Core Strategy Submission Document

[estimated] Ended on the 2 November 2009
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(6) 13. Implementation, Delivery and Monitoring

Policy Implementation and Delivery Potential Risk Risk Mitigation Monitoring

Housing

H1 - The efficient use of land for housing The Council will prioritise the use of appropriate previously developed land and land within existing settlements, whilst resisting the inappropriate intensification of residential areas, through the allocation of land as part of the Local Development Framework and by exercising development management. The Council will work with developers and service providers to ensure appropriate sites come forward. Residential developments on appropriate sites within existing settlements or on previously developed land are not delivered. Sites have been identified following consultation with developers, land owners and agents. Engagement with developers to ascertain deliverability of sites has taken place and will continue throughout the plan period. The proportion of dwellings developed on previously developed land is recorded by the Council and will be included in the Annual Monitoring Report, as is the density of residential developments.

National Indicators

NI 159: Supply of ready to develop housing sites. NI 170: Previously developed land that has been vacant or derelict for more than 5 years.

Core Indicators

H3: New and converted dwellings - on previously developed land.
H2 - Extensions to residential envelopes and phasing The Council will work with local landowners, agents and developers to ensure that development in these areas is viable. The 'call for sites' exercises has ascertained that there are sites within these locations which developers are willing and able to develop. The Council has worked with service providers and its partners to ensure that development within these locations is feasible. The completion of dwellings will be carried out by developers having regard to the Council's adopted policies in the Local Development Framework, guided by the Council's development management. The phasing will be controlled through the development management process and delivered by working with developers and landowners to ensure there is a constant five-year supply of available land that will be delivered. Extensions to the residential envelope pre-2021 in the identified general areas are not delivered in time, and there is not a constant five-year housing supply. Locations have been identified following consultation with developers, land owners and agents. Engagement with developers to ascertain deliverability of sites within locations has taken place and will continue throughout plan period. A flexible approach will be maintained with regards to the timing of the release of land for extensions to the residential envelope to ensure a constant five-year supply of land. In the event that development in identified areas can no longer be delivered, alternative sites scheduled to be developed later will be brought forward. As part of the Annual Monitoring Report, the Council record planning permissions granted and completions of residential development. This is translated into a housing trajectory which includes an assessment of the five-year supply of land.

National Indicators

NI 154: Net additional homes provided.NI 159: Supply of ready to develop housing sites.

Core Indicators

H1: Plan period and housing targets H2(a): Net additional dwellings - in previous years H2(b): Net additional dwellings - for the reporting year H2(c): Net additional dwellings - in future years H2(d): Managed delivery target
H3 - Extension to residential envelopes post-2021 Sites within the identified general locations will not be allocated for development until post-2021. Such sites will be prevented from development until an appropriate time through the development management process. Post-2021, the completion of dwellings will be carried out by developers having regard to the Council's adopted policies in the Local Development Framework, guided by the Council's development management. Extensions to the residential envelope pre-2021 in the identified general areas are not delivered, and there is not a constant five year housing supply. Extensions to the residential envelope post-2021 in the identified general areas are not delivered, and there is not a constant five year housing supply. A flexible approach will be maintained with regards to the timing of the release of land for extensions to the residential envelope to ensure a constant five year supply of land. As such, some sites may be brought forward from post-2021 allocations, if allocated sites pre-2021 are not delivered. Where post-2021 sites are brought forward for development, it is anticipated that pre-2021 sites which were not delivered through earlier phasing, will be delivered post-2021. However, if there are not enough deliverable sites, then the Council will review the situation through the Local Development Framework Process. As part of the Annual Monitoring Report, the Council record planning permissions granted and completions of residential development. The Council will monitor the delivery of residential development and review the situation through the Local Development Framework process to ensure a constant five year housing supply.

National Indicators

NI 154: Net additional homes provided. NI 159: Supply of ready to develop housing sites.

Core Indicators

H1: Plan period and housing targets. H2(a): Net additional dwellings - in previous years. H2(b): Net additional dwellings - for the reporting year. H2(c): Net additional dwellings - in future years. H2(d): Managed delivery target.
H4 - Affordable Housing Affordable housing will be delivered in conjunction with developers and Registered Social Landlords. Developers will be required to enter into a legal agreement with the Council to ensure that the requisite proportion of affordable units come forward as part of a development. The policy makes allowances to ensure that this approach does not undermine the deliverability of schemes. The affordable housing requirement renders development financially unviable, preventing the delivering of housing. Insufficient levels of affordable housing are delivered to meet need. The Core Strategy policy allows for a flexible approach to affordable housing to ensure it does not render schemes undeliverable. The Core Strategy seeks a proportion of affordable housing in line with the recommendations of the Strategic Housing Market Assessment for the sub-region. The Local Planning Authority and the Council's Housing Strategy work with Registered Social Landlords and developers to ensure an adequate supply of affordable housing. In determining specific sites for development through the Allocations Development Plan Document, the Council will have regard to the potential for affordable housing to be provided. As part of the Annual Monitoring Report, the Council record the tenure of dwellings completed, allowing the Council to ascertain whether the target for affordable housing is being met.

