Forming the first stage of the Local Plan review, the Issues and Options Document identifies a series of strategic priorities and objectives to support the draft vision for the future of Rochford District. These are supported by key planning issues that have been identified for a number of themes, and potential options to deal with these issues.

Document Page, Policy and/or Paragraph Number

Comments

Our Vision and Strategic Objectives

5. Our Vision and Strategic Objectives 5.8

Maldon Council supports a number of key ideas and themes
that have come from paragraph 5.8. Improving the strategic
infrastructure network is a shared objective for both authorities;
the Southminster branch line holds a significant relationship with
the Southend train line, which must be safeguarded and
enhanced.

Delivering Homes and Jobs

Pg. 32. Para. 6.9 The revised OAN now expresses a range of between 331 and
361 homes per year. To effectively meet the revised OAN, all
possible options must be considered including a review of
Green Belt land. With the current pressures on housing need as
a national issue, there needs a balance between serving
strategic housing allocations and mitigating the consequences,
such as loss of greenfield land.

Pg. 39. Para. 6.31 Provided the national threshold for affordable housing is 10
units or 1000sqm, which has been widely adopted by most local
authorities, it would seem appropriate to use this threshold as
local policy given the pressures on affordable housing as a
national issue.

Pg. 56. Para. 6.86 Retention of or amendments to strengthen the existing policy
would be supported by the Council. Any amendments which
would be detrimental to the landscape, ecology and/or
biodiversity of the River Crouch would be objected to.

Pg. 58. Para. 6.91 With a revised OAN of 6620-7220 homes from 2017-2037, the
assessed need of up to 16 hectares of 'new' employment land between 2016-2036 would need to be appropriately situated to align with a vision that seeks increased provisions for sustainable transport and sustainable communities.

Delivering Infrastructure

Pg. 85. Para. 8.26 Although there are limitations on the level of influence local
planning authorities have on the level of provision with regard to public transport, the level of provision is based on the use of services. When identifying strategic housing allocations within the district, this must be taken into consideration. Protecting and Enhancing our Environment

Pg. 127. Para. 10.26 It should be emphasised that there will be a close working
relationship between all contributing authorities in the preparation and production of the Essex Coastal Recreational Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy and that there must be a Duty to Cooperate.

Pg. 127. Para. 10.27 Retaining or amending policy ENV1 to strengthen the current policy is supported.