Evidence Paper
This paper records the evidence gathered and to be gathered to support the Kislingbury NDP. The Evidence is
either shown in this paper or the location for it is recorded.
The Evidence consists of sections titled:
Section 1: BASELINE
Section 2: POPULATION AND HOUSEHOLD CHANGE
Section 3: CHARACTER AND HERITAGE
Section 4: HOUSING NEED AND PROVISION
Section 5: EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Section 6: ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION
Section 7: OTHER EVIDENCE
Section 1
Baseline Report
To See Separate Baseline Document
Section 2:
POPULATION AND HOUSEHOLD CHANGE
Need detailed evidence from Census Records 2001 and 2011
Population and Age Structure (from SNC Parish Data)
There are a range of sources that can provide information on the population of a Parish. The
Census offers a comprehensive source for population information. The table below provides
information on the population of the parish of Kislingbury and South Northamptonshire (SNC) as a
whole.
Population (2001 and 2011): Kislingbury Parish and SNC
2001
2011
Change
(2001 – 2011)
Kislingbury
1221
1237
+ 16
SNC
79,293
85,189
+5896
% Change
(2001 – 2011)
+1%
7%
Population – Age Structureii
Using information from the 2001 and 2011 Censuses, a breakdown of the parish population by
age is provided below.
Population by age (2001 and 2011): Kislingbury Parish and SNC
0-4
5-15
16-24 25-44
45-64
65-74 75+
2001
65
184
85
326
334
126
101
2001 %
5.3
15.1
7.0
26.7
27.4
10.3
8.3
2011
68
174
124
280
350
132
109
2011 %
5.5
14.1
10.0
22.6
28.3
10.7
8.8
SNC
4771
11794 7481
21027 25717 8096
6063
SNC %
5.6
13.8
8.8
24.7
30.2
9.5
7.4
Average Age
41
41.4
41.1
Change in Age Structure in Kislingbury since
2001
Change in Age Structure in South Northants since 2001
400
30000
25000
Total number
2001
300
20000
2001
15000
2011
2011
Percent
Total number
350
150
250
10000
5000
100
0
200
0-4
50
5-15
16-24
25-44
45-64
65-74
0-4
75+
5-15
16-24
25-44
45-64
Age Group
Age Group
Comparison of Age Structure in Parish & District
0
2011
35%
30%
25%
20%
Kislingbury
South Northants
15%
10%
5%
0%
0-5
5 - 15 16 - 24 25 - 44 45 - 64 65 - 74
Age Group
75+
65-74
75+
Number of Households
An estimate of the number of households within the Parish at 2001 and 2011 is provided
below based upon information obtained from the Censuses. Figures are also provided on
the scale of change over that period and how the estimate of household size (i.e. number
of people per household) has also changed over that time.
Number of Households (2001 and 2011): Kislingbury Parish and SNC
2001
2011
Change
(2001-2011)
Total number
506
517
+ 11
households
Household spaces with at
497
500
+3
least 1 usual resident
Household spaces with no
6
17
+9
usual residents
2.44
2.5
+0.06
Average Household
iv
Size
SNC Average Household Size
2.48
2.4
-0.11
% change
(2001 – 2011)
+2%
Number of Dwellings
An estimate of the number of dwellings in the Parish at 2001 and 2011 is provided below
based upon information obtained from the Censuses
Dwellings
Number of Dwellings (2001 and 2011): Kislingbury Parish
2001
2011
Change
(2001-2011)
506
517
+11
% change (2001
– 2011)
+2%
Housing Type and Mix
It is important that rural communities have a mixed housing stock. There is a clear link
between the type and size of dwelling in an area and the mix and age range of population. The
most vibrant villages are likely to have a good mix of dwellings and therefore a more balanced
population in terms of age range One way of monitoring this is to look at the number of
bedrooms that properties have, the other is to look at the housing mix by type of property, ie.
the proportion of flats and dwellings that are terraced, semi-detached or detached.
Number of Bedrooms
This gives an indication of the number of bedrooms in each property within the village
and the resulting housing mix.
