Rochford District Core Strategy Regulation 26 Draft

Local Development Framework - Re The Lords Golf Course site (formerly The Hanover) and neighbouring land fronting Lower Road and Hullbridge Road, Rayleigh Essex SS6 9QS

Further to our letter of 16th February 2007 concerning the above site, which you have agreed to kindly consider for possible future housing development as part of your preparation for the Allocations Document, we understand we shall be given the opportunity to expand on the merits of this potential site in due course.

However, at this stage, we feel it is appropriate to consider the potential for the development of the above site within the context of the Draft Core Strategy options currently being considered by the Council.

Accordingly, we enclose our comments which we ask you to treat as being formally submitted in response to the current public consultation on the Councils Draft Core Strategy preferred options (Regulation 26) and trust this may encourage the Council to adopt an appropriate strategy sympathetic to our client's aspirations relating to the above mentioned site.

1. We support the broad approach of directing future housing growth towards established settlement areas and avoiding any significant growth within or around the more modest rural settlements situated within the eastern part of the district.
2. However, in view of the recent housing growth which has taken place within the District's main urban areas, together with the planned future demand for housing, it is felt future residential development should be more widely distributed around the fringes of the established urban areas.
3. The current strategy is felt to be too rigid in this respect and a more flexible approach is needed to avoid an over concentration and to make best use of existing services, facilities and communication links.
4. We suggest some loss of the existing Green Belt in appropriate fringe locations adjacent to the existing establish main settlement areas is unavoidable and, given the limited opportunities for redevelopment or windfall sites remaining within the settlement areas, a controlled and orderly adjustment to the Green Belt boundaries around some of the existing urban areas, in appropriate sustainable locations, is felt to be necessary.
5. This will give an opportunity to provide much needed affordable housing and create mixed high quality and attractive sustainable schemes within such locations, at appropriate densities to ensure the efficient use of land. This approach is more likely to safeguard the residential amenity and character of established residential areas, whilst safeguarding the vast majority of the surrounding countryside and protecting the rural character of the district.
6. It is apparent from the Councils analysis (4.2 - 4.5) that the local authority can no longer rely on regeneration within established settlement areas alone, without some release of the Green Belt.
7. The Councils spatial vision for the district appears to envisage development opportunities on existing Green Belt sites around the urban fringe can achieve attractive sustainable environments which can be landscaped and connected to the green grid and public open space. In addition such projects can incorporate enhancement to public open space and make a positive contribution towards community facilities, in appropriate locations. This can help to address the recognised deficit of playing pitch provision in the district.
8. Without seeking to deny the protection of the Green Belt is an important consideration, by adopting a sensitive and careful approach, some rounding off of existing settlements and limited residential expansion into the Green Belt is felt to be necessary and reasonable within the plan period, as is implied in paragraph 4.26.
9. The combination of generally maintaining the existing Green Belt boundaries but allowing some release of fringe sites to enable appropriate residential expansion to take place is considered to be an appropriate approach, particularly when reinforced by the inclusion of strategic buffers to ensure adequate separation is maintained between neighbouring settlements.
10. Whilst accepting the need to adhere to national policies and guidelines in respect of the protection of the Green Belt and the need to safeguard the rural character of the district, in view of the demand for housing which must be accommodated in the most appropriate way, we respectfully submit that the Development Control Policies DPD should allow for some relaxation of Green Belt control, particularly with regard to sites to be identified on the proposals map, taking into consideration the sites allocation DPD process. We feel it important that the Core Strategy at this stage should not rule out such an approach.
11. Such an approach can be adopted, in suitable locations so as to integrate new housing together with Green Tourism and leisure facilities, in order to provide a viable framework for the provision of facilities which would not otherwise become available to benefit existing communities.
12. We note the Council's intention to make sites specific allocations in the allocations DPD in order to accommodate the housing provision for Rochford for the period 2001-2021.
13. Flexibility is needed at this stage, particularly bearing in mind the Councils review of its Urban Capacity Study prepared in 2001 has not yet been completed and the planning circumstances have significantly moved on since the last study was carried out.
14. The Council's proposed compromise referred to paragraph 4.5.10, to release land from the edge of settlements, will inevitably mean the loss of some Green Belt land. Nevertheless, this approach will ensure high quality development can be achieved with minimal impact on openness and rural character or Green Belt objectives.
15. It is noted that the Council have excluded the policy option to prevent the need for any Green Belt Release (para 4.5.12).
16. In this respect we suggest the Council should not exclude the contribution which medium sized sites can make, subject to the merits of each individual case being carefully considered (para 4.5.11).
17. The need for the strategic buffers is recognised but they should not preclude any reasonable development proposals brought forward during the allocations DPD process. In this respect it will therefore be necessary to retain a degree of flexibility as to the precise location of the boundaries of these "buffers".
18. We respectfully suggest the 90% figure referred to in 4.6.6 should be treated as indicative only since much will depend on the outcome of the above mentioned Urban Capacity Study and the quality and range of sites which come forward at the site allocations stage. Having said this we accept it is sensible to channel the majority of new housing development within and adjacent to the main settlements.
19. We would suggest Hullbridge and the immediately surrounding area can be seen to have greater potential for expansion compared with Canewdon and Great Wakering, having regard to the character and scale of these existing settlements and accessibility to the wider area.
20. The development of our client's site which is situated close to the settlement of Hullbridge will provide the opportunity for local services and facilities to be enhanced.
21. We accept the Strategic Buffers are indicatively shown at present but we would respectfully suggest there is some potential for some expansion to the south of Hullbridge without prejudice to retaining a reasonable Strategic Buffer between any such development and the urban area of Rayleigh.

