Rochford District Core Strategy Regulation 26 Draft

Thank you for your letter dated 21 May 2007 consulting Natural England on the preferred options report.

This letter is provided as our formal response of Natural England to your request for advice for this plan or programme and is intended to be considered in conjunction with previous English Nature consultation advice provided for the emerging Strategic Environment Assessment.

Natural England notes the significance of the nature conservation assets within Rochford District Council. We believe these assets significantly contribute to the character of the district and provide vital ingredients to the quality of life it offers. Opportunities exist to further enhance these qualities through an appropriate integration of measures towards economic, social and environmental aspirations.

Natural England encourages local planning authorities to include policies for the protection and enhancement of the natural environment and natural resources. We are likely to e supportive of suitably worded policies that seek to conserve environmental assets such as biodiversity, water, energy, air quality and promote effective flood risk management, appropriate landscaping and pollution control.

Consistent with PPS9 and the accompanying ODPM Circular 06/2005 we advocate adopting an informed approach utilising information about biological and geological assets, from sources such as Phase I surveys, Country Wildlife Site inventory's and previous geological surveys (RIGS - regionally important geological sites). In our previous advice about the Strategic Environmental Assessment we have advised that in addition to designated sites, other areas (notably local wildlife sites, local nature reserves, green corridors) can make a significant contribution to the green infrastructure of the district. Accounting for this, and the challenges of enabling progress towards growth targets we refer you to the following points for consideration:

i) Developing within the urban area is likely to involve development on brownfield land, which can be rich in biodiversity interest
ii) Different types of land may have strategic significance for the conservation of biodiversity assets.
iii) In some locations, the green belt can provide a significant buffer (and in some cases supporting habitat) for sites of national and international significance and opportunities may exist through landscape enhancement schemes for these areas to provide a more multifunctional accessible natural greenspace role.
iv) The requirements of the Habitat Regulations should be considered particularly if options for development are within or adjacent to intertidal areas.
v) The plan needs to account for environmental issues that span local authority boundaries. This is significant, noting Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's growth targets.

1. Assessment in accordance with Habitat Regulations

Where a plan may affect a European site, the European Court of Justice ruling (October 2005), has concluded Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive provides that any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of a European site but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, must be subject to appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site's conservation objectives. In practice, the SEA should aim to be sufficiently detailed in its assessment to address the requirements of The Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992.

The Assessment will require an initial screening of all policies alone and in combination with other plans and projects. This aims to establish whether any policies should be regarded as likely to cause/have a significant effect on the interest features of the European Sites, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects. Options should then be considered to establish whether amendments to individual policies, suite of policies or supporting text could effectively address concerns to 'not likely significant effect'.

Those policies that are still regarded as likely to have a significant effect will then require an appropriate assessment in accordance with Regulation 48 of the Habitat Regulations. National Government direction encourages local planning authorities to develop local development documents that clearly demonstrate that they avoid an adverse affect on the integrity of the Natura 2000 sites, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects. A summary diagram (Figure 1) of the processes within the assessment is attached for your consideration. Furthermore, consistent with the cross-border working that is necessary in delivering strategic solutions we recommend you gain a brief appreciation of the assessment from the developing Habitat Regulations Assessment for Southend on Sea Borough Council's Core Strategy (see Topic Papers for Examination in Public www.southend.gov.uk).

Our initial assessment indicates that the particular elements of the strategic direction could be likely to have a significant effect, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects and these are listed below:

1) Overall grown targets, alone and in combination with relevant Regional growth area targets, will lead to increased population and subsequent increased recreational pressure on Natura 2000 sites.

ii) The aspirations for significant growth in airport movements at Southend Airport, which may result in increased air quality and/or disturbance impacts on Natura 2000 sites.

iii) Development in, or immediately adjacent to, intertidal or coastal areas that either requires land-take through encroachment or exacerbates the effects of coastal squeeze.

2. Additional Advice

2a) Consistent with the point (ii) raised above, Natural England welcomes the proposed Joint Area Action plans for Southend Airport and Foulness MOD land. We recommended that the latter should include surface access. The Joint Area Action Planning process should provide opportunities for enhanced North-South links including greenways, as envisaged in the Thames Gateway South Essex Greengrid.