National Indicators

NI 155: Number of affordable homes delivered (gross)

Core Indicators

H5: Gross affordable housing completions
H5 - Dwelling Types The mix of dwelling types will be delivered by developers and guided by the Council's development management. Developers wish to implement dwelling types that do not meet local need. The Council will ensure that developers deliver a mix of dwelling types within new developments that meet local need. This will be ascertained through the Council's Housing Strategy team. The Housing Strategy team will engage with developers in the development process. Dwelling type mix will be regulated through the development management process. Pre-application advice will be available for developers. The size of dwellings (in terms of the number of bedrooms they contain) is recorded as part of the Annual Monitoring Report, enabling an assessment of the mix of dwelling types coming forward.
H6 - Lifetime Homes The delivery of dwellings meeting the Lifetime Homes Standard will be through developers, guided by the Council's development management. The policy makes allowances to ensure that this approach does not undermine the deliverability of schemes. The requirement for all new dwellings to meet the Lifetime Homes Standard makes the scheme undeliverable. A flexible approach will be maintained to ensure that where it can be shown that the requirement threatens the viability of a scheme, then the Council will require a proportion of units to comply with the standard. In determining specific sites for development through the Allocations Development Plan Document, the Council will have regard to the potential for lifetime homes to be delivered. If it is consistently shown that the requirement makes schemes undeliverable then the Council may review the situation through the Local Development Framework Process. The Council will monitor the proportion of dwellings meeting the Lifetime Homes Standard as part of the Annual Monitoring Report.

Core Indicators

H6: Housing Quality - Building for Life Assessments.
H7 - Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Gypsy and Travellers sites will be allocated by the Council but developed by private landowners. The development of sites will be guided by the Council's development management. Allocated sites are not implemented. The Council will allocate Gypsy and Travellers pitches through the Allocations Development Plan Document and will engage with representative groups to ensure that such allocations are suitable. The Council will monitor the granting of planning permission for Gypsy and Travellers sites, and their development, as part of the Annual Monitoring Report.

Core Indicators

H4: Net additional pitches (Gypsy and Traveller).
Policy Implementation and Delivery Potential Risk Risk Mitigation Monitoring

Character of Place

CP1 - Design The design of developments will be guided by the Council's development management.Developers will be expected to utilise, where relevant, the following as guidance for good design:
  • Supplementary Planning Documents;
  • Village Design Statements;
  • the Essex Design Guide; and
  • the Urban Place Supplement
Developments whose design does not reflect character of place or good design as recommended within supporting documents are granted consent. The Council will work with developers at pre-application stage to ensure that developments reflect the identity of individual settlements and promote good design.Supplementary planning documents will provide clear guidance to decision makers and applicants as to quality of design that will be required.This will be regulated through the development management process. The success of the implementation of this policy will be monitored by recording the proportion of appeals of the Council's decision to refuse planning applications based on character of place which are dismissed.
CP2 - Conservation Areas Recommendations within the Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plans will be implemented through a collaborative approach with the Council's partners, and seeking legal advice and acquiring consent from the Secretary of State. Lack of involvement from key external partners, including service providers. The Council will work closely with its partners to implement the actions recommended in the plans. The Council has and will maintain regular dialogue with key stakeholders such as parish councils, Essex County Council and neighbouring local authorities. The Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plans will be reviewed and updated on a regular basis to ensure Conservation Area boundaries are preserved and continue to enhance the local character.
The need to accommodate new development harms character of Conservation Areas. The Council will have regard to the guidance and advice in the plans when making decisions affecting Conservation Areas, ensuring that any new development respects the character of such areas.
CP3 - Local List The Local List Supplementary Planning Document is currently being updated, and will be finalised and adopted. Buildings listed within this document will be protected by the Council's development management. Lack of statutory protection to buildings on local list results in loss of, or unsympathetic additions to, buildings of local architectural or historical value. The Council will maintain and update the Local List ensuring it is robust, having regard to consultation with stakeholders and ensuring it comprises buildings worthy of protection whose protection is justified.The Council will work with the owners of buildings on the Local List and provide them with guidance and advice on how to ensure the building's character is retained. The impact of proposed development on a locally listed building will be considered as part of the development management process. The Local List Supplementary Planning Document will be updated on a regular basis and the buildings contained within it examined as part of the update to ensure they are being protected.
Policy Implementation and Delivery Potential Risk Risk Mitigation Monitoring

Green Belt

GB1 - Green Belt Protection The Green Belt will be protected through the allocation of land and regulated through the development management process. Pressure on the District to accommodate additional development results in the loss of Green Belt. The Local Development Framework will set out a robust strategy for the delivery of all development required, based on sound evidence. By allocating land for the development the District is required to accommodate, the Council will be able to ensure that land allocated in the Local Development Framework as Green Belt remains protected from inappropriate development. The protection of the Green Belt will be regulated through the development management process. The proportion of the District allocated as Metropolitan Green Belt will be assessed in production of the Allocations Development Plan Document. The outcome of planning applications for inappropriate development within the Green Belt will be recorded in the Annual Monitoring Report.
GB2 - Rural Diversification and Recreational Uses Rural diversification will be undertaken by landowners and enabled through a more permissive approach to the determination of planning applications. Rural enterprise is restricted by the need to ensure the character and openness of the Green Belt is protected. A more permissive development management framework balances the needs of rural businesses with the need to preserve the character and openness of the Green Belt. The number of change of use applications permitted on land designated as Green Belt, and the nature of those uses, will indicate whether rural diversification is being undertaken and will be recorded in the Annual Monitoring Report.
Policy Implementation and Delivery Potential Risk Risk Mitigation Monitoring