Number of Dwellings (2011): Kislingbury Parish and SNC
1 Bed
2 Beds
3 Beds
Kislingbury
Kislingbury %
SNC
SNC %
6
1.2
1543
4.4
108
21.6
7268
21.0
4 Beds
5 Beds
122
24.4
9184
26.5
46
9.2
2799
8.1
217
43.5
13891
40.0
Comparison of Dwelling Size in Parish & District 2011
50%
45%
40%
Percent
35%
30%
Kislingbury
25%
South Northants
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
1 bedroom 2 bedrooms 3 bedrooms 4 bedrooms 5 bedrooms
+
Size of Property
Percent
Dwelling Mix (2011): Kislingbury Parish and SNC
Dwelling Mix
Kislingbury
Kislingbury %
Caravan or mobile
0
0.0
structure
Flat – converted
2
0.4
house
Flat – purpose
8
1.5
built
Flat in
1
0.2
commercial
building
Terraced
107
20.7
Semi-detached
183
35.4
Detached
216
41.8
Total
517
100%
SNC
113
SNC %
0.3
287
0.8
1829
5.1
236
0.7
5477
12488
15618
36044
15.2
34.6
43.3
100%
Comparison of Property Mix in Parish & District 2011
50%
45%
40%
35%
Kislingbury
South Northants
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
Caravan or
mobile
Flat Converted
structure
house
Flat - Purpose
built
Flats in
commercial
Terraced
Semidetached
Detached
building
Type of Property
Housing Development – Completions and commitments at 1st April 2013
5%
There may be housing development within the Parish that already has
planning
permission or that is allocated in the Joint Core Strategy or a
0%
Masterplan3 but that is yet to be completed. Appendix 1 sets out the
number of commitments within the parish.
Appendix 1 also sets out a breakdown of the number of dwellings that have
been completed in the Parish between 2001 and April 2013 (the beginning
of the Plan period). This information is based upon that recorded by the
Council and is based upon planning and building control information.
House prices in Kislingbury
The average price of property sold in Kislingbury in the past 5 years4 was
£299,071 and 86 properties were sold during that time from which this figure
was obtained. Property values have risen by 0.46% since August 2012. In
Kislingbury there are currently (August 2013) 11 properties available for sale
but no properties available on the rental market.
1.
a.
Social Indicators
Accessibility and Car ownership
Accessibility and the lack of public transport are recognised as potential issues
within rural areas. Typically in many rural areas the number of households with
cars within the Parish has increased since 2001. There is generally a higher
number of households with cars in rural areas than in the District overall. There
has also been an increase in the number of properties with 2 or more vehicles.
Number of Cars per Household
Car Ownership (2001 and 2011): Kislingbury Parish and SNC
2001
2001
2011
%
No cars
72
15.8
60
1 cars
181
39.8
173
2 cars or more
202
44.4
267
2011
%
12.0
34.6
53.4
SNC 2011
3219
12210
19288
SNC 2011
%
9.3
35.2
55.6
Comparison of Car & Van Ownership in Parish & District 2011
60%
50%
Kislingbury
South Northants
Percent
40%
30%
No cars
1 car
Category of Car/ Van Ownership
20%
3
4
This refers to the Roade Masterplan
10%
Data from Zoopla.co.uk
0%
2 cars or more
b. Owner-occupancy
Typically owner-occupancy is high within Parishes compared to towns. The
proportion of households owning their own properties in Kislingbury (or paying a
mortgage for their property).
Household Tenure (2001 and 2011): Kislingbury Parish and SNC
Kislingbury
Kislingbury
2001
2011
Owner-Occupied
378
371
Total households
506
500
% Owner-occupied
74.7%
74.2%
SNC 2011
26485
34717
76.3%
Section 3: CHARACTER AND HERITAGE
To See Separate Character Assessment Document
Section 4: HOUSING NEED AND PROVISION
To Analyse Housing Need Data from Supplementary Questionnaire and SNC Online HNS.