2b) Natural England supports the Council's preferred options for the enhancement and protection of the Upper Roach Valley including the Country Park. These are consistent with the objectives of the Thames Gateway South Essex Greengrid and it is recommended that wording to that effect should be included in the document. Natural England would be happy to advise with regard to a possible overall Upper Roach Valley Strategy as a means to delivering it's full potential.

2c) The Plan needs to align with the direction provided by PPS9 to conserve and enhance designated sites and biodiversity assets rather than merely to 'protect'.

2d) Consistent with the advice provided in paragraph 5 above we recommend that the environmental baseline is updated through a County wildlife site review and Phase 1 survey.

2e) Natural England encourages Rochford District Council to align with emerging strategic direction to address flood risk management. This includes principles set out in the Crouch and Roach Estuaries Strategy, the Essex ChaMP, the Great Wakering Flood Risk Management Strategy and the emerging Thames Estuary 2100 project.

2f) We encourage Rochford District Council to include specific measures and policy direction to promote the integration of biodiversity into development. This can be through a package of measures, outlined in the CD-Rom resource 'Integrating Biodiversity into development .....realising the benefits' available from www.essexbiodiversity.org.uk.

2g) Natural England supports the Council's strong promotion of good design with regard to new developments via the Essex Design Guide and Urban Place Supplement. Opportunities should be sought to promote accessible natural greenspace provision that meets local requirements and provides functional links for people and wildlife. Where possible these should also enable contributions to BAP targets. Natural England recommends that the authority should consider the use of policies to promote the delivery and long-term management and maintenance of greenspace and green linkages. These could be financed through planning gain/section 106 and would further encourage innovative and high quality design in new developments and regeneration initiatives.

2h) Rochford District Council's Option regarding leisure and tourism is consistent with the objectives of the Thames Gateway South Essex Greengrid and it is recommended that wording to that effect should be included in the document.

I trust that this is helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact me at the above Colchester address or telephone number should you wish to discuss this matter further. For further advice regarding greenspace/openspace strategy and implementation of the Thames Gateway South Essex Greengrid, please contact my colleague Pat Crosby (E-mail: partricia.Crosby@naturalengland.org.uk).

Thank you for your letter dated 21 May 2007 consulting Natural England on the preferred options report.

This letter is provided as our formal response of Natural England to your request for advice for this plan or programme and is intended to be considered in conjunction with previous English Nature consultation advice provided for the emerging Strategic Environment Assessment.

Natural England notes the significance of the nature conservation assets within Rochford District Council. We believe these assets significantly contribute to the character of the district and provide vital ingredients to the quality of life it offers. Opportunities exist to further enhance these qualities through an appropriate integration of measures towards economic, social and environmental aspirations.

Natural England encourages local planning authorities to include policies for the protection and enhancement of the natural environment and natural resources. We are likely to e supportive of suitably worded policies that seek to conserve environmental assets such as biodiversity, water, energy, air quality and promote effective flood risk management, appropriate landscaping and pollution control.

Consistent with PPS9 and the accompanying ODPM Circular 06/2005 we advocate adopting an informed approach utilising information about biological and geological assets, from sources such as Phase I surveys, Country Wildlife Site inventory's and previous geological surveys (RIGS - regionally important geological sites). In our previous advice about the Strategic Environmental Assessment we have advised that in addition to designated sites, other areas (notably local wildlife sites, local nature reserves, green corridors) can make a significant contribution to the green infrastructure of the district. Accounting for this, and the challenges of enabling progress towards growth targets we refer you to the following points for consideration:

i) Developing within the urban area is likely to involve development on brownfield land, which can be rich in biodiversity interest
ii) Different types of land may have strategic significance for the conservation of biodiversity assets.
iii) In some locations, the green belt can provide a significant buffer (and in some cases supporting habitat) for sites of national and international significance and opportunities may exist through landscape enhancement schemes for these areas to provide a more multifunctional accessible natural greenspace role.
iv) The requirements of the Habitat Regulations should be considered particularly if options for development are within or adjacent to intertidal areas.
v) The plan needs to account for environmental issues that span local authority boundaries. This is significant, noting Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's growth targets.

