Rayleigh Centre Area Action Plan: Schedule of Modifications and Sustainability Appraisal

Thank you for your consultation on the above dated 27 April 2015 which was received by Natural England on the same day. This brief response is provided within the stated deadline (22 June 2015).

Natural England is a non-departmental public body. Our statutory purpose is to ensure that the natural environment is conserved, enhanced, and managed for the benefit of present and future generations, thereby contributing to sustainable development.

Main Modifications
Natural England supports new and enhanced pedestrian/cycle links (MM2 + last row in Table 1) contributing to sustainable transport choices (with associated multiple benefits for climate change and air quality). We also recognise and support the importance of high quality green open space at Rayleigh Mount and its safeguarding (AM4).

Sustainability Appraisal (SA)
Focusing on the SA assessment of the modifications to policies, Natural England reiterates its agreement with the findings of the Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) for the Rayleigh Area Action Plan: none of the policies are likely to have significant effects, either alone or in combination with other projects or plans, on the identified European designated sites. See our previous advice (letter dated 26 February 2014 by David Hammond, our ref: 7825/110042). We have no further comments to make on the Sustainability Appraisal.

Impact Risk Zones for Sites of Special Scientific Interest
For general awareness, Natural England has published a set of mapped Impact Risk Zones (IRZs) for Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). This helpful Geographical Information System (GIS) tool can be used by Local Planning Authorities and developers to help consider whether a proposed development is likely to affect a SSSI and determine whether they need to consult Natural England to seek advice on the nature of any potential SSSI impacts, their avoidance or mitigation. The dataset and user guidance can be accessed from the gov.uk website. One can search the Magic map system to see if the development is in or near a protected site, including SSSIs, Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs).

If you have any queries or suggestions regarding the IRZs, please send an email to the NE IRZs Mailbox.

We would be happy to comment further should the need arise but if in the meantime you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us.

Thank you for your consultation on the above dated 27 April 2015 which was received by Natural England on the same day. This brief response is provided within the stated deadline (22 June 2015).

Natural England is a non-departmental public body. Our statutory purpose is to ensure that the natural environment is conserved, enhanced, and managed for the benefit of present and future generations, thereby contributing to sustainable development.

Main Modifications
Natural England supports new and enhanced pedestrian/cycle links (MM2 + last row in Table 1) contributing to sustainable transport choices (with associated multiple benefits for climate change and air quality). We also recognise and support the importance of high quality green open space at Rayleigh Mount and its safeguarding (AM4).

Sustainability Appraisal (SA)
Focusing on the SA assessment of the modifications to policies, Natural England reiterates its agreement with the findings of the Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) for the Rayleigh Area Action Plan: none of the policies are likely to have significant effects, either alone or in combination with other projects or plans, on the identified European designated sites. See our previous advice (letter dated 26 February 2014 by David Hammond, our ref: 7825/110042). We have no further comments to make on the Sustainability Appraisal.

Impact Risk Zones for Sites of Special Scientific Interest
For general awareness, Natural England has published a set of mapped Impact Risk Zones (IRZs) for Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). This helpful Geographical Information System (GIS) tool can be used by Local Planning Authorities and developers to help consider whether a proposed development is likely to affect a SSSI and determine whether they need to consult Natural England to seek advice on the nature of any potential SSSI impacts, their avoidance or mitigation. The dataset and user guidance can be accessed from the gov.uk website. One can search the Magic map system to see if the development is in or near a protected site, including SSSIs, Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs).

If you have any queries or suggestions regarding the IRZs, please send an email to the NE IRZs Mailbox.

We would be happy to comment further should the need arise but if in the meantime you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us.