Upper Roach Valley and Wallasea Island

URV1 - Upper Roach Valley The Council will expand Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park through the use of Council owned land and the acquisition of land where necessary. The Council will only use compulsory purchase powers as a last resort where all other alternatives have been exhausted. The extension of Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park to provide a vast 'green lung' linking other parts of the Upper Roach Valley for informal recreational opportunities is undeliverable. Pressure on the District to accommodate additional development results in difficulty in protecting the Upper Roach Valley from development. The Council will work closely with landowners to secure the future of Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park, and will use compulsory purchase as a last resort. The Local Development Framework will set out a robust strategy for the delivery of all development required, based on sound evidence. By allocating land for the development the District is required to accommodate, the Council will be able to ensure that land allocated in the Local Development Framework as Green Belt remains protected from inappropriate development. The expansion of Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park will be monitored as part of the Annual Monitoring Report.
URV2 - Wallasea Island The Council will work with the RSPB to deliver the Wallasea Island Wild Coast Project. Other stakeholders will also be engaged, including Essex County Council with regards to the sites accessibility, and the Environment Agency, given the physical constraints in the locality. The Wallasea Island Wild Coast Project is not implemented/access improvements are not forthcoming. Development cannot take place due to harm to sites of ecological importance, including those with statutory protection. The Council will work with the RSPB and other key stakeholders to ensure the Wallasea Island Wild Coast Project is delivered and the site is accessible. All plans are subject to Environmental Impact Assessment and/or Appropriate Assessment under Habitats Directive, as appropriate. The progress on delivery of the Wallasea Island Wild Coast Project will be monitored as part of the Annual Monitoring Report.
Policy Implementation and Delivery Potential Risk Risk Mitigation Monitoring

Environmental Issues

ENV1 - Protection and Enhancement of the Natural Landscape and Habitats and the Protection of Historical and Archaeological Sites The Council will prevent development that would be of harm to areas of international, national and local nature conservation importance and sites of historical and archaeological interest through the development management process. The enhancement of existing sites owned by the Council will be achieved by the positive management of them. In the case of other sites, the Council will encourage owners to do likewise. The Crouch and Roach Estuary Management Plan will be delivered in partnership with stakeholders. The District's SSSIs are not being protected, and the Crouch and Roach Estuaries, in particular, continue to deteriorate in quality. The Crouch and Roach Estuary Management Plan is not delivered. Sites of historical and archaeological interest are not being protected. Sites of international, national and local nature conservation importance and sites of historical and archaeological interest will be protected through the development management process. As part of the Annual Monitoring Report, the condition of the District's SSSIs will be recorded, enabling the Council to review whether the Public Service Agreement target is being met.

National Indicators

NI 197: Improved Local Biodiversity - proportion of Local Sites where positive conservation management has been or is being implemented.

Core Indicators

E2: Change in areas of biodiversity importance.
ENV2 - Coastal Protection Belt The Coastal Protection Belt will be protected from harmful development through the development management process. Development within the Coastal Protection Belt, in exceptional circumstances, is unavoidable which may impact on the open and rural character of the undeveloped coast. The Council will direct development away from the Coastal Protection Belt, as far as practicable, through the development management process. The success of this approach will be measured by the quality of the landscape in the Coastal Protection Belt, as well as its biodiversity. The Council will include reports on development within the Coastal Protection Belt in the Annual Monitoring Report.
ENV3 - Flood Risk The Environment Agency is a statutory consultee on all planning applications where potential flood risk or water quality issues may arise. The Council will work with the Environment Agency to ensure that flood risk is reduced. In exceptional circumstances, development is located within areas most at risk of flooding. Proposals must pass the sequential test and the exceptions test, where necessary. Development will be required to be accompanied by appropriate flood mitigation measures. This will be regulated through the development management process. As part of the Annual Monitoring Report, the Council monitor the number and proportion of planning applications that have been allowed contrary to Environment Agency advice on flood risk or water quality. The Annual Monitoring Report will also detail total area at risk of flooding.
Climate change and sea level rise increase the chances of flooding within the District, particularly in the east. The Council will work with the Environment Agency to monitor flood risk throughout the District and will seek to ensure the most vulnerable areas at risk of flooding are defended, as appropriate. The Environment Agency updates the Council on areas at risk of flooding on a regular basis.

Core Indicators

E1: Number of planning permissions granted contrary to Environment Agency advice on flooding and water quality grounds.
ENV4 - Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) The Council will work with developers to ensure Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) are incorporated into new developments. This will be guided by the Council's development management. The SUDS requirement renders a scheme unviable. The policy makes allowances to ensure that this approach does not undermine the deliverability of schemes. The Annual Monitoring Report will record the proportion of applications in which sustainable drainage systems are incorporated.
ENV5 - Air Quality Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) will be designated where necessary. Development within AQMAs will be restricted through the development management process. AQMA status will be removed once the air quality is deemed acceptable. Air quality within the District deteriorates, negatively impacting on the quality of life of residents. Air quality throughout the District is monitored on a regular basis, particularly at congestion hotspots and vulnerable highway intersections. AQMAs will be designated, as appropriate, and development will be restricted within these areas, until the air quality improves and the designation is lifted. Air quality will be monitored by the Council, as required by the 1995 Environment Act, on a periodic basis. Air quality and development within AQMAs will be recorded.

