(1) 9 Community Infrastructure, Leisure and Tourism

Vision

In five years...

• New sustainable, residential developments that incorporate additional, or are well related to, infrastructure, community facilities and play space have been planned and have begun to be implemented.

• Other parks and open spaces continue to be improved through a rolling programme of open space refurbishment.

• Initiatives have been implemented, which provide more facilities for young people and at least one new facility a year is being developed.

• Additional leisure uses at Great Wakering and Rayleigh leisure centres have been implemented.

• A new single-form entry primary school with early years and childcare facilities has been built in Rochford, well related to residential development, and is serving the local community.

By 2017...

• New healthcare facilities in accessible have been developed in the District, including a new primary care centre which provides hospital-type services such as day case procedures, outpatient clinics and diagnostic tests to the District's residents.

• Green tourism initiatives and rural diversification have provided sustainable opportunities for rural businesses whilst maintaining a high quality environment.

• The District's tourism offer has been further enhanced through the implementation of heritage initiatives.

By 2025...

• A wide range of accessible community facilities and local services have been provided alongside new development which aids the integration and cohesion of communities. Such facilities include green open spaces, community halls, and play space, which cater for residents of all ages.

• A new single-form entry primary school with early years and childcare facilities has been built in Rayleigh, well related to residential development, and is serving the local community. Primary schools in the District's rural settlements are well attended and remain important, viable community facilities. The District's secondary schools have been expanded and enhanced.

Objectives

1. Ensure that adequate infrastructure is provided alongside new developments, through an open and transparent charging system.

2. Ensure that resident's educational needs are met through the provision of additional and expanded secondary schools, primary schools and early years and childcare facilities, where appropriate.

3. Work with the Primary Care Trust and developers to ensure the provision of adequate healthcare facilities within the District.

4. Protect existing facilities, as appropriate, and ensure the provision of new community facilities, play space, youth facilities, leisure facilities, playing pitches and open space alongside new development.

5. Facilitate and promote green tourism projects within the District.

Introduction

(1) 9.1 It is vital that new development is accompanied with appropriate infrastructure in order for it to be sustainable. The term 'infrastructure' encompasses a wide range of issues, from roads and sewers to education and healthcare. Infrastructure is provided by a range of groups, including both private and public organisations. It is imperative that the Council work with such organisations in order to ensure the requisite infrastructure is delivered when required.

Planning Obligations and Standard Charges

9.2 The planning system has, for a number of years, enabled councils to require developers to make payments or undertake additional works to mitigate the impacts of new development, using a system known as planning obligations involving a legal agreement between developers and local authorities. Government guidance on planning obligations is set out in Circular 05/2005 and the Council has used this to secure the provision of infrastructure improvements, such as highway improvements, and to ensure affordable housing is delivered. There are concerns that planning obligations cannot address all the infrastructure deficiencies that will be caused by new development, particularly the incremental impact of smaller developments which individually do not warrant the provision of planning obligations, but have a significant cumulative impact.

9.3 The Council will produce a document setting out standard charges to be imposed on developers to contribute towards infrastructure provision. This document will be subject to consultation and independent scrutiny before adoption. The document will detail what infrastructure is needed, how much this will cost, and detail how much contribution each development will be required to make based on a simple formula which relates to the size and impact of the development on infrastructure. It will ensure that standard charges are used to aid the delivery of the requisite infrastructure in a manner which is fair and provides clarity for developers.

9.4 It is important that the requirements set by standard charges do not render the delivery of development unviable, i.e. it should not be set at such a high rate as to prevent development.

Education

9.5 It is crucial that planning addresses accessibility to education.

9.6 Essex County Council is the education authority for Rochford District and produces an annual plan on how education is to be provided within the area - School Organisation Plan. The report includes an analysis of supply and demand for school places within Rochford District. Essex County Council also has responsibilities in relation to the provision of childcare facilities and have produced a Childcare Sufficiency Assessment report, which sets out the supply of childcare and parental demand for childcare within Essex.

9.7 Recent data has demonstrated there is no direct correlation between estimated total population increase and the numbers of pupils in schools (the overall population increase has been largely due to an increase in the numbers of elderly people, with the youth population shrinking). However, the demographic for new housing has the potential to be younger than that of the existing population. Therefore new development may generate need for new educational facilities in particular locations, even though the overall school age population may not increase.

