Reigate & Banstead
Local Development Framework
Core Strategy
Equalities Impact Assessment
March 2009
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Equalities Impact Assessment
This report is produced by:
Policy and Regeneration
Reigate and Banstead Borough Council
Town Hall
Castlefield Road
Reigate
Surrey
RH2 0SH
And is also available on our web site www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk
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CONTENTS
1.
Introduction
4
2.
Background to the Core Strategy
5
3.
Profile of Equality Groups
6
4.
Scope of the Assessment
14
5.
Conclusion
18
Appendices
Appendix 1
Equalities Impact Assessment
19
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 The Race Relations Amendment Act 2000, Disability Discrimination Act 2005 and
the Equality Act 2006 require an Equality Impact Assessment (EqlA) to be carried
out for all services and policies delivered by Local Authorities.
1.2 The purpose of the EqlA is to highlight the likely impact of the strategy and
policies on the target groups and to take action to improve the policies where
appropriate as a result.
1.3 This document sets out the EqlA of the Reigate and Banstead Borough Council
Local Development Framework (LDF) Core Strategy Development Plan
Document (DPD).
1.4 For the purpose of this assessment, the following equality groups, as identified in
the Council’s Equality Assessment Guide 2008, have been considered:


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


Gender
Race
Disability
Sexual Orientation
Age
Religion or Belief
1.5 The remaining sections of this document describe:

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
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
Section 2: Background to the Core Strategy
Section 3: Profile of Equality Groups
Section 4: Scope of the Assessment
Section 5: Equality Issues and Actions
Section 6: Monitoring and Review
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2. BACKGROUND TO THE CORE STRATEGY
2.1
The Core Strategy Development Plan Document (CSDPD) forms part of
Reigate and Banstead’s Local Development Framework (LDF), which will
replace the Borough Local Plan over the next 3 years to 2012.
2.2
The aim of the DPD is to set out the key elements of the planning framework
for Reigate and Banstead, consisting of a long-term spatial vision, a set of
spatial objectives, along with a spatial strategy and core policies for shaping the
future of the Borough and for guiding and controlling new development.
2.3
It identifies broad locations for new development to meet the Borough’s needs,
such as housing, employment and retail, leisure, community facilities, public
services and transport.
2.4
During the preparation of the Core Strategy there have been four formal stages
of public consultation, each held over a six week period.




2.5
Issues and Options – Date
Preferred Options – Date
Revisited Preferred Options – Date
Core Strategy Submission – 23 March to 6 March 2009
At each stage the Council has sought feedback from the public and key
consultees, on the emerging plan to help guide its development.
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3. PROFILE OF EQUALITY GROUPS
3.1 A brief profile of what is known about each of the equality categories in Reigate
and Banstead is presented below, based upon a range of data sources.
3.2 Gender
The Facts

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



In 2007 it is estimated that 51% (67,500) of the population was females and
49% (64,800) male.
Banstead, Redhill West and Salfords & Sidlow have more men than women
(51%) and Preston has the lowest rate of males at just under 47% compared
to 53% females.
Of the 21,000 over 65s, women out number men 12,400 (58%) compared to
8,88 (42%) and the differential increases with age. There are almost as many
females as males over the age of 85.
Overall in the Borough, more workers are male, 55% compared to 45%
female.
Just under 74% of females of working age in the Borough were economically
active – that is in work or seeking work – lower than the South East average
(77.6%), but in line with the figure for Britain (73.9%). However, 89.5% of
males were economically active – significantly higher than the South East
average (86.4%) and the national picture (83.4%).
Male workers earn more than female workers. The average weekly salary for
male full-time workers in 2008 in Reigate & Banstead was £679.6 per week,
compared to £498 for female workers. This earnings differential of over 36%
is greater than the average for the South East (34%) and Great Britain (27%).
Older People Profile by Age and Gender
3500
3000
number
2500
2000
Males
1500
Females
1000
500
0
60-64
65-69
70-74
75-79
80-84
85-89
90+
age in years
Source: Census 2001
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Key Spatial Issues
The spatial implications of disadvantage and social exclusion for women are
summarised below: 
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


