushcliffe. Rescaling headship rates for consistency with household data. February 2012

This study builds upon the work contained within the Forecasts of Population and Households for Greater Nottingham.

Nottingham - Headship Rates.

Nottingham – Derby Green Belt Review 2006

The purpose of this study was to provide a broad strategic review of the Green Belt .  It was produced to underpin the 3 cities sub-regional strategy that is contained within the outgoing East Midlands Regional Plan.  The scope of the study is limited to the principles of including land within the Green Belt.

Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Green Belt Review.

Appraisal of Sustainable Urban Extensions

This report outlines the areas where new sustainable communities could be built around Greater Nottingham.

The Government requires all local councils to identify areas where new housing could be built over the next 25 years as the population and the demand for housing continues to grow. In the Greater Nottingham area local councils need to provide for around 60,000 new homes, although the exact numbers are not yet confirmed. 

It is expected that over two thirds of these homes could be accommodated in existing built up areas and on smaller sites that are already planned for. However, some new and larger sites are likely to be needed. The sites will need to be suitable to provide sustainable places for people to live. Developments may include new homes, schools and other services such as sports facilities, shops and doctors surgeries. Some of them will also have their own transport links and create new jobs.

The report, called the Sustainable Urban Extension Study, was commissioned by all the local councils in the Greater Nottingham area and carried out by independent planning consultants.

The consultants looked at the whole Greater Nottingham area and have identified a number of possible locations for housing development, setting out the pros and cons of each site. The study recommends that some areas are ruled out for reasons such as environmental sensitivity, heritage, risk of flooding and transport and congestion. The report recommends that two locations within Rushcliffe, at land south of Clifton and at Edwalton, may be suitable locations for new sustainable communities.

The full report and press release, which includes frequently asked questions can be viewed on Nottinghamshire County Council's website - Nottinghamshire regional spatial strategy.

Sustainable Locations for Growth Study

The Sustainable locations for growth study examines the level of accessibility of existing settlements throughout the Borough, particularly in terms of their residents access to jobs, shopping, education and other services by walking, cycling and public transport.  It is one of a number of background studies that will be carried out to inform the development of the LDF Core Strategy. The Sustainable Settlement Study provides an important part of the evidence base information which will be used for the preparation of the Core Strategy and Land Use Allocations Development Plan Documents.

The aims of the study are to: 

• Identify which settlements in Rushcliffe have higher levels of accessibility assisting the creation of a hierarchy of settlements if required
• Contribute to setting out spatial policies to apply to different settlements including to help the identification of locations for growth
• Identify where settlements fall short, for example, access to clinic facilities which can assist infrastructure planning (although it should be noted that the usage and capacity of existing facilities has not been accounted for)
• Identify if there is particular mismatch in accessibility to different types of facility.
• The purpose of this study is to identify those settlements that can provide for most of the everyday needs of local residents

Accessible Settlements Study for Greater Nottingham 

The purpose of the work is to establish common means of measuring and assessing in general terms the level of accessibility of existing settlements, particularly in terms of their residents access to jobs, shopping, education and other services by walking, cycling and public transport.

The work evaluates on a consistent basis across the whole study area the ease of accessibility to a range of facilities and services. These are those which would contribute to a high quality of life for people and which, if more accessible in low-carbon means for a greater number of people, would contribute to sustainable development and the objectives of the (soon to be abolished) Regional Plan and emerging Local Development Framework Core Strategy. This is one aspect of identifying more sustainable settlements. Accessible settlements study - February 2010.

Nottingham Core City Region Employment Land Study (2007) and updates

Planning and development economists consultants Roger Tym & Partners with Lambert Smith Hampton were appointed to undertake a review of employment land throughout the Nottingham area.

The commission was made by Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottingham City Council, Ashfield District Council, Broxtowe Borough Council, Erewash Borough Council, Gedling Borough Council and Rushcliffe Borough Council on behalf of the Greater Nottingham Partnership and its partners.

This study provides an assessment of the quality and quantity of employment land in the Nottingham City Area, key tasks were:

• To assess whether the employment land identified in the study area meets current and future employment requirements to 2026
• To assess if additional is required
• If appropriate, to identify potential new employment sites and existing employment sites which could be transferred to other uses.

The study's findings will be part of the evidence base for Rushcliffe Borough Local Development Framework. 

• Employment land study
• Updated employment land study
• Paper to support the employment policy within the Core Strategy Option for Consultation     

Greater Nottingham Retail Study

Consultants were appointed to undertake a retail assessment across the Greater Nottingham area. The study assessed the need and capacity (quantitative and qualitative) for additional comparison and convenience retail floorspace in Greater Nottingham to 2016 and projected the figures to 2026.

