Issues and Options Document

Introduction

Para 1.15 Response: The Borough Council welcomes the acknowledgement of the importance of working in partnership and the important role that the Association of South Essex Local Authorities has in providing the guidance and framework for the preparation of local plans in south Essex through the preparation of a Joint Spatial Plan.

Spatial Challenges

Rochford Challenge - how do we deliver new jobs that residents can access?

Following Para 4.5 Response: The Borough Council considers it essential that the Rochford District works closely with the Borough to ensure the effective delivery of employment provision to meet future needs in both Southend and Rochford and welcomes the comments that it needs 'to work closely with our neighbouring areas to ensure that our plans across the sub-region take into consideration future projected growth in homes and jobs'.

Rochford Challenge - how do we deliver infrastructure to support new homes and jobs?

Following Para 4.6 Response: The Borough Council considers it essential that proposals for infrastructure provision are developed in partnership with neighbouring authorities, particularly Southend Borough.

Rochford Challenge - how do we work with our neighbours to meet the requirements of the Duty to Co-operate?

Following Para 4.7 Response: The Borough Council considers it essential that Rochford District continues to work closely with Southend and other south Essex Local Authorities as part of the Association of South Essex Local Authorities and through cooperation on plan making issues of mutual interest and value.

Rochford Challenge - how do we work with our neighbouring areas to address strategic, cross boundary issues, and in particular any unmet need for new homes and jobs?

Following Para 4.17 Response: The Borough Council considers that joint working as part of the Association of South Essex Local Authorities is an effective way to address strategic cross boundary issues, particularly unmet need for new homes and jobs and through cooperation on plan making issues.

Southend is a land constrained authority and may not be able to meet local housing needs in full and therefore continued cooperation is required with Rochford Council and the other authorities of South Essex to ensure that housing need can be met across the housing market area.

Given the extensive boundary between Rochford and Southend and numerous shared assets, joint working between the authorities will be essential to consider strategic issues, particularly around London Southend Airport and environs, building upon the existing Joint Rochford and Southend Area Action Plan.

Rochford Challenge - how do we work with other areas, such as London, to address strategic, cross boundary issues, and in particular any unmet need for new homes and jobs?

Following Para 4.18 Response: The Borough Council considers that the most effective way of working with other areas such as London, is to engage with them as a member of the Association of South Essex Local Authorities.

Vision and Strategic Objectives

Response: The Borough Council welcomes the approach put forward as part of the vision and key themes particularly the recognition in the strategic objectives of the need to work with neighbouring authorities in south Essex and to continue to support 'London Southend Airport as a thriving regional airport, serving London and the South East, as well as supporting the continued growth and innovation at the Airport Business Park'.
However, under the key theme of 'environment' the Borough Council is concerned to ensure that the new local plan takes into full account the identified development needs in the sub-region, particularly in relation to housing provision. As currently drafted 'we have retained our open character and extensive Metropolitan Green Belt designation, whilst providing for the needs of future communities, as far as possible', implies that the there is little scope for meeting future needs outside the current urban areas. The Borough Council considers that this aspect of the theme should be redrafted to recognise the importance of meeting future development needs.

Delivering Homes and Jobs

Para 6.3 Response: Whilst local job growth outside of the main centres should be promoted in sustainable locations and for certain 'bad-neighbour' or 'large footprint' land uses, significant job growth should be prioritised at those major centres that are supported by an adequate resident workforce population and are well served by frequent and extensive public transport, thus facilitating sustainable commuting patterns.

Para 6.29 Response: Detailed scrutiny will be required of the Environmental Capacity Study 2015. Rochford has one of the lowest population densities in the County and the conclusion that there may not be environmental capacity to meet housing need is surprising. The emphasis should be on sustainable development and a balance of social, economic and environmental considerations.

Para. 6.60 Response: Retention of a density policy advocating 30 dwellings per hectare (dph) is overly restrictive with higher densities likely to be sustainable and appropriate in many circumstances, particularly on brownfield land and in areas in close proximity to public transport. A blanket density of 30 dph is not likely to facilitate efficient use of land.

Response: The recognition of the need to work with neighbouring local Authorities in meeting future housing needs is welcomed by the Borough Council and the second option of working 'with neighbouring Local Planning Authorities to ensure that housing need across the South Essex Housing Market Area is effectively met' is supported. The Borough Council also welcomes the recognition that the Green Belt needs to be reassessed as part of the new local plan preparation process. In relation to business needs the Borough Council considers it important that the current employment growth policy is updated to reflect future needs, broadband provision and speed is improved and that the need for supporting sustainable travel options and promoting highways improvements as part of any scheme is essential (paragraph 6.96 options two, three and five).

