Regulation 16 Consultation Summer 2020

Appendices Contents

Volume 2 of the Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan is a supplementary document to provide the end user of the Plan (community member, public Contents body or commercial developer), with additional information to inform projects and justify the inclusion of planning policy. This section will also Appendices: assist the formation of the Neighbourhood Plan for the post 2033 plan period. Where the explanatory context and justification in Volume 1 is A - Consultation and Public Engagement 3 considered to be sufficient it has not been addressed in Volume 2. B - Community Action Plan Projects 4 C - The Coggeshall Village Design Guide 2019 5 D1 – Housing 6 D2 - Allocated sites 14 E - Non-residential Development 23 F – The Natural Environment 24 F1– Protecting and Enhancing Green and Blue Infrastructure and The Natural Environment 24 F2 - Green Buffers 26 F3 - Local Green Space 40 F4 - Green Amenity Areas 59 F5 - Open Space 77 F6 - Preventing Pollution 79 F7 - Managing Flood Risk and Drought Prevention 90 G – Heritage 95 H - Design Policies 95 H1 – Design Management within the Built Environment 96 H2 – Design Management within Rural Areas 106 I - Transport and Accessibility 127 J – Infrastructure and Developer Contributions 128

2 Appendix A - Consultation and Public Engagement

Community consultation has played an important role in the development of the Neighbourhood Plan and has been used to inform its policies and ensure that these 2017 policies reflect the needs, values, concerns and hopes of the community and the ● Meeting with BDC to discuss early draft of the Plan. environment. ● Community Survey carried out. ● CNPG becomes Sub-Committee of CPC Planning Committee. The website was set up to enable the community to engage with and find out more ● Working Draft of CNP created. about the Neighbourhood Planning process. Minutes of meetings were posted and ● olicy options produced by the Topic Groups. online copies of the surveys made available. An email address and website (www.coggeshall-np.com) for the group was also established. 2018 The Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan Facebook page proved to be a valuable direct ● Policy options presented to CPC. method of communication for those in the community who use Facebook. At the ● Policy options presented to BDC. end of 2019 the page had 456 members who either live or work in the Parish. ● Community Consultation event. (www.facebook.com/groups/coggeshallneighbourhood.plan) ● Critical friend assessment of the plan. Traditional methods of communication, posters and leaflet drops, and paper ● Plan modified following assessment. surveys were designed and distributed by the Sub-Committee. ● CPC approve Plan.

A regular planning report was presented to Coggeshall Parish Council at the 2019 monthly planning meeting. Where necessary the Parish Council was asked to ● Regulation 14 consultation. review and approve the activities of the Sub-Committee. At key junctures in the ● Review and modification of Plan following Regulation consultation. development of the Plan presentations were given to the Full Parish Council at ● The following were prepared and completed: public meetings. Village Design Guide Consultation/public engagement events and timeline: SEA & HRA Assessments Housing Strategy Report 2015 Consultation Statement ● Leaflet drop by Coggeshall Parish Council (CPC) and initial public meeting Basic Conditions Statement on a Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan (CNP). Community update newsletter delivered to every home in the Parish. ● Steering group and Sub-Committees set up. ● Formal approval by Braintree District Council (BDC) to establish a Cogge- 2020 shall Neighbourhood Planning Group (CNPG). ● CPC meeting to approve Plan prior to submission. ● Business survey. ● Final meeting with BDC to discuss Plan prior to submission. ● Community consultation event. ● CPC meeting to approve Plan prior to submission. ● Regulation 15 submission to LA 2016 ● Regulation 16 CNP submitted for independent examination. ● Household Residents Survey carried out and analysed. ● Plan revised following examination. ● Dedicated website established. ● Community Referendum on CNP. ● Community consultation (Roadshow) event. ● Plan ‘made’ by BDC. 3 Appendix B: Community Action Plan Projects

The community communicated their ideas for public projects and facilities 8. Encouraging and supporting businesses which want to locate or re- to benefit the Parish at initial consultation events. The initial ‘Big ideas’ locate in the Parish by providing guidance on suitable and were developed by the CNP Sub-Committee and at the Community appropriate locations. Consultation roadshow event in November 2016, people were asked to Results: vote on 5 ‘Big Ideas’. The ‘ideas’ and results are set out below. ∙ Coggeshall to Kelvedon cycleway (83 votes). Initial Proposals for “Big Ideas” or the future: ∙ Riverside walk (82 votes). 1. Exploring the status of having the largest number of public footpaths in Essex. Developing a “Walking / Cycling Village” for local ∙ Vicarage Field public open space (73 votes). people as well as promoting it to visitors as a destination. Policies ∙ Village Centre shared space (61 votes). will be created to enhance / improve and create footpaths and bridleways across the Parish. Linking existing footpaths with private ∙ The Green Bridge (36 votes). footpaths (i.e. Marks Hall) creating cycling routes to Feering, Kelvedon, Bradwell and The Teys. The 2019 Regulation 14 Plan set out the ‘Big Ideas’ as ‘Community 2. Improving the Village centre around the junction of Stoneham Aspirational Projects’. Street, Church Street, Market Hill and Market End. Introducing Post Regulation 14 discussions between Braintree District Council & the traffic calming via “shared space”, re-aligning roads, moving bus Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan Sub-Committee revealed that some of the stops and creating a focal point / meeting area. Aspirational Policies might be suitable for consideration as part of the 3. Reconnecting the north and south of the Parish divided by the A120. Plan’s Infrastructure Policy. These along with additional infrastructure 4. Promoting new housing to complement the existing unique nature policy ideas identified in conjunction with Coggeshall PC and suggestions of the centre of Coggeshall by introducing good design guidelines, from the community are described and assessed in detail in Appendix K of uses of traditional materials and detailing (i.e. pargetting), this document. Set out below are the projects that were determined to be promoting self-build and creating an interesting streetscape ‘Action Plan Projects’. (avoiding drives / garages on the frontages). 5. Improving signage into the village. Provide better located notice and information points. Signage to walking routes, etc. 6. Applying for a Community Asset Transfer for Vicarage Field. 7. Protecting surrounding open countryside by creating policies to safeguard it from development, ensuring the village remains unique.

4 Action Plan Projects: Appendix C: The Coggeshall Village Design Guide 2019 1. Coggeshall to Kelvedon Cycleway. 2. A new Bowling Green / Croquet Lawn with club pavilion on Stone- Community consultation demonstrated the importance residents place on ham Street. the character of the built and rural environment of the Parish which has 3. Upgrade of the existing basketball court in the Recreation Ground, evolved over the centuries. To ensure that development makes a positive East Street. contribution to the Parish, and the continued development of a ‘Sense of Place’, the CNP Sub-Committee commissioned and worked with The 4. Installation of outdoor, adult gym equipment in the Recreation Landscape Partnership to develop a design guide to inform the Ground, East Street. Neighbourhood Plan Group, the Parish Council, residents and importantly 5. Village Centre Improvements. anyone wishing to make changes to the urban and rural environment. This document is publicly available from Coggeshall Parish Council and Braintree 6. A new riverside walk from Long Bridge to Nunn’s Bridge District Council. 7. Vicarage Field public open space (a recreational community re- source and a viable wildlife corridor). 8. Enabling cyclist, pedestrian and wildlife safe access and connectivity across the A120 9. A new footpath connection between St Anne’s Close and across the southern section of St Peter’s School Field to connect with the recreation ground. 10. Coggeshall to Earls Colne Cycleway via Marks Hall Estate.

Action Plan Projects have been proposed by the community and therefore are evidenced as having community support so that they may be taken for- ward by members of the public or the Parish Council and can therefore more easily attract external support and funding. In accordance with Policy P18 they may also be eligible for Developer contributions.

5 Appendix D1 - Housing

Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan Sub-Committee has prepared this appendix This approach to development would protect the countryside setting and to justify the Housing policy and explain the local context. Research into the heritage assets that the community value highly. It is an approach housing need in the Parish, demographic, and the community’s preferred that is in line with the NPPF guidelines and an approach that has already strategy to meet the housing need was undertaken by the group. BDC were proved popular and effective - between 1992 and 2015 282 new homes, consulted throughout this process and a Housing Strategy Report (2019) including affordable homes, were built. Most of this development was on commissioned. (DAC Planners) brownfield sites within the village envelope. The consensus from all the various forms of consultation is that any new Community Consultation housing should be on several smaller sites integrated into the village rather than large new schemes on the edge of the village or on greenfield 69.2% of residents felt that ‘over-development’ was the biggest threat to sites. This is supported by the emerging Braintree Local Plan and its Coggeshall, however the need for new homes was recognised in the evidence base, which recognises the role of villages as communities and responses to the various consultation exercises. that any development throughout the plan period, in any settlement, is in Respondents to Coggeshall Community questionnaire identified a need for scale with that settlement. It recognises the need to maintain the more affordable homes and more homes suitable for older residents, a need character of Coggeshall, but also the need for some development to meet that must be met if we are to maintain a strong, diverse and thriving future needs by allocating four new sites for housing within the village. community. 86.4% said YES to homes suitable for older people. 75.6% said YES to homes that can be bought by local people on a low income at a special price. 82.2% said YES to low rent homes for local people on a low income. 78.7% said YES to homes that you can buy a share of. 82.2% said YES to integrating affordable homes alongside full market price properties. 92.2% of respondents said YES to new homes including a mix of 1, 2 & 3 bedroom properties. The Community Questionnaire also showed an overwhelming preference for development on brownfield sites, the use of infill sites and conversions of suitable properties to residential use.

6 Demographics and Housing Stock association homes with an address in the village, with the highest priority attributed to 5 households. i. The 2011 Census records a population for the Parish of Coggeshall of 4727, representing 3.2% of Braintree District. Figures for the various age vi. At the time of the Census 2011 Coggeshall had 69 properties (3.4%), groups show that Coggeshall has 2-3% fewer people in the 11-25 years and were not permanently occupied, compared with 4.3% in England. 26-44 years age groups compared to Braintree District and the East of Eng- vii. The average price for property in Coggeshall currently stands at land, but a marginally higher population in the post 60 years range. A com- £402,364, with flats averaging £171,743 and terraced houses £327,343. parison of Census data for 2001 and 2011, indicates a 27.3% decline in the The average house price in Braintree is £318,717, with flats £169,875 and population of 30 – 39 year old category. Hence the need to provide more op- terraced houses for £250,171. (Zoopla 2017). portunities for younger people to set up home in Coggeshall, a view reflected in Community Survey April 2017, which indicated 82.6% support for low rent Tenure of households 2011 homes and 78.7% support for shared equity opportunities. ii. By contrast there was a 50.6% increase between 2001 – 2011 in those 60 - 69 years, altering the total population over 60 years from 23.7% to 28.0%, clearly demonstrating the importance of improving provision for the elderly population. This imbalance is set to widen and threatens the sustainability of the community. It places extra, and different, demands on local health, edu- cation, transport and housing. iii. There were a total of 2039, recorded dwellings in Coggeshall Parish in 2011 with the majority of homes being owner occupied (71.6%, East of England average 68%) There is a predominance of family housing, with 62% of homes having 3 bedrooms or more (Appendix 3). During the period 1992 to 2017, more than 290 new homes were built in Coggeshall; over 10 per Source: Office of National Statistics - Census 2011 annum. How much growth should take place in Coggeshall? iv. There is a higher than average level of detached homes in the Parish, 28.7% compared to the English average of 22.3%. Details of council tax band- i. Results from the various community consultation processes, which ing can be found in Appendix 5. began in April 2015, demonstrate that over 85% of respondents consider that more new homes are needed. The Community Survey found that v. Currently 17.2% of homes in Coggeshall are socially rented, (including the over 95% of contributors either strongly agreed or agreed that the 36 recently built in Jaggards Way) compared with 16.5% in Braintree, 15.7% Neighbourhood Plan should meet the development needs of Coggeshall. East of England and 17.7% in England. Braintree District Council’s system However, the ‘Queens Birthday Consultation’ (June 2016) revealed (Gateway to Homechoice) identifies 42 households waiting for housing 76.92% felt that ‘over-development’ was the biggest threat to Coggeshall.

7 ii. The developing Local Plan (April 2018) outlines the need for BDC to deliver iv. that the design of new buildings should actively promote 14,230 homes over the whole district by 2033, to accommodate demand. accessibility and inclusiveness While not specifying a precise number of new homes to be provided by Coggeshall, the BDC Core Strategy identified an expected contribution of v. easy access to local amenities and the immediate countryside was between 600 and 700 homes from the six Key Service Villages between 2013 highly valued, hence the importance attached to footpaths, rights of and 2033 to meet the objectively assessed need. The approach to the way, etc. in the Neighbourhood Plan. distribution of new dwellings is to be driven by the function of these villages, vi. the need for affordable housing for family members to allow their role in the community, and the capacity for a particular level of growth. them to own their own home locally. The gap between house prices Hence different levels of development have been identified as appropriate in and income in the Parish results in younger people having to live with different settlements. parents or move out of the area and acts as a barrier to families with ties to Coggeshall, who wish to return. iv. Coggeshall has a strong history of providing new homes with 246 built be- tween 1992 – 2012, with a further 36 dwellings, plus new windfall housing added between 2013 – 2015. The Particular Characteristics of Coggeshall

Key Issues - Housing Coggeshall is a unique and important settlement (see Coggeshall Character Assessment). The overall level of sustainable growth is A review of the many consultations, questionnaires, public meetings and constrained by the sensitivity of:- written comments, highlights a number of key issues shared by the residents ● its setting (in particular the immediate environment of Coggeshall and some of its many visitors. These include:- surrounding the historic core) within the open countryside, which affords spectacular views into and out of the village. i. the desire for small scale, creatively designed developments, on ● its heritage assets; over 230 listed buildings, 2 National Trust brownfield or infill sites were seen as more appropriate to the unique properties and the remains of a Cistercian Abbey, having rural nature, historic character and distinct village identify of Coggeshall. particular regard also to the social, cultural and economic benefits which these bring to the village. ii. concerns that extensive building on green spaces would result in loss ● the quality of the landscape which surrounds Coggeshall. of ‘green buffers’ and the picturesque setting of Coggeshall as a distinct ● the quality of the surrounding agricultural land. village.

iii. the need to plan for housing for the ageing population, in particular a need for more bungalows, greater provision for supported independent living and a perhaps a care home. This would promote a more fluid housing market, releasing a greater number of 2 – 4 bedroom houses onto the market, also helping to reduce under-occupancy.

8 Population Profile of Coggeshall Population changes within Coggeshall 2001 – 2011

Population changes 2001 - 2011

1000 800 600 Apr-01 400 Mar-11 200 0

Populationnumber 0-9 yrs 10- 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80-89 90-99 100+ 19yrs yrs yrs yrs yrs yrs yrs yrs yrs yrs Aged range

Source: National Office for Statistics (Census)

9 Housing stock by number of bedrooms

Retirement provision in Coggeshall Ÿ Beaumont House - 17 studio, 1&2 bedroom flats,

Ÿ Homeweave House 39, 1&2 bedroom flats

Ÿ Lakes Meadow 33 cottages, 1&2 bedroom flats,

Ÿ Prail Court 25 studio and 1 bedroom flats

Age exclusive housing Queen Street – 6 cottages (1 bedroom). Church Green Alms Houses – 4 cottages (1 bedroom). Kelvedon Road, Coggeshall Hamlet - 8 cottages (1 bedroom)

Source: Office for National Statistics (Last update 30-Jan-13) Source 2: BDC planning statistics – increase in number (2015)

10 Housing Stock and Tenure The following table shows how the various types of dwelling are distribut- ed in Coggeshall compared to wider local and national figures.

Source: Office for National Stats – Accommodation Type - Households (QS402EW) Last update 30�� Jan 2013.

11 Housing Need and Allocated Sites Community solar projects are generally floor mounted and can be Braintree District Council has confirmed that the Neighbourhood Plan installed a small distance from a community if required. should seek to deliver a minimum of between 344 and 512 homes up to 2033. The emerging Neighbourhood Plan seeks to allocate 411 homes up to Community Wind Generation: ● 2033 across 4 allocated sites. These allocations have been informed by the Solar PV usually represents the lowest cost renewable energy, but it emerging BDC Local Plan allocations and evidence base, planning only produces energy during daylight hours. The availability of applications and planning commitments. Data collected in the form of locally generated wind energy can significantly increase the amount graphs and tables are set out below, and greater detail on the approach of renewable energy available to a community. Wind generation is taken found in the Housing Strategy Report. typically not effective on a single dwelling level but is usually more applicable as a more sizable community level solution feeding its Renewable and low carbon energy generation technology, to support the output to several properties. Wind generation tends to have a sustainable energy needs of future residents. higher visual impact than Solar PV but can also provide a focal point within a community. Examples of renewable energy suitable for development at a Parish wide ● http://www.communitywindpower.co.uk/ and household level: Local Battery Storage Local Solar PV: ● Both Solar PV and wind generation produce fully renewable energy, ● Solar Photovoltaics convert sunlight directly into electricity. Solar however they are not guaranteed generation resource – i.e. they PV enables the production of zero carbon electricity during daylight only generate power in daylight hours and when it is windy hours. respectively. ● They can be ground, or roof mounted on individual residences or ● This is increasingly being solved by combining Solar PV / Wind with larger developments. Solar PV technology is dropping in price battery storage. With this solution, the battery is charged by the rapidly and is becoming an increasingly popular addition to new Solar / Wind, and then can be discharged when the generation asset developments. is not producing. This significantly increases the percentage of the ● A future development is the Solar Roof Tile, which looks like a roof year when a location can be fully supplied using Solar PV and Wind tile but functions as a solar panel which can be aesthetically generation. beneficial ● Battery storage has seen a very significant reduction in cost over the ● Solar Roof Tiles https://www.tesla.com/en_GB/solarroof past few years and is increasingly an economically practical solution ● Residential Solar PV for residential developments and commercial locations. https://global.sunpower.com/homeowners/sunpower-advantage/ Example residential battery storage solution https://www.tesla.com/en_GB/powerwall Community Solar: ● Solar PV can also be installed at a community level with a larger solar farm being used to provide renewable energy to a community.

12 Air Source and Ground Source Heat Pumps BDC draft local plan Policy LPP 37 states: ● Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) and Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP) “On sites of 500 dwellings or more, 2% of homes will be required to be use residual heat in the air (ground) as a source of energy to heat available for self or custom builders” buildings. Both variants of heat pumps are electrically powered and offer a 2x to 4x increase in efficiency of heating over direct heating The CNP welcomes this policy but believes that, to encourage greater using electricity. They can provide both heat and hot water for diversity of character appropriate to the Parish of Coggeshall a minimum buildings. When combined with renewable electricity generation they threshold of 500 is too high. To encourage architectural diversity and represent a highly efficient and zero carbon emission solution to development of a sense of place through self-build, self or custom build providing heat and hot water to buildings. should be encouraged on developments of 5 or more. This will reflect and ● Heat pumps have historically been widely used in commercial enable the architectural variety and form of the Parish that has locations but are now increasingly also being used in residential developed gradually over the centuries. developments: These self-build opportunities will support BDC’s self-build register to ● More Information about Heat Pumps. offer opportunities to those on their register who are seeking to acquire http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/renewable-energy/heat/air- self-build plots. source-heat-pumps BDC’s self-build register has 162 entries. The numbers for the Coggeshall area: Self-build ● Rural Mid (villages between Halstead and Braintree): 31 The plan specifies that on a housing development scheme of 5 or more the provision of self-build will be supported. ● Rural South (villages to the south of Braintree): 40 NPPF 2019 Para 61 states under chapter 5 ‘Delivering a sufficient supply of The National Custom & Self Build Association (NaCSBA) in their paper homes’: ‘The neighbourhood planning dimension - how to incorporate custom and self-build into a neighbourhood plan masterclass’ set out the “Within this context, the size, type and tenure of housing needed for importance of Self build and set out how Neighbourhood Plans can different groups in the community should be assessed and reflected in support custom and self-build housing including the following which is planning policies (including, but not limited to, those who require affordable applicable to the CNP: housing, families with children, older people, students, people with disabilities, service families, travellers, people who rent their homes and ● “Policies encouraging Custom and Self Build housing in the area or people wishing to commission or build their own homes). Under section 1 of asking new housing developments to include serviced building plots in the Self Build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015, local authorities are a scheme. required to keep a register of those seeking to acquire serviced plots in the Asking for a percentage of affordable housing on a site to be delivered as area for their own self-build and custom house building. They are also subject affordable privately built homes via serviced plots, either individually or to duties under sections 2 and 2A of the Act to have regard to this and to give as a group project. Encouraging and identifying suitable sites where enough suitable development permissions to meet the identified demand. group projects can be built.” Self and custom-build properties could provide market or affordable housing.” 13 Appendix D2 - Allocated Sites The CNP Sub-Committee identified Allocated Development Sites within the ● ‘Green’ our towns and cities by creating green infrastructure and Parish which form part of policies P2 to 5. Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan planting one million urban trees. Sub-Committee has prepared this appendix to where appropriate justify ● Make 2019 a year of action for the environment, working with Step Up the allocated site policies and explain the local context. The ambition of the To Serve and other partners to help children and young people from all plan is to encourage ‘place making’ and ensure that each site is developed backgrounds to engage with nature and improve the environment. in a positive manner, one which will enhance the health and wellbeing of the community and natural environment in the Parish of Coggeshall. It forms part of the evidence base which has informed the production of the CNP Assessment of Green Space of Coggeshall’s ‘Inner Core’ Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan. The CNP Environment & Heritage Group undertook an assessment of green This assessment is to be read in conjunction with Figure 2: ‘Allocated Sites spaces in Coggeshall ‘Inner Core’ in July 2015. Proposals Plan’ in Volume 1 of the Plan. The conclusions: Additional Policy context applicable to all site allocations: ● Insufficient informal open space for e.g. picnics, children's informal play 2019 NPPF: Para 29 Allocation of sites by Neighbourhood Plans. e.g. kite-flying, just running around, kicking a ball etc. We propose that 2019 NPPF: Para 100 Local Green Space designation. Vicarage Field should be open to all to add to this kind of space. BDC Core Strategy: Policy CS1 Housing Provision and Delivery ● Noticeable lack of open-air sporting facilities for girls and women compared with for boys and men. Braintree Green Spaces Strategy September 2008. ● Honywood School is no longer a true community school as the facilities BDC Open Spaces Action Plan. are not shared only open for hire. Green Infrastructure: An integrated approach to land-use: Landscape ● Footpaths leading out of the village are only suitable during the winter Institute (LI) Position Statement. months for hale and hearty adults without small children. (E.g. the path Local Green Infrastructure: Helping communities make the most of their leading from Tilkey to Marks Hall) which restricts access for all. Landscape: The Landscape Institute. ● It is almost impossible to cross the A120 safely especially with The Governments 25 Year Environment Plan: Jan 2018. Chapter 3: children and this hugely restricts the enjoyment of our natural Connecting people with the environment to improve health and wellbeing. hinterland. The Government will: ● In the analysis of the 1977 Coggeshall Plan [BDC] we now have less ● Help people improve their health and wellbeing by using green spaces, opportunity for open air recreation, but with a larger population. including through mental health services. ● Encourage children to be close to nature, in and out of school, with particular focus on disadvantaged areas. 14 Braintree Draft Local Plan: Housing numbers for allocated sites Dutch Nursery

Housing Numbers This brownfield site has potential due to its size, and topography to successfully accommodate a range of housing types, and around 60 homes to assist in meeting the varied housing needs of Coggeshall. This would comply with the draft 2017 BDC local plan which also allocated business units in addition to the 60 dwellings and would enable a variety of small to large dwellings to be constructed. 30 dwellings per hectare for the developable area of 1.97 hectares is appropriate for this brownfield site.

Dutch Nursery, West Street (Cogg 506) (See extracts A & B above) ● The June 2016 BDC draft Local Plan allocated 30 residential properties to this site. However, this was for the garden centre area only. ● The June 2017 BDC draft Local Plan allocated 60 residential units to this (larger) site plus business use. Tey Road ● An application (17/00350/OUT) for 74 residential properties as well as associated business units was submitted in 2017. ● In December 2018 an application 17/00359/OUT for outline Housing Numbers permission for 48 residential properties was approved by BDC. This is an allocated site in the emerging 2017 BDC Draft Local Plan for 11 The CNP understand and support the rise in the Draft BDC local plan quota residential properties subject to planning application. for Cogg 506 from 30 to 60 units due to the increase in site area. The CNP were content with the proposals for 67 properties. This was based upon Pollution viability, the need for a mix of housing types and sizes within Coggeshall, This site is adjacent to the increasingly congested A120. Whilst proposals and design criteria. A variety of unit size lends itself to a more interesting are being considered for the re-routing of the A120 given predicted development plan, with people of different income levels and at life stages development levels within the district, the CNP Sub-Committee do not in one community. In addition, development capacity is greater on this site predict a decrease in volume of traffic even if this road is officially due its sloping topography. ‘downgraded’. It is therefore imperative, given the known levels of pollution emitted from vehicles and the noise pollution, that developers mitigate the negative impact on health for the protection of the health and wellbeing of the Parish’s future residents.

