Rhondda Cynon Taf Revised Local Development Plan 2022 - 2037 Preferred Strategy

Section 2 – National and Regional Context and Local Evidence Base

National and Regional Considerations

2.1.1 The RLDP and its Preferred Strategy must be in general conformity with regulations, plans, policies and other guidance at national, regional and local level. Accordingly, these have helped form the preparation of the Preferred Strategy, together with the Evidence Base and are listed below, alongside their relationship to the Preferred Strategy.

National

The following national documentation is applicable throughout Wales:

Future Wales: The National Plan 2040, 2021

The National Development Framework, entitled 'Future Wales: The National Plan 2040' is the highest tier of development plan in Wales, focusing on issues and challenges at a national scale. The NDF sets the direction for growth, development and infrastructure investment in Wales until 2040. It sets a strategy and strategic policies for addressing key national priorities through the planning system, including sustaining and developing a vibrant economy, decarbonisation, developing resilient ecosystems and improving the health and well-being of communities within Wales.

Planning Policy Wales (Edition 11), 2021

Planning Policy Wales 11 (PPW) sets out the land-use planning policies and overarching framework for sustainable development in Wales, inclusive of the sustainable development principle in decision-making. It also integrates the Well-Being of Future Generations (Wales) Act (WBFGA) into national planning policy. As with its predecessor, PPW 10, it requires planners to embrace the concept of place-making in both plan making and development management decisions, in order to achieve sustainable places. Given that place-making is central to the Well-Being of Future Generations (Wales) Act; it is felt that place-making must capitalise on a local community's assets, inspiration and potential, with the intention of creating development that promotes people's health, happiness and well-being.

Development Plans Manual (Edition 3), 2020

The Manual provides up-to-date and fit for purpose practical guidance regarding plan preparation. As such, since the introduction of a raft of planning legislation from c. 2013 onward, alongside changes to national policy, it was deemed an appropriate time to commence revisions to the document. Changes include the option for LPAs to undertake an 'Integrated Sustainability Assessment', which includes not only SA/SEA but also key elements of The Well-Being of Future Generations (Wales) Act, The Equalities Act, the Welsh language and Health Impact Assessments. The inclusion of such will enable a more transparent, holistic and rounded assessment of the sustainability implications of the plan.

Building Better Places – The Planning System Delivering Resilient and Brighter Futures – Placemaking and the COVID-19 recovery, 2020

The paper, published in July 2020, highlights the key, existing planning policies and tools that should be used to aid the recovery of Wales, as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic. The paper encourages planners to display creativity and ingenuity in devising innovative solutions and responses to the environmental, social, cultural and economic recovery of Wales, at all scales. The paper further encourages local planning authorities to be bold in their vision for emerging/revised local development plans (LDPs).

Llwybr Newydd: The Wales Transport Strategy, 2021

Llwybr Newydd is the Transport Strategy for Wales, which sets out a 'new path' for transport across the Country over the next 20 years. Its primary aim is to create a more prosperous, green and equal society for all. As well as setting out short and long-term priorities and ambitions, the Welsh Government also presents nine mini plans that explain how the aims will be delivered within different transport modes and sectors.

The Planning Act, 2015

The Planning Act, introduced in 2015, provided a revised legislative framework to reform the planning system. The Act contains five key objectives, in addition to providing a legal basis for the introduction of a National Development Framework (known as Future Wales covering the period 2020-2040) and Strategic Development Plans to cover three regions within Wales. The SDP for the ten South East Wales authorities, of which RCT is one, will provide a blue-print and strategy for development and investment across the region, although work has not yet commenced on the SDP. Importantly, the Act also makes provisions for the 'use of the Welsh language' to be a material consideration in the determination of planning applications.

The Well-Being of Future Generations (Wales) Act, 2015

The Well-Being of Future Generation Act provides a framework for improving Wales's welfare, requiring public bodies to think about the long-term implications of their decisions. The Act places sustainable development at its heart to improve the cultural, social, environmental and economic well-being of Wales. The Act sets out the 'five ways of working', as well as the seven well-being goals that public bodies must achieve.

The Environment (Wales) Act, 2016

The Environment Act received Royal Assent on 21^st March 2016 and seeks to provide legislation to proactively and sustainably manage the natural resources of Wales. The Act includes a new biodiversity duty, which aims to aid the reversal of decline and secure the long-term resilience and future of biodiversity in Wales. The Act also tasks Welsh Ministers with setting targets to reduce greenhouse emissions and the setting of carbon budgets.

