Hockley Area Action Plan Options Report

Set out overleaf are officer comments on the consultation document which are provided as the representation of Essex County Council in respect of the consultation on the Options Report.

It is noted that next steps in preparation of the Plan will include discussion with key stakeholders, including Essex County Council (Chapter 10, page 70, column 1). The County Council would welcome early discussion of issues relating to delivery of its range of services that arise from preparation of the Plan. I would be pleased to arrange the necessary introductions and contacts to enable positive discussion.

General Comment

Essex County Council welcomes the initiative of Rochford District Council to prepare an Area Action Plan for Hockley. The Area Action Plan, with its emphasis on the centre of Hockley, would assist revitalisation of commercial and leisure activity at a key focal point in the District. This would strengthen the role of the area and help meet the future needs of the local community in support of the vision and objectives of the Core Strategy.

The County Council does not wish to express a view on the selection of the options presented in the consultation document, viewing that as a matter for the local community. Nevertheless, the County Council considers that future stages in preparation of the Plan would be assisted by further consideration of,

* accessibility by all means of travel. The Highways Authority would welcome early discussion on accessibility issues and transport options and proposals. To assist this process further detailed comment below sets out key matters for discussion.
* implementation and delivery of the modular approach set out in the options. Within the presentation of the options, greater clarity is needed on the relationship between proposed land use changes and the required transport provision and area improvement infrastructure. In particular, further information is required on the financial viability of the proposals and the linkage between land use change and infrastructure provision.
* the implications for continued operation of existing businesses during implementation and delivery of the preferred option. Implementation could take an extended period of time given the weak commercial demand in the area and could be accompanied by delay between land use change and infrastructure provision. Extended disruption in the centre could adversely affect the attractiveness of existing businesses, thereby reducing the vitality and viability of the centre and diminishing the benefits sought by the Plan.
* design issues and the needs of mobility and visually impaired members of the community to access and use the services and facilities easily and safely, for instance, the use of shared spaces and of stepped kerbs.
* the mapping of existing community infrastructure, including schools and early years and childcare facilities.

It is noted that next steps in preparation of the Plan will include discussion with key stakeholders, including Essex County Council (Chapter 10, page 70, column 1). The County Council would welcome early discussion of issues relating to delivery of its range of services that arise from preparation of the Plan. In respect of transportation matters an initial set of comments is set out below to afford the District Council and its consultants an early opportunity to prepare for their suggested future discussions. The Highway Authority will require further analysis to be provided in order to reach a considered opinion on the options identified within the consultation document and to advise on transport requirements for the preferred option.


Accessibility Issues and Transport Options and Proposals

A. The options, as currently presented in the consultation document, raise a general issue in terms of the balance to be struck between the need for extra car parking and the needs to address congestion hotspots and to make the town more attractive for other modes of transport. There is a requirement for presentation of a more detailed analysis of the effect of the provision of extra free car parking on the network and on other modes of transport using the network.

B. Southend Road / Spa Road roundabout - any changes to the existing layout of this junction would require a detailed design incorporating safety audit and junction modelling, including traffic surveys and vehicle swept path analyses. Improvement to the existing zebra crossings by upgrading to signalised crossings could potentially improve vehicle flows and manage crossing pedestrians.

C. Realignment / provision of parking bays on Spa Road - a survey of utilities could potentially identify numerous facilities along Spa Road, with the cost implication of diversions, adversely affecting the deliverability of the Plan. Any road realignment along Spa Road would need to ensure that visibility splays are maintained to Highway standards. Similarly, any changes to the road width to provide parking bays would also require capacity assessment of the carriageway. The Highway Authority would require further information to assess these proposals.

D. Station Approach / Spa Road - any extension of car parking facilities at the station would need careful consideration in terms of its impact on the Station Approach/Spa Road junction and also the ability for all modes of transport, especially pedestrians, to gain access to the station. A station travel plan should be prepared for implementation in conjunction with any new works. The removal of the existing roundabout would create a 'crossroads' style junction which may lead to increased safety concerns regarding vehicle movements associated with the existing residential/business areas. The Highway Authority would require further information on pedestrian and vehicle flows at the Station Road/Spa Road junction to determine the need for junction improvements. There are safety implications as the junction is currently used to enable access to the station, residential areas and the business park.

E. Implementation and Delivery - the Highway Authority would promote improvements encouraging modal shift and use of more sustainable forms of transport -including improved public transport infrastructure enhancements and provision for cyclists. Any proposal which seeks to create pedestrian links should also incorporate cycling infrastructure where appropriate. The focus on pedestrian and cycling routes is welcome as a means of widening travel choice and enabling reduced use of motorised vehicles for local journeys. Such routes should also contribute to 'Safer Journeys to School' and be considered alongside traffic speed reduction measures, especially in the vicinity of schools and early years and childcare facilities.

F. Appropriate text and provision should be included in the Plan for,
* developer contributions to be sought from future development in the area.
* car parking provision to conform to the EPOA parking standards.
* provision of Transport Assessments or Transport Statements for defined proposals.

