BBC need to include within the Plan evidence, particularly in respect of transport, the site specific, local and cumulative impact on the local and strategic transport network, to demonstrate that the spatial strategy is the most appropriate.

1. Positively prepared
2. Justified
3. Effective
4. Consistent with National Policy

The Plan's narrative requires clearer references to the evidence base to ensure justification of the spatial strategy.

The spatial strategy places a reliance on the provision of the two largest strategic sites (DHGV and BEP) along the A127, referred to as the 'Southern Brentwood Growth Corridor', for some 2,700 homes (up to 4,000 homes beyond the Plan period), and 25.85ha of employment land. However, there is a lack of clarity at this stage, on the transport impacts of development in such locations and the necessary supporting transport infrastructure requirements, particularly sustainable transport (necessary due to the location on the A127 and capacity constraints).

A Local Plan needs to be supported by transport modelling to demonstrate the site specific, local and cumulative impact on the local and strategic transport network, to demonstrate that the spatial strategy is the most appropriate. Since the 2018 consultation BBC and ECC have worked together to progress the additional work needed to be undertaken to provide the transport and highway modelling work to support the Local Plan. This work is still on-going and has not been completed or signed-off.

Specifically, in respect of the BEP, it is currently unclear how access can be achieved directly from J29 of the M25 as a consequence of the Lower Thames Crossing improvements to this junction, which includes a segregated left turn slip road from the A127 to M25 southbound.

BBC therefore need to demonstrate that suitable access arrangements for all modes of travel can be achieved, including appropriate mitigation/improvements. BBC should also demonstrate what discussions have taken place with Highways England, ECC as Highway Authority, and the site promoter to ensure that access arrangements are deliverable and agreed.

In respect of DHGV, due to its location the site will need to reply upon and embed sustainable transport measures, as required in the DHGV policies, to mitigate impacts on the highway network. Such measures will be informed by the outputs of the transport evidence, which is still to be completed.