The Housing (Wales) Act, 2014

In September 2014, The Housing (Wales) Act received Royal Assent. The primary aims of the legislation include: The provision of sufficient regulation governing private rented houses. To amend and to improve the law in relation to homelessness, as well as making provisions for the standards of housing provided by local authorities. Furthermore, the Act also provided a definition of a Gypsy and Traveller, mandated an accommodation needs assessment and required LPAs to meet any identified need. The Act also abolished the housing revenue account subsidy, in addition to allowing mutual housing associations to grant assured tenancies.

The Active Travel (Wales) Act, 2013

The Active Travel (Wales) Act promotes safe routes for walking and cycling, as an alternative to private vehicles. The Act plays its part in the design of developments, by encouraging links with existing routes to facilitate long-term changes in behaviours and mind-set. A requirement of the act is to map all active travel routes on an active travel network map and utilise this to deliver continued improvements in the quantum and quality of routes, to enhance connectivity.

Circular 005/2018 – Planning for Gypsy, Traveller and Showpeople Sites, 2018

In June 2018, the Welsh Government published a new Circular entitled Planning for Gypsy, Traveller and Showpeople Sites, which supersedes advice contained in Circulars 30/2007, 78/91 and 76/94. The Circular updates the definition of a 'Gypsy and Traveller' to include Travelling Showpeople, alongside New Travellers where they are able to demonstrate a cultural tradition of nomadism or of living in mobile homes. The Circular also takes into account the Well-Being of Future Generations (Wales) Act, which sets out a framework for local authorities across Wales to ensure the 'sustainable development principle'.

Prosperity for All: A Low Carbon Wales, 2019

The plan, published by the Welsh Government in 2019, aims to increase efficiency and cut carbon emissions of greenhouse gases by a minimum of 80% by 2050. This is essential in order to meet the requirements of The Environment (Wales) Act, 2016 and to create fairer, greener and healthier communities. This plan is fundamental to reversing the effects of climate change.

Regional

City Deal (Cardiff Capital Region)

The £1.2billion Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) City Deal, was formally ratified in 2017. On the 12^th February 2018, the CCR Regional Cabinet, comprising the ten local South East Wales authority leaders, approved the strategic business plan. This details how the £1.2 billion 'Wider Investment Fund' would be used up to 2023. The plan specifies the regional strategic objectives of the CCR City Deal, which are: prosperity and opportunity; inclusion and equality; and identity, culture, community and sustainability. The City Deal also includes funding of £734million for the South Wales Metro, of which over £500m is provided by the Welsh Government, with £125m from the UK Government. Works on this project are well underway across the South East Wales region.

Corporate Joint Committees (CJCs)

The Welsh Government, in 2021, produced regulations that established four CJCs comprised of executive leaders of authorities. One of the CJCs established comprises the CCR for the South East Wales region, which includes RCTCBC. The CJCs are responsible for preparing a Strategic Development Plan, preparing a Regional Transport Plan (RTP) and promoting the economic well-being of the area.

The South East Wales Metro

The Metro project has accounted for over half of the City Deal funding, with the project currently underway throughout the region. Transport for Wales in partnership with the Welsh Government are responsible for the operation of the Metro railway service, whilst responsibility to bus and active travel provision remains with LPAs. The principal objective is to create an integrated, sustainable transport network throughout the region that is greener and more efficient.

Cwm Taf Morgannwg Well-Being Plan, 2023-2028

The Cwm Taf Morgannwg Public Service Board (PSB) comprises public bodies within Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil and Bridgend, who have come together to deliver services to local communities. The PSB aim to improve social, cultural, environmental and economic well-being, by creating targets to achieve the objectives of the seven Well-Being goals. The plan aims to create fairer access to opportunities for all communities, whilst recognising the variety of challenges faced by many and how this impacts upon their well-being.

NRW Area Statements – South Central Area Statement, 2020

NRW published seven area statements across Wales however Rhondda Cynon Taf is covered under the South Central Area Statement, published in 2020. Of the seven areas, South Central is the most densely populated, encompassing Cardiff, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Bridgend, the Vale of Glamorgan and Merthyr Tydfil. The area also includes the moorland fringes of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, as well as the lowlands of the Vale of Glamorgan and the dramatic valleys uplands. Consequently, the Area Statement contains the objective to 'bridge the urban and natural environments'. The statement contains five key themes, which are: building resilient eco-systems; connecting people with nature; working with water; improving our health; and improving our air quality.

