Appendix H1 - New infrastructure and services to accompany residential development
Summary: The Respondent finds the document to be unsound in its present form, however were the amendments set out in these representations to be incorporated then it is considered that the document will be sound. Whilst it is accepted that it is helpful to identify the new infrastructure and services required to accompany residential development, there is concern that some of the requirements may be excessive given the extent of development proposed.
Full text: With regard to land at East Ashingdon, this site is identified as having a number of new infrastructure and service requirements. Our clients control this land and it is envisaged that the majority of the items identified would form an integral part of any proposals for this area. However we have the following concerns:
1. It is not clear from the evidence base that there is a solid need to expand the school by the 3 hectares referred to in Policy CLT3. Discussions with Essex County Council Education have not been conclusive. The Respondent's master plan illustrates a 3 hectare area of land that could be provided, however the size of this land could vary and should not be fixed until further evidence is provided.
2. Public open space, play space and youth facilities and community facilities are listed as requirements. Whilst it is envisaged that public open space and play space would be provided as part of the development, it is considered that the on site provision of youth facilities and community facilities would be excessive given the scale of the proposals and the other contributions required. Further, Appendix H1 identifies that youth facilities and community facilities are also proposed at South-East Ashingdon, just a short distance from East Ashingdon and therefore it would seem excessive to have youth and community provision on both sites. It should be noted that the site lies in close proximity to a secondary school, which already has sport and recreation facilities i.e. all weather pitch.

Whilst the principle of contributing to the infrastructure and services listed is supported, it is suggested that this should either be in the form of on site contributions or financial contributions towards off site facilities and services in accordance with Policy CLT1.
Proposed Amendment to Appendix H1: For this Appendix to be sound, the heading of the second column should be amended to read "Contributions required for new infrastructure and services to accompany residential development".

Masterplan/Facilities plan Council ref AE22