26
Appendix 3: Part A Baseline Information 1
Appendix 3: Part A
Baseline Information
1
Baseline Information collection - background report
1 This report sets out the findings of the baseline data collection exercise that was undertaken for the SA process. In particular it was used in establishing the sustainability objectives as part of the sustainability framework, and in order to gain a fuller understanding of the issues in the North Northamptonshire (NNH) area to inform the appraisal.
2 In initial work was undertaken by the NNH Joint Planning Unit, and that briefer
exercise was given to the consultees on the SA Scoping Report. The consultants then identified new sources of information to include in the baseline report, as well as incorporating responses from consultees to the Scoping Report where relevant.
3 This baseline report also contains a list of ‘implications for development plan’ at
the end of each section. The intention of which is to list the ways in which the joint LDF for NNH could impact on those matters identified, and possible ways in which negative effects could be mitigated against or avoided. Population
4 North Northamptonshire is home to 292,500 people and incorporates the
boroughs and districts of;
East Northamptonshire (Population 80,700) Corby (Population 53,200) Kettering (Population 85,300) and Wellingborough (Population 73,300).
5 Appendix 1 of this baseline report has further information on ethnicity, religion
and age.
Implications for development plan:
The Plan must provide for the varying needs of the residents of the area, including making appropriate provision for all sections of society
The Plan should seek to redress population decline in Corby.
Settlement Pattern and Transport Links
6 North Northamptonshire is located on the southernmost tip of the East Midlands
Region and has functional links with the South East, the East and the West Midlands. As well as being a component of the Milton Keynes and South Midlands (MKSM) Growth Area, along with West Northamptonshire it is also located adjacent to the London-Stansted-Cambridge-Peterborough Growth Area.
7 North Northamptonshire encompasses 986 square kilometres. East
Northamptonshire (510 square kilometres) is the largest district in the area.
2
8 The area is well placed in terms of strategic transport infrastructure. The Midland Mainline Railway, with stations at Kettering and Wellingborough provides good north-south connections (London to Leicester, Nottingham, Derby and Sheffield), although east-west rail connections are relatively poor. Corby is without a direct passenger rail service, but a half hourly bus service runs from Kettering Station. North Northamptonshire is well connected for rail freight distribution, particularly for accessibility to other parts of Europe, with rail facilities located at Corby (Eurohub).
9 The A14 provides the most important east - west road link and gives access to
the national motorway network. Appendix 1 of the baseline report has more information on the transport network. The east-west A14 forms part of the Trans-European Network of Roads (E30) and gives access to the M1/M6, A1/M11 and the A43/A45. The area is highly accessible by road to the rest of the UK and to parts of Europe. East Northamptonshire being the most rural district suffers from accessibility issues relating to it’s most rural populations. This is also applicable to the rural areas of the other 3 districts.
10 Historically the settlement pattern has grown up along the A6 and Midland
Railway in a north south direction. These towns include Kettering, Wellingborough as well as Rushden and Higham Ferrers as well as some smaller towns with an industrial heritage such as Desborough, Rothwell and Irthlingborough. Corby is closely related to this corridor but has a distinctive character due to its former New Town status and steel heritage. Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough, the three largest towns in North Northamptonshire interact in various ways and have been defined in the MKSM Strategy as ‘neighbouring growth towns’. Raunds and Thrapston are located further to the east on the A45. Raunds has similarities to the towns in the main corridor whereas Thrapston has similarities to Oundle in the north-east, which is a more traditional market town serving a large rural hinterland and with close socio-economic links with the Peterborough area.
11 Outside these towns, North Northamptonshire is predominantly a rural area with
109 villages dispersed into attractive countryside, some of which are designated for their special environmental qualities. There is a sharp transition between the countryside and the neighbouring growth towns of Kettering and Corby.
Employment and Economy Employment by Type:
Sector E Northants Corby Kettering Wellingborough
Ma 2nufacturing 1% 37% 20% 22% Con 3% struction 6% 5% 4% Ag - riculture - - - To 7 urism % 4% 7% 9%Distri tels & res
23% 25% bution, hotaurants
26% 26%
Traco
1nsport & mmunication
0% 11% 5% 9%
Fin er business 13% 11% 12% 14% ance, IT, othOth ding 2 er services, inclu 5% 13% 31% 24%
3
pu tion & he
blic admin, educaalth
(Ann Employ 00 12 The economy is relatively self-contained both within the component districts and
Nort hire as a whole. Localised self-containment is particularly high in Corby, with over 70% of its residents working in Corby. There are strong relationships between the neighbouring growth towns, particularly between
ork in Kettering, 11.1% of Kettering residents work in Corby. There are however, several centres adjacent
13
he r 74%
re from Corby.
the
ne Rail links at Wellingborough and Kettering increase the accessibility to London for
on is
ual Business Inquiry ee Analysis 2 3)
h Northamptons
Kettering and Corby. 9.6% of Corby residents w
to North Northamptonshire that ‘pull’ workers to them.
Wellingborough has shows strong employment links outside the North Northamptonshire region with 12.3% of residents working in Northampton. Tdistrict with the lowest levels of outmigration appears to be Corby, with oveof the population employed within the district, also attracting 11% of the Ketteringworkforce, although 9% of people working in Kettering a
14 The population of East Northamptonshire work in a variety of locations,
highest being Wellingborough. Other high levels of movement are from East Northamptonshire to Huntingdonshire and Kettering to Wellingborough. Peterborough also has strong socio-economic linkages with the north of North Northamptonshire, although not shown on the table. The Midland Main Li
commuters although in both cases the number of people commuting to Londstill under 1%.
