Watford Borough Council Infrastructure Delivery Plan March 2013

 
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Watford Borough Council Infrastructure Delivery Plan March 2013
Watford Borough Council

Infrastructure Delivery Plan

March 2013
Watford Borough Council Infrastructure Delivery Plan March 2013
Watford Borough Council Infrastructure Delivery Plan March 2013
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2013 Watford Borough Council

                                                                                       Contents

      Executive Summary                                                                              2
      Introduction
1     Introduction                                                                                   6
2     Methodology                                                                                    7
3     Limitations of the Study                                                                       8
4     Watford in context                                                                            8
             4.1 Location                                                                           8
             4.2 Population                                                                        10
             4.3 Spatial Strategy                                                                  10
             4.4 General Transport                                                                 11
5     Strategic planning and partnerships                                                          11
      Assessment of Infrastructure Capacity
6     Assessment of Infrastructure capacity                                                        13
7     Social Infrastructure                                                                        13
              7.1 Health                                                                           13
              7.2 Social care                                                                      17
              7.3 Education and schools                                                            20
              7.4 Emergency services                                                               23
              7.5 Cultural services                                                                26
8     Green Infrastructure                                                                         29
9     Physical Infrastructure                                                                      31
            9.1 Strategic Transport                                                                31
            9.1.1 Croxley Rail Link                                                                31
            9.1.2 Watford Junction Redevelopment                                                   32
            9.1.3 Abbey Line Tram                                                                  34
            9.1.4 Health Campus                                                                    35
            9.2 Local transport                                                                    35
            9.3 Energy Infrastructure                                                              38
            9.4 Water infrastructure                                                               40
            9.5 Waste Infrastructure                                                               42
10    The Way forward                                                                              43
      Appendices
I     Glossary and Abbreviations                                                                   44
      Infrastructure Delivery Schedule
II    Social Infrastructure Projects                                                               50
III   Green Infrastructure Projects                                                                53
IV    Physical Infrastructure Projects                                                             59
Watford Borough Council Infrastructure Delivery Plan March 2013
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    Executive Summary

    Background
    The purpose of the Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) is to provide an understanding of the
    future infrastructure needs of the borough and an evidence base on infrastructure for the
    local plan.

    Infrastructure planning is an important corporate tool and not just a town planning document.
    A robust and integrated IDP has the potential to support funding bids and influence decision
    making. Such a plan can become or form the basis of a key strategic document for the
    borough, the Local Strategic Partnership, the Local Enterprise Partnership and other delivery
    agencies.

    Local Planning Authorities will be responsible for administering and securing infrastructure
    delivery through agreeing appropriate scheme design and appropriate planning obligations
    with developers, or directly through other delivery agencies such as for water, electricity and
    telecommunications infrastructure.

    Housing and Population
    The revocation of the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) along with the abolition of the housing
    targets (enacted January, 2013) gives freedom for the borough to establish its own housing
    target for the plan period.

    Taking various evidence into consideration, such as the ONS population projections, previous
    East of England plan targets, and the potential housing development land identified in the
    SHLAA, the council considers that a minimum total target of 6,500 homes from 2006 to 2031,
    an average delivery rate of 260 dwellings per annum, is suitable for the borough.

    Watford's mid-2011 base population estimate is 90,700 and the resulting 2011 based estimated
    population at mid-2021 is 95,300. This equates to a 22% increase in the population of Watford.

    The housing targets and population projections indicate that demand for new infrastructure
    such as school places and doctor’s surgeries will need to be closely monitored, and that this
    could have an impact on other areas such as the provision of social and community services.

    Education and Schools
    A significant infrastructure requirement that will need to be addressed over the next 5 years,
    is the provision of sufficient primary and secondary school places in order to accommodate
    the additional demand that will arise.

    Hertfordshire County Council informs us that since 2007/08 there has been an increase in
    the demand for reception school places, and that this trend is expected to continue for the
    foreseeable future. Eventually this will feed into demand for additional places in secondary
    schools. Therefore, three sites for two forms of entry (60 pupils) primary schools are required
    to meet this demand.
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The greatest area of need has historically been in central and west Watford, around the
Central Primary and Chater schools. This demand takes account of the projected population
growth, however, it does not consider the potential additional growth from any revised scheme
for the Health Campus (SPA3). A new primary school will be required to serve the Watford
Junction and Health Campus development proposals.

It is critical to respond to changing needs rapidly and flexibly. This can be done without adding
permanent additional capacity in the short to medium term. On existing school sites where
there is some certainty of longer term need then permanent expansion has taken place where
it can be provided in time to meet demand.

Transport
Road traffic is predicted to grow by 35% by 2021 (from a 2001 baseline). Sustainable transport
initiatives are therefore required to try and counter balance the predicted increase in
congestion.

The major transport projects including Watford Junction redevelopment, Croxley Rail Link,
Abbey Line improvements aim to relieve congestion in the town and also provide feasible
alternatives to the car.

The Croxley Rail Link in particular will improve accessibility from the area around Watford
General Hospital, which has the lowest level of car ownership in the borough, the highest
population density and is the least accessible area for rail services.

The Watford Junction Improvement Scheme combines improved access for all modes of
transport to the station and the new Colonial Way Link Road which will relieve pressure on
St Albans Road.

Further work has been commissioned on developing a network of high frequency radial bus
services in the area, linking the main retail, commercial and service areas in south-west
Hertfordshire.

The Council aims to support and improve local neighbourhood centres to serve as a focus
for key services within walking or cycling distance.

The Council has delivered 14.1 km of new cycle routes over the last 6 years. Cycle route
usage has increased at all monitored sites.

The Hertfordshire Infrastructure & Investment Strategy Study (HISS), identifies priority
infrastructure needs in the Borough, such as the Watford Junction rail interchange, and the
Abbey Flyer. The proposal for the Watford Junction interchange, would contribute to improving
connectivity and efficiency of the road network within Watford, including benefits for the bus
network. Whilst the Abbey Line (Abbey Flyer) would improve rail connections between St
Albans and Watford. The Croxley rail link scheme involves the extension of the Metropolitan
line, onto the disused Croxley Green Branch line, connecting Watford High Street and Watford
Junction overground Stations, which connect with London Underground. These transport
infrastructure needs would significantly contribute to improving connectivity within Watford
and Watford’s connectivity with West Hertfordshire and London.
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    Emergency Services
    There are no current gaps in provision, and future demand will need to be continually
    assessed. The police services required depend on criminality rates rather than population.