Access to affordable childcare is a key factor to women engaging fully in the
labour market.
The nature of women’s trip making patterns – often making multi-purpose
local journeys – means they need access to convenient, affordable and safe
public transport.
Women, children and young people also require safe and accessible walking
and cycling routes to cover local journeys from home to work, home to school,
shopping, leisure and childcare.
Personal safety and crime concerns, particularly at night in the public realm
and when travelling alone on public transport are important for women.
Urban areas are not always designed well in terms of visibility. Lighting and
being overlooked.
As women often have complicated lives and often multi-task, access to good
local services is important to them.
3.3 Race
The Facts

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


95% of the Borough population identify themselves as White.
The percentage of non-white ethnic groups ranges from 3% to 9% of the total
Borough population over different wards. Redhill West (8.5%), Redhill East
(8.4%) and Earlswood and Whitebushes (7.6%) have the highest proportion of
ethnic minority groups and South Park & Woodhatch the lowest at 2.7%.
Only 45% of people with Black ethnicity live in a dwelling owned outright or
with a mortgage or loan compared to the average of 78% overall.
Black African and Mixed Black African households have the highest levels of
overcrowding with between one quarter and one third overcrowded. Over
25% of Bangladeshi and Pakistani households are overcrowded.
Employment levels for those aged 16 to 74 ranged from 58% of Bangladeshis
to 75% of Indians, with an average level of 72% for all groups.
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Reigate & Banstead Borough Ethnic
Breakdown
Total White
Total Mixed
Total Asian
Total Black
Total Chinese
Source: Derived from Census 2001 data
Key Spatial Issues
The spatial implications of disadvantage and social exclusion for Black, Asian and
Minority Ethnic people are summarised below: 

The cost of housing in the Borough can prevent families form being able to
access the type and size of housing needed. The larger family size of some
ethnic groups can mean that overcrowding and / or poor housing conditions
can be a problem.
Fear of crime, racial abuse and discrimination can prevent their enjoyment of
the public realm and accessing open space.
3.4 Disability
The Facts



The 2001 Census shows 14.2% of Borough residents have a limiting long-term
illness compared to 18% nationally.
In 2007 2.7% (3,575) of Borough residents claimed Disability Living
Allowance, lower than the 4.7% nationally. 3.9% (3,180) of residents of
working age were in receipt of Incapacity Benefit compared to 7.1%
nationally.
Childhood obesity is a problem nationally, the Borough has the highest level
of childhood obesity in Surrey and lower levels of physically active children
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
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than the England average. Obesity is associated with lack of physical exercise
and disability in later life.
There is a high rate of mental health problems in the Borough compared to
other Surrey Boroughs, with five Super Output Areas out of the worst ten in
Surrey, being in Reigate and Banstead.
Just under 16% of the Borough working age population is disabled. Of the
62,284 people employed in the Borough, 5.9% (3,704) had a limiting long-term
illness. The economic activity and employment rate for disabled people is
over 25% lower than for non –disabled people.
Key Spatial Issues
The key spatial implications of disadvantage and social exclusion for the disabled
community are set out below: 
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
Disabled people are more likely to experience worklessness than non-disabled
people. To help disabled people gain access to employment and training
facilities, it is important new facilities are accessible to all.
There is a shortage of accessible housing for disabled people, leading to a lack
of choice and inappropriate housing. Surrounding environments are often not
fully accessible and do not include accessible and well-maintained open
space.
Disabled people are more likely to live in unsuitable or inaccessible housing
without essential amenities, and have difficulty using public transport
facilities. Provision of blue badge parking is crucial for those people who have
to rely on private cars.
Access to social facilities and services for disabled people, including easily
accessible, comprehensive, accurate and timely information, advocacy and
support. The community and voluntary sectors have an important part role in
this.
Disabled people continue to experience high levels of discrimination,
harassment and lack of awareness. This can limit their ability to enjoy the
public realm and participate fully in society.
Inaccessible facilities limit disabled people from using education and training
opportunities.
Children need safe, accessible walking and cycling routes to school, leisure
and community facilities and open spaces. They also need easy access to safe,
well located and appropriate play equipment and other outdoor games
facilities such as multi-use game areas.
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3.5 Sexual Orientation
The Facts

There is little data available on sexual orientation. Estimates place the LGBT
population at between 5 and 7% of the total population in England and
Wales. If the Borough follows the national average, then between 6,500 and
9,000 people belong to the LGBT population.
Key Spatial Issues – Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgendered (LGBT) People
The key spatial implications of disadvantage for LBG groups LGBT groups are set
out below: 


Lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgendered people can face hate crime
and harassment in the public realm.
A lack of awareness of the way discrimination impacts on these communities,
particularly with regard to housing, employment, counselling, advice and
health services.
Personal safety in public spaces, on public transport is often an issue,
particularly those who are open about their sexuality.
3.6 Age
The Facts
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Overall Reigate and Banstead has a marked drop in the 15-24 year old age
group than would be expected and higher proportions in the 35-39 and 50-54
age groups.
Preston Ward has the largest proportion of children aged 14 and under at just
over 25% of the ward population, Salfords and Sidlow has the smallest at
15%.
Preston, Redhill East and Earlswood and Whitebushes have a young profile
with over two-thirds of their population under the age of 45. Only 13% of
people in Horley East and Redhill East are aged 60 or over.
25% of the population in Kingswood with Burgh Heath, Reigate Hill and
Tadworth and Tattenhams are aged 60 and over.
The number of over 85s and over has shown a large increase, the percentage
of all of those aged 60 and over in the Borough has fallen from 22.8% in 1981
to 21.2% in 2006.
There is a higher live birth rate per thousand population (11.7) in the Borough
than in Surrey (11.5).
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Borough Population Profile by Age and Gender
Population thousands
15.0
12.0
9.0
6.0
Total
Females
3.0
Males
0.0
1-4 5-9
Total
10- 15- 20- 25- 30- 35- 40- 45- 50- 55- 60- 65- 70- 75- 80- 8590+
14 19 24 29 34 39 44 49 54 59 64 69 74 79 84 89
7.8 7.8 8.1 6.6 6.4 8.0 10.0 10.7 9.4 8.4 9.6 7.3 5.9 5.2 5.0 4.2 3.2 1.9 1.0
Females 3.7 3.8 3.8 3.2 3.2 3.9 5.0 5.4 4.7 4.1 4.8 3.7 3.0 2.8 2.7 2.5 2.0 1.3 0.8
Males
4.1 4.0 4.3 3.4 3.2 4.1 5.0 5.3 4.7 4.3 4.8 3.6 2.9 2.4 2.3 1.7 1.2 0.6 0.2
Age Group (years) / Population thousands
Source: Derived from 2001 Census data
Key Spatial Issues
Children and Young People
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Poverty and social exclusion is an issue for a small but significant number of
households in the Borough, it is usually caused when parents and guardians
do not have access to employment and training. This can have serious
implications of health, nutrition and levels of educational attainment.
The provision of high quality social facilities including childcare, play,
recreational, leisure, cultural and educational facilities offer a positive
determinant of children’s future life chances.
A lack of access to free and inclusive play space and open space can hinder
mental and physical development and independence.
The public realm can often be inaccessible to disabled children.
There are still concerns relating to crime, safety and vulnerability particularly
in relation to street crime and road accidents. Fear of ‘stranger danger’ means
that children are often prevented from going out and enjoying the public
realm.
Young people need to be provided with opportunities to be independently
mobile. Reliable and safe cycle and pedestrian routes and cheap public
transport have vital roles in this.
Older People

Older people are more likely to have low incomes and be living in low quality
and / or inappropriate housing. There is a shortage of specialised housing for
older people.
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Many older people live alone and experience isolation. Their safety and
security can be a real concern, both at home and in public places.
Health and social care services can be poorly located and inaccessible.
Convenient, safe and reliable public transport is important to older people,
along with specialist services such as dial-a-ride.
The design of the public realm needs to considered, with the provision of
basic facilities such as public toilets and street furniture including seating.
3.7 Religion or Belief
The Facts
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