Travel to work by destination: Place of Residence Corby E Northants. Kettering Wellingborough
rthampton 4.7 8.5 6 12.3 NoKe 9.6 4 57.5 7 ttering Wellingborough 0 11.9 6.4 63.1 Da 1.2 0.4 ventry 2.6 2.6 East Northants. 0 42.2 4.4 6.6 Corby 74.2 2.3 11.1 0.4 Milton Keynes 0 1.1 1.8 3.9 Huntingdonshire 1.7 8.4 0.2 0 Bedford 0 4.2 0 1.4 Harborough 2 0 5.4 0 South Kesteven 1.5 2.2 0 0 N Hertfordshire 0 2 0.2 0 Fenland 2.5 0 0 0
Plac
e of
wor
k
Other 1.2 10.6 5.8 4.9S n r addressing ur Market Defic cies, Matters ct 2004 After N vestmen romotion Stra y: Economic Bas and Cluster analysis After Labour F r sp 2001 - Winter 2001/2) ONS 1 t is ode use to travel to work, this is shown in the table below.
l by car/va by far the est mode of transport for trips, although w the Engla verage.
ourcorthorce
5
e: Migration as a mea s fo Labo ien of Faamptonshire In t P teg eline Survey (average fo ring
Also rve
elevan the m d Trabelo
n is nd a
high work
4
Travel to work by mode:
Total Working
Work from
H
ome
Train, tram,
metro etc
Bus, coach
etc
Scooter, M
oped, etc
Car / Van
Driver
Car / Van
Passenger
Bicycle
Walk
All others
Corby 24,749 5.9 9.0 0.7 57.5 11.6 3.6 8.5 2.7 0.6 East North Hants. 3 5 1.9 9.5 0.6 8,39 9.9 1.3 1.9 0.8 67.2 6.8 Kettering 4 2 3.6 2.1 10.8 0.6 1,28 8.4 1.4 0.9 64.9 7.3 Wellingborough 3 0 8.7 3.5 63. 1.8 10.2 1.4 5,05 1.5 0.8 9 8.1 England n/a -* 7 7.4 69.9 3 10.6 0.5 1.2 Source: Census 2001 an T 2001.
ecorded by DfT in this dataset
l m co fo pro te % p eross Nor tonshire. Parts e r hin O
ge rc re of te s wth w d ectors. SA in tte an e establish t of the W ingb
se sectors are developing in North ovide a focus for the crucial innovation networks that
r xford
ly
in
17
s requires new employment to stimulate regeneration and
18
rms of the built environment; exploiting the niche eds of
rket. 19 nd
nt.
d Df* - Not r 16 The ‘know edge econo y’ ac unts r ap xima ly 10 of em loym nt
ac th Northamp of th area a e wit the xford to Cambrid Arc (O2C A ), a gion high ch, fa t gro kno ledge bases TRA Ke ring d th men ell orough Innovation Centre illustrate that theNorthamptonshire and prhelp to stimulate this sector of the economy. Wellingborough has a particulaopportunity in the long-term to take advantage of the overheating effect in Oand Cambridge and the consequential requirement for good quality, competitivepriced employment space. There has recently been growth in the knowledge-based sectors in Wellingborough and East Northamptonshire, but a declineCorby and Kettering.
Desborough and Rothwell offer limited employment opportunities and most people leave the towns to find work elsewhere with particularly strong links to Kettering. In contrast, Burton Latimer has substantial employment provision with Weetabix a major employer. Rushden/Higham Ferrers. Irthlingborough has a number of local employment opportunities but is still dependent on manufacturing. Raundinvestment in the town.
Thrapston and Oundle identified as rural service centres serve their rural hinterlands with retail and community services although both have different strengths and opportunities for change. Thrapston town centre is in a better position to benefit from a growing catchment area as housing growth comes forward. It has a weekly street market and a thriving cattle market. Oundle has a strong heritage offer in tevisitor/public school role as well as continuing to serve the town centre neits rural hinterland. The town has a weekly market and a monthly farmers ma
Some of the villages in North Northamptonshire act as local service centres aprovide limited employment. Recent research in the area has identified that working from home is more prominent in rural areas. However, the majority of people who live in rural areas commute to larger settlements for employme
5
nks
• The Transport Plans for each district and region should be integrated into elopment of robust, cohesive
development of sustainable transport systems and strategic locations for
• diverse with East Northamptonshire being more
rural and the remaining 3 districts including 3 quite different main settlements.
The
20 he traditional economic base has primarily focused on manufacturing, with
KetdisWithin East Northamptonshire, there is a more dispersed settlement pattern, with
oncentrated into six towns and reliance towards the larger towns ea as centres for employment.
21 t role
22
growth in jobs in the distribution, transport, storage and communications sectors, taking advantage of transport
thamptonshire. There has also been an increase in jobs in the public sector (including health and education). Appendix 1
the area. 23
nshire
ion table as only 42% of the residents of East Northamptonshire work there.
Econo
Implications for development plan:
The Plan must recognise the various settlement functions and relationships/networks between different settlement types, and how this lito the transport patterns.
transport policies, to ensure the dev
transport links
The joint LDF area is quite
Therefore, the joint LDF should reflect these differences.
Economy
Tstrong links to the footwear industry. The neighbouring growth towns of Corby,
tering and Wellingborough form the focal point for the economy of their tricts and for North Northamptonshire and its rural hinterland as a whole.
the population cin the ar
Although restructuring of the economy has seen a decline in these industries andthe service base associated with them, manufacturing still plays an importanacross North Northamptonshire.
Within Corby over 37% of employees work in this sector. In North Northamptonshire there has been recent
infrastructure and the availability industrial and distribution land, of which Corby has the largest provision. This has led to the development of a range of distribution parks across North Nor
of the baseline report includes more information on employment in
NOMIS data provides useful information on average earnings, employment andeconomic activity. The table below shows that unemployment is highest in Wellingborough and wages lowest in Kettering. In all but East Northamptoearnings are slightly lower than the national average, where wages are considerably higher than the national average and unemployment low. The lower job density in East Northamptonshire is reflected in the travel to work destinat
mic activity and average earnings.
6
Pop.
Working age
(% of pop.)
Economicall
y active
Economicall
Jobs density
y inactive
Unem
ployed
Medium
Earnings (G
ross w
eekly pay) East Northants 80,70 61 84% 16% 2.7 £40 % % 0.6 45 Corby 53,200 61 83 16% 3.7% £394 % % 0.9Kettering 85,300 61% 80% 1 2.7% 0.8 £362 9% Wellingborough 73,300 61% 84% 16% 3.8% 0.8 £394 England 62% 78% 22% 4.8% 0.8 £422
Source NOMIS 2 ac ted aril ted n ce s g l eeds and
as low cen s w e la c w estment. ugh has the
Northamptonshire 79,000 m2 which is the second largest in the County. Kettering
ulative
ld support growing business sectors, and seek to actively encourage the diversification of the economy
• The development plan must ensure that the right types of employment are
• ixed use developments are preferable as they seek to provide a more
et
, Peterborough, Milton Keynes and London
• The limitations of providing employment in rural areas must be recognised y
The importance of manufacturing and storage and distribution - Opportunities for growth in knowledge based industries
(2001)
4 Office spe up h
e is limieen s
, prim y loca in tow ntres ervin ocal ntak b in re
largest provision of office floorspacet year ith littl rge - s ale in
in North ard inv
Wellingboro
77,000 m2 has similar provision to Wellingborough and has more office units, with Corby 50,000 m2 of floorspace the lowest. Northampton, a competing centre has more office space 445,000 m2 than North Northamptonshire’s cumoffice floorspace.