Local Development Framework - Re The Lords Golf Course site (formerly The Hanover) and neighbouring land fronting Lower Road and Hullbridge Road, Rayleigh Essex SS6 9QS

Further to our letter of 16th February 2007 concerning the above site, which you have agreed to kindly consider for possible future housing development as part of your preparation for the Allocations Document, we understand we shall be given the opportunity to expand on the merits of this potential site in due course.

However, at this stage, we feel it is appropriate to consider the potential for the development of the above site within the context of the Draft Core Strategy options currently being considered by the Council.

Accordingly, we enclose our comments which we ask you to treat as being formally submitted in response to the current public consultation on the Councils Draft Core Strategy preferred options (Regulation 26) and trust this may encourage the Council to adopt an appropriate strategy sympathetic to our client's aspirations relating to the above mentioned site.

1. We support the broad approach of directing future housing growth towards established settlement areas and avoiding any significant growth within or around the more modest rural settlements situated within the eastern part of the district.
2. However, in view of the recent housing growth which has taken place within the District's main urban areas, together with the planned future demand for housing, it is felt future residential development should be more widely distributed around the fringes of the established urban areas.
3. The current strategy is felt to be too rigid in this respect and a more flexible approach is needed to avoid an over concentration and to make best use of existing services, facilities and communication links.
4. We suggest some loss of the existing Green Belt in appropriate fringe locations adjacent to the existing establish main settlement areas is unavoidable and, given the limited opportunities for redevelopment or windfall sites remaining within the settlement areas, a controlled and orderly adjustment to the Green Belt boundaries around some of the existing urban areas, in appropriate sustainable locations, is felt to be necessary.
5. This will give an opportunity to provide much needed affordable housing and create mixed high quality and attractive sustainable schemes within such locations, at appropriate densities to ensure the efficient use of land. This approach is more likely to safeguard the residential amenity and character of established residential areas, whilst safeguarding the vast majority of the surrounding countryside and protecting the rural character of the district.
6. It is apparent from the Councils analysis (4.2 - 4.5) that the local authority can no longer rely on regeneration within established settlement areas alone, without some release of the Green Belt.
7. The Councils spatial vision for the district appears to envisage development opportunities on existing Green Belt sites around the urban fringe can achieve attractive sustainable environments which can be landscaped and connected to the green grid and public open space. In addition such projects can incorporate enhancement to public open space and make a positive contribution towards community facilities, in appropriate locations. This can help to address the recognised deficit of playing pitch provision in the district.
8. Without seeking to deny the protection of the Green Belt is an important consideration, by adopting a sensitive and careful approach, some rounding off of existing settlements and limited residential expansion into the Green Belt is felt to be necessary and reasonable within the plan period, as is implied in paragraph 4.26.
9. The combination of generally maintaining the existing Green Belt boundaries but allowing some release of fringe sites to enable appropriate residential expansion to take place is considered to be an appropriate approach, particularly when reinforced by the inclusion of strategic buffers to ensure adequate separation is maintained between neighbouring settlements.
