Northampton Central Area Action Plan 2013

7.1 The chapter seeks to:

Demonstrate the deliverability of the key regeneration projects included in this Area Action Plan by outlining the committed projects, the infrastructure which have been identified and the key partners involved in delivery
Provide an account of how each policy will be effectively monitored and the contingency plans

7.2 The Vision and Strategic Objectives for the Central Area evolved through consultation, national policies and the technical evidence base. Through this plan making process, policies have been formulated to fulfil the Vision for the Central Area by 2026. Table 7.2 ‘Schedule 1: Strategic Objectives and Central Area Action Plan Policy – Conformity Matrix’ demonstrates how each policy meets the each of the eight relevant strategic objectives.

7.3 Key to the success of these policies is their delivery. To ensure that the Council’s Vision for the Central Area is met, the Council will continue to work in partnership with a range of key stakeholder’s from the public, private, community and voluntary sectors to secure regeneration and to ensure that development management policies are complied with. These partnership arrangements will include (and / or their successor bodies where relevant) the:

West Northamptonshire Development Corporation
Northamptonshire County Council
Highways Agency
West Northamptonshire Joint Planning Unit
University of Northampton
Business Improvement District
Health care commissioning bodies

7.4 A monitoring system is required in order to assess the effective delivery of each policy. This chapter contains the following:

A summary of how each of the policies conforms to the relevant Strategic Objectives and Policies (Table 7.2 ‘Schedule 1: Strategic Objectives and Central Area Action Plan Policy – Conformity Matrix’).
A summary of the how the Council intends to monitor the effectiveness of the Central Area Action Plan policies (Table 7.4 ‘Schedule 3: Monitoring Central Area Action Plan Policies)’.
A summary of the key projects where there are commitments from delivery partners, and; where funding mechanisms are either in place or in the process of being sought (Table 7.3 ‘Schedule 2: Delivery of Key Development Projects (May 2012)’.

7.5 The successful delivery of the Central Area Action Plan’s key regeneration initiatives is reliant upon effective, coordinated and committed delivery from all key partners; as well as the ability to secure private commercial interest and investment. Within the Central Area a cautious but realistic approach to delivery of the ‘Strategic Objectives’ and the delivery of policies major development sites Chapter 6.1 ‘Major Development Sites Policies’ has been taken. However, this should not preclude the delivery of development in advance of the timescales set out in Appendix: G ‘Development Sites Indicative Outputs in the Plan Period’, provided that it does not prejudice the proper delivery of the plan and the Vision and Strategic Objectives.

7.6 There are various delivery models, which will be used to deliver these projects. Table 7.3 ‘Schedule 2: Delivery of Key Development Projects (May 2012)’ demonstrates the extent to which these models are being used and the status of key projects. The key models affecting the delivery of the Central Area Action Plan are outlined below.

7.7 For Northampton, a key delivery vehicle is the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation. In their role as enabler and deliverer, together with local authority partners, utility companies, community organisations and other key partners, they have worked towards the preparation of 5 key priority sites in Northampton. The Central Area’s infrastructure requirements will be incorporated into the West Northamptonshire Infrastructure Delivery Plan, which will be part of the West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy.

7.8 Growth Area Funds channelled through the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation have already been used to deliver some key projects in the Central Area, including improvements to the public realm along Black Lion Hill and Gold Street and to enable site assembly within the Waterside area.

7.9 The West Northamptonshire Development Corporation has the powers and the funds to undertake compulsory purchase orders, for example, at the Avon / Nunn Mills development site to enable delivery of suitable access to the site. As a delivery vehicle, West Northamptonshire Development Corporation has also engaged continuously with Network Rail as part of the need to redevelop Castle Station together with a mixed-use commercial scheme.

7.10 This delivery model requires involvement or funding from one or more agency, sharing joint objectives and cooperating together to ensure that these common objectives are met. In the broadest sense, this model covers all types of collaboration across the interface between the public and private sectors. It can be used to deliver policies, services and infrastructure through development agreements or similar joint venture arrangements.

7.11 Such agreements detail the matters that are required to enable the development work to start and have been used to progress:

The redevelopment of the Grosvenor Centre – In December 2009, a Development Agreement was signed between the Borough Council and Legal & General. This partnership will see the demolition of the Greyfriars bus station, the development of a replacement bus interchange at Fish Market and the expansion of retail and leisure provision for the Grosvenor Centre
The regeneration of St John’s development area – Planning permission for the development of student accommodation, ancillary communal facilities, gymnasium, educational training spaces and public realm works was approved in April 2012, which demonstrates the progress towards the regeneration of the St John’s strategic site. Construction began in July 2012.

7.12 Mainstream public funds have been the largest contributor to regeneration projects in the country and they involve, amongst others, funds from:

Homes and Communities Agency for the delivery of housing schemes and the regeneration of brownfield sites, including enabling works. This funding stream has been used in the Central Area at Ransome Road
Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership for the delivery of economic regeneration initiatives and marketing tools, including improvements. This funding stream has been used in the Central Area in the Market Square
Local Transport Plan for the delivery of key transport programmes such as junction improvements. This delivery mechanism has been used to change the character of the inner ring road along Horsemarket to improve pedestrian and cycle movement within the Central Area.

7.13 The Borough Council will continue to seek funding from these and other emerging agencies including the Local Economic Partnerships.

7.14 It is essential that development contributes appropriately, either financially and/or in kind towards the infrastructure that is required to make it acceptable and that it is brought forward at the right time. This will ensure that the growth and regeneration objectives for the Central Area are achieved.

