(2)Foreword

The Core Strategy sets out options that the Council considers are realistic to shape the development of the district in the period until 2021 and beyond.

The Council has considered a number of options and has done more work in thinking around what appears to be the best solution. However, the consultation being undertaken to drive the process forward, will have a great impact on the direction and style of policy, together with the areas of policy that appear in the final version of this document.

In terms of process, the Council is preparing this initial draft for consultation. This will be followed by a wider and more formal consultation, on the preferred options that arise from the first part of the process, in the autumn. A formal submission will be made in the spring 2007.

This document is designed to stimulate discussion. We want to know where we have got it right and where we can make improvements. Have we forgotten any policy area that should be included?

It is important to note that the strategic development of the district will hinge on the content of this document and Council wants to get it right.

The Council has set out options for development under fourteen headings. The Council's preferred option in each case is shown in bold in a box. The options that the Council considers to be less satisfactory are also displayed, but these are not emboldened. The Council has commissioned a Strategic Environmental Assessment and this provides, together with the other key documents identified in the box following paragraph 1.6, a robust rationale for the preferred options.

Please complete the questionnaire accompanying this document and help the Council ensure that the Rochford district becomes the place of choice in the county to live, work and visit.