Local Evidence Base

Rhondda Cynon Taf Corporate Plan 'Making a difference', 2020-2024

RCTCBC's Corporate Plan covers the period 2020-2024 and contains the vision for the County Borough. This being: For Rhondda Cynon Taf to be the best place in Wales to live, work and play, where people and businesses are independent, healthy, and prosperous. The purpose of the Council is to provide strong communityleadership and create a healthy environment for people and businesses to prosper. To this end, the Council has three main priorities, which are set forth in within the plan:

• People: Are healthy, independent, and successful.
• Places: Where people are proud to live, work and play.
• Prosperity: Creating the opportunity for people and businesses to be innovative, be entrepreneurial and fulfil their potential and prosper.

Tackling Climate Change Rhondda Cynon Taf Climate Change Strategy, 2022 – 2025

The RCT Climate Change Strategy aims to meet the Council's commitments to reduce carbon emissions across the County Borough and in doing so, effectively tackle climate change.

It sets out that by 2030:

• Rhondda Cynon Taf will be carbon neutral;
• The whole County Borough will be as close as possible to carbon neutral; and
• Our work with partners will have ensured that all public and private organisations that operate in the County Borough will be carbon neutral by 2040.

Rhondda Cynon Taf will have contributed to the Welsh Government's ambition of a net zero in the public sector by 2030.

LDP Review Report, 2019 (Also acting as a synopsis of all AMRs)

The Council compiled a Review Report to inform the decision to begin the preparation of a Revised LDP. The Review Report provides a critical analysis of the evidence gathered since the adoption of the LDP via the monitoring process. It considers factors such as the delivery of allocations and other development, alongside the performance and effectiveness of planning policy. The principal source of the review consists of the Council's Annual Monitoring Reports (AMRs) that are sent to the Welsh Government annually. The AMRs monitor the performance and implementation of the plan, as well as considering any relevant contextual changes in global economic circumstances and newly published policy, guidance or legislation.

Settlement Hierarchy Assessment Paper, 2023

The Settlement Hierarchy, as determined by the Settlement Assessment, informs the Spatial Strategy of the RLDP and is utilised to ascertain which settlements are the most sustainable and have the capacity to deliver the requisite growth over the plan period. LPAs are required to ensure that decisions on the location of development consider issues such as: sustainable growth patterns; supporting of services and facilities; the relationship between settlements; and the movement of people.

Retail and Commercial Centres Hierarchy Paper, 2023

Local Planning Authorities are required to identify a Retail and Commercial Centre Hierarchy for their Local Development Plans (LDPs). This paper sets out the relationship of the Retail and Commercial Centre Hierarchy with the Settlement Hierarchy and LDP Strategy. Higher order settlements will typically have a large catchment area and range of uses, whilst lower order settlements are designated to meet the daily convenience needs of the communities that they serve.

Vision, Issues and Objectives Paper, 2023

The Vision, Issues and Objectives Paper was compiled in 2023 and outlines the key findings of the initial stage of the Revised LDP for RCT. The paper identifies the social, economic, environmental and broader issues that exist across the County Borough, specifically, those that the LDP can and should seek to address. The issues of the RLDP have been condensed to produce a concise Vision for the plan. The Issues and Vision are considered to formulate defined Objectives for the RLDP, over the plan period. Consequently, the outcomes identified form the foundation of the RLDP and the preparation of subsequent stages.

Demographic Evidence Report, 2023

RCTCBC commissioned Edge Analytics to prepare a Demographic Evidence Report in 2022. The report uses POPGROUP technology to produce a range of growth scenarios for the County Borough, incorporating the Welsh Government population and household projections, in addition to demographic and economic statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and StatsWales. The analysis outlines the population and household change for each growth scenario, from 2022 to 2037, including new dwellings, average net migration and employment growth per annum.

Housing Supply Paper, 2023

The Housing Supply paper details the number of dwellings that are expected to be built from the current housing landbank (sites currently with permission or under construction) during the plan period. Additionally, it estimates the number of windfall sites (both small and large), which may come forward by 2037. The report concludes with the identification of the scale of allocations that need to be made in order to meet the determined RLDP housing provision.

Local Housing Market Assessment Draft Findings 2024

The LHMA analyses the current unmet need for affordable housing in accordance with the most recent Welsh Government methods of calculation. The assessment determines the future affordable housing need, across the housing market areas in RCT, in association with the determined population and household growth proposed by the RLDP.

