3 Vision and Strategic Objectives

3 Vision and Strategic Objectives 3.1 The Vision for our district has been developed and informed by the key issues that have been identified and takes account of other relevant strategies. It is supported by strategic objectives required to deliver that Vision and followed up by policies and proposals. 3.2 The vision for the district is designed to be broad and strategic addressing key issues which have been identified and are applicable to the district as a whole. A number of our communities have also outlined their vision for their area through the neighbourhood plan process. 3.3 The policies and proposals within the Local Plan will deliver the vision. Our vision builds on the vision set out in the current Core Strategy, as well as on the evidence from various studies, high level strategies and the priorities and concerns of the community as set out in the Community Strategy and through responses to consultation. Vision for Three Rivers Our vision for Three Rivers is to be recognised as a highly desirable, prosperous and outward-looking district where people want, and are able, to live and work. The district will have sustainable settlements, a resilient economy and a high quality built and natural environment embedding climate-sensitive principles in reducing carbon emissions and supporting the transition to a zero-carbon future. The district will have a strong townscape and landscape character, with a strong sense of a place to foster cohesive communities whilst delivering the high quality homes, jobs and infrastructure that will provide access to good services and facilities for all. 3.4 The following strategic objectives outline what will need to be achieved to deliver the Vision and to address the key issues which have been identified. These objectives underpin the emerging spatial strategy, policies and proposals which will be included within the Local Plan. Strategic Objectives In order to implement and deliver the Vision the following set of strategic objectives have been identified: Provide for a range of high quality new homes within the district to meet local needs for both market and affordable housing The Local Plan plays a key role in accommodating a range of housing types, sizes and tenures to suit the varied needs of our population which includes market, affordable, special needs, elderly persons and Gypsy and Traveller accommodation. There remains a very high need for affordable housing in the district which is key to attracting and retaining workers. It is vital that all new housing development contributes to addressing this need, and the priority will be rented affordable homes and smaller family sized homes which are required to meet the most urgent needs in the district. It is vital that all new housing development contributes to addressing this need, and the priority will be to deliver rented affordable homes and family -sized homes which are required to meet the most urgent needs in the district. Secure economic prosperity within the district by providing a network of employment allocations that continues to meet the current and future needs of businesses. The Local Plan seeks to ensure the district remains competitive and benefits from a high-performing economy that does not damage the environment. Space will be protected and provided to accommodate and support both existing and new businesses, including the strong film and TV sector. The proximity and influence of the London job market may affect the potential for improving the homes to jobs ratio within Three Rivers. However, ‘balance’ between the provision of new homes and jobs is needed in order to redress the relatively high daily outflow of commuters from Three Rivers into adjoining areas. We anticipate that to meet needs in Three Rivers the number of new homes provided should be matched by the number of new jobs at a ratio of 1:1. Ensure that new development prioritises and makes best use of previously developed land (PDL) The Local Plan continues to focus on previously developed land (PDL) and to promote well-designed and beautiful development with minimum impact on the environment, but, in general, the supply of previously developed land is falling. Development will be planned on a number of edge of settlement sites through the strategic release of Green Belt to make the best use of land. Ensure that necessary infrastructure and services are integrated within new developments where appropriate The Local plan seeks to provide enhanced access to infrastructure and services including health, education, transport and emergency services and that this is maintained or improved in the future, delivered as an integrated component of new developments. They also include access to high quality green spaces, cultural and community facilities and a network of open spaces rich in biodiversity offering multiple benefits to health and wellbeing through their social, environmental and recreational value. New deve lopment must address requirements for new and improved infrastructure through direct, on -site provision, planning obligations and/or through the Community Infrastructure Levy which applies to certain forms of new development. Support the viability, vitality and variety of shops and services within the district’s main settlements and villages. Ensuring that Abbots Langley, Chorleywood, Croxley Green, Rickmansworth, South Oxhey, Mill End, Maple Cross and Leavesden and Garston provide a good range of goods and services across the district will reduce the need to travel to centres further away, esp ecially to meet every day local needs, and will support local businesses. Retaining services in other smaller settlements will also help to enable these settlements to meet some of the day -to-day needs of their communities. Encourage active modes of travel and enable the integration of sustainable transport within new developments. The Local Plan seeks to promote reduced private car travel and a good network of safe and accessible cycling and walking routes. The district has high levels of car ownership but the alternatives to car travel will be encouraged to reduce impacts on the en vironment, congestion and to improve quality of life. Promoting alternatives to car travel through better public transport, and better opportunities for cycling and walking as well as for those with mobility issues will be a priority, including an opportun ity to create 20 -minute neighbourhoods. Ensuring that opportunities for sustainable transport are integrated as part of development is vital to help achieve a more sustainable District. It will also be important to integrate transport networks to enable people to change easily between road, rail, bus and cycle travel. Reduce the need to travel by locating development in sustainable and accessible locations. As well as ensuring that sustainable transport options are promoted and are integrated as part of development proposals, siting development at locations with good access to services, employment and a range of transport options, will be major contributors to achieving a more sustainable District. In doing so, full account will be taken of local needs and environmental, social and economic constraints, including flood risk and highways constraints