1. Assessment in accordance with Habitat Regulations

Where a plan may affect a European site, the European Court of Justice ruling (October 2005), has concluded Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive provides that any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of a European site but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, must be subject to appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site's conservation objectives. In practice, the SEA should aim to be sufficiently detailed in its assessment to address the requirements of The Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992.

The Assessment will require an initial screening of all policies alone and in combination with other plans and projects. This aims to establish whether any policies should be regarded as likely to cause/have a significant effect on the interest features of the European Sites, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects. Options should then be considered to establish whether amendments to individual policies, suite of policies or supporting text could effectively address concerns to 'not likely significant effect'.

Those policies that are still regarded as likely to have a significant effect will then require an appropriate assessment in accordance with Regulation 48 of the Habitat Regulations. National Government direction encourages local planning authorities to develop local development documents that clearly demonstrate that they avoid an adverse affect on the integrity of the Natura 2000 sites, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects. A summary diagram (Figure 1) of the processes within the assessment is attached for your consideration. Furthermore, consistent with the cross-border working that is necessary in delivering strategic solutions we recommend you gain a brief appreciation of the assessment from the developing Habitat Regulations Assessment for Southend on Sea Borough Council's Core Strategy (see Topic Papers for Examination in Public www.southend.gov.uk).

Our initial assessment indicates that the particular elements of the strategic direction could be likely to have a significant effect, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects and these are listed below:

1) Overall grown targets, alone and in combination with relevant Regional growth area targets, will lead to increased population and subsequent increased recreational pressure on Natura 2000 sites.

ii) The aspirations for significant growth in airport movements at Southend Airport, which may result in increased air quality and/or disturbance impacts on Natura 2000 sites.

iii) Development in, or immediately adjacent to, intertidal or coastal areas that either requires land-take through encroachment or exacerbates the effects of coastal squeeze.

2. Additional Advice

2a) Consistent with the point (ii) raised above, Natural England welcomes the proposed Joint Area Action plans for Southend Airport and Foulness MOD land. We recommended that the latter should include surface access. The Joint Area Action Planning process should provide opportunities for enhanced North-South links including greenways, as envisaged in the Thames Gateway South Essex Greengrid.

2b) Natural England supports the Council's preferred options for the enhancement and protection of the Upper Roach Valley including the Country Park. These are consistent with the objectives of the Thames Gateway South Essex Greengrid and it is recommended that wording to that effect should be included in the document. Natural England would be happy to advise with regard to a possible overall Upper Roach Valley Strategy as a means to delivering it's full potential.

2c) The Plan needs to align with the direction provided by PPS9 to conserve and enhance designated sites and biodiversity assets rather than merely to 'protect'.

2d) Consistent with the advice provided in paragraph 5 above we recommend that the environmental baseline is updated through a County wildlife site review and Phase 1 survey.

2e) Natural England encourages Rochford District Council to align with emerging strategic direction to address flood risk management. This includes principles set out in the Crouch and Roach Estuaries Strategy, the Essex ChaMP, the Great Wakering Flood Risk Management Strategy and the emerging Thames Estuary 2100 project.

2f) We encourage Rochford District Council to include specific measures and policy direction to promote the integration of biodiversity into development. This can be through a package of measures, outlined in the CD-Rom resource 'Integrating Biodiversity into development .....realising the benefits' available from www.essexbiodiversity.org.uk.

2g) Natural England supports the Council's strong promotion of good design with regard to new developments via the Essex Design Guide and Urban Place Supplement. Opportunities should be sought to promote accessible natural greenspace provision that meets local requirements and provides functional links for people and wildlife. Where possible these should also enable contributions to BAP targets. Natural England recommends that the authority should consider the use of policies to promote the delivery and long-term management and maintenance of greenspace and green linkages. These could be financed through planning gain/section 106 and would further encourage innovative and high quality design in new developments and regeneration initiatives.

2h) Rochford District Council's Option regarding leisure and tourism is consistent with the objectives of the Thames Gateway South Essex Greengrid and it is recommended that wording to that effect should be included in the document.

I trust that this is helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact me at the above Colchester address or telephone number should you wish to discuss this matter further. For further advice regarding greenspace/openspace strategy and implementation of the Thames Gateway South Essex Greengrid, please contact my colleague Pat Crosby (E-mail: partricia.Crosby@naturalengland.org.uk).