15 The developers state in their covering letter of the 10/12/17 in respect to opportunities on this site should not be wasted with the imposition of a planning application ‘17/00359/OUT’ that ‘Multiple design options do exist ‘standard’ estate housing layout and design of 3-5 bed detached and semi- for the site, which could deliver more homes within a still high quality, detached homes. design-led response.’ The CNP have followed the design development The natural environment & local green space options for this site and concur with this statement. Part of the ‘USP’ identified by the CNP Sub-Committee and used in our logo The site is 3.28 hectares. The BDC planning committee report (08/05/18) is ‘countryside’. Coggeshall village sits within a rural setting and part of the states that 40% (1.3h) of the site will be public open space. Development of group’s remit is to help preserve the rural setting of the village and its this site at a reasonably high density of 30 units per hectare equates to a conservation area. It is one of the key reasons why people love living in this density of 59 units for the remaining 1.97 hectares. settlement. The CNP Sub-Committee therefore specify a quota of around 60 homes for The CNP maintains that immediate physical and visual connections to The Dutch Nursery (Cogg 506), to help meet housing need in the Parish. ‘natural’ green space close to the village centre are necessary to maintain the health of the local population. The CNP can therefore justify that as Design, heritage & sense of place much as possible of the western edge of the site, or the ‘pony fields’ should The CNP’s policy on Design and the Historic environment state that there be retained, together with the flood zone as Local Green Space. This local should be “no detrimental impact on the character, appearance, setting green space will create a ‘green lung’ or green frontage onto West Street structural stability and historic features of the heritage assets.” In addition, and form a wildlife corridor from the River Blackwater to West Street to link that “design should reflect and respond to the character and appearance of up with PRoW on the northern side of West Street. This will form part of the surrounding area.” the Parish’s green infrastructure and act as a break in the urban fabric In respect of the Dutch Nursery, the design of housing fronting onto West along West Street thus retaining the conservation area in its rural Street should be of utmost importance and seek to respect and reflect the landscape setting and context. streetscape and heritage of West Street. The LGS boundaries are determined by the southern and western site The CNP’s design policy states that “proposals must be in conformity with boundaries and the northern brick wall along West Street, incorporating the Village Design Guide” and “support the creation of a sense of place the Cedar tree (to be retained.) The fence line marking the edge of the within Coggeshall village.” green field site to the west of the brown field area and the flood zone should also be retained. An opportunity exists with the Dutch Nursery to design a layout and buildings that will contribute to the development of the local and wide This LGS area has been assessed in accordance with the criteria laid out on community of Coggeshall Village through a mix of housing type and design. Local Green Space in NPPF 2019. The full assessment can be found in The unique aspects of the site, its topography, location next to the River Appendix E2 of this plan. Blackwater, the conservation area and neighbouring heritage properties The flood zone area, adjacent to the Blackwater, should be retained as provide an attractive landscape setting for a new development and future natural, informal green space. Its character should reflect and form part of residents. This should be capitalised on. The new development should seek the existing landscape character of the river corridor along the River to create a living environment and include buildings that will become a Blackwater. thriving community and the listed buildings of the future. The 16 The CNP received support from the community at consultation for a Plan which aims to improve biodiversity, tackle habitat loss and riverside walk. This is now a Project Action Plan in Volume 1 of the Plan. fragmentation. Provision should be made for an unobtrusive footpath adjacent to the river and to Nunn’s Bridge foot bridge. The BDC planning committee report (08/05/18) Views of the Blackwater from the built envelope are rare within the village Sets out the following which supports the CNP’s case for LGS and its natural of Coggeshall despite the river being a very important part of the village’s environment policies on this site. infrastructure. The development proposals should therefore aim to open o 40% (1.3h) of the site will be public open space. up views from new roads and open space to the valley bottom. o The amended proposal seeks to: ● Open up and improve the western edge of the site as a new public Protection of the western edge of the site ‘the pony fields’ and the amenity space with a physical separation between proposed new riverbank will also assist in meeting the following and National and District dwellings and the Isinglass Mews on the opposite side of the road. Aims: The 25 Year Environmental Action Plan. ● Retain the western and southern parts of the site as open space BDC’s Core Strategy: Chapter 8 Environment Policy: CS8 Natural with managed landscape and ecology features and maintain the Environment and Biodiversity: site’s contribution towards the local landscape setting. ● In BDC’s Draft Local Plan, one key objective is ‘A healthy and active ● Provide new views and direct access from West Street through to district’, the Essex Way is noted as important in ‘encouraging the river frontage. walking in the countryside’. In addition, the following issues are ● Set parameters to ensure new development would be of an appro- identified as having an impact of physical and mental health: priate height and form to open up wider views through the site to- o The location, density and mix of land uses. wards the River. o Street Layout and connectivity. o Open and green space. BDC Landscapes Officer states: ”The landscape approach should ● The allocation of the western portion of the Dutch Nursery would demonstrate through the landscape proposals and the Landscape and also further BDC policy LPP 53 – Provision for Open Space, Sport and Ecology Management Plan that the character and nature of new planting Recreation. will be sympathetic in tone to the riverine setting and acknowledge the ● The BDC Open Spaces Action Plan 2019 notes a deficit in Coggeshall quality of the landscape within the river corridor as identified in the recent Village of -0.56 Ha of Children’s Play and -0.54Ha of Informal Open landscape character assessment study for Coggeshall and other parts of the Space. district.” ● BDC policy LPP 67 Natural Environment and Green Infrastructure to develop a formal, comprehensive network of green infrastructure assets in the Braintree district. ● Retention of the pony fields as green space would also assist Braintree to meet the targets set out in its 2011 Biodiversity Action

17 Cook Field The site is 1.2 hectares. One sixth of this site has been designated LGS for the benefit of the new and existing community. The remainder equates to Housing numbers approximately 1 hectare. BDC advised the acknowledged ‘good rule of thumb’ is a density of 25 units per hectare. For the developable area of this Cook Field is an edge of settlement green field site with a rural and tranquil site this equates to 25 units for the remaining 1 hectare. However, for this character. Housing density must therefore reflect this; this site should site and the reasons set out above the CNP believe a lower density is more accommodate around 15 homes and respect its historic landscape setting, appropriate at 15 units per hectare. This is comparable with the allocated the conservation area and the setting of the Essex Way. site, the Dutch Nursery. For the developable area this equates to 15 units for the remaining hectare. This figure is higher than BDC’s original number ● Cook Field Land on the south side of East St (Cogg 174) (See extracts of 12 for Cook Field in the 2016 version of the draft local plan, where it had A & B above). originally assessed the whole of the whole of Cook field at 10 units per ● The June 2016 BDC draft local plan allocated 12 residential hectare. The CNP Sub-Committee therefore specify a quota of 15 units for properties to this site. Cook Field, to help meet housing need in the Parish whilst maintaining a ● The June 2017 BDC draft local plan allocated 25 residential density that will respect the landscape setting of this site. properties to this site. Design and sense of place Cook Field is an edge of settlement green field site. When assessed in its landscape context the proposed density in the BDC 2017 draft Local Plan The design of housing should respect and reflect the rural character of Cook would be entirely out of character with appropriate edge of settlement Field’s surroundings including the streetscape, adjacent fields and the Essex development which should take the form of lower density, scattered Way. They should not interrupt or obscure the S/N view across the western dwellings within green space, garden / ‘rural land’ with adequate room for edge of the field. tree planting. Opportunities exist to design a layout and buildings that will contribute to The proposed density would turn this rural, small, enclosed field, part of the development of the wider community of Coggeshall Village though a the old medieval field pattern into a dense urban site. It would also have a mix of housing types. Design could integrate with or ‘blend into’ the detrimental impact upon the landscape setting of the Essex Way. landscape setting. Properties should be characterful and unique; this would be encouraged by the provision of self-build plots. The unique aspects of Para 122 of NPPF 2019 states: Planning policies and decisions should the site, its rural character, particularly provide an attractive landscape support development that makes efficient use of land, taking into account: setting for a new development and future residents. This should be d) “The desirability of maintaining an area’s prevailing character and setting capitalised on. The imposition of a ‘standard’ estate housing layout would (including residential gardens), or of promoting regeneration and change.” not be deemed to respect the rural character of this site nor create a development which would positively contribute to tomorrow’s ‘sense of e) “The importance of securing well-designed, attractive and healthy place’. places.”

18 Local Green Space, the landscape setting of the Essex Way and the The new Local Green Space will protect the landscape setting of the conservation area conservation area. Specifically, that of the Victorian mansions opposite as Part of the ‘USP’ identified by the CNP Sub-Committee and used in our logo edge of settlement ‘grand’ homes located to be semi-removed from the is ‘countryside’. Coggeshall village sits within a rural setting and part of the village centre and within a rural setting. Also, that of the gateway into groups remit is to help preserve the rural setting of the village and its Coggeshall. This local green space forms a break in the urban fabric along conservation area. It is one of the key reasons why people love living in this East Street. It has great visual amenity when viewed from the road before settlement. you enter the dense urban centre. The LGS also serves to protect the landscape setting and context of the Abbey within a still prominent This local green space has been assessed in accordance with the criteria laid medieval field pattern in this small area of Coggeshall. out on Local Green Space in NPPF 2019. The full assessment can be found in Appendix F3. The following observations are also presented to justify the Physical and visual connection within green space is now recognised as a designation of this LGS on Cook Field. major factor in the physical and mental health of a community and it is important within an increasing urbanised society. The CNP maintains that The Essex Way, a national footpath is also a key part of the Parish’s green these immediate physical and visual connections to ‘natural’ green space infrastructure. The native planting to the East of the Essex Way together close to the village centre are necessary to maintain the health of the local with tree and hedgerow planting and open grassland act as valuable population. corridor for wildlife to access the recreation ground and the gardens of the houses on the northern side of East Street. The LGS will contribute to the The value of a landscape is judged on set criteria by landscape Parish’s green infrastructure and increase the environmental value of this professionals. The criteria in such analysis documents are however unable section of the Essex Way. This will assist BDC to meet the targets set out in to evaluate the ‘local perceived value’ of a site. The CNP Sub-Committee its 2011 Biodiversity Action Plan which aims to improve biodiversity, tackle have received many representations from members of the community that habitat loss and fragmentation and BDC policy LPP 67 Natural Environment demonstrate that this field and section of the Essex way are held in high and Green Infrastructure to develop a formal, comprehensive network of regard for its recreation and aesthetic value. This, in addition, justifies the green infrastructure assets in the Braintree district. designation of the Western portion of this site as LGS. The visual setting of the Essex Way is also an important consideration in the The LGS boundaries are defined by the western and northern (West Street) designation of this LGS. This section of footpath is the start of one of the site boundaries. To the south of the site boundary fence to the ‘kink’ in the most attractive walks within the Parish and easily accessible to the majority existing fence line. The eastern boundary of the LGS runs parallel to the of the community. Should the western boundary of this site become a hard- Essex Way to a point on the northern boundary 30 metres from the N/W urban edge, and / or lose its rural character the aesthetic appeal of this corner of the site as agreed in consultation with BDC. This will help ensure stretch of footpath will be destroyed and people will be actively that that the important cross field views north and south are retained. discouraged from walking along this section of footpath. To retain the usefulness of a footpath as a recreational route and wildlife corridor the landscape setting and aesthetic value must also be protected and enhanced as well as the linear route of the footpath.

19 Land at Colchester Road the north and east of the village. In addition, they identified the A120 as a key visual receptor of this site which creates a green buffer between the current village envelope and the A120. The green buffer between the set- Additional Policy Context tlement and the A120 contains the village in its rural setting. Further to Local Government Association: Planning for Self- and Custom-build housing the west, encroaching development is dissipating the original rural feel of June 2016. this road. It is important, therefore that design proposals mitigate the vis- ual impact and sense of encroachment of large-scale development on the character of the A120 corridor. Housing numbers St Peter ad Vincula church is a landmark building in the Parish. Its tower This site has planning permission for around 300 new homes. can be seen from a great distance away. This was the intention of the design of the church. New development should respect this Grade I Listed building, its status in the landscape and its heritage value. Design, heritage & visual impact Adaptable housing The CNP’s policy on Design and the Historic Environment states that there should be “no detrimental impact on the character, appearance, setting, The provision of adaptable housing design is sustainable. Within this structural stability and historic features of the heritage assets.” In addition, large-scale housing development provision should made to encourage an that “design should reflect and respond to the character and appearance of inclusive community catering for all. This is in accordance with NPPF 2019 the surrounding area.” para 127: The Land at Colchester Road is a development of some 300 new homes plus associated infrastructure and green space. This large development should “Planning policies and decisions should ensure that developments: add to, not detract from, the character and atmosphere of the Parish and the f) Create places that are safe, inclusive and accessible and which promote village. health and well-being, with a high standard of amenity for existing and Housing density must vary across the developable area. Different densities future users⁴⁶; and where crime and disorder, and the fear of crime, do to contribute towards the creation of different character areas and variation not undermine the quality of life or community cohesion and resilience. in the streetscape. ⁴⁶ Planning policies for housing should make use of the Government’s Design proposals seek to mitigate the intrusion of the development upon the optional technical standards for accessible and adaptable housing, where approach to the Coggeshall Conservation Area and ensure that some views this would address an identified need for such properties.” between existing homes onto open green space are maintained to prevent a jarring hard urban edge. This is imperative for Landscape and visual impact Self-build assessments undertaken on behalf of BDC by their external Landscape Con- sultants demonstrated the extent of the visual impact of the development The plan specifies that 3% of the total number of homes will be provided upon the countryside and the landscape setting of the village from PRoWs to in the form of self-build plots. This is a small percentage of the total

20 number of approved units on this site. The developer will be able to sell The CNP welcome this policy but believe that to encourage greater serviced plots of land at the market rate. diversity of character appropriate to the Parish of Coggeshall a greater The CNP considers that there are many benefits to the provision of self-build percentage of 3% of large sites such as the Colchester Rd development of opportunities within the Parish in addition to enabling people to fulfil long 300 is appropriate. Additionally, a minimum threshold of 500 dwellings is held ambitions to design and build their own home. The concept behind this too high given most developments are much less than this number and it policy decision is to encourage and enable innovative design and therefore provides too few opportunities to inject character into developments contribute to, and positively develop, the character and atmosphere of the derived from innovative architecture. Parish. Self-build opportunities distributed throughout the site will result in Outline planning permission has been granted, therefore self-build plots architectural diversity within the development and may create landmark and should be made available. As a greenfield site, the CNP expects that there listed buildings of the future. In a large-scale development of 300+ homes, will be little or no reclamation costs, and as self-build plots will comprise architectural diversity and character development is important and will also a small percentage of the total number of homes to be built on the site, enhance the positive amenity residents gain from their surroundings. the CNP expects that the self-build plots would not detrimentally impact NPPF 2019 Para 61 supports the provision of self-build homes. upon the financial viability of the scheme. The CNP policy to include a percentage of self-build plots in this large-scale Green infrastructure and the natural environment development is supported in paras 6.3 and 6.4 of Local Government Association: Planning for Self- and Custom-build housing June 2016: The justification for the Local Green Space associated with this allocated site policy is set out in full in Appendix F3 of Volume 2 of this plan. “6.3 One common policy is to encourage or require self and custom build alongside other housing based on the level of local demand using housing mix Effective mitigation of the negative impacts of this development upon the policies. Alternatively, others are using a percentage policy to require a environment, its setting and adjacent residential neighbours, will benefit proportion of allocated or windfall sites over a certain size to make provision from a sympathetic landscape scheme which is implemented in phase for self and custom build, usually in the form of serviced plots. one of the construction works. It should then be maintained to safeguard 6.4 The policy approach (whether through percentage or housing mix) is an establishment of planting. This is also the recommendation of BDC’s effective approach in LPAs who do not have large land holdings for disposal landscape consultant as set out in the officers’ report of the BDC planning or lower appetites for using their own assets in this way. This approach committee agenda (04/12/18): delivers serviced plots alongside plots intended for market housing whilst “Proposal: This will be a phased development over an extended time requiring limited active input from the LPA. Having a policy in place acts as a period that in its current form will produce a stilted and disjointed strong starting point for negotiations with developers…..“ outcome to the provision of a landscaped bund and the landscaping of BDC draft local plan Policy LPP 37 states: the Essex Way; largely because the provision of these soft landscape elements will be determined by the timing of the particular phases. The “On sites of 500 dwellings or more, 2% of homes will be required to be long term impact of the development on the local countryside, the public available for self or custom builders” footpath network including the Essex Way and the visual impact on the A120 corridor and the interface with the larger settlement will be

21 influenced by the quality of the land modelling and the landscape scheme These are dangerous crossing points but are regularly used by walkers that is put in place on the ground; a masterplan that accommodates a unified and cyclists. Connecting the north and south of the Parish for people, approach to the requirements of these items as strategic infrastructure will whether on foot, cycle or horseback for recreation and wellbeing, and be more successful in its delivery; completion of the roadside bund and the also for animals, is an important aim of this plan. setting for the Essex Way at an early stage in the project will give the This site is at the eastern edge of the village, removed from the village landscape treatment an opportunity to establish and provide a stronger level centre. It is very important for new and existing residents that the design of screening within the first five years than a phased delivery will achieve, The of the development integrates with the existing layout of the village and latter approach will also increase the risk of damage to the new planting from the community. Practically, this involves ensuring that there are well further machinery/plant workings and hinder the efficacy of its thought out physical connections to enable the residents to easily access establishment. “ the village and feel a part of Coggeshall. The design of the site Pollution development must not create a separate ‘enclave’ which functions as an independent entity. Views into the site must be welcoming with the This site is adjacent to the increasingly congested A120. Whilst proposals are landscape and housing layout design encouraging existing residents into being considered for the re-routing of the A120 given predicted development the site. Enhancements to the landscape setting of the Essex Way and levels within the district, the CNP Sub-Committee do not predict a decrease in including the link to St Peter’s Road and creation of two Local Green volume of traffic even if this road is officially ‘downgraded’. It is therefore Spaces will assist this aim. In addition, recreational sporting and aged important given the known levels of pollution emitted from vehicles and the care facilities, both of which have been identified by the CNP in our noise pollution that developers mitigate the negative impact on health for the surveys as desired and needed, will encourage existing residents into the protection of the wellbeing of the Parish’s future residents. development.

This site is a wild-life corridor for 7 species of bats. Bats are ‘light sensitive Housing for our growing elderly population is needed in the Parish. Our biodiversity’ and in accordance with the national, local and neighbourhood older residents wish to remain part of the community. This development plan policy the site should implement a suitable lighting design strategy to provides an opportunity for a new care home, sheltered accommodation reduce the impacts of light pollution upon our local wildlife and the wider or Alms houses to be built. Community consultation demonstrated the night sky. need for additional facilities: 84% of respondents in the Coggeshall community questionnaire said that developments should have homes Public infrastructure suitable for older people. Further comments to this effect were made in the narrative section of this consultation document. The Housing The site is adjacent to the Tey Road public footpath and bridleway which ‘StatNav’ data for Coggeshall, analysing population, says that 28% of crosses the A120 and the Essex Way which passes through the centre of the households are made up of people aged over 65 years. site. The Essex Way is an important recreational footpath, the setting of which must be enhance to encourage its use. The BDC planning committee agenda (04/012/18) sets out the officers’ report. It notes that “The maximum number of units was reduced from 335 to 300 and the care home option removed from the scheme (Officers

22 did not identify a particular concern with the proposed provision of a care Appendix E – Non Residential Development home, the applicant advised that its removal was a commercial decision due to lack of demand).” Contrary to the view of the developer, the evidence set out above demonstrates that there is a need for aged care facilities within the Meeting the Business Need Parish and the village. Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan Sub-Committee has prepared this Office space for medium sized companies or light industrial space is at a appendix to, where appropriate, justify elements of Policy 6 Meeting the premium in the Parish. This represents a change in conditions since the Business Need Policy. original research carried out by the CNP Sub-Committee at the start of the Neighbourhood Plan process; with the loss of units at the Dutch Nursery Community consultation allocated site, and commercial / retail in the centre with increased conversion A number of locally specific issues regarding the protection of residential of properties to residential homes. Sustainable development enables people amenity in relation to neighbouring employment related uses were raised to live close to their place of work thereby minimising travel. Mixed retail / in the Coggeshall Community Questionnaire: light industrial / office space and residential is the historical normality within the Parish and creates actively used areas at all times of the day with passive 65% of responses said that we should have rules that make it harder for surveillance. Therefore, the inclusion of office and light industrial space commercial properties in the village to be changed into residential appropriately integrated into the built environment is appropriate in a properties. development of this scale. 77% of responses said that we should have rules to prevent commercial property being changed into residential property if no dedicated parking space is provided.

23 Appendix F – The Natural Environment

Appendix F1 - Protecting and Enhancing Green and Blue Green Essex Strategy Infrastructure and the Natural Environment. As part of the process Jayne Rogers, Environment Officer for EEC was Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan Sub-Committee has prepared this appendix consulted. Jane Rogers is the officer responsible for the development of to, where appropriate, justify elements of the Green and Blue ECC’s ‘Green Essex Strategy’ (2019) Infrastructure Policy. In an email dated the 09/01/20 she advised: Community Consultation “All developments should provide an environmental/ biodiversity net gain A number of locally specific issues regarding the natural environment and and adequate compensation through environmental offsetting. The 25 year recreational uses were raised in the Coggeshall Community Questionnaire: environment plan will be reviewing and updating existing green infrastructure standards and Green Planning Principles to embed 82% ‘strongly agreed’ that the CNP should protect and enhance our environmental net gains into developments, including housing as natural environment. mandatory. All developments should demonstrate the environmental net gains, and where there is a net loss from the development to provide 90% said we should resist new development which makes it more difficult provisions through offsetting. The Net Gain approach is currently under to get to rivers and areas of woodland. development by Government. Defra published an update to the 88% said developers should make sure that existing trees remain as part Biodiversity Offsetting/Net-gain metric on the 19th of Dec. of a new development plan. http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/5850908674228224

82% said housing development should have public open spaces. The plan could signpost developers to the Essex biodiversity Validation checklist produced by Place Services, which is a requirement for all planning 89% said we should encourage development that will increase the amount applications considered a major development as defined by Article 8(7) of of green spaces available. The Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) Order 1995. https://www.placeservices.co.uk/resources/natural- 88% said we should encourage development that will create new places environment/essex-biodiversity-validation-checklist/ “ where animals and birds can live. And: Building with Nature 94% said we should oppose development that will result in the loss of “A new set of standards has been developed by Building with Nature to places where animals and birds can live. overcome the perceived and actual complexity of delivering high quality 91% said we should oppose development that will make it more difficult green infrastructure and has won a RTPI Award for Research Excellence. to get to open spaces and open countryside. Drawing from evidence and good practice on all aspects of green infrastructure – wellbeing, water and wildlife, the standard defines high 94% said we should oppose development that will spoil footpaths or quality green infrastructure at each stage of the development process, from bridleways. planning and design, through to long-term management and maintenance.

24 It provides a framework of quality standards, an assessment and Living Landscapes are delivered by working in partnership with other accreditation service, and national awards. By providing an accreditation at conservation NGO’s, private landowners, businesses, local interest groups the plan/design stage, Building with Nature also starts to raise confidence and local residents. Delivery can be at many different levels and through a in the planning and development sector that can achieve a collective variety of mechanisms. On a larger scale, projects are conceived, then understanding of why green infrastructure matters, and how to deliver it funding is obtained from external providers for delivery. Some landowners more consistently to accelerate the delivery of new homes and new places. choose to be partners and management advice and support can be given. The Building with Nature Standards has been developed by practitioners On a smaller scale, local people may choose to take action in their and policy makers, academic experts and end-users, and has been tried and neighbourhood by planting wildflowers in or digging ponds. There is also an tested in multiple schemes from Cornwall to Scotland and is endorsed by opportunity through appropriate and well-planned development for living Natural England, who are reviewing the current national green landscape objectives to be delivered. infrastructure standards. In Essex, our Living Landscapes vision is a landscape-scale conservation It is recommended that any proposed development applies the standards effort to restore, recreate and reconnect our wildlife habitats, making them and achieves accreditation to highlight what good looks like at each stage more resilient, so that the species living within them can move through the of the green infrastructure lifecycle and strengthens the development and landscape more easily, and continue to survive and thrive long into the demonstrates that the development goes beyond the statutory minima, to future. Living Landscapes is not purely focused on wildlife. We are looking create places that really deliver for people and wildlife.“ to reconnect local communities with their wild areas and support the local https://www.buildingwithnature.org.uk/about economy where we can so that everyone can benefit.”