London Southend Airport

Response: The Borough Council welcomes the recognition of the need to continue to support the growth potential of London Southend Airport. It supports options three and four (paragraph 6.117) to retain the policies contained in the JAAP and to seek to improve surface access to the Airport.

Supporting Commercial Development

Response: The Borough Council considers it essential that local retail policy is developed in accordance with the sub-regional strategy that will emerge as part cooperation across South Essex. The Borough Council therefore supports option 5 (paragraph 7.20) to review current action area policies to take into account the provisions of the sub-regional retail strategy.

Delivering Infrastructure
Highway Infrastructure

Response: The Borough Council welcomes the recognition of the need for highway improvements to support economic growth in the sub-region and supports the first option in paragraph 8.21 to 'support improvements to the strategic highway network.'

Sustainable Travel

Response: The Borough Council welcomes the recognition of the need to work in partnership to improve sustainable travel facilities and supports option 1 paragraph 8.37 to improve connectivity across the wider South Essex area. It would prefer to see the option for taking forward SERT (option 2 paragraph 8.37) retained pending further sub-regional work on the development of a Joint Spatial Plan.
Renewable Energy Generation
Response: The Borough council supports option 2 paragraph 8.66 to install new electric vehicle charging points in appropriate areas across the Rochford District. New public fast charging points in all areas of South Essex are crucial components to encourage the adoption of the electric car which the Borough Council sees as a realistic method of reducing air pollution in South Essex leading to the subsequent removal of AQMAs in both Rochford and Southend. Southend Borough council supports the installation of a wide network of electric chargers and fast chargers to aid with maintaining good quality air for the residents.
Supporting Health, Community and Culture

Response: The Borough Council considers it to be essential that partnership working to deliver appropriate future health care facilities continues with health organisations and providers and as part of the wider joint working of the Association of South Essex Local Authorities. The Borough Council supports the options 2 and 4 (paragraph 9.11)to ensure that land is specifically allocated for healthcare facilities and future planning policy builds on the existing healthcare policy to address wider health and well-being issues.

Protecting and Enhancing the Environment
Green Belt

Response: The Borough Council welcomes the recognition that Green Belt policy will need to be reviewed objectively as part of local plan preparation. The Borough Council considers that this should be undertaken in partnership and as part of the wider south Essex planning work. It is considered that option 2 (paragraph 10.16) to 'amend the current Green Belt policy in the Core Strategy' should be the preferred option.

Biodiversity, Geology and Green Infrastructure

Response: The Borough Council supports options 1 and 8 (paragraph 10.27) to protect and enhance the sites of nature conservation importance and to develop greenways providing for important walking and cycling corridors which promote biodiversity and connectivity of habitats.

Landscape Character

Response: The Borough Council considers that a landscape assessment should be undertaken in partnership as an integral part of the Green Belt assessment referred to above.

Detailed Policy Considerations
Mix of Affordable Homes

Response: The Borough Council considers it essential that a clear and objective policy is retained to meet affordable housing taking into account any possible future changes in national planning policy - options 6 and 7 (paragraph 11.5).

Introduction

Para 1.15 Response: The Borough Council welcomes the acknowledgement of the importance of working in partnership and the important role that the Association of South Essex Local Authorities has in providing the guidance and framework for the preparation of local plans in south Essex through the preparation of a Joint Spatial Plan.

Spatial Challenges

Rochford Challenge - how do we deliver new jobs that residents can access?

Following Para 4.5 Response: The Borough Council considers it essential that the Rochford District works closely with the Borough to ensure the effective delivery of employment provision to meet future needs in both Southend and Rochford and welcomes the comments that it needs 'to work closely with our neighbouring areas to ensure that our plans across the sub-region take into consideration future projected growth in homes and jobs'.

Rochford Challenge - how do we deliver infrastructure to support new homes and jobs?

Following Para 4.6 Response: The Borough Council considers it essential that proposals for infrastructure provision are developed in partnership with neighbouring authorities, particularly Southend Borough.

Rochford Challenge - how do we work with our neighbours to meet the requirements of the Duty to Co-operate?

