Hockley Area Action Plan - Issues and Options

We have no reason to object to this AAP however we feel it is important that the document clearly states an intention to deliver high quality sustainable development and therefore offer the following advice for future iterations of this AAP:

Sustainable Development

All new development should seek to achieve the highest possible standards of sustainable construction and design. Development should seek to minimise the use of resources and the production of waste by incorporating, for example, passive systems using natural light, air movement and thermal mass. High levels of energy and water efficiency should also be ensured in the redevelopment areas.

Residential development should, at this time, seek to achieve at least a 3 star rating under the Code for Sustainable Homes with higher ratings being encouraged wherever possible. Generally we would encourage a stepped approach equating to a requirement for all developments to achieve at least a 3 star rating up until 2013, at least a 4 star rating until 2016 and a 6 star rating after this date. This is in line with Government objectives as set out in "Building a Greener Future: Towards Zero Carbon Development".

Non-residential developments should seek sustainability ratings under BREEAM. Wherever possible we would suggest that you specifically seek the highest possible standards for water efficiency, energy efficiency, surface water drainage and waste minimisation.


Sustainable Drainage Systems

All new developments should seek to make space for water through the provision of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) in line with Approved Document Part H of the Building Regulations 2000 and Government policy set out in paragraph 8 and Annex F of PPS25, and paragraph 22 of PPS1. These systems seek to mimic natural drainage systems and retain surface water on or near to the site, in contrast to traditional drainage approaches, which tend to pipe water off site as quickly as possible.

SuDS offer significant advantages over conventional piped drainage systems in reducing flood risk by reducing the quantity of surface water run-off from a site and the speed at which it reaches watercourses, promoting groundwater recharge, and improving water quality, ecology/ biodiversity and amenity. The range of SuDS techniques available means that a SuDS approach in some form will be applicable to almost any development.


Biodiversity & Landscaping

Areas identified for landscaping should, wherever possible, be planted with only native species of local provenance. Purely horticultural schemes rarely add to the ecological value of an area, whilst planting species of local provenance provides an opportunity to increase the biodiversity value of an area and also reinforces the character of the local environment, leading to an enhanced quality of life for those living and working in the area.

The provision of multi-functional areas of public open space will assist in the sustainable management of surface water run-off, provide ecological/ biodiversity gain and provide a more natural solution for pollution prevention. A requirement for the provision of green roofs etc will also aid in the management of surface water run-off and can therefore assist in reducing surface water flood risk to developments. It should be noted that both of these measures tie in with the above sections on sustainable development and sustainable drainage.