St Edmundsbury Core Strategy (December 2010)

6 Strategy for Haverhill6.1 Haverhill has consistently accommodated high levels of growth and is wellplaced to make a contribution to the accommodation of growth in the Cambridgesub-region, as well as the wider London, Stansted, Cambridge, PeterboroughCorridor Growth Area. In addition, sites are available in the town centre for futureretail, leisure and service development necessary for balanced growth. Theproximity of Stansted Airport, around 30 minutes drive to the south of the town, isresulting in a number of residents working at the airport as well as businesseslocating in the town that require easy access to the airport.6.2 The higher than average levels of manufacturing based industry in the townhas led to an imbalance in the employment base and a high level of outcommuting.However the town is well placed to seize upon the opportunities forgrowth presented by the restrictions around Cambridge and the intensification ofthe use of the existing runway at Stansted.6.3 A similar level of growth to that currently provided for in the ReplacementLocal Plan will take place in the town in order to encourage further inwardinvestment. The growth will be in homes and, most importantly, jobs in an effortto try and reduce the levels of out-commuting and create a better balance ofemployment types in the town.6.4 It is proposed to prepare an Area Action Plan for the whole of Haverhill aspart of the Local Development Framework. The Area Action Plan will provide amore detailed framework for managing the long-term sustainable growth of thetown and work commenced on this in late 2009.6.5 Across the town there will need to be a balanced approach to catering formotorised journeys and other methods of travel in order to manage levels ofcongestion, air quality and road safety. The delivery of sustainable transportsolutions will remain a high priority and measures to reduce out-commuting,especially by car, will be encouraged. Ways of encouraging cross town trips bynon car traffic will particularly be encouraged.6.6 Regeneration of the town centre to improve opportunities for retail, leisureand business opportunities will remain a priority and this will include theimprovement of the environment and management of traffic to resolvevehicle/pedestrian conflict.6.7 The provision of good quality green infrastructure will remain a high priority,as will the need to address localised issues of deprivation.6.8 A strategic site has previously been identified through the Local Plan for ahousing led development in north-west Haverhill that will be developed over along timescale (See Proposals Map, Key Diagram and Appendix 5). However, dueto the limited opportunities for the re-use of previously developed land, it will benecessary to release a further greenfield site on the edge of the town to meet thelocal needs for housing, jobs and other facilities. Details of how the preferred sitewas selected are set out below.Developing the strategy - Issues and Options6.9 The Core Strategy Preferred Options and Strategic Sites Issues and OptionsDocument (November 2008) considered the alternatives for meeting thegreenfield element of the Borough‟s growth requirements around Haverhill and thefollowing options were examined:69