10. Whilst accepting the need to adhere to national policies and guidelines in respect of the protection of the Green Belt and the need to safeguard the rural character of the district, in view of the demand for housing which must be accommodated in the most appropriate way, we respectfully submit that the Development Control Policies DPD should allow for some relaxation of Green Belt control, particularly with regard to sites to be identified on the proposals map, taking into consideration the sites allocation DPD process. We feel it important that the Core Strategy at this stage should not rule out such an approach.
11. Such an approach can be adopted, in suitable locations so as to integrate new housing together with Green Tourism and leisure facilities, in order to provide a viable framework for the provision of facilities which would not otherwise become available to benefit existing communities.
12. We note the Council's intention to make sites specific allocations in the allocations DPD in order to accommodate the housing provision for Rochford for the period 2001-2021.
13. Flexibility is needed at this stage, particularly bearing in mind the Councils review of its Urban Capacity Study prepared in 2001 has not yet been completed and the planning circumstances have significantly moved on since the last study was carried out.
14. The Council's proposed compromise referred to paragraph 4.5.10, to release land from the edge of settlements, will inevitably mean the loss of some Green Belt land. Nevertheless, this approach will ensure high quality development can be achieved with minimal impact on openness and rural character or Green Belt objectives.
15. It is noted that the Council have excluded the policy option to prevent the need for any Green Belt Release (para 4.5.12).
16. In this respect we suggest the Council should not exclude the contribution which medium sized sites can make, subject to the merits of each individual case being carefully considered (para 4.5.11).
17. The need for the strategic buffers is recognised but they should not preclude any reasonable development proposals brought forward during the allocations DPD process. In this respect it will therefore be necessary to retain a degree of flexibility as to the precise location of the boundaries of these "buffers".
18. We respectfully suggest the 90% figure referred to in 4.6.6 should be treated as indicative only since much will depend on the outcome of the above mentioned Urban Capacity Study and the quality and range of sites which come forward at the site allocations stage. Having said this we accept it is sensible to channel the majority of new housing development within and adjacent to the main settlements.
19. We would suggest Hullbridge and the immediately surrounding area can be seen to have greater potential for expansion compared with Canewdon and Great Wakering, having regard to the character and scale of these existing settlements and accessibility to the wider area.
20. The development of our client's site which is situated close to the settlement of Hullbridge will provide the opportunity for local services and facilities to be enhanced.
21. We accept the Strategic Buffers are indicatively shown at present but we would respectfully suggest there is some potential for some expansion to the south of Hullbridge without prejudice to retaining a reasonable Strategic Buffer between any such development and the urban area of Rayleigh.

Local Development Framework - Re The Lords Golf Course site (formerly The Hanover) and neighbouring land fronting Lower Road and Hullbridge Road, Rayleigh Essex SS6 9QS

Further to our letter of 16th February 2007 concerning the above site, which you have agreed to kindly consider for possible future housing development as part of your preparation for the Allocations Document, we understand we shall be given the opportunity to expand on the merits of this potential site in due course.

However, at this stage, we feel it is appropriate to consider the potential for the development of the above site within the context of the Draft Core Strategy options currently being considered by the Council.

Accordingly, we enclose our comments which we ask you to treat as being formally submitted in response to the current public consultation on the Councils Draft Core Strategy preferred options (Regulation 26) and trust this may encourage the Council to adopt an appropriate strategy sympathetic to our client's aspirations relating to the above mentioned site.

