Joint Core Strategy Public consultation Reg25

5 Spatial vision

5.1 The Joint Core Strategy will set out a spatial planning vision for Broadland, Norwich and South Norfolk for the lifetime of the plan - to 2026. Building sustainable communities in the three districts will be the central theme and the main focus for the vision.

5.2 The Sustainable Community Strategies for Broadland, Norwich and South Norfolk and the County Strategic Partnership lead the communities' own local aspirations. These give the context for this Joint Core Strategy.

5.3 The main common themes of the Sustainable Community Strategies are:

• for people to play an active part in community life and to be involved in

• decision making

• to have healthier and safer places and a high quality environment that is protected and respected for everyone's enjoyment

• to have access to suitable housing, jobs, facilities and services for all whatever their needs.

• to provide opportunities for people to learn at all stages of life

• to develop the right infrastructure so that people can travel using varied forms of transport.

5.4 The spatial vision acknowledges significant changes to the area in order to meet the ambitious targets for new homes and jobs set out in the regional plan. This vision describes what sort of area we are aiming for in the future and shows how the spatial planning elements of the Sustainable Community Strategies can be achieved.

Spatial planning objectives:

Objective 1

To involve as many people as possible in new planning policy.

All sections of the community will be actively encouraged to express their own vision of the future through this strategy, further plans and planning applications. There will be a particular focus on involving people who have not previously had a say in planning. As many people as possible should play a part in the ambitious long-term plans for growth in the wider Norwich area. This will help make planning more inclusive, and give confidence that the benefits of growth are felt more equally across existing and new communities in and around Norwich.

Objective 2

To be a place where people feel safe in their communities.

This will be promoted by working with partners and the public in Norwich and the rural areas to promote community safety, a stronger sense of belonging and pride in peoples' surroundings, to reduce crime and the fear of crime. Better community facilities, better road safety and design of new developments will help to reduce crime.

Objective 3

To encourage the development of healthy and active lifestyles

Within Broadland, Norwich and South Norfolk the availability and accessibility of open space, the countryside, sports and recreational facilities will be improved. People will also be offered the best opportunities to make healthy travel choices as part of their daily lives. By working with NHS Norfolk and Norfolk County Council, medical and social facilities will be properly planned for new developments, which will be accessible to all.

Objective 4

To allocate enough land for housing and affordable housing, in the most sustainable settlements

The amount and type of new housing will be provided in line with the targets set by the Regional Spatial Strategy and to meet the needs identified by the Greater Norwich Sub Regional Housing Assessments. Most new homes will be built in the Norwich Policy Area (32,000 out of 35,750, 2008-2026). Smaller sustainable settlements will accommodate smaller-scale growth. People will have alternatives to using cars and new housing, employment and services will be planned so they are grouped together wherever possible. The settlement hierarchy defines the towns and villages with a good range of jobs, services and facilities. Appropriate densities will make sure land is used efficiently and the need for accessible and affordable housing will also be met.

Objective 5

To promote economic growth and diversity and provide a wide range of jobs within Broadland, Norwich and South Norfolk

Existing employment sites will be safeguarded and enough land for employment development will be allocated in line with the Regional Spatial Strategy. This is to meet the needs of inward investment, new businesses and existing businesses wishing to expand or relocate. Norwich city centre will continue to exert a powerful economic influence over the wider area. Its growth will be further encouraged, so that the centre remains one of the best in the country for retail and employment. Within the Norwich Policy Area, Thorpe St Andrew, Longwater, Colney, Cringleford, Norwich Airport and Wymondham/A11 corridor will also be the focus of further jobs growth. Supporting economic growth in the market towns and revitalising the rural economy are also priorities. Mixed-use development, live/work units and diversification schemes will be encouraged to reduce the need for local people to commute long distances to work.

Objective 6

To make sure people have ready access to services

Norwich city centre is currently the highest-ranking retail centre in the East of England with people visiting it from a very wide area. The diversity and vitality of the city centre will be maintained and enhanced. The surrounding market towns and service centres will continue to play a key service role. Innovative approaches will be taken to support rural service provision. Wherever new homes or jobs are to be developed, existing supporting services must either already be adequate or should be provided at the right stage of a new development. This will ensure existing and future residents and workers will have access to the services they need.

Objective 7

To allow people to develop to their full potential by providing educational facilities to support the needs of a growing population

Within Broadland, Norwich and South Norfolk there is a need to improve, expand and provide for new schools to serve an increasing population and higher educational aspirations. Enough pre-school, primary, secondary and further education facilities are needed so children and young people can do as well as they are able. It is essential to provide an environment and the facilities to improve the skills of the workforce so the developing economy of the Norwich area and its wider catchment can be supported.

Objective 8

To protect, manage and enhance the natural, built and historic environment, including key landscapes, natural resources and areas of natural habitat or nature conservation value

The area is a special place and everyone should be proud of where they live, work, study or visit. Norwich has a remarkable historic centre with some fine architectural examples. There are also extensive areas of open space, historic parks, wildlife sites and wooded ridges in the city. The surrounding market towns and villages are very attractive with each having its own identity. People living in the area have access to open countryside, wildlife sites and the special qualities of the Broads. It is a priority to improve these special qualities even more so that everyone can enjoy them. The use of previously developed land will be prioritised to minimise the loss of agricultural land and the countryside. Development must provide environmental gains through green infrastructure. Biodiversity and locally distinctive landscapes will be protected and enhanced. Linkages between habitats will be promoted, helping to enable adaptation to climate change. Sustainable access to the countryside will be promoted.

Objective 9

To minimise the contributors to climate change and address its impact

Climate change and sustainability are a key priority. Throughout Broadland, Norwich and South Norfolk, high standards of design will be promoted to reduce greenhouse gases. To make best use of appropriate renewable energy sources and to improve energy efficiency, zero carbon developments will be investigated. Water efficiency will be a priority in both new and existing development. Domestic and commercial waste will be minimised by encouraging waste reduction, reuse, recycling, composting and safe energy recovery.

Objective 10

To enhance infrastructure provision to meet the needs of existing and future populations

Greater use of sustainable modes of transport will be encouraged by better public transport, footways and cycle paths. People will also need to use cars less by making services, jobs, shops, schools and recreational facilities closer and easier to reach by walking, cycling and by public transport. The strategic road network is also essential, especially for the health of the economy. The road network will be maintained and access within Broadland, Norwich and South Norfolk, and to and from Norwich will be improved. More than 90% of the area is rural and rural isolation can be reduced by encouraging newer communication and information technologies.

Objective 11

To reduce the need to travel

Preference will be given to locations where services, employment, shops, schools and recreation are accessible by walking, cycling and public transport to reduce the need to travel especially by private car.

Objective 12

To positively protect and enhance Norwich's individual character and unique cultural infrastructure

Promoting culture in Norwich will help to develop the economy, stimulate further regeneration, increase sustainable tourism and promote community involvement. Norwich is already recognised as the cultural capital of East Anglia and we will help sustain this infrastructure so local people and visitors have access to a variety of facilities such as theatres, art galleries, museums and buildings of architectural and historic interest. Adequate public open space, sport and recreational facilities, community centres and access to the countryside is needed locally to make sure everyone in Broadland, Norwich and South Norfolk can take part in community activities. More visitors will be encouraged to the area by protecting the very qualities that make the area attractive. Gateways between the wider Norwich area and the Broads, the Brecks and the coast will be enhanced in a way that does not harm their special character.