The Urban Capacity Study, 2022

RCTCBC has compiled an Urban Capacity Study to ascertain the capacity of existing urban land to deliver future housing and other development within the County Borough. The desk based study sought to identify potential land for the Revised LDP, as well as provide an insight into the number of windfall developments likely to occur over the plan period (2022-2037). Whilst the study estimates the potential for accommodating new dwellings, it cannot predict which sites may be delivered in the future. The study was contained to those sites within the defined settlement boundary, with all other land (e.g. open space, flood risk zones or sites with ecological value/interest) excluded.

Growth Options Paper, 2023

The Growth Options Paper details the proposed growth options for RCT. It details how the various scenarios proposed are influenced by and could potentially affect, the total population, demographics, dwellings requirements and tenures, as well as having implications for employment land and projected growth. Within the paper, a number of scenarios have been tested and analysed to determine the most appropriate level of growth for the RLDP over the plan period 2022-2037.

Spatial Strategy Options Paper, 2023

The Spatial Strategy Options Paper has been prepared to set out the spatial strategy options for the Revised LDP. It seeks to reflect the key national, regional and local policies relevant to the formulation of the spatial strategy options. In order to frame and adopt a suitable spatial strategy, it is necessary to look at a number of alternative approaches or options, where the requisite levels of growth can be accommodated. These options must be realistic and seek to address the objectives of the RLDP. This should ultimately be a significant factor in the determination of the RLDP's wider Strategy, ensuring that the Vision and Objectives of the RLDP can be achieved.

Empty Homes Strategy, 2022-2025

The Empty Homes Strategy provides a framework for bringing empty homes back into beneficial use in RCT. It was felt necessary to produce a bespoke strategy for RCT, due to the high numbers of empty homes across the County Borough, where there is continuing pressure to deliver affordable housing. It is however noted that these dwellings cannot be considered in the same manner as 'new' dwellings, in terms of contributing to the overall housing need, identified in the RLDP.

Employment Land Review, 2023

In 2022, the Council commissioned the BE Group, in conjunction with PER Consulting, to produce an Employment Land Review (ELR) for the County Borough. The ELR includes an economic development evidence base for the County Borough and the 'larger than local' area (across LPA boundaries), as well as assessing the policy context. Moreover, it contains the three elements of the ELR itself: the property market assessment, the audit of existing employment sites and the calculation of future land requirements. In terms of land requirement, the 2015 employment guidance sets out two methodologies for determining this figure, both of which were used within RCTCBC's ELR.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Tourism Strategy

The RCT Tourism Strategy sets out a vision for RCT as the premier destination in the UK for "experience" based visits and vacations showcasing our first-class landscape, culture, and heritage.

In order to achieve this, the strategy sets out goals to ensure that RCT: is at the cutting edge of adventure tourism; is the premier destination for those seeking an active lifestyle; and maximises the benefits of its outstanding landscapes. Furthermore, the strategy seeks to utilise the culture and heritage of RCT to the full, thus benefitting residents and tourists, in addition to creating a first class visitor experience. This will include over-night accommodation that is not just a place to stay but an experience in its own right.

Strategic Flood Consequences Assessment (SFCA), 2022

The SFCA, produced by JBA Consulting in November 2022, seeks to provide robust evidence to inform policy development and decisions on land-use allocations. The study has had due regard to national planning policy and guidance, as well as the relevant Technical Advice Note, this being TAN 15 entitled Development, Flooding and Coastal Erosion. The aims of the study include:

• Informing potential development opportunities, having due regard to flood risk management;
• Identifying the extent and severity of flood risk within the County Borough to ensure that development is steered away from those areas; and
• To provide a reference document that can be relied upon for initial advice and guidance.

Draft Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS)

An LFRMS has been produced by RCT, which includes a strategy and action plan. This details the objectives, measures and actions that have been developed to outline, at a high level, how RCT intends to manage local flood risk. It also sets out how to adopt a holistic approach to flood risk management. This is the second Local Flood Risk Management Strategy, replacing the first strategy, which was published in 2013.

Candidate Site Register (Findings of the Stage 1 Assessment), 2023

In accordance with the LDP Regulations, RCTCBC must prepare a Candidate Site Register (CSR), which should be published at the Preferred Strategy stage. This includes all sites received during the Call for Candidate Sites process and the results of their first stage assessments, in line with the Candidate Site Methodology.