1. We support the broad approach of directing future housing growth towards established settlement areas and avoiding any significant growth within or around the more modest rural settlements situated within the eastern part of the district.
2. However, in view of the recent housing growth which has taken place within the District's main urban areas, together with the planned future demand for housing, it is felt future residential development should be more widely distributed around the fringes of the established urban areas.
3. The current strategy is felt to be too rigid in this respect and a more flexible approach is needed to avoid an over concentration and to make best use of existing services, facilities and communication links.
4. We suggest some loss of the existing Green Belt in appropriate fringe locations adjacent to the existing establish main settlement areas is unavoidable and, given the limited opportunities for redevelopment or windfall sites remaining within the settlement areas, a controlled and orderly adjustment to the Green Belt boundaries around some of the existing urban areas, in appropriate sustainable locations, is felt to be necessary.
5. This will give an opportunity to provide much needed affordable housing and create mixed high quality and attractive sustainable schemes within such locations, at appropriate densities to ensure the efficient use of land. This approach is more likely to safeguard the residential amenity and character of established residential areas, whilst safeguarding the vast majority of the surrounding countryside and protecting the rural character of the district.
6. It is apparent from the Councils analysis (4.2 - 4.5) that the local authority can no longer rely on regeneration within established settlement areas alone, without some release of the Green Belt.
7. The Councils spatial vision for the district appears to envisage development opportunities on existing Green Belt sites around the urban fringe can achieve attractive sustainable environments which can be landscaped and connected to the green grid and public open space. In addition such projects can incorporate enhancement to public open space and make a positive contribution towards community facilities, in appropriate locations. This can help to address the recognised deficit of playing pitch provision in the district.
8. Without seeking to deny the protection of the Green Belt is an important consideration, by adopting a sensitive and careful approach, some rounding off of existing settlements and limited residential expansion into the Green Belt is felt to be necessary and reasonable within the plan period, as is implied in paragraph 4.26.
9. The combination of generally maintaining the existing Green Belt boundaries but allowing some release of fringe sites to enable appropriate residential expansion to take place is considered to be an appropriate approach, particularly when reinforced by the inclusion of strategic buffers to ensure adequate separation is maintained between neighbouring settlements.
10. Whilst accepting the need to adhere to national policies and guidelines in respect of the protection of the Green Belt and the need to safeguard the rural character of the district, in view of the demand for housing which must be accommodated in the most appropriate way, we respectfully submit that the Development Control Policies DPD should allow for some relaxation of Green Belt control, particularly with regard to sites to be identified on the proposals map, taking into consideration the sites allocation DPD process. We feel it important that the Core Strategy at this stage should not rule out such an approach.
11. Such an approach can be adopted, in suitable locations so as to integrate new housing together with Green Tourism and leisure facilities, in order to provide a viable framework for the provision of facilities which would not otherwise become available to benefit existing communities.
12. We note the Council's intention to make sites specific allocations in the allocations DPD in order to accommodate the housing provision for Rochford for the period 2001-2021.
13. Flexibility is needed at this stage, particularly bearing in mind the Councils review of its Urban Capacity Study prepared in 2001 has not yet been completed and the planning circumstances have significantly moved on since the last study was carried out.
14. The Council's proposed compromise referred to paragraph 4.5.10, to release land from the edge of settlements, will inevitably mean the loss of some Green Belt land. Nevertheless, this approach will ensure high quality development can be achieved with minimal impact on openness and rural character or Green Belt objectives.
15. It is noted that the Council have excluded the policy option to prevent the need for any Green Belt Release (para 4.5.12).
16. In this respect we suggest the Council should not exclude the contribution which medium sized sites can make, subject to the merits of each individual case being carefully considered (para 4.5.11).
17. The need for the strategic buffers is recognised but they should not preclude any reasonable development proposals brought forward during the allocations DPD process. In this respect it will therefore be necessary to retain a degree of flexibility as to the precise location of the boundaries of these "buffers".
18. We respectfully suggest the 90% figure referred to in 4.6.6 should be treated as indicative only since much will depend on the outcome of the above mentioned Urban Capacity Study and the quality and range of sites which come forward at the site allocations stage. Having said this we accept it is sensible to channel the majority of new housing development within and adjacent to the main settlements.
19. We would suggest Hullbridge and the immediately surrounding area can be seen to have greater potential for expansion compared with Canewdon and Great Wakering, having regard to the character and scale of these existing settlements and accessibility to the wider area.
20. The development of our client's site which is situated close to the settlement of Hullbridge will provide the opportunity for local services and facilities to be enhanced.
21. We accept the Strategic Buffers are indicatively shown at present but we would respectfully suggest there is some potential for some expansion to the south of Hullbridge without prejudice to retaining a reasonable Strategic Buffer between any such development and the urban area of Rayleigh.