The Study advises how best to accommodate any growth, taking into account existing commitments.

More info can be found at the retail study section of Nottingham City Council website.

Greater Nottingham Retail Background Paper (2012)

The Greater Nottingham Retail Background Paper was prepared to update the existing Greater Nottingham Retail Study. The original study and subsequent update have underpinned much of the policy within both the Rushcliffe Core Strategy publication draft and the emerging Aligned Core Strategies of the other local authorities involved.

As a result of this joint working approach, the information contained within the Retail Background Paper is not wholly specific to Rushcliffe. Therefore whilst we understand that this document sets out the latest position with regard to the other local authorities involved in the production of the document, it could well be subject to further changes. The document will therefore be updated and published on the Rushcliffe website as and when required. In addition, whilst the Health Checks for Rushcliffe have been completed and finalised, several of the Health Checks for the other centres within Greater Nottingham are yet to be finalised, these will therefore be added to the appendix as and when they become available.

Greater Nottingham Retail background paper

Cotgrave Masterplan

Three outline plans were put together for the potential redevelopment of Cotgrave Town Centre by Broadway Malyan and were consulted on between December 2009 and March 2010.

Cotgrave Masterplan.

Greater Nottingham Strategic Flood Risk Assessment

Nottingham has a long history of flooding with notable events occurring in 1795, 1875 and 1947.  The present defences were constructed during the 1950s after a total of 9,300 properties were flooded in Long Eaton, Beeston, Nottingham and West Bridgford during the 1947 event. In 2007, the Environment Agency, on behalf of the Greater Nottingham Strategic Flood Risk Assessment Partnership, commissioned Black & Veatch (B&V) to undertake a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) for the Greater Nottingham area. The principal aim of the study is to provide information on flood risk, which will inform the land use planning process, both urban and rural, and allow the partners to develop their Local Development Framework documents.

The information contained within this document will be of use to developers, local authorities and others when considering development of specific sites within Greater Nottingham. However, the information contained within this document does not remove the need to:

• Consult appropriately on flood risk with the Environment Agency and the relevant local planning authority; and
• Undertake a site specific flood risk assessment for the development.

The Strategic Flood Risk Assessment is now complete, however due to the size of the document it is only available as a disc on request.  This was completed July 2008. Please obtain your copy by contacting us.

The Water Cycle Study

This report considers in more detail, the likely water related constraints and impacts of the development levels set out in the Regional Spatial Strategy for Greater Nottingham and Ashfield. The study considers a number of development scenarios and assesses the impact on clean water, wastewater, water resources, water quality and flood risk with a ‘traffic light’ approach. Potential mitigation/intervention measures to facilitate sustainable development are identified at a strategic level.

In its simplest form, the water cycle can be defined as ‘the process by which water is continually recycling between the earth’s surface and the atmosphere’. Without considering human influences, it is simply the process by which rain falls, and either flows over the earth’s surface or is stored (as groundwater, ice or lakes) and is then returned to the atmosphere (via evaporation from the sea, the soil, surface water or animal and plant life) ready for the whole process to repeat again.

In the context of this study, the ‘water cycle’ has a broader definition than the simple water or hydrological cycle. The human influence on the water cycle introduces many new factors into the cycle through the need to abstract water from the natural environment, use it for numerous purposes and then return to the natural system.

The Water Cycle Study forms part of a number of strategic studies and plans which will form part of the evidence base supporting the production of the Local Planning Authorities respective Local Development Frameworks (LDFs). Specifically, the Water Cycle Study will form an important basis of the Core Strategy making up part the Local Development Framework, as well as providing input to the development of Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) to assist in ensuring the delivery of water cycle management requirements at the local planning application level. It is important to note that this document makes no decisions on the location of growth.

Water cycle study scoping report and Water cycle study appendix along with Outline water cycle study 2010.

The Sustainable Energy Study

A study was undertaken in 2009 in order to inform future planning policy guidance on how to raise low and zero carbon energy performance in new developments.  The work was undertaken by all of the Nottinghamshire authorities  and co-ordinated by Nottinghamshire County Council.

The final report arising from the study is the Sustainable Energy Policy Framework document and it has three main aims:

• To recommend a sustainable energy policy approach for local authorities that  can be used when drafting planning documents. 
• To provide evidence and analysis that can also be used by local authorities when preparing planning documents.
• To show the different energy performance levels that can be used in different types of development and in different types of area.

This document was prepared by the Nottinghamshire Sustainable Energy Planning Partnership (NSEPP) which has officer representation from each of the local planning authorities within the County and is co-ordinated by the County Council.

The Governments’ Climate Change Act 2008, enhanced the commitment to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by aiming to progress from 29 percent by 2020 to 80 percent by 2050 (from the 1990 baseline). As nearly half of CO2 emissions derive from the built environment, the improvement of buildings’ performance is seen as a key to real progress.