    The Core Strategy policies emphasise good design to reduce crime the potential need for
    an increased police or fire and rescue service presence in Watford.

    Health
    The most significant health infrastructure planned for the borough, is the Health Campus
    development. The Health Campus proposal includes the replacement of the existing Watford
    General Hospital with a new 600 bed “Major Acute” hospital and primary care and health
    clinic facilities, business uses, a hotel and housing.

    In terms of General Practitioner (GP) capacity, the level is broadly sufficient to serve the size
    of the population. There are two areas in the borough, Callowland and Central wards, which
    may be least able to cope with proposed growth and may require some moderate additional
    investment in the future.

    Social Care
    There are a total of 761 bed spaces provided in Watford’s older peoples care homes. By
    2020/21 an additional estimated 250 bed spaces will be required, ideally through the provision
    of flexicare and extra care flats as an alternative to residential care. There is therefore a
    significant need for housing for older people but little demand. Demand is restricted to those
    who are proactive in seeking retirement housing and those who have little choice but to move
    because of an urgent health problem. The most prevalent reason for delayed discharge from
    hospital for an older person is difficulty in finding residential or nursing home placements.

    There is an ongoing need for housing adapted to meet the needs of people with disabilities.

    Arts and Cultural Amenities
    Watford has one multiplex cinema which is located in the north of the borough at Woodside.
    However, there is an intention to locate a cinema in the heart of the town centre as part of
    the Charter Place development. The Council has committed £5.2 million from its 2010 budget
    for the refurbishment of the Watford Colosseum to provide a first class entertainment facility
    to enrich the cultural life of residents and become a focus for the regeneration of this part of
    the town centre.

    The long-term aim of the Cultural Study is to provide improved museum and library facilities.
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Cemeteries
The borough currently has two cemeteries, at Vicarage Road and North Watford. A new
cemetery will be required to serve the borough by 2014.

Water Infrastructure
The findings of the Water Cycle Study indicate that Watford has adequate water resources
and the borough should not experience supply shortages within the next 20 years.

Wastewater and Sewage
Maple Lodge Sewage Treatment Works serves Watford, St. Albans and Hemel Hempstead.
It is anticipated that Maple Lodge will experience capacity issues by 2016, which means
capital investment will be required to increase capacity in the future.

Thames Water is undertaking a 5 year investment programme (from April 2010) which includes
the maintenance and upgrade of the sewer system in Watford and interventions to protect
homes and businesses from flooding. The programme will also include the expansion of the
sewer network and treatment capacity to meet the demands of new development, thereby
enabling 200,000 new dwellings to connect to the sewer system between 2010 and 2015.

Whilst this five year investment programme will not impact directly on Maple Lodge the
improvements may need to be included in the next programme.

Municipal Waste
The treatment and disposal of municipal waste is a County Council responsibility. The
Municipal Waste Strategy prepared by the Waste Disposal Authority seeks to promote the
provision of a new waste facility, supported by strategically located waste transfer stations,
needed in Hertfordshire by 2015.

Watford is currently provided for by the Waterdale waste facility at Garston. This provides
waste transfer facilities in the west of the County and is an efficient facility. As a result the
new waste facility for Hertfordshire is unlikely to be required in Watford.

The Way Forward
The key messages from this IDP will be included in the production of the Local Development
Framework, and in particular the Core Strategy, including the formulation of appropriate
policies for dealing with infrastructure delivery. Information in this document will also feed in
to the preparation of a CIL charging schedule.
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    1 Introduction
    1.0.1 This Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) provides an assessment of the infrastructure
    necessary to support the existing and planned increase of new homes and jobs within the
    borough up to 2031. It takes account of the projected population growth in the Borough and
    the need to encourage sustainable development and mitigate climate change. The assessment
    includes a review of the existing provision and an analysis of the required future provision,
    and where known, its location, when it will be provided, how it will be funded and who will be
    responsible for delivery.

    1.0.2 The IDP has been informed by information from a range of service providers; County
    and District Council services, (such as education, libraries, highways etc), the Local Strategic
    Partnership and infrastructure providers external to the Council (such as the Primary Care
    Trust, emergency services and utility companies). It focuses on key infrastructure needs
    derived from various plans and strategies of each of these partners.

    1.0.3 The IDP is accompanied by an Infrastructure Delivery Schedule (Appendix II-IV)
    which sets out the infrastructure schemes that are currently proposed to take place during
    the Core Strategy plan period to 2031.

    1.0.4 The IDP is not a policy document and information contained within it does not override
    or supersede the Core Strategy policies and commitments contained within the formal suite
    of LDF documents. It provides a key piece of evidence base and will further provide a robust
    basis on which the Council will seek to influence public, private and agency funding and
    priorities.

    Policy background
    1.0.5 Local infrastructure provision is a key element of making development sustainable
    as outlined in National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The Local Plan will play a key
    role in coordinating the level of infrastructure and services in the District to ensure that it
    meets current and future demands.

    1.0.6 In order to achieve this, Local Planning Authorities are required to assess the quality
    and capacity of infrastructure in their areas and its ability to meet forecast demands. However,
    this should not be a wish list of infrastructure provision that does not have a reasonable
    chance of being delivered. The infrastructure planning process needs to identify not only the
    infrastructure that is required but also the cost of delivery, the phasing of delivery, how it will
    be funded and who is responsible for delivery.

    1.0.7 The LDF and Core Strategy are seen as key to delivering infrastructure, and the Core
    Strategy needs to be supported by robust evidence of what infrastructure is needed to enable
    the amount of development proposed for the area, taking account of its type and distribution.
    This is provided in the IDP.

    Planning Obligations
    1.0.8 Under the 2008 Planning Act, the Government introduced the Community Infrastructure
    Levy (CIL). The aim of the CIL was to encourage development to contribute to the provision
    of strategic infrastructure. It was intended that the CIL would operate alongside S106
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obligations, although these would be ‘scaled back’ to be limited to site specific requirements
and affordable housing. Include section on CIL regs. Further guidance from the government
is expected on CIL in relation to affordable housing.