Implications for development plan:
• The Plan shou
delivered in the right locations and to the right scale Msustainable development and great social inclusion, by providing areas thatare used constantly
• Policies for the economy need to take into account the surrounding markforces from beyond the boundaries of North Northamptonshire, from areas such as Northampton
• The development plan needs to link into the work being completed by each district council’s Economic Strategy
and the issue of access to employment in rural areas should be addressed bthe Plan
• The plan should take the following issues into account:
-
- Limited office space with slow take up.
7
Retail and ei 25 North North m b-regional links make it
vulnerable to competing retail centres, where investment and expansion are mpetitors include Northampton to the west,
Bedford and Milton Keynes to the south, Peterborough to the east and Leicester l
26 wn
f town such as the Kettering Venture Park and serves s a focus for services and facilities for the town as a whole and its wider rural
27
wn centres in certain instances.
tain size only Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough and Rushden appear
ry well,
L sure provision
a ptonshire’s location and regional and su
being aggressively targeted. Co
to the north, all of whose size of retail offer greatly exceeds the offer in individuaNorth Northamptonshire centres. These centres also compete for leisure andentertainment sectors. Kettering provides the main retail offer with over 800,000 square metres of retail floorspace, nearly twice the provision of Corby, with a range of stores in the tocentre and on the edge oahinterland. Wellingborough and particularly Corby have a relatively weak retail offer in comparison, with high levels of retail vacancies.
Out-of-town retail parks are also located in Wellingborough, Corby and Rushdenand increase the retail and leisure provision to serve catchment populations. These retail parks can, however compete with existing to
28 Annual Ranking of town Centres nationwide are carried out by both Experian and Management Horizons (both indicators are based on a ‘vitality score’ that combines a variety of key indicators). Since these rankings only feature centresabove a cerwithin them. In terms of the more up-to-date Management Horizons data, the table below shows that Kettering has recently improved its standing, with Wellingborough slipping down the rankings. Rushden has improved significantlyin the rankings, albeit from a relatively low base. The position of retail provision in NNH is made even more stark when compared to competing centres, with nearby Northhampgon, Milton Keynes and Peterborough all performing veand predominantly all in the top 50 retail centres nationally.
Retail rankings in North Northamptonshire Centre Experian
1998 Experian 2001
Management Horizons 2000
Management Horizons 2004
Kettering 143rd 180th 187th 171st Wellingborough 286th 351st 282nd 360th Corby 359th 323rd 259th 344th Rushden N/a N/a 644th 502nd
C tompeting Cen res Centre Experian
1998 Experian 2001
Management Horizons 2000
Management Horizons 2004
Nottingham 4th 3rd 2nd 4th Leicester 20th 10th 11th 10th Peterborough 36th 33rd 42nd 46th Milton Keynes 62nd 42nd 55th 29th Northampton 65th 59th 37th 43rd Bedford 93rd 98th 87th 118th
S ort onshire C Project 004, DTZ Pieda Consulting ource: North N hampt entres , May 2
8
29 N pto e’s leisure facilities an d cultural activities
incorporate facilit at wider s wider c ents includ inema, ub
o
30 d
nt that residents often
31
t. Information on national retail ranks of the centres in North Northampton and competing
32 l
velopment plan should help to strengthen and enhance Town Centres and the centres of other service centres in the area, recognising the
n, in
ea and
nd managing the effect on the environment
33 Poc arily located in and
around the neighbouring growth towns. From the 2004 Index of Multiple MD). Corby has 12 of the 50 most deprived wards in
Northamptonshire including the 4th, 5th, 6th and 10th most deprived, Wellingborough 6 and Kettering 3.
orth Northam nshir d community anies th erve atchm ing a C
Theme Park (Wicksteed Park) and Leisure Village in Kettering, Corby Golf Cland Wellingborough’s Castle Theatre. There are also a range of leisure centres and clubs and organisations that serve local needs. There are, however, gaps inthe provision of leisure and cultural facilities and tourism remains peripheral tthe economy. The existing environmental infrastructure and assets, including high quality landscape various Country Parks and prominent sites of historic importance such as Rockingham Castle, Boughton House and Deene Park, represent a valuable leisure, tourism and cultural resource.
Corby has experienced a gradual decline in the town centre with poor retail anleisure provision. Although the villages close to Corby have strong employmelinks to the town, the perception and image of Corby means travel to alternative destinations for shopping or entertainment.
There are major redevelopment proposals in Corby to address these issues. Given the size and relationships between the town centres it is likely that a degree of competition exists between the town centres at presen
centres can be found in appendix 1 of the baseline report.
Smaller centres in North Northamptonshire have more local roles and serve locaneeds. There are differences between centres, with some ailing and others buoyant.
Implications for development plan:
• The de
network/relationships of settlements
• Corby Town Centre requires particular focus on regeneration and the development plan should contribute to changing the image of the toworder to attract investment
• Tourism and leisure is an important aspect for rural parts of the LDF arpolicies should encourage development for these employment purposes inrural areas, while retaining a
• Any development permitted in rural areas, should be focussed in settlements with facilities and services, to help them to be retained
Deprivation
kets of deprivation exist in North Northamptonshire, prim
Deprivation (I
9
Smaller pockets of deprivation do, however, exist in the smaller towns anthe rural areas, where due to the spatial dispersal of settlements peexperience difficulties in accessing services and facilities and fully pthe labour market, particularly if not
34 d also in ople can articipating in
having access to a car.
particular attention to the 12 wards in Corby.