Living Landscapes Living Landscapes, an Essex Wildlife Trust Initiative have been included as part of this policy in Figure 4. John More of the EWT provided additional information to the CNP Sub-Committee on the 05/09/19 by email: “They are not a designation in the same sense as SSSI’s or Local Wildlife Sites. The Living Landscape Areas are areas of opportunity where the potential exists to restore, recreate and reconnect landscape features based on the principles of landscape-scale conservation which considers the landscape and environment as a complete whole. The areas normally contain sites of existing high ecological value such as SSSI’s, nature reserves and LoWS, which are steppingstones in the landscape and need buffering and linking to improve resilience. For example, some living landscape areas are river valleys and catchments or groups of ancient woodlands surrounded by farmland or other land uses.

25 Appendix F2 - Green Buffers Assessment ● B19 Langley Green Farmland Plateau. ● F2 High Garrett / Marks Hall Wooded Farmland. The CNP Sub-Committee has assessed and justified the green buffers which ● Braintree District Settlement Fringes Evaluation of form part of policy 8. Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan Sub-Committee has Landscape Analysis Study for Coggeshall (2015), The prepared this assessment to create a consistent and transparent Landscape Partnership. methodology for evaluating the identified Green Buffers. It forms part of the o Extracts from the report have been included in the evidence base which has informed the production of the Coggeshall table below where appropriate. Neighbourhood Plan. This assessment is to be read in conjunction with figure ● Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity Appraisal for 5: ‘Green Buffers Proposals Plan’. Coggeshall Parish Council (2017), The Landscape Partnership. Additional Policy Context o Extracts from the report have been included in the table below where appropriate. This assessment has included a desktop study of the following background information Community Consultation ● The Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford Landscape Character Assessment (2006), Chris Blandford Associates. The Coggeshall Community Questionnaire: o The study considers ‘Visual characteristics’ in its profiles of 81% said we should resist development that merges two existing built up landscape character areas. areas. o Coggeshall falls within Landscape Character Type A9 which is described as: The assessment of the Green buffers also addresses the impact of Shallow valley with gently sloping sides. development that would consolidate the existing built up area, removing Predominately arable farmland. vital green lungs and fundamentally changing the character of this rural o Overall strong sense of place and tranquillity away from village. the main settlements of Braintree, Witham and Maldon and the A120, A12 and the railway line. The following Green Buffers have been identified: ● Guidelines for land management: • GB1: Land north of West Street. o Conserve and enhance the existing hedgerow pattern and • GB2: Land south of West Street -‘The Vineyard’. strengthen through planting where appropriate to local • GB3: Lands adjacent to the Colchester Road, Surrex. landscape character. • GB4: Land to the east & west of Kelvedon Road between Coggeshall Hamlet and Coggeshall. Excluding the PC land and o Conserve and manage the ecological structure of hedges allotment. and ditches within the character area. o Conserve and promote the use of building materials, which are in keeping with local vernacular/landscape character.

26 Methodology The plan identifies important green buffer areas because: A value of Poor, Moderate or Good has been assigned to each criterion. ● they assist in preventing coalescence between Coggeshall its Each criterion has been justified in writing. The conclusion summarises hamlets, neighbouring villages and potential new town the key values of each buffer and identifies the key reasons why they development; have been included in the policy. ● they help to prevent consolidation between existing built-up areas, removing ‘green lungs’ and irrecoverably changing the Consultation rural character of the village and Parish. The assessment was consulted on as part of the Regulation 14 ● they help to safeguard encroachment on the open countryside consultation on the draft CNP and has subsequently been updated to of this rural village; take into account comments received. ● and they preserve the historic setting and special character of the historic village, and its hamlets.

The value of each site has been assessed in the following tables.

The amenity value of each site has also been assessed to develop a rounded understanding of the value of each buffer. This includes: ● Value in preventing coalescence or helping to protect the open countryside and historic setting of the village, and its hamlets; ● Value in preventing consolidation between existing built-up areas. ● Strength of Landscape Character / Atmosphere; ● Views and aesthetic value.*¹; ● Ecological value as part of Coggeshall’s green and infrastruc- ture; ● Condition of the landscape elements above; ● Enjoyment to the community through passive use and visual amenity; ● Recreational value of the amenity and location to the commu- nity; ● Proven community value*²; ● Historical Importance /Contribution to the setting of the Con- servation area; ● Value in combating pollution and in drought / flood preven- tion. 27 GB1: Little Nuntys – 500m radius Criteria Explanatory text / evidence from the centre of the hamlet Parcel description: Coggeshall Value in in preventing Weak Moderate High The buffer is centred around Little Nuntys Hamlet, Parish’s smallest Hamlet in the north coalescence or helps to 500m radius. The hamlet is unusual for properties in of the Parish partly enclosed by safeguard the open countryside the Parish as it is ‘nestled’ into the woodland woodland with LWS status and arable and historic setting of the creating a unique landscape setting to the homes. land. village, and, or its hamlets. This buffer will safeguard the setting of these homes and the character of the hamlet. The hamlet is at the end of narrow Value in preventing Weak Moderate High lane which then turns into a byway. A consolidation between existing footpath runs through the buffer built-up areas. through or along the edge of Strength of Landscape Character Weak Moderate Strong The character and atmosphere of this site is intimate woodland. / Atmosphere to the point of being mysterious. The sense of enclosure from the beautiful coppiced woodlands is Key reference docs: strong around the varied vernacular of the buildings. The Braintree, Brentwood, The woodland, hedgerows and trees provide a lovely backdrop to the arable land. Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford Views and aesthetic value. *1 Poor Moderate Strong Views are contained by the woodland, however the Landscape Character Assessment short views into the woodland are very attractive. (2006) by Chris Blandford Ass Longer views are available onto the arable land from (Appendix H) GB1 is on the edge of the public highway. This is an intimate landscape area F2 High Garrett /Marks Hall with a high and distinctive aesthetic value within the Wooded Farmland Parish. Poor Moderate Good Local Wildlife Site Bra173 Great Monks Wood is GB9 was not assessed in the Ecological value as part of within the parcel and extents west from GB9. Braintree District Settlement Fringes Coggeshall’s green and blue Bra181 Marks Hall Woodlands is within the parcel Evaluation of Landscape Analysis infrastructure and extends north. Bra187 Bungate Wood lies within Study for Coggeshall by the the parcel and extends south. Landscape Partnership. Condition of the landscape Poor Moderate Good Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity elements above. Provides enjoyment to the Poor Moderate Good The landscape is one of the most attractive within Appraisal for Coggeshall Parish community through the passive the Parish. To the immediate users it will provide Council 2017. GB1 forms part of area H7 use and visual amenity great passive ad visual amenity Recreational value of the Poor Moderate Good A well-used public footpath runs through GB 1. It is amenity and location to the further away from the primary settlement of community.

28 GB1 forms part of EWT*3 Living Coggeshall and so will be primarily used by the Landscape no 62: Bovingdon and immediate population and longer distance walkers. Marks Hall and Chalkney Woods Proven community value *2 Weak Moderate Strong

Historical importance / Weak Moderate Strong The conservation area is within Coggeshall Village, Contribution to the setting of this landscape buffer has no bearing on the the Conservation area. conservation area.

Value in combating pollution Weak Moderate Good The value of this buffer in combating pollution and and in drought / flood drought / flood pollution is in its existing condition prevention. as wooded and open green space. Conclusions: GB1’s value as a green buffer lies in its ability to protect the landscape setting and identity of Little Nuntys hamlet, a small and unique hamlet in the Parish which is valued for its character and distinctiveness. The woodlands, a LWS, are of particular aesthetic and ecological value. However, it did not score highly enough on preventing coalescence or consolidation between two built up areas to be included in the plan.

GB2: Land North of West Street Criteria Explanatory text / evidence

Parcel description: Value in in preventing, or helps Weak Moderate High The site is located at a pressurised point near the to safeguard, the open settlement edge. It is part of the historical setting of Area of arable farmland west of the countryside and historic setting the village and its associated listed and former settlement, south of the A120 and of the village, and, or its industrial buildings (Isinglass) and places them in fronting onto West Street. hamlets. their landscape context. Value in preventing coalescence Weak Moderate High GB2 is a key open space or green lung along West Gently rolling sloping topography consolidation between existing Street. It sits between two strips of ribbon rising to the A120 and falling to the built-up areas development forming part of the landscape setting River Blackwater. and context of the village, and gateway into the Undeveloped, open agricultural land historic centre. Its retention as an open agricultural with Grade One listed ‘Highfields’ to field would prevent consolidation between two built the west. up areas and help to maintain the rural character of the village and Parish. An E/W PRoW crosses the parcel, no 17, this leads into LGS ‘Vicarage Field’ Strength of Landscape Character Weak Moderate Strong The site is largely open due to modern farming and PRoW no 57. / Atmosphere practices. Within the Parish such large open fields are not uncharacteristic of the area. Modern Mature trees, remnant woodland, agricultural landscapes generally have a poor shrubs and pond to the eastern edge landscape character and GB2 is no exception. However, the landscape including trees and *3: EWT: Essex Wildlife Trust 29 of the site connected to ‘Vicarage hedgerows that enclose it, its context, are intact. Field’. Within its wider context therefore, and as part of a ‘gateway’ into the settlement it is judged to be The parcel forms part of an moderate. archaeological site. Views and aesthetic value. *1 Poor Moderate Strong The only cross valley views in Coggeshall and close to the settlement are enjoyed from PRoW 17 and Key reference docs: the Essex Way on the southern side of the Appeal Ref: Blackwater Valley. The importance of the preservation of these views (which are free from APP/Z1510/W/16/3160474 (July development), from and onto GB2 was a 2017) determining factor in the 2017 appeal decision. Para The Braintree, Brentwood, 56 “… development would harm the cross valley Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford views from public rights of way in both directions. Landscape Character Assessment Notwithstanding the proposed meadow area close to the Highfields Farm complex, it would also detract (2006) by Chris Blandford Ass - from, or result in the loss of, views to the listed (Appendix H) buildings at Highfields Farm rather than being Braintree District Settlement Fringes sensitive to the listed buildings as landscape Evaluation of Landscape Analysis features.” Study for Coggeshall by The Ecological value as part of Poor Moderate Good Important as part of a N/S green Infrastructure link between Robins Brook (LWS), Vicarage Field and the Landscape Partnership – extract in Coggeshall’s green and Vineyard to the River valley. Great potential for new the Appendices to the Appellants’ infrastructure planting or sympathetic agricultural practices to Landscape Evidence (Appendix D) enhance this link in the future. GB2 forms part of area 4d

GB2 forms part of EWT*3 Living Braintree Sensitivity and Capacity Analysis 2015 Parcels 3a & 4d: Para 4.15 Opportunities for green Landscape no 56 Blackwater Valley links are identified (between the north and south side of West St), enhancing connections between the western edges of the settlement and the River Blackwater corridor. Condition of the landscape Poor Moderate Good The wider landscape around GB1 is in good elements above. condition, the views are very important for Coggeshall, and although the ecological content of the site is not currently good that of the wider context is, and there is potential for improvement.

30 Provides enjoyment to the Poor Moderate Good GB2 provides visual enjoyment when viewed from community through passive use West Street, by foot, by car and from the Essex Way and visual amenity on the southern side of the valley, and from within the site from PRoW 17.

Recreational value of the Poor Moderate Good The site is close to the western edge of the amenity and location to the settlement and existing sporadic development along community. West Street. It is easily accessible by the community and is actively used by walkers and runners along its PRoW

Proven community value *2 Weak Moderate Strong A planning application was submitted to develop GB2 in 2016, it was dismissed at appeal in 2017. During the application period there was strong community opposition to the development of this site citing enjoyment of this site as a recreational and visual asset.

Historical importance / Weak Moderate Strong GB2 is important in defining the status of ‘Highfields’ Contribution to the setting of and its former occupants, in its context as a the Conservation area. Farmhouse at the centre of a farmstead complex. In addition, in defining the relationship of the house with its surrounding open land and with that of the main settlement from which it is set apart. GB2 forms part of the landscape setting of the conservation area, it creates a break in the urban fabric on the approach into the village centre Value in combating pollution Weak Moderate Good At its lower levels the site has potential to and in drought / flood incorporate off line SuDS which would assist in prevention. water retention during high rain fall events and provide a blue link in the Parish’s GI plan. The site is unlit at night and so assists in implementing the Parish’s dark skies policy. Conclusions: GB2 is important to the Parish as both a green buffer to prevent coalescence and protect the landscape setting of Coggeshall as a village in a rural setting. It prevents consolidation between two existing built up areas. It is important for its amenity value to the community and as part of the Parish’s green infrastructure. Of note is its contribution to the historic setting of Coggeshall and the view from GB2 and onto GB2 over the Blackwater valley from the Essex Way.

31 GB3: Land south of West Street -‘The Criteria Explanatory text / evidence Vineyard’

Parcel description: Value in in preventing Weak Moderate High GB3 lies beyond the development boundary of the coalescence or helps to village. It forms part of the landscape setting of the Parcel description: Area of open land safeguard the open countryside village and may be associated with GB1, the planted as a Vineyard and associated and historic setting of the village development of which was dismissed at appeal in with ‘The West Street Vineyard’, a or its hamlets. part because of its value as part of the historic restaurant with associated hard setting of the village. landscaping for parking. Value in preventing coalescence Weak Moderate High GB3 is a key open space or green lung along West consolidation between existing Street. It sits between residential ribbon Gently rolling sloping topography built-up areas development to the East and mixed residential and falling from West Street to the River commercial development to the West forming part Blackwater. Local wildlife site Bra186, of the landscape setting and context of the village Blackwater Plantation forms its and gateway into the historic centre. Its retention southern boundary. as an open space would prevent consolidation The eastern part of the GB3 has between two built up areas and help to maintain the mature vines. The new vines were rural character of the village and Parish and the view planted in 2011. to the river corridor.

Mature trees and hedgerows form Strength of Landscape Character Weak Moderate Strong The vineyards, especially the old vines, lend a the southern boundary and part of a / Atmosphere distinctive and attractive landscape character and N/S boundary in the middle of GB3. atmosphere to GB3 which is unique to Coggeshall. It is an open and tranquil site. The sloping land form At the southern edge of the site is the and relatively low height of the vines combine to valley bottom containing the river retain a sense of openness when viewed from the corridor of the Blackwater. elevated public vantage point of West Street. Views and aesthetic value. *1 Poor Moderate Strong Long views over the site to the valley bottom afford Key reference docs: one of the few open views to the river corridor, and The Braintree, Brentwood, form part of the recognised publicly valued view from PRoW 17 and the Essex Way. As a distinctive Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford and attractive landscape GB3 has a high aesthetic Landscape Character Assessment value and is important as a ‘green lung’ and a break (2006) by Chris Blandford Ass in the urban fabric on the approach into Coggeshall (Appendix H) Ecological value as part of Poor Moderate Good GB3 forms an important N/S link in the Parish’s Braintree District Settlement Fringes Coggeshall’s green and blue green infrastructure plan linking GB2 and the wider Evaluation of Landscape Analysis infrastructure Parish, with the ecologically valuable habitat of the river corridor (Living Landscape & Local Wildlife 32 Study for Coggeshall by The Site). Increased boundary hedge planting and a Landscape Partnership: GB3 part of break in the boundary wall to enable small area 3a mammals to move N/S would enhance its ecological value. GB3 forms part of EWT*3 Living Landscape no 56 Blackwater Valley Braintree Sensitivity and Capacity Analysis 2015 Parcels 3a & 4d: Para 4.15 Opportunities for green links are identified (between the north and south side of West St), enhancing connections between the western edges of the settlement and the River Blackwater corridor. Condition of the landscape Poor Moderate Good The landscape and its context are in good condition. elements above. Provides enjoyment to the Poor Moderate Good The site is in private ownership and so is accessible community through passive use to the public visually from West Street, the footpath and visual amenity along the road or PRoW 17. The public can however actively enjoy the site from the restaurant and its balcony when a customer of the restaurant

Recreational value of the Poor Moderate Good The site is close to the community and active amenity and location to the members of the community can easily walk to the community. site. The public can enjoy the recreational value of the site when a customer of the restaurant.

Proven community value *2 Weak Moderate Strong During the planning application process for the development of the Vineyard and associated restaurant comments received by the LA were both negative and positive. However, most negative comments were associated with potential increase in noise rather than the visual impact or removal of land of recreational value. Positive comments were also made regarding the rejuvenation of the Vineyard itself and the new architectural style of the building. Anecdotal evidence suggests that people enjoy and value the landscape of GB2 and its views

33 Historical importance / Weak Moderate Strong GB3 forms part of Coggeshall’s landscape setting to Contribution to the setting of the historic core and conservation area. It is a break the Conservation area. in the urban fabric on the approach into Coggeshall. The 1575 map of Coggeshall shows the land use to be a Croft, the oldest recorded type of farm, the abundance of Crofts shows that the west of Coggeshall was settled first. The tenurial status indicates it was called Fee Farm. Value in combating pollution Weak Moderate Good As part of a valued green space it contributes to the and in drought / flood Parish’s clean air and most of the site is not lit at prevention. night. There is potential for future development of SuDS. Conclusions: GB3 is important to the Parish as both a green buffer to prevent coalescence and protect the landscape setting of Coggeshall as a village in a rural setting. It prevents consolidation between two existing built up areas. It is important for its visual amenity value providing rare views down to the river corridor and as part of the Parish’s green infrastructure. The vines themselves afford a valuable and unique landscape character that forms part of the visually attractive and therefore valuable ‘landscape gateway’ as you approach Coggeshall Village from the West.

GB4: Lands adjacent to the Criteria Explanatory text / evidence Colchester Road, Surrex

Parcel description: Value in in preventing Weak Moderate High Essex County Council, Colchester Borough Council coalescence, or helps to together with Braintree District Council are GB4 is located on the eastern side of safeguard the open countryside developing plans for a new garden community at Coggeshall, south of the Colchester and historic setting of the West Tey. Part one of the draft BDC plan addresses Road and east of Coggeshall Road. It village, and, or its hamlets. the new garden community. Map 10.3 B extends eastwards to Lee’s Farm at Colchester/Braintree Borders shows a shaded purple the junction of A120 and Colchester which is graded in colour towards the outer Road. boundaries. The legend defines this purple area as 'garden communities’. The distinct impression given The southern portion of the Parcel is is that this shaded purple area is the proposed one large arable field which are part extent of the garden communities. The of a swathe of pre-18th century field ‘development area’ extends into the parish of enclosures. Coggeshall, from the junction of Colchester Road with the A120, and along the edge of the Feering To the north of GB4 are smaller fields Road. Point 20 of the draft plan says ‘Landscape which include arable farmland, buffers between the site and Coggeshall, Feering, amenity grassland, paddocks at the Stanway and Easthorpe;’ However, there has been to date no formal indication as to the extent or 34 rear of Raynecroft Farm farmhouse nature of the landscape buffers. The map in the BDC which fronts onto Colchester Road. draft plan contradicts the text, therefore to ensure that Coggeshall is protected from encroaching It is bounded to the south east by development, to prevent coalescence with West Tey strong hedge with trees and along and to protect the landscape setting of Coggeshall as the Coggeshall road. Gaps in the a village within a rural setting GB4 will form a key hedge create intermittent views from part of Coggeshall’s green buffer. the highway into the parcel. Value in preventing coalescence Weak Moderate High GB4 is a key open space or green lung along the consolidation between existing southern side of Colchester Road. Retention of this Key reference docs: built-up areas area as a buffer will help prevent further The Braintree, Brentwood, consolidation between existing homes along the Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford Colchester Road including the approved residential Landscape Character Assessment estate for 325 new homes north of Colchester Rd. (2006) by Chris Blandford Ass The retention of GB4 will help to maintain the rural (Appendix H) GB4 forms part of area character of the village in its landscape setting in B19 Langley Green Farmland Plateau accordance with the vision of this plan and will of the community. Braintree District Settlement Fringes Evaluation of Landscape Analysis Strength of Landscape Character Weak Moderate Strong GB4 has a strong agricultural character. Close to the / Atmosphere A120 the tranquillity of the parcel is broken when Study for Coggeshall by The the correct meteorological conditions bring traffic Landscape Partnership. GB6 forms noise to the parcel. part of area 2f Views and aesthetic value. *1 Poor Moderate Strong GB4 is private land. Views from foot are from the public footpath at the north eastern tip of the parcel and from the Colchester Rd. There are cross field views from cars from the public highway. Of significance is the long-distance view looking SW from the public footpath and the Colchester road as you turn off the A120. This is a long-distance view over the arable fields to the western side of the valley. It is an attractive view which contributes to the character of Coggeshall village as a settlement within a rural setting. Filtered views of GB4 are visible from the Coggeshall road on the approach to Coggeshall Village. Once again these contribute to the character of Coggeshall village as a settlement within a rural setting. 35 Ecological value as part of Poor Moderate Good GB4 has moderate ecological value as part of Coggeshall’s green and blue Coggeshall green and blue infrastructure. The infrastructure primary ecological value of this parcel is provided by the hedgerows and trees at its boundaries. It is as a green link that its ecological value is raised to ‘good’. It links the river corridor of the Blackwater, with GB4 and then on to the eastern and northern areas of the Parish. There is potential for improvement in the value of the link with new native planting and sympathetic agricultural practices such as meadow grasses / flowers at field margins or in strips through the fields. Also, native tree planting along the Colchester Road. Condition of the landscape Poor Moderate Good elements above. Provides enjoyment to the Poor Moderate Good The passive enjoyment of GB4 is primarily as part of community through passive use the visual setting of the village and the long-distance and visual amenity view from the public footpath and Colchester Rd

Recreational value of the Poor Moderate Good GB4 is private land. It is close to the residential amenity and location to the homes along Colchester Rd but GB4 provides limited community. active recreation value to the community except for the public footpath.

Proven community value *2 Weak Moderate Strong GB4’s community value lies in its aesthetic value as part of the landscape setting of the village rather than as an active recreation resource amenity

Historical importance / Weak Moderate Strong The southern arable fields are part of a swathe of Contribution to the setting of pre-18th century field enclosures. It forms a part of the Conservation area. the landscape setting of the village as a village or small market town within a rural area. It is a break in the urban fabric at the gateway to the village.

Value in combating pollution Weak Moderate Good As part of the Parish’s valued green space it and in drought / flood contributes to the Parish’s clean air. Additional tree prevention. and shrub planting would enhance this role. Conclusions:

36 GB4’s visual and aesthetic strength lies in its long-distance SW view and it value as agricultural land which cements Coggeshall context as a village in a rural setting. GB4 value lies in preventing coalescence consolidation of built-up areas and preventing coalescence with future development as part of the Garden Communities proposals.