1.0.9 Currently the Council seeks S106 contributions in respect of residential development.
The contributions normally sought on new residential developments are payable to Watford
Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council. These contributions are for:

    Public open space
    Children’s play space
    Healthcare provision
    Amendment of CPZ Traffic order (parking permit)
    Affordable housing
    Sustainable transport measures for pedestrians and cyclists
    Education
    Childcare
    Nurseries
    Youth facilities
    Libraries
    Fire Hydrants

1.0.10 Watford Borough Council, working in partnership with Hertfordshire Local Planning
Authorities will be preparing a CIL charging schedule. It is anticipated that this will be adopted
by 2014. The IDP and accompanying schedule will be a key part of the evidence towards
developing a CIL charging schedule. They will help determine the level and costs of
infrastructure required to support development in the District. A single unified local tariff
applicable to all residential and non-residential development (even a single unit), will be
introduced but at graded rates depending on the size and scale of the development.

1.0.11 He introduction of CIL by 2014 will ensure that the current S106 guidance is reviewed,
and will ensure that the range and level of contributions towards our local infrastructure needs
are kept up to date and maximised in the context of emerging CIL practice and guidance.
This will include considering the potential for seeking contributions from new commercial
development as well as the potential for increasing the contributions to infrastructure from
new residential development. S106 contributions will be sought, where required for the
proposed development to proceed, for on-site and off-site infrastructure needs and affordable
housing, in parallel with the new CIL regime.

2 Methodology
2.0.1 The methodology was developed using guidance from the Communities and Local
Government (CLG), the Planning Advisory Service (PAS) and other best practice guidance.
This IDP was produced by the Council in consultation with a number of service providers.

2.0.2 The methodology involved identifying the types of infrastructure within the borough,
followed by identification of relevant agencies/bodies responsible for providing the
infrastructure. An initial assessment of infrastructure provision and capacity within the borough
was undertaken. This information establishes the baseline position of infrastructure in the
area, together with the infrastructure gaps and capacity issues.
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    2.0.3 The Infrastructure Delivery schedule outlines the cost involved in delivery, the potential
    funding sources and gaps in funding and whom will be responsible for delivery and timescales.
    Ongoing dialogue with infrastructure providers is essential to plan for infrastructure needs
    on an ongoing basis.

    2.0.4    The Hertfordshire Infrastructure and Investment Strategy (2009, refreshed 2012)
    supplements this document and provides information about the infrastructure that will be
    required across the County in future years.

    3 Limitations of the Study
    3.0.1 A number of infrastructure service providers only plan on a 3-5 years time cycle,
    while others, such as some of the utility providers, simply react when proposals are at the
    planning application stage. This has obvious limitations in terms of planning ahead within
    the LDF timeframe to 2031. Emphasis has therefore been placed on ensuring a detailed
    understanding of infrastructure requirements for the early phases of Plan delivery. A further
    updated infrastructure plan will be needed to inform the requirements for later phases.
    Engaging some providers was sometimes problematic; others were unable to provide the
    detail of information required for the IDP; this is noted within the relevant section of the Report.

    4 Watford in context
    4.0.1 Population growth, socio-economic profile and the economy are important factors
    which shape the approach to infrastructure planning. It is recognised that these factors can
    change over time and updates of the IDP will allow flexibility in planning for any future trends.
    This section provides the local context in which future infrastructure needs to be planned in
    the borough.

    4.1 Location

    4.1.1 The Borough of Watford is predominantly urban in nature and covers an area of
    2,142 hectares (8.3 sq. miles). However, almost 20% of the Borough forms part of the
    Metropolitan Green Belt which encloses much of the built-up area. The Colne Valley Linear
    Park, the Gade Valley and Cassiobury Park, which extends almost into the centre of Watford,
    provide the main open space and nature resources in Watford.
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                                                                             Figure 1 Key Diagram

                                                                                                                                                                                                             ±
              Special Policy Areas
              Green Belt                                                        Key Diagram
              Open Spaces
              Railway
              Croxley Rail Link (Proposed)
                                                                                                                                                                                St Albans District
              Abbey Flyer
              London Underground Line

   À
   Á          Railway Stations                                                                                Woodside

   "
   Á          Proposed Railway Stations
              Motorway                                                                                               A405
                                                                                                   Kingswood
              A Road
              Main Rivers

                                                                                                                      Garston
                                                                                           Leavesden Green

                                                                                                                                                                                      M1
                                      M25                                                               A41                                                       Meriden

                                                                                                                         Dome Roundabout

                                                                                                     North Watford
                                                                                                                                                   k
                                                                                                                                                Lin

                                                      River Gade
                                                                                                                                            ail
                                                                                                                                        er R

                                                                                                                                                                       River Colne
                                                                                                                                     Fly

                                                                                                                       A412
                                                                                                                                 bey

                                                                                 A411
                                                                                                                              Ab

                                                                                                                     Watford Junction

                                                                                                                                                                           Hertsmere District
                                         Grand Union Canal                                                                                                  WATFORD
                                                                                                               Town Centre

 Three Rivers District
                                                                      A412

                                                             Proposed Ascot Road Station

                                                                        Cro                                                                            Lower High Street
                                                                           xle
                                                                              yR
                                                                                ail
                                                                                    Lin
                                                                                       k
                                                                                                                                                                       B462
                                                                                  A4145
                                                                                                                                                                               A411
                                                      Western Gateway
                                                                                    Proposed Vicarage Road Station
                                                                                                                      Health Campus
                                                           Holywell
                                                                                                                            Oxhey

                                                                                                                         A4125

                                                                                                                                                  Watford Heath A4008

ORDNANCE SURVEY LICENCE AGREEMENT
© Crown copyright and database rights 2011
Ordnance Survey 100018689
                                                                                                                                                                           0          0.25      0.5       0.75   1

                                                                                                                                                                                             Kilometers
Produced by Paul Morton, Corporate GIS, August 2011
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     4.1.2 Situated in the South West of Hertfordshire, Watford has several locational advantages
     due to its excellent communication links. The M1 motorway, with a direct link to the town
     centre, and the London to Glasgow railway pass through the Borough. London Euston can
     be reached in 20 minutes by rail, while the nearby M25 motorway has enhanced road access
     to the major airports at Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton. Watford has major A-road
     links to adjoining areas and is also connected to the underground rail network with the
     Metropolitan Line terminus adjacent to Cassiobury Park.