• articular attention should be paid for the development plan to support and
Housing
35 The
majority of these are owner occupied. Corby and Wellingborough currently have a significant proportion of their stock owned by the Local Authority (26% and
pectively).
e
s . The nature of the settlements in the rural areas often
result in difficulties meeting affordable housing needs. By their nature and
fore
37 able
ing in both urban and rural areas, for identified local need. These developments should be located in the most sustainable sites
The Plan should support initiatives such as ‘exception site’ approaches for rural affordable housing
Implications for development plan:
• The development plan should make provision for delivering for the most
deprived wards in the North Northamptonshire area, with
Pfacilitate other non-planning delivery mechanisms that focus attention on delivering for local rural needs.
re are currently 125,000 dwellings within North Northamptonshire. The
15.6% res 36 Affordable housing is an important issue in North Northamptonshire, with th
towns of Kettering and Wellingborough having significant affordable housing needs. There is also an identified need in rural areas, particularly in the villageto the north of the area
constraints, these settlements can offer limited infill development and often involve development that is not above the affordable housing threshold, theremaking it easier for developers to avoid affordable housing contributions.
A consequence of a lack of affordable housing in rural areas, is for those unto afford to live in rural areas moving towards urban areas to seek improvedhousing opportunity. This could then drive prospective employers away from the rural areas and so threatening sustainability.
38 Housing Needs Assessments will be undertaken for the area. For 2003/4, the
largest proportion of new dwellings completed, which were affordable, was inWellingborough (22%), the lowest for which figures were available was Kettering (3.5%).
Implications for development plan: • The development plan should make provision for delivering affordable
hous
•
10
• To retain affordable housing in perpetuity, policies should promote development through a Registered Social Landlord and use of planningobligations
a in terms of relationship between local income levels and house prices or rents for different types of households
• be sive with other built up areas. Special care should be taken in
the delivery of affordable housing in rural areas. This should ensure
39 Ket ugh
We ls, wh ment are facility for the neighbouring growth towns of Wellingborough and Corby.
0 The larger towns and rural areas close to the main urban areas have good
41
the County average but higher than the East Midlands and National averages. Approximately 15.5% of residents
t
2 Corby has the highest percentage of residents with a long-term illness, and
he
43 the lowest percentage of residents with a
long-term illness and highest percentage who describe their health as good. Life and
t plan:
link between health and how the planning system can deliver healthier environments must be delivered by the development plan, through
reduced use of the car; incorporating
• The Plan should give clear definition on what the authority considers to be
affordable in the plan are
New housing developments in both urban and rural areas should seek tosocially inclu
development is in the right location, of the right tenure, of a high quality design and correct scale to fit into the surrounding built and natural environment.
Health
tering has the only General Hospital in North Northamptonshire, althollingborough (Isebrook) and Rushden (Memorial) also have local hospitaich provide some services. The General Hospital serves a wide catcha and is a key
4access to health facilities. Villages to the north of North Northamptonshire lookincreasingly towards Stamford and Peterborough for their needs.
Cumulatively over 69% of residents in North Northamptonshire describe their health as good (2001 Census). This is lower than
has a long-term illness, this is lower than regional and national averages buagain higher than the county average.
4lowest percentage of residents who describe their health as good. It also has tlowest life expectancy for people born between 2001 and 2003, 74.2 years for males and 79.2 for females.
In contrast, East Northamptonshire has
expectancy is 77.3 years for males and 81.5 for females born between 20012003.
Implications for developmen
• The development plan should incorporate a strategy to improve accessibility to GP and hospitals for disadvantaged groups, in both urban and rural areas
• The
sustainable transport systems and
11
green spaces into urban areas; provision of sustainable communities; healthy
• he plan should seek to work in partnership with other delivery mechanisms
Cri
44 Ra
economic trends. A land use plan will be able to influence crime and fear of crime
red e detailed esign stages of developments, but there is little accuracy in forecasting this
.
nal
the
the tes of crime and East Northamptonshire the lowest.
Education
46 Individually some schools are operating at capacity and it is primarily the more
Pop pla
47 ademy in Northamptonshire will be established in Corby replacing Corby Community College. The Academy will provide 1000 places for 11-16 year
d
48 te has campuses at Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough
and approximately 16,000 students study locally at the University of Northampton
49
r those taking public transport.
50 re fewer people than the national average educated
design of buildings; good access to employment and services/facilities for all Tto ensure health and accessibility to health facilities are improved
me
tes of crime are effected by much wider trends within society such as
only at the detailed design stage. A strategic plan could support an overall uction in certain locations by ensuring that crime is considered at th
dchange
45 Rates of crime in North Northamptonshire overall are lower than the natio
average, although some parts of the area suffer from higher crime rates. For many offences the figures are marginally higher than the County average inarea. The most prominent offences are theft from motor vehicles and violence against a person. In broad terms, within North Northamptonshire, Corby has highest ra
Implications for development plan:
• Development plans should promote well-designed places where people feel
safe and secure, where crime and disorder or the fear of crime does not undermine quality of life or social cohesion.
rural schools that show the greatest spare capacity. The closure of Our Lady ande John Secondary School in Corby in 2004 has had an impact on school
ces in the town.
A second Ac
olds and a further 250 places at the sixth form and will specialise in business anenterprise. It is planned to open in new buildings in September 2007.
The Tresham Institu
and the Tresham Institute.
Cambridge, Cranfield, De Montfort, Leicester and Nottingham Universities are located within 1 hour’s drive of Corby, journey times would be longer fo
There are more adults in North Northamptonshire than the national average with no qualifications and there a
12
to degree level or above. Corby and Wellingborough have the least skilled population.
Implications for development plan:
able , which take into account the capacity of existing schools and
accessibility issues relating to both urban and rural areas
iodiversity 51 In t
habimp llotments and gardens as well as nationally and locally designated land.
2 Another key aim of the plan should be to actively seek to achieve a net gain in
53
habitats of this country of millennia clearing woodlands and wetlands, and draining the fens to
, which has created many large water-filled gravel pits at the expense of the wet meadows which once flanked the river.
55 once
ed.
57 al, forestry and river-management practices, urban
expansion, road development, mineral extraction, pollution, water abstraction and en a
small and have a fragmented distribution. The following key statistics exemplify the most recent
• Development plan policies and supporting information should support the
possible extension and development of new schools in the most sustainlocations
B
erms of biodiversity the land use plan should principally be protecting exiting itats and important areas of biodiversity. It should also be protecting ortant urban habitats such as greenways, small reserves, a
5biodiversity, partially addressed by creating new habitats.
Like the rest of Britain without human intervention Northamptonshire would belargely wooded. People have had an dramatic effect on the
make way for agricultural schemes that transformed the eastern part of the county.
