Development Management DPD - Revised Proposed Submission

Comment

Representation ID: 1634

Received: 14/05/2014

Respondent: Natural England

Within the Sustainability Appraisal - Reference to the Habitats Regulation Assessment - "The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulation 2010" is acknowledged here and Natural England is pleased to see reference to the Thames Estuary 2100 Plan.

Applicants and or developer need to be aware of the legislation and potential for impact, together with their requirement to screen and or assess for any likely significant effect.

SA Paragraphs 3.1.21 to 3.1.24 refer to the aspiration to "conserve and enhance the natural environment" which is welcomed and to be supported.
References to "conserving and enhancing the nature conservation and biodiversity assets and create new ones" are supported and link into our comments in respect of green infrastructure.
Similarly SA paragraph 4.3.4 refers to new urban open space, including new green space are also to be welcomed and encouraged and linked to comments above.
However, given the designations within the Borough we refer you to our comments in respect of projects and proposals that have the potential to impact on designated sites.

Comment

Representation ID: 1635

Received: 14/05/2014

Respondent: Natural England

The Habitats Regulation Assessment linked to this document on the Council's website is dated September 2010, meaning the report is 3 to 31/2 years old.
Development would have taken place during this time and baseline information is likely to have changed, potential for changes in species numbers, locations, increases in the Borough's population, potential for increased recreational pressure and green space access deficiencies may have altered.

The Council needs to be satisfied that the information they are holding is appropriate and current, meeting the needs of the legislation and if the Council are satisfied that the document provides sufficient and appropriate information will need to confirm that.

The approach and methodology used in the 2010 Assessment is acceptable to Natural England and are in line with relevant legislation.

Natural England expects to be consulted on projects or applications which have the potential to impact on designated (Natura 2000) sites, should a developer or applicant not be sure that a project or application may have an impact, then consultation/contact with Natural England is encouraged at an early stage to discuss and consider.

Support

Representation ID: 1636

Received: 14/05/2014

Respondent: Natural England

Paragraph 3.4 refers to 'soft' and hard landscaping which is welcomed and to be encouraged.

Support

Representation ID: 1637

Received: 14/05/2014

Respondent: Natural England

Paragraph 3.29 refers to a variety of options for Urban Greening. Planting and landscaping to form an integral part of development proposals is to be encouraged and supported, assisting in the delivery of sustainable development and communities.

Comment

Representation ID: 1638

Received: 14/05/2014

Respondent: Natural England

Biodiversity and the natural environment can lead to various opportunities, not just for wildlife activity and connection, but also health, recreation, contributing to climate change adaptation and improving quality of life. The Council could make references to the multiple benefits of green, open, natural space in support of this policy and aspiration approach.

Support

Representation ID: 1639

Received: 14/05/2014

Respondent: Natural England

DM2(1)(v) Urban Greening measures are included, which is welcomed and to be encouraged.

Comment

Representation ID: 1640

Received: 14/05/2014

Respondent: Natural England

Appendix 2: Southend on Sea Core Strategy Objectives lists nineteen (19) objectives which can be broadly supported, especially the following;
SO 14 refer to well designed and attractive urban and natural environments;
SO 18 refer to Green Grid and high quality, linked publicly accessible green spaces and landscape.

Comment

Representation ID: 1641

Received: 14/05/2014

Respondent: Natural England

Appendix 2: Southend on Sea Core Strategy Objectives lists nineteen (19) objectives which can be broadly supported, especially the following;
SO 14 refer to well designed and attractive urban and natural environments;
SO 18 refer to Green Grid and high quality, linked publicly accessible green spaces and landscape.

Support

Representation ID: 1642

Received: 14/05/2014

Respondent: Natural England

DM3(2)(iv) Refers to the protection of ecological assets including wildlife habitats and is to be welcomed and encouraged.

Support

Representation ID: 1643

Received: 14/05/2014

Respondent: Natural England

Nature Conservation and Biodiversity under paragraph 4.14 identifies relevant designated sites such as Ramsar, Special Protection Area (SPA), Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) which is welcomed and acknowledged.