     4.2 Population

     4.2.1 The first release of data from the 2011 Census was published by the Office for National
     Statistics (ONS) on 16 July 2012, the resident population for Watford on Census Day was
     90,300. A significant amount of the population is aged 25-34 as seen in the pyramid below.

                      Figure 2 Age pyramid for Watford = 2001 Census and 2011 Census

              Source: Office for National Statistics 2011 Census and 2001 Census population estimates

     4.2.2 Watford has a high population density, which has risen to 42 persons per hectare,
     compared with an average of 7 persons per hectare in Hertfordshire. The population is diverse
     with around 18% of residents classifying themselves as other than white, compared with 8%
     in the region.

     4.3 Spatial Strategy

     4.3.1 The Core Strategy seeks to deliver 6,500 additional homes between 2006 and 2031,
     along with at least 7,000 additional jobs and other supporting services and facilities.
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4.4 General Transport

4.4.1 The borough has excellent transport links with mainline rail connections to London,
Gatwick Airport, the Midlands and the North, Underground and Overground connections to
London, its north-west suburbs and the rural Chilterns, community rail connections to St
Albans, coach services to Heathrow airport, bus services to Luton airport, and convenient
road links via the M1, M25 and A41.

4.4.2 Watford is relatively well served by buses. The Arriva Bus company operates the
major bus routes throughout Watford.

4.4.3    Car ownership in Watford is the lowest in Hertfordshire with the exception of
Stevenage. 79% of households in Watford have at least 1 car. This is below the Hertfordshire
average of 82% (Census 2001). Watford has the highest net in-commuting in Hertfordshire,
and over 60% of people travel to work by car, either as a car driver or passenger. This
                                                           (1)
contributes to the problem of traffic congestion in Watford .

4.4.4 Traffic in Watford is predicted to grow more in line with forecasts for the county overall.
From the base year of 2001, Hertfordshire’s traffic is predicted to grow by 20.1% by 2011
and 35.6% by 2021 and Watford’s traffic is predicted to grow by 20.5% by 2011 and 35.1 %
by 2021. Whilst the growth in traffic in Watford is predicted to be no worse than that for
Hertfordshire as whole. Traffic congestion has an adverse impact on air quality and leads to
increases in green house gas emissions that contributes to climate change. Therefore
alleviating congestion on the roads and the promotion of sustainable transport measures,
are considered important issues to be addressed by the Core Strategy.

5 Strategic planning and partnerships

Hertfordshire Infrastructure & Investment Strategy
5.0.1 The Hertfordshire Infrastructure & Investment Strategy (HIIS) published November
2009, update January 2013, was commissioned by the ten Hertfordshire District Councils
and the County Council to address the infrastructure implications of the RSS which identified
significant growth for Hertfordshire for the period up to 2031. The HIIS Study examined the
strategic infrastructure that would be required to accommodate predicted growth in the county
as identified in the now revoked East of England Plan. The Study identifies Watford Junction
rail interchange and the Abbey Line (Abbey Flyer), as priority interventions needed in Watford.

Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)
5.0.2 The aim of the Hertfordshire LEP is to accelerate business-led growth in Hertfordshire.
Its ambition is for Hertfordshire to become a world-leading economy; one of the top three in
the country outside London. To achieve this, the LEP brings together key partners from
business, academia and the public sector to provide the necessary strategic leadership,
vision and focus to deliver this aim.

5.0.3 The primary goal for the LEP is to promote steady, sustained economic growth over
the next two decades, whilst simultaneously enhancing and protecting the valuable natural
assets which make Hertfordshire attractive and distinctive.

1   Source: Census 2001 Workplace table W203
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     5.0.4    The four objectives are:

         To encourage enterprise and business growth and build on our innovation assets

         To maintain and improve the skills and employment prospects of residents

         To identify and prioritise the strategic infrastructure required for economic growth

         To secure greater investment from business and government in Hertfordshire by
         improved promotion and advocacy activity

     Local Strategic Partnership
     5.0.5 One Watford, the borough’s Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) was set up in 2002
     and brings together the borough’s key organisations from the public, private, voluntary and
     community sectors that all have a role to play in improving the quality of life of Watford
     residents. Current members of the One Watford Board include:

         Watford Borough Council
         Hertfordshire County Council
         Hertfordshire Police Authority
         John Lewis Watford
         Safer Watford partnership
         Watford and West Herts Chamber of Commerce
         Watford Community Housing Trust
         Watford Council for Voluntary Services
         Watford District Children's Trust Partnership
         Watford Football Club
         Watford Observer
         Wenta
         West Hertfordshire NHS Primary Care Trust
         West Herts College

     5.0.6 The Board has responsibility for developing the borough’s Sustainable Community
     Strategy that identifies both a long-term vision for Watford and the objectives and priorities
     that will help deliver this vision.

     5.0.7 One Watford’s vision for Watford is 'a town to be proud of, where people will always
     choose to live, work and visit' and its objectives for achieving this are to focus on delivering:

         A well-planned town with homes to suit all needs
         A safer town
         A healthy town
         A prosperous and educated town
         A well-informed community where everyone can contribute; and
         A town that protects its environment and heritage
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6 Assessment of Infrastructure capacity
Infrastructure can take many forms, and information has been gathered for the services and
facilities detailed in the following table.

