New Local Plan: Spatial Options Document 2021

Dear Sir/Madam
SPATIAL OPTIONS DOCUMENT 2021 .NOTIFICATION OF CONSULTATION UNDER REGULATION 18 OF THE TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (LOCAL PLANNING) (ENGLAND) REGULATIONS 2012, AS AMENDED.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Spatial Options Document 2021. We have reviewed the document and have provided comments in regards to Water Resources, Flood Risk and Ecology. In our response we have commented on specific questions raised in the consultation, where we feel the plan can be
enhanced or strengthened.

Water Resources
Q1. Are there any other technical evidence studies that you feel the Council needs to prepare to inform its new Local Plan, other than those listed in this section?
There needs to be consideration of the South Essex Joint Strategic Plan and the water cycle study. This can highlight where they may be restrictions on development.

Q4. Do you agree with the strategic priorities and objectives we have identified? Is there anything missing from the strategic priorities or objectives that you feel needs to be included?

Strategic Priority 3 mentions providing ‘sufficient provision of infrastructure’. There needs to consideration of this for wastewater/foul water in a strategic objective. Strategic Objective 9 could be amended to cover this: ‘To ensure that all new homes and commercial premises are supported by appropriate, timely and necessary infrastructure to mitigate potential impact, including those relating to transport, utilities, telecommunications (including broadband), open spaces and greenways, flood risk, wastewater treatment capacity, education, health and other community facilities.
This is required in order to ensure development is phased in line with treatment capacity to protect the water environment. If sufficient capacity is not available this can affect the locations of development.
Strategic Objective 20 mentions protecting the ‘natural environment’. This could be strengthened by the addition of rivers and other freshwaters’. This is because the
Water Framework Directive (WFD) requires protection of all waters; rivers, lakes and coastal/estuarine waters.
Options - The options include possible development at several towns. These are served by Water recycling centres, the main ones being Rochford, Rayleigh East,
Rayleigh west. All have some capacity at the moment for development but we recommend early discussions with AWS and use of a water cycle study to ensure
that developments are located and phased with wastewater treatment capacity.

Q10.Do you agree that the Coastal Protection Belt and Upper Roach Valley should be protected from development that would be harmful to their landscape character? Are there other areas that you feel should be protected for their special landscape character?
Page 37 talks about protecting a natural environment and about protected areas. But all water environments are protected under the requirements of the WFD. Assessment of large developments need to consider the main requirements of this directive – that there will not be a deterioration in the water environment and that required improvements in quality are not compromised. The river roach and its tributaries are within the Rochford area, and tributaries of the River Crouch.

Flood Risk
Q2 Do you agree with the draft vision for Rochford?
It would be good to see something in here regarding flood risk, it could maybe fit under the Environment heading and state: We will aim to manage flood risk and
look to sequentially site development out of the flood zone to try to reduce flood risk both now and with the effects of climate change.

Q9 Do you agree we should take a sequential approach to flood risk and coastal change in our plan, locating development away from areas at risk from flooding and coastal erosion where possible?
Yes we agree sequentially siting development out of flood zones. This in itself is the best way that they can best protect their communities from flood risk.
You should also note that since the previous consultation regarding the local plan climate change allowances have been updated, the latest guidance can be found
at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/flood-risk-assessments-climate-change-allowances.

Ecology
We generally agree with the vision and proposals for biodiversity and blue / green infrastructure included in the plan. The following link could be added as a resource
regarding green infrastructure http://www.biogeomorph.org/greengrey/

We trust this information is useful.

Yours faithfully

Mr. Pat Abbott
Planning Advisor
Direct dial 0208 4748011
Direct e-mail pat.abbott@environment-agency.gov.u

Dear Sir/Madam
SPATIAL OPTIONS DOCUMENT 2021 .NOTIFICATION OF CONSULTATION UNDER REGULATION 18 OF THE TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (LOCAL PLANNING) (ENGLAND) REGULATIONS 2012, AS AMENDED.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Spatial Options Document 2021. We have reviewed the document and have provided comments in regards to Water Resources, Flood Risk and Ecology. In our response we have commented on specific questions raised in the consultation, where we feel the plan can be
enhanced or strengthened.

Water Resources
Q1. Are there any other technical evidence studies that you feel the Council needs to prepare to inform its new Local Plan, other than those listed in this section?
There needs to be consideration of the South Essex Joint Strategic Plan and the water cycle study. This can highlight where they may be restrictions on development.

