Moving Thetford Forward |
 Thetford Growth Point InitiativeIn October 2006 Thetford was awarded Growth Point status. The award of Growth Point Status means that Breckland Council, with its partners, can bid to Government for additional funding to support the growth and regeneration of Thetford. Quick Links:
Growth what?Announced in December 2005, the New Growth Points initiative is designed to provide support to local communities who wish to pursue large scale and sustainable growth through a partnership with the Government. The Government invited local authorities to submit growth proposals which were sustainable, acceptable environmentally and realistic in terms of infrastructure to be assessed by the Government and its agencies. The 29 areas have now been named as New Growth Points across the East, South East, South West, East Midlands and West Midlands. If all of the proposed growth is realised New Growth Points would contribute around 100,000 additional dwellings by 2016 - an increase of around 32% on previous plans for housing supply in these areas. They will share £40m in 2007/08 for a first round of infrastructure projects and to support growth-related studies, masterplanning and increasing everybody’s understanding and ability to take part in the New Growth Points. This money will help overcome local infrastructure problems, unlock sites for new housing and enhance the local environment. New Growth Points status is not a statutory designation but is about a relationship between Central Government and local partners. It is built on four principles:
Levels of growth will be subject to comprehensive testing and public consultation through the regional and local planning processes to ensure that individual proposals are sustainable, acceptable environmentally and realistic in terms of infrastructure. This initiative has involved a cross-Government approach involving DfT, DEFRA, the Environment Agency, Natural England and the Highways Agency, amongst others. Government's partnership with New Growth Points is subject to explicit conditions which follow detailed assessment, by these Government Departments and Agencies, of the growth proposals submitted. Making these conditions of partnership underlines their importance in shaping sustainable outcomes. What does this mean for Thetford?The East of England Regional Assembly produces the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) for the East of England which indicates where residential and economic growth will go in the region as a whole. Thetford is identified as a Key Centre for Development and Change, which could benefit from new homes and jobs. Around 6,000 new homes are proposed between 2001 and 2021. Breckland Council and Thetford Town Council both felt that Thetford should be identified as a key centre and worked with other partners to secure Growth Point Status for the town. Thetford has been particularly fortunate, as other places in the Country are to grow by just as much or even more and do not have the benefit of Growth Point Status support and funding. Growth point will help ensure sustainable future development and will balance development with meeting community needs, supporting the local economy and jobs, and protecting the environment. Government FundingGrowth Point means that money will come from the Government to support Thetford as it grows. In April 2007, the Government invited all 29 New Growth Points across the country to produce a Programme of Development. This was used to bid for funds from Government for the period 2008/09 to 2010/11 and sets out what is essential to make the planned growth support sustainable development and regeneration. We are delighted to announce that Thetford has been awarded around £6 Million over the next 3 years, with an opportunity to bid for more money from various other pots. This money will be spent on what Thetford needs and will be used to lever in more money from other sources. The funding will help initiate investigation into infrastructure schemes to see which will best support housing and employment growth and the wider regeneration of the town over the next 15 years. StudiesThetford will benefit from better planned growth based on detailed studies using strong evidence and best practice, which will be used to produce the Thetford Area Action Plan. Most of the studies are produced by independent consultants and are non-statutory and are not adopted as Breckland Policy. Some of the studies we have produced or are under way include: Growth Framework and Infrastructure Study – looking into where the growth could go, phasing of the growth and an initial look into what kind of supporting infrastructure is likely to be required, for example, schools, health facilities, emergency services, utilities. Green Infrastructure study – recommends some guidelines for developers and projects which could improve access as well as enhance and provide new green infrastructure e.g. open spaces, green links around the town and links to existing rights of way outside of the town. Water Cycle Study – We have commissioned a technical study on water which is being carried out by independent consultants Scott Wilson. The report will be non statutory and will be used to guide us as we start the Area Action Plan. The aim is to ensure that water supply, quality, sewerage, flood risk management and drainage issues are addressed to enable growth. The Stage One Outline Strategy was commissioned