Almost 80% (79.4%) of Reigate and Banstead residents say they are Christians,
1.3% Muslim, 0.8% Hindu, 0.3% Buddhist / Jewish / any other religion and
0.1% Sikh.
Just over 16% have no religion, and 7.1% gave no answer.
The percentage declaring themselves to be Christian ranged from 68.5 in
Redhill East to 79% in Chipstead. 20% of those in Redhill East have no
religion.
Overall 1.4% of Borough residents are Muslim, ranging from 3.7% of residents
in Redhill West down to 0.2% in Salfords and Sidlow.
Religious Composition of the Borough
Religion
Christian
Buddhist
Hindu
Jewish
Muslim
Sikh
Any other religion
No religion
Religion not stated
Total
Reigate & Banstead
Number
%
93,331
73.8
320
0.3
983
0.8
319
0.3
1,634
1.3
135
0.1
389
0.3
20,394
16.1
9,018
7.1
126,523
100.0
South East
Number
%
5,823,025
72.8
22,005
0.3
44,575
0.6
19,037
0.2
108,725
1.4
37,735
0.5
28,668
0.4
1,319,979
16.5
596,896
7.5
100.0
8,000,645
England
Number
%
35,251,244
71.7
139,046
0.3
546,982
1.1
257,671
0.5
1,524,887
3.1
327,343
0.7
143,811
0.3
7,171,332
14.6
3,776,515
7.7
49,138,831
100.0
Source: Derived from 2001 Census data
Key Spatial Issues
The key spatial implications of disadvantage and social exclusion for faith groups
are summarised below: 
Discrimination because of religious beliefs has wide ranging impacts.
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
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Access to appropriate housing especially in relation to overcrowding among
populations with larger families due to religious and cultural reasons.
People from faith groups are likely to require specialised service provision,
including places for cultural practices, community activities and provision for
places of worship that are easily accessible by the communities which require
them.
The provision of appropriate burial space is a concern for some faith groups.
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4. SCOPE OF ASSESSMENT
4.1
The Core Strategy contains 3 Spatial Strategy policies, 4 Shaping Places
policies and 10 Borough Policies. Some of these policies will have little or no
impact on equality issues. For example, ‘Sustainable Construction’ is a key
policy that affects the whole community and it is difficult to determine how
this policy could affect different equality groups in a significant way. For that
reason the Core Strategy policies have been grouped into four areas to enable
the assessment of key themes on different equality groups. These are:




4.2
Housing
Employment
Transport and Accessibility
Access to Social Facilities
A detailed assessment of each core policy is set out in Appendix 1.
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Equality Group
Spatial Planning Theme
Housing
Employment
Transport
Access to Social &
Community Facilities
Sustainable development
to minimise the need to
travel, whilst increasing
and improving
opportunities to walk,
cycle, use public transport.
Improved infrastructure
including highways, and
transport.
BME groups will benefit
from policies to improve
public transport,
opportunities to walk,
cycle along safe routes.
Provision of a range of
accessible shops and services,
social and community facilities
in areas that are accessible by
public transport, walking and
cycling is important for women.
Accessible local services in
convenient locations will
benefit people with
disabilities. Transport
choice - more accessible,
convenient public
transport, promotion of
more non-car routes,
coupled with
improvements to
Improve and deliver
community and leisure
facilities, improved open space
and play space to promote
healthier lifestyles. Improve
accessibility to services in terms
of building design and
transport to ensure they meet
the needs of the local
community.
Gender
Increasing the supply of housing,
including affordable housing of
mixed tenures, will provide
choice on the type and location of
homes.
The provision of jobs,
including part time roles, in
sustainable locations with
public transport, walking /
cycling routes will enable
more women with children
to enter the workforce
locally.
Race
Increasing the supply of housing,
including affordable housing of
mixed tenures in new
developments in a range of
locations, will benefit all groups.
Policy CS15 will ensure the
accommodation requirements of
Gypsies and Travellers are met.
Disability
Increasing the supply of housing,
including affordable housing of
mixed tenures for people with
care and support needs, will
provide increased choice for all in
terms of property choice and
location. The Council is seeking
homes built to Lifetime Homes
standard, and sites for Extra Care
schemes.
The development of
employment land in key in
locations in Redhill and
Horley served by accessible
public transport, roads, and
non car routes will increase
employment opportunities.
Encouraging small business
may help BME
communities.
The development of
employment land in
sustainable locations served
by accessible public
transport, roads, and non
car routes will increase
employment opportunities.
Promoting and delivering
educational opportunities
including developing
The Core Strategy seeks to
improve and develop a range of
community, leisure and social
facilities which benefits all
groups.
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vocational and skills
improvement will help
people with disabilities
enter employment.
highways particularly
along key transport
routes.
Developing safe public
transport options, and
alternatives such as safe
walking and cycling
routes, designing out
crime, including ‘over
looked’ areas in the public
realm will contribute
towards improved
personal safety for all
groups including LGBT.
The emphasis on
sustainable development
minimising the need to
travel and increased
opportunities to walk,
cycle or use public
transport will help all
groups, in particular
young and older people.
Infrastructure delivery
will provide a range of
accessible leisure and
community facilities, new
or improved open space
and multi use community
facilities to meet the needs
Sexual
Orientation
Increasing the supply of a range
of homes to meet a range of needs
with choice of unit type and
location will meet the range of
housing needs required by LBGT.
No impact identified.
Age
Increasing the supply of a range
of homes to meet families,
couples and singles to provide
choice on unit type and location.
Seeking homes built to Lifetime
Homes standard, and sites for
Extra Care schemes for older
people.
The provision of jobs, in
sustainable locations with
public transport, walking /
cycling routes will help
address worklessness which
is a key cause of child
poverty. Promote and
deliver educational
opportunities including
developing vocational and
skills improvement will
help young and older
people enter or re-enter
employment, as can
providing affordable
childcare.
Improve accessibility through
good design, improved public
transport, walking and cycling
routes.
The Core Strategy seeks to
improve and develop a range of
community, leisure and social
facilities which benefits all
groups.
Provide improved access to the
‘green’ network. Provide
community and leisure
facilities, improved open space
and play space to promote
healthier lifestyles that tackle
childhood obesity.
Provide and or / improve
community facilities, local
services, including healthcare to
meet the needs of the
community including young
and older people.
Improve accessibility through
good design, improved public
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of mixed communities.
Religion or
Belief
See Race.
No impact identified.
See Race.
transport, walking and cycling
routes.
Provide and or / improve
community facilities, local
services, including healthcare to
meet the social and cultural
needs of BME communities.
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6. Conclusion
6.1 The assessment has found that overall the Core Strategy is overall supportive of
equality groups because it:

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

Promotes housing growth and seeks to deliver a range and type of housing
which will benefit most equality groups.
Encourages regeneration and growth in disadvantaged areas of the Borough
in Regeneration Areas.
Takes a positive approach to improving transport and access across the
Borough, but particularly in town centres.
Safeguards existing social, community and leisure facilities and supports the
provision of additional facilities.
6.2 The assessment found very little information on Sexual Orientation and as a
group the did not input into consultation on the Core Strategy. The Council will
work to identify this group in preparation of future consultations.
6.3 Monitoring of the impact of the Core Strategy will be managed through the
Annual Monitoring Report, which is submitted to the Government Office to the
South East annually. The next edition of the AMR will be published in July 2009.
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Appendix 1
EQUALITIES IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Sexual
Orientation
Age
Religion or
Belief
Policy CS3 – Valued People
The policy aims to promote and support sustainable
economic growth by: focusing growth in Regeneration
Areas where improvements can be delivered to less
Disability
Spatial Strategy (CS 1-4)
Policy CS1 – Valued Landscapes and Natural
Environment
This policy aims to protect and enhance the Borough’s
green fabric including the North Downs area,
Metropolitan Green Belt, Rural Surrounds of Horley,
Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Sites of Nature
Conservation Importance and Local Nature Reserves,
Areas of Great Landscape Value, Common Land,
Habitats of biodiversity value. Maintenance of the
Metropolitan Green Belt will include a review by 2012.
Policy CS2 – Valued Townscapes
This policy aims to maintain and protect the character
of valued townscapes. Development proposals will
incorporate environmentally responsible design and
construction, high quality design, and protection and
enhancements to areas of biodiversity.
Race
Policy
Gender
Are groups affected because of:
(Key: Yes or No and +/- impact)
N
N
N
N
N
N
This Policy would be neutral in terms of equalities
consideration.
N
N
N
N
N
N
This Policy would be neutral in terms of equalities
consideration.
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
This policy would be positive in terms of equalities
consideration, it will deliver improvements to the
economic viability of the Borough, improve
community, health, educational, skills and training
Commentary
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advantaged people, sustaining and improving
infrastructure and community facilities in prosperous
areas, promoting a prosperous Gatwick Diamond,
supporting existing businesses and encouraging new
ones. Working with partners to improve health
facilities, promote healthier lifestyles, promote and
deliver improved educational and vocational / skills
improvement facilities. Empower communities
through the Local Community Action Plan process.
Shaping Places (CS4 – 8)
Policy CS4 – Strategic Locations for Growth
The policy directs planned development and
regeneration to three existing built up areas
comprising Area 1 The North Downs, Area 2 The
Wealden Greensand Ridge, Area 3 The Low Weald.
Policy CS5 – Allocation of Development
This policy aims to allocate land for development in
sustainable locations starting with Redhill Town
centre, then looking to other built up areas, to
Regeneration Areas, remaining parts of urban areas
then as a last resort beyond the edges only where this
can be defended as a sustainable extension to an
existing urban area.
Policy CS6 – Town and Local Centres
This policy aims to retain and improve Town and
Local Centres. The policy sets out a hierarchy of town
centres. Redhill Town Centre will be the Primary
Town Centre with a prime focus on large scale leisure,
office, culture and retail uses. The Town Centres of
Reigate, Horley and Banstead Village will offer
enhanced consumer choice and improved
facilities. It will also encourage community
empowerment, involvement and influence in how the
Borough develops and grows.
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
This policy has relevance to all groups, it aims to
direct development to key strategic locations which
will benefit from improved transport links, new
housing, employment opportunities, new and
improved community facilities, new and improved
retail facilities. Areas of particular disadvantage such
as Merstham and Preston Wards will benefit from
specific social and physical regeneration.
This policy has relevance to all groups, it aims to
direct development to the most sustainable locations
to benefit people living, working, and visiting the
Borough. The policy takes account of transport
options, housing land availability, employment land
availability, green infrastructure, New Growth
Points, and Horley Master Plan policies.
The appropriate provision of housing, retail, social,
community, cultural and business facilities in town
centres and local centres is crucial to the creation of
balanced communities. Local services and facilities
