Draft Policy DM2 - Density of New Developments

Paragraph 2.16/Figure 2 includes a density guide and explains that the chosen density is important in achieving efficient land uses and in maintaining high quality environments. The policy advice is supported, however, we note that Essex Design promotes some forms of development styles well below the average density levels identified in Figure 2. For example Arcadia Planning requires a density of 8 houses per hectare (page 18 of the Essex Design) and Boulevard Planning is between 13 and 20 houses per hectare (page 41 and page 42 of Essex Design). All the average densities within the District are 20 dwellings per hectare or higher. This apparent conflict has led to severe difficulties in designing schemes where local policy and character pulls in one direction and Essex Design guidance pulls in another. It should be made clear in the Policy or supporting text that local character and local policies take precedent and that Essex Design is not a prescriptive tool when issues of density are being considered.

This policy is too vague and imprecise.

We welcome the aspirations to optimise the capacity of potential housing sites, but also recognise that housing should meet the needs of the whole housing market and that includes the demand for both smaller and larger dwellings, which would have an impact on housing densities. The most efficient use of land should be sought though good design having regard to local characteristics, the type and range of housing provided and prevailing national planning policy. Those sites in the most sustainable locations (within town centres and transport corridors), which
have the ability to access services by means other than private car (public transport, cycling and walking) are maximised and should seek to have a higher net density (circa. 50 dwellings or more per hectare).