The Council is concerned by proposed allocations GT1 and NEL2 due to their potential impact on the strategic purpose of the Green Belt.

The proposed allocations are located in the middle of the Green Belt separate from any of the existing urban areas in south Essex. The Green Belt in this location performs an important role in separating the various towns in this area from one another. Furthermore, the Green Belt in this location also provides a landscape setting for the A130. Along its length from Chelmsford to Canvey Island, the A130 displays the characteristics of a road passing through the countryside rather than a bypass to the various towns it serves. There is a concern that the development of these proposed allocation sites will undermine this landscape, and set a precedent for similar developments elsewhere along the route of the A130.

It is acknowledged that the proposed allocation sites are partially developed and are contained within the layout of road and rail infrastructure in this area. It is also understood that the Inspector for the Rochford Local Plan allocation described the site as degraded countryside. However, despite its quality, it is considered that the site is nonetheless strategically significant in Green Belt terms.

The National Planning Policy Framework at paragraph 81 expects local authorities to plan positively to enhance the beneficial uses of the Green Belt such as enhancing the landscapes and visual amenity, and improving damaged and derelict land. Therefore, greater consideration could be given to the design, layout and landscaping of the proposed allocations within the supporting text, in order to minimise the impacts of the proposed development on the openness of the Green Belt, and the strategic purposes it fulfils.

As you may recall, our authorities (and others through which the A130 passes) are currently working together to prepare a landscape strategy for the A130 corridor. This will enable those authorities to plan positively for landscape enhancements within the corridor. This work and its outcomes could be used to inform the landscape and design requirements of these allocations.