GB5: Land to the east & west of Criteria Explanatory text / evidence Kelvedon Rd between Coggeshall Hamlet and Coggeshall. Excluding the PC land and allotment

Parcel description: Value in preventing coalescence, Weak Moderate High GB5W&W have a key role in preventing coalescence or helps to safeguard the open between Coggeshall Hamlet and Coggeshall village, GB5W is part of an extensive arable countryside and historic setting protecting their identity and the historic setting of landscape on the plateau above the of the village, and, or its the village and the hamlet. River Blackwater. It abuts the hamlets. Kelvedon Road and lies between the Value in preventing coalescence Weak Moderate High GB5, between the existing built up areas of last house of Coggeshall village’s consolidation between existing Coggeshall Hamlet and Coggeshall village will ribbon development and the first of built-up areas prevent consolidation between existing built up Coggeshall Hamlet to the east of the Road. areas. Strength of Landscape Character Weak Moderate Strong GB5W & GB5E are arable fields. The character of Hedgerows delineate its northern / Atmosphere GB5W is very much influenced by its wider context, and western boundary. The arable that of an extensive area of open arable field, the field extends to the west. Two public historical field pattern now lost. However, the parcel footpaths run parallel to the parcel to that is GB5W is contained and by the boundaries to the north and south though not the north, south and east which from the road is immediately adjacent to the perceived as being smaller and more intimate in boundary. The northern footpath is character. GB5W is part of a smaller field pattern the Essex Way. These afford views with a more varied agricultural use. Its wider context onto the parcel. is also more varied; bounded by the edge of the settlements, the agricultural buildings of Abbey farm GB5W parcel forms part of and hedgerows and plantations. Its character as part archaeological site. of its wider context is therefore more visually diverse and intimate. GB5E is located to the east of the Views and aesthetic value. *1 Poor Moderate Strong The views and aesthetic value into and over these Kelvedon Road. It lies between the parcels are primary derived by the presence of open last house of Coggeshall Village and rural space between the two settlements and are the first house of the Coggeshall enjoyed though filtered views in the hedge line by Hamlet, which form part of a unique the many users of Kelvedon Road. They are a ‘break’ grouping of distinctive Alms houses. between the two settlements providing visual relief The parcel extends over gently from the built form and definition to the 37 sloping ground west over two fields settlements. Therefore, they are afforded a strong to a track which forms its western rating. boundary. Beyond the track is a Ecological value as part of Poor Moderate Good The field boundaries of both GB5W&E afford the plantation which extends east to the Coggeshall’s green and blue parcels their primary ecological value providing river corridor of the Blackwater. To infrastructure some cover for birds and mammals as part of a wild the northern boundary is a hedgerow life corridor. However, as a green link between the associated with a residential property upper slopes and plateau of the southern side of the and additional fields. To the south a Blackwater corridor, crossing the Kelvedon Road to track and a hedgerow and trees. link to the Blackwater river corridor and the rural There is no public access into the landscape beyond they are very important. Their parcel ecological value can be improved with wildflower field margins, or strips running through the fields The primary public views into both and reinforcement and reintroduction of vegetated parcels are from Kelvedon road from field boundaries. a vehicle. There are no pavements Condition of the landscape Poor Moderate Good and as this is now a well utilised elements above. route to the station although horse Provides enjoyment to the Poor Moderate Good GB5W&E are enjoyed passively by the community riders and cyclist do use it their use is community through passive use and road users who walk, cycle, drive or ride past curtailed by vehicle numbers and and visual amenity them. speed. Recreational value of the Poor Moderate Good The parcels are adjacent to the communities of The parcels are close to Coggeshall amenity and location to the Coggeshall Village and Coggeshall Hamlet. Their village’s conservation zone and form community. inherent active recreational value is diminished as part of the landscape setting of the the land is private, in agricultural use and no PRoW’s village and the hamlet. cross the parcels.

Key reference docs: Proven community value *2 Weak Moderate Strong As part of the valued rural landscape setting of the village they have community value. The Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford Value in preventing coalescence, Weak Moderate High GB5W&W have a key role in prevent coalescence Landscape Character Assessment or helps to protect the open between Coggeshall Hamlet and Coggeshall village, (2006) by Chris Blandford Ass - countryside and historic setting protecting their identities and the historic setting of (Appendix H) forms part of A9 - of the village, and, or its the village and the hamlet. Blackwater River Valley. hamlets. Historical Importance Weak Moderate Strong Braintree District Settlement Fringes Value in combating pollution Weak Moderate Good As part of the Parish’s valued green space it Evaluation of Landscape Analysis and in drought / flood contributes to the Parish’s clean air. Study for Coggeshall by The prevention.

38 Landscape Partnership GB5 forms part of areas 3d (the western portion) and 2b (the eastern portion).

GB5 forms part of EWT*3 Living Landscape no 56 Blackwater Valley

Conclusions: GB5E&W are important to the Parish in preventing coalescence between Coggeshall Hamlet and Coggeshall Village. They protect the identity and the historic setting of the conservation area of village and the hamlet. They are a valued green buffer and visual green break in the built form and are valued passively by many. They form an important link in the Parish’s green infrastructure. *1: Including as a visual ‘green lung’ from public vantage points *2: For some parcels the CNP has written comments attained through community consultation. A lack of written comments does not mean the parcel is not valued by the community, it is more likely that the parcel has not come under development pressure and so there has been no community response to date.

39 Appendix F3 - Local Green Spaces Assessment with the local planning of sustainable development and complement investment in sufficient homes, jobs and other essential services. Local Green Spaces should only The CNP Sub-Committee identified Local Green Spaces within the Parish which be designated when a plan is prepared or updated, and be capable of enduring form part of policy 9. Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan Sub-Committee has beyond the end of the plan period. “ prepared this assessment to create a consistent and transparent methodology for evaluating the identified Local Green Spaces in accordance with Para 100 of the Community Consultation 2019 NPPF. It forms part of the evidence base which has informed the production Refer to Coggeshall Community Questionnaire results above. of the Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan. This assessment is to be read in conjunction with Figure 6: ‘Local Green Spaces Proposals Plan’. The following sites were identified for assessment.

Additional Policy Context LGS1: Vicarage Field. This assessment has included a desktop study of the following background LGS2: Cook Field West. information: LGS3: Dutch Nursery West (Pissing Gutter Field). ● The Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford LGS 4: Land off Colchester Road, south and north of the Essex Way. Landscape Character Assessment (2006), Chris Blandford Associates. LGS 5: Land south of Tey Road.

o Coggeshall falls within Landscape Character Type A9 which is Methodology described as: The sites have been assessed in the tables below and against the NPPF key criteria B19 Langley Green Farmland Plateau as set out in para 100. F2 High Garrett /Marks Hall Wooded Farmland The Local Green Space designation should only be used where the green space is: ● Braintree District Settlement Fringes Evaluation of Landscape Analysis a) in reasonably close proximity to the community it serves; Study for Coggeshall (2015). b) demonstrably special to a local community and holds a particular local o Extracts from the report have been included in the table below significance, for example because of its beauty, historic significance, where appropriate. recreational value (including as a playing field), tranquillity or richness of its wildlife; and ● Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity Appraisal for Coggeshall Parish c) local in character and is not an extensive tract of land. Council (2017). LGS 5 did not meet the assessment criteria and so was rejected. The conclusion o Extracts from the report have been included in the table below summarises the overall findings of the assessment. where appropriate. Consultation The National Planning Policy Framework, 2019 Para 99 states: The assessment was consulted on as part of the Regulation 14 consultation on the “The designation of land as Local Green Space through local and neighbourhood draft CNP and has subsequently been updated to take into account comments plans allows communities to identify and protect green areas of particular received. importance to them. Designating land as Local Green Space should be consistent 40 LGS1: Vicarage Field Criteria Explanatory text / evidence

Parcel description: LGS should be in reasonably close The site is adjacent to the western edge of the settlement and existing sporadic proximity to the community it development along West Street. It is within 400m of the village centre. It is easily Area: Approximate area: 4.18ha serves. accessible by the community via 4 routes / public footpaths. LGS1 occupies land gently sloping to the LGS should be demonstrably In 2016 a proposal was put forward to remove its status as Public Open Space and from east and south towards Robin’s Brook and special to a local community and the BDC Open spaces Action Plan. This designation was based upon its previous use until the River Blackwater. A line of houses holds a local significance, for 2000 as a formal recreational open space with allotments, bowling green, football pitch relating to the historic core of the village example because of its beauty, and tennis courts. The CNP Sub-Committee and the community submitted many and within the Conservation Area forms historic significance, recreational comments to the Local Authority against this proposal citing the personal and the southern boundary. There is a value (including as a playing community value of the space. The submission was successful, and the site now has LGS fragmented mix of vegetation and close field), tranquillity or richness of designation. The submitted comments form part of the evidence base. board fencing to the rear garden its wildlife. boundaries. To the east, the boundary is The contained views within the site and filtered long views north towards open enclosed by dense woodland along Robin’s agricultural land (as identified in NP community consultation) and woodland belt are Brook which is also designated and enjoyed by the community. The site is not of very high aesthetic value, but as an open PPG: managed as a Local Wildlife Site Bra206 green space with well vegetated boundaries on the western side of the village it is Tilkey Road Coggeshall. This vegetation Can all communities benefit enjoyed aesthetically by the many people who walk around Vicarage Field daily. visually contains the western settlement from Local Green Space? fringe of Coggeshall. There is a small block Vicarage field is of high recreational value to the many walkers and runners who use its of woodland and a tall tree belt to the Local Green Spaces may be footpaths or walk around the perimeter on a daily basis. western boundary, with a natural pond designated where those spaces This field is an important historical site for Coggeshall and its community. Thomas and a fragmented hedgerow to the north. are demonstrably special to the Hawkes was burned at the stake on Vicarage Field in 1555 for being a protestant and The parcel comprises grass fields currently local community, whether in a refusing to renounce his faith. The story says as he burned, his arms rose up from his cropped for hay. The internal field lifeless body and he clapped his hands three times above his head. village or in a neighbourhood in a boundary is fragmented. The area is The atmosphere is tranquil though at times the noise from the A120 is audible. designated as Local Green Space. town or city. LGS1 is important as part of a N/S green and blue Infrastructure link between Robins Public footpaths lead into the Parcel from Brook (Local Wildlife Site), and beyond to the open space of the Vineyard to the river West Street and Stoneham Street and valley. The existing hedgerows, woodland and riparian vegetation are an excellent base connect with further public rights of way from which to enhance through design and planting the ecological value of Vicarage crossing the neighbouring more open, Field. agricultural landscape. These footpath routes provide moderately open views Braintree Sensitivity and Capacity Analysis 2015 across the Parcel. The fragmented Parcel 4f: Para 4.15 hedgerow on the northern boundary “Corresponding with the findings of the earlier Landscape Capacity Analysis opportunities allows further views north to the should also be taken to develop landscape recreational corridors alongside Robin’s Brook. 41 surrounding large-scale arable farmland This area provides opportunities for spaces promoting education and wellbeing as well as with woodland blocks on the horizon. providing enhanced green links between the settlement and the wider landscape.”

There are partial views of the Parcel from How does Local Green Space The NP allocates sites in suitable locations to meet the housing needs of the Parish. The residential properties to the south and designation relate to designation of this space as Local Green Space contributes towards the achievement of occasional filtered views from properties development? Designating sustainable development. on the settlement fringe to the east. The any LGS will need to be consistent Parcel is enclosed by a strong framework with local planning for of vegetation and contained to the south sustainable development in the and east by built development on the area. In particular, plans must Coggeshall settlement fringe. identify sufficient land in suitable locations to meet identified Key reference docs: development needs and the LGS The Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, designation should not be used in Maldon and Uttlesford Landscape a way that undermines this aim Character Assessment (2006) by Chris of plan making. Blandford Ass - (Appendix H)

Braintree District Settlement Fringes Evaluation of Landscape Analysis Study for Coggeshall (2015) by The Landscape Partnership. LGS1 forms part of area 4f

LGS1 forms part of EWT*3 Living Landscape no 56 Blackwater Valley

LGS should be local in character The character of Vicarage field is lent to it by its relatively small size in comparison to the and not an extensive tract of wider, surrounding, agricultural landscape and the framework of hedgerows, riparian land. vegetation to Robins Brook and woodland which enclose it.

This field is not an extensive tract of land, but a contained parcel which is easily defined by its boundary hedgerows and trees.

Deliverability: The site is an existing LGS in the emerging BDC District Plan Conclusions:

42 LGS 1 is easily accessible by the community it serves. It has a high amenity value to the community. It forms part of the landscape setting of Coggeshall as a village in a rural setting. It is important for its amenity value to the community and as part of the Parish’s ecological and recreational green infrastructure. It has important historical associations. It meets the criteria as set out in NPPF 2019 for Local Green Space.

LGS2: Cook Field West. Criteria Explanatory text / evidence

Parcel description: LGS should be in reasonably close The site is adjacent to the eastern edge of the settlement. Directly accessible from East proximity to the community it Street incorporating a national trail, the Essex Way. It serves the eastern side of the site. Approximate area: 0.24ha serves. It forms part of an allocated site and will therefore form the accessible open green space LGS2 is bounded by East Street to the for the new community at its eastern edge. North, and the Essex Way to the West, and LGS should be demonstrably The Essex Way is a heavily used footpath in Coggeshall. Community comments gathered by the remainder of Cook Field to the East. special to a local community and as part of the NP consultation process demonstrate a strong aesthetic enjoyment of The southern boundary comprises of a holds a local significance, for Cook Field and its rural character by users of East Street and the Essex Way. In addition, a partial hedge row and fence line with example because of its beauty, desire to preserve part of the field as public green space for active recreational use by fields beyond. historic significance, recreational the community. *1 value (including as a playing The western area of Cook Field creates a viable green space for informal; recreational It forms part of an allocated site (P4 Cook field), tranquillity or richness of activity adjacent to the Essex Way. Field). its wildlife. The parcel of the field designated as LGS2 has a strong aesthetic value born of its Dense shrub / native understory and a intimate character and the immediate cross-field views looking into to Cook Field and stream border the Essex Way. The looking north to the fields and associated shrubs beyond. Looking back south from within hedgerow is broken along East Street to PPG: the north and on the southern boundary Can all communities benefit LGS2 and further south along the Essex Way there is an enjoyable view over the field there are two TPO’ed Cedar trees. towards the mature trees and the Victorian roofline of ‘Starling Leeze’, a highly attractive from Local Green Space? landmark from the public footpath. The house is especially visible in the winter months. There are direct views into the site from Local Green Spaces may be LGS2 protects and preserves the historic setting of the village by creating the landscape the footpath entrance at the N/W corner designated where those spaces setting of the conservation area along East Street including the Victorian Mansions and filtered views from the road. Direct opposite. LGS assists in preventing coalescence between existing developments by views across the site from the Essex Way. are demonstrably special to the preventing continuous infill ribbon development along East Street so that the edge of the The primary views of interest are N/S local community, whether in a settlement retains a fragmented development pattern typical at the boundary of a across the LGS2 to the fields to the north village or in a neighbourhood in a traditional development envelope. and the mature trees and roof tops of ‘Starling Leeze’, a listed Victorian mansion town or city. house. Cook Field is identified as part of parcel 2d in the Evaluation of Landscape Capacity Analysis for Coggeshall 2015. Cogg 174 is described in para 4.22. See below. Key reference docs: “4.22 To the south-west of Coggeshall Parcel 2d has a rural character with a tranquil riverside walk including part of the Essex Way path. The area is strongly influenced by the historic fringes of the settlement, with historic field enclosures, Scheduled Monuments

43 The Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, and Listed Buildings. The River Blackwater provides a strong visual feature containing the Maldon and Uttlesford Landscape settlement and reducing visual connections with the urban fabric. These factors reduce Character Assessment (2006) by Chris the capacity of the Parcels to accommodate development despite the framework Blandford Ass - (Appendix H) LGS2 forms provided by good quality, dense vegetation.” part of area A9- Blackwater River Valley. 2017 Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity Appraisal para 5.6.6: Braintree District Settlement Fringes Evaluation of Landscape Analysis Study for “ Parcel F, known as Cook Field, has been allocated for residential development within the Coggeshall by The Landscape Partnership. Draft Local Plan produced by Braintree District Council (Site reference: Cogg 174: land on LGS2 forms part of area 2d south side of East Street, Coggeshall). The parcel abuts the settlement of Coggeshall and is adjoined on its eastern edge by large gardens containing mature trees. To the north, Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity the parcel borders East Street (B1024) which forms one of the main routes into the Appraisal for Coggeshall Parish Council village. It consists of a single large field with mature vegetation on the boundaries which 2017. LGS2 forms part of area F. contains views to some extent. The parcel forms part of a wider area of open, agricultural LGS2 forms part of EWT Living Landscape land on the fringes of the Blackwater Valley. The Essex Way follows a line through this no 56 Blackwater Valley area, passing along the western edge of the parcel.

5.6.7 Whilst the parcel has been allocated for development consideration needs to be given to the effect of any development proposals on existing landscape features including the mature vegetation on the northern site boundary adjacent to East Street. This vegetation should be retained wherever possible for its contribution to the character of East Street. Development should be set back from East street in order to safeguard the character of the streetscape, and to limit effects on the setting of the Conservation Area, which lies immediately to the north. Views from the Essex way are currently open, so that the site is perceived as a single field bounded by mature trees. The mitigation measures for any new development should include an open buffer zone adjacent to the Essex Way to protect existing views north and south from the Essex Way, and the landscape setting and character of this section of the path. Landscape buffer planting, using native trees and shrubs, should be established at the southern edge of the developed area to reduce the impact of new buildings in views from the Essex Way, and to help assimilate new built form into a well-vegetated settlement edge.” The Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity studies above detail the sensitivity of this site to development, and describe Cook Field in its historical, visual and ecological landscape context. The 2017 study states that mitigation measures should ‘protect existing N/S views’ in an ‘open buffer zone’ adjacent to the Essex Way.

44 LGS2 is adjacent to an area of flood plain, scrub and woodland. Hedgerows and trees from part of its boundary. The grassland is currently cropped for hay. This forms a valuable link in the Parish’s green infrastructure.

The area enables planting to create a worthwhile extension of the green corridor and biodiverse planting running along the Essex Way with the possibility of off-line water storage in the form of swales.

This site has a tranquil atmosphere and creates an immediate sense of the rural and calm when leaving East Street and walking onto the Essex Way.

New communities. The proposed LGS is demonstrably special to the existing community. As an LGS New residential areas may immediately adjacent to a new community and one which provides access to the Essex include green areas that were Way it will become valuable to the new community as a recreational and visually planned as part of the accessible green open space. development. Such green areas could be designated as Local Green Space if they are demonstrably special and hold particular local significance Public Access At present the only publicly accessible part of the site is the Essex Way, the LGS will Some areas that may be provide for further publicly accessible green space in the future as part of the allocated considered for designation as site. Local Green Space may already have largely unrestricted public access, though even in places like parks there may be some restrictions. However, other land could be considered for designation even if there is no public access (e.g. green areas which are valued because of their wildlife, historic significance and/or beauty). How does Local Green Space The NP allocates sites including the majority of Cook Field in suitable locations to meet designation relate to the housing needs of the Parish as demonstrated in the housing needs assessment. development? Designating Development sites must provide POS within the site boundary. This area of LGS will serve the needs of the community (existing and new) and respond to the evidence by 45 any LGS will need to be consistent providing an open buffer zone adjacent to the Essex Way to protect existing views north with local planning for and south from the Essex Way, and the landscape setting and character of this section of sustainable development in the the path. area. In particular, plans must identify sufficient land in suitable locations to meet identified development needs and the LGS designation should not be used in a way that undermines this aim of plan making.

What if land has planning LGS 2 forms part of an allocated site for development. At the time of writing the site permission for development? does not have planning permission. The site layout has not therefore been tested Local Green Space designation through the planning system. The community in the new development will require will rarely be appropriate where access to a “network of high-quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and the land has planning permission physical activity” para 96 NPPF. In addition, planning policy and decisions should “seek to for development. Exceptions protect and enhance public rights of way and access, including taking opportunities to provide better facilities for users, for example by adding links to existing rights of way could be where the development networks including National Trails.” The allocation of this section of Cook Field will would be compatible with the promote the protection and enhancement of the Essex Way and enable a link to the reasons for designation or where PRoW from the new community. The designation of the western portion of Cook Field is planning permission is no longer compatible with the allocation of the site and helps to promote sustainable capable of being implemented development. LGS should be local in character Cook Field has a strong intimate character. It is partially enclosed to all sides by trees and and is not an extensive tract of shrubs. It is an irregularly shaped and small field which forms part of the remnant local land. and historical small-scale field pattern network that forms the context and landscape setting for the Abbey and Abbey Mill, ‘Starling Leeze’ and the conservation area.

It is not an extensive tract of land

Further considerations. LGS2 protects the landscape setting of the Essex Way and its viability as a wildlife corridor from the negative impacts of development.

Local and valued views N/S across this field will also be preserved for future generations.

Deliverability: The site as part of allocated site P4 Cook Field and will be delivered upon development of the wider site. Conclusions:

46 LGS 2 is easily accessible by the community it serves and will serve a new community when the remaining portion of Cook Field is developed. It is compatible with its designation as an allocated site. It is highly valued by the community for its recreational value and its beauty. This Local Green Space also serves to help retain the rural character at the edge of the development envelope and protect the setting of the Essex Way and the conservation area. It is of high amenity value to the community. It forms part of the landscape setting of Coggeshall as a village in a rural setting. It meets the criteria as set out in NPPF 2019 for Local Green Space.

LGS3: Dutch Nursery West (Pissing Gutter Criteria Explanatory text / evidence Field)

Parcel description: LGS should be in reasonably close LGS3 is to the west of the village settlement; access is directly off West Street. It is within proximity to the community it walking distance of the centre of the village and easily accessible to adjacent homes. Approximate area: 1.3ha serves. It forms part of an allocated site and will therefore form the accessible open green space LGS3 is bounded by a low brick wall to for the new community at its eastern edge. West Street to the north. A fence line and LGS should be demonstrably A planning application was put forward for the Dutch Nursery site in 2017/2018. During hedgerow to the west, stock fencing to the special to a local community and the application period representations were made to the local planning authority by the East and to the south the well vegetated holds a local significance, for CNP Sub-Committee, the Coggeshall Parish Council and private individuals to: river corridor and flood plain. example because of its beauty, · retain the green space as recreational areas for the existing and new community; historic significance, recreational It forms part of an allocated site (P3: The value (including as a playing · maintain a green ‘lung’ to break up the ribbon development and preserve a rural Dutch Nursey). field), tranquillity or richness of character on the approach to Coggeshall Centre; its wildlife. LGS3 is former grazing land associated · maintain rare views to the river valley from West Street and; with the former use of the whole ‘Dutch Nursery’ site. The lower part of the area · create new formal access to the river. stretches down to the River Blackwater. PPG: This demonstrates that LGS3 is special and valued by the local community. This is floodplain and well vegetated and Can all communities benefit planted with trees when the site was in from Local Green Space? The upper section of the LGS3 adjacent to West Street was known as Pissing Gutter Field. use as a garden centre. It forms part of the The lower section, adjacent to the Blackwater as Pissing Gutter Meadow. It is marked on Local Green Spaces may be river corridor. the first map of Coggeshall of 1639, the names were in use from the 15th to the 19th designated where those spaces centuries until they were discarded by the Victorians who did not approve of the ‘Pissing There are direct views onto the site and Gutter’. The Pissing Gutter consists of ditches. There are two on this site which are only down towards the river valley from the are demonstrably special to the evident in flood. West Street. There will be further direct local community, whether in a views onto the site from new homes and village or in a neighbourhood in a LGS3 forms part of parcel 3a in the 2015 Braintree District Settlement Fringes Evaluation public highways to be constructed of Landscape Analysis Stud for Coggeshall. The following extract are pertinent to LGS3. adjacent to LGS3. town or city. Parcel 3a: Key reference docs: 4.14 “The Parcels comprise small scale fields with paddocks, rough grass and recreation facilities interspersed with existing commercial and residential development. These areas 47 The Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, partly relate to the Historic Core of the village with some modern extension to the Maldon and Uttlesford Landscape western side. The Parcels presents potential opportunity for small scale infill development Character Assessment (2006) by Chris utilising the existing framework provided by dense riparian vegetation to the River Blandford Ass - (Appendix H) LGS3 forms Blackwater corridor, the containment to some wider views by the facing valley slopes and part of area A9- Blackwater River Valley. the presence of existing built development.”

Braintree District Settlement Fringes 4.15 “…..The analysis identifies the scope to provide landscape mitigation, in keeping with Evaluation of Landscape Analysis Study for the existing landscape pattern in the medium term. The existing framework provided Coggeshall 2015 by The Landscape should be retained and enhanced. Additional tree and shrub planting would be required Partnership. LGS3 forms part of areas 3a to integrate development and ensure a consistent buffer is provided by the River (grazing land /pony field) and 3b (the flood Blackwater in views from the Essex Way. There is an opportunity to enhance the plain adjacent to the river). treatment of boundaries to West Street creating a consistent character to development on the street and an enhanced gateway to the village. Development would be on an LGS3 forms part of Local Wildlife Site Bra appropriate small scale to the location with the setting to the Conservation Area and 186 Black Water Plantation. scattered Listed Buildings sensitively addressed and unique characteristics reflected…... LGS3 forms part of EWT Living Landscape Opportunities for green links are identified, enhancing connections between the western no 56 Blackwater Valley edges of the settlement and the River Blackwater corridor” Parcel 3b “This Parcel is located along the River Blackwater valley bottom to the south- west of Coggeshall. The Parcel, with the River Blackwater meandering through it, comprises rough grass, areas of reeds and recently planted poplar plantations. Its ecological value is recognised by its Local Wildlife Site designation……..

