Comment

Representation ID: 37464

Received: 21/08/2019

Respondent: Historic England

Dear Planning Policy Team

Draft Statement of Community Involvement for Rochford District 2019

Thank you for consulting Historic England on the Draft Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) for Rochford District 2019. As the Government's adviser on the historic environment Historic England is keen to ensure that the protection of the historic environment is fully taken into account at all stages and levels of the local planning process.

We support the general aims and approach to the draft Statement of Community Involvement. We welcome the reference to statutory consultees under duty to co-operate at paragraph 2.13 with respect to general planning policy at paragraph 2.3 as well as with regard to planning applications at paragraph 3.12. However, it would be helpful if specific mention could be made in paragraphs 2.3 and 2.13 to Historic England being a statutory consultee. Please amend the references in paragraphs 3.9 and 3.12 to Historic England not English Heritage or Heritage England.

With regards to neighbourhood planning, we would welcome notification of proposed neighbourhood planning areas as well as consultation on draft plans. The regulations state that statutory bodies including Historic England should be consulted on draft plans where our interests are considered to be affected. This should be included in your amendment to paragraph 2.21. We have guidance on neighbourhood planning, which can be found at: <https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/planning/plan-making/improve-your-neighbourhood/>

We would welcome consultation at an informal level, in addition to the requirements of the legislation, where issues may benefit from our early involvement. For information and for further consultation please note our consultation email address

We hope that the above comments are of assistance. If you would like any clarification or would like to discuss the above please do not hesitate to contact me.