Thank you for your letter dated 21 May 2007 consulting Natural England on the preferred options report.

This letter is provided as our formal response of Natural England to your request for advice for this plan or programme and is intended to be considered in conjunction with previous English Nature consultation advice provided for the emerging Strategic Environment Assessment.

Natural England notes the significance of the nature conservation assets within Rochford District Council. We believe these assets significantly contribute to the character of the district and provide vital ingredients to the quality of life it offers. Opportunities exist to further enhance these qualities through an appropriate integration of measures towards economic, social and environmental aspirations.

Natural England encourages local planning authorities to include policies for the protection and enhancement of the natural environment and natural resources. We are likely to e supportive of suitably worded policies that seek to conserve environmental assets such as biodiversity, water, energy, air quality and promote effective flood risk management, appropriate landscaping and pollution control.

Consistent with PPS9 and the accompanying ODPM Circular 06/2005 we advocate adopting an informed approach utilising information about biological and geological assets, from sources such as Phase I surveys, Country Wildlife Site inventory's and previous geological surveys (RIGS - regionally important geological sites). In our previous advice about the Strategic Environmental Assessment we have advised that in addition to designated sites, other areas (notably local wildlife sites, local nature reserves, green corridors) can make a significant contribution to the green infrastructure of the district. Accounting for this, and the challenges of enabling progress towards growth targets we refer you to the following points for consideration:

i) Developing within the urban area is likely to involve development on brownfield land, which can be rich in biodiversity interest
ii) Different types of land may have strategic significance for the conservation of biodiversity assets.
iii) In some locations, the green belt can provide a significant buffer (and in some cases supporting habitat) for sites of national and international significance and opportunities may exist through landscape enhancement schemes for these areas to provide a more multifunctional accessible natural greenspace role.
iv) The requirements of the Habitat Regulations should be considered particularly if options for development are within or adjacent to intertidal areas.
v) The plan needs to account for environmental issues that span local authority boundaries. This is significant, noting Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's growth targets.

1. Assessment in accordance with Habitat Regulations

Where a plan may affect a European site, the European Court of Justice ruling (October 2005), has concluded Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive provides that any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of a European site but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, must be subject to appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site's conservation objectives. In practice, the SEA should aim to be sufficiently detailed in its assessment to address the requirements of The Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992.

The Assessment will require an initial screening of all policies alone and in combination with other plans and projects. This aims to establish whether any policies should be regarded as likely to cause/have a significant effect on the interest features of the European Sites, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects. Options should then be considered to establish whether amendments to individual policies, suite of policies or supporting text could effectively address concerns to 'not likely significant effect'.

Those policies that are still regarded as likely to have a significant effect will then require an appropriate assessment in accordance with Regulation 48 of the Habitat Regulations. National Government direction encourages local planning authorities to develop local development documents that clearly demonstrate that they avoid an adverse affect on the integrity of the Natura 2000 sites, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects. A summary diagram (Figure 1) of the processes within the assessment is attached for your consideration. Furthermore, consistent with the cross-border working that is necessary in delivering strategic solutions we recommend you gain a brief appreciation of the assessment from the developing Habitat Regulations Assessment for Southend on Sea Borough Council's Core Strategy (see Topic Papers for Examination in Public www.southend.gov.uk).

Our initial assessment indicates that the particular elements of the strategic direction could be likely to have a significant effect, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects and these are listed below:

1) Overall grown targets, alone and in combination with relevant Regional growth area targets, will lead to increased population and subsequent increased recreational pressure on Natura 2000 sites.

ii) The aspirations for significant growth in airport movements at Southend Airport, which may result in increased air quality and/or disturbance impacts on Natura 2000 sites.

iii) Development in, or immediately adjacent to, intertidal or coastal areas that either requires land-take through encroachment or exacerbates the effects of coastal squeeze.

2. Additional Advice

2a) Consistent with the point (ii) raised above, Natural England welcomes the proposed Joint Area Action plans for Southend Airport and Foulness MOD land. We recommended that the latter should include surface access. The Joint Area Action Planning process should provide opportunities for enhanced North-South links including greenways, as envisaged in the Thames Gateway South Essex Greengrid.