Local Development Framework - Re Land north of Wren Close including Lichfield, Edwards Hall Park, Bosworth Road, Eastwood, Essex SS9 5AE

Further to our letter of 16th February 2007 concerning the above site, which you have agreed to kindly consider for possible future housing development as part of your preparation for the Allocations Document, we understand we shall be given the opportunity to expand on the merits of this potential site in due course.

However, at this stage, we feel it is appropriate to consider the potential of the above site for development within the context of the Draft Core Strategy options currently being considered by the Council.

Accordingly, we enclose our comments which we ask you to treat as being formally submitted in response to the current public consultation on the Councils Draft Core Strategy preferred options (Regulation 26) and trust this may encourage the Council to adopt an appropriate strategy sympathetic to our client's aspirations relating to the above mentioned site.

1. We support the broad approach of directing future housing growth towards established settlement areas and avoiding any significant growth within or around the more modest rural settlements situated within the eastern part of the district.
2. However, in view of the recent housing growth which has taken place within the District's main urban areas, together with the planned future demand for housing, it is felt future residential development should be more widely distributed around the fringes of the established urban areas.
3. The current strategy is felt to be too rigid in this respect and a more flexible approach is needed to avoid an over concentration and to make best use of existing services, facilities and communication links.
4. We suggest some loss of the existing Green Belt in appropriate fringe locations adjacent to the existing establish main settlement areas is unavoidable and, given the limited opportunities for redevelopment or windfall sites remaining within the settlement areas, a controlled and orderly adjustment to the Green Belt boundaries around some of the existing urban areas, in appropriate sustainable locations, is felt to be necessary.
5. This will give an opportunity to provide much needed affordable housing and create mixed high quality and attractive sustainable schemes within such locations, at appropriate densities to ensure the efficient use of land. This approach is more likely to safeguard the residential amenity and character of established residential areas, whilst safeguarding the vast majority of the surrounding countryside and protecting the rural character of the district.
6. It is apparent from the Councils analysis (4.2 - 4.5) that the local authority can no longer rely on regeneration within established settlement areas alone, without some release of the Green Belt.
7. The Councils spatial vision for the district appears to envisage development opportunities on existing Green Belt sites around the urban fringe can achieve attractive sustainable environments which can be landscaped and connected to the green grid and public open space. In addition such projects can incorporate enhancement to public open space and make a positive contribution towards community facilities, in appropriate locations. This can help to address the recognised deficit of playing pitch provision in the district.
8. Without seeking to deny the protection of the Green Belt is an important consideration, by adopting a sensitive and careful approach, some rounding off of existing settlements and limited residential expansion into the Green Belt is felt to be necessary and reasonable within the plan period, as is implied in paragraph 4.26.
9. Sites located at the northern fringe of the neighbouring built up areas of Southend-on-Sea Borough can provide a valuable source for future housing, making use of the facilities and infrastructure established to the south of the District, while integrating with the Rochford District's open space network.
10. The combination of generally maintaining the existing Green Belt boundaries but allowing some release of fringe sites to enable appropriate residential expansion to take place is considered to be an appropriate approach, particularly when reinforced by the inclusion of strategic buffers to ensure adequate separation is maintained between neighbouring settlements.
11. Whilst accepting the need to adhere to national policies and guidelines in respect of the protection of the Green Belt and the need to safeguard the rural character of the district, in view of the demand for housing which must be accommodated in the most appropriate way, we respectfully submit that the Development Control Policies DPD should allow for some relaxation of Green Belt control, particularly with regard to sites to be identified on the proposals map, taking into consideration the sites allocation DPD process. We feel it important that the Core Strategy at this stage should not rule out such an approach.
12. Such an approach can be adopted, in suitable locations so as to integrate new housing together with Green Tourism and leisure facilities, in order to provide a viable framework for the provision of facilities which would not otherwise become available to benefit existing communities.
13. We note the Council's intention to make sites specific allocations in the allocations DPD in order to accommodate the housing provision for Rochford for the period 2001-2021.
14. Flexibility is needed at this stage, particularly bearing in mind the Councils review of its Urban Capacity Study prepared in 2001 has not yet been completed and the planning circumstances have significantly moved on since the last study was carried out.
15. The Council's proposed compromise referred to paragraph 4.5.10, to release land from the edge of settlements, will inevitably mean the loss of some Green Belt land. Nevertheless, this approach will ensure high quality development can be achieved with minimal impact on openness and rural character or Green Belt objectives.
16. It is noted that the Council have excluded the policy option to prevent the need for any Green Belt Release (para 4.5.12).
17. In this respect we suggest the Council should not exclude the contribution which medium sized sites can make, subject to the merits of each individual case being carefully considered (para 4.5.11).
18. The need for the strategic buffers is recognised but they should not preclude any reasonable development proposals brought forward during the allocations DPD process. In this respect it will therefore be necessary to retain a degree of flexibility as to the precise location of the boundaries of these "buffers".
19. We respectfully suggest the 90% figure referred to in 4.6.6 should be treated as indicative only since much will depend on the outcome of the above mentioned Urban Capacity Study and the quality and range of sites which come forward at the site allocations stage. Having said this we accept it is sensible to channel the majority of new housing development within and adjacent to the main settlements.
20. The possible development of the area envisaged would closely relate to the established urban area within the Borough of Southend and would not represent any strategic encroachment into the countryside towards existing settlements within the Rochford District. Furthermore, the existing Edwards Hall Park could be enhanced as a result of any release of the land we have previously suggested for housing.
21. This could help facilitate an enlarged Country Park with green corridors to other existing public open spaces within the southern part of the district.