Q4. Do you agree with the strategic priorities and objectives we have identified? Is there anything missing from the strategic priorities or objectives that you feel needs to be included?

Strategic Priority 3 mentions providing ‘sufficient provision of infrastructure’. There needs to consideration of this for wastewater/foul water in a strategic objective. Strategic Objective 9 could be amended to cover this: ‘To ensure that all new homes and commercial premises are supported by appropriate, timely and necessary infrastructure to mitigate potential impact, including those relating to transport, utilities, telecommunications (including broadband), open spaces and greenways, flood risk, wastewater treatment capacity, education, health and other community facilities.
This is required in order to ensure development is phased in line with treatment capacity to protect the water environment. If sufficient capacity is not available this can affect the locations of development.
Strategic Objective 20 mentions protecting the ‘natural environment’. This could be strengthened by the addition of rivers and other freshwaters’. This is because the
Water Framework Directive (WFD) requires protection of all waters; rivers, lakes and coastal/estuarine waters.
Options - The options include possible development at several towns. These are served by Water recycling centres, the main ones being Rochford, Rayleigh East,
Rayleigh west. All have some capacity at the moment for development but we recommend early discussions with AWS and use of a water cycle study to ensure
that developments are located and phased with wastewater treatment capacity.

Q10.Do you agree that the Coastal Protection Belt and Upper Roach Valley should be protected from development that would be harmful to their landscape character? Are there other areas that you feel should be protected for their special landscape character?
Page 37 talks about protecting a natural environment and about protected areas. But all water environments are protected under the requirements of the WFD. Assessment of large developments need to consider the main requirements of this directive – that there will not be a deterioration in the water environment and that required improvements in quality are not compromised. The river roach and its tributaries are within the Rochford area, and tributaries of the River Crouch.

Flood Risk
Q2 Do you agree with the draft vision for Rochford?
It would be good to see something in here regarding flood risk, it could maybe fit under the Environment heading and state: We will aim to manage flood risk and
look to sequentially site development out of the flood zone to try to reduce flood risk both now and with the effects of climate change.

Q9 Do you agree we should take a sequential approach to flood risk and coastal change in our plan, locating development away from areas at risk from flooding and coastal erosion where possible?
Yes we agree sequentially siting development out of flood zones. This in itself is the best way that they can best protect their communities from flood risk.
You should also note that since the previous consultation regarding the local plan climate change allowances have been updated, the latest guidance can be found
at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/flood-risk-assessments-climate-change-allowances.

Ecology
We generally agree with the vision and proposals for biodiversity and blue / green infrastructure included in the plan. The following link could be added as a resource
regarding green infrastructure http://www.biogeomorph.org/greengrey/

We trust this information is useful.

Yours faithfully

Mr. Pat Abbott
Planning Advisor
Direct dial 0208 4748011
Direct e-mail pat.abbott@environment-agency.gov.u

Dear Sir/Madam
SPATIAL OPTIONS DOCUMENT 2021 .NOTIFICATION OF CONSULTATION UNDER REGULATION 18 OF THE TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (LOCAL PLANNING) (ENGLAND) REGULATIONS 2012, AS AMENDED.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Spatial Options Document 2021. We have reviewed the document and have provided comments in regards to Water Resources, Flood Risk and Ecology. In our response we have commented on specific questions raised in the consultation, where we feel the plan can be
enhanced or strengthened.

Water Resources
Q1. Are there any other technical evidence studies that you feel the Council needs to prepare to inform its new Local Plan, other than those listed in this section?
There needs to be consideration of the South Essex Joint Strategic Plan and the water cycle study. This can highlight where they may be restrictions on development.

Q4. Do you agree with the strategic priorities and objectives we have identified? Is there anything missing from the strategic priorities or objectives that you feel needs to be included?