National Indicators

NI 194: Air quality - % reduction in NOx and primary PM10 emissions through local authority's estate and operations.
ENV6 - Large Scale Renewable Energy Projects The development of large-scale renewable energy projects will be guided by the Council's development management. Detrimental impact on sites of nature conservation importance, and/or landscape character. The policy does not permit such development which would have a detrimental impact. This will be regulated through the development management process. The development of large-scale renewable energy projects will be monitored as part of the Annual Monitoring Report.

Core Indicators

E3: Renewable energy generation.
ENV7 - Small Scale Renewable Energy Projects Some small-scale renewable projects such as domestic photovoltaic cells do not require consent from the Council. However, those that do require approval will be guided by the Council's development management. Development management restricts small-scale renewable energy projects, to the detriment of the generation of renewable energy. The Council will take a positive approach to such development through the development management process. The Council will monitor the implementation of small-scale renewable energy projects in the Annual Monitoring Report.

Core Indicators

E3: Renewable energy generation.
ENV8 - On-Site Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Generation A proportion of the energy requirements for new developments will be required to be provided from on-site renewable or low carbon energy sources and will be regulated through the development management process. The policy makes allowances to ensure that this approach does not undermine the deliverability of schemes. The requirement for new residential development and non-residential development, as appropriate, to provide a proportion of the developments energy requirements from on-site renewable or low carbon energy sources render development schemes unviable. A flexible approach will be maintained to ensure that where it can be shown that the requirement threatens the viability of a scheme, the Council will require a smaller proportion of the developments energy requirements from on-site renewable or low carbon energy sources. If it is consistently shown that the requirement makes schemes undeliverable then the Council may review the situation through the Local Development Framework process. The Council will monitor the proportion of a new developments energy requirements being provided from on-site renewable or low carbon energy sources as part of the Annual Monitoring Report.

Core Indicators

E3: Renewable energy generation.
ENV9 - Code for Sustainable Homes This will be delivered in partnership with developers and regulated through the development management process. The minimum requirements of building regulations will be enforced by the building control process. The Code level requirement for a residential development makes development schemes unviable, resulting in a shortfall of housing development. The Code level requirements are being introduced at a national level and as such the building industry will be required to adapt to such requirements irrespective of local policies. With regards to the aim for development to incorporate higher standards than the minimum required, the Council will maintain a flexible approach to ensure that the schemes are not rendered undeliverable. In determining specific sites for development through the Allocations Development Plan Document, the Council will have regard to the potential for higher standards to be achieved. The Council will monitor the proportion of dwellings meeting the Code for Sustainable Homes standard as part of the Annual Monitoring Report.
ENV10 - BREEAM This will be delivered in partnership with developers and regulated through the development management process and building regulations. The requirement to meet BREEAM standards undermines the viability of schemes, threatening the delivery of commercial development. The Council will maintain a flexible approach to ensure that commercial needs are balanced with the BREEAM standards requirement. The Council will monitor the proportion of non-residential development meeting the BREEAM standard as part of the Annual Monitoring Report.
ENV11 - Contaminated Land Development on contaminated and suspected contaminated land will be guided by the Council's development management. The remediation of contaminated land to make a site 'fit-for purpose' makes a scheme undeliverable. The Council will work with developers and landowners to ensure that sites allocated for development are viable. Development on contaminated land, together with measures to mitigate decontamination, will be recorded in the Annual Monitoring Report.
Policy Implementation and Delivery Potential Risk Risk Mitigation Monitoring