Local Development Framework - Re Land north of Wren Close including Lichfield, Edwards Hall Park, Bosworth Road, Eastwood, Essex SS9 5AE

Further to our letter of 16th February 2007 concerning the above site, which you have agreed to kindly consider for possible future housing development as part of your preparation for the Allocations Document, we understand we shall be given the opportunity to expand on the merits of this potential site in due course.

However, at this stage, we feel it is appropriate to consider the potential of the above site for development within the context of the Draft Core Strategy options currently being considered by the Council.

Accordingly, we enclose our comments which we ask you to treat as being formally submitted in response to the current public consultation on the Councils Draft Core Strategy preferred options (Regulation 26) and trust this may encourage the Council to adopt an appropriate strategy sympathetic to our client's aspirations relating to the above mentioned site.

1. We support the broad approach of directing future housing growth towards established settlement areas and avoiding any significant growth within or around the more modest rural settlements situated within the eastern part of the district.
2. However, in view of the recent housing growth which has taken place within the District's main urban areas, together with the planned future demand for housing, it is felt future residential development should be more widely distributed around the fringes of the established urban areas.
3. The current strategy is felt to be too rigid in this respect and a more flexible approach is needed to avoid an over concentration and to make best use of existing services, facilities and communication links.
4. We suggest some loss of the existing Green Belt in appropriate fringe locations adjacent to the existing establish main settlement areas is unavoidable and, given the limited opportunities for redevelopment or windfall sites remaining within the settlement areas, a controlled and orderly adjustment to the Green Belt boundaries around some of the existing urban areas, in appropriate sustainable locations, is felt to be necessary.
5. This will give an opportunity to provide much needed affordable housing and create mixed high quality and attractive sustainable schemes within such locations, at appropriate densities to ensure the efficient use of land. This approach is more likely to safeguard the residential amenity and character of established residential areas, whilst safeguarding the vast majority of the surrounding countryside and protecting the rural character of the district.
6. It is apparent from the Councils analysis (4.2 - 4.5) that the local authority can no longer rely on regeneration within established settlement areas alone, without some release of the Green Belt.
7. The Councils spatial vision for the district appears to envisage development opportunities on existing Green Belt sites around the urban fringe can achieve attractive sustainable environments which can be landscaped and connected to the green grid and public open space. In addition such projects can incorporate enhancement to public open space and make a positive contribution towards community facilities, in appropriate locations. This can help to address the recognised deficit of playing pitch provision in the district.
8. Without seeking to deny the protection of the Green Belt is an important consideration, by adopting a sensitive and careful approach, some rounding off of existing settlements and limited residential expansion into the Green Belt is felt to be necessary and reasonable within the plan period, as is implied in paragraph 4.26.
9. Sites located at the northern fringe of the neighbouring built up areas of Southend-on-Sea Borough can provide a valuable source for future housing, making use of the facilities and infrastructure established to the south of the District, while integrating with the Rochford District's open space network.
10. The combination of generally maintaining the existing Green Belt boundaries but allowing some release of fringe sites to enable appropriate residential expansion to take place is considered to be an appropriate approach, particularly when reinforced by the inclusion of strategic buffers to ensure adequate separation is maintained between neighbouring settlements.