There are strong social and economic reasons for promoting low and zero carbon energy. A countywide strategy that lessens dependence on fossil fuels can both protect existing jobs and provide new ones by attracting businesses to research, develop, manufacture, install and maintain new technologies.

The study is intended to be used as a body of evidence and analysis to support each Council in establishing policies in development plan documents (DPD’s), to form part of emerging Local Development Frameworks (LDF), and to set out a common county-wide approach to sustainable energy policies (utilising low and zero carbon energy sources). 

Sustainable energy study on the Nottinghamshire County Council website.

Nottinghamshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan (1998)

This Local Biodiversity Action Plan was produced by the partnership of organisations which form the Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Group. Many other groups and local experts have contributed, and the targets and actions have been approved by all key partners. The format and content are consistent with Government guidance.

A review of biological records has resulted in a disturbingly long list of plants and animals of conservation concern in Nottinghamshire (Appendix A). Many of these are rare, declining or under threat due to the loss of their habitats, and a list of priority habitats for protection and restoration is given in Appendix B.

Sections 1 and 2 set out the background to the initiative, and explain why we should be concerned about the loss of our wild plants and animals. Sections 3 and 4 review past and current influences on biodiversity in Nottinghamshire, consider the threats from key sectors such as energy and transport, and explore the opportunities available for conservation. A series of generic actions for biodiversity are presented in Section 5.

The most important sections of this document are the action plans for key species and habitats (Sections 7-8), which set out targets to be met and how these are to be achieved. Wherever possible, those responsible for leading the implementation of each action are identified, and targets are timescaled. Progress will be monitored, and plans updated and revised where necessary. Research at a national level is being carried out on costing action plans, and eventually, it is hoped that all Nottinghamshire plans will include costings.

On the initial publication of this document, eleven action plans were included. Eventually all priority habitats will have plans produced for them, and species action plans will be written for those plants and animals whose specific requirements cannot be catered for through habitat plans.

http://www.nottsbag.org.uk/projects.htm#bap

The Greater Nottingham Landscape Character Assessment 2009

The landscape varies considerably throughout Nottinghamshire and includes land which has been influenced greatly by coal mining operations in the north which are largely characterised by restored spoil mounding and smaller areas of more rural character, to the west of Nottingham the land is influenced more by urban developments, both large settlements and smaller villages, to the east distinctive rolling hills and to the south is a distinctive arable farmland region with few trees or woodland. 

This study provides a way of assessing the varied landscapes within Greater Nottingham and contains information about the character and condition of the landscape to provide a greater understanding of what makes the landscape within Greater Nottingham special. This study provides part of the evidence for the local authorities Local Development Frameworks (LDFs). It will be used by planning authorities to aid development control decisions on planning applications and to guide landscape enhancement where funding and opportunities allow.

Due to the size of this document it will only be available on CD when requested – please contact us for your copy.

3 Cities Green Infrastructure Strategy and Action Plan

The 6Cs Green Infrastructure Strategy is a long term vision is to protect, enhance and extend networks of green spaces and natural elements in and around the three cities of Leicester, Nottingham and Derby, connecting with their surrounding towns and villages.

It was created by a partnership of local authorities and environmental organisations who commissioned Chris Blandford Associates to develop a Green Infrastructure Strategy for the 6Cs Growth Point in the East Midlands. The Strategy was launched in July 2010.

Although the regional planning context has now changed, the Strategy contains vast amounts of evidence and information invaluable for producing Core Planning Strategies and GI Strategies.

http://www.emgin.co.uk/default.asp?PageID=192

Greater Nottingham Local Transport Plan (2011)

The Local Transport Plan sets out how we aim to make transport improvements in Nottinghamshire during the period 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2026. It will be reviewed at least every five years to make sure that it considers any changes in transport conditions and priorities; and to make sure that it is effective. 

http://cms.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ltpfull.pdf

Greater Nottingham and Ashfield Infrastructure Study (2009)

A partnership group has been formed between Ashfield, Broxtowe, Erewash, Gedling, Nottingham City and Rushcliffe to be able to assess and understand the implications of the planned growth on the area's infrastructure.

'Infrastructure' includes education, health, leisure and open space, emergency services, social services, community, transport, utilities and flood risk.

The Infrastructure study June 2009 aims to identify if and where there are deficits in infrastructure provision within the study area and ascertain what additional infrastructure is needed to support the level of growth. This report will be used, alongside others, to inform and provide background evidence in the preparation of each of The Councils' Local Development Frameworks (LDF). It is intended that this document is a 'living document' and will evolve into a delivery plan as the LDF process progresses.

