Rochford District Core Strategy Regulation 26 Draft

1.1 To give a more informed idea of the size of the District, we suggest that the length of 26.5 miles east - west and that it covers 42,000 acres is inserted here.

1.4 As over 2/3rds of the working population work outside the District, it would be helpful to know what contribution the RDC makes to other LPA's infrastructure costs.

1.9 We agree. However, we were led to believe that the Ashingdon Road, Brays Lane to Wallasea Island road was a Heavy Lorry Route.

2.11 It is often claimed that RDC is not the Highway Authority. We welcome any encouragement to Essex CC and Southend BC to tackle the problems of traffic congestion as an urgent and ongoing process. Even if residents are offered public transport alternatives, the majority of traffic is "white van" type service vehicles and commercial users. This will not decrease and is not compatible with switching to public transport.

2.13 Visions. Whilst these time related visions may be useful progress markers, in respect of 2.25 planning needs to begin soon to achieve this road improvement, and should be brought forward to relieve existing pressures on Ashingdon Road and Bradley Way. This also would cover 4.6.20.

4.6.10 We agree with the Council's Preferred Option in respect of larger sites being able to deliver greater infrastructure improvements.

As regards Housing Allocations by area, we neither agree nor disagree without studying site availability across the District.

4.7.10 We cannot agree that per se affordable houses in rural areas are always more sustainable than non-affordable homes. The rural areas are scattered with "family homes", which contribute to the general wealth of the District. These home owners may provide many of the business and employment opportunities in the District and neighbouring LPA areas.

We note that there is no consideration for the conversion of redundant farm buildings in the Core Strategy to non-agricultural uses in line with PPG7.

4.8.1 Employment. The Core Strategy appears to concentrate on the creation of new jobs, at the expense of retaining existing ones and encouraging company growth particularly for retail businesses in town centres. Too often we see companies achieve a certain level of activity and leave the District due to poor communications and road links. As the Chamber stated as its first comment, the District is 26 miles long. Although Rayleigh might be easily accessible, the eastern end of the District is certainly not, and depends on Southend BC for its road facilities.

4.8.6 Whilst the Core Strategy gives indications of where housing allocations might broadly be located, there appears to be no guidance on new industrial sites, if the concept of building on "tired" estates is promoted. Owing to the fragmented nature of tenancies and ownership of industrial areas, the issue of site deliverability at the next Site Allocation stage could be doubtful.

4.12. We would expect the RDC to promote timber framed houses to meet HMG guidelines for sustainable house construction.

4.13.7. Agree but suggest RDC uses best practice comparisons from other LPAs, rather than spending time "re-inventing the wheel".

4.14.3. Hotels in Town Centres. This policy is too restrictive and does not appreciate the contribution to the District that rural - located hotels can make to the District's tourism offer. The District is the Thames Gateway South Essex's centre for tourism, yet has currently no hotels to attract weekend visitors or those wanting to stay for longer periods. These hotels are commonly situated around the country, and there seems no reason why Rochford should be the exception.

1.1 To give a more informed idea of the size of the District, we suggest that the length of 26.5 miles east - west and that it covers 42,000 acres is inserted here.

1.4 As over 2/3rds of the working population work outside the District, it would be helpful to know what contribution the RDC makes to other LPA's infrastructure costs.

1.9 We agree. However, we were led to believe that the Ashingdon Road, Brays Lane to Wallasea Island road was a Heavy Lorry Route.

2.11 It is often claimed that RDC is not the Highway Authority. We welcome any encouragement to Essex CC and Southend BC to tackle the problems of traffic congestion as an urgent and ongoing process. Even if residents are offered public transport alternatives, the majority of traffic is "white van" type service vehicles and commercial users. This will not decrease and is not compatible with switching to public transport.

2.13 Visions. Whilst these time related visions may be useful progress markers, in respect of 2.25 planning needs to begin soon to achieve this road improvement, and should be brought forward to relieve existing pressures on Ashingdon Road and Bradley Way. This also would cover 4.6.20.

