Core Strategy Preferred Options document - Amazon Web Services

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Characteristics, Issues and Opportunities Large areas of open space are located in proximity to the main settlements, providing the potential for recreational opportunities to be created if such spaces are linked to areas of residence. The Upper Roach Valley provides a particular opportunity. The western area of the District contains areas of ecological and landscape importance, most noticeably the Upper Roach Valley and Hockley Woods which have the potential to provide high quality open space accessible to local people. The physical geography of the District gives rise to the potential to explore opportunities to promote tourism. The potential impact of such tourism on the environment must be carefully considered. The Wallasea Island Wild Coast project, adjacent to the realigned coast of Wallasea Island, represents a particular tourism opportunity – one which will have to be carefully managed given the areas ecological importance. Population The last Census in 2001 recorded the District as having a population of 78,489. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates that the population of the District in 2008 is 81,700, and projects that this will rise to 87,000 by 2021. Rochford District is home to a relatively large number of families, raising the average household size. This is particularly the case in the western part of the District, perhaps indicating that the higher levels of in-migration in these parts are due to parents seeking the quality of life and prosperity needed to support families. Issues and Opportunities Rochford District has a higher proportion of older residents than the national and regional averages. The under-20 population of the District is expected to fall between 2008 and 2021, with the population of those aged 20 to 64 remaining relatively stable. The over-65 population is expected to increase considerably by 2021, outnumbering the under-20’s by 2015, and leading to an overall increase in the District’s population. The District’s ageing population may result in a smaller workforce and a higher dependency ratio, to the detriment of the economic prospects of the area. The ageing population could also lead to an increased demand for health and social care, rather than services for youth. However, a lack of facilities for young people is a current weakness in the District. The changing demographic balance may result in the isolation of the existing pockets of young people in the area - this may have an effect on the social and economic futures of local young people. 14
Characteristics, Issues and Opportunities The District experiences relatively modest levels of in-migration, primarily into Foulness and Great Wakering Ward and areas along the border with Basildon. Housing As at September 2008, there were 35,623 households within Rochford District. The average price of a detached dwelling in July 2008 was £300,000 in Rochford District, which is lower than the average price for the same property type in Essex (£397,967, source: www.home.co.uk) The Regional Spatial <strong>Strategy</strong> (known as the East of England Plan) has given an allocation of 4600 dwellings to be built in Rochford District between 2001 and 2021. This figure is based on meeting the needs of the current and the future population of the District. As at 31 st March 2006, 810 dwellings had been completed since 2001. Current need encompasses the number of people in the District who are living within a household and who want to move to their own accommodation and form a separate household. Projected need is derived from the supposition that the population is projected to increase from 81,300 in 2007 to 87,000 by 2021. In order to meet the needs of our growing population, houses need to be provided for those moving to their own accommodation. Housing needs studies and other data from sources such as the housing waiting list indicate that demand for housing is focused primarily on the District’s larger settlements of Rayleigh, Hockley and Rochford, but there is still demand for housing in other settlements. Issues and Opportunities There is a high-level of home ownership in the District. However, concealed households (person or persons living within a household wanting to move to their own accommodation and form a separate household, e.g. adult children living with their parents) are largely unable to afford to enter the local housing market due to the gap between house prices and income. There is a limited supply of affordable housing in the District and the development of additional affordable units across the region is not keeping pace with demand. The development of additional housing will impact upon all forms of physical and social infrastructure. This impact will have to be addressed through planning obligations and other forms of developer contributions. Failure to provide affordable housing that meets the needs of the District’s residents may lead to the continued out-migration, to the detriment of the vitality of local communities. Outside of the District’s main settlements, the majority of undeveloped land is designated as Metropolitan Green Belt. However, there is a limit to how much 15
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Page 16 and 17: Introduction Priority Role of Core
Page 18 and 19: Introduction County Strategies Esse
Page 20 and 21: Introduction • Looking Back and M
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