Following Para 4.7 Response: The Borough Council considers it essential that Rochford District continues to work closely with Southend and other south Essex Local Authorities as part of the Association of South Essex Local Authorities and through cooperation on plan making issues of mutual interest and value.

Rochford Challenge - how do we work with our neighbouring areas to address strategic, cross boundary issues, and in particular any unmet need for new homes and jobs?

Following Para 4.17 Response: The Borough Council considers that joint working as part of the Association of South Essex Local Authorities is an effective way to address strategic cross boundary issues, particularly unmet need for new homes and jobs and through cooperation on plan making issues.

Southend is a land constrained authority and may not be able to meet local housing needs in full and therefore continued cooperation is required with Rochford Council and the other authorities of South Essex to ensure that housing need can be met across the housing market area.

Given the extensive boundary between Rochford and Southend and numerous shared assets, joint working between the authorities will be essential to consider strategic issues, particularly around London Southend Airport and environs, building upon the existing Joint Rochford and Southend Area Action Plan.

Rochford Challenge - how do we work with other areas, such as London, to address strategic, cross boundary issues, and in particular any unmet need for new homes and jobs?

Following Para 4.18 Response: The Borough Council considers that the most effective way of working with other areas such as London, is to engage with them as a member of the Association of South Essex Local Authorities.

Vision and Strategic Objectives

Response: The Borough Council welcomes the approach put forward as part of the vision and key themes particularly the recognition in the strategic objectives of the need to work with neighbouring authorities in south Essex and to continue to support 'London Southend Airport as a thriving regional airport, serving London and the South East, as well as supporting the continued growth and innovation at the Airport Business Park'.
However, under the key theme of 'environment' the Borough Council is concerned to ensure that the new local plan takes into full account the identified development needs in the sub-region, particularly in relation to housing provision. As currently drafted 'we have retained our open character and extensive Metropolitan Green Belt designation, whilst providing for the needs of future communities, as far as possible', implies that the there is little scope for meeting future needs outside the current urban areas. The Borough Council considers that this aspect of the theme should be redrafted to recognise the importance of meeting future development needs.

Delivering Homes and Jobs

Para 6.3 Response: Whilst local job growth outside of the main centres should be promoted in sustainable locations and for certain 'bad-neighbour' or 'large footprint' land uses, significant job growth should be prioritised at those major centres that are supported by an adequate resident workforce population and are well served by frequent and extensive public transport, thus facilitating sustainable commuting patterns.

Para 6.29 Response: Detailed scrutiny will be required of the Environmental Capacity Study 2015. Rochford has one of the lowest population densities in the County and the conclusion that there may not be environmental capacity to meet housing need is surprising. The emphasis should be on sustainable development and a balance of social, economic and environmental considerations.

Para. 6.60 Response: Retention of a density policy advocating 30 dwellings per hectare (dph) is overly restrictive with higher densities likely to be sustainable and appropriate in many circumstances, particularly on brownfield land and in areas in close proximity to public transport. A blanket density of 30 dph is not likely to facilitate efficient use of land.

Response: The recognition of the need to work with neighbouring local Authorities in meeting future housing needs is welcomed by the Borough Council and the second option of working 'with neighbouring Local Planning Authorities to ensure that housing need across the South Essex Housing Market Area is effectively met' is supported. The Borough Council also welcomes the recognition that the Green Belt needs to be reassessed as part of the new local plan preparation process. In relation to business needs the Borough Council considers it important that the current employment growth policy is updated to reflect future needs, broadband provision and speed is improved and that the need for supporting sustainable travel options and promoting highways improvements as part of any scheme is essential (paragraph 6.96 options two, three and five).

London Southend Airport

Response: The Borough Council welcomes the recognition of the need to continue to support the growth potential of London Southend Airport. It supports options three and four (paragraph 6.117) to retain the policies contained in the JAAP and to seek to improve surface access to the Airport.

Supporting Commercial Development

Response: The Borough Council considers it essential that local retail policy is developed in accordance with the sub-regional strategy that will emerge as part cooperation across South Essex. The Borough Council therefore supports option 5 (paragraph 7.20) to review current action area policies to take into account the provisions of the sub-regional retail strategy.

Delivering Infrastructure
Highway Infrastructure

Response: The Borough Council welcomes the recognition of the need for highway improvements to support economic growth in the sub-region and supports the first option in paragraph 8.21 to 'support improvements to the strategic highway network.'