54 In more recent times, extensive engineering work has been carried out on the
river systems to reduce the risk of flooding: meandering rivers have been straightened and much of the typical riverine vegetation has been lost. The rivervalleys, especially the Nene, have also been altered by sand and gravel extraction
Quarrying has also altered the landscape. Large areas around Corby wererich in ironstone that has been extracted for processing at the former steelworks. This created long, narrow quarries known as gullets. Vast areas were minMany of these quarries have been restored to farmland, although a few ironstonegullets still remain.
56 Today, the wildlife of North Northamptonshire comprises those plants and
animals that adapted to these dramatic changes or have thrived by taking advantage of the new landscapes created over time.
Changing agricultur
climate change have had a dramatic effect on the countryside. There has besteady decline in the areas that can be defined as semi-natural habitats of wildlife importance. Those areas that have survived are often
changes across Northamptonshire:
13
• Since 1947 over 64% of the Ancient Woodlands have been lost • Between the mid 1980s and the mid 1990s around 10% of the surviv
wildlife-rich meadows have disappeared
ing
• Since 1900 more than 99% of semi-natural neutral grassland has been ammal, 14
species of bird, 16 species of butterfly, 13 species of moth and 3 species of .
58 ap 1 of appendix 1 of the baseline report identifies the designated nature
SpeNat t Geo ly concentrated along the Rivers Nene and Ise and across the Rockingham Forest
59 the
resurvey is underway.
tats
destroyed;94 species of plant, 8 species of lichen, 3 species of m
grasshopper became extinct in Northamptonshire during the 20th Century
Mconservation sites across North Northamptonshire. These include Sites of
cial Scientific Interest (SSSIs), National Nature Reserves (NNRs), Local ure Reserves (LNRs), and County Wildilife Sites (CWS). Regionally Importanlogical/ Geomorphological Sites (RIGS) are also included. These are broad
Character Area.
The Government’s Public Service Agreement (PSA) target is to have 95% of SSSI area in favourable or recovering figure by 2010. In North Northamptonshire the figure is 55% compared to 69% across the whole County. The condition of many of the CWS is unknown as many sites have not been surveyed for 10 years. A project to
60 The Biodiversity Action Plan for Northamptonshire (BAP) identifies the range of
habitats that remain in the county, subdividing them by broad habitat types, which collectively comprise the biodiversity resource.
Northamptonshire BAP Priority HabiRivers and Wetlands: Rivers and Streams Open Standing Water Reedbeds and Swamps Wet and Marshy Grassland Springs and Flushes Trees and Woodlands: Lowland Mixed Woodland Wet Woodland Lowland Wood-Pasture and Parkland Farmland: Cropped Land Field Margins and Beetle Banks Hedgerows Dry Grasslands and Heaths: land Lowland Calcareous Grass Acid Grassland and Heathland Lowland Neutral Grassland Road Verges Quarries and Gullets Towns and Villages: ironment The Built Env Urban Forest and Greenspace
61 A recent study relating to the River N rapston has
highlighted its significance for winter likely that a number of lakes ene from Northampton to Th
ing birds. It is
14
wil e put forward for designation a further designated as Sp (SPA) unde nservation of Wild Birds (79/409/EEC).
• Development plans should ensure that species and habitats are protected includes secondary impacts, such as
rawing down of water tables effecting wetlands from development outside
• here appropriate all new development should help enhance the biodiversity
• should set out the need for special consideration to wherever a BAP ted species may be affected by development
• such as lowland heaths
ding locations are taken to account through following proper ecological survey. Where development
uld
• s ce the effects of development
n habitats
• consideration the potential ternational designation of the SPA in the Nene Valley.
Lan
62 Landscapes are valued features of our environment and should be protected in
biodiversity and amenity to those living near or within them. Map 2 in appendix 2 of the baseline report shows character areas of the area.
3 A landscape character assessment is currently underway by consultants
cape characterisation of the county: The Northamptonshire Environmental
l b s SSSIs and potentiallyecial Protection Area r EC Directive on the Co
Implications for development plan:
• Only in exceptionally circumstances should new development be located in
sites with international or national designation for nature conservation
from harmful development, and thisdthe area Wresource in the Plan area, through native species landscaping, appropriate location, and open space management The plan lis The plan should prevent the further fragmentation of habitats and where possible aid the aggregation of habitats,
• The plan should ensure when old buildings are renovated and restored species that may use these as hibernation or breeinis permitted, appropriate conditions should be applied to ensure the conservation of the species in a local context
• Specific actions in the Biodiversity Action Plan for Northamptonshire shobe taken into account where relevant Development can result in the fragmentation of habitats, therefore it iimperative the development plan helps to reduo The development plan should take intoin
dscape
any land use plan. Landscapes have positive implications for heritage,
6commissioned by Northamptonshire County Council. This forms part of a wider project that seeks to deliver an integrated, robust and transparent lands
15
Characterisation Project. This wider project aims to provide a comprehensive characterisation of the county by integrating the three primary environmental aspects of the landscape, comprising the historic, the ecological. These
ne
64 objective;
ial. rea
5 A draft of the current landscape assessment is included in Appendix 2 of the
rea. It is
vital that all new development respects these specific landscape qualities, r
cultural reasons
ality design and carefully-sited accessible development, that is in keeping and scale with its location and sensitive to the
•
66 App listed buildings,
Ancient Monuments, Registered Parks and Gardens, Conservation Areas and
imp isted buildings are also of importance and can ake a valuable contribution to local character and distinctiveness. Historic
Kettering represent an important group of designations associated with the Boughton House estate, which is considered to be of
67 den Hall,
am e
the Anglo Saxon period.
68
characterisations are shown are maps 3 and 5 in appendix 2 of the baselireport.
An important feature of the character assessment process is that it is no judgement is made of a particular landscape’s value or quality. However, attention is given to identifying characteristics that are distinctive, rare or specThe project refers and builds on the Countryside Character and Natural Aapproach developed by the Countryside Agency and English Nature.
6baseline report.
Implications for development plan:
• There are many high quality landscapes within the joint LDF plan a
and does not harm landscape features that are of importance for wildlife ohistorical and
• The plan should encourage high qu
character of the natural and built landscape environment Landscape character assessment must be used to inform the form and design of new development.
Cultural Heritage
endix 2 of the baseline report, and Map 3 identify Grade 1
areas of Ridge and Furrow. All grades of listed building are of national ortance, and grade II and II* l
massets in north-east
international importance, but important sites are distributed across the area.