 Infrastructure          Sector             Infrastructure Type
 Category

 Social Infrastructure   Health             GPs, Hospitals/Acute Provision, Dentists

                         Social care        Adult Care Services

                         Education          Primary and Secondary Education, Nurseries

                         Emergency          Police, Fire
                         Services

                         Cultural           Libraries, Cemeteries, the Colosseum, the
                         Services           Watford museum, Watford Palace Theatre,
                                            Places of Worship

                         Youth facilities   Youth projects and facilities

 Green Infrastructure    Green and          Parks, Open Spaces, Play Areas, Wildlife
                         Open spaces        Corridors

 Physical Infrastructure Water              Sourcing, Treatment, Distribution, Waste Water
                         Infrastructure

                         Municipal          Waste
                         waste

                         Strategic          Croxley Rail Link, M25 Widening, Watford
                         Transport          Junction interchange improvements

                         Local Transport Traffic Management & Highway Improvements,
                                         Road, rail and Bus network, Cycle Facilities

                         Energy             Electricity Distribution, Gas Distribution
                         Infrastructure

7 Social Infrastructure
7.1 Health

7.1.1 The East and North Hertfordshire PCT and West Hertfordshire PCT are supported
by a single management team. They have the overall responsibility for health care in
Hertfordshire and have produce a joint Strategic Plan for Hertfordshire covering a five year
period.

7.1.2 The WatCom Locality Cluster group is a Practise Based Commissioning consortium
of 28 GP Practices covering the Watford and Three Rivers Area. Together they work with
the East and North Hertfordshire PCT to commission Health Services for around 188,000
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     local people. They have produced a Strategic Plan following discussions with Watford Borough
     Council concerning health infrastructure that will be required over the planning period of the
     respective Core Strategies.

     7.1.3    The strategic priorities are:

         Keeping Hertfordshire healthy and improving the health of our growing population, both
         the very young and the very old. In doing this we will ensure that those with the greatest
         health needs, such as those experiencing deprivation and marginalised groups, are
         targeted so that they have the same health chances as the rest of the population. Through
         information, advice and support we will promote healthy lifestyles, the prevention of ill
         health and delay the early onset of ill heath.
         Enhancing the patient experience across primary and secondary care, recognising our
         ageing population and the need to support the growing numbers of patients with chronic
         conditions such as diabetes and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) through
         effective care pathways. More care will be provided closer to home and local community
         services will be strengthened and made more accountable to local people through the
         move to community Foundation Trust status.
         Commissioning high quality health care for the population of Hertfordshire. We will ensure
         that our population has fast and easy access to high quality healthcare when they fall
         ill, are supported through effective rehabilitation to make as full a recovery as possible
         and enable them to maintain their independence as long as possible. This will be achieved
         in the context of the WCC competencies through stimulating the market, providing greater
         choice, delivering value for money and ensuring that the highest standards of clinical
         care and patient safety are achieved.

     Local healthcare (GPs)
     7.1.4 WatCom state that future development is likely to generate further demand on existing
     health and social infrastructure but individual sites may be too small to enable the development
     of new or extended provision.

     7.1.5 Generally, in Watford the health of the population is better than regional and national
     benchmarks but challenges remain in Central Watford. According to the WatCom report, at
     the WatCom PBC group level, GP capacity is broadly sufficient and local practices operate
     out of a total floor space appropriate for the size of the population. However there are variations
     and some proposed housing development areas need to be examined closely to ensure
     capacity will be available.

     7.1.6 The planned growth is considered moderate and at a rate comparable with recent
     years. The PBC group will seek to engage with local planners considering
     redevelopment/regeneration of the special policy areas as an opportunity to address health
     inequalities in the area through better integrated services.

     7.1.7 The areas that seem least able to cope with the proposed growth and may require
     some moderate additional investment are Callowland and Central Wards. A considerable
     amount of housing development is forecast to come forward within the Callowland Ward; the
     largest single development being the Watford Junction site. The Watford Junction development
     may lead to an estimated additional 3,500 registrations. This equates to possibly two whole
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2013 Watford Borough Council   15

                                                    Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2013

time GPs with associated support staff. The report reveals, that if there is rapid development
of the Watford Junction site, patients may need to travel some distance to Meriden or
Bridgewater House surgeries to register.

7.1.8 There are five surgeries which serve the Central Ward area. The report reveals, that
if the identified housing developments came forward in this area, an additional 2,000
registrations would result, equivalent to 1.1 whole time GPs with associated support staff.
However housing developments in Park,Holywell and Vicarage Wards, will give rise to
manageable numbers of registrations. Almost all the growth in the Vicarage Ward is attributed
to the Health Campus proposals. The report highlights that Commissioners may need to
consider how existing surgeries can serve developments in the Park and Vicarage Wards.

7.1.9 In terms of projected housing growth, if all housing developments identified came
forward, at best case, GP supply would exceed the worst case demand for registrations.

 Local Health Care (GPs)

 Lead agency               West Herts PCT

 Evidence base             WatCom Locality Commissioning Group – WatCom Estates Plan
                           2009 East & North Hertfordshire and West Hertfordshire PCTs
                           Strategic Plan 2009/2010 – 2013/2014

 Existing provision        14 GP practices

 Gaps in provision         At present there are no gaps in provision within the borough

 Planned provision         There are no planned increases or improvements in provision of
                           local health care facilities

 Impact of development     The most significant proposal within the Callowland Ward,
 proposals                 includes the redevelopment of the Watford Junction site, which
                           may lead to an additional estimated 3500 registrations equating
                           to 2 GPs and support staff. Development in the Central Ward
                           may lead to 2000 registrations, this equates to 1.1 GPs and
                           support staff.

 Potential for delivery    At present the developers pay S106 contributions towards Health
                           care provision

 Potential delivery      Developer contributions
 mechanisms in the local
 plan

Hospitals/Acute Provision
7.1.10 Health services are provided through the Primary Care Trusts (PCTs). The East
and North Hertfordshire and West Hertfordshire PCT are supported by a single management
team. They have overall responsibility for healthcare in Hertfordshire and have produced a
joint strategic plan for Hertfordshire covering a five year period.
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      Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2013

     7.1.11 There are currently 4 major acute hospitals in Hertfordshire. Whilst these provide
     over 60% of acute care for the population, residents can also access services at several
     other acute hospitals outside Hertfordshire. Nearly 98% of Hertfordshire residents, based on
     modelled travel times, live within 30 minutes by car from an acute hospital.