7.15 Currently, there are two mechanisms in legislation for attaining contributions from development:

The Community Infrastructure Levy (a standard infrastructure charge that local authorities can set through an approved charging schedule for different types of development)
Planning obligations (generally on site, or off-site non-strategic infrastructure) through Section 106 of the Planning Act

7.16 The West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy, will set out the strategic approach to infrastructure provision that will be sought in association with new developments across Northampton, Daventry and South Northamptonshire through the Infrastructure Delivery Plan. This will identify infrastructure, which will require funding through pooled contributions from more than one development, as well as that which will be provided through Section 106 Agreements or from the public purse, or from a combination of sources. The Central Area Action Plan has sought to identify where site-specific contributions towards identified pieces of infrastructure
will be required. The financial cost of these contributions can be offset against any general requirements set out in the West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy and to be funded through the Community Infrastructure Levy.

7.17 The West Northamptonshire Infrastructure Delivery Plan is currently under review. In respect of developer contributions, a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) on Planning Obligations will be completed in
2013. This document will address the delivery of strategic infrastructure requirements by means of the Community Infrastructure Levy or Planning Obligations, as outlined above.

7.18 Within the Central Area, developer obligations will be sought as appropriate for the following:

Public realm improvements
Public Transport
Highways improvements and site access
Pedestrian and Cycleway Improvements
New or improved educational facilities/resources
New and improved health facilities/resources
Community safety initiatives
New or improved infrastructure provision, for example, water, sewerage, electricity and flood mitigation
New or improved recreational facilities
Wildlife/ Habitat protection and enhancement
Green infrastructure
Affordable housing

7.19 The development site policies in Chapter 6 of this Plan set out relevant site specific contributions to infrastructure. New developments should meet their own infrastructure needs, whether for transport, utilities or other infrastructure. Residential schemes will be expected to make provision for affordable housing in accordance with the approved policy. Where development viability will be affected by the cost of planning obligations to such an extent that it is unlikely that the development will proceed, developers will be asked to submit a financial appraisal to support their case.

Policy 36:Infrastructure Delivery

The Borough Council will require, by securing the direct provision of infrastructure and / or developer contributions, that all new developments provide the appropriate on and off-site infrastructure to mitigate the impact of development on the existing community and to provide the facilities needed, to support the new development.

The required provision of infrastructure and / or developer contributions will be sought by a requirement, as
appropriate, for a Planning Agreement with the developer in accordance with paragraphs 203 – 206 of the
National Planning Policy Framework and / or developer contributions to strategic infrastructure being sought
in accordance with the policies and approach required within the West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy.

The Borough Council will require developers to demonstrate that full consideration has been given to infrastructure requirements, in conjunction with the appropriate service providers and to establish that, within the timescales required:

Adequate capacity exists to provide for the development
New provision will be proposed either directly and / or by financial contribution and / or by proposals for the more efficient use of existing services or the promotion of behavioural change, sufficient to be equivalent to new service provision.

In the event that the developer considers that the required level of infrastructure provision is unduly onerous and will prejudice the delivery of the development proposals, the Borough Council will require the developer to undertake a Viability Assessment as part of the further consideration of an agreement linked to the determination of the development application.

The provision of infrastructure will be linked to the phasing of development in the Infrastructure Delivery Plan for West Northamptonshire, which programmes the coordinated delivery of supporting funding and the assembly of developer contributions. The infrastructure provision will be coordinated and delivered in partnership with local
authorities and agencies in West Northamptonshire and appropriate service providers, to ensure that the development proposals are delivered in a coordinated manner ensuring that proposals form part of the sustainable
growth of Northampton Central Area and Borough.

Policy 36 : INTERACTIVE MAPPING

7.20 This section demonstrates the capacity and capability of delivery of proposed development and the amount and the time frame for doing so. This is summarised in Table 7.1 ‘Summary of Indicative Outputs by Phases 2011-2026’). Potential outputs from the Action Plan are detailed in Development Sites: Indicative Outputs in the Plan Period where the land use components and indicative phasing for the major development sites are listed.

7.21 Delivery of the infrastructure will be dependent upon maximising the contribution from the development process. However, a significant contribution from the public purse will also be necessary. Central Government has a key role in providing the necessary investment to achieve sustainable growth within West Northamptonshire. As well as capital investment it will need to provide appropriate revenue support to those agencies required to manage or serve such development.

7.22 It is important that the infrastructure required by local communities is delivered when the need arises. Whilst better management of projects has a key role to play, the timing of infrastructure delivery will need to take account of all the funding streams available to local communities. The process of infrastructure provision involves
a wide range of organisations providing services. Full and effective partnership working will be essential for successful delivery through agreed investment and delivery plans.

7.23 Development outputs for the major development sites will be set out in detailed Masterplans and in the development site policies (Chapter 6.1 ‘Major Development Sites Policies’) contained within the Action Plan. Appendix: H ‘Potential Housing Sites (West Northamptonshire Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment) Outside Major Development Sites’ lists sites considered to be suitable for housing from the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment. There is considerable potential for these smaller sites to contribute to housing growth
within the Central Area. This contribution could be made in the early phases of the Action Plan (Phase 1: 2011-2016) at a time when, due to lead in times, the larger sites are likely to have a relatively limited output.

7.24 On the basis of available information, indicative outputs by site are identified and detailed in Appendix G. ‘Development Sites: Indicative Outputs in the Plan Period’. A summary of these outputs is given in Table 7.1 ‘Summary of Indicative Outputs by Phases 2011-2026’. The distribution of major development sites and phased completions is shown in Table 7.3 ‘Schedule 2: Delivery of Key Development Projects.