9.8 In determining the likely impact on school place supply and demand from future housing allocations it will be necessary to take a more sophisticated approach than purely looking at population projections.

(1) 9.9 Notwithstanding this, the distribution of housing proposed in the Housing section of the Core Strategy makes it clear that new single-form entry primary schools will be required in Rayleigh and Rochford as a minimum.

9.10 At least 1.1 hectares of land within areas allocated for residential development will be required for a primary school in Rayleigh and Rochford. In addition, the existing secondary school in Rochford - King Edmund School - will be allocated the necessary 3 hectares to allow the required expansion to meet additional need. Residential development in Hockley is not considered to generate a requirement for any additional significant educational development other than for an additional early years and childcare facility, but the Council will continue to monitor the situation and demand contributions from developers when required.

9.11 New schools will be developed within new residential areas, delivered through a combination of planning obligations and funding obtained through standard charges on development.

(1) 9.12 As set out in the Transport section of the Core Strategy, new schools will be required to produce a travel plan that demonstrates how use of the private car will be minimised and how safe, direct walking and cycling routes will be provided between new developments and educational facilities. Residential developments will also be required to contribute towards school transport where they are in excess of the statutory maximum walking distances from schools.

9.13 Improvements to, and in some cases expansion of, existing schools will also be necessary. All secondary schools in England will be improved through the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme. This programme is anticipated to last 15 years and brings together investment in ICT and buildings. The aim is to develop 21st Century environments that inspire learners, educators and local communities to become successful life-long learners. Essex County Council will lead in the implementation of the BSF programme for the county and the District's four secondary schools are included in waves 4-6 of this. Rochford District Council will support the development of the BSF programme in the District by supporting the renovation and redevelopment of school premises, including their expansion to increase capacity.

(2) Healthcare

9.14 Healthcare facilities are a crucial component of community infrastructure.

9.15 The Council will work with its partners - particularly the South East Essex.

9.16 Primary Care Trust - to ensure that adequate healthcare facilities are in place to meet the needs of the District's growing, and ageing, population.

9.17 Current healthcare facilities are concentrated in the District's three largest settlements: Rayleigh, Hockley and Rochford. There are some healthcare facilities in the smaller settlements. Accessibility of healthcare services is vital and new facilities must be well located in relation to the District's population, and accessible by a range of transport options to ensure that no one is excluded.

9.18 The Council will take a two-pronged approach to ensuring this: firstly, new residential development will be located in areas from which healthcare facilities are accessible, or will be of a scale to ensure that new facilities are viable (see Housing chapter); Secondly, the Council will support the Primary Care Trust in identifying appropriate sites for additional facilities in appropriate locations.

9.19 Health Impact Assessments (HIAs) can be utilised to ensure that developments have regard to healthcare provision needs. Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is an approach that ensures decision making at all levels considers the potential impacts of decisions on health and health inequalities. The assessments identify the actions that can enhance positive effects and reduce or eliminate negative effects on health and inequalities, including in relation to the provision of healthcare facilities.

Open Space

9.20 The District contains numerous open spaces within built up areas, both privately and publicly owned, formal and informal.

9.21 These contribute towards the character of the District's settlements and form green links, as well as providing recreation and sports opportunities.

9.22 While the District contains large amounts of open green space, it is important that new development incorporates accessible public open space, designed in such a way that is integrated into the development and accessible to local people.

9.23 In addition, particularly with development in town centre locations, public open space including public art can make a positive contribution towards character and sense of place, as well as residential amenity.

Community Facilities

9.24 A comprehensive range of community facilities, including meeting halls, places of worship and social clubs exist throughout the District. These are well used and provide an important role for communities. The Council will seek to safeguard the use of community facilities, and to ensure they continue to provide a useful function to the communities they serve.

9.25 A need for additional community facilities within the District will arise as a result of residential development and the increasing population. Community facilities can act as a focal point for new or existing communities, helping strengthen identity and sense of community.

9.26 A strong sense of community, it is hoped, will also contribute towards increasing participation in volunteering, as per one of the key objectives of the Sustainable Community Strategy.