Community Infrastructure, Leisure and Tourism

CLT1 - Planning Obligations and Standard Charges Planning obligations and standard charges will be imposed on developers, where necessary, and regulated through the development management process. Planning obligations and standard charges render development undeliverable. Planning obligations and standard charge yield insufficient funds to delivery necessary infrastructure. The policy explains that the Council will produce a Planning Obligations and Standard Charges document, which will be developed with stakeholder input. This will consider the size and impact of developments, and the impact on economic viability. The Council may also review the requirement for Standard Charges through the Local Development Framework process. The Council will monitor the provision of contributions and, together with service providers, the infrastructure that is being delivered.
CLT2 - Primary Education, Early Years and Childcare Facilities Increased primary school provision will be delivered, where necessary, in partnership with Essex Country Council and developers, and guided by the Council's development management. Planning obligations and standard charges will be used to aid the delivery of the requisite educational provision. Facilities cannot be delivered by Essex County Council on land allocated for additional primary schools with early years and childcare facilities. The Council has engaged with Essex County Council throughout the Core Strategy production process to ensure emerging policies are deliverable. Land will be allocated through the Allocations Development Plan Document and the Council will work with Essex Country Council and developers, as necessary, to ensure the delivery of facilities in the identified locations. The Council will seek planning obligations and standard charges from developers to aid the implementation of required educational facilities. The Council will work with Essex Country Council to monitor the balance between the supply and demand of schools in the District. Essex County Council monitors the present and future provision of school places within the County within The Essex School Organisation Plan which has been updated on an annual basis since 2003.
CLT3 - Secondary Education Additional land for the expansion of school sites (for example the King Edmund School) may be identified within the Allocations Development Plan Document. Secondary school expansion will be delivered in partnership with Essex Country Council and developers, and guided by the Council's development management. Planning obligations and standard charges will be used to deliver the requisite educational provision. Facilities cannot be delivered by Essex County Council on land allocated. The anticipated expansion of Fitzwimarc and Sweyne Park schools, and other secondary schools as required, is not achieved due to constraints. Land will be allocated through the Allocations Development Plan Document for the expansion of King Edmund School. The Council will work with Essex Country Council and the individual schools themselves, as necessary, to ensure the delivery and expansion of facilities in the identified locations. The Council will seek planning obligations and standard charges from developers to aid the increase in capacities of Fitzwimarc and Sweyne Park schools, and other secondary schools as required. The Council will work with Essex Country Council to monitor the balance between the supply and demand of schools in the District. Essex County Council monitors the present and future provision of school places within the County within The Essex School Organisation Plan which has been updated on an annual basis since 2003.
CLT4 - Healthcare Developers will be required to work with the Council, the Primary Care Trust and other stakeholders to address any deficiencies identified by the Health Impact Assessment. New healthcare facilities will be delivered in partnership with the South East Essex Primary Care Trust and developers, and their implementation guided by the Council's development management. The Council will use contributions from developers, through standard charges to provide healthcare facilities where necessary. Healthcare improvements do not meet the needs of residents or are not delivered. The Council will work with the Primary Care Trust to identify appropriate locations and aid the delivery of additional healthcare facilities. The Council will require Health Impact Assessments to ensure that developments over 50 dwellings meet additional healthcare needs prior to the implementation of development, as appropriate. The Council will support improvements to existing healthcare facilities. The provision of adequate healthcare facilities will be reported by the Council using data from the Primary Care Trust.
CLT5 - Open Space The provision of new open space and the protection of existing open space will be regulated through the development management process. The provision of new open space and/or the protection of existing open space is not achieved due to pressures to accommodate other forms of development. New open space will be required as part of proposals for new developments, and the Council will seek standard charges as necessary. Existing open space will be protected through the development management process. The provision of open space will be monitored by the Council.
CLT6 - Community Facilities Additional community facilities will be delivered by working in partnership with service providers, including the voluntary sector, and developers. Planning obligations and standard charges will be used to finance the implementation of community facilities. The provision of new community facilities and the protection of existing community facilities is not achieved due to pressures to accommodate other forms of development. New community facilities will be required as part of proposals for new developments, where a need has been identified. The Council will seek planning obligations for their provision alongside new development as necessary. Existing community facilities will be protected through the development management process. The needs for community facilities will be monitored using the 'barriers to housing and service domain' as an indicator from the Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD).
CLT7 - Play Space The Council will deliver additional play space where required, in conjunction with the developers of new residential sites. The Council will use planning contributions from developers to implement play space where necessary. The protection of existing facilities will be regulated through the development management process. The provision of new, additional play space as required and the protection of existing play space is not achieved due to pressures to accommodate other forms of development New play space will be required as part of proposals for new developments, where a need has been identified. The Council will seek standard charges for their provision alongside new development as necessary. Existing play space will be protected through the development management process. The implementation of play space will be monitored and recorded as part of the Annual Monitoring Report.
CLT8 - Youth Facilities The Council will engage with young people through existing community groups and schools to ascertain their needs. The Council will work with other partners, including within the voluntary sector, and developers to ensure the delivery of appropriate facilities. The Council will use planning contributions from developers to implement youth facilities where necessary. Additional youth facilities, where a need has been identified, are not delivered due to pressures to accommodate other forms of development Youth facilities are not appropriate to the target age group, and are not flexible to meet changing needs. The Council will seek standard charges to aid the provision of additional youth facilities alongside new development, where a need has been identified, as necessary. The Council will engage with young people through existing community groups and schools to ascertain their needs. These findings will seek to ensure that youth facilities are appropriate in meeting the needs of specific age groups. Developers will be required to take into account the views of young people in designing youth facilities, and this will be regulated through the development management process. The provision of youth facilities, together with a measure to ensure their long-term viability, will be recorded by the Council.
CLT9 - Leisure Facilities The Council have adopted the 'Play Strategy 2007-2012' which will focus the resources available, and in turn, create a successful play offer captured in the acronym VITAL - Value based, In the right place, Top quality, Appropriate and Long term. The Council will use contributions from developers, through standard charges to provide leisure facilities where necessary. Leisure facilities throughout the District, in particular Rayleigh Leisure Centre and Great Wakering Leisure Centre, are not maintained and enhanced. The Council will work with its partners to ensure that leisure facilities are maintained and enhanced, and will seek contributions, as appropriate, to enhance the leisure offer within the District. Schools will also be encouraged to make their leisure facilities available for public use. The provision of leisure facilities may be monitored using the Sport England Sports Facility Calculator. The proportion (m²) of both completed and outstanding leisure development within the District is recorded within the Annual Monitoring Report.
CLT10 - Playing Pitches The Playing Pitch Strategy Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) is currently being updated, using the guidance created by Sport England. The purpose of the SPD is to assess current playing pitch supply and demand so that an adequate supply can be maintained. The provision of playing pitches within the Green Belt will be guided by the Council's development management. Sport England is a statutory consultee on all planning applications which have an impact on playing pitch provision (i.e. development of playing fields) and, as such, advise the Council on relevant issues. Insufficient provision of playing pitches to meet demand within the District. The Council supports the provision of playing pitches within accessible Green Belt locations, having regard to the advice of Sport England and the impact on the openness and character of the Green Belt. The loss of existing playing pitches will also be resisted, as appropriate, having regard to the advice of Sport England. The Council's evidence base work on the Playing Pitch Strategy will be updated on a regular basis. Planning applications regarding playing fields are monitored by Sport England. The Council will report on these as part of the Annual Monitoring Report.
CLT11 - Tourism Appropriate tourism opportunities will guided by the Council's development management. Green tourism opportunities within the District are not realised. The Council supports the development of appropriate green tourism opportunities which will be regulated through the development management process. The number of visitors is monitored as part of the "Economic impact of tourism" report by the East of England Tourist Board. The Council will report on relevant District matters as part of the Annual Monitoring Report.
Policy Implementation and Delivery Potential Risk Risk Mitigation Monitoring