Important assets include; Rockingham Castle, Kirby Hall, Great HarrowBoughton House, Lyveden New Bield, Lilford Hall, Kirby Hall, Deene Park, and Fotheringhay Church and Castle. Boughton Park and Drayton Park are Registered Parks and Gardens (Grade 1) of strategic significance. RockinghForest is a major historic assest and the subject of ongoing research by thRockingham Forest Trust. This area of former hunting forest has its origins in
It is important to monitor listed buildings at risk which are held on register by English Heritage.
16
Listed Buildings on the ‘at risk’ Register, 2005. Grade I Grade
II* Grade Ancient II Monuments
Kettering 1 1 - - Wellingborough - 1 - - E Northants 1 - 1 1 Corby - - - -
69 uing to modern times
is ture are culture. Modern industrial he so critical to charac ften undervalued.
70 Th racter of the county’s landscape is subject to a parallel study to
the current landscape character assessment. This important piece of work (Northamptonshire Historic Landscape Character Assessment (HLC)) provides a
ics
with the current Landscape Character Assessment and other datasets to
e
nd
71 bor
• ntrolling emission to air from a
range of industrial processes ‘prescribed processes’
• Clean Air Act 1993 – ensuring emissions from various sources meet certain
• Environment Act 1995 – introduced the National Air Quality Strategy, which
s
bjectives. 72
objlea dioxide. Where
onitoring of air quality in an area show that it is unlikely to meet the NAQS then
Iro ts o the nn working with ia noteworthy fea
rigins in of the
Romanas heritage and
period a d contin
ritage is al the ter of the locality and is o
e historic cha
detailed analysis of the cultural dimension of the landscape and allows for an understanding of the historic structure of the landscape and maps the dynamof change over a long period of time. The findings of the HLC will be integrated
formulate the combined area character map. Appendix 2 of the baseline report shows the Historic Landscape Character types that have been created.
Implications for development plan:
• All proposals for development must take into seek to protect and enhance thhistoric built environment, natural cultural assets, historic landscapes aarchaeology, and ensure that design and build quality will help maintain andwhere appropriate improve on this quality
Air
There are various Regulations and policy documents that cover the release of air ne pollutants, and seeking to protect air quality these include:
Environmental Protection Act 1990 – co
standards
sets up health based standard for 8 priority pollutants and objectives to bereached by the year 2005 and future compliance date
• UK National Air Quality Strategy – issued 1997 and reviewed 1999, specify
air quality o
In the UK air quality judged against the National Air Quality Standards (NAQS) ectives. The NAQS are set for benzene, 1,3-Butadiene, carbon monoxide, d, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, particles (PM10) and sulphur
m
17
an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) is designated and an air action plan prepared, however no such areas have been designated in the LDF area.
ts
74
s can affect large areas far from their sources (e.g. NO2, ozone).
75 ration, industrial processes and domestic sources. Overall energy generation through
76
Air Quality Standards (except sulphur dioxide). Traffic emissions is one of the key areas the
tion
ental effects on respiratory heath; nitrogen dioxide: Produced in all combustion in air and forms
ad n dioxide
, nd
port
77
for development plan:
sil
d in order to reduce the extent to which
radon accumulates
• nsure sensitive new development is not located near sources of air
• crease the proportion of electricity generated from renewable resources,
l energy, biomass, wave power.
73 Not only human health can be affected by poor air quality, but also many habita
and species e.g. lichens can be severely affected by air quality.
Some pollutants are readily dispersed in the atmosphere and their concentrations decrease rapidly away from the emission source. However, secondary pollutants, which are formed from reactions in the air from primary pollutant
The main sources of pollution are road transport, and energy gene
the burning of carbon fuels is the main source of pollution.
Road transport is the fastest growing source of UK emissions and the main contributor to levels of all pollutants covered by the National
core spatial strategy can tackle, by public transport improvement and locastrategy. Air pollutants related associated with road use include: particulate matter: that can cause localised poor air quality and detrim
the more harmful secondary pollutant nitrogen dioxide. The main source is rotransport, accounting for around 50% of UK emissions. Levels of nitrogeare steadily decreasing due to reduced emission limits for cars and heavy-duty vehicles sold from 2001-2006; carbon monoxide with negative health impactsbenzene and 1,3 – butadiene are recognised carcinogen, petrol is a source, alimits are put at 5% for petrol content. Main source of benzene is road trans(over 75%).
Air quality in Northamptonshire is generally in line with air quality targets and there are no Air Quality Management Areas. Recent monitoring has recognisedthat some pollutants may increase in future as a result of general increase in road traffic in the region.
Implications
• Reduce or at the least not to cause an increase in road traffic
• Ensure building standards are energy efficient, to reduce the burning of fosfuels
• Ensure that buildings are constructe
Epollution, e.g. busy roads and industrial sites with polluting emissions to air Inespecially those sources that do not rely on combustion of fuel e.g. wind turbines, geotherma
18
78 Map 6 in appendix 2 of the baseline report shows indicative floodplains and
floo and los
79 gy of the area is dominated by the River Nene catchment, with this
main river flowing south west to north east across North Northamptonshire. The ene
80 trategies are in the process of development across the
catchment and can offer opportunities to establish creative solutions. Lower lying
ch as green roofs.
flooding in other locations.
ater Quality 81 Info
the pro wa
82 rce within North Northamptonshire is controlled by a number of
organisations and bodies, these include:
e
of water
vered by
83 The River Quality Objectives set at Government level seek to ensure that water
qua uality data was not available
Flood risk
major river channels. Flooding is a sensitive issue as a result of extensive ding during Easter 1998, which resulted in extensive damage to property
s of life in the County.
The hydrolo
greater part of the area is drained by a series of tributaries that flow into the Ncomprising the River Ise, Harpers Brook and Willow Brook.
Flood Risk Management S
areas are at risk of flooding and will be subject to appropriate management proposals. All new developments have the potential to explore opportunities and demonstrate the minimisation of surface water run-off through the installation of SUDs (Sustainable Drainage Systems) and other feature su
Implications for development plan: • The planned growth poses serious challenges for the management and
limitation of run-off and flood risk. Development should only take place in areas susceptible to flooding in line with Environment Agency guidance and PPG25, so as not to put human health at risk in a location or exacerbate
W
rmation on the quality of water within the Plan area is primarily collected by Environment Agency. There are various regulations and policies that seek totect and improve water quality in sea waters, inland surface water, groundter and drinking water.