4.6.10 We agree with the Council's Preferred Option in respect of larger sites being able to deliver greater infrastructure improvements.

As regards Housing Allocations by area, we neither agree nor disagree without studying site availability across the District.

4.7.10 We cannot agree that per se affordable houses in rural areas are always more sustainable than non-affordable homes. The rural areas are scattered with "family homes", which contribute to the general wealth of the District. These home owners may provide many of the business and employment opportunities in the District and neighbouring LPA areas.

We note that there is no consideration for the conversion of redundant farm buildings in the Core Strategy to non-agricultural uses in line with PPG7.

4.8.1 Employment. The Core Strategy appears to concentrate on the creation of new jobs, at the expense of retaining existing ones and encouraging company growth particularly for retail businesses in town centres. Too often we see companies achieve a certain level of activity and leave the District due to poor communications and road links. As the Chamber stated as its first comment, the District is 26 miles long. Although Rayleigh might be easily accessible, the eastern end of the District is certainly not, and depends on Southend BC for its road facilities.

4.8.6 Whilst the Core Strategy gives indications of where housing allocations might broadly be located, there appears to be no guidance on new industrial sites, if the concept of building on "tired" estates is promoted. Owing to the fragmented nature of tenancies and ownership of industrial areas, the issue of site deliverability at the next Site Allocation stage could be doubtful.

4.12. We would expect the RDC to promote timber framed houses to meet HMG guidelines for sustainable house construction.

4.13.7. Agree but suggest RDC uses best practice comparisons from other LPAs, rather than spending time "re-inventing the wheel".

4.14.3. Hotels in Town Centres. This policy is too restrictive and does not appreciate the contribution to the District that rural - located hotels can make to the District's tourism offer. The District is the Thames Gateway South Essex's centre for tourism, yet has currently no hotels to attract weekend visitors or those wanting to stay for longer periods. These hotels are commonly situated around the country, and there seems no reason why Rochford should be the exception.

1.1 To give a more informed idea of the size of the District, we suggest that the length of 26.5 miles east - west and that it covers 42,000 acres is inserted here.

1.4 As over 2/3rds of the working population work outside the District, it would be helpful to know what contribution the RDC makes to other LPA's infrastructure costs.

1.9 We agree. However, we were led to believe that the Ashingdon Road, Brays Lane to Wallasea Island road was a Heavy Lorry Route.

2.11 It is often claimed that RDC is not the Highway Authority. We welcome any encouragement to Essex CC and Southend BC to tackle the problems of traffic congestion as an urgent and ongoing process. Even if residents are offered public transport alternatives, the majority of traffic is "white van" type service vehicles and commercial users. This will not decrease and is not compatible with switching to public transport.

2.13 Visions. Whilst these time related visions may be useful progress markers, in respect of 2.25 planning needs to begin soon to achieve this road improvement, and should be brought forward to relieve existing pressures on Ashingdon Road and Bradley Way. This also would cover 4.6.20.

4.6.10 We agree with the Council's Preferred Option in respect of larger sites being able to deliver greater infrastructure improvements.

As regards Housing Allocations by area, we neither agree nor disagree without studying site availability across the District.

4.7.10 We cannot agree that per se affordable houses in rural areas are always more sustainable than non-affordable homes. The rural areas are scattered with "family homes", which contribute to the general wealth of the District. These home owners may provide many of the business and employment opportunities in the District and neighbouring LPA areas.

We note that there is no consideration for the conversion of redundant farm buildings in the Core Strategy to non-agricultural uses in line with PPG7.

4.8.1 Employment. The Core Strategy appears to concentrate on the creation of new jobs, at the expense of retaining existing ones and encouraging company growth particularly for retail businesses in town centres. Too often we see companies achieve a certain level of activity and leave the District due to poor communications and road links. As the Chamber stated as its first comment, the District is 26 miles long. Although Rayleigh might be easily accessible, the eastern end of the District is certainly not, and depends on Southend BC for its road facilities.