Set out overleaf are officer comments on the consultation document which are provided as the representation of Essex County Council in respect of the consultation on the Options Report.

It is noted that next steps in preparation of the Plan will include discussion with key stakeholders, including Essex County Council (Chapter 10, page 70, column 1). The County Council would welcome early discussion of issues relating to delivery of its range of services that arise from preparation of the Plan. I would be pleased to arrange the necessary introductions and contacts to enable positive discussion.

General Comment

Essex County Council welcomes the initiative of Rochford District Council to prepare an Area Action Plan for Hockley. The Area Action Plan, with its emphasis on the centre of Hockley, would assist revitalisation of commercial and leisure activity at a key focal point in the District. This would strengthen the role of the area and help meet the future needs of the local community in support of the vision and objectives of the Core Strategy.

The County Council does not wish to express a view on the selection of the options presented in the consultation document, viewing that as a matter for the local community. Nevertheless, the County Council considers that future stages in preparation of the Plan would be assisted by further consideration of,

* accessibility by all means of travel. The Highways Authority would welcome early discussion on accessibility issues and transport options and proposals. To assist this process further detailed comment below sets out key matters for discussion.
* implementation and delivery of the modular approach set out in the options. Within the presentation of the options, greater clarity is needed on the relationship between proposed land use changes and the required transport provision and area improvement infrastructure. In particular, further information is required on the financial viability of the proposals and the linkage between land use change and infrastructure provision.
* the implications for continued operation of existing businesses during implementation and delivery of the preferred option. Implementation could take an extended period of time given the weak commercial demand in the area and could be accompanied by delay between land use change and infrastructure provision. Extended disruption in the centre could adversely affect the attractiveness of existing businesses, thereby reducing the vitality and viability of the centre and diminishing the benefits sought by the Plan.
* design issues and the needs of mobility and visually impaired members of the community to access and use the services and facilities easily and safely, for instance, the use of shared spaces and of stepped kerbs.
* the mapping of existing community infrastructure, including schools and early years and childcare facilities.

It is noted that next steps in preparation of the Plan will include discussion with key stakeholders, including Essex County Council (Chapter 10, page 70, column 1). The County Council would welcome early discussion of issues relating to delivery of its range of services that arise from preparation of the Plan. In respect of transportation matters an initial set of comments is set out below to afford the District Council and its consultants an early opportunity to prepare for their suggested future discussions. The Highway Authority will require further analysis to be provided in order to reach a considered opinion on the options identified within the consultation document and to advise on transport requirements for the preferred option.


Accessibility Issues and Transport Options and Proposals

A. The options, as currently presented in the consultation document, raise a general issue in terms of the balance to be struck between the need for extra car parking and the needs to address congestion hotspots and to make the town more attractive for other modes of transport. There is a requirement for presentation of a more detailed analysis of the effect of the provision of extra free car parking on the network and on other modes of transport using the network.

B. Southend Road / Spa Road roundabout - any changes to the existing layout of this junction would require a detailed design incorporating safety audit and junction modelling, including traffic surveys and vehicle swept path analyses. Improvement to the existing zebra crossings by upgrading to signalised crossings could potentially improve vehicle flows and manage crossing pedestrians.

C. Realignment / provision of parking bays on Spa Road - a survey of utilities could potentially identify numerous facilities along Spa Road, with the cost implication of diversions, adversely affecting the deliverability of the Plan. Any road realignment along Spa Road would need to ensure that visibility splays are maintained to Highway standards. Similarly, any changes to the road width to provide parking bays would also require capacity assessment of the carriageway. The Highway Authority would require further information to assess these proposals.

D. Station Approach / Spa Road - any extension of car parking facilities at the station would need careful consideration in terms of its impact on the Station Approach/Spa Road junction and also the ability for all modes of transport, especially pedestrians, to gain access to the station. A station travel plan should be prepared for implementation in conjunction with any new works. The removal of the existing roundabout would create a 'crossroads' style junction which may lead to increased safety concerns regarding vehicle movements associated with the existing residential/business areas. The Highway Authority would require further information on pedestrian and vehicle flows at the Station Road/Spa Road junction to determine the need for junction improvements. There are safety implications as the junction is currently used to enable access to the station, residential areas and the business park.

E. Implementation and Delivery - the Highway Authority would promote improvements encouraging modal shift and use of more sustainable forms of transport -including improved public transport infrastructure enhancements and provision for cyclists. Any proposal which seeks to create pedestrian links should also incorporate cycling infrastructure where appropriate. The focus on pedestrian and cycling routes is welcome as a means of widening travel choice and enabling reduced use of motorised vehicles for local journeys. Such routes should also contribute to 'Safer Journeys to School' and be considered alongside traffic speed reduction measures, especially in the vicinity of schools and early years and childcare facilities.

F. Appropriate text and provision should be included in the Plan for,
* developer contributions to be sought from future development in the area.
* car parking provision to conform to the EPOA parking standards.
* provision of Transport Assessments or Transport Statements for defined proposals.

