Comment

Representation ID: 242

Received: 01/10/2013

Respondent: Essex County Council

It is noted that the Plan will be supported by key evidence including, but which is not presently available. The County Council would seek to withhold its support for the proposed Spatial Strategy (Policy S1) until these key pieces of evidence are publicly available, since it is presently unable to form a view as to whether the proposed spatial strategy is the most appropriate. At present the Local Plan does not clearly demonstrate the link between the strategy and the conclusions arising from the evidence base. This is also the same for:

Transport modelling
Surface Water Management Plan.

Comment

Representation ID: 245

Received: 01/10/2013

Respondent: Essex County Council

Paragraph 1.14 indicates that a Sustainability Appraisal was undertaken to support the Issues and Options stage of the Local Plan, and to support previous work concerning Gypsy and Traveller sites. Brentwood Borough Council published a Sustainability Scoping Report for consultation in May/July 2013. Consequently, it is unclear how this Appraisal could have appropriately informed the spatial strategy in the Preferred Option Local Plan. As such, as far as can be evidenced, no independent recommendations regarding sustainability could have influenced the production of these two elements of the plan, contrary to paragraph 1.14.

Comment

Representation ID: 246

Received: 01/10/2013

Respondent: Essex County Council

There is a significant deficit of primary school places by 2017/18 and all the remaining schools in the area will be close to capacity or slightly over capacity by 2017/18.

As part of the new proposals, the catchment area of these schools is expected to have to accommodate approximately 900 additional dwellings and their pupil product (approximately 275 pupils). It is expected that this planned growth coupled with existing deficits will lead to a 450 pupil places deficit in primary school places. This cumulative impact will require a new primary school and further assessment by Essex County Council.

Comment

Representation ID: 247

Received: 01/10/2013

Respondent: Essex County Council

Essex CCC notes the numerous references to Crossrail in the Plan and the opportunity this will bring to the retail and leisure offer for Shenfield. However, it is unclear as to whether any reports have been commissioned to consider and identify any opportunities for improving the retail offer and its environment at Shenfield.

Essex County Council would recommend that the social and economic benefits and strategic importance of Crossrail be explored in relation to the emerging spatial strategy. Essex County Council welcomes reference to crossrail as set out at criteria H.

Comment

Representation ID: 248

Received: 01/10/2013

Respondent: Essex County Council

Essex CC would like to see some reference in Policy CP12 - Thriving Town and Local Centres with regards potential enhancements /opportunities at Shenfield.
Paragraph 2.50 refers to the inclusion of Warley Hill within the Brentwood Town Centre, and is indicated on the Policy Map. This Policy should be clear that Warley Hill is included within the town centre, and that the wording under `Brentwood Town Centre' is also relevant to Warley Hill.

Comment

Representation ID: 249

Received: 01/10/2013

Respondent: Essex County Council

Policies Map
A Local Plan should be accompanied by a Policies Map, which spatially demonstrates all the areas where different policies and site allocations will apply. It is also common practice that in draft Local Plans sites are also included which have been rejected and the reasons for their rejection. This would assist in demonstrating that the local authority has considered all relevant proposals in arriving at the Preferred Spatial Strategy.

Comment

Representation ID: 251

Received: 01/10/2013

Respondent: Essex County Council

Essex County Council would like to see more positive support given in policy terms for the improvement and expansion of existing schools. Consequently, a new and additional policy and supporting text as per attachment should be added to read:
'Policy *****: Existing Education Provision
The re-modelling and expansion of education and childcare facilities, including necessary development on school playing fields will be supported where it is proven that such expansion is the most appropriate way to meet local need.'

Comment

Representation ID: 252

Received: 01/10/2013

Respondent: Essex County Council

Reference should be made to the Essex and Southend Replacement Waste Plan (RWLP) and the Essex Replacement Minerals Local Plan (RMLP), as these form part of the Development Plan for Brentwood Borough, and are a material consideration in the determination of planning applications. The RMLP was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for examination in July 2013. The RWLP is presently at Preferred Approach stage and is being considered for compliance with provisions set out in the National Planning Policy Framework.

Comment

Representation ID: 253

Received: 01/10/2013

Respondent: Essex County Council

The Policy identifies the key strategic sites within the proposed spatial strategy. It will be necessary to identify the potential impacts of these sites on the highway network in terms of safety and capacity, and identify necessary mitigation that satisfies both the Highways Agency and Essex County Council. All Strategic Sites will need to be supported by a Transport Assessment and Travel Plans, especially given the location of Brentwood Enterpise Park and West Horndon from Brentwood urban area

Comment

Representation ID: 255

Received: 01/10/2013

Respondent: Essex County Council

The Policy identifies mixed use development at William Hunter Way for leisure, retail and housing purposes, and could lead to the retail/cultural focus of the high street moving north of the high street. The Brentwood library is presently located to the south of the High Street, and there is concern that any refocus of the high street northwards could impact on the footfall for the library service. Appropriate consideration will be necessary to ensure the library maintains and/or enhances its connection to the town centre.