…. The river corridor has a strong landscape character with limited intrusive features and limited connections with the urban fabric of Coggeshall”

LGS3 forms part of LWS 186 which provides tree cover and tall herb marsh, and includes the River Blackwater.

LSG3 will be an important contribution to Coggeshall’s Green Infrastructure. The demonstrated ecological value of the parcel will be enhanced by the planting of the grazing land which will create superior green links to open space, hedgerows and fields to the north of West Street.

In addition, this LGS will provide greater recreational opportunities as part of Coggeshall’s Green Infrastructure and enable access from West Street via green space to the River. In its former use the LGS as part of the garden centre it was used and enjoyed by the public. The area adjacent to the Blackwater was planted with a garden and play

48 equipment for younger children, plus tables and picnic tables in association with the onsite café. The ‘pony fields’ with goats as well as ponies were frequently visited and ‘pony day’ children’s parties could be booked. The green space, though part of a business was enjoyed by many in the community.

An aspirational policy in this plan is a riverside walk along the western banks of the Black water. This LGS will form a section of the walk.

LSG3 will provide opportunities for localised flood management within the grazing land to serve the new residential development to its immediate east.

New communities. The proposed LGS was demonstrably special to the existing community as part of the New residential areas may garden centre site in its capacity as pony fields which were visited by the public and include green areas that were gardens open to the public and attached to the garden centre. As an LGS which will wrap planned as part of the around the new community and will become valuable as a recreational and visually development. Such green areas accessible green open space. could be designated as Local Green Space if they are demonstrably special and hold particular local significance. Public Access The LGS will provide for further publicly accessible green space in the future as part of Some areas that may be the allocated site and as part of a future riverside walk. considered for designation as Local Green Space may already have largely unrestricted public access, though even in places like parks there may be some restrictions. However, other land could be considered for designation even if there is no public access (e.g. green areas which are valued because of their wildlife, historic significance and/or beauty).

49 How does Local Green Space The NP allocates sites including the majority of The Dutch Nursery site in suitable designation relate to locations to meet the housing needs of the Parish as demonstrated in the Housing development? Designating Strategy report. Development sites must provide POS within the site boundary. This area any LGS will need to be consistent of LGS will serve the needs of the community and support the protection and with local planning for enhancement of the ecological and landscape value of the site, whilst also providing the sustainable development in the potential to protect the historical and recreational value described above. area. In particular, plans must identify sufficient land in suitable locations to meet identified development needs and the LGS designation should not be used in a way that undermines this aim of plan making.

What if land has planning LGS 3 forms part of an allocated site for development. At the time of writing the site has permission for development? outline planning permission. The site layout and location of POS has therefore been Local Green Space designation tested through the planning system. The community in the new development will will rarely be appropriate where require access to a “network of high-quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and the land has planning permission physical activity” para 96 NPPF. In addition, planning policy and decisions should “seek for development. Exceptions to protect and enhance public rights of way and access, including taking opportunities to provide better facilities for users, for example by adding links to existing rights of way could be where the development networks including National Trails.” The allocation of this area of the Dutch Nursery site would be compatible with the enables additional footpaths through the site from West Street to the River Blackwater reasons for designation or where and opens a stretch of riverbank to the public with potential connections East and West planning permission is no longer to a future new riverside walk. The designation of this area of the site is compatible with capable of being implemented the POS in the approved outline planning permission and helps to promote sustainable development. LGS should be local in character LGS3 forms part of the open space which intersperses with existing development that and not an extensive tract of forms the character of West Street, and the landscape setting of the conservation zone land. as the landscape changes from open and rural, to semi enclosed, to dense and urban. It is an integral part of the ‘gateway’ into Coggeshall.

It is not an extensive tract of land. It is defined by boundaries and the extent of the green field or undeveloped area. It forms a logical pathway, and recreational and ecological opportunity to the River corridor. Deliverability: The site forms part of allocated site P3 The Dutch Nursery and will be delivered upon development of the wider site. Conclusions: 50 LGS 3 is easily accessible by the community it serves and will serve a new community when the remaining portion of the Dutch Nursery Site is developed. It is compatible with its designation as an allocated site. It is highly valued by the community as a ‘green lung’ along west street and as a gap in the build form on the approach into the centre of Coggeshall. Thus, it forms part of the landscape setting of the conservation area of the village. The lower part of the site has great ecological value, the upper part of the site, the grazing land, has the potential for greater ecological value and to contribute to the Parish’s green infrastructure network. The designation of this site as LGS will help preserve the historical value of the site and its historical name, of Pissing Gutter Field and Pissing Gutter Meadow. The LGS will assist in providing for flood mitigation. It meets the criteria as set out in NPPF 2019 for Local Green Space.

LGS4: Land off Colchester Road, south and Criteria Explanatory text / evidence north of the Essex Way

Parcel description: LGS should be in reasonably close proximity to the community it LGS4 is a central green space within the approved site ‘Land at Colchester Road’. It will Approximate area: 2.7 ha serves. serve 325 new dwellings and existing dwellings along St Peter’s Road, Tey Road, Hill Road, Mount Road and Colchester Road. It will be within walking distance of these LGS4 occupies land gently sloping to the properties. north and south towards a stream and the Essex Way. The land use is agricultural. LGS should be demonstrably special to a local community and The Essex Way runs through LGS 4. It is important to the existing community and long- distance walkers. The site has recreational value for the community. The site forms a green space as part of a hold a local significance, for site approved for outline planning example because of its beauty, permission. The site currently has amenity and aesthetic value as part of an agricultural rural historic significance, recreational landscape, or as a green open space with long views. It is vital that these aesthetic and value (including as a playing Hedgerows and trees line the stream passive visual qualities are preserved where possible for the existing dwellings, new except for the culverted segment of the field), tranquillity or richness of dwellings and future users of the space. stream. its wildlife. The proximity of LGS4 to the A120 reduces the tranquillity of the site. However, well thought out and implemented landscape improvements should aim to enhance the To the east the footpath passes through a tranquillity of the site through noise reduction measures. Considered landscape design planted boundary and up an embankment PPG: exploiting the stream, such as the creation of landscape features based around SuDS and to the A120. To the west the footpath Can all communities benefit natural flooding management techniques can, through the use of water, induce the narrows to pass between the stream and atmosphere of tranquillity. the rear fence line of homes. from Local Green Space? Local Green Spaces may be The wildlife on the site is currently limited. However, skylarks, hedgehogs, badgers and The parcel is open with views to the north, bats do live on or use the agricultural land and existing vegetative cover. Careful designated where those spaces south, east and west. Future development landscape design should aim to increase the value of this LGS to promote wildlife. means that the parcel is likely to be are demonstrably special to the contained to the south and north with local community, whether in a east/west views being maintained. village or in a neighbourhood in a town or city. 51 The Essex Way leads to St Peter’s Road. To LGS should be local in character the east it links across the A120 to rural and not an extensive tract of LGS4 is part of an agricultural field and encompasses a stream. It forms part of the rural land northwest of the Parish. land. landscape setting and therefore character of the settlement. When the adjacent sites are developed the character of the space will change. It is important that these changes Key reference docs: enhance the setting of the Essex Way and the stream.

The Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, It is not an extensive tract of land and is set out as green open space in the outline Maldon and Uttlesford Landscape planning permission masterplan. Character Assessment (2006) by Chris New communities. Blandford Associates – Area C1 New residential areas may The proposed LGS forms part of the Essex Way. The development of the wider site has the potential to enable the remaining green area around this extensively used and Braintree District Settlement Fringes include green areas that were enjoyed recreational route, to enhance the biodiversity and aesthetic value of this Evaluation of Landscape Analysis Study for planned as part of the development. Such green areas corridor and have greater value to the existing and new community. Coggeshall (2015) by The Landscape could be designated as Local Partnership. LGS4 is parcel B. Green Space if they are Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity demonstrably special and hold Appraisal for Coggeshall Parish Council particular local significance. 2017. LGS4 is parcel B. Public Access The LGS will provide for further publicly accessible green space in the future as part of Some areas that may be the allocated site in addition to the linear route of the Essex Way. considered for designation as Local Green Space may already have largely unrestricted public access, though even in places like parks there may be some restrictions. However, other land could be considered for designation even if there is no public access (e.g. green areas which are valued because of their wildlife, historic significance and/or beauty). How does Local Green Space The NP allocates sites including most of the land north of Colchester Road in suitable designation relate to locations to meet the housing needs of the Parish as demonstrated in the housing needs development? Designating assessment. Development sites must provide POS within the site boundary. This area of any LGS will need to be consistent LGS will serve the needs of the community and become one of the green open spaces on with local planning for this site required by planning law. sustainable development in the

52 area. In particular, plans must identify sufficient land in suitable locations to meet identified development needs and the LGS designation should not be used in a way that undermines this aim of plan making.

What if land has planning LGS 4 forms part of an allocated site for development. At the time of writing the site has permission for development? outline planning permission. The site layout and location of POS has therefore been Local Green Space designation tested through the planning system. The community in the new development will will rarely be appropriate where require access to a “network of high-quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and the land has planning permission physical activity” para 96 NPPF. In addition, planning policy and decisions should “seek to for development. Exceptions protect and enhance public rights of way and access, including taking opportunities to provide better facilities for users, for example by adding links to existing rights of way could be where the development networks including National Trails.” The allocation of this area of the site as LGS, north would be compatible with the and south of the Essex Way, will assist to promote this policy. reasons for designation or where The designation of this area of the site is compatible with the POS in the approved planning permission is no longer outline planning permission and helps to promote sustainable development. capable of being implemented

LGS should be local in character and not an extensive tract of LGS4 is part of an agricultural field and encompasses a stream. It forms part of the rural landscape setting and therefor character of the settlement. When the adjacent sites are land. developed the character of the space will change. It is important that these changes enhance the setting of the Essex Way and the stream.

It is not an extensive tract of land and is set out as green open space in the outline planning permission masterplan.

Deliverability: The site forms part of allocated site P5 Land North of Colchester Road and will be delivered upon development of the wider site. Conclusions: LGS4 is easily accessible by the community it serves and will serve a new community when the remainder of the site is developed. It is compatible with its designation as an allocated site. It is valued by the existing community for its recreational value and aesthetic enjoyment as part of a green open space. This LGS helps to protect and, through considered landscape design, could enhance the landscape setting of the Essex Way and the ecological value of this land as part of the Parish’s green and blue infrastructure. It meets the criteria as set out in NPPF 2019 for Local Green Space.

53 LGS5: Land south of Tey Road. Criteria Explanatory text / evidence

Parcel description: LGS should be in reasonably close LGS5 is a perimeter, linear green space within the approved site ‘Land at Colchester proximity to the community it Road’. It will serve 325 new dwellings and existing dwellings along Tey Road and nearby Approximate area: 0.48 ha serves. Monksdown Road. It will be within walking distance of these properties. LGS5 is bounded by Tey Road to the north, LGS should be demonstrably LGS5 currently has amenity and aesthetic value as part of an agricultural rural landscape agricultural fields to the south, the A120 to special to a local community and or as a green open space with long views. It is vital that these aesthetic and passive visual the east and the rear of residential homes hold a local significance, for qualities are preserved where possible for the existing dwellings, new dwellings and along St Peter’s Road to the west. example because of its beauty, future users of the space. historic significance, recreational Its recreational value for the existing and future community lies in its potential to The site forms a green space as part of a value (including as a playing accommodate a cycleway / footpath connecting the existing PRoW in the NW corner site approved for outline planning field), tranquillity or richness of through the new development and onto Colne Road. permission. its wildlife. The proximity of LGS5 to the A120 reduces the tranquillity of the site. However, well PPG: There are direct views onto the site from thought out and implemented landscape improvements should aim to enhance the Tey road and homes looking onto the Can all communities benefit tranquillity of the site through noise reduction measures. parcel. from Local Green Space? The wildlife on the site is currently limited. However, skylarks, hedgehogs, badgers and Key reference docs: Local Green Spaces may be bats do live on or use the agricultural land and existing vegetative cover. Careful designated where those spaces landscape design and species selection should aim to increase the value of this LGS to The Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, promote wildlife. Maldon and Uttlesford Landscape are demonstrably special to the Character Assessment (2006) by Chris local community, whether in a Blandford Associates – Area C1 village or in a neighbourhood in a Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity town or city. Appraisal for Coggeshall Parish Council New communities. 2017. LGS5 is parcel B. New residential areas may The proposed LGS is green field agricultural land. Its forms part of the wider site for include green areas that were development. This aesthetic value of this site, the long view, the typography, and LGS5 forms part of EWT Living Landscape planned as part of the presence of a green space has value to the existing community. The creation of this area No 62 Bovingdon and Marks Hall and development. Such green areas will help mitigate the loss of the wider site. Chalkney Woods. could be designated as Local Green Space if they are demonstrably special and hold particular local significance. Public Access The LGS will provide for further publicly accessible green space in the future as part of Some areas that may be the allocated site. considered for designation as

54 Local Green Space may already have largely unrestricted public access, though even in places like parks there may be some restrictions. However, other land could be considered for designation even if there is no public access (e.g. green areas which are valued because of their wildlife, historic significance and/or beauty). How does Local Green Space The NP allocates sites including most of the land north of Colchester Road in suitable designation relate to locations to meet the housing needs of the Parish as demonstrated in the housing needs development? Designating assessment. Development sites must provide POS within the site boundary. This area of any LGS will need to be consistent LGS will serve the needs of the community and become one of the green open spaces on with local planning for this site required by planning law. sustainable development in the area. In particular, plans must identify sufficient land in suitable locations to meet identified development needs and the LGS designation should not be used in a way that undermines this aim of plan making.

What if land has planning LGS 5 forms part of an allocated site for development. At the time of writing site has permission for development? outline planning permission. The site layout and location of POS has therefore been Local Green Space designation tested through the planning system. The community in the new development and will rarely be appropriate where existing adjacent homes will require access to a “network of high-quality open spaces the land has planning permission and opportunities for sport and physical activity” para 96 NPPF. In addition, planning for development. Exceptions policy and decisions should “should seek to protect and enhance public rights of way and access, including taking opportunities to provide better facilities for users, for example could be where the development by adding links to existing rights of way networks including National Trails.” The would be compatible with the allocation of this area of the site as LGS, adjacent to Tey Road will enable a cycleway and reasons for designation or where footpath connection NE to the footpath leading to the A120 and SW to Colne Road. planning permission is no longer The designation of this area of the site is compatible with the POS in the approved capable of being implemented outline planning permission and helps to promote sustainable development.

55 LGS should be local in LGS5 is part of an agricultural field which forms part of the rural landscape setting and character and not an extensive therefore the character of the settlement. When the site is developed the character of tract of land. the space will change. It is important that these changes enhance the setting of Tey Road and the new development.

It is not an extensive tract of land and is set out as green open space in the outline planning permission masterplan.

Deliverability: The site forms part of allocated site P5 Land North of Colchester Road and will be delivered upon development of the wider site. Conclusions: LGS5 is easily accessible by the community it serves and will serve a new community when the remainder of the site is developed. It is compatible with its designation as an allocated site. The existing community values this area aesthetically as an open green space and for the green views over the wider landscape. This LGS will, through considered landscape design enhance the landscape setting of Tey Road and the existing properties and increase the ecological value of this land as part of the Parish’s green and blue infrastructure. It will create a footpath and cycleway linking an existing PRoW through the development site and onto Colne Road. It meets the criteria as set out in NPPF 2019 for Local Green Space. *1 Local Perceived Value The value of a landscape is judged on set criteria by landscape professionals in documents such as the Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity Appraisals. The criteria in such analysis documents are however unable to evaluate the ‘local perceived value’ of a site an important material consideration. The Neighbourhood Plan group set out below comments and quotes from the Coggeshall community as evidence that LGS2 has a high ‘perceived landscape value’ or that it is ‘special’ to the local community.

56 LGS1: Vicarage Field LGS2: Cook Field West LGS3: Dutch Nursery West

LGS4: Land off Colchester Road, S & N of the Essex Way LGS5: Land south of Tey Road.

57 58 Appendix F4 - Green Amenity Areas designation of Green Amenity Areas ensures that development proposals will be required to recognise and respond positively to the landscape charac- The CNP Sub-Committee has assessed and justified the Green Amenity ter, setting, amenity value, ecology, heritage assets, and recreational assets Areas which form part of policy 10. Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan Sub- that exist within the designated areas. The designation of the Areas assists Committee prepared this assessment to create a consistent and in protecting the open countryside and historic setting of the village and transparent methodology for identifying and evaluating green amenity hamlets. areas. This work was undertaken in consultation with Braintree District Council and it forms part of the evidence base which has informed the Additional Policy Context production of the Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan. This assessment has included a desktop study of the following background information Identification of GAA’s ● The Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford The need for areas to be protected for their contribution to the character, Landscape Character Assessment (2006), Chris Blandford Associates. amenity value, historical significance and their environmental benefits for o The study considers ‘Visual characteristics’ in its profiles of the village was identified during early consultation and engagement. The landscape character areas. ongoing community consultation process recognised the importance of the o Coggeshall falls within Landscape Character Type A9 which is rural landscape within the Parish and its value to the community. Green described as: areas were loved for a view, for a walk, for being ‘within walking distance of ● Shallow valley with gently sloping sides. my front door’, for the wildlife they harbour, for daily visual enjoyment and ● Predominately arable farmland. ‘just being there’, and for the feelings of ‘wellbeing’ they brought. They ● Overall strong sense of place and tranquillity away from were clearly valued for the amenity they brought to residents even when in the main settlements of Braintree, Witham and Maldon many cases was no formal recreational provision and /or no community and the A120 A12 and the railway line. right of access. Normally these areas comprised parts of the landscape o Guidelines for land management: setting of the village, and were easily accessible from a public vantage ● Conserve and enhance the existing hedgerow pattern point, a PRoW or a road. and strengthen through planting where appropriate to local landscape character. The CNP Sub-Committee recognised that this required a designation that ● Conserve and manage the ecological structure of would allow these important characteristics to be protected or enhanced, hedges and ditches within the character area. and that this would require something more permissive than LGS ● Conserve and promote the use of building materials, designation (recognising that LGS designation would not be appropriate to which are in keeping with local vernacular/landscape meet the aims and objectives identified through consultations and character. engagement). Such a designation would accord with national planning ● B19 Langley Green Farmland Plateau. policy particularly the policies identified in ‘Policy Context’. ● F2 High Garrett /Marks Hall Wooded Farmland.

Green Amenity Areas are not afforded the same protection by the Neigh- bourhood Plan or national planning policy as Local Green Spaces. Rather, the 59 ● Braintree District Settlement Fringes Evaluation of Landscape Analysis Study Para 174: for Coggeshall (2015), The Landscape Partnership. a) Identify, map and safeguard components of local wildlife rich habitats and o Extracts from the report have been included in the table wider ecological networks, including the hierarchy of international, below where appropriate. national ad locally designated sites of importance for biodiversity, wildlife ● Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity Appraisal for Coggeshall Parish Council corridors and stepping stones that connect them; and areas identified by (2017), The Landscape Partnership. national and local partnerships for habitat management, enhancement, o Extracts from the report have been included in the table below restoration and creation. where appropriate. Section 16: Conserving and enhancing the historic environment: 2019 NPPF: The CNP’s policy seeks to fulfil at a local scale the following policies set out in the NPPF. Para 184: Plans should set out a positive strategy for the conservation and enjoyment of the Section 8 Promoting healthy and safe communities: historic environment, including heritage assets at risk through neglect, decay or other threats. This should take into account: Para 91: a) The wider social, cultural, economic and environmental benefits that Planning policies and decisions should aim to achieve healthy, inclusive and safe conservation of the historic environment can bring: places which: d) Opportunities to draw on the contribution made by the historic c) enable and support healthy lifestyles, especially where this would environment to the character of a place. address identified local health and wellbeing needs – for example through the provision of safe and accessible green infrastructure…… and layouts that encourage walking and cycling. Methodology Para 95: Access to a network of high-quality open spaces and opportunities for The CNP Sub-Committee identified assessment criteria reflecting national and sport and physical activity are important for the health and well-being of local policy to be used to consistently assess candidate areas / land parcels. communities. Potential green amenity areas were selected because they have ‘amenity value’ to residents and the natural environment. Section 13: Protecting Green Belt Land: For the purposes of this plan ‘amenity value’ has been defined as: Para 134: ● Land that helps to provide enjoyment to the community through its d) To preserve the setting and special character of historic towns; passive or active use of its visual or recreational amenity. Section 15 Conserving and enhancing the natural environment: Para 170: ● Land that is aesthetically pleasing and positively contributes to the a) Protecting and enhancing valued landscape, site of biodiversity or character and atmosphere of the village and its rural setting. geological value and soils. ● Land that is conveniently located close to the community and /or may b) Recognising the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside, and the be viewed from a public vantage point. wider benefits form natural capital and ecosystem services. c) Minimising the impacts on and providing net gains for biodiversity, ● Land that has ecological value for the natural environment and as part including establishing coherent networks that are more resilient to of the Parish’s green and blue infrastructure. current and future pressures. 60 The criteria used to identify and assess green amenity areas are as follows: o This land was proved at a Planning Appeal to have demonstrable ● Strength of Landscape Character / Atmosphere. value to the local community for its recreational, and aesthetic ● Views and aesthetic value.*¹ contribution to the setting of the village. However, this land was ● Ecological value as part of Coggeshall’s green and blue infrastructure; identified as a Green Buffer to prevent consolidation between ● Condition of the landscape elements above. built up areas and protect the historical context of the village and ● Provide enjoyment to the community through passive use and visual Highfields house. amenity. ● Agricultural land north of the village south of the A120. ● Recreational value of the amenity and location to the community; o This area does form part of the rural setting of the village, but its ● Proven community value. *² value to local residents has limitations as it less physically and ● Historical importance / Contribution to the setting of the Conservation visually accessible to the majority of community members. Area. ● Value in combatting pollution and in drought / flood prevention. The following Green & Amenity Areas which were taken forward for further The evidence base includes the documents that support the formation of this assessment and form part of the Neighbourhood Plan have been identified: policy and criteria including: ● GAA1: Land to the east and west of Marks Hall Road. Objective to Policy Matrices. ● GAA2: Land to the south of Coggeshall Hamlet incorporating the These documents are the initial policy ideas formed as a result of community Cricket field. consultation and research. They list the relevant consultation results and ● GAA3: Land to the east of the Essex Way. documentation which informed the Regulation 14 plan. ● GAA4: Land north of Abbey Lane. ● 332 Env Ob3Pa3Pi2- Green Amenity Buffers Rev D ● GAA5: Valley north and south of the Blackwater including agricultural o This policy idea eventually resulted in the formulation of two land rising to the Essex Way. Policies, Green Buffers and Green Amenity Areas. ● GAA6: Land south of West Street, Coggeshall Town football field and ● 338 Env Ob3Pa3Pi8 - Pollution Rev A associated land. ● 341 Env Ob3Pa3Pi11- Flooding & Drought Prevention Rev A The sites were assessed using the agreed criteria in the following table to ensure a ● 331 Env OB3ENVPi1 - Green Infrastructure Rev A rounded assessment of the green amenity areas.

Post Regulation 14 additional documents such as the ‘Green Essex Strategy’ and A value of Poor, Moderate or Good has been assigned to each criterion. Each Fields In Trust ‘Revaluing Parks and Green Spaces Summary’ research documents criterion has been justified in writing. The conclusion summarises the key values of which use a ‘welfare weighting methodology’, to evaluate parks and green space the green amenity areas and identifies the key reasons why they have been and consultation with BDC (meeting on 06/06/19 & 15/07/19 and an email included in the policy. exchange 08/08/19) continued to inform the development of the Green Amenity Area designation This assessment is to be read in conjunction with Figure 7: ‘Green Amenity Areas A number of parcels identified from the consultation process were not taken Proposals Plan’. forward to full assessment. These included: ● Vicarage Field: Consultation o Vicarage Field is a designated LGS. The assessment was consulted on as part of the Regulation 14 consultation on the ● The land north of West Street opposite the West Street Vineyard; draft Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan which has subsequently been updated and the designations finalised having taken into account the comments received.