in mid September and is scheduled to be completed March 2008. Birds Project – we need to be careful that the growth of Thetford will not affect three protected birds species close by. We are working with UEA, RSPB, BTO, Natural England and the Forestry Commission on this project. We hope to commission the following studies: A Design Code – this will set out what developments will be like, including designing out crime. An Energy Study – this will look at how to provide energy for the growth, how to make the new developments as efficient as possible and how we can help use energy more efficiently. A Transport Model – this will be built to aid with planning for getting people around Thetford JobsWe want those who live in Thetford to work in Thetford, rather than commuting to other areas for work. In Breckland 78% of people both live and work in the District and we would like this to continue. We believe that 5,000 jobs are needed to provide for the increased population. As Thetford grows, a recent report has suggested that about 1,000 new jobs will be created in services, for example in schools and health care. The Rural Enterprise Valley Project is an exciting multi-million pound investment to establish the A11 corridor in and around Thetford. The Rev Project aims to increase business opportunities for companies involved in advanced engineering and motorsport and to grow a cluster of like minded businesses. It will encourage small and medium size companies to relocate to the area with the offer of a comprehensive support package. Funding for a 44 Acre Business Park, called Thetford Enterprise Park, is being finalised. Work on this could start early next year. Thetford Area Action Plan, Consultation and the next stepsThe work so far has been largely research and consultation will come at a later stage. We will consider a few more ideas before we go public – that makes for more productive consultation and will make it more worthwhile and efficient for residents. Although we will get money from the Government to support the growth of Thetford, we are not starting with a blank sheet – Thetford is set out the way it is and already has much to offer. We have to plan for the growth taking that into account. The next stage of the Growth Point process will use the results of the completed reports and studies to start work on the Thetford Area Action Plan and we will then produce a consultation strategy, to say how you will be involved in the Area Action Plan We are aware that there are many groups in Thetford who we want to have their say –migrant communities, children and young people, older residents, and disabled people to name a few. Reaction to the Growth Point StatusCouncil Leader, William Nunn welcomed the announcement and said “This is a real improvement in the quality of life for everyone working and living in Thetford. New jobs, business opportunities, improved housing, transport and leisure are all within our grasp. The money announced today takes us up those important first rungs of the ladder to ensuring Thetford becomes a dynamic service and economic centre for the Eastern region.” Adrian Stasiak, former Executive Member for Environmental Planning said, “People shouldn’t underestimate the significance of growth point status and what it will do for the town. Breckland Council has always believed Thetford was a town worth investing in to develop its massive economic potential and this announcement shows that we’ve convinced Ministers of the case. With our partners, we plan to make Thetford one of the most economically successful, vibrant and diverse market towns in the East of England.” Thelma Paines, former Mayor of Thetford also welcomed the news, "On behalf of our town, we are very much looking forward to the benefits arising from the Growth Point Status and associated funding. It comes at an exciting time in our future prospects and needs, and can only enhance the forward thinking and dynamism being expended by all on behalf of Thetford and the surrounding area." So what is happening now?
Recognising the need for partnership working between the three tiers of local government at the political level in the delivery of the growth and regeneration of Thetford, a Joint Member Group consisting of Elected members from Norfolk County Council, Breckland District Council, Thetford Town Council and Croxton Parish Council has been setup.
Following the announcement of Growth Point Status an officer technical working group, Moving Thetford Forward (MTF), was set up under the auspices of the Local Strategic Partnership/Thetford Alliance with a focus on the delivery of the growth and regeneration of Thetford. The group meet regularly and is an advisory group and will steer work on the production of the studies and project briefs and the wider regeneration of Thetford. The Group will bring together key decision-makers from the public, private and voluntary sectors with an interest in and ability to influence/deliver regeneration and master-planning activities in Thetford and surrounding areas.
Early this year an event was held to discuss Green Infrastructure and what it means for a place as it grows. The event was attended by over 70 representatives from many organisations ranging from Parish Councils to the Forestry Commission and from developers to Government Office representatives. Feedback was all positive and great interest was expressed by different organisations in Thetford.