Transport

T1 - Highways The Council will work with the Highways Authority to improve sustainable alternatives to the car, and improve network connections across the District. Sustainable alternative transport methods to the private car are not encouraged. Improved east to west connections across the District are not delivered. The Council will work with the Highways Authority to improve sustainable alternatives to the car, and improve network connections across the District. Developer contributions and standard charges will be sought, where appropriate, to aid delivery. Annual Progress Reports/Delivery Report - gives km of cycleways delivered, footpaths enhanced etc. The Council may need to contact Essex County Council for District data.

National Indicators

NI 167: Congestion - average journey time per mile during the morning peak.
T2 - Highways Improvements The Council will work with the Highways Authority to deliver highway improvements across the District. Highway improvements identified in the policy, and other identified improvements throughout the plan period, are not delivered by the Highways Authority. The Council will work with the Highways Authority to deliver highway improvements across the District as indentified in the policy, and other identified improvements which may arise, through monitoring the District's highway needs throughout the plan period. The Council will continue to work with Essex County Council to resolve any highways issues which arise across the District.

National Indicators

NI 167: Congestion - average journey time per mile during the morning peak. NI 168: Principal roads where maintenance should be considered. NI 169: Non-principal classified roads where maintenance should be considered.
T3 - Public Transport The Council will work with developers and service providers to ensure public transport provision is in place. The Council will ensure development is well located in relation to public transport provision through the Local Development Framework and guided by the Council's development management. Public transport operators do not deliver additional and improved services due to perceived lack of commercial viability. New development is not well located to public transport networks due to limited availability of land. The Council will work with developers, public transport operators and Essex County Council to seek improvements to the public transport infrastructure, where necessary. The location of new development will be strategically allocated though the Allocations Development Plan Document, having regard to access to public transport. However, where new development has inadequate access to the public transport network, particularly to the east of the District, the Council will seek contributions towards sustainable transport infrastructure as appropriate. Development will be located in a manner that encourages the use of public transport, making provision more commercially viable. The proportion of new development within 30 minutes public transport time of various facilities is recorded and reported in the Annual Monitoring Report.

National Indicators

NI 175: Access to services and facilities by public transport, walking and cycling. NI 176: Working age people with access to employment by public transport (and other specified modes). NI 178: Bus services running on time.
T4 - South Essex Rapid Transit (SERT) The Council will work closely with Essex County Council to ensure the smooth implementation of South Essex Rapid Transit (SERT). SERT is not delivered by Essex County Council and partners. The Council will work with, and assist as appropriate, Essex County Council to ensure the implementation of SERT. The implementation of SERT will be monitored by Essex County Council, and Thames Gateway South Essex Partnership (Rochford District Council is one of the partners).

National Indicators

NI 175: Access to services and facilities by public transport, walking and cycling.
T5 - Travel Plans The Council will work with developers to ensure travel plans are implemented where required. This will be guided by the Council's development management. Travel plans are not implemented. The requirement for particular developments to create and implement travel plans will be regulated through the development management process. The Council will report on the number of planning applications accompanied by travel plans as part of the Annual Monitoring Report. NI 176: Working age people with access to employment by public transport (and other specified modes).
T6 - Cycling and Walking The Council will work with developers, Essex County Council and Sustrans to ensure, through the use of contributions and the designing of facilities at the planning stage, cycling and walking provision is delivered. Cycling and walking provision across the District is not delivered. The Council will work with developers, Essex County Council and Sustrans to ensure the delivery of cycling and walking provision. Such facilities will be required to be designed into developments, and contributions may be sought, as appropriate. In conjunction with Essex County Council, the Council will monitor the provision of cycling and walking infrastructure.

National Indicators

NI 175: Access to services and facilities by public transport, walking and cycling.
T7 - Greenways Greenways will be implemented by the Council in conjunction with landowners and Essex County Council. Greenways are not delivered. The Council will work with partners to aid the delivery of several Greenways within the District identified in the Thames Gateway Green Grid Strategy. The delivery of Greenways identified in the Core Strategy will be recorded by the Council and reported in the Annual Monitoring Report. NI 175: Access to services and facilities by public transport, walking and cycling.
T8 - Parking Standards The Council will ensure the provision of the requisite parking provision through development management. The appropriate parking standards for residential development (minimum standards) are not adhered to, resulting in adverse impacts on highway safety and efficiency. The appropriate parking standards for trip destinations (maximum standards) are not adhered to, resulting in an excessive uptake of land for car parking and discouraging alternatives to travel by private car. The Council will regulate the provision of the requisite parking provision through the development management process. The Council monitor the provision of car parking on completed developments within the District as part of the Annual Monitoring Report.
Policy Implementation and Delivery Potential Risk Risk Mitigation Monitoring