The water resou
• Environment Agency - strategic water resources planning and
management, and regulation of effluent discharges and water abstractions from public water companies
• Anglian Water Services Limited - private utility company responsible for thprovision of clean and reliable supply
• Drinking Water Inspectorate - regulation of quality of water deliwater companies to customers.
quality in the UK only improves, with 91% of rivers being of at least ‘good’ water lity by 2005. In North Northamptonshire river q
19
on the Environment Agency website, due to technical problems. The data can
sta
in the
lands in 2003
e good or fair biological quality
74% of our watercourses reached their RQO
9% had significant failures of their RQO.
ater conservation 85 England and Wales water consumption is 150 litres per capita per day.
least minimise demand for ater. Toilets and baths use more than half of the water in the home. There are
r when visitor numbers are high.
aste f
87 tions, discharges of untreated effluent occur e.g. from
emergency and storm over flows from sewerage systems. Discharge from
ay be limited depending on discharge.
al s in England and Wales.
identify which stretches of water are in decline and which are meeting high ndards.
84 The following data has been taken from the Environment Agency’s website and
in for the geographical area of East Midlands, of which North Northamptonshire is a part of.
• 3500 km of watercourses were monitored, by the Environment Agency, East Mid
• 95% of these were good or fair chemical quality • 97% wer
• 59% were poor nitrate quality and 44% were poor phosphate quality
• • W
InEfficient use of water is necessary to reduce or at wintense water supply pressures in the summe
Waste water quality 86 Effluents regulation under the Water Resources Act 1991, and EC Urban W
Water Treatment Directive (91/271EEC), sets out requirements for treatment osewage. All significant discharges receive two stages of treatment (primary and secondary).
Under particular condi
sewage treatment works (STWs) are a pressure on the environment, and may contain a range of pollutants. Three principal consented limits are for suspendedsolids, biochemical oxygen demand, and ammonia but a range of other substances m
88 Much of the pollution of surface waters, especially pollution of nitrates and
phosphates is beyond the control of the LDF, as it comes from agricultural sources. Which are normally characterised by diffuse runoff from agricultural land, or individual accidental leakage of agricultural effluent and products, as well as organophosphates and synthetic pyrethroids in sheep dip. Agriculturpollution counts for 11% of all water pollution incident
Implications for development plan:
20
• Generally good quality water in and around the Plan area must be maintainand where possible improved. Therefore it must be ensured that there is sufficient sewage treatment capacity for all new development, in all locathroughout the County, as STW failure can cause the release of large
ed
tions
amounts of pollutants into rivers, and cause river pollutions problems
t,
• ures as possible, as well as water treatment where suitable.
89 The ble
energy. The emphasis for the land use plan must be in terms of ensuring a level r
exa
90 ategy is set out in the 2003 Energy White Paper. Emissions projections and trends show that the UK is not currently on track to meet its
0
1 During the 20 century the average surface air temperatures increased by
n the
2 The UK Climate Impacts Programme (UKCIP) provides scenarios that show how
ure t that
• Increase the proportion of electricity generated from renewable resources, t rely on combustion of fuel e.g. wind
turbines, geothermal energy, biomass, wave power
downstream
• Every attempt should be made in new development to prevent storm runoff being directly discharged into surface waters and causing pollution incidenusing methods such as Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) Design of new development should aim to incorporate as many water efficiency feat
Climate change
causes of this concern are also covered in air, energy use, and renewa
of preparedness and the ability to adapt to the effects of climate change, fomple agriculture, habitats, and flooding.
The UK energy str
targets of a 20 per cent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2010 and a 6per cent reduction by 2050. A framework for stronger action is needed to achievethese reductions.
th9between 0.3°C and 0.6°C. The Environment Agency has advised that temperatures could rise in the UK by between 2°C and 3.5°C by the 2080s. Ilast few decades there has seen a trend of hotter, drier summers; warmer, wetter winters and sea level rises.
9our climate might change and co-ordinates research on dealing with our futclimate and were involved in the Foresight report. Foresight predicts thafluvial flood risk could increase six fold by 2080, reducing the standard flood protection from 1 in 100 years to 1 in 3, according to the worst case scenario based on current emissions.
Implications for development plan:
• Within the Plan area development that leads to an increase in release of greenhouse gases must be minimised, for example reducing the need to travel and length of trips
especially those sources that do no
21
• The impacts of climate change on the joint LDF area may be wide-rangingIncluding impacts on sensitive ecosystems and landscapes, especially whthe ability of these areas
. ere
to adapt to change is limited e.g. wetland areas
s e.
tained so that species n move and adapt to changing climate
•
93 Ma
Nopertaining to the Jurassic Period. Overly the solid geology are deposits of glacial
ain valleys and tributaries of the Nene and Welland. See appendix 1 of this baseline report
r more specific information.
4 The map in appendix 2 identifies the agricultural land classification prepared by
95
n previously developed land set within PPG3 for the year 2003/4. PPG 3 also encourages housing densities of between 30 –
found in some parts of the area, although it is more plentiful
• here is risk of some land being contaminated especially in and around
Min
96 a
Pla geographical area covered by the Minerals Local Plan is larger than for the joint LDF. The current Minerals Local Plan review
• Care will have to be taken in designing new development appropriately so a
not to exacerbate risk of flooding etc that is associated with climate changAlso plant and animal migratory routes must be mainca Encouraging new development that will minimise energy use.
Soil and Land
p 7 in appendix 2 of the baseline report shows the geology of the area. rthamptonshire’s solid geology comprises almost entirely of sedimentary strata
sands, gravels and till, whilst alluvial deposits can be found in the m
fo
9national agencies. Further details can be found in appendix 1.
The greatest concentration of vacant or derelict land is within Corby, as a result of its mining and steel manufacturing past. There is limited supply in Kettering and East Northants. All districts except Corby however managed to reach the target of 60% of new housing o
50dwellings per hectare. All districts except Kettering met this target with consents granted between 2000/1 – 2003/4.
Implications for development plan:
• There is High Quality Agricultural Land, particularly around Wellingborough
and Kettering, therefore it is important that this resource is protected from inappropriately located new development.
• Only a limited supply of brownfield land is
TCorby.
erals
Northamptonshire County’s Minerals Local Plan was adopted in 1996 and has n period of 1991 – 2006. The
is due for adoption in early 2006.