2b) Natural England supports the Council's preferred options for the enhancement and protection of the Upper Roach Valley including the Country Park. These are consistent with the objectives of the Thames Gateway South Essex Greengrid and it is recommended that wording to that effect should be included in the document. Natural England would be happy to advise with regard to a possible overall Upper Roach Valley Strategy as a means to delivering it's full potential.

2c) The Plan needs to align with the direction provided by PPS9 to conserve and enhance designated sites and biodiversity assets rather than merely to 'protect'.

2d) Consistent with the advice provided in paragraph 5 above we recommend that the environmental baseline is updated through a County wildlife site review and Phase 1 survey.

2e) Natural England encourages Rochford District Council to align with emerging strategic direction to address flood risk management. This includes principles set out in the Crouch and Roach Estuaries Strategy, the Essex ChaMP, the Great Wakering Flood Risk Management Strategy and the emerging Thames Estuary 2100 project.

2f) We encourage Rochford District Council to include specific measures and policy direction to promote the integration of biodiversity into development. This can be through a package of measures, outlined in the CD-Rom resource 'Integrating Biodiversity into development .....realising the benefits' available from www.essexbiodiversity.org.uk.

2g) Natural England supports the Council's strong promotion of good design with regard to new developments via the Essex Design Guide and Urban Place Supplement. Opportunities should be sought to promote accessible natural greenspace provision that meets local requirements and provides functional links for people and wildlife. Where possible these should also enable contributions to BAP targets. Natural England recommends that the authority should consider the use of policies to promote the delivery and long-term management and maintenance of greenspace and green linkages. These could be financed through planning gain/section 106 and would further encourage innovative and high quality design in new developments and regeneration initiatives.

2h) Rochford District Council's Option regarding leisure and tourism is consistent with the objectives of the Thames Gateway South Essex Greengrid and it is recommended that wording to that effect should be included in the document.

I trust that this is helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact me at the above Colchester address or telephone number should you wish to discuss this matter further. For further advice regarding greenspace/openspace strategy and implementation of the Thames Gateway South Essex Greengrid, please contact my colleague Pat Crosby (E-mail: partricia.Crosby@naturalengland.org.uk).

Thank you for your letter dated 21 May 2007 consulting Natural England on the preferred options report.

This letter is provided as our formal response of Natural England to your request for advice for this plan or programme and is intended to be considered in conjunction with previous English Nature consultation advice provided for the emerging Strategic Environment Assessment.

Natural England notes the significance of the nature conservation assets within Rochford District Council. We believe these assets significantly contribute to the character of the district and provide vital ingredients to the quality of life it offers. Opportunities exist to further enhance these qualities through an appropriate integration of measures towards economic, social and environmental aspirations.

Natural England encourages local planning authorities to include policies for the protection and enhancement of the natural environment and natural resources. We are likely to e supportive of suitably worded policies that seek to conserve environmental assets such as biodiversity, water, energy, air quality and promote effective flood risk management, appropriate landscaping and pollution control.

Consistent with PPS9 and the accompanying ODPM Circular 06/2005 we advocate adopting an informed approach utilising information about biological and geological assets, from sources such as Phase I surveys, Country Wildlife Site inventory's and previous geological surveys (RIGS - regionally important geological sites). In our previous advice about the Strategic Environmental Assessment we have advised that in addition to designated sites, other areas (notably local wildlife sites, local nature reserves, green corridors) can make a significant contribution to the green infrastructure of the district. Accounting for this, and the challenges of enabling progress towards growth targets we refer you to the following points for consideration:

i) Developing within the urban area is likely to involve development on brownfield land, which can be rich in biodiversity interest
ii) Different types of land may have strategic significance for the conservation of biodiversity assets.
iii) In some locations, the green belt can provide a significant buffer (and in some cases supporting habitat) for sites of national and international significance and opportunities may exist through landscape enhancement schemes for these areas to provide a more multifunctional accessible natural greenspace role.
iv) The requirements of the Habitat Regulations should be considered particularly if options for development are within or adjacent to intertidal areas.
v) The plan needs to account for environmental issues that span local authority boundaries. This is significant, noting Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's growth targets.