can improve inclusion and accessibility for all
Equalities Groups.
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accessibility. Local Town Centres will provide for
more local needs and improved accessibility.
Policy CS7: Area 1
This policy identifies the scale and type of
development planned in Area 1 – the North Downs.
Housing will be delivered as part of Preston
Regeneration and as infill development, small scale
employment development, insignificant retail
development, a new leisure / community centre is
planned in Preston Regeneration Area, but there is no
planned expansion in the North Downs Area.
Policy CS7: Area 2 (a) – Redhill
This policy identifies the scale and type of
development planned in Area 2- Redhill. A significant
amount of housing is planned, limited employment
development, significant retail space, improvements to
Memorial Park, and a new community hub in
Merstham.
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
This has relevance for all groups by ensuring
development appropriate to the needs of the
community takes place.
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Policy CS7 (2b): Reigate and the remainder of Area 2
This policy identifies the scale and type of
development planned in this Area. Housing will be
delivered mostly as infill developments, employment
space will be allocated as part of the DMSADPD, no
significant additional retail space will be developed.
Policy CS7 (3): Area 3 – Low Weald
This policy identifies the scale and type of
development planned in Area 3. Horley is a site for
significant new housing development in the North
East and West sectors, units will also be delivered in
the town centre as part of regeneration plans and infill
development. Some intensification of employment
land will occur. A small amount of retail space will be
Y+
N
Y
N
Y
N
This has relevance for all Equalities groups.
Significant housing development will provide a range
of housing types including affordable units, in a
sustainable location beneficial to all groups.
Expansion of retail space increases choice and
employment opportunities, public realm design will
improve accessibility for all including the use of
Memorial Park. A new community hub will provide a
community resource for different local groups.
This policy has relevance to some Equalities groups
in terms of the availability of new housing which may
provide a range of type and tenures to meet different
needs.
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
N
Significant housing development will offer increased
choice in terms housing type, tenure and location.
Public realm improvements to the Town Centre, a
new Town Park, extension of the Riverside Green
Chain and a new leisure centre will offer safe ,
convenient and accessible opportunities for healthy
living and activity. Horley is well served by public
transport.
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developed. A new Town Park and Leisure Centre will
be developed as part of the Regeneration Area and the
Riverside Green Chain may be extended.
Policy CS8 – Gatwick Airport
This policy aims to promote Gatwick Diamond and
support the development of Gatwick airport including
facilities that contribute to its safe and efficient
operation.
Borough Specific Policies
Policy CS9 – Sustainable Construction
This policy aims to ensure development is sustainable
by setting out criteria which must be met.
Sustainability criteria include use of land, appropriate
density limit impact on services such as transport and
public as well as environmental. Neighbourhoods
must be supported by effective services, infrastructure
and transport. It also aims to reduce the need to travel,
promote alternatives to the car and mitigate against
climate change.
Policy CS10 – Sustainable Construction
The policy aims to incorporate sustainable
construction features as standard to promote zero and
low carbon development and improvements to
existing buildings.
Policy CS11 – Infrastructure
This policy aims to deliver sustainable development
which will include improvements to public
infrastructure, and services such as transport,
education, primary health care, open space, children
and young people’s play facilities, leisure and sports
facilities, and recycling. It will also secure Green
Infrastructure, mixed use community services and
resist the loss of leisure and community facilities.
Policy CS12 – Housing Delivery
Through this policy the Council aims to deliver not
N
N
N
N
N
N
This Policy would be neutral in terms of equalities
consideration.
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
This has relevance for all groups by ensuring
development appropriate to the needs of the
community takes place.
N
N
N
N
N
N
This Policy would be neutral in terms of equalities
consideration.
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
This policy has high relevance to all Equalities
groups. It will deliver appropriate development in
the most sustainable locations that will meet the
needs of growing communities. A wide range of new
and improved infrastructure, community and leisure
facilities will improve accessibility, offer choice to all