61 GAA1: Land to the east and west of Criteria Explanatory text / evidence Marks Hall Road

Parcel description: Strength of Landscape Character Weak Moderate Strong GAA1 has a strong landscape character. Well / Atmosphere managed primarily open agricultural land borders GAA1 is located north of the village the road leading to Marks Hall which winds and and the A120 to the east and west of undulates along a lane bounded by hedgerows. A the road leading to Marks Hall copse cuts across the road in a ‘dip’, a notable gardens and arboretum within an change of character to become intimate and agricultural and forested estate. It is enclosed. also an events venue and is open to the public. The land rises from here to a plateau on the final stretch to Marks Hall. Here the character is open. The land slopes East to West down to ‘Marygolds’ a house to the west of the road is an Robins Brook which bounds the attractive landmark sitting comfortably within its western edge of the parcel. landscape.

The parcel incorporates grazing, The road drops down towards the Visitors Centre or arable land and woodland. To the continues past the Coach House events venue. To S/W scattered homes and agricultural the west the grassland has been allowed to grow buildings edge the parcel. The long with scrub and low trees, it is a welcome northern edge is bounded by Marks change to the agricultural land of most of the Parish Hall Estate and a Local Wildlife site with a wilder / ‘natural’ character. To the east, the Bra 181. land has a parkland character with fenced trees and traditional rural iron fencing complementing the parklands and an arboretum which bounds the GAA1 parcel contains archaeological parcel to the east. sites. Views and aesthetic value. *1 Poor Moderate Strong This area has a strong and varied aesthetic value. The primary views are from the estate road with Key reference docs: long distance views over the undulating landscape to the east, especially attractive and welcome in a The Braintree, Brentwood, generally flat landscape that forms the majority of Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford the Parish. This landscape creates the setting and Landscape Character Assessment gateway to Marks Hall Estate. (2006) by Chris Blandford Ass - Ecological value as part of Poor Moderate Good This landscape forms a key corridor from the south (Appendix H) F2 High Garrett /Marks Coggeshall’s green and blue of the Parish to the north and the important Hall Wooded Farmland infrastructure woodlands which have Local Wildlife status. Robins Brook, a key part of the Parish’s blue infrastructure runs along its western edge. This parcel provides an 62 Braintree District Settlement Fringes opportunity to create a corridor for bat and butterfly Evaluation of Landscape Analysis species which are encouraged and supported on the Study for Coggeshall by The estate. There are a variety of landscape types within Landscape Partnership GB14 forms this parcel, each contributing to the overall the bottom right corner of area C1 ecological value of GAA1. (unassessed) Condition of the landscape Poor Moderate Good elements above. Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity Provides enjoyment to the Poor Moderate Good The visual amenity of this landscape is primarily Appraisal for Coggeshall Parish community through passive use enjoyed by the majority from vehicles, though many Council 2017. GB14 forms part of and visual amenity people do walk or cycle through this landscape. area E2. Recreational value of the Poor Moderate Good The majority of GAA1 is in private ownership and so GB14 forms part of EWT Living amenity and location to the not open to the public. There is one PRoW to the SE Landscape no 62: Bovingdon and community. corner of the site. The site is removed from the Marks Hall and Chalkney Woods primary settlement of Coggeshall village, however many people cycle or walk along the road to Marks Hall from Coggeshall.

Proven community value *2 Weak Moderate Strong The parcel is enjoyed by those who travel along it to Marks Hall Estate, though this is not evidenced.

Historical importance / Weak Moderate Strong GAA1 does not contribute to the landscape setting Contribution to the setting of of the Coggeshall Village Conservation Area. the Conservation area. However, the strategically placed original site of Marks Hall, on a hill looking south towards the village would have been designed to demonstrate its importance and superiority. Marks Hall, was before its demolition an attractive and important country house in the Parish. The estate, farmland and gardens remain in trust and are maintained by the Marks Hall Estate. GAA1 forms part of the landscape setting to emphasise the grandeur of the Hall. GAA1 therefore is an important part of the historical landscape setting of the hall and today the remaining buildings associated with the Hall. Value in combating pollution Weak Moderate Good Ther is potential for the creation of small off-line and in drought / flood water storage areas / water meadows in low lying prevention. areas close to Robins Brook. As part of the Parish’s valued green and well vegetated space it contributes 63 to the Parish’s clean air. The area falls within a dark sky area and does not contribute to light pollution. Value in preventing coalescence Weak Moderate High GAA1 helps to safeguard the open countryside and / consolidation between built up the historical landscape setting of Marks Hall Estate. areas or helps to safeguard the open countryside and historic setting of the village, and / or its hamlets. Conclusions: GAA1 is an attractive and important area of varied open space with an aesthetic, amenity and ecological value. It provides the landscape setting and gateway to the Marks Hall Estate.

GAA2: Land to the west of Coggeshall Criteria Explanatory text / evidence Hamlet incorporating the Cricket field.

Parcel description: Strength of Landscape Character Weak Moderate Strong The parcel is enclosed on all sides by hedgerows and / Atmosphere trees. The combination of cricket grounds and GAA2 is located south of Coggeshall associated pavilion give this parcel a traditional within Coggeshall Hamlet. Access into character and atmosphere. the parcel is from the Kelvedon Road. Views and aesthetic value. *1 Poor Moderate Strong The views from within the parcel are contained. Views from outside the parcel are minimised or The landform is slightly elevated filtered by the boundary planting. Aesthetically the above ribbon development on the grounds could be considered to be a ‘traditional Kelvedon Road. Open arable aesthetic ‘which are enjoyed by the users. The farmland abuts the parcel to the west exterior boundary planting provides much needed with an established hedgerow. Pylons vegetation at the edge of otherwise open arable track along the western boundary fields. leading to an electricity substation. Ecological value as part of Poor Moderate Good The south west of the Parish and the fields beyond To the east residential homes Coggeshall’s green and blue are primarily open arable fields which have been fronting onto the Kelvedon road back infrastructure subject to modern farming practices. Combined with onto the parcel. Scrips Road, a single- the extending workings of the Bradwell quarry pit track road, and lower than the parcel they result in minimal cover for the movement of that forms the southern boundary. wildlife through the landscape. The trees and The southern boundary is well hedgerows of GAA2 and the residential properties of vegetated with a tall hedge / shrubs the hamlet are therefore very important as a link in and trees. Along the northern Coggeshall’s green infrastructure N/S and E/W boundary there are two more toward the Blackwater river corridor.

64 residential homes and the substation Condition of the landscape Poor Moderate Good on the NW corner. These are elements above. separated from the parcel by an Provides enjoyment to the Poor Moderate Good Passive enjoyment by the community from outside intervening and vegetated strip of community through passive use the parcel from public highways or the public land in front of which is the access and visual amenity footpath are minimal. The public can, on match road into the site. days, enjoy the visual amenity of GB12 from within the parcel. The parcel comprises Harefield cricket ground with amenity Recreational value of the Poor Moderate Good GAA2 is an active recreational amenity used by the grassland and pavilion. The cricket amenity and location to the community. It is part of Coggeshall Hamlet and ground within the parcel is flat and at community. within walking distance of Coggeshall village. grade with the adjacent farmland. Proven community value *2 Weak Moderate Strong GAA2 is an important and well used recreational A public footpath route runs parallel green space for the community. to the northern boundary from Kelvedon Road, travels to the south Historical importance / Weak Moderate Strong of the substation then exits the Contribution to the setting of parcel to Cuthedge Lane. The the Conservation area hedgerows surrounding the cricket Value in combatting pollution Weak Moderate Good As part of the Parish’s valued green space it ground which block views from the and in drought / flood contributes to the Parish’s clean air. public footpath within the parcel and prevention. from views from the west and south. The substation is a visually intrusive element in the wider landscape outside GAA2 but views onto it are limited from within GAA2

Key reference docs:

The Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford Landscape Character Assessment (2006) by Chris Blandford Ass - (Appendix H): A9 - Blackwater River Valley

Braintree District Settlement Fringes Evaluation of Landscape Analysis

65 Study for Coggeshall by The Landscape Partnership GAA2 forms part of area 3e

GAA2 forms part of EWT*3 Living Landscape no 56 Blackwater Valley

Value in in preventing Weak Moderate High Coggeshall Hamlet is a small settlement. Part of its coalescence/ consolidation character is determined by its size. The internal between built up areas or helps character of GAA2 may not be visually apparent to safeguard the open from a public vantage, however GAA2 as an open countryside and historic setting recreational space adjacent to the settlement which of the village, and, or its contributes to the social character of the Hamlet. hamlets. GAA2 and its associated permitted vegetation forms a back drop to and part of the landscape setting of Coggeshall Hamlet. Conclusions: GAA2 is important to the Parish as active recreational amenity space which is part of the Coggeshall Hamlet and close to Coggeshall Village. It is valued by many. It forms an important link in the Parish’s green infrastructure. It is valuable as a part of the Hamlet’s landscape setting.

GAA3: Lands to the east of the Essex Criteria Explanatory text / evidence Way.

Parcel description: Strength of Landscape Character Weak Moderate Strong GAA3 is an attractive, tranquil pastural field, / Atmosphere enclosed by hedgerows and trees. Within its wider GAA3 is bounded by Cook Field to the context, neighbouring fields, hedgerows and flood north and by the Essex Way to the plain it contributes greatly to the character of an West. Dense shrub / native intimate rural landscape associated with this section understory bound the site to the of the Essex Way and now rare within the Parish west, running along a stream given the prevalence of large, open arable fields. adjacent to the Essex Way. To the Views and aesthetic value. *1 Poor Moderate Strong There are attractive cross field views into and out of East is a residential property which GAA3 from Cook Field to the north. Views within front onto Feering Road. The majority GAA3 are generally contained within the southern of the eastern boundary backs onto section of the site though there are attractive Feering Road with a shelter belt of filtered views through the vegetation and over the shrub and tree planting buffering the stream into the flood plain to the west.

66 road from the parcel. The southern Ecological value as part of Poor Moderate Good GAA3 is adjacent to an area of flood plain, scrub and boundary is formed by the concrete Coggeshall’s green and blue woodland. Hedgerows and trees from part of its path leading to the substation and infrastructure boundary. The grassland is currently cropped for hay associated hedge, trees and stream or grazed. AA3 forms part of EWT Living Landscape bed. 56. It creates a link with the open field to the east of Coggeshall Road and the flood plain and blue The ground slopes very gently to the infrastructure to the west. east and the stream associated flood Condition of the landscape Poor Moderate Good plain. elements above. Provides enjoyment to the Poor Moderate Good Community comments gathered as part the NP There are direct views across the site community through the passive consultation process have demonstrated a strong from the Essex Way. The primary use and visual amenity aesthetic enjoyment of the walk running through views of interest are N/S across the GAA3 and its rural character by users of East Street GAA3 to the fields to the north and and the Essex Way. mature trees in the conservation area. In addition, there are filtered This section of the Essex Way is part of one of the views of the parcel from the Feering most popular walks in Coggeshall, the visual amenity road. Though now a relatively large of the green space is appreciated by residents. field it remains a visually enclosed site which reflects the historically Recreational value of the Poor Moderate Good The Essex Way is a heavily used footpath in small-scale field pattern associated amenity and location to the Coggeshall. It is close to existing and proposed with the farmed land around the community. residential homes with the allocation of the Eastern Abbey. portion of Cook Field. Community comments gathered as part the NP consultation process have demonstrated its importance to the community. Key reference docs: Proven community value *2 Weak Moderate Strong Refer above. The Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford Value in in preventing Weak Moderate High GAA3 will help protect and preserve the historic Landscape Character Assessment coalescence / consolidation setting of the village through the creation of grazing (2006) by Chris Blandford Ass - between built up areas, or helps land close to the existing and expanded urban (Appendix H) GB6 forms part of area to safeguard the open settlement. It will assist in preventing consolidation A9- Blackwater River Valley. countryside and historic setting between built up areas by preventing continuous of the village, and, or its infill development along Coggeshall Road and south Braintree District Settlement Fringes hamlets. of East Street so that the edge of the settlement Evaluation of Landscape Analysis retains a fragmented development pattern typical at Study for Coggeshall by The the boundary of a traditional development envelope.

67 Landscape Partnership. GAA3 forms 2017 Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity Appraisal part of area 2d para 5.6.7: “The mitigation measures for any new development should include an open buffer zone Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity adjacent to the Essex Way to protect existing views Appraisal for Coggeshall Parish north and south from the Essex Way, and the Council 2017. GAA3 forms part of landscape setting and character of this section of the area F. path. Landscape buffer planting, using native trees and shrubs, should be established at the southern GAA3 forms part of EWT Living edge of the developed area to reduce the impact of Landscape no 56 Blackwater Valley new buildings in views from the Essex Way, and to help assimilate new built form into a well-vegetated settlement edge.” Historical importance / Weak Moderate Strong GAA3 forms part of the historical small-scale field Contribution to the setting of pattern network that form the context and the Conservation zone landscape setting for the Abbey and Abbey Mill and the village.

Value in combating pollution Weak Moderate Good Potential for the creation of an off-line water and in drought / flood storage area in the form of shallow retention swales prevention. and basins and for increased ecological value though tree planting / development of species rich meadow. As part of the Parish’s valued green space it contributes to the Parish’s clean air. Conclusions: GAA3 is a tranquil area with long cross field views enjoyed by the community. It has a high passive and active recreational value due to the Essex Way along its western edge. It plays a valuable role in protecting the historic landscape setting of the village and the Grade 1 Listed Abbey and secluded ancient monument and as part of the Parish’s green and blue infrastructure.

GAA4: Land north of Abbey Lane Criteria Explanatory text / evidence

Parcel description: Strength of Landscape Character Weak Moderate Strong The intact field pattern, hedgerows and tree / Atmosphere planting give this parcel a traditional and intimate The Parcel comprises small-scale character especially when viewed in context as part paddocks, pastures and grass fields of the visual setting of the Abbey and St. Nicholas gently sloping down towards Chapel. Some of the fields have been divided for Coggeshall and the River Blackwater. horse paddocks but this is a temporary change and does not detract from the overall atmosphere of the parcel.

68 There is a semi-detached residential Views and aesthetic value. *1 Poor Moderate Strong The views from the Essex Way into GAA4 land and property along Abbey Lane and the beyond into the settlement are sporadic but Grade I Listed St. Nicholas Chapel, significant. The Essex Way at this point leads to and Coggeshall Abbey at the Eastern private houses and St Nicholas Chapel so there are a edge of the parcel. limited number of vehicles, however foot traffic is frequent along this section of the Essex Way and so The hedgerow structure is generally the views will be enjoyed at a slower, walking pace. intact with 18th-19th century GAA4 places the village firmly in its landscape enclosure, although fields have been setting, the topography and the river corridor divided further by post and wire forming a natural edge to the settlement. fencing for horse paddocks. There are Ecological value as part of Poor Moderate Good The parcel forms a part of the Essex Wildlife Trusts mature tree belts and blocks of Coggeshall’s green and blue Living Landscape number 56. There are many hedgerows and trees which, together with the blue woodland lining the banks of the infrastructure infrastructure of the river corridor, make this parcel River Blackwater which enclose the of important ecological value as part of the Parish’s edge of development in Coggeshall. green and blue infrastructure. The Essex Way runs along the Condition of the landscape Poor Moderate Good southern boundary along Abbey Lane elements above. and provides filtered views of the Provides enjoyment to the Poor Moderate Good GAA4 is visible from the northern side of the river Parcel through the hedge and over community through passive use from the ‘Co-op’ carpark. From here there are gates and onto the settlement of and visual amenity passive, attractive views into the parcel and up to St Coggeshall and in places towards the Nicholas Chapel. church of St Peter Ad Vincula. The high frequency of use of this section of the This is also the route of the promoted Essex Way and resulting passive, visual enjoyment of Essex Way long distance footpath. the parcel and its proximity to Coggeshall Village There are views to The Parish Church and Coggeshall Hamlet affords this parcel a ’good’ of St. Peter ad Vincula in Coggeshall rating. through breaks in hedgerows and Recreational value of the Poor Moderate Good The recreational value of GAA4: for the community tree belts along the path. The river amenity and location to the is limited to walking, running and horse riding along corridor vegetation and land form community. the Essex Way and the access to private land by also help to contain the southern those who stable their horses at the livery stables at settlement edge of Coggeshall in the Abbey. views. There are filtered views to houses but generally there is a well- Proven community value *2 Weak Moderate Strong Anecdotal evidence suggests that people enjoy and integrated development edge. value the landscape of GAA4 and its views. A historical planning application for the

69 There are two archaeological sites redevelopment of the land north of the Essex Way within the parcel. suggested that at this point the community did value the land near the Essex Way. There have been no further development pressures here. Key reference docs:

The Braintree, Brentwood, Historical importance / Weak Moderate Strong GAA4 is a within the Coggeshall Conservation Area. Contribution to the setting of Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford The historical field pattern is prominent, and it is the Conservation zone Landscape Character Assessment strongly associated with the two Scheduled (2006) by Chris Blandford Ass - Monuments associated with Coggeshall Abbey and (Appendix H) GAA4: forms part of St Nicholas Chapel. This area forms the landscape area A9- Blackwater River Valley. setting for the buildings. It places them in context by separating them from the village to emphasise their Braintree District Settlement Fringes importance and dominance. Evaluation of Landscape Analysis Study for Coggeshall by The Landscape Partnership. GB4 forms Value in combatting pollution Weak Moderate Good There is moderate potential for the creation of off- part of area 2a and in drought / flood line water storage areas close to the flood zone especially at the western end of the parcel to avoid GAA4: forms part of EWT*3 Living prevention. damage to the field pattern. As part of the Parish’s Landscape no 56 Blackwater Valley valued green and well vegetated space it contributes to the Parish’s clean air and except for the residential adjacent properties the site does not contribute to light pollution. Value in preventing coalescence Weak Moderate High GAA4: protects the open countryside and especially or helps to safeguard the open the historic rural landscape setting of Coggeshall. countryside and historic setting The southern development boundary of the village of the village, and / or its has been subject to the least amount of hamlets. development since the 1950s. Development that has occurred has in general been smaller scale and has integrated well at the village edge. Conclusions: GAA4: is a historically important landscape and forms a strong part of the rural landscape setting of the settlement. In addition, it has a strong visual and ecological value.

70 GAA5: Valley north and south of the Criteria Explanatory text / evidence Blackwater including agricultural land rising to the Essex Way;

Parcel description: Strength of Landscape Character Weak Moderate Strong The landscape within the wooded valley is tranquil. / Atmosphere The plantations of cricket bat willows and riparian The parcel combines the river valley vegetation afford it a strong and attractive with the Blackwater running west to character. east and the sloping sides of the The sloping, open arable fields are not southern side of the valley running up uncharacteristic of the area. Although modern to the Essex Way. agricultural landscapes generally have a poor landscape character, the open character of this area The river corridor incorporates flood of GAA5 enables attractive and important cross plain and with dense riparian valley views over the river valley and towards the vegetation and plantations of the north and over the conservation area. ‘Cricket Bat Willow’ or White Willow: Views and aesthetic value. *1 Poor Moderate Strong The river valley provides highly attractive W/E river Salix alba. The river corridor is a Local views from within the river corridor along footpaths. wildlife site: Bra186, Blackwater There are strong cross valley views from northern Plantation. and southern public vantage points, roads and PRoW’s with a high aesthetic value for the Public footpaths run along the river community and as identified by a planning inspector corridor and over ‘Nunn’s Bridge’, a during an appeal case for a proposed development unique pedestrian bridge in the on West Street in 2017. An attractive and rare view Parish. looks NE from the Essex way across the agricultural land onto to the settlement and the tower of St The southern slopes of GB1 leading Peter Ad Vincula, a key landmark. Immediately up to the Essex Way are open arable adjacent to the settlement at Long Bridge, the views fields with little remaining hedgerows from the bridge, the road, and the small public or trees. The elevated slopes are seating area at the old ford crossing are enjoyed by visually prominent in the landscape. the community. The site at this point within its context of the existing settlement pattern, Key reference docs: architecture of the village and bridge, create a very Appeal Ref: attractive setting in the heart of the village. APP/Z1510/W/16/3160474 (July Ecological value as part of Poor Moderate Good The open arable land does not have good ecological value. However, the introduction of wildflower field 2017) Coggeshall’s green and blue infrastructure boundaries or strips though the crops or of well- placed trees or hedgerows which do not interrupt

71 The Braintree, Brentwood, the cross-valley views would improve this part of Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford GAA5. Landscape Character Assessment The remainder of GAA5 and its identification as an (2006) by Chris Blandford Ass - Essex Wildlife Trust Living Landscape and Local (Appendix H) GAA5 forms part of wildlife site indicate it has a very high ecological area A9 - Blackwater River Valley. value. Condition of the landscape Poor Moderate Good Braintree District Settlement Fringes elements above. Evaluation of Landscape Analysis Enjoyment to the community Poor Moderate Good GAA5 provides visual enjoyment when viewed from Study for Coggeshall by The through passive use and visual West Street and Bridge Street, by foot or by car and Landscape Partnership. GB3 forms amenity from the Essex Way on the southern side of the part of areas 3b and 3c valley, and from the northern side of the valley from PRoW 17. GAA5 forms part of EWT*3 Living Landscape no 56 Blackwater Valley Recreational value of the Poor Moderate Good The footpaths through and around GAA5 are well amenity and location to the used. It incorporates the majority of a circular walk community. actively promoted by the National Trust and is at the edge of the built envelope. Pre 2006, the western part of the site (though in private ownership), was open to the public and residents enjoyed walking by the river.

Proven community value *2 Weak Moderate Strong The active support for cross valley views during the 2017 appeal case for the land on West Street, the support by the community for a new riverside walk through this area during the CNP consultation process and the active use of the footpaths by the community demonstrate that it is valued by the community.

Historical importance / Weak Moderate Strong Nunn’s Bridge, a bridge crossing the Blackwater, Contribution to the setting of built locally in Swan Yard and then wheeled to its the Conservation Area current site by Dick Nunn, a lifelong resident of Coggeshall and early campaigner for public rights of way who was determined to keep open local footpaths. The wider landscape and higher ground forms part of the landscape setting of the conservation area of 72 the village. This is a key view looking NE over the settlement in the valley bottom and the rising ground towards the landmark tower of St Peter Ad Vincula. Value in combating pollution Weak Moderate Good Potential for the creation of off-line water storage and in drought / flood areas in low-lying areas close to the Blackwater. As prevention. part of the Parish’s valued green and well vegetated space it contributes to the Parish’s clean air. The area does not contribute to light pollution. Value in preventing coalescence Weak Moderate High A strong landscape feature for the village providing or helping to safeguard the open long views across the valley and into the settlement countryside and historic setting GAA5 forms a key part of the rural setting of the of the village, and, or its village and Coggeshall Hamlet to the east. hamlets. The land adjacent to Long Bridge creates a distinct setting for the edge of the built envelope at this point and brings the country side into the centre of the village. Conclusions: GAA5 is a very important and attractive area of landscape for the Parish. With recreational, visual and ecological value it is important that it is retained and enhanced for its own sake and as part of the setting of the village in its rural environment.

GAA6: Land south of West Street, Criteria Explanatory text / evidence Coggeshall Town football field and associated land.

