5.1 Common Issues for all Types of Development

The Committee of the Leigh society welcome this draft Document.
It is clearly laid out, well designed and easy to read.
However, we feel it would be further improved if the sections in the Contents were labelled with page numbers for reference.

All in all this is a very welcome document and we commend the officers for their efforts.

1. Introduction
1.1 Southend-on-Sea Borough Council has issued for consultation on a final draft refresh of its Design and Townscape Guide Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).
This updates the original version which was first published in 2006, and takes into account new policy and other guidance documents, including the Southend on Sea Core Strategy (adopted December 2007) which sets out the spatial plan for development in the Borough.
1.2 The closing date for comments is 30th April 2009. Further details can be found on the Council's website at http://www.southend.gov.uk.content.asp?content=11808
2. Background
2.1 Southend is a Unitary Authority along the South Essex coast covering an area of approx 42 sq.km's (16 sq.miles). The town expanded rapidly in the late 19th/early 20th centuries, principally through its attraction as a seaside resort and because of its proximity to London, which is only 40 miles away. In 2001 the population stood at 160,000.
2.2 Southend forms the begninning and end of a major east-west transport corridor with London comprising two key strategic highways (the A13 and A127/A1159), and two railway lines (London to Shoeburyness, and London to Southend. Just to the north, in neighbouring Rochford, lies London Southend Airport.
3. Regional and Local Policy
3.1 Planning policy for Southend is contained within the adopted East of England Plan (May 2008) and Southend on Sea Core Strategy .
3.2 In carrying out this review, all policies within the adopted East of England Plan have been considered.
4 Comment
4.1 This Design and Townscape Refresh document provides details (local) guidance across four main topic areas: Principles of good Design: Sustainable Development and Design: The Historic Environment: and Detailed Requirements for Good Design. Each topic area is related back two key core Strategy Objectives and two Key Policies.
5 Recommendations
5.1 The Standing Committee is asked to consider the recommendation that the Southend on Sea Design and Townscape Guide Refresh 2009 consultation document does not give rise to any major conformity issues with the East of England Plan.

2.3.2.3 Noise: Point 83
Consideration should be given to adding a further sentence: Noise caused by new development or that will be suffered by the development due to adjoining land uses should be considered at the design stage. Some developments may not be possible if there is an unresolvable noise conflict between adjoining land uses.
5.1.5.1 New Public Roads
Consideration should be given to mentioning the need for a noise assessment in respect of new roads with high traffic flows.
5.1.6.2 Ventilation, Air Handling Equipment and other Plant
314. In addition to odour and fumes etc. it is suggested that dust and particulates are added.
5.2.1 Amenity Space
Consideration should be given to including a comment that amenity space should not normally be provided in situations where the outdoor noise level exceeds World Health Organisation guideline values and there is no option for noise mitigation.
Conversion of Garages to Habitable Rooms
341. consideration should be given to seeking comment from Private Sector Housing Act
346. Noise levels to balconies should not normally exceed World Health Organisation Guideline values for outdoor areas.
5.3.1 Site Layout
361. Consider amending 'A perimeter block can screen nuisance and noise from neighbours'. To read as: 'A perimeter block may form part of a comprehensive noise mitigation scheme to protect the amenity of residential properties.' A scheme would normally be prepared by a competent acoustic consultant.
5.3.4 Servicing
371. Consider amending deliveries should be timed to cause the minimum of inconvenience to other highway users by adding the words 'and residential properties'. Concern is the noise from deliveries.
372. Consider adding after transport assessment the words 'and will not cause adverse impact on the amenity of residential properties'.
373. Consider adding the question of whether the extension will cause adverse impact on residential amenity should be considered.
381. Regarding shop windows and doorways, consider adding the comment 'that light spillage from shop frontages should not adversely impact on residential amenity.
Page 96. 'Pavement Cafes' consider adding the point 'Pavement cafes should not be provided in locations where there will be an adverse impact on residential amenity'.
Page 97. 'Shelters and Compounds for Smokers' please consider adding the further point 'The shelters and compounds should not be provided where they will adversely impact on residential amenity.
Section 5: Check List page 101
Private Amenity Space:
Are the Amenity Spaces Located where they will not be adversely Impacted by Noise from Adjoining Sources such as Roads and Commercial/industrial premises.
Non Residential Schemes:
Page 102. Consider adding the comment 'Does the scheme have an adverse impact on residential amenity'.
6.3.12 Contaminated Land Assessment
440. Consider adding 'The assessment should have regard to the latest edition of the Essex Contaminated Land Consortium Guidance for applicants and developers'.
6.3.13 Noise Assessment
441. Consideration should be given to adding the term 'Detriment to amenity' in addition to noise nuisance. It is understood that avoidance of detriment to amenity is the standard to aim for as regards development subject to planning applications and that this is a higher standard than would be applied if the term nuisance is used.
442. Consider using the following wording 'A noise impact assessment should be submitted for all applications where noise impact on residential amenity may be consideration e.g for sites adjacent to a railway line, a main road, MOD testing area, commercial and industrial developments, and new sporting facilities'
Consider adding a further Section headed 'Artificial Lighting Assessment'. A lighting assessment would be required for developments that have the potential to cause adverse impact on residential amenity such as the flood lighting of sports pitches.
6.3.13 Noise Assessment
The comment for further details see PPG 24: Planning and Noise which can be viewed at www.communities.gov.uk and Environmental Health Guidance - Environmental Noise Impact Residential Developments needs amendment. Please delete 'Environmental Health Guidance - Environmental Noise Impact Residential Developments' and insert 'Guidance by regarding the content of noise impact assessments and criteria sought may be obtained from the Council's Environmental Protection Section via telephone number (01702) 215811.
6.3.17 Lighting Strategy
Please consider adding a comment that the lighting strategy should demonstrate that the proposals will not have an adverse impact on residental amenity.
On page 37 after last paragraph there is a referene to 'see also Environmental Health Guidance-Creation of Residential Dwellings'. I assume this document was produced by private sector housing (PSH), it is recommended that the PSH section is consulted to make sure this advice is current if this has not already been done.
Appendix 5: Code for Sustainable Homes Assessment Criteria
Under the issue 'Construction Site Impacts' in the assessment critera no mention is made of noise control. Suggest the following point is added:
....Adopt best practice policies in respect of noise control including hours of work.
Appendix 6: Options for Resource Minimisation and Development
Under the Option 'Live/work units' in the 'Comments' column consideration should be given to making the comment that only work activities with no impact on the amenity of adjoining residential units would be suitable for these type of units.
Appendix 7: Options for Renewable Power Generation Development
In the option column 'Small Wind Turbine' is noted. In the comments column consideration should be given to making the comment that noise and vibration issues should be considered in respect of the installation of these units.
It is noted that there is an option column referring to 'Wood pellet stoves and boilers'. In the comments column it is suggested that a comment is added regarding the location of the flue and the surroundings and the adequacy of the chimney height in relation to the potential for problems due to odour emissions.