     7.1.12 The key strategic health provision for the area is the acute hospital at Watford
     General, Vicarage Road. This site was previously identified as an area needing development.
     The West Hertfordshire Hospitals Trust, intend to redevelop the site and have obtained outline
     planning permission to deliver a Health Campus. The Health Campus proposal includes; a
     new 600 bed “Major Acute” hospital and primary care and health clinic facilities, business
     uses, a hotel and housing. The proposed Health Campus site lies in Vicarage Ward but is
     well placed to serve Central Ward and West Hertfordshire, once transport links are in place.

      Strategic Health Care (Hospitals)

      Lead agency                      West Herts PCT

      Evidence base                    WatCom Locality Commissioning Group – WatCom Estates Plan
                                       2009 East & North Hertfordshire and West Hertfordshire PCTs
                                       Strategic Plan 2009/2010 – 2013/2014

      Existing provision               Watford General Hospital

      Gaps in provision                These will be determined on a countywide basis

      Planned provision                A new acute hospital and ancillary facilities

      Impact of development            Growth in residential development in Watford and across
      proposals                        Hertfordshire will see increasing demand being placed on
                                       strategic health services. However changes in the way services
                                       are provided and the provision of a new Acute Hospital will
                                       contribute to increasing capacity of services.

      Potential for delivery           The Health Campus proposal has outline planning permission.
                                       The key stakeholders include West Herts Hospital Trust, Watford
                                       Football Club, Watford Borough Council and Hertfordshire County
                                       Council.

      Delivery mechanisms in Core Strategy and Site Allocations DPDs
      local plan

     Dentists
     7.1.13 Independent Dental Practices provide the majority of NHS dental care under contract.
     The Watford area has 16 General and Specialist Dental Practices. Like other areas in England,
     the West Hertfordshire PCT area has seen a decline in the numbers treated under the new
     NHS dental contract. The PCT has more dentists per head of population than regional and
     national averages. Unlike NHS dental services General Dental Practitioners are not NHS
     employees but like GPs are independent contractors. The reimbursement framework for
     Dentists under the current contract terms provides a single income stream for an agreed
     volume of NHS work.
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                                                       Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2013

7.1.14 The contract sum contains a notional element for premises and staffing but these
are not reimbursed or identified separately. Unlike the way in which GPs operate, Dentists
are not precluded from mixing a considerable private income with an NHS contract.

7.1.15 This single rolled up payment makes it hard to strategically plan dental infrastructure
outside of the NHS. For a commercial dentist the choice of premises may be as much guided
by the potential residual value of a property as its suitability for a wide patient group. Location
may be more influenced by the likelihood of a good private income as meeting an unmet
health need. This has led to many independent dental practices being located in hard to
access premises, for example converted domestic homes or above retail units.

 Dentists

 Lead agency                West Herts PCT

 Evidence base              WatCom Locality Commissioning Group – WatCom Estates Plan
                            2009 East & North Hertfordshire and West Hertfordshire PCTs
                            Strategic Plan 2009/2010 – 2013/2014

 Existing provision         16 Dentists

 Gaps in provision          At present there are no gaps in provision. WatCom have
                            concluded that more information will need to be gathered to map
                            local hot spots of dental deprivation and when considering new
                            infrastructure developments, Commissioners should discuss the
                            latest position with regards to Dental activity with PCT leads.

 Planned provision          The Council is currently unaware of any planned provision

 Impact of development      An increase in dwellings could require additional provision of
 proposals                  NHS Dentists

 Potential for delivery     At present the developers pay S106 contributions towards
                            Healthcare provision

 Delivery mechanisms in Developer contributions
 local plan

7.2 Social care

Health and Community Services/ Older People Services
7.2.1 The HIIS study reveals there is a trend towards more personalised care and care
provided by the private and voluntary sectors, moving away from direct council provided care
services. It is therefore important that the planning system allows land for such adult care
development opportunities to arise, both in forward planning and via ad hoc planning
applications.

7.2.2 Hertfordshire County Council Health and Community Services (HCS) is an enabling
provider for special needs housing and housing for the frail elderly. It works in partnership
with private and public sector organisations to secure provision.
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     7.2.3 Hertfordshire's Accommodation Services for Older People (ASOP) programme was
     launched in 2008 following a detailed analysis of the market for older people's accommodation.
     The predicted growth in the provision of older people’s accommodation (no. of units) with
     care provision to 2010/11 and 2021 are as given below:

                                                                                     Projected Further
                                                                 Growth Needed by
                                  Base Line 2005                                     Growth Needed
                                                                 2010/11
                                                                                     2020/21

      Private

      Extra Care Housing 0                                       Not calculated      305

      Residential                 197                            6                   49

      Nursing                     57                             1                   13

      Social

      Flexicare (Extra
                                  32                             165                 58
      care)

      Residential                 207                            -46                 -24

      Nursing                     18                             4                   -1

      TOTAL                       511                            130                 400

      Source: Strategic Housing Market Assessment 2010.

     7.2.4 HCC's predicted need for housing with care to 2020 and 2030 are as given in the
     table below. This gives the need for social care funded beds, including adults with disabilities.

      Future Needs (funded places)                          2015            2020     2030

      Older People Residential - HCC Funded 122                             128      182

      Older People Nursing - HCC Funded                     70              83       119

      Older People - Flexicare                              99              135      193

      Learning Disability Residential & Nursing 30                          31       33

      Learning Disability Supported Living                  107             110      116

      Physical Disability Residential & Nursing 17                          18       19

      Future Needs - Growth From Current 2010 -                             2015 -   2020 -    Growth
                                         2015                               2020     2030      over 20
                                                                                               years

      Older People Residential - HCC Funded -137                            6        55        -77

      Older People Nursing - HCC Funded                     -56             13       36        -7
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                                                                        Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2013

    Future Needs (funded places)                            2015              2020              2030

    Older People - Flexicare                                68                36                58              162

    Learning Disability Residential & Nursing -40                             1                 2               -37

    Learning Disability Supported Living                    3                 3                 6               12

    Physical Disability Residential & Nursing 2                               1                 1               4

7.2.5 In 2007 a coalition of Hertfordshire County Council and its constituent boroughs, the
local NHS Trusts and Vincent and Gorbing (chartered architects and town planners) published
‘Accommodation for frail and older people, increasing capacity and choice.’ Its purpose was
to ensure a sufficient supply of specialist care home placements for older people and to
develop more extra care housing and reduce the amount of residential care home beds.