Interim Infrastructure Delivery Plan

The Interim Infrastructure Delivery Plan (Interim IDP) has been produced to show the likely infrastructure requirements for those areas identified in the Rushcliffe Core Strategy as areas for future housing growth. This includes the strategic allocations at Melton Road, Edwalton; land North of Bingham; former RAF Newton; former Cotgrave Colliery and land South of Clifton.  It also provides detail on the likely infrastructure requirements for those settlements identified in the Core Strategy as areas of growth (East Leake, Keyworth, Radcliffe on Trent and Ruddington).  Work on the IDP ongoing and will be updated as more information is provided.  The Interim IDP will develop into a final IDP for the whole of Greater Nottingham.

Interim Infrastructure Delivery Plan.

Rushcliffe Borough Council Reports of the Local Development Framework Group, Cabinet & Full Council Meetings

The following documents contain the background to the development of the Rushcliffe Core Strategy, Publication Version

Report to the Local Development Framework Group.  Fresh Approach to Housing Growth 12 October 2011

Fresh appoach to housing growth

Fresh appoach to housing growth appendix

Cabinet 29 November 2011

Council 15 December 2011

Rushcliffe Borough Council studies and publications

• Corporate strategy refresh 2009 - 2011
• Sustainable Community Strategy
• Housing Strategy
• Play strategy
• 2007 open space audit.

These lists are not exhaustive and more studies and publications will be added where relevant.

The Borough profiles contain information on:

• Local transportation
• Facilities and the economy
• The environment
• Population trends
• Housing issues
• Recent development
• Housing opportunities

Bingham

Bingham is a small rural commuter town located 9 miles east of Nottingham. Recent housing development has been largely concentrated to the south of the settlement. The former RAF Newton site is in close proximity to the town, lying to the north of the A46. Bingham is a service centre for some of the surrounding villages, providing schooling, shops, health facilities and recreational activities.

View the parish profile for Bingham

Cotgrave

Cotgrave is located 8 miles to the east of West Bridgford.  The town is located off the main road network, however both the A46 and the A52 run within two or three miles of the settlement.

Cotgrave was a small linear village focussed upon the Main Street up until the early 1960s, when the start of coal production from the Colliery saw a huge population increase and led to construction of over 1000 new houses.  Further building in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s added the dormitory estates on the western edge of the village. 

View the parish profile for Cotgrave.

East Leake

East Leake is situated approximately 5 miles north of Loughborough and 10 miles south of Nottingham City Centre, in the Nottinghamshire Wolds. East Leake is divided into two parts (north/south), physically separated by a green gap set around the floodplain of Kingston Brook. Recent new housing developments have been focussed in the northern part of the village.

British Gypsum is an important local employer and is located to the north of the village.

View the parish profile for East Leake. 

Keyworth

Keyworth is situated approximately 8 miles to the south east of Nottingham City Centre on the fringes of the Nottinghamshire Wolds. The Green Belt boundary is tightly drawn around Keyworth, with recent development within the village limited to small infill schemes and the redevelopment of redundant brownfield sites. Keyworth is a service centre for some of the surrounding villages, providing schooling, shops, health facilities and recreational activities.

View the parish profile for Keyworth. 

Radcliffe on Trent

Radcliffe on Trent is a large village located 5 miles to the east of West Bridgford.  The village largely serves as a dormitory settlement for Nottingham. Land to the east of the village is within an area of flood risk. Both the population and the number of properties have increased over recent years, the rate of development has levelled out over the last five years as the larger sites such as the area behind Grange Hall in the centre of the village have been built out.

Radcliffe is a service centre for some of the surrounding villages, providing schooling, shops, health facilities and recreational activities. Its role as a main village is affected by its proximity to both Nottingham and to a lesser extent Bingham.

View the parish profile for Radcliffe on Trent.

Ruddington

Ruddington is a large village located 3 miles south of West Bridgford, along the A60, with good access to the A52. Ruddington is a relatively compact settlement with fairly well defined edges. The character of the historic core of the village gives it a rural identity. However, Ruddington has over time seen extensive residential expansion which has spread out from the core. 

View the parish profile for Ruddington.

Rushcliffe

Rushcliffe’s main centre of population is West Bridgford, a large suburb of Greater Nottingham where around 41,000 of the Borough’s 109,800 population live. The remainder of the Borough is largely rural, with the population divided between the six larger settlements (Bingham, Radcliffe on Trent, Cotgrave, Keyworth, Ruddington and East Leake, which range in population from 6,200 to 9,400 people) and the smaller rural villages. A large part of the Borough (42%) falls within the defined Nottingham-Derby Green Belt that encircles Nottingham and its suburbs.

View the borough profile for Rushcliffe.