Economic Development

ED1 - Employment Growth The Council will work with landowners and business representatives and will produce an updated Economic Development Strategy which, in conjunction with land use policies, will ensure economic development in appropriate locations. Sustainable economic growth where high value skills enhancement meets local employment opportunities is not achieved. The Council support the delivery of priorities in the Economic Development Strategy which is updated regularly to reflect the local economic climate and local employment opportunities. The Council supports the development of numerous projects which seek to achieve sustainable economic growth and increase local employment opportunities such as the enhancement of the District's commercial centres, the development of a skills training academy; and the enhancement of London Southend Airport. Employment levels in the District will be used as an indication of success. The proportion of employment development within 30 minutes public transport time is recorded as part of the Annual Monitoring Report.

National Indicators

NI 171: New business registration rate. NI 172: Percentage of small businesses in an area showing employment growth. NI 175: Access to services and facilities by public transport, walking and cycling.

Core Indicators

BD1: Total amount of additional employment floorspace - by type. BD2: Total Amount of employment floorspace on previously developed land - by type. BD3: Employment land available - by type. BD4: Total amount of floorspace for 'town centre uses'.
ED2 - London Southend Airport The Council will produce a Joint Area Action Plan in conjunction with Southend Borough Council that will set out how the Council will ensure that London Southend Airport's economic potential is realised in a manner that balances environmental and social considerations. Stakeholders will be engaged with as part of the Joint Area Action Plan. Failure to work effectively with key partners and stakeholders to realise the airport and surrounding area's potential. The Council will work closely with key partners and stakeholders to ensure the delivery of the Joint Area Action Plan for London Southend Airport and environs. Employment uses developed in and around London Southend Airport will be recorded by the Council.

Core Indicators

BD1: Total amount of additional employment floorspace - by type. BD3: Employment land available - by type.
ED3 - Existing Employment Land Existing employment allocations will be protected from inappropriate development which would undermine their function in providing job opportunities through the management of development. Loss of existing employment land to alternative uses not protected. The reallocation of "bad neighbour" industrial estates for alternative residential uses is not delivered due to difficulties in land assembly, reluctance for owners to relocate business, and/or lack of available alternative locations for businesses. Existing employment land which is well used, sustainable and strategically located will be protected through the development management process. Identified "bad neighbour" industrial estates will be allocated for alternative residential uses through the Allocations Development Plan Document. The Council will work with landowners, developers, business representatives and other stakeholders to ensure this is delivered. Alternative employment land will be allocated through the Allocations Development Plan Document. The Council will work with landowners, developers, business representatives and other stakeholders to ensure this is delivered and that displaced businesses are suitable relocated. The use and development of employment land is monitored as part of the Annual Monitoring Report.

Core Indicators

BD3: Employment land available - by type.
ED4 - Future Employment Allocations The Council will allocate future employment land through the Allocations Development Plan Document. The Council will work with landowners, developers, business representatives and other stakeholders (including infrastructure providers) to ensure the successful delivery of employment development. A site within the new business park to the north of London Southend Airport will be allocated for the Eco-Enterprise Centre. The Council will secure public funding which in turn will be used to lever private sector investment. In terms of delivering services on an ongoing basis, the Council will work in partnership with other key stakeholders and partners whose remit is to support and develop businesses in the District. Appropriate alternative employment land to create additional employment opportunities and relocate displaced businesses from "bad neighbour" industrial estates is not delivered. The Eco-Enterprise Centre is not feasible. Alternative employment land will be allocated through the Allocations Development Plan Document. The Council will work with landowners, developers, business representatives and other stakeholders to ensure this is delivered and that displaced businesses are suitable relocated. A feasibility study will be carried out for the Eco-Enterprise Centre. The development of future allocations with appropriate employment-generating uses will be monitored by the Council as part of the Annual Monitoring Report. Employment levels within the District will be used to indicate success. The number of businesses within the Eco-Enterprise Centre, and the proportion of these sustained within the District once they have left the Centre, will be used to measure its success.

National Indicators

NI 171: New business registration rate. NI 172: Percentage of small businesses in an area showing employment growth. NI 176: Working age people with access to employment by public transport (and other specified modes).

Core Indicators

BD1: Total amount of additional employment floorspace - by type. BD2: Total Amount of employment floorspace on previously developed land - by type. BD3: Employment land available - by type. BD4: Total amount of floorspace for 'town centre uses'.
Policy Implementation and Delivery Potential Risk Risk Mitigation Monitoring