Table 7.1 Summary of Indicative Outputs by Phases 2011-2026
	Totals
Use	All Sites	Phase 1 2011-2016	Phase 2 2016-2021	Phase 3 2021-2026
Retail - (square metres)	71,050-74,050	4,000	66,050-69,050	1,000
Hotels - (beds)	405 - 480	105	50-75	250+
Offices - (square metres)	132,500	28,500	96,000	8,000
Housing - (Dwellings)	3,437	529	1,523	1,385

7.25 The CAAP contains 36 policies, in addition to the key overarching policy associated with “presumption in favour of sustainable development” which each proposal will be determined against. On adoption these replace some of the saved policies and proposals contained in the Northampton Local Plan 1997. The relevant saved policies replaced are identified in Appendix: I. ‘List of Northampton Local Plan (1997) Policies that are replaced by the Policies within the Central Area Action Plan’.

7.26 Each of the policies will need to be monitored. Some of the policies can be monitored through interrogation of planning approvals, refusals and appeals. Others will be monitored through the targets and
timescale set down for each projects or the completions. The effectiveness of each of these policies will be determined generally through the:

Strength in which these policies have been successfully used to refuse unacceptable developments and defend the decision at appeals.
Successful delivery of each phase of the projects within the stated timescales.
Completion and implementation of the relevant planning agreements/ Section 106 Agreements.

Table 7.2 Schedule 1: Strategic Objectives and Central Area Action Plan Policy Conformity Matrix
	Strategic Objectives
Policy	SO1	SO2	SO3	SO4	SO5	SO6	SO7	SO8
Promoting design excellence (Policy 1)		X	X	X		X
Tall Buildings (Policy 2)		X		X
Public Realm (Policy 3)		X		X		X
Green Infrastructure (Policy 4)				X		X		X
Flood Risk and Drainage (Policy 5)								X
Inner Ring Road (Policy 6)				X	X	X		X
Bus Interchange: Fishmarket (Policy 7)					X			X
Safeguarded Public Transport Route (Policy 8)				X	X
Pedestrian and Cycle Framework (Policy 9)				X	X
Parking (Policy 10)					X
Town Centre boundary (Policy 11)	X		X					X
Definition of Primary Shopping Area (Policy 12)	X							X
Improving the Retail Offer (Policy 13)	X							X
Meeting Retail Capacity (Policy 14)	X							X
Office and Business Use (Policy 15)	X	X						X
Central Area Living (Policy 16)		X					X	X
Grosvenor Centre (Policy 17)	X	X	X	X	X	X		X
Abington Street East (Policy 18)	X	X
Castle Station (Policy 19)	X	X
St. John's (Policy 20)	X	X	X	X		X	X	X
Angel Street (Policy 21)	X	X	X	X		X	X	X
Bridge Street (Policy 22)	X	X	X	X		X	X	X
Upper Mounts/Great Russell Street (Policy 23)	X	X		X				X
Spring Boroughs (Policy 24)		X		X		X	X	X
The Waterside (Policy 25)	X					X
The Waterside: Brampton Branch St. Peter's Way (Policy 26)	X	X	X	X		X	X	X
The Waterside: Southbridge West (Policy 27)	X	X	X	X		X	X	X
The Waterside: Avon/Nunn Mills/Ransome Road (Policy 28)	X	X	X	X		X	X	X
The Waterside: Becket's Park (Policy 29)	X	X	X	X		X	X	X
The Waterside: Nene Meadows (Policy 30)				X		X		X
Market Square (Policy (31)	X	X	X	X				X
Drapery (Policy 32)	X	X		X				X
Freeschool Street (Policy 33)	X	X		X				X
Former Royal Mail Sorting Office (Policy 34)	X	X						X
Telephone Exchange, Spring Boroughs (Policy 35)	X	X					X	X
Infrastructure Delivery (Policy 36)	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X

References within the table:

NBC: Northampton Borough Council

NCC: Northamptonshire County Council

WNDC: West Northamptonshire Development Corporation

EA: Environment Agency

HCA: Homes and Communities Agency

RNRP: River Nene Regional Park

Table 7.3 Schedule 2: Delivery of Key Development Projects (May 2012)
Where	When (Timescale for delivery)	Why	Specific development requirements	Lead delivery organisation	Estimated Cost	Sources of funding	Any dependencies	Project Status
Fishmarket (Policy 7)	CAAP Phase 1	To replace Greyfriars Bus Station	Bus interchange providing sufficient capacity for bus demand up to 2026	NBC; NCC; WNDC; Bus operators	£5m	NBC; WNDC; NCC		Planning application approved in July 2012
Grosvenor Centre (Policy 17)	Anticipated demolition of the Greyfriars bus station and start of works for extension 2013; opening of Grosvenor Centre (Phase 1) 2017; completion of Grosvenor Centre (Phase 2) 2018 (CAAP Phases 1 and 2)	To improve and increase retail capacity and upgrade facilities; improve connectivity within the Town Centre	Retail (37,000 m2)	NBC; Legal and General; WNDC; NCC	£220m	Public and private sector funding	Bus station relocation to enable demolition of Greyfriars bus station	Development Agreement between L&G and NBC signed 2009; pre-application discussions commenced 2012
Abington Street East (Policy 18)	CAAP Phase 2	To increase retail offer	Retail (9,000 m2); opportunity for continued provision of library and clinic services	NBC; NCC; PCT; NHS Foundation Trust	£6m	NBC; NCC; Private Sector	Potential to relocate library
Castle Station (Policy 19)	Completion of GRIP 5 (Detailed design), 2013. Completion of GRIP 6 (Construction), 2015 (CAAP Phase 2)	To modernise station facility; increase operational capacity; maximise parking facilities; increase commercial offer and residential accommodation; to assist in regeneration of Spring Boroughs; improve connectivity with the wider Central Area	New passenger railway station; Ancillary retail; residential (2700 units); office (26,000 m2); new cap parking	NBC; NCC; WNDC; NEP; Network Rail; London Midland; Dept of Transport	£44m	NBC; WNDC; Network Rail; Private Sector Developers; Government funding	Securement of public funding; Completion of the station redevelopment to release land for delivery of commercial and residential elements	GRIP 4 (single option development) now complete. 'Prior Approval' (under permitted development powers) granted 2011; Government funding secured to deliver station building
St. John's (Policy 20)	CAAP Phase 1	To strengthen cultural offer; increase commercial and leisure offer and residential accommodation; improve connectivity with the wider Central Area	Office (10,000 m2); hotel (105 bed); retail (A3) 200 m2); student accommodation (c.464 units)	NBC; NCC; Private Sector Developers; NEP/SEMLEP	£18m	NBC; NCC; Private Sector Developers; NEP/SEMLEP	Access from Victoria Promenade	planning application for student accommodation approved 2012; St John's surface car park closure 2012
Angel Street (Policy 21)	Start CAAP Phase2; complete CAAP Phase 3	To strengthen cultural offer; increase commercial and leisure offer and residential accommodation; improve connectivity with the wider Central Area	Office (27,000 m2); hotel; residential (62 units); public civic space, mixed use development; small scale retail,financial services cafes, restaurants and bars	NBC; NCC; Private Sector Developers	£30m	NBC; NCC; Private Sector Developers	In the short term: NCC decision to relocate operation to town centre location; medium to long term: commercial potential to redevelop site	Full planning application expected 2012; business case being finalised to access viability of NCC relocating to town centre
Bridge Street (Policy 22)	CAAP Phase 3	To strengthen cultural offer; increase commercial and leisure offer and residential accommodation; improve connectivity with the wider Central Area	Office (8,000 m2); residential (34 units); small scale retail; financial services	NBC; NCC; Private Sector Developers	£11m	NBC; NCC; Private Sector Developers		Given current limitations to public finances it is unlikely the proposed regeneration can take place until after 2021
Upper Mounts/Great Russell Street (Policy 23)	CAAP Phase 3	Achieve comprehensive redevelopment between The Mounts and Clare Street; increase commercial and leisure offer and residential accommodation; improve connectivity with the wider Central Area	Mixed use scheme to include some / all of the following: residential; office; leisure, community and educational facilities; small scale retailing	NBC; Private Sector Developers	£4m	NBC; Private Sector Developers	Land assembly	Land owners willing to develop but waiting for market conditions to improve to initiate development
Spring Boroughs (Policy 24)	CAAP Phase 3	To meet Government requirements for Decent homes Standards; improve the environmental and living conditions for residents, improve connectivity to the wider Central Area; increase employment opportunities	To be determined through the Neighbourhood Planning process	NBC; Local Community; Housing Associations / Registered Social Landlords	Unknown	NBC; Housing Associations / Registered Social Landlords; Private Sector	Community engagement for future planning	2011 sucessful bid to fund development of Neighbourhood Plan. 2012 Decent Homes Programme and the Community Energy Saving Partnership programme initiated
The Waterside: St Peter's Way (Policy 26)	Start CAAP Phase 1; Complete CAAP Phase 3	For effective integration between the Waterside and Central Area; to increase commercial and leisure offer and residential accommodation	office (43,000 m2); residential (270 units); public civic space	NBC; NCC; WNDC; National Grid; Carlesberg; University of Northampton	£73m plus costs associated with de-commissioning gas holders	WNDC; University of Northampton; Private Sector Developers; Government funding	The successful removal and decontamination of the gas holders; Flood risk mitigation; junction and highway related improvements to enable access and to cope with capacity issues	Formal decision on decommissioning of Gas Holders expected 2012. WNDC now owns most freehold properties. Compulsory Purchase underway on remaining freeholds / land between Castle Station and gasholder.
The Waterside: Southbridge West (Policy 27)	CAAP Phase 3	Development fitting for a Gateway location; improve pedestrian access along the rivers edge	Hotel (100 bed); leisure, residential or office useage (2,000 m2)	NBC; Private Sector	£8.5m	Private sector	Floor risk mitigation
The Waterside: Avon / Nunn Mills / Ransome Road (Policy 28)	Start CAAP Phase 1; Complete CAAP Phase 3	For effective integration between the Waterside and Central Area; to increase residential accommodation, retail, leisure and commercial offer; education use connected with University of Northampton would also be acceptable in principle.	Office (16,000 m2); retail (2,000 m2); hotel (50-75 bed); residential (2,000 units); school; new public open space	NBC; NCC; WNDC; Network Rail; HCA; University of Northampton	£180m	WNDC, HCA and Private Sector Developers; University of Northampton	Compulsory Purchase Order of transfer of rail access (Nunn Mills); Future of disused railway line; Impact on A45 junction improvements; Flood risk mitigation; Land decontamination; New access corridor from Bedford Road to London Road	NBC and HCA agreement to provide land to enable link from Bedford Road to Ransome Road; WNDC initiated Compulsory Purchase of land at Avon / Nunn Mills; HCA procurring development partner to deliver Ransome Road - confirmation anticipated 2012-05-16 London Road / Ransome Road junction completed
The Waterside: Becket's Park (Policy 29)	CAAP Phase 1	To capitalise on the benefits of the river and river frontage; to improve the quality of the park and reconnect with the wider Central Area; provision of a leisure facility to increase activity and create safer environment	Leisure / recreational facility (500 m2); enabling development (residential or office)	NBC	£8.5m	Private sector	Flood risk mitigation
The Waterside: Nene Meadows (Policy 30)	Start CAAP Phase 1; Complete CAAP Phase 2	To capitalise on the benefits of the river and river frontage and reconnect the site with the wider Central Area; create a strategic leisure and recreational facility that benefits people and wildlife	Leisure / recreational facility (250 m2); footpath / cycleway network; new river crossings; Local Nature Reserve enhancements; removal of earth bund; small scale interventions to increase leisure and recreational opportunities	NBC: Sustrans, EA, and Northamptonshire Wildlife Trust	£6.7m	NBC; Sustrans, EA, and Northamptonshire Wildlife Trust; private sector	Securing funding streams	Skatepark completed in 2012; Supplementary Planning Document being developed 2012
The Drapery (Policy 32)	CAAP Phase 2	To increase retail capacity; extend the Primary Shopping Area; improve connectivity within the Town Centre	Retail (17,000 m2); link between Drapery and Collage Street	NBC; private secor	£20m	Private sector	Delivery of Grosvenor Centre redevelopment
Freeschool Street (Policy 33)		To increase retail capacity; extend the Primary Shopping Area; improve connectivity to Waterside and Town Centre	Office (2,500 m2); residential (50 units); small scale retail (c. 250 sq m) incorporating ground floor restaurant / cafe facilities; landmark building on corner of St Peter's Way and Horseshoe Street	NBC; SEMLEP / NEP; Private sector	£5.5m	NBC; SEMLEP / NEP; Private sector	The sucessful removal and decontamination of the gas holders; Land assembly; Protection and enhancement of Scheduled Monument
Royal Mail Barrack Road (Policy 34)	CAAP Phase 1	To increase offer and / or residential accommodation; improve connectivity with the wider Central Area	Redevelop / convert site for business / residential use	NBC; Private Sector Developers	£4m	Private Sector Developers	Viability for the reuse or demolition of the building
Telephone Exchange (Policy 35)	CAAP Phase 3	Area enhancements by the removal of the telephone exchange which has a negative impact on the surrounding conservation area	Dwellings (50 units)	NBC; Private Sector Developers	£7m	Private Sector Developers	Decommissioning of telephone exchange

