Policy 9.1: Historic and Natural Environment Landscape Character
Object
Draft Local Plan
Representation ID: 13157
Received: 24/02/2016
Respondent: Woodland Trust
Ancient woodland should be protected and buffered from development.
[With only 2.4% of the land area in Great Britain covered by ancient woodland, it is essential that no more of this finite resource is lost. This means that ancient woodland must be protected absolutely from permanent clearance, but also that it must be protected from damaging effects of adjacent and nearby land-use that could threaten the integrity of the habitat and survival of its special characteristics.]
We would wish to see ancient woodland given full protection in this plan.
Ancient woods are irreplaceable. They are our richest terrestrial wildlife habitats, with complex ecological communities that have developed over centuries, and contain a high proportion of rare and threatened species, many of which are dependent on the particular conditions that this habitat affords. For this reason, ancient woods are reservoirs of biodiversity, but because the resource is limited and highly fragmented, they and their associated wildlife are particularly vulnerable.
Their long continuity and lack of disturbance means ancient woods are often also living history books, preserving archaeological features and evidence of past land use, from earthworks to charcoal pits. They are also places of great aesthetic appeal, making them attractive for recreation and the many benefits this can bring in terms of health and well being.
With only 2.4% of the land area in Great Britain covered by ancient woodland, it is essential that no more of this finite resource is lost. This means that ancient woodland must be protected absolutely from permanent clearance, but also that it must be protected from damaging effects of adjacent and nearby land-use that could threaten the integrity of the habitat and survival of its special characteristics.
It is not possible to replace ancient woodland by planting a new site, or attempting translocation. Every ancient wood is a unique habitat that has evolved over centuries, with a complex interdependency of geology, soils, hydrology, flora and fauna.
For this reason the Trust believes ancient woodland must be given absolute protection under this plan.
Comment
Draft Local Plan
Representation ID: 13612
Received: 23/03/2016
Respondent: Anne Clark
Para 9.8: "The council is committed to protecting Brentwood's special and valued historic environment and natural landscape." You also say that protecting it is "high priority". If this is the case, don't destroy ANY of it! If you want to protect something, protect it properly! Do what you say!
9.8: "The council is committed to protecting Brentwood's special and valued historic environment and natural landscape." You also say that protecting it is "high priority". If this is the case, don't destroy ANY of it! If you want to protect something, protect it properly! Do what you say!
Support
Draft Local Plan
Representation ID: 15170
Received: 28/04/2016
Respondent: CEG Land Promotions Limited
Agent: CODE Development Planners Ltd
CEG supports policy 9.1 and its aims to safeguard the diversity and local distinctiveness of the Borough, including its varied landscapes, heritage, biodiversity and habitats. CEG are also supportive of the aim that development should foster a sense of place and local identity and respect, and where possible, enhance the character of the area.
The allocation of Dunton Hills Garden Village affords a unique opportunity to achieve these aims. The early evidence prepared by the Promoters illustrates how the site can successfully deliver these aims.
See attached
Support
Draft Local Plan
Representation ID: 15515
Received: 10/05/2016
Respondent: Environment Agency
We are very supportive of this policy, which gives regard to conserving and enhancing biodiversity and habitats, including the creation of new habitats.
See attachments
Comment
Draft Local Plan
Representation ID: 15856
Received: 11/05/2016
Respondent: Essex County Council
To assist in reviewing the policies, see ECC Place Services latest revised version of "Model Policies for Local Plans".
See attached
Comment
Draft Local Plan
Representation ID: 16161
Received: 16/05/2016
Respondent: Countryside Properties
Agent: Andrew Martin Planning Ltd
Countryside Properties also independently commissioned Rummey Design to look at Green Belt and landscape issues in relation to strategic options for growth, including Dunton (written when the joint proposals were being considered) and West Horndon. The report prepared by Rummey Design forms part of Appendix 2. The land to the east of West Horndon affects 3 of the 5 purposes of GB, compared to other strategic growth locations these would be low. Benefits could offset the relatively minor harm it would cause.
See attached
Object
Draft Local Plan
Representation ID: 16164
Received: 16/05/2016
Respondent: Countryside Properties
Agent: Andrew Martin Planning Ltd
Noted that land adjacent to Dunton is designated as a Historic Environment Zone, Dunton has a low landscape capacity to accommodate development without landscape impacts and would be visible form extensive transport networks surrounding the site. The development would lie closer to West Horndon that the Dunton garden suburb and would contribute to a perception of urban sprawl.
See attached