Rochford District Core Strategy Regulation 26 Draft

Thank you for your letter of 21 May advising of the publication of the above document and seeking comments by 2 July 2007.

As you will be aware, the Highways Agency interest in the Local Development Framework process relates to the motorway and all-purpose trunk road network that it manages on the Secretary of State for Transport behalf. In the case of Rochford there are no trunk roads within the District although there are two strategic corridors namely the A13 and A127/A1159 which connect into the M25 motorway network at Junctions 30 and 29 respectively. Sections of these roads in the Thurrock and Brentwood borough areas are currently heavily congested, particularly during peak periods, and operate under considerable levels of network stress. Therefore it is important to the Highways Agency that the impact of major development proposals in the Rochford area is considered in the context of future impact on the M25 and the A13 Trunk Road.

The Core Strategy Preferred Options refers to infrastructure within the District being poor with some areas not being well served by public transport. Paragraph 4.6.1 states "To reduce reliance on motorised transport and to place development close to facilities and services, a development pattern needs to be sought which reflects this". However, paragraph 4.6.16 appears to be in conflict with this objective in that it refers to locating development at "top tier settlements" and to seeking infrastructure improvements, "particularly in relation to the highway network". This paragraph appears to be in conflict with Government and Council objectives to reduce reliance on motorised transport and improve public transport provision.

We are of course willing to expand on our comments if you would find it helpful at this stage of the LDF process, or discuss any other aspect relating to transport infrastructure in the area.