Whilst we do not object to the requirement of public open space on land to the west of Rayleigh, it must be made clear that the level of provision we make, or extent of financial contribution towards its provision and maintenance, be reasonably related to the impact of the development of the land. Circular 5/05 and the emerging/published DCLG guidance on the use of CIL, makes it clear that new developments/contributions from new development can not be used to resolve existing deficiencies (only, proportionally, those deficiencies made worse by new development).

The policy should state that the extent of public open space to the west of Rayleigh should be determined via a master plan or development brief for the site.