References within the table:

EA: Environment Agency

EH: English Heritage

GRIP: Governance for Railway Investment Projects

HCA: Homes and Communities Agency

NBC: Northampton Borough Council

NCC: Northamptonshire County Council

NEP: Northampton Enterprise Partnership

SEMLEP: South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership

WNDC: West Northamptonshire Development Corporation

CAAP Phasing Schedule:

Phase 1: 2011 to 2016
Phase 2: 2016 to 2021
Phase 3: 2021 to 2026

7.27 The Government requires local authorities to undertake an effective monitoring of its policies through the Annual Monitoring Report, which provides details on how policies in the Local Development Documents are being achieved. In order to comply with legal requirements the policies in the Action Plan must be capable of being assessed and monitored. The criteria for this assessment and monitoring are set out in Table 7.4 ‘Monitoring Framework’ below.

Table 7.4 Monitoring Framework
Strategic Objective 1 - Regeneration
Objective: Expanding retail, town centre facilities and the scale of employment opportunities in the centre to match Northampton's future role as a Principal Urban Area at the heart of its sub-region, maximising the use of previously developed land
Policy Numbers:	Policy 3, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22,23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33
Indicator	Target	Main Policy Delivered	Additional policies delivered	SA Objective delivered	Main Agencies for delivery / Source for monitoring data	Trigger	Contingencies
Amount of gross retail convenience floorspace in town centre	4,500 m2 gross convenience (food) shopping floorspace for period 2026	Policy 11,12,13, 14	Not site specific	SA10	NBC, WNDC, Developers / NBC, WNJPU	>4,500 m2 gross convenience floorspce permitted 2026 <1,500m2 gross convenience floorspace permitted by 2021	Review evidence base Consider review of policy
Amount of new gross retail comparison floorspace created in Northampton Town Centre	61,000 m2 gross comparison shopping floorspace for period 2026	Policy 11,12,13, 14	Policy 17, 18, 32	SA10	NBC, WNDC, Developers / NBC, WNJPU	Grosvenor Centre extension not commenced by 2016 <37,000 m2 gross comparison shopping floorspace delivered by 2021 >61,000 m2 gross comparison shopping approved floorspace for period 2026	Review evidence base Consider barriers to implementation Consider review of policy If the Grosvenor redevelopment does not go ahead, there will be an opportunity to capitalise on the Greyfriars site through another development.
Annual analysis of approvals for change of use and new developments for employment use, broken down into B1, B2, B8 use classes order	Planning permissions for developments for up to 98,500 gross sqaure metres of office space by 2016 Developments for up to 132,500 gross square metres of office space by 2021 No loss of safeguarded sites to non town centre uses	Policy 11, 15	Policy 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 28,33	SA10	WNDC, Private Sector, NBC, Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership, Enterprise Zone / NBC, WNJPU	<5,000 M2 gross completions by 2016 <50,000 m2 gross completions by 2021	Identify reasons changes and if jobs are being created faster or slower than expected Consider allocation of additional employment land Work with developers / land owners to develop viable and suitable schemes Review policy
Annual analysis of approvals for leisure / community uses	Delivery of leisure facilities such as ancillary retailing, cafes, restaurants, bars, visitor centre, cycle hire (Policy 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, and 33) Delivery of greater access to use the river and canal for a wide range of recreational activities (Policy 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)	Policy 11, 25	Policy 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 and 33	SA14	NBC, NCC, Northamptonshire Wildlife Trust, EA, Private Sector / NBC, WNJPU	Each development listed in 'additional policies delivered' as well as each phase not commenced by the year set out in Table 7.3 and Table G.1 Each phase of Policy 26 Brampton Brancgh St Peter's Way development is not commenced by the year set out in Table G.1 Policy 27 Southbridge West is not commenced by 2021 Phase 2 of Policy 28 Avon Nunn Mills / Ransome Road is not commenced by 2021 (Table G.1) Leisure facilities in Policy 29 Becket's Park are not completed by 2021 Policy 30 Nene Meadows	Policy reviews as part of the revision to the Central Area Action Plan to assess the future potential of the Waterside site. A revised Waterside Masterplan may need to be commissioned to inform the Central Area Action Plan review process.
Annual analysis of % of A3 within defined frontage	The Market Square will become the central attraction for retail and leisure uses in the Borough 40% net increase in A3 frontage in Market Square West and Market Square South to repalce existing non A1 uses.	Policy 31	Policy 3, 13	SA14	NBC, Private Sector, Town Centre BID, Town Centre Operations / NBC, WNJPU	<12% increase in A3 frontage in Market Square West by 2021 <18% increase in A3 frontage in Market Square South by 2021	The thresholds for non A1 use in primary and secondary frontages around Market Square may need to be increased following further consultation and health checks.
Annual analysis of footfall for Town Centre	18.5% net increase in footfall in Town Centre	Policy 11, 12, 13, 14, 15,	Policy 3, 7, 9, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32	SA14	NBC, Private Sector, Town Centre BID, Town Centre Operations / NBC, WNJPU, Town Centre Operations, Town Centre Health Check	<15% footfall in Market Square by 2021	Policy review