7.2.6 There are 761 bed spaces provided in care homes. By 2020/21 an additional 250
bedspaces/flexicare flats will be required. This future requirement is split between social
rented and private housing tenures, comprising extra/flexi care housing units and residential
                  (2)
and nursing units.

7.2.7 There are 1148 (at 2005) sheltered housing units within the borough, of which 751
are social rent schemes managed by a number of Social landlords and by Three Rivers
District Council.

7.2.8 Commissioners and providers of accommodation for older people are engaged in
reviewing care and housing related support provided within sheltered housing and the physical
suitability of accommodation across a number of sheltered housing schemes to reconfigure
existing bedspaces at residential care homes and explore opportunities to link care provision
to sheltered housing schemes.

7.2.9 In summary, although there is much need for housing for older people there is little
demand. Demand is restricted to those who are proactive and seek retirement housing and
those who have little choice but to move because of an urgent health problem.

    Frail and elderly people

    Lead agency                      Hertfordshire County Council

    Evidence base                    LCB West Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) 2010
                                     Accommodation for Frail and older People: Increasing Capacity
                                     and Choice 2007 Vincent and Gorbing

    Existing provision               761 bedspaces are provided in Care homes, there are also 1148
                                     sheltered housing units.

    Gaps in provision                Projected growth needed of 250 bedspaces/flexicare flats by
                                     2020/21

2      Accommodation for Frail and Older People: Increasing Capacity and Choice 2007, Vincent and Gorbing
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      Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2013

      Planned provision                Commissioners and providers of accommodation for older people
                                       are engaged in reviewing care and housing related support
                                       provided within sheltered housing and the physical suitability of
                                       accommodation across a number of sheltered housing schemes
                                       to reconfigure existing bedspaces at residential care homes and
                                       explore opportunities to link care provision to sheltered housing
                                       schemes.

      Impact of development            Development proposals will provide opportunities to deliver
      proposals                        additional older people’s accommodation

      Potential for delivery           Scope exists to incorporate older peoples’ accommodation as
                                       part of larger residential developments

      Delivery mechanisms in May be a suitable use for a residential site allocation
      local plan

     7.3 Education and schools

     7.3.1 The government’s approach to education provision has been one based on improving
     the choice of parents and using competition between schools to drive up standards. However
     the need to improve school infrastructure and continue to invest in new school buildings has
     been recognised through the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) and Academies
     programme. These have focused on improving school buildings in the most deprived areas
     of the Country, however the BSF programme has now been stopped under the new coalition
     government. This has been replaced by the Priority Schools Building Programme (PSBP).

     7.3.2 Hertfordshire is similar to the national picture where there has been a substantial
     increase in demand for school places, largely resulting from the increasing number of births.
     Live births in England and Wales increased for the sixth successive year in 2007 – 690,013
     in 2007 compared to 669,601 in 2006, a 3% increase.

     7.3.3 In Watford children under 15 make up a higher proportion (19.4%) of the population
     than people aged 60 or over (17.3%), which is contrary to the county and national trend.

     Primary schools
     7.3.4 In line with national trends, Hertfordshire experienced a period of falling demand for
     primary school places between 2000 and 2007 during which it reduced provision along with
     Audit Commission guidance.

     7.3.5 Since 2007/08, across the County, there has been an increase in the demand for
     reception school places. This increase is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

     7.3.6 It is critical to respond to changing needs rapidly and flexibly, and this can be done
     without adding permanent additional capacity unless there are good grounds for believing it
     will be required in the medium to long term.

     7.3.7 On existing school sites where there is some certainty of longer term need then
     permanent expansion has been allocated only where it can be completed in time to meet
     demand.
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                                                    Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2013

7.3.8 In order to meet the increased demand for reception class places in the town
Beechfield Primary, Cassiobury Infants, Cherry Tree Primary and HolywellPrimary schools
were all expanded permanently by 1FE in September 2012. Cassiobury Junior School is
to be permanently expanded from September 2013.

7.3.9 In September 2012 Central Primary, Kingsway Infants, Orchard Primary, St Anthony’s
Catholic Primary and Watford Field Infant and Nursery Schools were all expanded on a
temporary basis by 1FE.

7.3.10 It is proposed to permanently expand St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School from
September 2013 subject to planning permission.

7.3.11 The permanent expansion of Orchard Primary School by 1FE is proposed for
September 2014. This will be subject to public consultation in January 2013.

7.3.12 Feasibility work is underway to assess whether it would be possible to permanently
expand Central Primary School.

7.3.13     Further options for the permanent expansion of existing primary schools are
extremely limited. Therefore, new school sites have been included in the Core Strategy at
Ascot Road and Watford Health Campus. A new primary school site is proposed at Watford
Junction to meet the needs that would arise from that development. HCC are also seeking
to acquire the Lanchester Building in Hempstead Road for a 2FE primary school.

Secondary schools
7.3.14 Inevitably rising pupil numbers in primary schools eventually translate to rising pupil
numbers in secondary schools. Recent projections show 2015/16 as the start of a long period
of sustained growth.

7.3.15 The pattern of growth over time is more consistent than the primary sector, as due
to the longer time period, the effects of increased dwelling numbers have a proportionally
greater effect. Secondary aged pupil numbers are more predictable five or more years in
advance so the planning of expansions to meet demand is a more certain process.

7.3.16 Westfield Community College has been temporarily expanded and this school is
due to be rebuilt under the Priority School Building Programme (PSBP). This is a government
initiative that has replaced BSF. Further expansion of this school is being considered as part
of the PSBP project.

7.3.17 A significant amount of feasibility work has been undertaken to ascertain the most
appropriate long term solution to create the required additional secondary school capacity
across Rickmansworth, Watford and Bushey. There is a relationship between these areas
in terms of school place provision as some areas are geographically close, with pupils moving
between them to attend secondary school.
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      Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2013

     7.3.18 Given the increasing forecast in all three of these planning areas it is certain that
     new provision will be required and consideration is also being given to the capacity of existing
     local schools to expand, although town planning assessments indicate that options are
     limited. HCC has been working closely with Three Rivers District Council to secure appropriate
     education site allocations in their Development Plan in order to meet this forecast demand.