Parcel description: Strength of Landscape Character Weak Moderate Strong The terraced landform of the site and playing fields / Atmosphere affords GAA6 a recreational amenity character. Its GAA6 is located on the south facing location adjacent to the densely vegetated river valley side of the River Blackwater, corridors and nearby agricultural land lends the club west of the settlement. Its northern a rural setting which complements the club and the boundary is West Street. Immediately setting of Coggeshall Village. opposite are 6 residential properties Views and aesthetic value. *1 Poor Moderate Strong Views are limited from the PRoW that runs along the which overlook GB10, and to each river corridor up into and along the eastern side agricultural land. Its southern boundary of GAA6. In part this is due to the riparian boundary is the Blackwater river vegetation but primarily due to the close boarded corridor, of high ecological fence that now bounds the majority of the parcel. importance and part of wildlife site From within the fenced area the attractive views of the river corridor are also hidden. GAA6 and The

73 Bra186 Blackwater Plantation. To the Vineyard, are the only two open areas of land with west is a residential property with a the potential for views to the riparian vegetation of tall hedgerow boundary and then the river corridor within the village from West beyond an arable field. To the east Street. Opportunities exist in the future to use an two residential properties and the alternative, visually permeable fencing solution that allocated development site of the opens up the landscape and integrates the club in its rural setting. This would enhance the passive Dutch Nursery. The immediate enjoyment by the community, footpath users and boundary, which is green field grazing the clubs members of this visual amenity. land, will be retained as open space The aesthetic value of the West Street boundary as part of the development. could also be enhanced with new visually permeable The sloping ground of the parcel has fencing which complements the character of been terraced to accommodate Coggeshall. Braintree Sensitivity and Capacity football pitches, an area for parking Analysis 2015: to the east and associated club “There is an opportunity to enhance the treatment buildings to the west. of boundaries to West Street creating a consistent character to development on the street and an A PRoW leading from the river enhanced gateway to the village.” corridor follows the eastern Similarly, there is great potential for the aesthetic boundary of the site around the edge value of the section of the PRoW running along the of the car park. eastern boundary of the carpark to be improved with a landscape treatment that is appropriate to The Essex Way on the elevated the rural character of its location at the edge of the southern side of the valley provides development envelope. occasional views onto the parcel Ecological value as part of Poor Moderate Good GAA6 forms an important N/S link in the Parish’s through the foliage of the river Coggeshall’s green and blue green infrastructure plan (linking with the PRoW on corridor. Rare views from the West infrastructure the northern side of West Street). Hedge planting Street down to the river corridor are along fence lines and PRoW, and tree planting along interrupted by recent high close the West Street frontage which would still enable boarded fencing. views into and over the parcel and would enhance its ecological value. Key reference docs: Braintree Sensitivity and Capacity Analysis 2015 Parcels 3a & 4d: Para 4.15 The Braintree, Brentwood, “Opportunities for green links are identified Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford (between the north and south side of West St), Landscape Character Assessment enhancing connections between the western edges of the settlement and the River Blackwater corridor.”

74 (2006) by Chris Blandford Ass - Condition of the landscape Poor Moderate Good (Appendix H) elements above. Provides enjoyment to the Poor Moderate Good GAA6 is in private ownership and so is partly 2015 Braintree District Settlement community through passive use inaccessible to the public visually from West Street, Fringes Evaluation of Landscape and visual amenity the elevated Essex Way and the footpath that runs Analysis Study for Coggeshall by The along its eastern edge. The public can enjoy the Landscape Partnership: GB10 part of parcel from within as spectators. area 3a Recreational value of the Poor Moderate Good The playing fields of GAA6 are private. Club GAA6 forms part of EWT Living amenity and location to the members can actively enjoy their recreational Landscape no 56 Blackwater Valley community. amenity value. The PRoW provides access and recreational value along the eastern edge of the parcel and down into the Blackwater Valley to cross the river at Nunn’s Bridge. Active members of the community can easily walk to the parcel to enjoy games and walk through it to access the wider landscape beyond.

Proven community value *2 Weak Moderate Strong The value of GAA6 lies in its strong community value as a place to play and watch football and recent upgrades to facilities have improved its community value in this regard. The same upgrades have for other community members devalued their enjoyment of the parcel as the aesthetic value of the parcel including the passive enjoyment of looking onto the green space of the football pitches and beyond to the river corridor has been reduced.

Historical importance / Weak Moderate Strong Coggeshall Town Football Club was formed in 1878, Contribution to the setting of it is the second oldest club in Essex. The club played the Conservation area. at Myneer Park and several sites around the village before arriving at Highfields. Given notice to quit in 1960 the club moved to its current site, building a pavilion in 1961, followed by a stand and clubhouse in subsequent years. The club’s history and its location are now an important part of the story of Coggeshall. GAA6 forms part of the landscape

75 setting of the conservation area, it is a break in the urban fabric on the approach into the village centre. Value in combating pollution Weak Moderate Good There is strong potential for the car park to form and in drought / flood part of a future SuDS network. Overland flow from prevention. the football pitches can be directed into large underground storage tanks to hold the water in periods of heavy rainfall and reduce increases in river levels. Future hard surfacing on the site should be permeable. Hedge and tree planting would increase GAA6’s contribution to the Parish’s clean air. The site is lit periodically during hours of darkness to facilitate training and matches, as such it does contribute to light pollution. Value in preventing coalescence Weak Moderate High GAA6 lies beyond the development boundary of the or helping to safeguard the open village. It forms part of the rural landscape setting of countryside and historic setting the village, as an open space which breaks up the of the village, and, or its development along West Street and as a ‘green hamlets. lung’ along the public highway. Conclusions: GAA6 is important to the parish for its active recreational and visual amenity value providing rare views down to the river corridor and as part of the Parish’s green infrastructure. It is part of the landscape setting of Coggeshall as a village in a rural setting. The open space creates a ‘green lung’ that forms part of the visually attractive and therefore valuable ‘landscape gateway’ as you approach Coggeshall Village from the west. *1: Including as a visual ‘green lung’ from public vantage points. *2: For some parcels the CNP has written comments attained through community consultation. A lack of written comments does not mean the parcel is not valued by the community, it is more likely that the parcel has not come under development pressure and so there has been no community response to date.

76 Appendix F5 - Open Space

Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan Sub-Committee has included this appendix to justify the policy and provide greater background detail and evidence for policy 11 Open Space. Community Consultation Refer to Coggeshall Community Questionnaire results above: Open space and schools The Department of the Education has produced a set of guidelines: ‘Area guidelines for mainstream schools: June 2014’. These guidelines set out minimum site areas for schools. The CNP note below that for Primary Schools and Reception and Key stage 1 there are no longer minimum site areas specified for Soft Outdoor PE. The recommended minimum base site area for Habitat is ‘0’ for primary schools and secondary schools. See below. It is widely recognised that access to outdoor ‘soft’ green space is important for physical and mental wellbeing. This is extremely important for children who may live in an area with little public green space or have no or little garden areas at home. In addition, the education of children at both primary and secondary level about the importance of valuing ‘habitat’ is crucial if the next generation is to learn to value and respect and want to improve our environment. It is therefore the ambition of the Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan that future generations are provided with adequate green space for our children to learn and develop. The CNP therefore suggest minimum standards for their NP.

77 Consultation with Schools The Neighbourhood Plan has also contacted St Peter’s Primary School in Coggeshall:

“School staff, governors and pupils value the contribution made by 'green space' (playing fields, trees, and habitat) to their school. The children enjoy our range of outdoor spaces for a variety of different activities. We would like the Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan Sub-Committee to set minimum standards for the continued provision of Soft Outdoor PE as a planning policy in the Neighbourhood Plan, aiming to secure this facility for the children should development plans be proposed for the school or the school moved to a new location. We would like to ensure that there are areas for dedicated sporting activity, alternative learning spaces, forest school and space aimed at stimulating and supporting learning specifically for children with SEN. We would also like to provide quiet reflective space within the grounds to support emotional well-being and mental health. Creation of flexible spaces can have applicability across the different age ranges to complement class learning activities. We value the 'habitat' and areas of wildlife value around the school that the pupils currently enjoy, particularly through 'Forest School'. We would like the Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan Sub-Committee to set minimum standards for the continued provision of 'habitat' as a planning policy in the Neighbourhood plan, the aim being to secure this facility for the children should development plans be proposed for the school or the school to move to a new location. I trust this is helpful to you. Kind regards Chair of Governors St Peter's CofE (VC) Primary School Coggeshall

78 Appendix F6– Preventing Pollution Climate Change. Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan Sub-Committee has included this appendix The current climate crisis, the extent of which is underpinned by the IPCC to provide greater background detail and evidence for policy 12 Preventing report 2018, gives 11 years to create positive change to limit global Pollution. It is important that users of the plan understand the local context temperature rises to 1.5 degrees. Neighbourhood Plans have a significant role and concerns of the Parish in regard to the prevention of pollution in all its to pay in addressing the climate crisis by developing policies that will cut the forms and the impact that it will have on the community’s health and production of CO2 at a parish level and help drive local communities to make wellbeing and that of the environment and wildlife. a fundamental change in how we live. Neighbourhood plans can and have a The pollution policy states that “development proposals outside the duty to expand on strategic national and local plan policies. The CNP Neighbourhood Boundary that could adversely affect the health of humans endeavours to fulfil this ambition to help ensure a sustainable future for and animals will not be supported.” Pollution of all types: air, dust, odour, generations to come. light, noise or in our river systems can and will impact upon the Parish even if the proposals are outside of the Neighbourhood Plan boundary. It is impossible to isolate and contain our rivers, our air or stop noise. This fact GOV.UK: Guidance: Climate Change: justifies the inclusion of this statement within the CNP Sub-Committee’s “Addressing climate change is one of the core land use planning principles pollution policy. which the National Planning Policy Framework expects to underpin both plan-making and decision-taking……. Community consultation In addition to the statutory requirement to take the Framework into account The Coggeshall Community Questionnaire: in the preparation of Local Plans, there is a statutory duty on local planning 82% ‘strongly agreed’ that the CNP should protect and enhance our authorities to include policies in their Local Plan designed to tackle climate natural environment. change and its impacts. This complements the sustainable development duty on plan-makers and the expectation that neighbourhood plans will contribute 96% said developers should make sure that new trees are planted in and to the achievement of sustainable development.” around new developments. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/climate-change 60% said development should be encouraged that will be powered by renewable energy sources such as wind turbines and solar panels. National Goals 97% said that we should oppose development that will increase the level of air and light pollution to unacceptable levels based on government HM Government published a new environmental report in 2018. ‘A Green guidelines. Future: Our 25 Year Plan to Improve the Environment’

79 Our 25-year goals By adopting this Plan, we will achieve: Air quality, dust and odour 1. Clean air. The Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan Sub-Committee has carried out Meeting legally binding targets to reduce emissions of five damaging desktop research into the local context national policy and research air pollutants. This should halve the effects of air pollution on health documentation to determine and justify its policy. by 2030. Our local roads are increasingly congested. Air pollution from car emissions 2. Ending the sale of new conventional petrol and diesel cars and vans is now a serious problem in this area with Braintree being declared a hot by 2040. spot for pollution after a study by Friends of the Earth. 3. Maintaining the continuous improvement in industrial emissions by http://www.braintreeandwithamtimes.co.uk/news/15390903.Study_finds_ building on existing good practice and the successful regulatory town_is_a_neglected_air_pollution_hotspot/ framework. The A120 is to be re-routed and the A12 expanded to increase road 4. Clean and plentiful water. capacity. This will bring more air pollution to the area. 5. Thriving plants and wildlife. Stansted Airport is now a very busy hub and air traffic is set to double in the 6. A reduced risk of harm from environmental hazards such as flooding future. and drought. The Royal College of Physicians Report ‘Every breath we take: the lifelong 7. Using resources from nature more sustainably and efficiently. impact of air pollution’ Feb 2016 (updated 2018) and the National Audit 8. Enhanced beauty, heritage and engagement with the natural office report on Air Quality of Nov 2017 detail the negative impact of air environment. pollution on human health. https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/projects/outputs/every-breath-we-take- lifelong-impact-air-pollution In addition, we will manage pressures on the environment by: https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/news/reducing-air-pollution-uk-progress- 1. Mitigating and adapting to climate change. report-2018 2. Minimising waste. https://www.nao.org.uk/report/air-quality Trees are now recognised as having a significant impact on cleaning the air 3. Managing exposure to chemicals. we breathe. They are essential for our wellbeing en masse in forests and as 4. Enhancing biosecurity. single specimens in gardens and on the street. They remove Co₂ and pollutants from the atmosphere. The following study ‘How trees clean the The Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan Sub-Committee applauds these goals. air in London’ identifies a mixture of species including evergreens for all The CNP seeks though its pollution policy to fulfil these goals at a Parish-wide year-round removal of pollutants. level in the Coggeshall Neighbourhood plan by identifying and addressing www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111005110800.htm those issues pertinent to the Parish. www.ecology.com/2011/09/02/air-and-trees/ 80 Braintree District has not declared itself an Air Quality Management Area. Water quality, abstraction & temperature fluctuation The district’s immediate neighbours do qualify as AQMA’s . The LAQM Annual Status Report 2019 report acknowledges the harmful impacts on The Environment Agency advised the CNP through the Regulation 14 health from air pollution and PM2.5’s and states that the general trend for consultation exercise that: NO2 is downwards and sets out a number of strategies to continue to Coggeshall lies within the vicinity of WFD waterbody Blackwater (Combined combat air pollution. The CNP’s policy on airborne pollution will assist BDC Essex’s) GB105037041160. to ensure we do not become an AQMA and help to safeguard the Parish The Water Framework Directive (WFD) 2015 baseline data for this from the negative impacts of air pollution on the environment and the waterbody is as follows: community for the lifetime of the plan. “The Blackwater WFD waterbody is at “Moderate” overall Ecological WFD Odour and Smell status. All other WFD determinants are at “high” status for this waterbody, apart from Phosphate which is at “Poor” status and Macrophytes which are Odour and smell can contribute to air pollution and be offensive. They can at “Moderate status.” Any developments should ensure there is not a harm health and affect the use and enjoyment of the place where we live, deterioration in the river water quality of these waterbodies, and where work and play. Odour has been included in the plan as it can become a possible provide opportunities to safeguard and enhance the status of local statutory nuisance under the 1990 Environmental Protection Act. watercourses” The Plan could usefully acknowledge the requirements of environmental Dust legislation, particularly the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and its principal objectives, in relation to any proposed development within the ‘Dust’, the fine particles resulting from farming, industrial and construction village. We would expect to see reference to the two principal requirements has the potential to pollute the atmosphere. Dust in the atmosphere can of the WFD: No deterioration of waterbodies and improvement. impact upon people’s health particularly respiratory problems. Dust also Development activities within the Neighbourhood Area must not lead to a affects the respiratory systems of wildlife. deterioration of the water environment and opportunities should be taken to improve river status where possible. The aim is for all waterbodies to Coggeshall Parish is set within agricultural land and our boundary borders achieve Good Ecological Status or better by 2027 at the latest. on existing and proposed gravel extraction work. The generation of dust is therefore a concern for the Parish and so is included in this Plan. Coggeshall is also situated within a surface water Drinking Water Safeguard Zone (SgZ) under the Drinking Water Directive. SgZ are areas put in place to The Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan Sub-Committee has liaised with the protect the quality of sources of raw drinking water. The substances of Environment Agency regarding matters affecting our rivers within the concern for surface water drinking water in these areas are primarily Parish in addition to carrying out desktop research. pesticides and nitrates. The Plan should acknowledge the existence of these designated areas and identify areas where development may impact on a SgZ. Any future growth or development does not cause a deterioration in drinking water quality.”

81 Temperature Change 5 Conclusions: Moving average plots of water temperature data from the main river in The Environment Agency 2007 report. Science Report Climate change impacts each region have revealed an upward temperature trend over the last 20 and water temperature: to 30 years. This trend is particularly apparent in the Anglian, Thames and “ 1.2.1 The ecological effects of changes in water temperature are outside the South West Regions,….. The plots confirm that river water temperatures scope of this project, but should be considered briefly here. Thermal regime have increased in recent years, and suggest that the warming trend is influences aquatic organisms in terms of growth rate, metabolism, likely to be more noticeable in the south and east of the UK and in the reproduction and life history, distribution, behaviour and tolerance to lower reaches of a river.” parasites/diseases and pollution (Alabaster and Lloyd, 1980, Crisp 1996, Webb 1996, Caissie 2006). Most communities and species in freshwater See studies below for expanded explanation ecosystems are cold-blooded and will therefore be sensitive to changes in the https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_ water temperature regime (Conlan et al. 2005). data/file/290975/scho0707bnag-e-e.pdf)

The effects of temperature change on the distribution, abundance and http://www.waterencyclopedia.com/Re-St/Stream-Ecology- diversity, growth and reproduction of freshwater fishes have been particularly Temperature-Impacts-on.html well documented.

Davidson and Hazlewood (2005) predict that future temperature increases are Coggeshall Water Recycling Centre likely to have significant effects on the growth rate of freshwater fish, such as trout and salmon, in UK rivers. Similarly, Webb and Walsh (2004) have The EA advised the CNP (Jan 2018) that the Coggeshall Water Recycling predicted that higher river temperatures as a result of climate change will be Centre is at 98% of its capacity. Large scale development would cause the detrimental to the habitat of cold-water fish species such as Atlantic salmon, sewage works to breach its permit. The discharge permit specifies both a brown trout and grayling, although warm water species may benefit. set of quality limits for the discharge, and a maximum permitted volume “Natural and anthropogenic modifications to the river heat budget can result (expressed in terms of megalitres per day). At 98% Coggeshall is in changes to the thermal regime. The more common types of modification discharging volumes of water very close to its permitted limit. The permit (predominantly anthropogenic) are as follows: would be breached, and a too high nutrient load would enter, and pollute 1. Land use changes. the Blackwater, a protected river. This would contravene BDC draft Local 2. Forestry/removal of cover. Plan policy LPP 73 ‘Protecting and Enhancing Natural resources, 3. Flow and abstraction. Minimising Pollution and Safeguarding from Hazards.’ This states: 4. Flow regulation. ‘Development will not be permitted where, individually or 5. Heated effluents. cumulatively, there are likely to be unacceptable impacts arising from 6. Climate change. the development on surface and groundwater quality’. Furthermore, the EA advised that development should not be approved within the Parish until an upgrade plan for the Water Recycling Centre is in place and has been carried out.

82 This advice was updated through the Regulation 14 consultation exercise: next business plan period (2020 to 2025) as outlined on page 70 of the Sewage Infrastructure. WRLTP.” “The Plan identifies the capacity issues at Coggeshall Water Recycling Centre (WRC) and that the facility is operating close to the maximum permitted flow. As it stands this has the potential to inhibit future Abstraction development within the town. The development outlined in the plan could not all be accommodated within Coggeshall, until Anglian Water have The Environment Agency has advised (Jan 2018) through their Integrated applied for a new permit. It would be beneficial to highlight in the plan the Environmental Planning Team (See evidence base) that the River need to liaise with Anglian Water regarding any potential upgrades or Blackwater is officially categorised by the EA as ‘Overabstracted’. Flow rate improvements to the sewer network and Water Recycling Centre required through Coggeshall remains healthy, however any further consumptive ahead of developments. licences, (“except in a few special circumstances”) would not be granted It is important to ensure that any proposed new developments connecting because it would cause detriment to the health of the bottom of the river into the foul sewer are carefully planned in consultation with Anglian Water below the abstraction and the estuary below it. “The only circumstances in and it is recommended new connections are made to the mains sewer which we would grant another consumptive license was if they were only network. Early engagement with Anglian Water will establish whether the abstracting during very high flows over winter, when there is enough water existing foul sewage system has sufficient capacity to accept additional coming down the river that everyone’s needs (including existing licences and flows from any proposed developments.” the environment) can be met and there is some spare. The Blackwater has this status of over-abstracted at the moment, without And: the entirety of everyone’s licences being abstracted. So of course, if “We (Anglian Water) have recently published a Water Recycling Long Term everyone abstracted to their permitted maximum, it would make the Plan (WRLTP) which will set out a long term strategy to identify the need for situation worse. Granting further licences (apart from the specific further investment by Anglian Water at existing water recycling centres or circumstances mentioned above) would increase the risk that over within foul sewerage catchments to accommodate the anticipated scale and abstraction would cause damage.” timing of growth in the company area. This document will be used to inform future business plans including the business plan which has been submitted The evidence above clarifies and justifies the CNP policies regarding for 2020 to 2025. pollution and the Parish’s waterways. It is important that we (the Parish) We have considered a range of solutions within sewer catchment or at the heed the warnings in regard to the health of our rivers and act upon them Water Recycling Centre to accommodate further growth as part of this plan. to protect and enhance their long-term health and that of the environment. WRC upgrades will not be the most appropriate solution in all cases, we will assess what solution resolves the need whilst providing the best value for money for our customers. Page 33 of the WRLTP outlines the investment options within sewer catchments and at Water Recycling Centres available to Anglian Water and the order in which these are considered. In relation to the Coggeshall catchment we have identified a need for further investment to provide additional WRC flow capacity as part of the

83 Light Pollution

Light pollution has become one the most intrusive threats to our enjoyment of the countryside and its tranquility at night. The work of the CPRE, The British Astronomical Association campaign and the Campaign for Dark Skies (CfDS) has highlighted the negative impact of light pollution. These include enjoyment of the night sky, diminished sense of place and urbanisation of the countryside, human health and harm to the natural diurnal rhythms of animals and plants.

The Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan Sub-Committee has liaised with the CPRE regarding light pollution in addition to carrying out desktop research.

Light pollution disrupts the daily cycle of light and dark and negatively impacts upon amphibians, birds, mammals, insect and plants. The following websites were consulted for more information. http://www.darksky.org/light-pollution/wildlife/ https://www.alive.com/health/the-negative-effects-of-light-pollution/

The CPRE has mapped light pollution in England. The below map is taken from their interactive map on the 08/02/18. The boundary of Coggeshall Parish has been plotted onto the map. The area to the north of the settlement and in the south is relatively free from light pollution currently, falling into the bottom 3 categories according to the legend. The CNP has identified these areas of (1 NanoWatt/cm2/sr) to forms the basis of our evidence to justify and designate 2 key areas which are the darkest areas within the Parish to be maintained within the lowest level of light pollution. www.nightblight.cpre.org.uk

‘Night Blight: Mapping England’s light pollution and dark skies’- CPRE 2016. This CPRE interactive map uses satellite technology to map the level of light spilling up into Britain’s night skies. The red line is Coggeshall Parish Boundary.

84 In the listed action recommendations within ‘Night Blight: Mapping In accordance with para 180b of the NPPF 2019 the CNP Sub-Committee England’s light pollution and dark skies’ CPRE 2016 they state: has identified ‘Tranquil Areas’ within the Parish for protection against noise “Local Authorities should develop policies to control light pollution in local pollution. These areas have been assessed to have remained ‘relatively plans which will ensure that existing dark skies are protected, and that new undisturbed by noise’ and ‘are prized for their recreational and amenity developments do not increase light pollution. Our maps can be used as value for this reason.’ evidence to inform decisions on local planning applications.”

Tranquil Areas The CNP Sub-Committee has taken this advice in the preparation of the policy and associated figure. In addition, the CNP has liaised with the CPR’s Senior Rural Policy Campaigner, Emma Marrington. The following Tranquil Areas (TA’s) have been identified. ● TA 1: St Peter Ad Vincula Church grounds. Advice from CPRE Emma Marrington | Senior Rural Policy Campaigner ● TA 2: PRoW’s in the vicinity of Coggeshall Abbey. 12/07/19: ● TA 3: The Blackwater River corridor west of the village. ● TA 4: The Owen Martin Nature Reserve and LWS Bra 206. Wording from a made plan, West Horsely, Surrey. ● TA 5: Rural land in the N/W of the Parish.

“All development proposals should be designed to minimise the occurrence The justification of each ‘Tranquil Area’ is set out in the table below. They of light pollution. The Parish Council will expect such schemes to employ have been assessed in accordance with the criteria set out in NPPF 2019. energy-efficient forms of lighting that also reduce light scatter and comply with the current guidelines established for rural areas by the Institute of Consultation Lighting Professionals (ILP). The assessment was consulted on as part of the Regulation 14 consultation Proposals for all development will be expected to demonstrate how it is on the draft CNP and has subsequently been updated to take into account intended to prevent light pollution. Information on these measures must be comments received. submitted with applications, and where a development would potentially impact on light levels in the area, an appropriate lighting scheme will be secured by planning condition.”

Noise Noise pollution is mainly caused by industry and transport systems but increasingly by roads and transport. It has a negative impact on animal and human health. It can lead to stress, heart disease, hearing loss and loss of sleep and impact on quality of life. It is therefore important that proposals which will increase background noise pollution within the Parish are prevented or the noise is mitigated. 85 TA1: St Peter Ad Vincula Receptors How is this area ‘relatively How is this area ‘prized for its recreational and Church grounds undisturbed by noise’? amenity value’?

Location: Walkers, The Church grounds are in This is a sanctuary in the heart of the village. Users The grounds and graveyard parishioners, the heart of Coggeshall, enjoy its tranquillity in part brought about by its use of St Peter Ad Vincula mourners, however they are buffered as a graveyard and the respect that this derives from Church grounds, Church wildlife. from Church Street and the community. Part of the site is a wildlife reserve. Street. adjacent residential Together with the established trees the Church properties by the allotments, grounds are a very attractive place to linger or sit on a the Church and tall trees. It bench. Flower beds are well tended which create Grid Reference: 853,231*1 remains therefore a quiet pleasure. It is accessible to many in the community and peaceful space. due to its central location. TA2: PRoW’s in the vicinity Receptors How is this area ‘relatively How is this area ‘prized for its recreational and of Coggeshall Abbey. undisturbed by noise’? amenity value’?