Retail and Town Centres

RTC1 - Retail in town centres Development will be directed towards the District's town centres through the allocations process and by making the town centres more attractive to shoppers (see other Retail and Town Centres policies). Regeneration of the District's town centres is not delivered and an enhanced market share of retail spending is not achieved. The Council will prepare and implement Area Action Plans for the town centres seeking to improve their vitality, vibrancy, and spending retention through site specific regeneration plans. Retail development will also be controlled, directing it towards the town centres, as appropriate, through the development management process. The retail use of the town centres is included as part of the Annual Monitoring Report. Success of the policy will be indicated by a high proportion of retail uses and new retail development being located in town centres.
RTC2 - Sequential approach to retail development A sequential approach will be applied to ensure that the majority of retail development is located in town centres. This will be guided by the Council's development management. Small-scale retail development in out-of-town centres will be delivered in partnership with developers as part of the allocations process. Commercial pressure for additional retail development outside of town centres harms the vibrancy and vitality of the District's centres. A sequential approach ensures that retail development is located in the most appropriate, sustainable and accessible locations. It will ensure that such development is directed towards town centre locations, whilst balancing the need to meet the needs of local residents. As such, this approach also recognises that local commercial centres play an important role in meeting the day-to-day needs of the local population. Thus small-scale retail development is supported, as appropriate. The retail use of the town centres is included as part of the Annual Monitoring Report. Success of the policy will be indicated by a high proportion of retail uses and new retail development being located in town centres.
RTC3 - Village and Neighbourhood Shops The loss of village and neighbourhood shops will be resisted through the Council's development management. The Council will help maintain the viability of village and neighbourhood shops by ensuring that village communities continue to thrive - this will be achieved through a variety of actions, including ensuring there is adequate housing and service provision to support smaller settlements. Pressure to accommodate alternative development results in the loss of retail uses within villages, to the detriment of village communities and making facilities harder to access, particularly for those without use of a car. Additional small-scale retail uses within residential areas outside of the defined town centres will be encouraged, as appropriate, through the Council's development management. Existing retail uses within residential areas outside of the defined town centres will be protected through the development management process. Annual surveys of the retail units within villages will be undertaken and reported in the Annual Monitoring Report.
Residential development does not take place within village areas, reducing the commercial viability of rural facilities. Locations have been identified following consultation with developers, land owners and agents. Engagement with developers to ascertain deliverability of sites within locations has taken place and will continue throughout plan period.
RTC4 - Rayleigh Town Centre The Area Action Plan for Rayleigh town centre will be produced by the Council with the input of specialist consultants, using masterplanning work already undertaken, and taking on board the views of local stakeholders. The Area Action Plan will be implemented in partnership with local developers and landowners. The Area Action Plan for Rayleigh is not delivered. The regeneration of the town centre, providing a safe, accessible environment with a range of retail uses, evening leisure activities and community facilities, is not achieved. The Area Action Plan for Rayleigh will be produced in consultation with the local community to ensure that it reflects local views and opportunities. The Council will work with landowners and its partners to deliver the Area Action Plan. Surveys of retail areas are carried out on an annual basis. A drop in the number of vacant units and a rise in the total number of shops and facilities will indicate success. Revised retail and leisure studies will be carried out. Improvements in the town centre's health assessment will be seen as an indicator of success. Other indicators of the performance of the Town Centre Area Action Plan will include levels of anti-social behaviour reported in the area.
Centres outside of the District draw retail expenditure away from Rayleigh and undermine regeneration potential of centre. The Area Action Plan will identify actions to increase Rayleigh's attractiveness to shoppers and visitors, enabling it to compete with other centres.
RTC5 - Rochford Town Centre The Area Action Plan for Rochford town centre will be produced by the Council with the input of specialist consultants, using masterplanning work already undertaken, and taking on board the views of local stakeholders. The Area Action Plan will be implemented in partnership with local developers and landowners. The Area Action Plan for Rochford is not delivered. The regeneration of the town centre, providing a safe, accessible environment with a range of retail uses, evening leisure activities and an attractive market square, is not achieved. The Area Action Plan for Rochford will be produced in consultation with the local community to ensure that it reflects local views and opportunities. The Council will work with landowners and its partners to deliver the Area Action Plan. The Area Action Plan will identify actions to increase Rochford's attractiveness to shoppers and visitors, centred upon its character and heritage, enabling it to compete with other centres. Surveys of retail areas are carried out on an annual basis. A drop in the number of vacant units and a rise in the total number of shops and facilities will indicate success. Revised retail and leisure studies will be carried out. Improvements in the town centre's health assessment will be seen as an indicator of success. Other indicators of the performance of the Town Centre Area Action Plan will include levels of anti-social behaviour reported in the area.
Centres outside of the District draw retail expenditure away from Rochford and undermine regeneration potential of centre.
RTC6 - Hockley Town Centre The Area Action Plan for Hockley town centre will be produced by the Council with the input of specialist consultants, using masterplanning work already undertaken, and taking on board the views of local stakeholders. The Area Action Plan will be implemented in partnership with local developers and landowners. The Area Action Plan for Hockley is not delivered. The regeneration of the town centre, providing a safe, accessible environment with a range of retail uses, evening leisure activities and community facilities, is not achieved. The Area Action Plan for Hockley will be produced in consultation with the local community to ensure that it reflects local views and opportunities. The Council will work with landowners and its partners to deliver the Area Action Plan. Surveys of retail areas are carried out on an annual basis. A drop in the number of vacant units and a rise in the total number of shops and facilities will indicate success. Revised retail and leisure studies will be carried out. Improvements in the town centre's health assessment will be seen as an indicator of success. Other indicators of the performance of the Town Centre Area Action Plan will include levels of anti-social behaviour reported in the area.
Centres outside of the District draw retail expenditure away from Hockley and undermine regeneration potential of centre. The Area Action Plan will identify actions to increase Hockley's attractiveness to shoppers and visitors, centred upon its quality of environment, enabling it to compete with other centres.
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