Breckland has recently completed a Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report which is currently subject to consultation with the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive statutory consultees and other key sustainability stakeholders. The document sets out the scope of the Sustainability Appraisal for the Site Specific Policies and Proposals DPD, the Thetford Area Action Plan DPD and the Snetterton Heath Area Action Plan DPD. The document can be found on our publications page
We are looking into providing a website purely for Thetford Growth Point. In the mean time, please continue to visit this webpage. Published Reports and DocumentsAs part of the Thetford Area Action Plan process, we need to collate a substantial amount of evidence with regards to potential development. These documents have no statutory status. They are not making decisions about development and are not a statement of the Council’s intent. The studies consider the broad issues and the possible options around the growth and regeneration of Thetford. We would stress that all planning issues would have to be fully considered in detail, with the impact on local residents and communities forming a major part of this consideration before any recommendation is taken forward for consultation. Although the consultation is now closed you may view the document on our publications page. Forthcoming EventsEvent dates, times and locations will be displayed here. Got a question or comment to make?Contact us on 01362 656873 or send an e-mail to: thetford.growthpoint@breckland.gov.uk or complete the following comments form: Comments Form (Word Document 149Kb) Thetford Growth Point Partners and website linksThe Council will be working with key partners over the lifespan of the Project: The main partners who worked on the bid are: Other partners that are involved in the process are: St Edmundsbury Borough Council NLA (Norfolk Landscape Archaeology) And representatives from the three main land owners in the Thetford area: Shadwell Estate Company LTD, Kilverstone Estate and Crown Estate. These are also members of the Moving Thetford Forward Group. NewsLinks to some news websites: Breckland District Council News GO EAST – Government Offices for the East of England Department of Communities and Local Government news releases East of England Development Agency (EEDA) Latest Press Releases Other Useful WebsitesRural Enterprise Valley Project Breckland District Council - Local Development Framework Breckland District Council - Economic Development Glossary of TermsThe Moving Thetford Forward Group:The Moving Thetford Forward Group is an advisory group and will steer work on the production of the Growth Framework and Infrastructure Study and the wider regeneration of Thetford. The Group will bring together key decision-makers from the public, private and voluntary sectors with an interest in and ability to influence/deliver regeneration and master-planning activities in Thetford and surrounding areas. The Group will sit under the umbrella of the Breckland Local Strategic Partnership and will be a sub-group of the Thetford Alliance. “Sustainable”:“A widely-used and accepted international definition of sustainable development is: 'development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs'.” “……We want to live within environmental limits and achieve a just society, and we will do so by means of sustainable economy, good governance, and sound science.” (From sustainable-development.gov.uk website) Growth Framework and Infrastructure Study:Essentially the Growth Framework and Infrastructure Study will look into possible locations for sustainable development taking into account constraints such as Conservation Areas, Listed Building status and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It will also identify current social and transport infrastructure short falls and potential for improvement. “not a statutory designation”:Growth Point status is not a permanent established rule or law. Natural England:“Natural England has been formed by bringing together English Nature, the landscape, access and recreation elements of the Countryside Agency and the environmental land management functions of the Rural Development Service.” DEFRA:Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs“Defra's core purpose is to improve the current and future quality of life. For the first time one department has brought together the interests of farmers and the countryside; the environment and the rural economy; the food we eat, the air we breathe and the water we drink. We do all this by integrating environmental, social and economic objectives - putting sustainable development into practice every day, and by championing sustainable development as the way forward for Government.” DfT: Department for Transport“The Department for Transport's aim is transport that works for everyone. This means a transport system which balances the needs of the economy, the environment and society.” EEDA: East of England Development Agency“The driving force behind sustainable economic growth and regeneration in the East of England.” Local Plan:“The Breckland District Local Plan, which looks at the period up to 2006, was adopted in September 1999. The Local Plan deals with issues such as the Environment, Housing, Economic Development, Shopping, Transportation, Sport and Recreation, Tourism and Infrastructure.” (From Breckland Council website) The life of the Local Plan has been extended until September 2007. Breckland District Council is working on The Local Development Framework (LDF) – essentially this will encompass the content of the Local Plan and more. The LDF is a non-statutory term used to describe a folder of documents, which includes all the local planning authority's local development documents. An LDF is comprised of:
The local development framework will also comprise of:
any Local Development Orders or Simplified Planning Zones that may have been added The Breckland Local Development Framework is currently being prepared and will consist of the following documents:
The Council has also adopted a Statement of Community Involvement and prepared Annual Monitoring Reports for 2004/05 and 2005/06. Details on what the contents of these documents and the timetable for their production can be found by following this link: The Local Development Framework Single Regeneration Budget:“SRB provides resources to support regeneration initiatives in England carried out by local regeneration partnerships.” (From the Communities and Local Government website) European Objective 2:The Objective 2 programme provides European Regional Development Fund and European Social Fund assistance for the economic regeneration of specified core and transitional areas in the East of England region.” (From the Government Office for the East of England website) Green Flag status:“The award scheme began in 1996 as a means of recognising and rewarding the best green spaces in the country. It was also seen as a way of encouraging others to achieve the same high environmental standards, creating a benchmark of excellence in recreational green areas.” (From Green Flag Award website) Green Infrastructure Plan:Green Infrastructure is defined as “the sub-regional network of protected sites, nature reserves, green spaces and greenway linkages which should be multi functional and operate at all spatial scales from urban centres through to open countryside”. Some of the objectives for the study include identifying a long term vision for green infrastructure, identifying opportunities for enhancement of the existing green infrastructure sites and identifying specific needs for the town. |