Thank you for your correspondence in respect of the above consultation document, seeking the views and comments of Natural England on the above dated.

Natural England is the Government agency that works to conserve and enhance biodiversity and landscapes, promote access to the natural environment, and contribute to the way natural resources are managed so that they can be enjoyed now and by future generations.

Natural England has no substantive comments to make; the proposed modifications are in relation to the Examiner's initial response to help strengthen the document. The following general comments are offered to assist in strengthening the document further;

MM2 - Policy DM1 (xiii) under this section the Council may wish to include reference to Neighbourhood Plans also.

MM46 - 4.3 the reference to the Greater Thames Marshes Nature Improvement Area (NIA) is acknowledged and welcomed.

MM51 - Policy DM27 Amendments to this Policy to more fully comply with the Natural England and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 are acknowledged and supported.

Subject to the above Natural England has no further substantive comments to make in respect of the proposed main modifications.