9.27 The Council will, in conjunction with its partners, need to ensure that new community facilities are developed and existing ones adapted to meet changing needs.

Play Space

9.28 With higher densities of residential development being required in order to reduce the amount of greenfield land lost to housing, it has become increasingly difficult to ensure that dwellings are accompanied with large garden areas that can be utilised as play space. As such, communal play space will play an important function in new residential developments. Communal space can help foster a sense of community within new developments, providing a space where neighbours interact.

9.29 The Council's 2007-2012 Play Strategy sets out the Council's approach to the provision of play space in the District. The Council aims to increase the number of affordable play, cultural and leisure opportunities for children and young people, including partnership agreements with schools and other publicly owned facilities. The Council also seek to establish play space which is safe, comprising activities that are self-directed and fun.

9.30 The Play Strategy recognises that accessibility of play space is key. As such, new play space should be provided within new residential developments. It is crucial that parents and children feel safe within such space; therefore play space should be located in areas that are subject to natural surveillance - i.e. are overlooked and/or are subject to a number of passers-by.

9.31 The provision of new space in the District should accord with the Council's Play Strategy.

9.32 There are a number of existing play spaces within the District which are well used and important to the local communities they serve. The Council will seek to protect and enhance such spaces, including through the provision of additional fixed play equipment funded by Big Lottery Fund money received.

(1) Youth Facilities

9.33 Formal places where people can meet and interact with their peers have traditionally fallen into two categories: spaces for children (e.g. playgrounds); and spaces for adults (e.g. pubs). Within such spaces adolescents do not tend to be welcome and may find themselves excluded. This coupled with a lack of accessible, appropriate, informal meeting places for adolescents in the District has created a demand for additional youth facilities. The exact nature of such facilities will depend on the particular local need and the particular group such use is meant for, for example facilities for 12 year-olds are likely to differ considerably from those appropriate for older teenagers.

9.34 The Council has provided a number of teen shelters in areas of the District where a need for spaces for youths was shown as a short-term measure.

9.35 There have been efforts in recent years by various organisations to create facilities for young people, but concerns have been expressed that existing planning policies have hindered their development. A more positive approach is now required. There is a particular opportunity to increase provision of activities for young people in the centre of Hockley, as detailed in the Retail and Town Centres section of the Core Strategy.

(1) Leisure Facilities

9.36 Leisure activities have an important role to play in health, quality of life and the economy. The importance of having good, accessible leisure facilities is iterated in the East of England Plan.

9.37 The District contains an array of both private and public sports facilities. The two main leisure centres are Clements Hall, Hawkwell and Rayleigh Leisure Centre, but their offer is complemented by a variety of other facilities across the District.

9.38 A study carried out by Sport England in 2006 found that 74.7% of the District's adult population were satisfied or very satisfied with the level of sports provision in their area - the third highest satisfaction rating in Essex. However, only 6.95% of Rochford District residents live within 20 minutes of at least 3 different leisure facilities, of which at least one has received a quality mark. This is the 4th lowest in the County and below the Essex average.

9.39 Accessibility of leisure and recreation facilities is an important issue and future leisure developments should be in locations accessible by a range of transport options.

9.40 The Council recognises that there are a number of potential leisure opportunities in the District, such as within school premises, which are currently not available to all. Such facilities, if opened up fully, have the potential to increase accessibility to leisure activities for the District's population.

Playing Pitches

9.41 In addition to other leisure facilities as discussed above, playing pitches are considered worthy of specific mention within the Core Strategy.

9.42 Playing pitches are areas of formal open space available to the public and used specifically for the playing of sports such as football, rugby, hockey and cricket.

9.43 The District has a role to play within the wider area with regards to playing pitch provision. Whilst the District relies, to a degree, on the more urban neighbouring centres for jobs, facilities and retail, there is a reciprocal reliance from these areas on Rochford to provide open space and recreational opportunities.

9.44 The District has the potential to accommodate playing pitches as they are considered an appropriate form of development within the Green Belt. However, playing pitches will not always be considered appropriate in all Green Belt locations. Playing pitches require maintenance and, in many cases, the provision of ancillary buildings and, as such, have a very different impact on the landscape to more informal open spaces. They are also subject to frequent visits. Issues such as accessibility, impact on biodiversity, character and openness of the Green Belt, and amenity of neighbouring residents must be considered.