4.8.6 Whilst the Core Strategy gives indications of where housing allocations might broadly be located, there appears to be no guidance on new industrial sites, if the concept of building on "tired" estates is promoted. Owing to the fragmented nature of tenancies and ownership of industrial areas, the issue of site deliverability at the next Site Allocation stage could be doubtful.

4.12. We would expect the RDC to promote timber framed houses to meet HMG guidelines for sustainable house construction.

4.13.7. Agree but suggest RDC uses best practice comparisons from other LPAs, rather than spending time "re-inventing the wheel".

4.14.3. Hotels in Town Centres. This policy is too restrictive and does not appreciate the contribution to the District that rural - located hotels can make to the District's tourism offer. The District is the Thames Gateway South Essex's centre for tourism, yet has currently no hotels to attract weekend visitors or those wanting to stay for longer periods. These hotels are commonly situated around the country, and there seems no reason why Rochford should be the exception.

1.1 To give a more informed idea of the size of the District, we suggest that the length of 26.5 miles east - west and that it covers 42,000 acres is inserted here.

1.4 As over 2/3rds of the working population work outside the District, it would be helpful to know what contribution the RDC makes to other LPA's infrastructure costs.

1.9 We agree. However, we were led to believe that the Ashingdon Road, Brays Lane to Wallasea Island road was a Heavy Lorry Route.

2.11 It is often claimed that RDC is not the Highway Authority. We welcome any encouragement to Essex CC and Southend BC to tackle the problems of traffic congestion as an urgent and ongoing process. Even if residents are offered public transport alternatives, the majority of traffic is "white van" type service vehicles and commercial users. This will not decrease and is not compatible with switching to public transport.

2.13 Visions. Whilst these time related visions may be useful progress markers, in respect of 2.25 planning needs to begin soon to achieve this road improvement, and should be brought forward to relieve existing pressures on Ashingdon Road and Bradley Way. This also would cover 4.6.20.

4.6.10 We agree with the Council's Preferred Option in respect of larger sites being able to deliver greater infrastructure improvements.

As regards Housing Allocations by area, we neither agree nor disagree without studying site availability across the District.

4.7.10 We cannot agree that per se affordable houses in rural areas are always more sustainable than non-affordable homes. The rural areas are scattered with "family homes", which contribute to the general wealth of the District. These home owners may provide many of the business and employment opportunities in the District and neighbouring LPA areas.

We note that there is no consideration for the conversion of redundant farm buildings in the Core Strategy to non-agricultural uses in line with PPG7.

4.8.1 Employment. The Core Strategy appears to concentrate on the creation of new jobs, at the expense of retaining existing ones and encouraging company growth particularly for retail businesses in town centres. Too often we see companies achieve a certain level of activity and leave the District due to poor communications and road links. As the Chamber stated as its first comment, the District is 26 miles long. Although Rayleigh might be easily accessible, the eastern end of the District is certainly not, and depends on Southend BC for its road facilities.

4.8.6 Whilst the Core Strategy gives indications of where housing allocations might broadly be located, there appears to be no guidance on new industrial sites, if the concept of building on "tired" estates is promoted. Owing to the fragmented nature of tenancies and ownership of industrial areas, the issue of site deliverability at the next Site Allocation stage could be doubtful.

4.12. We would expect the RDC to promote timber framed houses to meet HMG guidelines for sustainable house construction.

4.13.7. Agree but suggest RDC uses best practice comparisons from other LPAs, rather than spending time "re-inventing the wheel".

4.14.3. Hotels in Town Centres. This policy is too restrictive and does not appreciate the contribution to the District that rural - located hotels can make to the District's tourism offer. The District is the Thames Gateway South Essex's centre for tourism, yet has currently no hotels to attract weekend visitors or those wanting to stay for longer periods. These hotels are commonly situated around the country, and there seems no reason why Rochford should be the exception.

