Rochford Town Centre Area Action Plan - Issues and Options

EEDA's principal role is to improve the East of England region's economic performance. Our main concern with such documents is therefore that they will help deliver, and provide the spatial framework for:
* sustainable economic development and regeneration in the East of England, and in particular,
* the Regional Economic Strategy (Inventing the Future - Collective Action for a sustainable economy, 2008).

Planning Policy Statement 1 'Delivering Sustainable Development', 2005 reminds local authorities that in preparing local development plans they should seek to provide a positive planning framework for sustainable growth in support of the Regional Economic Strategy (RES). The RES advocates a region that is internationally competitive with a global reputation for innovation and business growth, that harnesses and develops the talents and creativity of all and is at the forefront of a low carbon and resource efficient economy.

In addition, Planning Policy Statement 12 'Creating Strong Safe and Prosperous Communities through Local Spatial Planning', 2008 recognises that spatial planning is a critical element in relation to economic growth and regeneration. The RES supports and complements the East of England Plan and EEDA supports the implementation of policies within that strategy.

It is within this context that EEDA makes its response.

EEDA supports the aims and objectives of the AAP, and the urban design based process to improve the viability and vitality of the town centre. However we would suggest that there should be a greater emphasis on town centre functions, including making the town centre an attractive location to secure and retain employers and business. This is a broader issue than attracting retail, but attracting B1 to centre and edge of centre locations. This objective brings vibrancy to the town centre and an immediate footfall into the town centre.

The Employment Land Study identifies Locks Hill as the major office location within Rochford but is not an allocated employment site. Given the increasing future requirements for office stock set out in the study, Rochford Council should identify the land at Locks Hill as employment land and emphasise the importance of employment land adjacent to the town centre uses. This will help to safeguard future office supply in the town centre.