Sustainable Travel

Response: The Borough Council welcomes the recognition of the need to work in partnership to improve sustainable travel facilities and supports option 1 paragraph 8.37 to improve connectivity across the wider South Essex area. It would prefer to see the option for taking forward SERT (option 2 paragraph 8.37) retained pending further sub-regional work on the development of a Joint Spatial Plan.
Renewable Energy Generation
Response: The Borough council supports option 2 paragraph 8.66 to install new electric vehicle charging points in appropriate areas across the Rochford District. New public fast charging points in all areas of South Essex are crucial components to encourage the adoption of the electric car which the Borough Council sees as a realistic method of reducing air pollution in South Essex leading to the subsequent removal of AQMAs in both Rochford and Southend. Southend Borough council supports the installation of a wide network of electric chargers and fast chargers to aid with maintaining good quality air for the residents.
Supporting Health, Community and Culture

Response: The Borough Council considers it to be essential that partnership working to deliver appropriate future health care facilities continues with health organisations and providers and as part of the wider joint working of the Association of South Essex Local Authorities. The Borough Council supports the options 2 and 4 (paragraph 9.11)to ensure that land is specifically allocated for healthcare facilities and future planning policy builds on the existing healthcare policy to address wider health and well-being issues.

Protecting and Enhancing the Environment
Green Belt

Response: The Borough Council welcomes the recognition that Green Belt policy will need to be reviewed objectively as part of local plan preparation. The Borough Council considers that this should be undertaken in partnership and as part of the wider south Essex planning work. It is considered that option 2 (paragraph 10.16) to 'amend the current Green Belt policy in the Core Strategy' should be the preferred option.

Biodiversity, Geology and Green Infrastructure

Response: The Borough Council supports options 1 and 8 (paragraph 10.27) to protect and enhance the sites of nature conservation importance and to develop greenways providing for important walking and cycling corridors which promote biodiversity and connectivity of habitats.

Landscape Character

Response: The Borough Council considers that a landscape assessment should be undertaken in partnership as an integral part of the Green Belt assessment referred to above.

Detailed Policy Considerations
Mix of Affordable Homes

Response: The Borough Council considers it essential that a clear and objective policy is retained to meet affordable housing taking into account any possible future changes in national planning policy - options 6 and 7 (paragraph 11.5).

Introduction

Para 1.15 Response: The Borough Council welcomes the acknowledgement of the importance of working in partnership and the important role that the Association of South Essex Local Authorities has in providing the guidance and framework for the preparation of local plans in south Essex through the preparation of a Joint Spatial Plan.

Spatial Challenges

Rochford Challenge - how do we deliver new jobs that residents can access?

Following Para 4.5 Response: The Borough Council considers it essential that the Rochford District works closely with the Borough to ensure the effective delivery of employment provision to meet future needs in both Southend and Rochford and welcomes the comments that it needs 'to work closely with our neighbouring areas to ensure that our plans across the sub-region take into consideration future projected growth in homes and jobs'.

Rochford Challenge - how do we deliver infrastructure to support new homes and jobs?

Following Para 4.6 Response: The Borough Council considers it essential that proposals for infrastructure provision are developed in partnership with neighbouring authorities, particularly Southend Borough.

Rochford Challenge - how do we work with our neighbours to meet the requirements of the Duty to Co-operate?

Following Para 4.7 Response: The Borough Council considers it essential that Rochford District continues to work closely with Southend and other south Essex Local Authorities as part of the Association of South Essex Local Authorities and through cooperation on plan making issues of mutual interest and value.

Rochford Challenge - how do we work with our neighbouring areas to address strategic, cross boundary issues, and in particular any unmet need for new homes and jobs?

Following Para 4.17 Response: The Borough Council considers that joint working as part of the Association of South Essex Local Authorities is an effective way to address strategic cross boundary issues, particularly unmet need for new homes and jobs and through cooperation on plan making issues.

Southend is a land constrained authority and may not be able to meet local housing needs in full and therefore continued cooperation is required with Rochford Council and the other authorities of South Essex to ensure that housing need can be met across the housing market area.

Given the extensive boundary between Rochford and Southend and numerous shared assets, joint working between the authorities will be essential to consider strategic issues, particularly around London Southend Airport and environs, building upon the existing Joint Rochford and Southend Area Action Plan.

Rochford Challenge - how do we work with other areas, such as London, to address strategic, cross boundary issues, and in particular any unmet need for new homes and jobs?