Set out overleaf are officer comments on the consultation document which are provided as the representation of Essex County Council in respect of the consultation on the Options Report.

It is noted that next steps in preparation of the Plan will include discussion with key stakeholders, including Essex County Council (Chapter 10, page 70, column 1). The County Council would welcome early discussion of issues relating to delivery of its range of services that arise from preparation of the Plan. I would be pleased to arrange the necessary introductions and contacts to enable positive discussion.

General Comment

Essex County Council welcomes the initiative of Rochford District Council to prepare an Area Action Plan for Hockley. The Area Action Plan, with its emphasis on the centre of Hockley, would assist revitalisation of commercial and leisure activity at a key focal point in the District. This would strengthen the role of the area and help meet the future needs of the local community in support of the vision and objectives of the Core Strategy.

The County Council does not wish to express a view on the selection of the options presented in the consultation document, viewing that as a matter for the local community. Nevertheless, the County Council considers that future stages in preparation of the Plan would be assisted by further consideration of,

* accessibility by all means of travel. The Highways Authority would welcome early discussion on accessibility issues and transport options and proposals. To assist this process further detailed comment below sets out key matters for discussion.
* implementation and delivery of the modular approach set out in the options. Within the presentation of the options, greater clarity is needed on the relationship between proposed land use changes and the required transport provision and area improvement infrastructure. In particular, further information is required on the financial viability of the proposals and the linkage between land use change and infrastructure provision.
* the implications for continued operation of existing businesses during implementation and delivery of the preferred option. Implementation could take an extended period of time given the weak commercial demand in the area and could be accompanied by delay between land use change and infrastructure provision. Extended disruption in the centre could adversely affect the attractiveness of existing businesses, thereby reducing the vitality and viability of the centre and diminishing the benefits sought by the Plan.
* design issues and the needs of mobility and visually impaired members of the community to access and use the services and facilities easily and safely, for instance, the use of shared spaces and of stepped kerbs.
* the mapping of existing community infrastructure, including schools and early years and childcare facilities.

It is noted that next steps in preparation of the Plan will include discussion with key stakeholders, including Essex County Council (Chapter 10, page 70, column 1). The County Council would welcome early discussion of issues relating to delivery of its range of services that arise from preparation of the Plan. In respect of transportation matters an initial set of comments is set out below to afford the District Council and its consultants an early opportunity to prepare for their suggested future discussions. The Highway Authority will require further analysis to be provided in order to reach a considered opinion on the options identified within the consultation document and to advise on transport requirements for the preferred option.


Accessibility Issues and Transport Options and Proposals

A. The options, as currently presented in the consultation document, raise a general issue in terms of the balance to be struck between the need for extra car parking and the needs to address congestion hotspots and to make the town more attractive for other modes of transport. There is a requirement for presentation of a more detailed analysis of the effect of the provision of extra free car parking on the network and on other modes of transport using the network.

B. Southend Road / Spa Road roundabout - any changes to the existing layout of this junction would require a detailed design incorporating safety audit and junction modelling, including traffic surveys and vehicle swept path analyses. Improvement to the existing zebra crossings by upgrading to signalised crossings could potentially improve vehicle flows and manage crossing pedestrians.

C. Realignment / provision of parking bays on Spa Road - a survey of utilities could potentially identify numerous facilities along Spa Road, with the cost implication of diversions, adversely affecting the deliverability of the Plan. Any road realignment along Spa Road would need to ensure that visibility splays are maintained to Highway standards. Similarly, any changes to the road width to provide parking bays would also require capacity assessment of the carriageway. The Highway Authority would require further information to assess these proposals.

D. Station Approach / Spa Road - any extension of car parking facilities at the station would need careful consideration in terms of its impact on the Station Approach/Spa Road junction and also the ability for all modes of transport, especially pedestrians, to gain access to the station. A station travel plan should be prepared for implementation in conjunction with any new works. The removal of the existing roundabout would create a 'crossroads' style junction which may lead to increased safety concerns regarding vehicle movements associated with the existing residential/business areas. The Highway Authority would require further information on pedestrian and vehicle flows at the Station Road/Spa Road junction to determine the need for junction improvements. There are safety implications as the junction is currently used to enable access to the station, residential areas and the business park.

E. Implementation and Delivery - the Highway Authority would promote improvements encouraging modal shift and use of more sustainable forms of transport -including improved public transport infrastructure enhancements and provision for cyclists. Any proposal which seeks to create pedestrian links should also incorporate cycling infrastructure where appropriate. The focus on pedestrian and cycling routes is welcome as a means of widening travel choice and enabling reduced use of motorised vehicles for local journeys. Such routes should also contribute to 'Safer Journeys to School' and be considered alongside traffic speed reduction measures, especially in the vicinity of schools and early years and childcare facilities.

F. Appropriate text and provision should be included in the Plan for,
* developer contributions to be sought from future development in the area.
* car parking provision to conform to the EPOA parking standards.
* provision of Transport Assessments or Transport Statements for defined proposals.