Comment

Representation ID: 5692

Received: 25/02/2015

Respondent: Natural England

The large scale development described for the 'Dunton Garden Suburb' scheme has the potential to have significant negative effects on habitats and species within and close to it, for example due to direct loss of woodland within the area or increased recreational pressure on sensitive habitats from the residents of the 4,000-6,000 additional homes. This effect is judged to be uncertain as it may be possible to avoid or reduce the potential effects by sensitive layout and design of development and appropriate design of the "generous green space" to be provided.

Comment

Representation ID: 5693

Received: 25/02/2015

Respondent: Natural England

It is advised that consideration is given to additional mitigation measures, potential through a strategic approach. These should include planning for the provision of 'off-site' compensatory habitats to address likely residual impacts upon Priority Habitats and Species*, and long-term financial support to land managers of nearby Green Infrastructure that may be subject to significant additional recreational pressure.

Comment

Representation ID: 5694

Received: 25/02/2015

Respondent: Natural England

Given the scale and proximity of possible development to the Thorndon Park SSSI (circa 750m to the northwest) and Basildon Meadows SSSI (circa 3km to the southeast), further assessment of the recreational impacts upon these statutory protected sites is necessary. Both are located within Country Parks with existing high-levels of public recreation. Disturbance, trampling of sensitive vegetation and nutrient enrichment from dog-fouling represent some of the issues that already pose a challenge to conserving 'notified special interest features'.

Comment

Representation ID: 5696

Received: 25/02/2015

Respondent: Natural England

Essex County Council own considerable areas of Thorndon Park and Basildon Meadows SSSI; and its Country Parks service are responsible for the day-to-day management of Thorndon Country Park. Therefore, appropriate representation from the Parks Service should be sought to inform the design of future assessment/mitigation studies for ecology and green infrastructure.