Following Para 4.18 Response: The Borough Council considers that the most effective way of working with other areas such as London, is to engage with them as a member of the Association of South Essex Local Authorities.

Vision and Strategic Objectives

Response: The Borough Council welcomes the approach put forward as part of the vision and key themes particularly the recognition in the strategic objectives of the need to work with neighbouring authorities in south Essex and to continue to support 'London Southend Airport as a thriving regional airport, serving London and the South East, as well as supporting the continued growth and innovation at the Airport Business Park'.
However, under the key theme of 'environment' the Borough Council is concerned to ensure that the new local plan takes into full account the identified development needs in the sub-region, particularly in relation to housing provision. As currently drafted 'we have retained our open character and extensive Metropolitan Green Belt designation, whilst providing for the needs of future communities, as far as possible', implies that the there is little scope for meeting future needs outside the current urban areas. The Borough Council considers that this aspect of the theme should be redrafted to recognise the importance of meeting future development needs.

Delivering Homes and Jobs

Para 6.3 Response: Whilst local job growth outside of the main centres should be promoted in sustainable locations and for certain 'bad-neighbour' or 'large footprint' land uses, significant job growth should be prioritised at those major centres that are supported by an adequate resident workforce population and are well served by frequent and extensive public transport, thus facilitating sustainable commuting patterns.

Para 6.29 Response: Detailed scrutiny will be required of the Environmental Capacity Study 2015. Rochford has one of the lowest population densities in the County and the conclusion that there may not be environmental capacity to meet housing need is surprising. The emphasis should be on sustainable development and a balance of social, economic and environmental considerations.

Para. 6.60 Response: Retention of a density policy advocating 30 dwellings per hectare (dph) is overly restrictive with higher densities likely to be sustainable and appropriate in many circumstances, particularly on brownfield land and in areas in close proximity to public transport. A blanket density of 30 dph is not likely to facilitate efficient use of land.

Response: The recognition of the need to work with neighbouring local Authorities in meeting future housing needs is welcomed by the Borough Council and the second option of working 'with neighbouring Local Planning Authorities to ensure that housing need across the South Essex Housing Market Area is effectively met' is supported. The Borough Council also welcomes the recognition that the Green Belt needs to be reassessed as part of the new local plan preparation process. In relation to business needs the Borough Council considers it important that the current employment growth policy is updated to reflect future needs, broadband provision and speed is improved and that the need for supporting sustainable travel options and promoting highways improvements as part of any scheme is essential (paragraph 6.96 options two, three and five).

London Southend Airport

Response: The Borough Council welcomes the recognition of the need to continue to support the growth potential of London Southend Airport. It supports options three and four (paragraph 6.117) to retain the policies contained in the JAAP and to seek to improve surface access to the Airport.

Supporting Commercial Development

Response: The Borough Council considers it essential that local retail policy is developed in accordance with the sub-regional strategy that will emerge as part cooperation across South Essex. The Borough Council therefore supports option 5 (paragraph 7.20) to review current action area policies to take into account the provisions of the sub-regional retail strategy.

Delivering Infrastructure
Highway Infrastructure

Response: The Borough Council welcomes the recognition of the need for highway improvements to support economic growth in the sub-region and supports the first option in paragraph 8.21 to 'support improvements to the strategic highway network.'

Sustainable Travel

Response: The Borough Council welcomes the recognition of the need to work in partnership to improve sustainable travel facilities and supports option 1 paragraph 8.37 to improve connectivity across the wider South Essex area. It would prefer to see the option for taking forward SERT (option 2 paragraph 8.37) retained pending further sub-regional work on the development of a Joint Spatial Plan.
Renewable Energy Generation
Response: The Borough council supports option 2 paragraph 8.66 to install new electric vehicle charging points in appropriate areas across the Rochford District. New public fast charging points in all areas of South Essex are crucial components to encourage the adoption of the electric car which the Borough Council sees as a realistic method of reducing air pollution in South Essex leading to the subsequent removal of AQMAs in both Rochford and Southend. Southend Borough council supports the installation of a wide network of electric chargers and fast chargers to aid with maintaining good quality air for the residents.
Supporting Health, Community and Culture

Response: The Borough Council considers it to be essential that partnership working to deliver appropriate future health care facilities continues with health organisations and providers and as part of the wider joint working of the Association of South Essex Local Authorities. The Borough Council supports the options 2 and 4 (paragraph 9.11)to ensure that land is specifically allocated for healthcare facilities and future planning policy builds on the existing healthcare policy to address wider health and well-being issues.

