To make this Plan sound, we suggest that the strategic polices for DHGV incorporate multi-user paths suitable for ALL users as default, and to ensure connectivity for all vulnerable road users across the major roads/railway forming the site's boundary.

DH01b and f: we have already made reference within the main body of the Plan regarding the need to provide safe, off-road routes for ALL vulnerable road users - pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians and the disabled, rather than the walker/cyclists bias that this Plan states at the moment. After all, if you are creating one path why not make it fully inclusive - it costs no more and does not discriminate against one user group. We would also emphasise the need to ensure connectivity between the site and the surrounding areas especially across major transport arteries, for example the railway line and the A127, together with the existing busy roads bounding the site both east and west. If no connectivity is enabled, then getting people out of their cars will just not happen, and such links must be accessible for all user groups including equestrians.

...to deliver a healthy, walkable and climatically adapted public realm and "richly biodiverse" multi-functional green and blue infrastructure, amongst the backdrop views of the Essex countryside.

DH01b: LANDSCAPE-LED.

With regards to DH01b, we are disappointed to note that there is no mention of net gains. In order to accord with the NPPF and to deliver a genuinely sustainable development, there must be a policy commitment to deliver no net loss, and aim to deliver a measurable net gain in biodiversity.

We would advise that the policy should be amended to include this.

Amend DH01f as follows -

DH01f: Active and Sustainable Travel

3. Effective.

To be consistent with the wording associated with DH01f the title should include the word 'Active'.