11. Whilst accepting the need to adhere to national policies and guidelines in respect of the protection of the Green Belt and the need to safeguard the rural character of the district, in view of the demand for housing which must be accommodated in the most appropriate way, we respectfully submit that the Development Control Policies DPD should allow for some relaxation of Green Belt control, particularly with regard to sites to be identified on the proposals map, taking into consideration the sites allocation DPD process. We feel it important that the Core Strategy at this stage should not rule out such an approach.
12. Such an approach can be adopted, in suitable locations so as to integrate new housing together with Green Tourism and leisure facilities, in order to provide a viable framework for the provision of facilities which would not otherwise become available to benefit existing communities.
13. We note the Council's intention to make sites specific allocations in the allocations DPD in order to accommodate the housing provision for Rochford for the period 2001-2021.
14. Flexibility is needed at this stage, particularly bearing in mind the Councils review of its Urban Capacity Study prepared in 2001 has not yet been completed and the planning circumstances have significantly moved on since the last study was carried out.
15. The Council's proposed compromise referred to paragraph 4.5.10, to release land from the edge of settlements, will inevitably mean the loss of some Green Belt land. Nevertheless, this approach will ensure high quality development can be achieved with minimal impact on openness and rural character or Green Belt objectives.
16. It is noted that the Council have excluded the policy option to prevent the need for any Green Belt Release (para 4.5.12).
17. In this respect we suggest the Council should not exclude the contribution which medium sized sites can make, subject to the merits of each individual case being carefully considered (para 4.5.11).
18. The need for the strategic buffers is recognised but they should not preclude any reasonable development proposals brought forward during the allocations DPD process. In this respect it will therefore be necessary to retain a degree of flexibility as to the precise location of the boundaries of these "buffers".
19. We respectfully suggest the 90% figure referred to in 4.6.6 should be treated as indicative only since much will depend on the outcome of the above mentioned Urban Capacity Study and the quality and range of sites which come forward at the site allocations stage. Having said this we accept it is sensible to channel the majority of new housing development within and adjacent to the main settlements.
20. The possible development of the area envisaged would closely relate to the established urban area within the Borough of Southend and would not represent any strategic encroachment into the countryside towards existing settlements within the Rochford District. Furthermore, the existing Edwards Hall Park could be enhanced as a result of any release of the land we have previously suggested for housing.
21. This could help facilitate an enlarged Country Park with green corridors to other existing public open spaces within the southern part of the district.

Local Development Framework - Re Land north of Wren Close including Lichfield, Edwards Hall Park, Bosworth Road, Eastwood, Essex SS9 5AE

Further to our letter of 16th February 2007 concerning the above site, which you have agreed to kindly consider for possible future housing development as part of your preparation for the Allocations Document, we understand we shall be given the opportunity to expand on the merits of this potential site in due course.

However, at this stage, we feel it is appropriate to consider the potential of the above site for development within the context of the Draft Core Strategy options currently being considered by the Council.

Accordingly, we enclose our comments which we ask you to treat as being formally submitted in response to the current public consultation on the Councils Draft Core Strategy preferred options (Regulation 26) and trust this may encourage the Council to adopt an appropriate strategy sympathetic to our client's aspirations relating to the above mentioned site.

