Shropshire Local Development Framework

Core Strategy ‘Policy Directions’

Prees Matters consultation

24 September 2009

Shropshire Core Strategy 2006 - 2026

• Principal document of the LDF (sets spatial vision, objectives and broad planning framework)

• Series of strategic Core Policies to deliver the spatial planning strategy

• Provides a local dimension to regional and national planning policies

• Reflects the priorities of the Sustainable Community Strategy

• Based on robust evidence base

• Influenced by community involvement

Document Preparation Process

Issues and Options: January 2009• Draft Spatial Vision & Strategic Objectives• ‘Key ‘Choices’ outlined along with a range of alternative

options, including:– Strategic Approach

• Growth Point Plus (Option A);• Transport Corridors (Option B);• Market Towns (Option C);• Continuing Current Trends (Option D);• Rural Rebalance (Option E)

– 15 other Key Choices including directions for

growth in Shrewsbury & Oswestry

Core Strategy: Policy Directions August 2009

• Updated Spatial Vision / Strategic Objectives• Indication of Policy Directions for a series of

themes, including;– Draft Spatial Strategy

– Growth Strategies for Shrewsbury& Oswestry– Policy Themes– Infrastructure Delivery

• No policies included at the moment!

Policy Directions: Spatial StrategyKey Elements• Combination of the five alternative Strategic Options• Focussed development, enhancing the roles of

Shrewsbury, Market Towns and key centres

• Responsive to the aspirations of rural communities to become more sustainable

• Greater emphasis on enabling community benefits in smaller rural settlements

• Protection of the countryside from development pressures

Spatial Strategy: Shrewsbury, Market Towns and Local Centres

• Shrewsbury to fulfil its role as a Growth Point and ‘Settlement of Significant Development’

• Oswestry, Market Drayton, Whitchurch, Bridgnorth and Ludlow highlighted as main market towns – maintain and enhance role

• Building on investment opportunities and encouraging regeneration activity

• Focal points for housing; transport; employment opportunities and service provision

• Continued role for smaller market towns & local centres as sustainable locations for development

Local Centres, Community Hubs and Community Clusters

• Approach encourages smaller settlements, or groups of settlements, to become more sustainable

• Development providing community benefits, including employment, affordable housing and service provision – enabling market housing development - only if delivers community benefit

• Elsewhere, development of community benefit only • Larger villages with potential to act as Local Centres

(may have site allocations) – could include Prees, Shawbury and Wore

• Community aspirations are key – definition of Hubs and Clusters and local priorities

Other Core Strategy Policy Directions

• Economic Development, Enterprise & Employment• Employment Land Provision• Tourism & Culture• Scale, Distribution and Phasing of Housing• Affordable Housing Policy• Design and Local Distinctiveness; • Environmental Networks;• Waste and Mineral Planning;• Renewable Energy;• Transport and Accessibility

Consultation

• ‘Policy Directions’ document out for consultation until 2 October

• Important we hear your views on the growth options and policy directions

• Full documents and Executive Summaries available

• www.shropshire.gov.uk/planning.nsf

Next Steps

Core Strategy:– Final Plan: January 2010– Submission Plan: March 2010

– Independent Examination: Mid/late 2010– Inspector’s Binding Report: late 2010– Adoption: Feb/March 2011