9.45 Opportunities to accommodate playing pitches outside of the Green Belt are welcomed, as this will often provide facilities in more accessible locations, particularly if pitches are accompanying other visitor-generating activities. In this respect, there is an opportunity to accommodate additional playing pitches to the rear of Rayleigh Leisure Centre. When considering proposals for playing pitches outside of the Green Belt, many of the same issues (e.g. accessibility, residential amenity etc) will still apply.

9.46 Sport England has published detailed guidance for the provision of essential built facilities to accompany playing pitches within Design Guidance Notes: Pavilions and Club Houses. Within the Green Belt, the minimum size recommended by the guidance for accompanying facilities must not be exceeded.

(1) 9.47 The Council will produce a Supplementary Planning Document on playing pitch provision which will include an analysis of the supply and demand of pitches, together with a quantitative and qualitative assessment of future need.

Tourism

9.48 The Council is exploring the possibility of enhancing the District's economy through the promotion of tourism. The District has been identified as the 'green' part of the Thames Gateway and as having the potential to be the arts and cultural opportunities area for the sub-region.

9.49 The Council has begun to actively promote the area as a tourist destination, having produced and circulated a District tourism guide.

9.50 The District's tourism opportunities are focussed primarily on the themes of heritage, coastline and countryside. The latter raises a number of issues: impact on character and openness of the Green Belt; possible effect on biodiversity; and sustainability. It will be possible to promote rural tourism in a sustainable manner which respects biodiversity and the character of the Green Belt (The issue of tourism in relation to the Green Belt specifically is discussed in the Green Belt chapter of the Core Strategy). The impact on ecological issues will also be a particular issue in respect of coastal tourism.

9.51 Government guidance on this issue contained within Good Practice Guide on Planning Tourism (DCLG, 2007) notes the potential for tourism to deliver economic benefits. The guide states that transport and accessibility is inherent to tourism. However, it also notes that public transport is often limited within areas with rural tourism potential and that other factors, such as the need for rural regeneration, need to be given weight.

9.52 The RSPB's proposed Wallasea Island Wild Coast Project has potential tourism opportunities and is discussed within the Upper Roach Valley and Wallasea Island chapter of the Core Strategy.

(5) Appendix CLT1

Infrastructure required	Standard Charges to be used		Planning obligations to be used where appropriate	Other issues/ comment
	Residential development	Employment development
Highway improvements	Yes	Yes	Yes
Public transport improvements	Yes	Yes	Yes
Cycle network	Yes	Yes	Yes
Greenways	Yes	No	Yes
Recycling facilities	Yes	No	Yes
Primary education expansion	Yes	No	Yes
Early years and childcare facilities	Yes	Yes	Yes
Secondary education expansion	Yes	No	No	Land to be allocated within new residential areas, as appropriate.
New primary school, Rayleigh	Yes	No	Yes	Land to be allocated within new residential areas, as appropriate.
New primary school, West Rochford	Yes	No	Yes	Land to be allocated within new residential areas, as appropriate.
Expansion and improvement of access at King Edmund School	Yes	No	Yes	Land to be allocated within new residential areas, as appropriate.
Expansion of Fitzwimarc and Sweyne Park Schools	Yes	No	No
Flood Protection Measures	No	No	Yes
Sustainable drainage systems	No	No	Yes
Youth facilities	Yes	No	Yes	Standard charges applied to secure enhancements. Planning obligations applied to secure on-site provision where appropriate.
Community facilities	Yes	No	Yes	Standard charges applied to secure enhancements. Planning obligations applied to secure on-site provision where appropriate.
Leisure facilities	Yes	No	Yes	Standard charges applied to secure enhancements. Planning obligations applied to secure on-site provision where appropriate.
Healthcare improvements	Yes	No	Yes	Standard charges to secure delivery of new facilities. Planning obligations to require mitigation measures identified by healthcare impact assessment to be undertaken.
Open space	No	No	Yes	Open space to be provided alongside new residential development.
Play Space (new and enhancement of existing)	Yes	No	Yes	Standard charges applied to secure enhancements. Planning obligations applied to secure on-site provision where appropriate.