4 Planning Policies

4.1 Rochford District Replacement Local Plan was adopted in June 2006. Its objectives include promoting a green and sustainable environment, improving the quality of life for people in the District, and the maintenance and enhancement of local heritage. Of particular relevance to conservation areas, the Plan contains core strategies CS7 stating the District's aim to conserve and enhance heritage, and CS8 regarding retention of character of place.

4.2 The Replacement Local Plan includes specific planning objectives to protect and enhance the historic character of settlements, particularly within conservation areas, and to formulate and publish a detailed assessment of each conservation area, indicating townscape features, buildings and spaces that distinguish the character of each conservation area, to be taken into consideration when new development is being proposed.

4.3 The Replacement Local Plan contains policies (BC1-2) formulated to ensure the preservation of the special character of the conservation areas and to promote good design within them. Further guidance for the assessment of proposals for development in conservation areas is provided in Local Plan Supplementary Planning Document 6.

4.4 Part of the conservation area is designated as at risk of flooding. Flood risk is a material planning consideration. Policy NR11 of the Replacement Local Plan sets out policy with regard to development within flood risk areas, and states that applications for development in these areas must be accompanied by full flood risk assessments.

4.5 Great Wakering is surrounded by Metropolitan Green Belt, which abuts the eastern edge of the conservation area. The Replacement Local Plan contains a range of policies concerning development in Green Belt (policies R1-R10), and there is a general presumption against inappropriate development in these areas. The preservation of the character of historic towns and villages including Great Wakering is included in the District Council's objectives in applying Green Belt policies.