1.1 To give a more informed idea of the size of the District, we suggest that the length of 26.5 miles east - west and that it covers 42,000 acres is inserted here.

1.4 As over 2/3rds of the working population work outside the District, it would be helpful to know what contribution the RDC makes to other LPA's infrastructure costs.

1.9 We agree. However, we were led to believe that the Ashingdon Road, Brays Lane to Wallasea Island road was a Heavy Lorry Route.

2.11 It is often claimed that RDC is not the Highway Authority. We welcome any encouragement to Essex CC and Southend BC to tackle the problems of traffic congestion as an urgent and ongoing process. Even if residents are offered public transport alternatives, the majority of traffic is "white van" type service vehicles and commercial users. This will not decrease and is not compatible with switching to public transport.

2.13 Visions. Whilst these time related visions may be useful progress markers, in respect of 2.25 planning needs to begin soon to achieve this road improvement, and should be brought forward to relieve existing pressures on Ashingdon Road and Bradley Way. This also would cover 4.6.20.

4.6.10 We agree with the Council's Preferred Option in respect of larger sites being able to deliver greater infrastructure improvements.

As regards Housing Allocations by area, we neither agree nor disagree without studying site availability across the District.

4.7.10 We cannot agree that per se affordable houses in rural areas are always more sustainable than non-affordable homes. The rural areas are scattered with "family homes", which contribute to the general wealth of the District. These home owners may provide many of the business and employment opportunities in the District and neighbouring LPA areas.

We note that there is no consideration for the conversion of redundant farm buildings in the Core Strategy to non-agricultural uses in line with PPG7.

4.8.1 Employment. The Core Strategy appears to concentrate on the creation of new jobs, at the expense of retaining existing ones and encouraging company growth particularly for retail businesses in town centres. Too often we see companies achieve a certain level of activity and leave the District due to poor communications and road links. As the Chamber stated as its first comment, the District is 26 miles long. Although Rayleigh might be easily accessible, the eastern end of the District is certainly not, and depends on Southend BC for its road facilities.

4.8.6 Whilst the Core Strategy gives indications of where housing allocations might broadly be located, there appears to be no guidance on new industrial sites, if the concept of building on "tired" estates is promoted. Owing to the fragmented nature of tenancies and ownership of industrial areas, the issue of site deliverability at the next Site Allocation stage could be doubtful.

4.12. We would expect the RDC to promote timber framed houses to meet HMG guidelines for sustainable house construction.

4.13.7. Agree but suggest RDC uses best practice comparisons from other LPAs, rather than spending time "re-inventing the wheel".

4.14.3. Hotels in Town Centres. This policy is too restrictive and does not appreciate the contribution to the District that rural - located hotels can make to the District's tourism offer. The District is the Thames Gateway South Essex's centre for tourism, yet has currently no hotels to attract weekend visitors or those wanting to stay for longer periods. These hotels are commonly situated around the country, and there seems no reason why Rochford should be the exception.

1.1 To give a more informed idea of the size of the District, we suggest that the length of 26.5 miles east - west and that it covers 42,000 acres is inserted here.

1.4 As over 2/3rds of the working population work outside the District, it would be helpful to know what contribution the RDC makes to other LPA's infrastructure costs.

1.9 We agree. However, we were led to believe that the Ashingdon Road, Brays Lane to Wallasea Island road was a Heavy Lorry Route.

2.11 It is often claimed that RDC is not the Highway Authority. We welcome any encouragement to Essex CC and Southend BC to tackle the problems of traffic congestion as an urgent and ongoing process. Even if residents are offered public transport alternatives, the majority of traffic is "white van" type service vehicles and commercial users. This will not decrease and is not compatible with switching to public transport.

2.13 Visions. Whilst these time related visions may be useful progress markers, in respect of 2.25 planning needs to begin soon to achieve this road improvement, and should be brought forward to relieve existing pressures on Ashingdon Road and Bradley Way. This also would cover 4.6.20.