     7.3.19 Future childcare provision is closely linked to the future primary and secondary
     school provision outlined in detail above. Suitable land needs to be set aside for both the
     school and the childcare elements of the educational needs.

     7.3.20 The Hertfordshire Infrastructure and Investment Strategy indicates a need for
     additional children’s services arising from growth. In the growth locations, the County Council
     envisage developing a children’s centre alongside or as part of any new primary school. Child
     care spaces will be provided on the basis of a new building for every 800 children. 82 new
     centres were operational by March 2010.

      Primary & Secondary Education

      Lead agency                      Hertfordshire County Council

      Evidence base                    Meeting the rising demand for school places December 2009 –
                                       Hertfordshire County Council (updated annually)

                                       Priority Schools Building Programme

                                       Regular meetings with Hertfordshire County Council.

      Existing provision               There are 33 Primary Schools, 8 Secondary Schools and a further
                                       4 Independent Schools providing primary and secondary
                                       education in the Borough.

      Gaps in provision                The forecasts show that the demand for primary school places
                                       continues to increase in the foreseeable future, and there is
                                       pressure on secondary places in Watford from 2015/2016. The
                                       greatest need for school places is Central and West Watford.

      Planned provision                The need to provide the additional forms of entry has been
                                       recognised within the County’s ‘Meeting the rising demand for
                                       school places' report and regular discussions with Hertfordshire
                                       County Council. Work is underway to seek to expand capacity
                                       by either expansion of existing schools or provision new schools.

      Impact of development            This demand comes from the existing housing stock and does
      proposals                        not take into account planned growth. New housing will contribute
                                       to the increase in the number of children and young people and
                                       the need for school places. Hertfordshire County Council has
                                       taken account of predicted housing growth in their plans and
                                       recognises that these will have to be reviewed on an on-going
                                       basis due to the difficulty in predicting the number of places that
                                       will be required.
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                                                    Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2013

 Potential for delivery    Due to the current funding levels and Hertfordshire County
                           Council’s status as a floor authority, investment demands to meet
                           the predicted demands in both primary and secondary school
                           places cannot be met from grant funding alone, and so funding
                           for implementing their strategy will need to be considered through
                           their Integrated Planning Process. The Department for Children,
                           Schools and Family (DCSF) will continue to make additional
                           investment available for primary schools through the Primary
                           Capital Programme. The County Council also rely on developer
                           contributions.

 Delivery mechanisms in The Core Strategy has identified suitable sites for three new
 local plan             schools. The Council is continuing to work with HCC to identify
                        further potential sites. Developer contributions currently contribute
                        to the funding of school places.

Early Years Education in Watford
7.3.21 Watford is well supplied with a variety of childcare facilities for preschool children,
including seven Children’s Centres which provide a range of integrated education, care and
family support and health services; some of these are attached to schools. Sixteen schools
have nurseries attached to them and there are over 30 private nurseries, preschools and
playgroups providing education for the under 5s.

7.4 Emergency services

Police Services
7.4.1    The Hertfordshire Constabulary is responsible for policing the District and the
Hertfordshire Police Authority (HPA) ensure that it delivers the most efficient and effective
policing in Hertfordshire. The need for the HPA to review how and where it operates its
services is dependant on a number of factors including:

    population growth
    type and design of any new developments
    supporting infrastructure such as a road network etc.
    need to reflect operational changes in delivering service i.e. changes in technology

7.4.2 There are also changes to the way policing works in relation to a growing emphasis
on community policing through the Safer Neighbourhoods programme, changing crime
patterns, a need to modernise its working environments, provide effective flexible space to
respond to the changes in the Police force and a move towards more effective joint-working
with other agencies.

7.4.3   The HPA’s Policing plan sets out their policing priorities for 2012-2015 as:

    Tackling crime and disorder
    Identifying and dealing with those responsible for committing crime and anti-social
    behaviour
    Tackling serious and organised crime
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      Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2013

         Responding to the needs of communities
         Responding to the needs of victims of crime and anti-social behaviour.

     7.4.4 Hertfordshire has a dedicated Command team based at key locations within the
     County. The Constabulary headquarters is based in Welwyn Garden City and provides a
     support and administrative function to these areas. There are more locally based
     Neighbourhood Teams which work in local partnerships at Ward and District level.

     7.4.5 The number of staff needed to police an area is based on criminality rather than
     population. This is influenced by the type of housing, population density, housing quality and
     whether there is a stable population. It is, therefore, difficult to assess future demand for
     police services as a result of housing growth.

     7.4.6 There are currently 2 police stations in Watford; one in the Town Centre, Shady Lane,
     off Clarendon Road, the other in North Watford, on the North Orbital Road. The long term
     aim of the Police Authority is to vacate the existing Town Centre site and move to an alternate
     location.

     7.4.7 There will be the need for a ‘Type 2’ facility to remain in Watford, it is probable that
     the North Watford site will also remain to provide policing to that part of Watford. A ‘Type 2’
     facility contains Intervention, Neighbourhood Teams, Police Community Support Officers
     and a Public Enquiry Office.

     7.4.8 In November the Police Authority will be replaced by a new publicly-elected Police
     and Crime Commissioner, who will then exercise all the key responsibilities that currently
     reside within the Police Authority. The Police and Crime Commissioner will set the Police
     and Crime Plan annually. By creating a single elected Police and Crime Commissioner, the
     aim of the Government is to allow the public to have a greater say in the policing services
     they receive. The Government is also intending to transfer some existing budgets to the
     Police and Crime Commissioner so they can be used on those schemes that can best improve
     community safety and crime reduction. Community Safety Grants currently administered by
     local councils will be transferred, and in time the grants forbodies such as Victim Support are
     also likely to be transferred.

      Police

      Lead agency                      Hertfordshire Police Authority

      Evidence base                    Policing Plan 2012-15 – (HPA)

                                       Hertfordshire Infrastructure & Investment Strategy

                                       Hertfordshire Constabulary, Estates & Facilities

      Existing provision               2 police stations in Watford

      Gaps in provision                No gaps in provision

      Planned provision                Planned relocation of the Town Centre Police Station. A suitable
                                       site is required.
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