1.2 What is an Issues and Options Report?

RE: RAYLEIGH AREA ACTION PLAN - ISSUES AND OPTIONS CONSULTATION

The proposals outlined in the issues and options report for Rayleigh town centre do not raise any substantial issues which will pose any significant impact on our assets. Anglian Water would therefore have no comments to make thereon.

Rayleigh Town Centre Area Action Plan - Issues and Options Consultation

Thank you for consulting the Assembly on the above matter.

The Regional Planning Panel Standing Committee considered the attached report at its meeting on Friday 22nd January 2010 before endorsing the recommendation that this AAP does not give rise to any general conformity issue at this stage.

Our detailed comments are set out in Appendix A of the report which, together with this letter, constitutes our formal response at this consultation stage.

If you have any queries concerning the content of the report or any other issue relating to conformity with the East of England Plan.

Question - Does the area covered lie within the Eastern Region?
Answer - Yes

Question - Are all references to the East of England Plan correct?
Answer - No
Comments - The Council should note the suffix 'RSS14' should no longer be used when referring to the East of England Plan.

Question - Does the area covered include a Key Centre for Development and Change?
Answer - No

Question - Are there any key issues covered by the document that are of strategic or regional importance?
Answer - No

Question - Is there a clear drive for sustainable development?
EofE Plan Policy - SS1
AAP ref - All
Comments - The broad principles of sustainable development are evident throughout the AAP.

Question - Does policy seek to maximise the use of previously development land?
EofE Plan Policy - SS2
AAP Ref's - 4.2.5
Comments - The appropriate redevelopment of brownfield site opportunities would be consistent with regional policy.

Question - Is the role of the town centre clear?
EofE Plan - SS2
AAP Ref's - All

Question - Are regional employment targets met?
EofE Plan Policy - E1
AAP Ref's - Para 2.5.12 & 4.2.5
Comments - Regional employment targets are addressed in Rochford's Core Strategy. Plans to combine office space with other town centre uses would be supported.

Question - Does the AAP contribute positively towards regional housing targets?

Has affordable housing provision in the town centre considered?
EofE Plan Policy - H1, H2
AAP Ref's 2.5.13
Comments - The Core Strategy allocates new residential development to the north of London Road, Rayleigh (i.e. beyond the AAP boundary). The AAP should consider how new housing might impact on issues such as transport and public access to the town centre, and how it could also support the town's retail and leisure sectors.
Residential development above local shops has been considered. These could provide opportunities for affordable and market homes.

Question - Are culture/leisure issues addressed?
EofE Plan Policy - C1, C2
AAP Ref's - Options

Question - Does the AAP seek to change and influence travel behaviour?
EofE Plan Policy - T2, T9, T13
AAP Ref's - Chap 2.7, 2.8.1, Chap 4.2, Chap 4.3
Comments - The AAP identifies a number of issues relating to existing patterns of traffic movement, the taxi rank etc. Any changes that reduces traffic flow to ease congestion, improves pedestrian access/movement, or delivers enhanced public transport facilities would be supported.

Question - Are sustainable urban/rural/local transport issues addressed?
EofE Plan Policy - T4, T7, T8
AAP Ref's - Chap 2.7, 2.8.1, Chap 4.2, Chap 4.3
Comments - The AAP identifies a number of issues relating to existing patterns of traffic movement, the taxi rank etc. Any changes that reduces traffic flow to ease congestion, improves pedestrian access/movement, or delivers enhanced public transport facilities would be supported.

Question - Are there any policies on parking management?
EofE Plan Policy - T14
AAP Ref's - Various e.g. Chap 2.7 & para 4.2.28
Comments - While parking controls are an effective means of influencing travel behaviour. Any change to existing parking arrangements should be done as part of a package of measures which deliver improvements elsewhere in public transport services and improved access via footpaths etc.

Question - Is there a policy relating to green infrastructure?
EofE Plan Policy - ENV1
Comments - Opportunities to improve linkages between the town centre and nearby open spaces are encouraged.

Question - Is conservation/enhancement of the historic environment addressed?
EofE Plan Policy - ENV6
AAP Ref's - 2.3; 2.4 & 2.8.1, Vision & Obj

Question - Does this AAP seek to deliver high quality in the built environment?
EofE Plan Policy - ENV7
AAP Ref's - Vision & Obj Chap 4.2

Question - Has the need to reduce carbon emissions been addressed?
EofE Plan Policy - ENG1
Comments - Beyond those measures already set out in the Core Strategy, the Council should consider whether additional standards for resource efficiency, renewable energy and waste management need to be included in the Action Plan area.

Question - Have water efficiency, management and flood risk issues addressed?
EofE Plan Policy - WAT1-WAT4
Comments - Beyond those measures already set out in the Core Strategy, the Council should consider whether additional standards for resource efficiency, renewable energy and waste management need to be included in the Action Plan area.

Question - Are waste management issues addressed?
EofE Plan Policy - WM1-WM8
Comments - Beyond those measures already set out in the Core Strategy, the Council should consider whether additional standards for resource efficiency, renewable energy and waste management need to be included in the Action Plan area.

Question - Is there a policy on implementation and monitoring?
EofE Plan Policy - IMP1 and IMP2
AAP Ref's - Chap 4.5

Question - Is this Development Plan Document in general conformity with the East of England Plan? (if not, what is needed to rectify this?)
Answer - Yes
Comments - At this Issues and Options stage, the Rayleigh Town Centre AAP does not give rise to any general conformity issues. The Assembly also recognises that the Preferred Option for development is ultimately a matter for local determination. That said, an AAP that seeks to deliver the sustainable redevelopment of previously developed land, improved connectivity and greater access to public / non-motorised forms of transport, and promotes a thriving and active town centre that pays appropriate regard to its existing built heritage is supported.