Strategic Priority 3 mentions providing ‘sufficient provision of infrastructure’. There needs to consideration of this for wastewater/foul water in a strategic objective. Strategic Objective 9 could be amended to cover this: ‘To ensure that all new homes and commercial premises are supported by appropriate, timely and necessary infrastructure to mitigate potential impact, including those relating to transport, utilities, telecommunications (including broadband), open spaces and greenways, flood risk, wastewater treatment capacity, education, health and other community facilities.
This is required in order to ensure development is phased in line with treatment capacity to protect the water environment. If sufficient capacity is not available this can affect the locations of development.
Strategic Objective 20 mentions protecting the ‘natural environment’. This could be strengthened by the addition of rivers and other freshwaters’. This is because the
Water Framework Directive (WFD) requires protection of all waters; rivers, lakes and coastal/estuarine waters.
Options - The options include possible development at several towns. These are served by Water recycling centres, the main ones being Rochford, Rayleigh East,
Rayleigh west. All have some capacity at the moment for development but we recommend early discussions with AWS and use of a water cycle study to ensure
that developments are located and phased with wastewater treatment capacity.

Q10.Do you agree that the Coastal Protection Belt and Upper Roach Valley should be protected from development that would be harmful to their landscape character? Are there other areas that you feel should be protected for their special landscape character?
Page 37 talks about protecting a natural environment and about protected areas. But all water environments are protected under the requirements of the WFD. Assessment of large developments need to consider the main requirements of this directive – that there will not be a deterioration in the water environment and that required improvements in quality are not compromised. The river roach and its tributaries are within the Rochford area, and tributaries of the River Crouch.

Flood Risk
Q2 Do you agree with the draft vision for Rochford?
It would be good to see something in here regarding flood risk, it could maybe fit under the Environment heading and state: We will aim to manage flood risk and
look to sequentially site development out of the flood zone to try to reduce flood risk both now and with the effects of climate change.

Q9 Do you agree we should take a sequential approach to flood risk and coastal change in our plan, locating development away from areas at risk from flooding and coastal erosion where possible?
Yes we agree sequentially siting development out of flood zones. This in itself is the best way that they can best protect their communities from flood risk.
You should also note that since the previous consultation regarding the local plan climate change allowances have been updated, the latest guidance can be found
at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/flood-risk-assessments-climate-change-allowances.

Ecology
We generally agree with the vision and proposals for biodiversity and blue / green infrastructure included in the plan. The following link could be added as a resource
regarding green infrastructure http://www.biogeomorph.org/greengrey/

We trust this information is useful.

Yours faithfully

Mr. Pat Abbott
Planning Advisor
Direct dial 0208 4748011
Direct e-mail pat.abbott@environment-agency.gov.u

Dear Sir/Madam
SPATIAL OPTIONS DOCUMENT 2021 .NOTIFICATION OF CONSULTATION UNDER REGULATION 18 OF THE TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (LOCAL PLANNING) (ENGLAND) REGULATIONS 2012, AS AMENDED.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Spatial Options Document 2021. We have reviewed the document and have provided comments in regards to Water Resources, Flood Risk and Ecology. In our response we have commented on specific questions raised in the consultation, where we feel the plan can be
enhanced or strengthened.

Water Resources
Q1. Are there any other technical evidence studies that you feel the Council needs to prepare to inform its new Local Plan, other than those listed in this section?
There needs to be consideration of the South Essex Joint Strategic Plan and the water cycle study. This can highlight where they may be restrictions on development.

Q4. Do you agree with the strategic priorities and objectives we have identified? Is there anything missing from the strategic priorities or objectives that you feel needs to be included?

Strategic Priority 3 mentions providing ‘sufficient provision of infrastructure’. There needs to consideration of this for wastewater/foul water in a strategic objective. Strategic Objective 9 could be amended to cover this: ‘To ensure that all new homes and commercial premises are supported by appropriate, timely and necessary infrastructure to mitigate potential impact, including those relating to transport, utilities, telecommunications (including broadband), open spaces and greenways, flood risk, wastewater treatment capacity, education, health and other community facilities.
This is required in order to ensure development is phased in line with treatment capacity to protect the water environment. If sufficient capacity is not available this can affect the locations of development.
Strategic Objective 20 mentions protecting the ‘natural environment’. This could be strengthened by the addition of rivers and other freshwaters’. This is because the
Water Framework Directive (WFD) requires protection of all waters; rivers, lakes and coastal/estuarine waters.
Options - The options include possible development at several towns. These are served by Water recycling centres, the main ones being Rochford, Rayleigh East,
Rayleigh west. All have some capacity at the moment for development but we recommend early discussions with AWS and use of a water cycle study to ensure
that developments are located and phased with wastewater treatment capacity.