and ensuring that the district’s high quality natural environm ent is maintained. Development will be focused on a number of urban sites and edge of settlement sites to prioritise land which is well served or can be well served by public transport. To conserve and enhance the historic environment and resist the loss of, or damage to, heritage assets. Three Rivers has a rich historic environment including many historic buildings, archaeological sites, historic structures, historic landscapes, spaces and Conservation Areas. There are over 350 Nationally Listed Buildings within Three Rivers and include historic homes such as Moor Park Mansion and Hunton Park, public houses, ecclesiastical buildings, and structures such as telephone kiosks, statues and bridges. These contribute towards the high quality of environment in the district and is an important reso urce bringing social, cultural, economic and environmental benefits to the community. The Local plan will seek to conserve heritage assets and their settings through appropriate control management of development and enhance the historic environment by promoting high quality design and a public realm that complements the existing historic environment, townscape and landscape character. Continue to tackle climate change and reduce the impacts on the environment by encouraging reductions in carbon emissions, waste, pollution, energy and water consumption and promoting the use of renewable energy and sustainable building materials. Three Rivers has declared a climate emergency and it is essential that the problem of climate change is tackled at all levels, including the local. This means the District aims to be an exemplar for low carbon development by promoting good design, sustainable construction, and the reuse of buildings and materials; minimise the use of natural resources, increase overall green coverage and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill and encouraging the use of water efficiency measures and a reduction in wate r consumption in order to protect future water supply. In addition, producing energy from local, renewable and low carbon sources will be promoted to become resilient to the impacts of climate change. Air pollutants (including dust and odour) have been sh own to have an adverse effect on both health and the environment and it will be important to consider emissions arising from development including indirect emissions, such as those attributable to associated traffic generation are considered. It also means dealing with the effects of extreme weather and potential flood risk through appropriate design and siting of development. The nature of the district does not lend itself to large -scale wind energy developments; however there are opportunities for smaller-scale wind and other renewable and low carbon energy opportunities. Provide opportunities for leisure, arts, sport and recreational activities within the district. Supporting the location and provision of suitable open space, children’s play space and sports facilities to meet future need will increase opportunities to exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle for the whole community will contribute to improving the health and wellbeing and to the quality of life of communities. Provide a coherent network of Green and Blue Infrastructure that will continue to support the natural environment along with human health and wellbeing. Three Rivers has visually attractive landscapes and important habitats for wildlife. There is however scope to develop and enhance the district’s Green and Blue Infrastructure by improving the diversity and connectivity of landscape and habitats, and through the conservation and enhancement of natural assets including the Chilterns National Landscape; the district’s Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Local Natu re Reserves and wildlife sites; and the district’s trees and woodlands. To conserve and enhance the corridors of the Rivers Chess, Colne and Gade and the Grand Union Canal. The Colne Valley Park, the Grand Union Canal and all river corridors including the Rivers Chess, Colne and Gade are particularly important assets to be conserved and enhanced as they provide Green Infrastructure connections across the whole district and into adjoining areas as well as providing space for water and biodiversity, a setting for development and opportunities for recreation and leisure. There are also a high number of heritage assets associated with the waterways which should be conserved and enhanced. Promote a sense of place, and safe and secure places through good design The Local plan seeks to promote safe and overlooked spaces to bring people together, create cohesive communities and foster a sense of a place. In addition, reducing crime, fear of crime and anti -social behaviour are key community priorities including and the Local plan seeks to achieve that by promoting good design and securing contributions towards increased police resources. Meet the demands of an ageing population whilst ensuring the district remains attractive and accessible to younger people Given the ageing population in the district, the Local Plan seeks to ensure that new homes provided are flexible and accessible to allow adaptations to meet changing needs; that neighbourhoods are welcoming, inclusive and accessible to people of all ages, regardless of age or wellbeing; and that there is sufficient provision of housing for older people including specialist care to meet needs. Health and Wellbeing The way that we plan and design places has a significant influence over whether communities are able to live healthy lives. The policies within the Local Plan aim to improve the health and wellbeing of all Three Rivers’ communities and to reduce health inequalities. To safeguard the Green Belt Through planning policies and site allocations, the Local Plan will safeguard as much of the district’s Green Belt as possible, whilst complying with National Policy. Protection and enhancement of biodiversity The Local Plan seeks t o protect, enhance, and restore biodiversity across Three Rivers, particularly protected and vulnerable species; deliver measurable biodiversity net gain; reduce fragmentation; further the aims of the L ocal Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) and ensure that development contributes positively to ecosystem resilience, climate adaptation, and the health and wellbeing of communities. Reasoned Justification: 3.5 The Vision for the district has been developed and informed by the key issues that have been identified from public consultations, evidence from studies and high-level strategies and priorities. It is supported by strategic objectives required to deliver that Vision and followed up by policies within the Local Plan. The vision for the district is designed to be broad and strategic addressing key issues which have been identified and are applicable to the district as a whole. 3.6 The original Vision and Strategic Objectives have been refined over time to reflect more accurately local aspirations and sustainability objectives and to be more focused and better refined and are likely to develop further and become more locally distinctive, as the policies and proposals in the Local Plan were fo