Strategic Objective 2 - A well designed Town Centre
Objective: Ensuring development of the highest standard that re fl ects the rich architectural heritage assets, while contributing to the rich architectural heritage and adding to the sense of place
Policy Numbers:	Policy 1, 2, 3, 4, 17,18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36
Indicator	Target	Main Policy Delivered	Additional Policies Delivered	SA Objective Delivered?	Main Agencies for delivery /Source for monitoring data	Trigger	Contingencies
Annual town centre health check identifying people’s perception of safety, general impression of the town centre.	Improved perception of town centre from users related to safety	Policy 1, 2, 3, 4, 25	Policy 17,18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36	SA7, SA11, SA12	NBC, WNDC, NCC, Private Sector, Town Centre BID, Town Centre Operations / NBC, WNJPU, Town Centre Health Check	No improved perception of town centre from users related to safety by 2016	Policy review as part of the revision to the Central Area Action Plan Review processes for determining applications, e.g. additional supporting document such as design guides
Annual analysis of heritage assets	No net increase in number of heritage assets at risk	Policy1, 2, 3, 6, 9	Site- specifi c policies	SA14	NBC, Developers, WNDC, English Heritage	Increase in number of heritage assets at risk Permissions granted where there was an unresolved objection from English Heritage, NBC and NCC conservation teams	Identify cause and consider justifi cation.

Strategic Objective 3 - A destination of choice
Objective: Revitalising the Market Square at the heart of the Town Centre and create and develop cultural initiatives based around St John’s and the Derngate Theatre area
Policy Numbers:	Policy 1, 3, 7, 11, 12, 13, 17, 20, 21, 22, 31, 32, 36
Indicator	Target	Main Policy Delivered	Additional Policies Delivered	SA Objective Delivered?	Main Agencies for delivery /Source for monitoring data	Trigger	Contingencies
Annual analysis of footfall for retail and events of the Market Square	The Market Square will become the central attraction for retail and leisure uses in the Borough 18.5% net increase in footfall in Market Square	Policy 3, 31	Policy 7, 11, 12, 13, 17, 32	SA14	NBC, private sector, Town Centre BID, Town Centre Operations / NBC, WNJPU, Town Centre Operation	<15 % footfall in Market Square by 2021	The thresholds for primary and secondary frontages around Market Square may need to be increased following further consultation and health checks
Completion of key projects related Market Square and St John’s area	Completion of Policy 3 Public Realm Improvement, Policy 7 Bus Interchange, Policy 17 Grosvenor Centre, Policy 20 St John’s, Policy 21 Angel Street, Policy 22 Bridge Street and Policy 32 Drapery	Policy 3, 7, 17, 20, 21, 22, 32	Policy 1, 36	SA10, SA14	NBC, NCC, WNDC, Private Sector, University of Northampton / NBC, WNJPU	Each development listed in ‘Main Policies Delivered’ not commenced by the year set out in Table G. 1 (Appendix G)	Policy review as part of the revision to the Central Area Action Plan
Annual analysis of stall occupancy in Market Square	Stable occupancy of permanent /casual traders by 2016 5% increase in permanent/casual traders occupancy by 202	Policy 31		SA14	NBC, Private Sector, Town Centre BID, Town Centre Operations / NBC, WNJPU, Town Centre Operations	5% decrease in permanent/casual traders occupancy by 2016	Policy review as part of the revision to the Central Area Action Plan
Increase in fl oorspace for cultural initiatives such as cinema, theatre, museum and art gallery	600 sqm gross increase of fl oorspace for use by cultural initiatives by 2021	Policy 11	Policy 20, 21, 22	SA14, 15	NBC, Private Sector, Derngate Theatre / NBC, WNJPU	No increase of fl oorspace for use by cultural initiatives by 2021	Policy review as part of the revision to the Central Area Action Plan

