Clarity is sought on the deliverability and phasing of employment land allocations in order to meet requirements outlined in the Local Plan.

3. Effective.

It is acknowledged that paragraph 7.30 recognises the need to manage the transition of current employment sites, which are to be redeveloped for residential purposes, through the early delivery of strategic sites within the A127 corridor.

BBC needs to be satisfied that their approach to dealing with proposals for employment land loss will not undermine the supply of employment land (and sites) for the borough. Employment land loss to higher value land uses, particularly residential (or retail) use, might be anticipated if effective measures are not in place to manage this process.

It is considered that without such measures, the strategy may not support existing businesses or deliver the jobs required within Brentwood borough.

Amend Policy PC09 Criterion I. b. as follows -

'...with priority given to passenger transport, pedestrian...'

4. Consistent with National Policy.

Linkages to Brentwood station should include all modes of sustainable transport, currently passenger transport is not included.

Delete criterion F of Policy PC15, and insert the following wording after paragraph 7.103 -

The Council acknowledges that due to the extent of the Green Belt in Brentwood there may be instances where new buildings related to community or educational uses may be proposed e.g. a new village hall, ancillary buildings related to an existing school. In accordance with the NPPF, these types of uses will be considered inappropriate development. However, the locational need for these types of uses will be given appropriate weight when considering whether there are very special circumstances that weigh in favour of the proposals.

4. Consistent with National Policy.

Policy PC15 F as currently proposed allows for the provision of educational facilities in the Green Belt to be looked upon favourably.

During the EIP for Chelmsford City Council's (CCC) Local Plan the Inspector's view that education and community use is inappropriate development in the Green Belt was generally accepted. As a result CCC suggested Main Modification to comply with the NPPF (paragraphs 143 & 145). This is set out in the Examination Hearing Statement - Matter 9 - The Environment, as follow -

Proposed changes:
Delete criterion A. (iv) of Policy CO2.
Amend the text of paragraph 8.49 of the Reasoned Justification to:

The Council acknowledges that due to the extent of the Green Belt in Chelmsford
there may be instances where new buildings related to community or educational uses may be proposed e.g. a new village hall, new ancillary buildings related to an existing school. In accordance with the NPPF, these types of uses will be considered inappropriate development. However, the locational need for these types of uses will be given appropriate weight when considering whether there are very special circumstances that weigh in favour of the proposals.

It is recommended that criterion F of Policy PC15 be deleted and supporting text is inserted/amended within the Green Belt section of the Local Plan.

Amend paragraph 7.94 to read as follows -

Education in this section relates to early years and childcare, primary....',

2. Justified.

Request additional wording to be inserted to include childcare to paragraphs 7.94 to ensure that the full range of education provision is considered.

Amend first sentence of paragraph 7.97 to read as follows -

'...early years and childcare and school place planning.

2. Justified.

Request additional wording to be inserted to include childcare to paragraphs 7.97 to ensure that the full range of education provision is considered.

Insert additional paragraph after paragraph 7.102 to read as follows -

All of the secondary schools within Brentwood have 6th form provision, learner's wishing to study vocational subjects either travel to South Essex College (Thurrock/Basildon), Chelmsford College with a further cohort traveling into Havering.

2. Justified.

The supporting text to Policy PC 15 should also include reference to Post 16 education and skills to ensure the full range of education provision is considered.

Add the following wording to the end of paragraph 8.5 -

with a commitment to improving connectivity for wildlife and people e.g. Green and Blue Infrastructure and Open Space policies.

4. Consistent with National Policy.

Additional wording requested to ensure consideration of connectivity for wildlife and people in line with paragraph 91 of the NPPF.

Add an additional paragraph after paragraph 8.11 with the following words:

The borough also contains irreplaceable habitats such as ancient woodland, ancient and veteran trees and lowland fen. These habitats would be technically very difficult (or take a very significant time) to restore, recreate or replace once destroyed, taking into account their age, uniqueness, species diversity or rarity.

4. Consistent with National Policy.

Additional wording requested to ensure consistency with paragraph 175 of the NPPF.

Change D. a. to read as follows:

'...ecological survey and assessment as....'

4. Consistent with National Policy.

Additional wording requested to ensure consistency with paragraph 175 of the NPPF.

Amend paragraph 8.19 to read as follows -
'...compensation measures and refuse planning applications. The...'

4. Consistent with National Policy.

Where insufficient information is provided to demonstrate the impacts (including cumulatively) of development on wildlife then the Council should refuse applications and not use conditions to secure such information.

A Local Planning Authority needs certainty of impacts from development prior to the determination of planning applications.

Paragraph 8.19 should be amended to make this clear.