A Spatial Guide for Pennine Lancashire July 2011

What is it? A non-statutory planning document A spatial expression of the Multi Area Agreement. An articulation of the spatial interventions required to deliver sub-regional priorities set out in various PL strategies. A light touch framework to guide Pennine Lancashire spatial planning activity and provide context for future joint working. A stepping stone to a future joint Core Strategy, through helping align authorities’ planning policies.

Why has it been produced? Required by Pennine Lancashire Action 12 in the MAA. Need for a strategic approach to planning issues (particularly due to void left by Revocation of Regional Spatial Strategies). Planning issues don’t respect administrative boundaries. To guide local authorities in producing their planning policies, by providing a steer on strategic issues. To provide partners/investors/stakeholders with a clear spatial articulation of the priorities for the area and how they relate to its geography and the roles of places.

Structure Context: Introduction A Snapshot of Pennine Lancashire – Spatial Portrait Strategic Context and Priorities Spatial Framework: Economic Regeneration Rebalancing the Housing Market Accessibility and Connectivity High Quality Environment – Green Infrastructure

Structure: Context Introduction A Snapshot of Pennine Lancashire – Spatial Portrait Explains the geography of the sub-region Looks beyond Pennine Lancashire to neighbouring areas Divides Pennine Lancashire into three areas: M65 Corridor, Ribble Valley and Rossendale Explains how different places function and relate to each other Explains key issues Strategic Context and Priorities Explains the role of the Spatial Guide and how it relates to other PL strategies Draws together and summarises the priorities from the range of PL strategies

Structure: The Spatial Framework Sets out the spatial interventions needed to transform Pennine Lancashire Identifies strategic areas of change and identifies key development sites within them Explains how key projects link with one another and sit within the geography of Pennine Lancashire Provides guidance for Local Authorities in producing their LDFs – helps align planning approaches on strategic issues Key diagram and zoomed in maps on the three areas illustrate the framework

Economic Regeneration PL has a strong manufacturing base - aerospace, advanced manufacturing, advanced flexible materials, digital and creative industries But its still underperforming- GVA per head is around £4,000 less than nationally. To enhance competitiveness It is essential that the area offers sites in order to attract new businesses and investors the Guide indentifies a varied portfolio of strategic employment development sites for new and expanding businesses.

Rebalancing the Housing Market –The housing market is dominated by pre-1919 terraced properties –12.8% of the housing stock is deemed unfit –The housing stock fails to meet the needs of families. –Larger family and “executive” housing is under provided for which restricts the area’s ability to retain and attract higher wage earners. –A number of “strategic areas of change” have been identified as focuses for housing development. growth areas - providing homes for higher wage earners in more attractive locations to support economic growth, or renewal areas - diversifying the offer and rebalancing the market in inner urban areas, or possibly as a mixture of the two.

Accessibility and Connectivity –In order to realise its economic potential Pennine Lancashire needs to improve transport connections with neighbouring city regions, accessibility to employment sites within the sub- region by sustainable travel modes. –In addition improving digital connectivity is a also key to economic growth. Central to this is achieving the widespread take-up and use of Next Generation Access (NGA) (high speed) broadband.

High Quality Environment – Green Infrastructure Pennine Lancashire is fortunate to possess a highly attractive natural environment, formal parks, gardens, woodlands, green corridors, waterways, street trees and open countryside. The Guide recognises: –the potential to attract people and businesses to the area –The need for protecting and enhancing special habitats and landscapes. –the importance of promoting Pennine Lancashire’s Green environment for recreation to help raise health and fitness levels, and sustaining the rural economy. Adrenaline Gateway and Panopticon Trail demonstrating how this can be achieved.