Strategic Objective 4 - A walkable centre
Objective: Making the Central Area pedestrian friendly and ‘walkable’, with an improved public realm and linkages between key destinations
Policy Numbers:	Policy 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 17, 20, 21, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36
Indicator	Target	Main Policy Delivered	Additional Policies Delivered	SA Objective Delivered?	Main Agencies for delivery /Source for monitoring data	Trigger	Contingencies
Increase in the length of pedestrian footpaths	1km of ‘strategic link’ footpaths completed (St Johns to Delapre) by 2021 1km of footpaths completed for leisure uses (Waterside/Avon Nunn Mills/ Nene Meadows/ St Peters Way) by 2026 Completion of removal of subways by 2021 Ring Road reconfi guration is commenced by 2026	Policy 1,3, 6, 9, 25	Policy 4, 10, 17,20, 21, 26,27, 28, 29,30, 31, 32,33, 34, 36	SA1	NBC,WNDC,NCC, Private Sector/NBC, WNJPU	<1km of strategic footpaths completed by 2021 Inner Ring Road SPD not commenced by 2016 No removal of subways by 2021 <1km of footpaths for leisure purpose created by 2026	Policy review as part of the revision to the Central Area Action Plan
Amount of existing pedestrian environment improved to the quality consistent with PRIF	1km of footpath improved (Grosvenor Centre, Abington Street and Market Square) by 2026	Policy 1,3, 6, 8, 9, 25	Policy 4,7, 10,17, 23, 31, 32, 36	SA1	NBC,WNDC,NCC, Private Sector/NBC, WNJPU	<500m increase by 2021	Policy review as part of the revision to the Central Area Action Plan

Strategic Objective 5 - Public transport and cycling
Objective: Ensuring good public transport and cycle accessibility
Policy Numbers:	Policy 1, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 17, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36
Indicator	Target	Main Policy Delivered	Additional Policies Delivered	SA Objective Delivered?	Main Agencies for delivery /Source for monitoring data	Trigger	Contingencies
Increase in the length of high quality cycle routes	1km of strategic cycle routes improved (St Johns to Delapre) by 2021 1km of cycle routes for leisure uses (Waterside/ Avon Nunn Mills/ Nene Meadows/ St Peters Way) by 2026 Ring Road reconfi guration is commenced by 2026	Policy 1, 3, 6, 9, 25	Policy 4, 10, 17, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36	SA1	NBC,WNDC,NCC, Private Sector/NBC, WNJPU	<<1km of strategic routes improved by 2021 Inner Ring Road SPD not commenced by 2016 <1km of footpaths for leisure purpose created by 2026	Policy review as part of the revision to the Central Area Action Plan
Amount of existing cycle environment improved to the quality consistent with PRIF	1km of strategic cycle routes improved (St Johns to Delapre) by 2021 1km of cycle routes for leisure uses (Waterside/ Avon Nunn Mills/ Nene Meadows/ St Peters Way) by 2026 Ring Road reconfi guration is commenced by 2026	Policy 1, 3, 6, 9, 25	Policy 4, 10, 17, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36	SA1	NBC, WNDC, Private Sector /NBC, WNJPU	<1km of strategic routes ways improved by 2021 Inner Ring Road SPD not commenced by 2016 <1km of footpaths for leisure purpose created by 2026

Strategic Objective 5 - Public transport and cycling
Objective: Ensuring good public transport and cycle accessibility
Policy Numbers:	Policy 1, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 17, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36
Indicator	Target	Main Policy Delivered	Additional Policies Delivered	SA Objective Delivered?	Main Agencies for delivery /Source for monitoring data	Trigger	Contingencies
Delivery of a new bus interchange	Completion of Bus Interchange by 2016	Policy 7	N/A	SA1	NBC,WNDC, NCC, Private Sector /NBC, WNJPU	Bus Interchange Not completed By 2016	Policy review as part of the revision to the Central Area Action Plan
Any decommissioned railway between Brackmills and Castle Station is transformed into public transport / cycle / pedestrian route	Some decommissioning of railway between Brackmills and Castle Station by 2026	Policy 8	N/A	SA1	NBC, WNDC, NCC, Private Sector /NBC, WNJPU	No decommissioning by 2021	Policy review as part of the revision to the Central Area Action Plan
Annual analysis of number of bus users	18.5% increase in number of bus users by 2026	Policy 7, 14, 15	Policy 10	SA1	NBC, WNDC, NCC, Private Sector /NBC, NCC, WNJPU	<15 % increase in number of bus users by 2026	Policy review as part of the revision to the Central Area Action Plan

Strategic Objective 6 - A Safer Environment
Objective: Providing an appealing and safe environment within the urban framework and along the Waterside
Policy Numbers:	Policy 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35
Indicator	Target	Main Policy Delivered	Additional Policies Delivered	SA Objective Delivered?	Main Agencies for delivery /Source for monitoring data	Trigger	Contingencies
Areas of town centre subject to public realm improvement	Completion of public realm improvement in Grosvenor Centre, Abington Street, The Drapery and Market Square) by 2026	Policy 1 and 3	Policy 4, 6, 7, 9, 17, 18, 23, 31, 32	SA7	NBC, WNDC, NCC, Private Sector /NBC, WNJPU	Public realm improvement in Grosvenor Centre, Abington Street, The Drapery and Market Square) not completed by 2026	Policy review as part of the revision to the Central Area Action Plan
Crime measures in town centre	Decrease of crime in physical assaults, fear of crime, robbery.	Policy 1, 3 and 25	Policy6 ,7, 9, 17, 18,19, 20, 21,22, 23, 24,26, 27, 28,29, 30, 31,32, 33, 34,35	SA7	NBC, WNDC, Private Sector, Northamptonshire Police / NBC, Northamptonshire Police, WNJPU, Town Centre Health Check	Increase in crime	Identify barriers to good crime prevention by design Review processes for determining applications to deliver good design, e.g. additional supporting document such as design guides Consider policy review