Q10.Do you agree that the Coastal Protection Belt and Upper Roach Valley should be protected from development that would be harmful to their landscape character? Are there other areas that you feel should be protected for their special landscape character?
Page 37 talks about protecting a natural environment and about protected areas. But all water environments are protected under the requirements of the WFD. Assessment of large developments need to consider the main requirements of this directive – that there will not be a deterioration in the water environment and that required improvements in quality are not compromised. The river roach and its tributaries are within the Rochford area, and tributaries of the River Crouch.

Flood Risk
Q2 Do you agree with the draft vision for Rochford?
It would be good to see something in here regarding flood risk, it could maybe fit under the Environment heading and state: We will aim to manage flood risk and
look to sequentially site development out of the flood zone to try to reduce flood risk both now and with the effects of climate change.

Q9 Do you agree we should take a sequential approach to flood risk and coastal change in our plan, locating development away from areas at risk from flooding and coastal erosion where possible?
Yes we agree sequentially siting development out of flood zones. This in itself is the best way that they can best protect their communities from flood risk.
You should also note that since the previous consultation regarding the local plan climate change allowances have been updated, the latest guidance can be found
at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/flood-risk-assessments-climate-change-allowances.

Ecology
We generally agree with the vision and proposals for biodiversity and blue / green infrastructure included in the plan. The following link could be added as a resource
regarding green infrastructure http://www.biogeomorph.org/greengrey/

We trust this information is useful.

Yours faithfully

Mr. Pat Abbott
Planning Advisor
Direct dial 0208 4748011
Direct e-mail pat.abbott@environment-agency.gov.u

Dear Sir/Madam
SPATIAL OPTIONS DOCUMENT 2021 .NOTIFICATION OF CONSULTATION UNDER REGULATION 18 OF THE TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (LOCAL PLANNING) (ENGLAND) REGULATIONS 2012, AS AMENDED.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Spatial Options Document 2021. We have reviewed the document and have provided comments in regards to Water Resources, Flood Risk and Ecology. In our response we have commented on specific questions raised in the consultation, where we feel the plan can be
enhanced or strengthened.

Water Resources
Q1. Are there any other technical evidence studies that you feel the Council needs to prepare to inform its new Local Plan, other than those listed in this section?
There needs to be consideration of the South Essex Joint Strategic Plan and the water cycle study. This can highlight where they may be restrictions on development.

Q4. Do you agree with the strategic priorities and objectives we have identified? Is there anything missing from the strategic priorities or objectives that you feel needs to be included?

Strategic Priority 3 mentions providing ‘sufficient provision of infrastructure’. There needs to consideration of this for wastewater/foul water in a strategic objective. Strategic Objective 9 could be amended to cover this: ‘To ensure that all new homes and commercial premises are supported by appropriate, timely and necessary infrastructure to mitigate potential impact, including those relating to transport, utilities, telecommunications (including broadband), open spaces and greenways, flood risk, wastewater treatment capacity, education, health and other community facilities.
This is required in order to ensure development is phased in line with treatment capacity to protect the water environment. If sufficient capacity is not available this can affect the locations of development.
Strategic Objective 20 mentions protecting the ‘natural environment’. This could be strengthened by the addition of rivers and other freshwaters’. This is because the
Water Framework Directive (WFD) requires protection of all waters; rivers, lakes and coastal/estuarine waters.
Options - The options include possible development at several towns. These are served by Water recycling centres, the main ones being Rochford, Rayleigh East,
Rayleigh west. All have some capacity at the moment for development but we recommend early discussions with AWS and use of a water cycle study to ensure
that developments are located and phased with wastewater treatment capacity.

Q10.Do you agree that the Coastal Protection Belt and Upper Roach Valley should be protected from development that would be harmful to their landscape character? Are there other areas that you feel should be protected for their special landscape character?
Page 37 talks about protecting a natural environment and about protected areas. But all water environments are protected under the requirements of the WFD. Assessment of large developments need to consider the main requirements of this directive – that there will not be a deterioration in the water environment and that required improvements in quality are not compromised. The river roach and its tributaries are within the Rochford area, and tributaries of the River Crouch.

Flood Risk
Q2 Do you agree with the draft vision for Rochford?
It would be good to see something in here regarding flood risk, it could maybe fit under the Environment heading and state: We will aim to manage flood risk and
look to sequentially site development out of the flood zone to try to reduce flood risk both now and with the effects of climate change.