Section 5: EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
To obtain more information from Census data if available
2. Employment
Rural employment is important as the villages within South Northamptonshire are
increasingly becoming dormitory villages where the majority of people commute out of the
village to work. The Council is seeking to encourage growth and development that will benefit
the District and meet the targets for housing and employment set within the Joint Core
Strategy whilst at the same time preserving the special character of the villages and wider rural
area.
The data below helps to provide a picture of employment availability within the Parish.
Ratio of jobsvii to number of residentsviii for the Ward containing Kislingbury:
Job Ratio (Census 2011): Harpole and Grange Ward and SNC
Ward
Settlements
Residents Total number
in Ward
aged 16 –
of jobs –
74
Economically
Active
Harpole and
Grange
SNC
Gayton,
Harpole,
Kislingbury,
Milton
Malsor,
Rothersthorp
e
Percentage
retiredix
3269
2378
18%
Ratio of
economically
active to
number of
residents
aged73%
16 - 74
62321
47449
15%
79%
Approx. 5% of the residents within the Parish work from homex, compared to a District
wide figure of 6%.
Claimant count with rates and proportions (ONS/ Nomis)
At any given time there will be a certain proportion of the working age population who will
be out of work. The Job Seekers Allowance claimant count provides a timely snapshot of
the proportion of the resident working age population who are currently in receipt of this
out of work benefit. However there may also be others seeking work who are not entitled to
claim or choose not to. Within the Harpole and Grange Ward there were 39 job seeker
claimants in June 2013. This figure has changed over the past 8 years as follows:
Job Seeker Claimants (June 2005 - 2013): Harpole and Grange Ward and SNC
Date/
Number
Harpole and
Grange
SNC
June
05
June
06
June
07
June
08
June
09
June
10
June
11
June
12
June
13
18
13
18
15
46
33
43
48
39
376
444
415
408
1,281
791
763
744
674
Section 6: ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION
This report will examine environmental and conservation issues in and around Kislingbury Village. It
will attempt to address the major environmental issues affecting Kislingbury, so these can be
incorporated into a questionnaire for residents as part of the Neighbourhood Development Plan.
In the Summary to its 2002 “State of the Historic Environment” report, English Heritage comments
that: - “Maintaining and protecting the historic environment is necessary to ensure that future
generations are able to continue to enjoy the quality and variety of life we have today. Change is
inevitable but needs to be managed constructively. Insensitive new design blights the historic
environment and diminishes its character and distinctiveness”
Clearly the same applies to Kislingbury as it is a historic village, with its centre within a Conservation
Area. Many of the houses in the Conservation Area are listed buildings, unique in their design and
heritage and as a consequence are a vital part of the Conservation Area. The Parish Church is Grade 1
listed.
Any new development within Kislingbury Village must enhance both landscapes and wildlife habitats.
Kislingbury currently enjoys open spaces and fields and many country lanes which must be protected
in the future. Consideration to the present character of the village and proposed character needs to be
fundamental to any future development proposals, maintaining the village feel whilst ensuring our
green space is also protected and not eroded. Wildlife must also be fully considered and protected in
our green village and ecological surveys should be undertaken by any future developers to ensure the
village wildlife is protected.
It is hoped this report will be used as an evidence base to assist the local planning authority when
considering environmental issues in any future planning and development proposals for Kislingbury
and it will assist in posing questions for the NDP survey, so the views of the Kislingbury residents can
be obtained.
Issues to be addressed in this report:1. Protection of Trees / Landscape
2. Maintaining our Village Environment and Conservation Area
3. Listed Buildings
4. Views
5. Summary Comments
Environment -Protection of Trees / Landscape
Kislingbury is a rural country parish with open spaces, country lanes and Playing Fields and Sports
grounds on the edge of the Village which have been active for over 100 years, and with many varieties
of trees and hedgerows that improve its aesthetic appeal.