22
97 The County have also just completed the Minerals and Waste Development hich came into effect in March 2005. This is the start of the Minerals
and Waste Development Framework, which was introduced under the new
98
s of stone are needed for the construction of buildings, most is used as aggregates and road
99 of the baseline report shows the extent of former quarries
and areas of worked land, together with the Minerals Local Plan commitments
quarrying
ill also be assessed through a SA and SEA process, should be used to inform the
k
, limestone nd Collyweston slate) is an important aspect of historic character and
h should be inform design and scale of new evelopments
Wa 100 Northamptonshire County currently have a Waste Local Plan, which is still to be
t LD e just comin March 2005. This is the start of the Minerals and Waste Development Framework, which was introduced under the new planning system.
01 Waste can be divided into two main types, ‘active wastes’ classified according to
ithin Northamptonshire, these could have deleterious effects on the environment, it
y. All new landfill sites will require an Environmental Impact Assessment
Scheme, w
planning system.
There is some concern that the supply of traditional stone from quarries used to ensure vernacular construction is limited. Only small amount
building. It should be possible to ensure that ‘heritage quarries’ are permittedwhilst large scale quarrying for other uses is restricted.
Map 8 in appendix 2
and allocations, recycling centres, landfill sites and civic amenity sites.
Implications for development plan: • Encouraging the reuse of by products of mining and
• Reuse of mining and quarry land
• The Minerals and Waste Development Framework (MWDF), which w
joint Local Development Framewor
• Vernacular architecture using local materials (banded ironstoneainforms local distinctiveness, whicd ste
adopted. It covers a geographical area larger than the area covered by the joinF and is due to be adopted early 2006. In the meantime the County hav
pleted the Minerals and Waste Development Scheme, which came into effect
1its arising i.e. household and industrial; and ‘non-active wastes’ from agriculture, mining and quarrying. More on this can be found in appendix 1.
Implications for development plan:
• There may be the need for new landfill site locations to be found w
is therefore important the development plan identify suitable locations for this type of development, and sets stringent policies on the operations of such sites, in line with the sustainable waste management hierarch
23
• In order to reduce waste going to landfill it is important that the Plan helps to
• e
• Reuse of by products of mining and quarrying.
identify suitable sites for waste recycling and sorting facilities. The reuse of demolition and all other waste should be promoted, especially where the building or structure being demolished contains materials that arpart of the vernacular character
24
Appendix 1 Population Age, Ethnicity and Religion
1. The Office of National Statistics (ONS) has made some population growth predictions for the four districts (2003 based sub-national predictions). From 2003 to 2021 the ONS forecasts a small but steady decrease in population in Corby, but a marked increase in Kettering, and East Northamptonshire and a very slight increase in Wellingborough.
2. These forecasts do not take account the implications of the plan but rely on
historical trends and demographic analysis. As an identified growth area (part of the MKSM) the extra development that is planned to occur over the years should result in population growth in excess of these forecasts, especially for Corby.
3. Demographically, in North Northamptonshire:
• 20% of the population are under 15 years of age, 61% are of working age and 17.5% are of retirement age
• the majority are white (95%). The largest ethnic group is Asian or Asian
British making up 2% of the population across North Northamptonshire. In Wellingborough however they represent 4.5% of the population. The next most significant group is Black or Black British who make up 1.2% of the population across the whole area or 2.5% of Wellingborough
• the majority of the population who state a religion describe themselves as
Christian. The greatest non Christian groups are in Wellingborough where 3.4% describe their religion as Hindu and 0.9% as Muslim.
Soil and Land 4 In Northamptonshire the Jurassic limestone and ironstone is well represented
and has determined and influenced the form and appearance of settlements and buildings. These have been extensively quarried and have provided a rich source of building material which is reflected in the local vernacular. The iron rich strata have been worked since Roman times through to the 20th Century, particularly in the Rockingham Forest and Corby Area.
5. The legacy of quarries, mining and associated industry has had a profound
influence on the landscape. Reinstated mineral workings now characterise much of the agricultural landscape from Wellingborough to Corby. This carry’s with it a risk of land contamination particularly in Corby as a result of former heavy industry and waste sites, this could represent a constraint to development.
6. Along the Nene Valley post-glacial gravels form a series of river terraces.
They have provided a rich resource, and gravel extraction has been prolific along the Nene west of Thrapston. Much of the restoration of the valley floor has been returned to lakes and wetland.
7. The map in appendix 4 identifies the agricultural land classification prepared
by national agencies, the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service of
25
the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, with the assistance of the Soil Survey of England and Wales 1974. This identifies that much of the soil within the area is classified as Grade 3. There are however likely to be significant areas of Grade 2 around Wellingborough and Kettering, with particular concentrations to the west of both settlements. There are also large parcels around Wollaston and south of Irchester, and there is an arc stretching from the south of Titchmarsh to the west of Clopton to Polebrook. Other patches exist around the villages of Tansor, Fotheringhay and Nassington
Waste
8. The following data has been collated for the whole of Northamptonshire, from
the Waste Local Plan proposed modification document, available on Northampton County Council’s website. The figures below relate to the Plan period of the Waste Local Plan, which is up to 2016.
• Hazardous Waste - Between 1998/99 and the year 2000/01 there was a
fall from 130,000 tonnes to 60,000 tonnes of hazardous waste deposited in Northamptonshire. From 2000/01 to 2002 there was a small in crease in hazardous waste. In 2002, 29,497 tonnes of hazardous waste was produced in Northamptonshire of which approximately 20,000 tonnes was exported. The total proportion of hazardous waste required to be disposed in Northamptonshire for the Plan period is 123,641 tonnes, which may also include the 20,000 tonnes a year that is currently exported.
• Inert Waste and Construction and Demolition Waste – Currently an estimated total of 7 million cubic metres of void space is available for inert waste and construction and demolition waste in Northamptonshire. Several waste operators have indicated there is currently a shortfall of a million tonnes of inert wastes and construction and demolition wastes for use as engineering and restoration materials. Current available landfill void space has approximate life span of 14 years, though the life expectancy is expected to increase, with more recycling.
• Non – Hazardous – In 2004, 10 million cubic metres of landfill void space
was available for disposal of non hazardous waste. There is currently 1.3 million tonnes of non hazardous waste produced annually in the country, which could rise to 1.5 million tonnes. The void space will be depleted before 2016, the end of the plan period, if waste continues to be landfilled at existing rates.
26
