I am the Infrastructure Planning Engineer for UK Power Networks, the host Distribution Network Operator (DNO)for most of Essex and Brentwood falls into my responsibility

Looking over the consultation documents I have a few comments:-
. Generally the estimate 350 houses proposed p.a. if dispersed across the area would not require major reinforcement to the electricity infrastructure. It may need local 11kV and LV works to provide connection directly to the sites or IDNO depending on the developers preferences. Charges for network extensions and connections are met by the developers involved. If centred in a few areas such as option 1 or 2 some reinforcement may be required.
. There is little detail in the consultation regarding employment and this can be more problematic depending the nature of the services, businesses or industry requiring connection to the distribution system. For example a large warehouse covers a large area but uses little power, where-as the same warehouse could be filled with data-centre technology and require the equivalent power of a small town. Again developers or individual companies can approach UKPN for estimates of connection costs for particular sites.
. Based on the existing electricity infrastructure the area to the north of the borough (Ongar) is a semi-rural type of network with overhead lines and few major substations (132/33kV Grid or 33/11kV Primary) and therefore would attract higher connection costs for major developments or large businesses. It is anticipated that a dispersed approach in this area would avoid major reinforcement and therefore housing needs would be met from existing major substations in this area.
. The A12 corridor is serviced with a major Grid substation to the north of Shenfield with strong 33kV interconnection through Brentwood towards Romford in the south west. This would accommodate most commercial and domestic requirements through the period with only the largest connections likely to require major network extension with potentially a need for a new Primary substation. It may be necessary to extend major circuits to help distribute through the area that would normally be achieved with underground cables.
. The A127 corridor and West Horndon and Dunton areas are well served by a recently reinforced Grid substation on the western outskirts of Basildon as well as a new Primary substation at the same location. An existing Primary substation at West Horndon could be reinforced if additional capacity was required. These substations are expected to meet most if not all requirements for housing and commercial/industrial development. Similarly to the A12 and network extensions of major circuits to help distribute through the area that would normally be achieved with underground cables.

I am more than happy for Brentwood Borough Council to contact me directly to discuss our infrastructure and plans through the OfGEM ED1 period 2015-2023.

see attached

see attached

The Parish Council has looked at the Strategic Growth Options document and has come to the following conclusions.

It supports the Plan and the proposal to develop along the A127 Corridor and the Dunton Garden Suburb. We see this joint venture with Basildon Borough Council as a very strategic and sensible way of delivering the required number of houses to meet Government criteria without overly burdening parts of the Borough that do not have the infrastructure to support any reasonably sized development.

This proposal also takes the strain off small Parishes within the Borough and should eliminate the need to develop on inappropriate Green Belt within the Parishes. We are of course mindful that a large chunk of Green Belt will be used to deliver the government requirements in the West Horndon area. However, given the scale of the development, local infrastructure can be put in place and a new rail station is proposed (although not agreed by Network Rail as yet). The A127 road would also get some significant improvements which it is very much in need of.

The consultation document includes many sites within our Parish that we would find unpalatable for development. However, it has been pointed on numerous occasions that these have to be included if they have been proposed at any time, otherwise the LDP document can be deemed as inadmissible. The need to build on these sites is greatly reduced if the larger Dunton Garden Suburb scheme is adopted.

To sum up, we recommend to Brentwood Borough Council that the Parish Council supports the proposed Dunton proposed plan and is in favour of transport corridor led development predominantly along the A127. It does not however support the development of the Green Belt within the smaller parished areas, as with Blackmore, Hook End and Wyatts Green, and feel that the infrastructure would not accommodate such development.

I query whether the A127 Corridor has greater capacity for growth thant the A12 Corridor. The Dunton Garden Suburb option is 'preferred' to all other sites in the A127 Corridor as development on this site (site 200) should create less harm. Site 200, if treated sensitively, has the potential to provide Brentwood Borough Council with the required level of residential development whilst creating a self-sufficient, sustainable development. It should also provide access to levels of infrastructure funding that would offer the best chance for a positive outcome for existing and new residents of the A127 Corridor. It should also enable residential development in and around West Horndon village to be limited to the existing industrial estates. This, if undertaken appropriately, could still enable the village to retain its current 'small community' feel, with the preservation of surrounding famland, open spaces and nature.

However, an appropriate buffer zone needs to be incorporated on the western edge of the development up to the A128 to prevent future urban creep and to minimise the impact of development on existing residents. A woodland area reaching from the west of the Garden Suburb up to Thorndon Country Park would be ideal.

Co-operation with Basildon Council is important but also with Thurrock Unitary Authority, especially in the prevention of development south of West Horndon. Sites 037, 038 and 126 are Green Belt and development of these and any south of the village is strongly opposed. Flood alleviation is not referred to with regard to these sites but is essential that it is addressed.