1. Assessment in accordance with Habitat Regulations

Where a plan may affect a European site, the European Court of Justice ruling (October 2005), has concluded Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive provides that any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of a European site but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, must be subject to appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site's conservation objectives. In practice, the SEA should aim to be sufficiently detailed in its assessment to address the requirements of The Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992.

The Assessment will require an initial screening of all policies alone and in combination with other plans and projects. This aims to establish whether any policies should be regarded as likely to cause/have a significant effect on the interest features of the European Sites, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects. Options should then be considered to establish whether amendments to individual policies, suite of policies or supporting text could effectively address concerns to 'not likely significant effect'.

Those policies that are still regarded as likely to have a significant effect will then require an appropriate assessment in accordance with Regulation 48 of the Habitat Regulations. National Government direction encourages local planning authorities to develop local development documents that clearly demonstrate that they avoid an adverse affect on the integrity of the Natura 2000 sites, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects. A summary diagram (Figure 1) of the processes within the assessment is attached for your consideration. Furthermore, consistent with the cross-border working that is necessary in delivering strategic solutions we recommend you gain a brief appreciation of the assessment from the developing Habitat Regulations Assessment for Southend on Sea Borough Council's Core Strategy (see Topic Papers for Examination in Public www.southend.gov.uk).

Our initial assessment indicates that the particular elements of the strategic direction could be likely to have a significant effect, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects and these are listed below:

1) Overall grown targets, alone and in combination with relevant Regional growth area targets, will lead to increased population and subsequent increased recreational pressure on Natura 2000 sites.

ii) The aspirations for significant growth in airport movements at Southend Airport, which may result in increased air quality and/or disturbance impacts on Natura 2000 sites.

iii) Development in, or immediately adjacent to, intertidal or coastal areas that either requires land-take through encroachment or exacerbates the effects of coastal squeeze.

2. Additional Advice

2a) Consistent with the point (ii) raised above, Natural England welcomes the proposed Joint Area Action plans for Southend Airport and Foulness MOD land. We recommended that the latter should include surface access. The Joint Area Action Planning process should provide opportunities for enhanced North-South links including greenways, as envisaged in the Thames Gateway South Essex Greengrid.

2b) Natural England supports the Council's preferred options for the enhancement and protection of the Upper Roach Valley including the Country Park. These are consistent with the objectives of the Thames Gateway South Essex Greengrid and it is recommended that wording to that effect should be included in the document. Natural England would be happy to advise with regard to a possible overall Upper Roach Valley Strategy as a means to delivering it's full potential.

2c) The Plan needs to align with the direction provided by PPS9 to conserve and enhance designated sites and biodiversity assets rather than merely to 'protect'.

2d) Consistent with the advice provided in paragraph 5 above we recommend that the environmental baseline is updated through a County wildlife site review and Phase 1 survey.

2e) Natural England encourages Rochford District Council to align with emerging strategic direction to address flood risk management. This includes principles set out in the Crouch and Roach Estuaries Strategy, the Essex ChaMP, the Great Wakering Flood Risk Management Strategy and the emerging Thames Estuary 2100 project.

2f) We encourage Rochford District Council to include specific measures and policy direction to promote the integration of biodiversity into development. This can be through a package of measures, outlined in the CD-Rom resource 'Integrating Biodiversity into development .....realising the benefits' available from www.essexbiodiversity.org.uk.

2g) Natural England supports the Council's strong promotion of good design with regard to new developments via the Essex Design Guide and Urban Place Supplement. Opportunities should be sought to promote accessible natural greenspace provision that meets local requirements and provides functional links for people and wildlife. Where possible these should also enable contributions to BAP targets. Natural England recommends that the authority should consider the use of policies to promote the delivery and long-term management and maintenance of greenspace and green linkages. These could be financed through planning gain/section 106 and would further encourage innovative and high quality design in new developments and regeneration initiatives.

2h) Rochford District Council's Option regarding leisure and tourism is consistent with the objectives of the Thames Gateway South Essex Greengrid and it is recommended that wording to that effect should be included in the document.

I trust that this is helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact me at the above Colchester address or telephone number should you wish to discuss this matter further. For further advice regarding greenspace/openspace strategy and implementation of the Thames Gateway South Essex Greengrid, please contact my colleague Pat Crosby (E-mail: partricia.Crosby@naturalengland.org.uk).