MM2

Thank you for your correspondence in respect of the above consultation document dated 23 October 2014, 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 previously commented on this consultation document, this response will be in response to the issues raised in respect of this phase of the consultation, and will be in respect of the areas affecting Natural England's remit.

Overall Natural England has no substantive comments to make in respect of the proposed modifications. The proposed changes do not impact upon the areas of interest for Natural England, however MM2 does make reference to Green Infrastructure and this is to be welcomed.

The additional modifications listed also do not significantly impact on areas of interest for Natural England and therefore we do not wish to offer comments on these.

In all other respects our comments remain as previously stated.

Therefore in respect of these proposed changes and modification, Natural England has no objections.

Page 23 Section 31 - Agree

Thank you for notifying Essex County Council of the above consultation. The following is the response from Essex County Council (ECC) to Rochford Distict Council concerning the above Schedule of Proposed Modifications, covering matters relevant to ECCs statutory service provision and its function as Minerals and Waste Planning Authority. The response does not cover ECC as a landowner and/or prospective developer. A separate response will be made on these matters (if relevant) and that response should be treated in the same way as a response from other developers and/or landholders.'

ECC welcomes the opportunity to continue to work with Rochford DC, in respect of the on going re-development within South Essex. Overall ECC supports the proposed modifications and additional text in principle, which seek to address a number of our earlier concerns, as well as providing the necessary factual updates and clarification. In addition we are supportive of the proposed modifications as set out in the attached schedule.

In respect of the SA/SEA, we have the following comments:

ECC welcome the attached SA/SEA Addendum looking at the potential impacts resulting from the Schedule of Proposed Modifications. The approach effectively screens each MM for an impact on the previous SA, which is a welcomed and thorough approach. The content and deductions made appear adequate and reasonable.

It would have been useful for the SA to consider the cumulative effects of the amendments, and in those instances where uncertainties arise to have offered some mitigation measures / recommendations where possible.

Please contact me if you would like to clarify any comments raised.