The village has many trees which need to be protected. There are prominent tree groups in the
graveyard, by the Parish Church frontage and along the boundary of the Confines and as well as in the
Countryside surrounding the Village. One of the main access roads to the Village is over the ancient
Bridge crossing the River Nene where there is a group of very distinctive evergreen trees. Elsewhere
individual trees enhance many of the buildings in the village and the approach to the village on the
main roads. Tree Preservation Orders are in place on many of these trees. See Map.
There is evidence reported by the Woodland Trust that urban trees remove large amounts of air
pollution and improve urban air quality (Nowak et al 2006). Research in recent years has begun to
identify how urban greening and tree planting in particular might be tailored to achieve air quality
goals whilst also fulfilling many of the other beneficial functions of urban green space. Careful
selection of tree species in future developments is essential if we are to ensure that the positive
impacts for improving air quality are greatest and any negative effects are minimised. It would also
contribute positively to the natural beauty of the village and maintain its rural feel.
Evergreen species contribute to pollutant scrubbing year round whilst deciduous species are limited to
stem deposition only in winter. The contribution of stems to particular deposition can be substantial
dependent on species (Freer-Smith et al., 2004). When in leaf, broadleaf species may also be more
efficient than needle leaf species, due to the higher leaf surface of broadleaf trees (Jim and Chen
2008).
The differences in tree species are important, not only from a visual perspective, but also because they
play an important part in estimating particulate capture with some trees better at this than others, e.g.
leaves with complex shapes, large circumference to area ratios, waxy cuticles or fine hairs on their
surfaces collect particles more efficiently (Twiary et al., 2009). The best trees in this regard have been
identified as Alder, Field Maple, Hawthorn, Larch, Laurel, Lawson Cypress, Norway Maple, Pine and
Silver Birch. The worst are Aspen, Crack Willow, English Oak, Goat Willow, Red Oak, Sessile Oak and
White Willow.
Source: Woodland Trust
Insert Map of TPOs
Conservation – Maintaining our Village Environment and Conservation Area
The village of Kislingbury is primarily residential in character with many unique character properties
and 22 Listed Buildings. See Map for Locations. There are twelve listed buildings in the centre of the
village which are included in the Statutory List of Buildings of Architectural or Historic interest.
Insert Map of Conservation Area
The Parish Church of St Lukes previously mentioned in this report and the Chequers Inn, a Grade II
listed building dating back to the 18th Century are but two of these buildings, the latter originally being
a coaching stop on the route to London. The Chequers has a distinctive Georgian style and because of
its prominent position at the road junction, is an important landmark in the village.
Kislingbury Park Lodge is also in a prominent location at the village centre and whilst not a listed
building, it does make a significant contribution to the character of the area and the approach to
Kislingbury Park by its gothic archway.
There are also a number of other distinctive and notable buildings in the village and whilst these are
not listed, are important to the village as they contribute to its historic core.
Although new housing areas have been developed in recent years, the most recent of which was Watts
Close the village retains its charm through its centre and core, being the heart of the Conservation
Area.
On the basis of the “Visual Appraisal” South Northants District Council considers that the conservation
area should encompass the following main elements, which contribute to the special historic character
of Kislingbury and form the basis of the designated conservation area:1. St Bartholomew’s Church and Churchyard
2. The historic core of the village along London Road and Batts Bridge Road
3. The Underhill area and prominent tree belt
4. The graveyard
5. The Recreation Ground
SNC state that “The setting of a Conservation Area is equally important as the elements contained
within it and particular regard is had to the relationship of adjacent areas to the special character of
the Conservation Area”. This view should be fundamental to any new development within Kislingbury
if the character of the village is to be maintained.
Other features to be maintained within the village is the commemorative stone at the entrance to the
Recreation Ground in celebration of Queen Victoria’s 60 year reign in 1897, with four smaller ones also
laid at each of its four corners and the iron milestone that depicts Bow Bells and the distance to London
at the corner of Underhill and London Road. There are also a number of important features within the
churchyard such as the lych gate, the iron gate, the war memorial the iron lamp, stone wall and the
iron tombstone.