Protecting and Enhancing the Environment
Green Belt

Response: The Borough Council welcomes the recognition that Green Belt policy will need to be reviewed objectively as part of local plan preparation. The Borough Council considers that this should be undertaken in partnership and as part of the wider south Essex planning work. It is considered that option 2 (paragraph 10.16) to 'amend the current Green Belt policy in the Core Strategy' should be the preferred option.

Biodiversity, Geology and Green Infrastructure

Response: The Borough Council supports options 1 and 8 (paragraph 10.27) to protect and enhance the sites of nature conservation importance and to develop greenways providing for important walking and cycling corridors which promote biodiversity and connectivity of habitats.

Landscape Character

Response: The Borough Council considers that a landscape assessment should be undertaken in partnership as an integral part of the Green Belt assessment referred to above.

Detailed Policy Considerations
Mix of Affordable Homes

Response: The Borough Council considers it essential that a clear and objective policy is retained to meet affordable housing taking into account any possible future changes in national planning policy - options 6 and 7 (paragraph 11.5).

Introduction

Para 1.15 Response: The Borough Council welcomes the acknowledgement of the importance of working in partnership and the important role that the Association of South Essex Local Authorities has in providing the guidance and framework for the preparation of local plans in south Essex through the preparation of a Joint Spatial Plan.

Spatial Challenges

Rochford Challenge - how do we deliver new jobs that residents can access?

Following Para 4.5 Response: The Borough Council considers it essential that the Rochford District works closely with the Borough to ensure the effective delivery of employment provision to meet future needs in both Southend and Rochford and welcomes the comments that it needs 'to work closely with our neighbouring areas to ensure that our plans across the sub-region take into consideration future projected growth in homes and jobs'.

Rochford Challenge - how do we deliver infrastructure to support new homes and jobs?

Following Para 4.6 Response: The Borough Council considers it essential that proposals for infrastructure provision are developed in partnership with neighbouring authorities, particularly Southend Borough.

Rochford Challenge - how do we work with our neighbours to meet the requirements of the Duty to Co-operate?

Following Para 4.7 Response: The Borough Council considers it essential that Rochford District continues to work closely with Southend and other south Essex Local Authorities as part of the Association of South Essex Local Authorities and through cooperation on plan making issues of mutual interest and value.

Rochford Challenge - how do we work with our neighbouring areas to address strategic, cross boundary issues, and in particular any unmet need for new homes and jobs?

Following Para 4.17 Response: The Borough Council considers that joint working as part of the Association of South Essex Local Authorities is an effective way to address strategic cross boundary issues, particularly unmet need for new homes and jobs and through cooperation on plan making issues.

Southend is a land constrained authority and may not be able to meet local housing needs in full and therefore continued cooperation is required with Rochford Council and the other authorities of South Essex to ensure that housing need can be met across the housing market area.

Given the extensive boundary between Rochford and Southend and numerous shared assets, joint working between the authorities will be essential to consider strategic issues, particularly around London Southend Airport and environs, building upon the existing Joint Rochford and Southend Area Action Plan.

Rochford Challenge - how do we work with other areas, such as London, to address strategic, cross boundary issues, and in particular any unmet need for new homes and jobs?

Following Para 4.18 Response: The Borough Council considers that the most effective way of working with other areas such as London, is to engage with them as a member of the Association of South Essex Local Authorities.

Vision and Strategic Objectives

Response: The Borough Council welcomes the approach put forward as part of the vision and key themes particularly the recognition in the strategic objectives of the need to work with neighbouring authorities in south Essex and to continue to support 'London Southend Airport as a thriving regional airport, serving London and the South East, as well as supporting the continued growth and innovation at the Airport Business Park'.
However, under the key theme of 'environment' the Borough Council is concerned to ensure that the new local plan takes into full account the identified development needs in the sub-region, particularly in relation to housing provision. As currently drafted 'we have retained our open character and extensive Metropolitan Green Belt designation, whilst providing for the needs of future communities, as far as possible', implies that the there is little scope for meeting future needs outside the current urban areas. The Borough Council considers that this aspect of the theme should be redrafted to recognise the importance of meeting future development needs.

Delivering Homes and Jobs

Para 6.3 Response: Whilst local job growth outside of the main centres should be promoted in sustainable locations and for certain 'bad-neighbour' or 'large footprint' land uses, significant job growth should be prioritised at those major centres that are supported by an adequate resident workforce population and are well served by frequent and extensive public transport, thus facilitating sustainable commuting patterns.

