Comment

Representation ID: 15573

Received: 10/05/2016

Respondent: Castle Point Borough Council

In general terms the preparation of the Draft Local Plan is to be welcomed. The strategy to be pursued appears to support sustainable development and growth, by ensuring that it is closely related to existing infrastructure and facilities. Furthermore the recognition in the Plan of the strategic role of Brentwood town centre and the significant influence of Crossrail is welcomed.

Comment

Representation ID: 15577

Received: 10/05/2016

Respondent: Castle Point Borough Council

Some concerns with aspects of the Plan and its evidence base. The Plan is based on evidence suggesting that it is an independent Strategic Housing Market Area, but the relationship of the periphery of the borough to both Thurrock and Basildon does not suggest that this may be a robust assumption.

Comment

Representation ID: 15580

Received: 10/05/2016

Respondent: Castle Point Borough Council

A significant proportion of the new housing sites are planned for locations outside the current urban areas of the borough. It is a laudable aim of the Plan is to protect the character of the suburban areas and villages; however, by directing new developments outside of these areas it is likely to give rise to issues concerned with sustainability. Travel and transport become significant issues, and there are no proposals within the plan for significant improvements in transport capacity to support dispersed growth, which in turn could have implications for the accessibility of neighbouring areas.

Object

Representation ID: 15581

Received: 10/05/2016

Respondent: Castle Point Borough Council

In terms of objectively assessed housing need, whilst a plan that will meet its needs is supported, there are concerns regarding the appropriateness of the locations of the strategic housing sites selected, for the reasons set out below. A significant proportion of the new housing sites are planned for locations outside the current urban areas of the borough. It is a laudable aim of the Plan is to protect the character of the suburban areas and villages; however, by directing new developments outside of these areas it is likely to give rise to issues concerned with sustainability. Travel and transport become significant issues, and there are no proposals within the plan for significant improvements in transport capacity to support dispersed growth, which in turn could have implications for the accessibility of neighbouring areas.

Comment

Representation ID: 15585

Received: 10/05/2016

Respondent: Castle Point Borough Council

Te Plan does not indicate what transport improvements will be undertaken to accommodate the growth planned within its borough. Further work would be needed to identify what impacts the proposed developments will have on the existing transport networks, and how to mitigate these impacts.
For example the proposed development at Dunton Hills Garden Village involves:
 2,500 new homes;
 at least 5 ha of employment land;
 local shops;
 community facilities;
 schools; and
 healthcare services
The Plan acknowledges that this development would have an impact on the A127 Corridor, but it does not indicate what mitigation measures would be put in place.

Comment

Representation ID: 15588

Received: 10/05/2016

Respondent: Castle Point Borough Council

The Plan's provision for Gypsy and Traveller pitches is supported; however the Plan states that, due to possible changes to the definition of Gypsy and Travellers, this could change. It would be more prudent to deal with this uncertainty through a process of monitoring and review of the effectiveness of the Plan.

Support

Representation ID: 15589

Received: 10/05/2016

Respondent: Castle Point Borough Council

The Plan's policy regarding renewable energy infrastructure is also supported, as is its commitment to reduce CO2 emissions by 20%.