groups, and provide opportunities for healthy
lifestyles. Improvements to transport and the public
realm which will make travel easier and places safer.
Additional homes will provide increased choice of
type, location and tenure to suit a variety of housing
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less than 9,240 new homes up to 2026.
Policy CS 13 – Housing Needs of the Community
The policy aims to deliver sustainable and balanced
communities by delivering housing to meet a range of
needs including affordable homes, a range of type and
tenures, provision for older people and people with
special needs. Looking to the longer term needs of
residents new homes are to be built to the Lifetime
Homes Standard. Homes should be built throughout
the Borough, undue concentrations of any type should
be avoided to ensure the creation of balanced
communities.
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Policy CS 14 – Affordable Housing
This policy aims to provide affordable housing on
larger sites, and seek financial contributions towards
providing affordable housing elsewhere on sites of 15
units or less. Where affordable housing is delivered, at
least 50% must be social rented, and the remainder
affordable homeownership. Alternative mixes or
provision will only be considered in exceptional
circumstances.
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Policy CS 15 – Gypsies and Travellers
This policy aims to make provision for identified sites
and / or permission will be granted for the number of
pitches identified by an assessment of need until the
Borough allocation is specified in the RSS. First
consideration will be given to the extension of existing
approved private sites. Sites should be in sustainable
locations, with accessibility to local services and
transport. Travelling Showpeople sites must be
accessible and have capacity for large items of mobile
equipment.
N
Y+
N
N
N
N
needs and preferences.
Additional homes will provide increased choice of
type, location and tenure. It takes a balanced
approach to housing provision, recognising the need
for communities to live in sustainable locations, well
served by local services. Delivering different types of
housing will help to meet the varied housing needs of
the Borough including older people, people with
special needs and those requiring affordable housing.
The locations of affordable housing should be well
distributed throughout the Borough to promote
mixed communities, avoid concentrations, which
could run counter to equalities principles.
The emphasis on social rented units is of high
relevance to lower income groups, women, ethnic
minorities and disabled people.
This policy will ensure that the site requirements for
Gypsy and Traveller sites are met within the
Borough.
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Policy CS 16 – Travel Options
This policy aims to work in partnership to improve
travel options, promote walking and cycling for
shorter journeys, enhance public transport
interchanges in Redhill and Horley Town Centres.
This policy recognises car use is necessary for some
journeys and car parking provision to be appropriate
to patterns of car ownership. The Council will seek
Travel Plans through planning applications.
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
This policy will benefit all equalities groups. The
ability to move around easily is critical to everyone.
The Council takes a balanced approach to travel
options through improvements to public transport,
enhancing alternatives such as cycling and walking,
while accepting some car journeys are necessary.
Transport improvements will provide environmental,
social and economic benefits.
Policy CS 17 – Accessibility
The most sustainable communities are characterised
by accessibility to services, facilities, shopping,
recreational and leisure spaces. This policy seeks to
direct development to accessible locations to reduce
the need to travel, improve the highway network, to
promote non car travel, and improve accessibility
along the Borough’s main travel corridors.
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
This policy would benefit all equalities groups. The
ability to move around easily is critical to everyone.
The Council takes a balanced approach to travel
options through improvements to public transport,
enhancing alternatives such as cycling and walking,
while accepting some car journeys are necessary.
Transport improvements will provide environmental,
social and economic benefits.
Policy CS 18 – Parking
This policy aims to manage the large volume of cars in
the borough that require parking, by developing
graduated parking standards to allow different levels
of on street parking in relation an area’s accessibility
to services by walking, cycling and public transport.
It aims to promote Residential and Controlled Parking
Zones.
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
Y+
The introduction of parking zones will benefit
equalities groups by encouraging improvements to
the accessibility of local areas in terms of availability
of public transport, safe walking and cycling routes.
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