Para 6.29 Response: Detailed scrutiny will be required of the Environmental Capacity Study 2015. Rochford has one of the lowest population densities in the County and the conclusion that there may not be environmental capacity to meet housing need is surprising. The emphasis should be on sustainable development and a balance of social, economic and environmental considerations.

Para. 6.60 Response: Retention of a density policy advocating 30 dwellings per hectare (dph) is overly restrictive with higher densities likely to be sustainable and appropriate in many circumstances, particularly on brownfield land and in areas in close proximity to public transport. A blanket density of 30 dph is not likely to facilitate efficient use of land.

Response: The recognition of the need to work with neighbouring local Authorities in meeting future housing needs is welcomed by the Borough Council and the second option of working 'with neighbouring Local Planning Authorities to ensure that housing need across the South Essex Housing Market Area is effectively met' is supported. The Borough Council also welcomes the recognition that the Green Belt needs to be reassessed as part of the new local plan preparation process. In relation to business needs the Borough Council considers it important that the current employment growth policy is updated to reflect future needs, broadband provision and speed is improved and that the need for supporting sustainable travel options and promoting highways improvements as part of any scheme is essential (paragraph 6.96 options two, three and five).

London Southend Airport

Response: The Borough Council welcomes the recognition of the need to continue to support the growth potential of London Southend Airport. It supports options three and four (paragraph 6.117) to retain the policies contained in the JAAP and to seek to improve surface access to the Airport.

Supporting Commercial Development

Response: The Borough Council considers it essential that local retail policy is developed in accordance with the sub-regional strategy that will emerge as part cooperation across South Essex. The Borough Council therefore supports option 5 (paragraph 7.20) to review current action area policies to take into account the provisions of the sub-regional retail strategy.

Delivering Infrastructure
Highway Infrastructure

Response: The Borough Council welcomes the recognition of the need for highway improvements to support economic growth in the sub-region and supports the first option in paragraph 8.21 to 'support improvements to the strategic highway network.'

Sustainable Travel

Response: The Borough Council welcomes the recognition of the need to work in partnership to improve sustainable travel facilities and supports option 1 paragraph 8.37 to improve connectivity across the wider South Essex area. It would prefer to see the option for taking forward SERT (option 2 paragraph 8.37) retained pending further sub-regional work on the development of a Joint Spatial Plan.
Renewable Energy Generation
Response: The Borough council supports option 2 paragraph 8.66 to install new electric vehicle charging points in appropriate areas across the Rochford District. New public fast charging points in all areas of South Essex are crucial components to encourage the adoption of the electric car which the Borough Council sees as a realistic method of reducing air pollution in South Essex leading to the subsequent removal of AQMAs in both Rochford and Southend. Southend Borough council supports the installation of a wide network of electric chargers and fast chargers to aid with maintaining good quality air for the residents.
Supporting Health, Community and Culture

Response: The Borough Council considers it to be essential that partnership working to deliver appropriate future health care facilities continues with health organisations and providers and as part of the wider joint working of the Association of South Essex Local Authorities. The Borough Council supports the options 2 and 4 (paragraph 9.11)to ensure that land is specifically allocated for healthcare facilities and future planning policy builds on the existing healthcare policy to address wider health and well-being issues.

Protecting and Enhancing the Environment
Green Belt

Response: The Borough Council welcomes the recognition that Green Belt policy will need to be reviewed objectively as part of local plan preparation. The Borough Council considers that this should be undertaken in partnership and as part of the wider south Essex planning work. It is considered that option 2 (paragraph 10.16) to 'amend the current Green Belt policy in the Core Strategy' should be the preferred option.

Biodiversity, Geology and Green Infrastructure

Response: The Borough Council supports options 1 and 8 (paragraph 10.27) to protect and enhance the sites of nature conservation importance and to develop greenways providing for important walking and cycling corridors which promote biodiversity and connectivity of habitats.

Landscape Character

Response: The Borough Council considers that a landscape assessment should be undertaken in partnership as an integral part of the Green Belt assessment referred to above.

Detailed Policy Considerations
Mix of Affordable Homes

Response: The Borough Council considers it essential that a clear and objective policy is retained to meet affordable housing taking into account any possible future changes in national planning policy - options 6 and 7 (paragraph 11.5).