Support

Representation ID: 5843

Received: 17/02/2015

Respondent: Environment Agency

We are broadly in agreement with the approach which in our view is consistent with taking a suitable spatial approach to the planning and managing of growth.

Comment

Representation ID: 5844

Received: 17/02/2015

Respondent: Environment Agency

Although we agree with the limited issues raised, we consider that a very light touch, high level approach has been taken and consequently there is little in the way of specific details at this stage.

Comment

Representation ID: 5845

Received: 17/02/2015

Respondent: Environment Agency

Our main concern is that the sustainability of sites should be the main factor that drives the selection process.

Comment

Representation ID: 5846

Received: 17/02/2015

Respondent: Environment Agency

We have no specific recommendations for the best location but would consider that the Dunton Garden Suburb Strategic Allocation offers possible sustainable benefits of extending an existing urban area on the east side of Basildon.
On this point we would mention that major planned developments such as new settlements and urban extensions provide an opportunity to design-in the greenest of technologies and infrastructure from scratch, in ways that are not possible in smaller infill schemes1. With this mind, we consider that the proposed scale of development would lend itself well to the use of technologies and construction methods that underpin the principles of high quality sustainable development. Such development should aim to be, in our view, designed along the lines of Eco-town standards and Garden Suburb attributes envisaged by the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA). The creation of a high quality sustainable development would provide an excellent opportunity to uphold the development as an exemplary to the planning world.

Comment

Representation ID: 5847

Received: 17/02/2015

Respondent: Environment Agency

The same principles discussed under our response to Q4 apply to this question as well, though we would mention here that achieving critical mass is important in terms of infrastructure delivery and it is possibly the case that sites along the A12 Corridor may not be sufficient in size.

Comment

Representation ID: 5848

Received: 17/02/2015

Respondent: Environment Agency

Government guidance appears to continue favouring, in the first instance, the re-development of brownfield sites.

Comment

Representation ID: 5852

Received: 17/02/2015

Respondent: Environment Agency

The planning of new development should look at infrastructure requirements such as new or upgrades to waste water treatment plants and water supply. These aspects are discussed below.
Water Quality and Waste Water Disposal-
A high quality water environment supports wildlife but also provides quality of life benefits and can support local economies including boosting land and property values, agriculture, tourism and recreation. Where it is not properly planned for, new development can increase pressure on the water environment. Where development is properly planned it can provide opportunities to protect and enhance the water quality, amenity and biodiversity within a catchment. (as supported by NPPF paras 177, 109 & 110)
Pressures on the water environment arise from point sources, such as waste water treatment works, and diffuse pollution sources such as urban water run-off. Waste water treatment and the quality of the water environment should be addressed in the Local Plan to ensure there is infrastructure to support sustainable growth and ensure there is no deterioration of water quality.

Comment

Representation ID: 5853

Received: 17/02/2015

Respondent: Environment Agency

Water Quality and Waste Water Disposal-
A water cycle study is a useful and indeed important source of evidence to inform planning. Water cycle study guidance has been produced to assist local authorities in commissioning WCS (see link) The absence of such study would mean, in our view, that a Local Plan was unsound under the NPPF tests of soundness. We would be happy to join in a discussion with the Council and the sewerage undertaker/ water supplier on the carrying out of a Water Cycle Study.

Comment

Representation ID: 5854

Received: 17/02/2015

Respondent: Environment Agency

Water Quality and Waste Water Disposal-
River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) produced by the Environment Agency are the over-arching source of information on the water environment and the actions we and others are undertaking. The NPPF states in paragraph 165 that RBMPs should be used as evidence on which to base planning decisions. This promotes the use of "up-to-date information about the natural environment" which should be useful to inform the action needed to improve water quality in Local Plans. All public bodies, including local authorities are required to "have regard to the River Basin Management Plan and any supplementary plans in exercising their functions".

Comment

Representation ID: 5855

Received: 17/02/2015

Respondent: Environment Agency

Water Resources-
Water resources are critical to sustainable economic growth and housing development as well as supporting the natural environment. Increasing population and a changing climate will have an impact on water resources in the future. As East Anglia is a water stressed area, we would refer the Council to paragraph 162 of the NPPF which states that local planning authorities should work with other authorities and providers to assess the quality and capacity of infrastructure for...water supply...'