There are a number of features that are detrimental to the overall character of the village such as
overhead wires, inappropriate road signs, traffic bollards, waste bins and areas of tarmacadam
surfaced footpaths that could potentially be enhanced by any new approved development or
enhancement scheme.
The Character Assessment sections of this report will provide a greater insight into the type, style and
character of the buildings within Kislingbury as a guide to future development requirements, but it is
hoped that a repetition of the style and urban development of the Watts Close site will not be
replicated in the future, as it does not easily blend with the rest of the village. Any new development
proposals should respect the historic settlement patterns as well as the layout, character and setting
of existing buildings within the village, paying particular regard to the scale, height, form, grouping,
density, materials and detailing, including boundary treatment.
Kislingbury contributes to the philosophy of minimising waste and disposal in accordance with current
good practice, SNC have introduced a waste collection programme in the Parish where refuse rubbish
is collected fortnightly and recycling waste and garden waste are also collected fortnightly, on
alternative weeks to the rubbish refuse collection. The refuse days are scheduled by area by the
Council and these are listed in a refuse calendar that is distributed to every household, with
Kislingbury’s collection being on a Friday each week. Kislingbury uses the Waste Management site in
Northampton Town at Sixways, which is useful to residents, for effective waste management in the
neighbourhood.
Views
From within the recreation ground, attractive views can be enjoyed of the historic village core to the
north and to the south west of Park Farm House and south to the countryside beyond. Along Underhill,
the view from the east reveals the semi rural character of the area which is emphasised by the
dominant backcloth of mature tree cover. To the north of ShelleyVillas, listed buildings, there is a fine
view of open countryside.
The main roads through the village provide clear views of the historic core, with the Parish Church as a
focal point, particularly its tower. The Chequers Inn is a particularly prominent landmark when
approaching the village from the west.
Long distance views of the village centre are available from the countryside to the south across the
recreation ground, whereas from elsewhere the village centre is largely obscured by surrounding
development and relatively dense tree cover.
Source: Wealden District Council Report on Kislingbury Conservation Area
Summary Comments:
The content of this report should be fully considered and incorporated into the Neighbourhood
Development Plan for Kislingbury Parish, so the beauty of the Parish and in particular Kislingbury
village, where the future development of 40 homes is planned to take place, will not be eroded or
damaged by this or any future developments.
Appendix
Statutory designations provide the legal status that protects wildlife, landscape and cultural aspects of
the countryside and the following apply to Ashdown Forest.
Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)



Enables the designation and protection of land in the UK as SSSI.
Enables certain provisions to protect wild birds, animals and plants.
Prohibits the spread and introduction of particular non-native species (Japanese knotweed, giant
hogweed etc, listed in Schedule 9) into the wild.
The 1992 EC Habitats Directive.
The Habitats Directive (1992) and the conservation Regulations 1994 (Council Directive 92/43/EEC on
the Conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora)



It is an offence to deliberately disturb, capture, keep, transport, injure or kill a wild animal of European
Protection Status.
Enables the designation of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) to maintain the conservation status of
rare or vulnerable habitats and species, as stated within the Directive.
In combination with SPAs, member states recommend European Sites of national importance to form
a network known as Natura2000
Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2012 (as amended)
Transposes Council Directive 92/43/EEC into UK law for the designation of ‘European Sites’ and
'European Protected Species'.
In 2007 new offences were introduced relating to intentional or reckless damage to habitats and
intentional or reckless disturbance to species, including the capture, killing, disturbance, or trade of
animals listed in Schedule 2, or pick, collect, cut, uproot, destroy, or trade in the protected plants listed
in Schedule 4.
Some animal species listed in Schedule 5 of Wildlife & Countryside Act (such as bats, dormice, and
great crested newts) have their legislation strengthened, through listing in Schedule 2 - for example, by
giving protection to resting places and breeding sites
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
Natural England now has responsibility for identifying and protecting the SSSIs in England under The
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and more recently The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
Ashdown Forest was notified of its original SSSI status in 1953 and again in 1986 under the 1981 act. It
was given this status because it supports several uncommon plants, a rich invertebrate fauna, and
important populations of heath and woodland birds.