1. We support the broad approach of directing future housing growth towards established settlement areas and avoiding any significant growth within or around the more modest rural settlements situated within the eastern part of the district.
2. However, in view of the recent housing growth which has taken place within the District's main urban areas, together with the planned future demand for housing, it is felt future residential development should be more widely distributed around the fringes of the established urban areas.
3. The current strategy is felt to be too rigid in this respect and a more flexible approach is needed to avoid an over concentration and to make best use of existing services, facilities and communication links.
4. We suggest some loss of the existing Green Belt in appropriate fringe locations adjacent to the existing establish main settlement areas is unavoidable and, given the limited opportunities for redevelopment or windfall sites remaining within the settlement areas, a controlled and orderly adjustment to the Green Belt boundaries around some of the existing urban areas, in appropriate sustainable locations, is felt to be necessary.
5. This will give an opportunity to provide much needed affordable housing and create mixed high quality and attractive sustainable schemes within such locations, at appropriate densities to ensure the efficient use of land. This approach is more likely to safeguard the residential amenity and character of established residential areas, whilst safeguarding the vast majority of the surrounding countryside and protecting the rural character of the district.
6. It is apparent from the Councils analysis (4.2 - 4.5) that the local authority can no longer rely on regeneration within established settlement areas alone, without some release of the Green Belt.
7. The Councils spatial vision for the district appears to envisage development opportunities on existing Green Belt sites around the urban fringe can achieve attractive sustainable environments which can be landscaped and connected to the green grid and public open space. In addition such projects can incorporate enhancement to public open space and make a positive contribution towards community facilities, in appropriate locations. This can help to address the recognised deficit of playing pitch provision in the district.
8. Without seeking to deny the protection of the Green Belt is an important consideration, by adopting a sensitive and careful approach, some rounding off of existing settlements and limited residential expansion into the Green Belt is felt to be necessary and reasonable within the plan period, as is implied in paragraph 4.26.
9. Sites located at the northern fringe of the neighbouring built up areas of Southend-on-Sea Borough can provide a valuable source for future housing, making use of the facilities and infrastructure established to the south of the District, while integrating with the Rochford District's open space network.
10. The combination of generally maintaining the existing Green Belt boundaries but allowing some release of fringe sites to enable appropriate residential expansion to take place is considered to be an appropriate approach, particularly when reinforced by the inclusion of strategic buffers to ensure adequate separation is maintained between neighbouring settlements.
11. Whilst accepting the need to adhere to national policies and guidelines in respect of the protection of the Green Belt and the need to safeguard the rural character of the district, in view of the demand for housing which must be accommodated in the most appropriate way, we respectfully submit that the Development Control Policies DPD should allow for some relaxation of Green Belt control, particularly with regard to sites to be identified on the proposals map, taking into consideration the sites allocation DPD process. We feel it important that the Core Strategy at this stage should not rule out such an approach.
12. Such an approach can be adopted, in suitable locations so as to integrate new housing together with Green Tourism and leisure facilities, in order to provide a viable framework for the provision of facilities which would not otherwise become available to benefit existing communities.
13. We note the Council's intention to make sites specific allocations in the allocations DPD in order to accommodate the housing provision for Rochford for the period 2001-2021.
14. Flexibility is needed at this stage, particularly bearing in mind the Councils review of its Urban Capacity Study prepared in 2001 has not yet been completed and the planning circumstances have significantly moved on since the last study was carried out.
15. The Council's proposed compromise referred to paragraph 4.5.10, to release land from the edge of settlements, will inevitably mean the loss of some Green Belt land. Nevertheless, this approach will ensure high quality development can be achieved with minimal impact on openness and rural character or Green Belt objectives.
16. It is noted that the Council have excluded the policy option to prevent the need for any Green Belt Release (para 4.5.12).
17. In this respect we suggest the Council should not exclude the contribution which medium sized sites can make, subject to the merits of each individual case being carefully considered (para 4.5.11).
18. The need for the strategic buffers is recognised but they should not preclude any reasonable development proposals brought forward during the allocations DPD process. In this respect it will therefore be necessary to retain a degree of flexibility as to the precise location of the boundaries of these "buffers".
19. We respectfully suggest the 90% figure referred to in 4.6.6 should be treated as indicative only since much will depend on the outcome of the above mentioned Urban Capacity Study and the quality and range of sites which come forward at the site allocations stage. Having said this we accept it is sensible to channel the majority of new housing development within and adjacent to the main settlements.
20. The possible development of the area envisaged would closely relate to the established urban area within the Borough of Southend and would not represent any strategic encroachment into the countryside towards existing settlements within the Rochford District. Furthermore, the existing Edwards Hall Park could be enhanced as a result of any release of the land we have previously suggested for housing.
21. This could help facilitate an enlarged Country Park with green corridors to other existing public open spaces within the southern part of the district.