Q9 Do you agree we should take a sequential approach to flood risk and coastal change in our plan, locating development away from areas at risk from flooding and coastal erosion where possible?
Yes we agree sequentially siting development out of flood zones. This in itself is the best way that they can best protect their communities from flood risk.
You should also note that since the previous consultation regarding the local plan climate change allowances have been updated, the latest guidance can be found
at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/flood-risk-assessments-climate-change-allowances.

Ecology
We generally agree with the vision and proposals for biodiversity and blue / green infrastructure included in the plan. The following link could be added as a resource
regarding green infrastructure http://www.biogeomorph.org/greengrey/

We trust this information is useful.

Yours faithfully

Mr. Pat Abbott
Planning Advisor
Direct dial 0208 4748011
Direct e-mail pat.abbott@environment-agency.gov.u

Dear Sir/Madam
SPATIAL OPTIONS DOCUMENT 2021 .NOTIFICATION OF CONSULTATION UNDER REGULATION 18 OF THE TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (LOCAL PLANNING) (ENGLAND) REGULATIONS 2012, AS AMENDED.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Spatial Options Document 2021. We have reviewed the document and have provided comments in regards to Water Resources, Flood Risk and Ecology. In our response we have commented on specific questions raised in the consultation, where we feel the plan can be
enhanced or strengthened.

Water Resources
Q1. Are there any other technical evidence studies that you feel the Council needs to prepare to inform its new Local Plan, other than those listed in this section?
There needs to be consideration of the South Essex Joint Strategic Plan and the water cycle study. This can highlight where they may be restrictions on development.

Q4. Do you agree with the strategic priorities and objectives we have identified? Is there anything missing from the strategic priorities or objectives that you feel needs to be included?

Strategic Priority 3 mentions providing ‘sufficient provision of infrastructure’. There needs to consideration of this for wastewater/foul water in a strategic objective. Strategic Objective 9 could be amended to cover this: ‘To ensure that all new homes and commercial premises are supported by appropriate, timely and necessary infrastructure to mitigate potential impact, including those relating to transport, utilities, telecommunications (including broadband), open spaces and greenways, flood risk, wastewater treatment capacity, education, health and other community facilities.
This is required in order to ensure development is phased in line with treatment capacity to protect the water environment. If sufficient capacity is not available this can affect the locations of development.
Strategic Objective 20 mentions protecting the ‘natural environment’. This could be strengthened by the addition of rivers and other freshwaters’. This is because the
Water Framework Directive (WFD) requires protection of all waters; rivers, lakes and coastal/estuarine waters.
Options - The options include possible development at several towns. These are served by Water recycling centres, the main ones being Rochford, Rayleigh East,
Rayleigh west. All have some capacity at the moment for development but we recommend early discussions with AWS and use of a water cycle study to ensure
that developments are located and phased with wastewater treatment capacity.

Q10.Do you agree that the Coastal Protection Belt and Upper Roach Valley should be protected from development that would be harmful to their landscape character? Are there other areas that you feel should be protected for their special landscape character?
Page 37 talks about protecting a natural environment and about protected areas. But all water environments are protected under the requirements of the WFD. Assessment of large developments need to consider the main requirements of this directive – that there will not be a deterioration in the water environment and that required improvements in quality are not compromised. The river roach and its tributaries are within the Rochford area, and tributaries of the River Crouch.

Flood Risk
Q2 Do you agree with the draft vision for Rochford?
It would be good to see something in here regarding flood risk, it could maybe fit under the Environment heading and state: We will aim to manage flood risk and
look to sequentially site development out of the flood zone to try to reduce flood risk both now and with the effects of climate change.

Q9 Do you agree we should take a sequential approach to flood risk and coastal change in our plan, locating development away from areas at risk from flooding and coastal erosion where possible?
Yes we agree sequentially siting development out of flood zones. This in itself is the best way that they can best protect their communities from flood risk.
You should also note that since the previous consultation regarding the local plan climate change allowances have been updated, the latest guidance can be found
at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/flood-risk-assessments-climate-change-allowances.

Ecology
We generally agree with the vision and proposals for biodiversity and blue / green infrastructure included in the plan. The following link could be added as a resource
regarding green infrastructure http://www.biogeomorph.org/greengrey/

We trust this information is useful.

Yours faithfully

Mr. Pat Abbott
Planning Advisor
Direct dial 0208 4748011
Direct e-mail pat.abbott@environment-agency.gov.u