Given the quality of transport access and the capacity for development of all sites around West Horndon would be the best areas to meet the needs to the borough. There would need to be a significant development of infrastructure: retail, health and education services or example, to encourage the new developments to be relatively self-supporting and reduce the need for unnecessary travel into Brentwood Centre.

The existing infrastructure would need to be improved dramatically for the A127 proposal at West Hornden. The village has the same restrictions as the villages in the north catchment except that a rail link is present. You could argue that the villages in the northern sector are served by the A414.

The A12 option would make more sense due to the existing infrastructure and services, the availability of brownfield sites and the proposed expansion of the rail links due to crossrail.

Both sites at West Horndon and Dunton would appear to be excellent options. It would provide the necessary land and supportive infrastructure. In West Horndon the removal of the industrial site would be a great benefit.

Both Dunton and West Horndon have very positive features

I agree that development along the A127 corridor is the most appropriate option. It is well served by direct access to the A127, so appears to have the best transport links of all the proposal. Accordingly, it will succeed in keeping traffic away from our rural road network.
Any development along the A127 corridor should only occur to the south of the A127. This will ensure a nicer environment and give a sense of openness. This can be achieved by concentrating the development around West Hordon and further to the east (Dunton Garden Suburb).

Whilst I am against development of land other than urban brown-field sites, if further sites are absolutely required (after action is taken to bring unoccupied residential properties back into use), then concentrating development in an area where direct access to excellent existing transport infrastructure would, I believe, be the best option for the borough. This would minimise a wider impact across the borough and help prevent an increase in traffic flows on our rural road network. Accordingly, the two large sites to the south of the A127 (around West Horndon and the Dunton Garden Suburb) appear most appropriate.

I consider the sites around the A12 and A127 corridors to be the best locations for growth.

The potential for growth around the A127 is acknowledged in the consultation. Growth needs to take place where the existing infrastructure can support it. This means that roads and public transport links must be of a suitable size and structure. Without this, any growth will pose a serious risk to public health and safety. Adding additional traffic to roads designed for limited village transport would be irresponsible and dangerous.

Hence, existing sites around the A12 and A127 are more suitable. Thee traffic and pedestrian facilities in place can be used to manage development. The overall image of the area will be less compromised.

I think the 200 site Dunton Garden Suburb

The Dunton Garden Suburb site looks well situated from the perspective of transport infrastructure provided that sufficient additional investment is made. Provision should be secured for all infrastructure (eg transport, education, health, drainage etc) and employment before any construction takes place, with main funding coming from the landowner's and developers' windfall profits on re-designation. Development in the village of West Horndon should only include the current industrial sites.

I agree with the Dunton proposal though greater consideration needs to be given to the isolated sites within the greenbelt

The Dunton Garden Suburb appears to be the best option for growth.

The A127 site appears to offer more scope for redevelopment

The Dunton Garden Suburb project would appear to be the most preferable along with the West Horndon (1500 homes) project. This would be the most cost efficient for the increased public services and utilities that would be required.

Makes sense to build a new community providing infrastructure to support it rather than adding to existing villages

Sensitive development in the corridor would be ok provided the A127 was upgraded to cope additional traffic.

Prioritise West Horndon industrial estate development and 037 whilst minimising impact to existing wildlife.

I think housing on Brownfield sites is definitely preferable to building on greenbelt land, where does it stop?

The A127 Corridor is best suited for growth and development, followed by the A12 Corridor. I would have serious objections to any development within the North of the borough. The most logical and appropriate location is the A127 corridor.

Dunton Garden Village seems ideal, although this is obviously a massive development in the Green Belt.

Development of area 037 for housing and the consideration of developing the Dunton area providing there are improvements to the rail link and A127

A127. The A12 sites 219, 211, and 033 are all within or the Hutton Village Conservation Area. Local services - sewerage, internet - are all over stretched.

I would wish to support the Dunton Garden Suburb as the best way forward. This is due to the fact that this area has the potential to provide a far better infrastructure for a major development than any of the other offerings.

The size of the development would liberate far better funds flow to justify some of the essential but expensive item of infrastructure. It may even be possible to provide a public transport system that would begin to limit our collective dependency on cars. The "Laindon Station" suggestion is a vital element in achieving success.

Losing a vast area of greenbelt is an extremely high price to pay but if we must accommodate a huge number of incomers over 15 years (my estimate 6000 x 3 x 80% = 14,400) then "needs must when the devil drives".

Green Belt Sites around Brentwood

The A127 corridor represents the best location for growth due to good transport links, frequent public transport services and access to local facilities. This is particularly important when considering the location of affordable housing.

Clearly the better infrastructure for growth with both a train station and proximity to two trunk roads, i.e. A13 and A127 exists in the south of the Borough namely the West Hordon area.
I would add that the ancient woodland area of Thorndon Country park and the deer park around Warley common should be preserved as an ancient landscape.