Special Protection Area (SPA)
SPAs are strictly protected sites classified in accordance with Article 4 of the EC Directive on the
conservation of wild birds (79/409/EEC), also known as the Birds Directive, which came into force in
April 1979. They are classified for rare and vulnerable birds, listed in Annex I to the Birds Directive, and
for regularly occurring migratory species.
Ashdown Forest was classified as an SPA in March 1996 because it supports bird populations of
European importance which are listed on Annex I of the Directive, namely Dartford Warbler (Sylvia
undata) and Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus).
Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
SACs are strictly protected sites designated under the EC Habitats Directive. Article 3 of the Habitats
Directive requires the establishment of a European network of important high-quality conservation
sites that will make a significant contribution to conserving the 189 habitat types and 788 species
identified in Annexes I and II of the Directive. The listed habitat types and species are those considered
to be most in need of conservation at a European level. Of the Annex I habitat types, 76 are believed to
occur in the UK. Of the Annex II species, 43 are native to, and normally resident in, the UK.
Ashdown Forest achieved SAC status in 2005. It was awarded this because it has one of the largest
single continuous blocks of lowland heath in south-east England. The site supports important
assemblages of beetles, dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies, including the nationally rare silverstudded blue (Plebejus argus), and birds of European importance, such as European nightjar
(Caprimulgus europaeus), Dartford warbler (Sylvia undata) and Eurasian hobby (Falco subbuteo).
Natura 2000
Ashdown Forest is part of the European Natura 2000 Network. It has been designated because it hosts
some of Europe's most threatened species and habitats. All 27 countries of the EU are working
together through the Natura 2000 network to safeguard Europe's rich and diverse natural heritage for
the benefit of all.
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Created by the legislation of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act of 1949, AONBs
represent 18% of the finest Countryside in England and Wales.
Their care has been entrusted to the local authorities, organisations, community groups and the
individuals who live and work within them or who value them. Each AONB has been designated for
their flora, fauna, historical and cultural associations as well as scenic views.
Wealden District Local Plan, Core Strategy, Core Delivery Policies
Planning Policy Statement 9
"Biodiversity and Geological Conservation" identifies
that biodiversity and geological conservation interests should be maintained, enhanced, restored or
increased, and that appropriate weight is attached to designated sites of international, national and
local importance; protected species; and to biodiversity and geological interests.
WCS12 Biodiversity
In order to contribute to the biodiversity targets provided in the Sussex Biodiversity
Action Plan the Council will prevent a net loss of biodiversity, ensure a comprehensive network of
habitats, and work with partners to maximise opportunities to ensure habitats, biodiversity features
and ecological networks are maintained, restored, enhanced and where possible created to achieve a
net gain in biodiversity and sustain wildlife in both rural and urban areas. This will be achieved through
the development and implementation of an integrated green network strategy.
WCS13 Green Infrastructure
The District's existing network of green infrastructure will be protected, improved and enhanced by
the implementation of a Green Infrastructure Strategy, ensuring a multifunctional, accessible network
which maintains and improves biodiversity and landscape character, increases opportunities for
healthy living and contributes to healthy ecosystems and climate change objectives.
The Countryside and Rights of Way Act (CRoW) 2000)
The CROW Act gives the UK BAP a statutory basis.
Amends SSSI provisions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and provides additional power for
their protection and management. Third parties can now be convicted of damaging SSSIs.
Enables courts to impose heavier fines and prison sentences for all wildlife offences (up to £5000
and/or six months imprisonment per offence).
Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (NERC)2006.
This extensive legislation relates mostly to the protection of wildlife but also focuses upon
organisations concerned with the natural environment and rural communities. It established Natural
England as a statutory body, as well as the Commission for Rural Communities. Its aim is to provide
flexible administration arrangements in connection with functions relating to the environment and
rural affairs.
References
West Northants Joint Core Strategy , Core Delivery Policies. Emerging November 2014
South Northants District Council Local Plan (Emerging)
Section 7: OTHER EVIDENCE
To be defined