Strategic Objective 7 - Repopulate the Central Area
Objective: Substantially increasing the resident population through the redevelopment of redundant industrial areas and the regeneration of Spring Boroughs
Policy Numbers:	Policy 16, 19, 22, 23, 24, 26, 28
Indicator	Target	Main Policy Delivered	Additional Policies Delivered	SA Objective Delivered?	Main Agencies for delivery /Source for monitoring data	Trigger	Contingencies
Annual analysis of approvals for change of use and new developments for housing and student accommodation	Completion of 3,900 dwellings by 2026	Policy 16	Policy 19,22, 23, 24, 26, 28	SA14	NBC, WNDC, Private Sector, University of Northampton / NBC, WNJPU	Each development listed in ‘Additional Policies delivered’ not commenced by the year set out in Table G.1 (Appendix G).	Work with developer / land owner to produce a viable and suitable scheme

Strategic Objective 8 - Sustainability
Objective: Ensuring the Central Area develops in a sustainable manner and helps create a positive framework for action on climate change
Policy Numbers:	Policy 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36
Indicator	Target	Main Policy Delivered	Additional Policies Delivered	SA Objective Delivered?	Main Agencies for delivery /Source for monitoring data	Trigger	Contingencies
Minimum Code for Sustainable Homes Ratings for Residential Development (Unless clearly demonstrated to prevent development viability	Planning Permissions: 100% achievement of Level 3 now, and 100% Zero carbon standard from 2016.	Policy 16	Policy1,2,19,22, 23,24, 26, 28	SA8	NBC, WNDC, Developers / NBC, Building Control, WNJPU	Either: % new homes failing to meet current national standard > 10% or % new homes where viability analysis justifi es relaxation > 15%	Further discussions with developers on viability Consider a review of policy

Strategic Objective 8 - Sustainability
Objective: Ensuring the Central Area develops in a sustainable manner and helps create a positive framework for action on climate change
Policy Numbers:	Policy 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36
Indicator	Target	Main Policy Delivered	Additional Policies Delivered	SA Objective Delivered?	Main Agencies for delivery /Source for monitoring data	Trigger	Contingencies
BREEAM Standards for Non-Residential Development	Planning Permissions for Non-Residential Development over 500m2 to achieve a rating of at least ‘Very Good Standard’	Policy 14,15,	Policy 1, 2, 7, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 32, 33,	SA8	Developers, NBC, Commercial Users, WNDC / NBC, Building Control, WNDC, WNJPU	>10% of qualifying developments fail to achieve the standard	Review with Development Management Identify barriers preventing achievement
Planning Permissions Granted Contrary to EA Advice on Water Quality or Flood Risk Grounds after failing the Sequential and / or exceptions test	No applications should be granted contrary to EA Advice	Policy 4, 5,25	Policy 9,19, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29,30 36	SA8, SA20, SA21, SA22	Environment Agency, NCC through Water Management Plan), NBC, Developers, WNDC/ Environment Agency Response-Objections to Applications, NBC, WNDC, WNJPU	Permission granted contrary to advice	Identify cause and consider justifi cation. Review implementation. Consider any remedial action Consider policy review
NO2 Levels at existing designated AQMAs	Improvements to air quality measurement areas New development should address existing problems. Regular reporting of measurements	N/A	Policy 10,17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 34	SA2	NBC, Environmental Services / NBC, DEFRA Reporting	>5% increase in no of properties within designated AQMA;s, based on no of properties at 01/04/2011	Identify causes and identify what planning related solutions are available Discuss with partners potential solutions

Strategic Objective 8 - Sustainability
Objective: Ensuring the Central Area develops in a sustainable manner and helps create a positive framework for action on climate change
Policy Numbers:	Policy 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36
Indicator	Target	Main Policy Delivered	Additional Policies Delivered	SA Objective Delivered?	Main Agencies for delivery /Source for monitoring data	Trigger	Contingencies
Sustainable Energy Generation within major new development through decentralised and renewable or low carbon sources	To provide renewable energy at source through decentralised energy schemes considered on all new developments and regeneration schemes through open book analysis with NBC	Policy 1	Policy 7, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36	SA8	Developers, WNDC, Environmental Services at NCC, NBC / WNDC, NCC, NBC Application Monitoring, WNJPU Monitoring	>0 of major new development schemes (excluding those already permitted) that are proposed in the Joint Core Strategy and approved after 2014 that fail to provide decentralised energy opportunities	Consider barriers to implementation and relevance of policy with Development Management and key organisations Work with developers/ land owners to develop viable and suitable schemes Review policy

References within the table:

BID: Business Improvement District

DEFRA: Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs EA: Environment Agency

NBC: Northampton Borough Council NCC: Northamptonshire County Council NEP: Northampton Enterprise Partnership

WNDC: West Northamptonshire Development Corporation WNJPU: West Northamptonshire Joint Planning Unit

Note:

‘Main Policy Delivered’ means policies that directly relate to delivery of the target.

‘Additional Policies Delivered’ means policies that contribute towards delivery of the target.

The start date / baseline for the purposes of targets is 1st April 2010.

Chapter 7: Infrastructure, Implementation and Monitoring

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