Core Strategy Submission Document

As it is currently drafted, Policy ED1 is unsound because it is not justified. Specifically, the sixth bullet point should be redrafted to include the words "London Southend Airport and its Environs"

This change in wording would acknowledge the relevance of the whole of the defined JAAP area, and will reflect the proposed title of the "London Southend Airport & environs Joint Area Action Plan (JAAP)".

The amended wording will also provide support for the redevelopment of sites, such as the Brickworks site, which is identified within the draft JAAP as an area of change, the redevelopment of which will bring many benefits. The site is previously developed land and currently lies derelict and detracts from the surrounding landscape. Redevelopment will enhance the area and enable the clean up of the site which is likely to incur significant costs.

The amendment to the sixth bullet point to 'London Southend Airport and its Environs' is justified as the growth of both the Airport and its environs are taken into account in the Rochford Employment Land Study and the London Southend Airport & Environs study by Halcrow Group Ltd. (June 2008). Thus this proposed change of wording will make the draft policy sound, whilst enabling the policy to be effective in accordance with paragraphs 4.44 - 4.45 of PPS12.

Draft Policy ED2 is currently unsound as it is not justified. Specifically, the title of the policy should be amended to read "London Southend Airport and its Environs"

This change in wording acknowledges the whole of the defined JAAP area is relevant, and reflects the proposed title of the "London Southend Airport & environs Joint Area Action Plan (JAAP)".

The amendment to the title to 'London Southend Airport and its Environs' is justified as the growth of both the Airport and its environs are taken into account in the Rochford Employment Land Study and the London Southend Airport & Environs study by Halcrow Group Ltd. (June 2008). Thus this proposed change of wording is sound, whilst enabling the policy to be effective in accordance with paragraphs 4.44 - 4.45 of PPS12

Overall, the draft policy will provide for the emerging Southend Airport Joint Area Action Plan (JAAP), and will enable the area surrounding London Southend Airport to be appropriately developed, including our clients site.

Overall, draft Policy ED4 (part 2) is sound as it is both justified and effective.

The proposed allocation of land north of London Southend Airport for employment uses is in accordance with the emerging Southend Airport Joint Area Action Plan (JAAP). It has been considered by the London Southend Airport & Environs study by Halcrow Group Ltd (June 2008) and is taken into account in the Rochford Employment Land Study by GVA Grimley (September 2008).

The development of the Brickworks Site, as part of the area known as 'north of London Southend Airport', will bring many benefits. The site is previously developed land and currently lies derelict and detracts from the surrounding landscape. Redevelopment will enhance the area and enable the clean up of the site which is likely to incur significant costs.

Whilst the draft policy encourages an Eco-Enterprise centre, it is important that the potential for other employment generating uses are not stifled because of this. It is therefore imperative that the importance of the feasibility study is explicitly stated in the policy, as is proposed. This study will need to examine market conditions, demand for eco-enterprise space, cost of build etc.

Draft Policy GB1 is sound, in that the reallocation of green belt land to meet the District's housing and employment needs is justified because it is the most appropriate strategy when considered against reasonable alternatives.

If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me, and should you wish to discuss any aspect of the relevant issues, we will be pleased to assist.