4.6.10 We agree with the Council's Preferred Option in respect of larger sites being able to deliver greater infrastructure improvements.

As regards Housing Allocations by area, we neither agree nor disagree without studying site availability across the District.

4.7.10 We cannot agree that per se affordable houses in rural areas are always more sustainable than non-affordable homes. The rural areas are scattered with "family homes", which contribute to the general wealth of the District. These home owners may provide many of the business and employment opportunities in the District and neighbouring LPA areas.

We note that there is no consideration for the conversion of redundant farm buildings in the Core Strategy to non-agricultural uses in line with PPG7.

4.8.1 Employment. The Core Strategy appears to concentrate on the creation of new jobs, at the expense of retaining existing ones and encouraging company growth particularly for retail businesses in town centres. Too often we see companies achieve a certain level of activity and leave the District due to poor communications and road links. As the Chamber stated as its first comment, the District is 26 miles long. Although Rayleigh might be easily accessible, the eastern end of the District is certainly not, and depends on Southend BC for its road facilities.

4.8.6 Whilst the Core Strategy gives indications of where housing allocations might broadly be located, there appears to be no guidance on new industrial sites, if the concept of building on "tired" estates is promoted. Owing to the fragmented nature of tenancies and ownership of industrial areas, the issue of site deliverability at the next Site Allocation stage could be doubtful.

4.12. We would expect the RDC to promote timber framed houses to meet HMG guidelines for sustainable house construction.

4.13.7. Agree but suggest RDC uses best practice comparisons from other LPAs, rather than spending time "re-inventing the wheel".

4.14.3. Hotels in Town Centres. This policy is too restrictive and does not appreciate the contribution to the District that rural - located hotels can make to the District's tourism offer. The District is the Thames Gateway South Essex's centre for tourism, yet has currently no hotels to attract weekend visitors or those wanting to stay for longer periods. These hotels are commonly situated around the country, and there seems no reason why Rochford should be the exception.

1.1 To give a more informed idea of the size of the District, we suggest that the length of 26.5 miles east - west and that it covers 42,000 acres is inserted here.

1.4 As over 2/3rds of the working population work outside the District, it would be helpful to know what contribution the RDC makes to other LPA's infrastructure costs.

1.9 We agree. However, we were led to believe that the Ashingdon Road, Brays Lane to Wallasea Island road was a Heavy Lorry Route.

2.11 It is often claimed that RDC is not the Highway Authority. We welcome any encouragement to Essex CC and Southend BC to tackle the problems of traffic congestion as an urgent and ongoing process. Even if residents are offered public transport alternatives, the majority of traffic is "white van" type service vehicles and commercial users. This will not decrease and is not compatible with switching to public transport.

2.13 Visions. Whilst these time related visions may be useful progress markers, in respect of 2.25 planning needs to begin soon to achieve this road improvement, and should be brought forward to relieve existing pressures on Ashingdon Road and Bradley Way. This also would cover 4.6.20.

4.6.10 We agree with the Council's Preferred Option in respect of larger sites being able to deliver greater infrastructure improvements.

As regards Housing Allocations by area, we neither agree nor disagree without studying site availability across the District.

4.7.10 We cannot agree that per se affordable houses in rural areas are always more sustainable than non-affordable homes. The rural areas are scattered with "family homes", which contribute to the general wealth of the District. These home owners may provide many of the business and employment opportunities in the District and neighbouring LPA areas.

We note that there is no consideration for the conversion of redundant farm buildings in the Core Strategy to non-agricultural uses in line with PPG7.

4.8.1 Employment. The Core Strategy appears to concentrate on the creation of new jobs, at the expense of retaining existing ones and encouraging company growth particularly for retail businesses in town centres. Too often we see companies achieve a certain level of activity and leave the District due to poor communications and road links. As the Chamber stated as its first comment, the District is 26 miles long. Although Rayleigh might be easily accessible, the eastern end of the District is certainly not, and depends on Southend BC for its road facilities.