Integrated Sustainability Appraisal, 2022

In May 2022, RCTCBC commissioned LUC to carry out a Sustainability Appraisal (SA) incorporating Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the Revised LDP. The Development Plans Manual (Ed. 3) recommends that the SA/SEA also incorporate other assessments, such as Health Impact Assessment (HIA), Equalities Impact Assessment (EqIA) and Welsh Language Assessment. It should also address the Well-Being of Future Generations (Wales) Act, 2015 and The Environment (Wales) Act 2016. Consequently, the process is referred to as an Integrated Sustainability Appraisal (ISA).

The purpose of the Scoping Report produced by LUC is to provide the initial context for the scope of the ISA of the RLDP. There will then be statutory ISA Reports for each of the official stages and other elements of the RLDP.

Habitat Regulation Assessment (HRA), 2022

In addition to the ISA, LUC are also undertaking work on the HRA on behalf of RCTCBC. The HRA provides an assessment of the potential harm and impact that a proposed plan could have on specially protected sites. RCT has a number of sites considered to be of special wildlife or conservational importance, which are protected by International law. When compiling the RLDP, RCTCBC must be very aware of any development proposals, within the vicinity of such sites, to ensure that they are protected from harm.

Viability Report

In 2022, RCT commissioned Avison Young to undertake a viability assessment of residential development across the County Borough. This will assist the Council in assessing the general viability throughout RCT, as well as the barriers to successfully bringing forward suitable Candidate Sites. It will also give an indication of where the provision of affordable housing can realistically be anticipated. The study was based on the current LDP policy requirements.

Draft Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA), 2022

The Draft GTAA, produced in February 2022 by Opinion Research Services, assessed the need for future Gypsy and Traveller accommodation in RCT. The principal objective is to provide a robust assessment of existing and future needs for accommodation in the short-term and over the life of the Revised LDP (2022-2037). The accommodation needs have been compiled through a combination of desk-based research, stakeholder engagement and engagement with members of the Travelling Communities. The study concludes that RCT will need to meet the needs of the existing and projected Gypsy and Traveller population via the Revised LDP.

Summary of the Draft Spatial Strategy Options Paper and Consideration for Transport Modelling, 2023

This paper is the result of modelling work undertaken to determine the additional trips created when considered against various options of spatial growth in RCT. This also indicates where this additional travel would take place.

Town Centre Strategies

Porth Town Centre Strategy, 2018/2019:

The strategy seeks to enable a vibrant and enticing town, with a strong offer, which recognises the centre as the heart of our communities. In order to achieve this and to address the significant challenges faced by commercial and retail centres generally; the strategy sets out an integrated and holistic approach to regeneration. This approach takes note of the distinctive role that Porth plays and its important location for services, transport, employment and housing delivery. In order to deliver the strategy, the Council aims to harness any opportunities presented from funding streams, such as the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal.

Aberdare Town Centre Strategy, 2023/2024:

The strategy recognises that in the wake of the COVID-19 global pandemic, Aberdare faces significant challenges, despite remaining the heart of its surrounding communities. The Council is committed, via the strategy and its Corporate Plan (Making a Difference, 2020-2024), to create vibrant, thriving places where people wish to live, work and socialise. Achieving the aims of the strategy will be contingent upon partnership working to harness the collective energy to implement the requisite interventions.

The strategy sets forth a framework to guide investment, whilst taking account of its role and functions, in supporting local communities via the provision of services and facilities, regional transport connections, employment opportunities, housing and retail, leisure and cultural experiences. It seeks to capitalise on the surrounding new strategic infrastructure and the Metro to provide additional opportunities and encourage further investment.

Pontypridd Town Centre Placemaking Plan 2022:

The plan outlines the proposed regeneration of Pontypridd, building on shared aspirations for the town and its role within the Cardiff Capital Region. The plan identifies several core ambitions that will guide future investment to the town, alongside design drivers to ensure that new development meets these ambitions. The ambitions create a vision for Pontypridd: as a business destination; as a great place to live, as a place that is connected and accessible, as a green waterside town; as a unique townscape; as a cultural and social destination; and as an inclusive and resilient town.

The design drivers set in place to achieve these objectives will focus on development, connectivity, townscape, green infrastructure and the public realm, whilst building upon the social and cultural aspects of the town. Furthermore, there are five spatial areas within the town, which will be the focus of targeted investment, these being: The Southern Gateway, Town Centre Core, Market Quarter, Northern Gateway and Ynysangharad War Memorial Park.