4.8.6 Whilst the Core Strategy gives indications of where housing allocations might broadly be located, there appears to be no guidance on new industrial sites, if the concept of building on "tired" estates is promoted. Owing to the fragmented nature of tenancies and ownership of industrial areas, the issue of site deliverability at the next Site Allocation stage could be doubtful.

4.12. We would expect the RDC to promote timber framed houses to meet HMG guidelines for sustainable house construction.

4.13.7. Agree but suggest RDC uses best practice comparisons from other LPAs, rather than spending time "re-inventing the wheel".

4.14.3. Hotels in Town Centres. This policy is too restrictive and does not appreciate the contribution to the District that rural - located hotels can make to the District's tourism offer. The District is the Thames Gateway South Essex's centre for tourism, yet has currently no hotels to attract weekend visitors or those wanting to stay for longer periods. These hotels are commonly situated around the country, and there seems no reason why Rochford should be the exception.

1.1 To give a more informed idea of the size of the District, we suggest that the length of 26.5 miles east - west and that it covers 42,000 acres is inserted here.

1.4 As over 2/3rds of the working population work outside the District, it would be helpful to know what contribution the RDC makes to other LPA's infrastructure costs.

1.9 We agree. However, we were led to believe that the Ashingdon Road, Brays Lane to Wallasea Island road was a Heavy Lorry Route.

2.11 It is often claimed that RDC is not the Highway Authority. We welcome any encouragement to Essex CC and Southend BC to tackle the problems of traffic congestion as an urgent and ongoing process. Even if residents are offered public transport alternatives, the majority of traffic is "white van" type service vehicles and commercial users. This will not decrease and is not compatible with switching to public transport.

2.13 Visions. Whilst these time related visions may be useful progress markers, in respect of 2.25 planning needs to begin soon to achieve this road improvement, and should be brought forward to relieve existing pressures on Ashingdon Road and Bradley Way. This also would cover 4.6.20.

4.6.10 We agree with the Council's Preferred Option in respect of larger sites being able to deliver greater infrastructure improvements.

As regards Housing Allocations by area, we neither agree nor disagree without studying site availability across the District.

4.7.10 We cannot agree that per se affordable houses in rural areas are always more sustainable than non-affordable homes. The rural areas are scattered with "family homes", which contribute to the general wealth of the District. These home owners may provide many of the business and employment opportunities in the District and neighbouring LPA areas.

We note that there is no consideration for the conversion of redundant farm buildings in the Core Strategy to non-agricultural uses in line with PPG7.

4.8.1 Employment. The Core Strategy appears to concentrate on the creation of new jobs, at the expense of retaining existing ones and encouraging company growth particularly for retail businesses in town centres. Too often we see companies achieve a certain level of activity and leave the District due to poor communications and road links. As the Chamber stated as its first comment, the District is 26 miles long. Although Rayleigh might be easily accessible, the eastern end of the District is certainly not, and depends on Southend BC for its road facilities.

4.8.6 Whilst the Core Strategy gives indications of where housing allocations might broadly be located, there appears to be no guidance on new industrial sites, if the concept of building on "tired" estates is promoted. Owing to the fragmented nature of tenancies and ownership of industrial areas, the issue of site deliverability at the next Site Allocation stage could be doubtful.

4.12. We would expect the RDC to promote timber framed houses to meet HMG guidelines for sustainable house construction.

4.13.7. Agree but suggest RDC uses best practice comparisons from other LPAs, rather than spending time "re-inventing the wheel".

4.14.3. Hotels in Town Centres. This policy is too restrictive and does not appreciate the contribution to the District that rural - located hotels can make to the District's tourism offer. The District is the Thames Gateway South Essex's centre for tourism, yet has currently no hotels to attract weekend visitors or those wanting to stay for longer periods. These hotels are commonly situated around the country, and there seems no reason why Rochford should be the exception.