Location: The Essex Way Walkers & This area of the Parish and These footpaths are used consistently by walkers from (PRoW) from West Street to Horse riders. footpath network passing the village, also horse riders. The character of the land Coggeshall Abbey, through it is removed from and its layout has been determined over a long period incorporating the Abbey the A120 and sources of of time, it therefore responds to its landscape setting and St Nicholas Chapel & major noise. In many areas it and the buildings are integrated into the landscape. PRoW from Coggeshall is enclosed by trees. The land The woodland and mill races, views from the bridges use, grazing, stabling cottage are particularly pleasing with a high amenity value. Abbey to Pointwell Mill. industry and residential do not generate obtrusive or Key location ‘a’ is adjacent to the Abbey. The Key Location a: Bridge over excessive noise. combination of woodland, water, the Abbey and the the Mill Race. Mill all contribute to a very attractive and tranquil Grid reference: 855,222*1 corner of the Parish.

Key Location b: Footpath Key location ‘b’ is a stretch of footpath running between the mill race and between a sedate river (the Blackwater) and a stream,

86 River Blackwater leading to the mill race. This is a green and quiet and relaxing Pointwell Mill. footpath to walk along. Grid reference: 855,219*1

TA3: The Blackwater River Receptors How is this area ‘relatively How is this area ‘prized for its recreational and corridor west of the village. undisturbed by noise’? amenity value’? Location: The vegetated Walkers, Sitting in the valley bottom This area is a Green Amenity Area within the river corridor and flood residents and this well vegetated Local Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan. It has great plain from the village centre businesses on Wildlife Site is relatively recreational value for the local community who use at Long Bridge to the east West Street. unaffected by noise the existing footpaths. As part of the CNP an to the quarry access road to generated by the A120. aspirational policy proposes a footpath along the the west. Local Wildlife site Within a cricket bat willow length of the river to enable greater access for people plantation and adjacent to to enjoy their local green space. It has amenity value 186. the river it’s a peaceful area for people who walk within it and appreciate the to walk through. beauty of the trees and for those who look over it Key Location c: Nunn’s from the Essex Way, an elevated public footpath to Bridge. the south and from West Street which is elevated to Grid Reference: 837,219*1 the north and by the homes and business overlooking the river corridor. It is also greatly enjoyed from Long Bridge, the green space coming into the heart of the village at this point.

Key Location ‘c’ is Nunn’s Bridge which forms part of the public footpath and was put in place by a former resident of the village so that the community might enjoy walking along the river bank. This is an attractive bridge which complements its landscape setting.

87 TA4: The Owen Martin Receptors How is this area ‘relatively How is this area ‘prized for its recreational and Nature Reserve and LWS undisturbed by noise’? amenity value’? Bra 206

Location: Robins Brook to Walkers, This local nature reserve and This is a local nature reserve which is valued by the the west of Tilkey Road. residents. LWS is set into a small valley community as such. It has recreational value for those though which runs Robins who utilise the PRoW that passes along it and for Grid Reference: 846,231*1 Brook. Its location away from those who enjoy the reserve and the seating the A120 and vegetation opportunities therein. creates a quiet and tranquil area. TA5: Rural land in the N/W Receptors How is this area ‘relatively How is this area ‘prized for its recreational and of the Parish. undisturbed by noise’? amenity value’?

Location: The N/W corner Walkers, cyclists, This area is a minimum of Coggeshall Parish has a very high percentage of of the Parish incorporating horse riders & 500m away from the A120. PRoWs. Many fall within TA5 and although removed Marks Hall estate, Holfield local residents. Settlements and homes / from the main settlement of Coggeshall Parish are Grange and Little Nuntys business are sparse. It evidently well used. The combination of a more Hamlet. incorporates a lot of undulating landscape, woodland and agricultural land woodland, much of which is create a landscape of high aesthetic amenity value. designated Local Wildlife Key location d: Country sites. The woodland disrupts Key Location ‘d’ This is quiet country lane near Holfield Lane nr. Holfield Grange noise and creates tranquil Grange. The undulating landscape at this point, its removal *1 Grid Reference: 830,233 areas within and around the from the A120 and adjacent attractive houses combine to woodland blocks. create a peaceful stretch of road to walk along. Key location e: Ambridge Road nr Coggeshall Grove Key Location ‘e’ is a lane which at this point goes past Grid Reference: 833,241*1 woodland. Away from the A120 and adjacent to attractive woodland this is a quiet and peaceful area.

88 Key location f: Footpath Key Location ‘f’ is a footpath passing though Monks Great Monks Wood Wood. A LWS and beautiful woodland this is a very Grid Reference: 823,253*1 tranquil area.

Key location g: Byway at Key Location ‘g’ is a by-way passing through a large Grangewood and Lilly area of tranquil and beautiful LWS woodland. Wood Grid Reference: 832,261*1 *1 OS Map 195: Braintree & Saffron Walden

89 Appendix F7 - Flood & Drought Management years; here our revised outlines indicate that the culvert under West Street is first overtopped during the 1 in 20-year design event although the flood extents resulting from this are not extensive enough to affect The Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan Subcommittee has researched flood many properties. In reality though this structure is likely to be prone to management and consulted with the Environment Agency in the preparation of blockage and this may exacerbate the flood risk in this location. The Policy P.13 Managing Flood Risk & Drought Prevention. This forms part of the properties recorded as flooding in the 2001 event are depicted in Figure evidence base which has informed the production of the Coggeshall 3-5 along the modelled 1,000-year outline. With the exception of one Neighbourhood Plan. The CNP’s policy seeks to fulfil at a local scale NPPF 2019 property on Bridge Street and one on East Street there is a reasonably Section 14: Meeting the challenge of climate change, flooding and coastal change. good correlation between these. However, it is noted that the levels The EA advised (2019) of Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Opinion – recorded in the post flood survey are consistently higher than the 1,000- ESS/01/19/BTE/SPO for a flood alleviation scheme through mineral extraction. year modelled water levels. New 1,000-year flood extent compared to the existing Flood Zone 2 New 100-year flood extent compared to the existing The CNP has benefited from the knowledge of local residents: Please refer to Flood Zone 3” ‘Flooding in Coggeshall: An Overview’ July 2016 which summarises the key problems in the Parish. ● A Green Future: Our 25 Year Plan to Improve the Environment: HM Government 2018. This policy and assessment of the Flood Management Areas has included a Chapter 5 Reducing risks from flooding and coastal erosion: desktop study of the following background information: 1. Using more natural flood management solutions where ● CIRIA report C753 The SuDS Manual-v6. appropriate. ● Rainfall runoff management for developments: Report – SC030219. 2. Increasing the uptake of sustainable drainage systems, Environment Agency / Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs especially in new developments. Oct 2013. 3. Improving the resilience of properties at risk of flooding and ● Report – SC030219. the time it takes them to recover should flooding occur. ● LI: Management and maintenance of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) 4. Improving the resilience of properties at risk of flooding and landscapes : Interim Technical Guidance Note 01/2014. the time it takes them to recover should flooding occur. ● The Essex County Council SuDS Design Guide. ● http://www.engineeringnaturesway.co.uk/resource/prevent-flooding- landscape-institute-lets-get-nibbling/ Permeable surfacing and infiltration systems ● The 2001 Coggeshall fluvial flood event was assessed in a report by JBA consulting: Robins Brook and River Blackwater Hydraulic Modelling’ 2013. The policies set out in BDC draft local plan encourage the use of SuDS including See extract below relating to Coggeshall. permeable surfacing and infiltration systems. The EA report ‘Rainfall runoff ● “3.2.2 Comparison with flood history Within Coggeshall, the properties on management for developments’ states in its executive summary under point 8.4: Bridge Street are known to have been affected by flooding in at least five “Flood flows. Runoff up to the 1% annual probability event should preferably be events since 1947 suggesting a return period of approximately 10-years. managed within the site at designated temporary storage locations unless it can Our modelling results indicate that Bridge Street itself first begins to be shown to have no material impact by leaving the site in terms of nuisance or overtop at during a 1 in 5-year event; however, by the 10-year event the damage, or increase river flows during periods of river flooding.” Therefore as overtopping is more widespread and is likely to affect properties. The much rainwater should be returned to the ground as possible. properties on West Street are known to have flooded three times in the 66 year flood history equating to a return period of approximately 20- 90 Furthermore, under point 12 it states “Percentage runoff from developments: Calculation of the runoff volume from the developed site for preliminary To the knowledge of the CNP Sub-Committee there is to date no national standard assessment and design of drainage facilities will assume 100% runoff from paved for the percentage of hard, external surface areas within developments which areas and 0% runoff from pervious areas.” Given that technologies now enable must be permeable or where run off water should be collected by effective paved areas to be pervious, it is the reasoned view of the CNP that the greater infiltration systems. Given the evidence set out above, the CNP Sub-Committee percentage of external hard surfacing should be pervious to runoff water. New have confidence that a percentage target of 80% of all external hard surface areas development will therefore be able to return more run-off water. It is important to be permeable or run off, collected by infiltration systems within all new that developments aim to return on site, as much of the calculated annual rainfall development in the Parish, is both justified and achievable. into the ground as possible to minimise exacerbating flood and drought events. Section H3 of CIRIA report C753 The SuDS Manual-v6 describes the circumstances The CNP Flood & Drought Management Policy was drawn up in consultation with in which pervious paving or effective infiltration of surface water from impervious the Environment Agency and reviewed by the EA in November 2018. Comments surfaces can be employed. To date there have been significant advances in these provided by the Flood & Coastal Risk Management Advisor for Essex were technologies / construction techniques. incorporated.

The necessity at a strategic level to encourage water back into the ground to Flood Management Areas recover ground water levels for drought events and reduce overland flow and or temporarily store water in high rain fall event is well documented. This is also very The following Flood Management Areas (FMA’s) have been identified: important for Coggeshall Parish which is in one of the driest counties in in England FMA 1 The site of the ‘BT exchange’. and in 2001 suffered a severe flood event. Climate change exacerbates these FMA 2: Flood Zone adjacent to the River Blackwater. events. FMA 3: Land east of the Essex Way. FMA 4: Vicarage Field. The Environment Agency Monthly water situation report for East Anglia FMA 5: Coggeshall Village Centre, ‘The Gravel’ and public highways. September 2019 summarises: FMA 6: The Hop Field, west of the Blackwater. “Above average rainfall at the end of September has realised a total of 131% of the FMA 7: Marks Hall Arboretum, Robins Brook long-term average (LTA) rainfall for the month with 65.5 mm falling across the FMA 8: The Dutch Nursery, north of the Blackwater. area. Although this has decreased the soil moisture deficit, groundwater recharge FMA 9: Long Bridge, Bridge Street has not yet started and the river flows at all indicator sites (with the exception of North Norfolk) continue to be lower than normal for the time of year. Reflecting The justification of each FMA identifies flood management strategies suitable for this the reservoir levels also continued to be lower than normal for the time of each site is set out in the table below together with an explanation of each year. Reflecting this the reservoir levels also continued to decrease, and the ground strategy. water support schemes have been operating to support river flows.“ Consultation The assessment was consulted on as part of the Regulation 14 consultation on the The met office website states: draft CNP and has subsequently been updated to take into account comments “In England and Wales the wettest places are in the Lake District, receiving an received. average of over 3000 mm of rain a year, whilst in the western Scottish mountains averages of over 4000 mm occur. Much of eastern England receives less than 700 mm per year and includes some of the driest areas in the country.” https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/regional-climates/ee

91 FMA 1: The site of the ‘BT exchange’ Flood Management Strategy Explanatory Text

Location: SuDS including underground storage tanks to FMA 1 is within the flood plain adjacent to the River Blackwater. It is anticipated East Street, CO6 1SL hold water in the event of heavy rainfall and that this site will be redeveloped at the end of its useful life. Development should Grid reference: 855,226*1 minimise storm water run‐off into the River not result in the further loss of flood plain; floodplain storage compensation Blackwater. Rainwater harvesting for reuse would be required. In addition, the opportunity exists to increase the capacity of within any new development. the flood zone storage though the use of underground storage tanks. Storage tanks would enable above ground development within a relatively small site. These will be funded by the developer of the site as part of their flood alleviation proposal to comply with National, Local and Neighbourhood Plan Policy. FMA 2: Land north and south of the Flood Management Strategy Explanatory Text stream adjacent to the Essex Way off St Peters Road.

Location: FMA2 Land north and south Employ SuDS in the form of wetlands and FMA 2 is within green space that forms part of an approved development site. It of the stream adjacent to the Essex shallow ponds / detention basins for is next to a stream that feeds into the Blackwater and the Essex Way runs along Way off St Peters Road. Grid temporary off‐line water storage and natural the course of the stream. To detain and infiltrate flood water within and adjacent reference: 858,231 flood management techniques such as leaky to the water course, slowing its progress to the Blackwater, and to mitigate run dams to detain water and percolate into the off from the development this green space should form a key part of the Parish’s ground. Tree and shrub planting. flood and drought mitigation strategy. The Essex Way, stream and existing vegetation form a key part of the Parish’s green and blue Infrastructure. Considered implementation of SuDS and natural flood management techniques along the length of the stream from the A120 to St Peters Road will also improve the ecological value of this section of the Essex Way. FMA 3: Land east of the Essex Way Flood Management Strategy Explanatory Text Location: Land East of the Essex Way Lowering of existing ground levels to retain FMA 3 is adjacent to flood plain and a steam to the West and within an in ‘Cook Field’ off East Street. greater water volume in the form of swales, allocated site. Any loss of flood plain should be compensated. The site Grid reference: 857,226*1 wetland meadow or appropriately sited slopes gently East West. This area forms a key part of an extension to the shallow ponds / detention basins for Parish’s green and blue infrastructure, retaining water in normal and heavy temporary off‐line water storage. Tree flood water events will assist the percolation of water into the ground and planting. form part of the SuDS solution for new housing to the East. FMA 4: Vicarage Field Flood Management Strategy Explanatory Text

Location: Land north of West Street Lowering of existing ground levels to retain FMA 4 is a Local Green Space. It is currently in agricultural use. It is the ambition behind housing. greater water volume in the form of swales, of this plan that it becomes a ‘Community Asset’. It is an important as part of a Grid reference: 847,226*1 wetlands and shallow ponds / detention basins N/S green and blue Infrastructure link between Robins Brook (LWS), and beyond for temporary off‐line water storage in to the open space of the Vineyard to the River valley. The land slopes North South towards the River Blackwater valley. The lower areas of Vicarage Field are 92 association with Robins Brook. Tree planting. suitable for offline water retention in high rainfall events before the water reaches the river. JBA Consulting’s Report ‘Robins Brook Final Report’ 2013 states that “this structure (the culvert) is prone to blockage and this may exacerbate the flood risk in this location.” Para 3.3 states “…. A much shorter duration event (7.25 hours) (of a single storm event) will result in a maximum peak discharge from Robins Brook.” Therefore FMA’s along the length of Robins Brook will assist in minimising the impact of heavy rainfall events on the properties north of West Street particularly in the vicinity of Hare Bridge. FMA 5: Coggeshall Village Centre & Flood Management Strategy Explanatory Text public highways

Location: SuDS suitable for urban areas: for road FMA 5 a hard, urban area in the centre of Coggeshall and public highways have Central Coggeshall, the confluence of drainage; pervious paving; biorentention significant over land run off of water into traditional drainage systems. In high Church Street, Stoneham Street, systems such as rain gardens and raised beds rainfall events this contributes to alluvial flooding. As part of the design and West Street & East Street. The and planted channels; green roofs and walls. construction or retrofitting of buildings, and the design and construction of the Gravel, a road south of the village All these systems assist with holding excess streetscape, strategies to minimise over land flow and filter water back into the centre. Public highways within the water in high water rain events and allowing ground can be introduced. This would have the added benefit of ‘greening’ slow percolation of water into the ground. Coggeshall centre and our roads which can then form a link in the Parish’s green Parish. and blue infrastructure strategy. Grid reference: The Village Centre 851,225*1; The Gravel 850,224*1 FMA 6: The Hop Field, west of the Flood Management Strategy Explanatory Text Blackwater.

Location: Lowering of existing ground levels to retain FMA 6 is owned by Coggeshall Parish Council. The field slopes West East towards The Hop Field west of the Blackwater, greater water volume in the form of swales, the river and flood plain. This area is adjacent to a key section of the Parish’s Coggeshall Hamlet. wetlands and shallow ponds / detention basins green and blue infrastructure, the river corridor. Retaining water in normal and Grid reference: 854,219*1 for temporary off‐line water storage. Tree heavy flood water events will assist the percolation of water into the ground and planting. reduce alluvial flooding downstream. FMA 7: Marks Hall Arboretum, Robins Flood Management Strategy Explanatory Text Brook Location: Offline lake (permanent not to be classified as FMA7 is owned by Marks Hall Estate. Robins Brook flows through the Estate and Marks Hall Arboretum, north of the water storage) and wetland habitat, shallow arboretum. It is already dammed to create an ornamental lake adjacent to the existing lakes and walled Garden, ponds for temporary off‐line water storage. walled garden. This new FMA will be delivered by Marks Hall as part of ongoing Marks Hall Estate. Potential uses of temporary dams structures, improvements to the Estate and is valuable to wildlife. MH are working with the Grid reference: 844,263*1 such as ‘leaky dams’. Tree planting. EA on this project. MH seek to create a permanent off-line water body which is natural in appearance. MH are also willing to look at the inclusion of areas which 93 could hold water in high rainfall events which would help to slow the progress of water down Robin’s brook, enable greater water infiltration into the ground and minimise the eventuality of flooding downstream in the village at Hare Bridge, and the culvert under West Street. JBA Consulting’s Report ‘Robins Brook Final Report’ 2013 states that “this structure (the culvert) is prone to blockage and this may exacerbate the flood risk in this location.” Para 3.3 states “…. A much shorter duration event (7.25 hours) (of a single storm event) will result in a maximum peak discharges from Robins Brook.” Therefore FMA’s along the length of Robins Brook will assist to minimise the impact of heavy rainfall events on the properties north of West Street, particularly in the vicinity of Hare Bridge. FMA 8: The Dutch Nursery, north of Flood Management Strategy Explanatory Text the Blackwater. Location: Offline lowering of existing ground levels of FMA 8 is within a flood zone and green space adjacent the River Blackwater that Land north of the Blackwater on the flood plain to retain greater water volume in forms part of a development site. The flood zone will not be developed but an Dutch Nursery development, West the form of swales, wetlands and shallow opportunity is created to help mitigate future alluvial flood events by increasing Street. ponds / detention basins for temporary off‐line water storage capacity of this area above that of the existing (pre development) Grid reference: 843,222*1 water storage. Tree planting. capacity, and the additional storage capacity required to ensure that the adjacent development does not flood. Additional offline storage capacity will help mitigate fluvial flooding at Long Bridge, further downstream, where the water backs up during high rainfall events and floods onto the road. FMA 9: Long Bridge, Bridge Street Flood Management Strategy Explanatory Text Location: Offline modular, cellular water storage system, FMA 9 is the road adjacent to the bridges on Bridge Street. When alluvial flooding Central Coggeshall: 1) The highway or pipe water storage system suitable for a from the Black Water occurs the water backs up behind the bridges, Long Bridge adjacent to Long Bridge over the trafficked area located underneath the in particular, and floods up the old ford onto the rd. The 2013 JBA report Blackwater and the ford adjacent to highway to the north and south of the bridges. indicates that overtopping during a 1 in 10-year event is likely to affect Long Bridge, and 2) the bridge over properties. (P15 para 3.2.2.) Employing new technology, water storage crates or ‘Back Ditch’. pipes as an offline SuDS solution would assist in taking all or some of the flood water underground and prevent or mitigate flooding to the adjacent homes. Grid reference: 1) 850,224*1; These underground flood defensives or storage areas would have the additional 2) 850,225*1 advantage of minimising the visual impact upon the surrounding conservation area. Such systems are now compatible with heavily trafficked areas such as this location. Ground /soil conditions, existing trees and underground services would require further investigation. *1 OS Map 195: Braintree & Saffron Walden

94 Appendix G – Heritage Appendix H – Design Policies

Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan Sub-Committee has prepared this appendix to Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan Sub-Committee has prepared this appendix justify the Housing policy and explain the local context. Research into housing to, where appropriate, justify the Design Management within the Built need in the Parish, demographic, and the communities preferred strategy to Environment and the design Management within in Rural Areas Policies meet the housing need was undertaken by the group. BDC were consulted and explain the local context. throughout this process and a Housing Strategy Report (2019) commissioned. (DAC Planners) Policy Context Community Consultation In meeting the development needs of the community, development can take many forms. How it looks and how it functions can influence the way The Coggeshall Community Questionnaire: that people live, feel and interact with one another and how the 97% of respondents to the community questionnaire wanted historic development impacts on its surroundings. Good design is important for the buildings and sites of historic significance to be protected and positive development of the Parish. preserved; Community Consultation 90% wanted development that would spoil views of historic buildings The Coggeshall Community Questionnaire: to be discouraged. 96% said we should encourage development that enhances the 92% wanted development that would spoil the setting of historic appearance and character of the area. buildings to be discouraged; 92% were in favour of development that fits with the style of our 94% said we should encourage development that fits with the style historic buildings 92% said “yes”; and appearance of our historic buildings. 96% were in favour of development that “enhances the character and 82% agreed that the plan should protect the environment appearance of the area. /countryside. 88% said we should resist development that will spoil views of the surrounding countryside.

92% said we should discourage development that will spoil the setting of a historic building.

91% said we should discourage development will spoil views of a historic building.

86% said developers should make sure that existing trees remain as part of any new development. 95 Appendix H1- Design Management within the Built Environment 7. Landmarks – Grange Barn, Paycockes, St Peters ad Vincula, The Woolpack PH, Clocktower Tea Rooms, The White Hart PH and Ho- Coggeshall Village Character Assessment tel, Abbey Mill, The Abbey House, River Blackwater

The Coggeshall Village Character Assessment was part of the Sub-Committee’s early research and development work to identify the key village character areas and informs Policy 15 Design Management in the Built Environment and the Village Design Guide.

The following were covered in the Assessment:

1. Topography – Settlement within a river valley, with a slight incline to the north and steep incline to the south.

2. Land Use – Mainly residential with some shops and commercial businesses, 4 churches. 4 schools and small industrial estate.

3. Layout – 3 main areas:- Area 1 – The historic core with a defined village centre is dense, The Village Hall irregular, medieval, with back land development, small rows and yards. Area 2 – Late 20�� century ribbon development with open frontages and small estates dating from 1960s to recent infill courtyard developments. Area 3 – Victorian ribbon development with 3 – 4 1970s cul-de-sac estates, some infill housing.

4. Roads, streets and routes – Unplanned medieval streets with interest- ing bends and views with the oldest recorded medieval brick bridge.

5. Spaces – A recreation ground, 3 play areas, 2 small gardens, 3 allot- ments, a public car park but no village square or green.

6. Buildings – Over 250 listed buildings, 3 public houses, 2 National Trust properties, surgery, dentist and conservative club. Christ Church 96 Heritage Evaluation of Town Area 1 on 09/12/2015

MARKET HILL AND MARKET END STONEHAM STREET Seen as the centre of the town as 4 main access roads into Coggeshall meet This road leads north into Tilkey. A pleasing mixture of residential there. It still has a small historic market every Thursday which can be traced medieval buildings, with shops and houses, a Wesleyan Chapel, Christ back to the 13�� Century. Stoneham Street to the north, Church Street to the Church and a library which was a Quakers House. The street turns west north-east, East Street to the east and West Street to the west. Buildings are into the main car park, which is tarmacked and can accommodate a mixture of medieval to a recent 1970’s 3 storey block. Ground floors are approximately 50 cars. There are fenced areas of scrub land and a mainly given over to retail and commercial businesses. community bus garage that could increase car parking. The Village Hall is a converted brewery building and has had some modernisation. The QUEEN STREET surrounding buildings are small and could be rationalised to provide a A charming route with terraced cottages, detached properties and converted better community space. There is a small memorial garden that is school buildings. There are varying styles and ages of the buildings and there pleasing but could be better used. is only a single pavement. At the far eastern end there are Alms properties with the road leading to access to St Peters ad Vincula. VANE LANE / CHURCH STREET A corner plot with a former industrial building now partly empty and GARDENERS ROW falling into disrepair. This should be identified as a development A small modern cul-de-sac development. opportunity. 97 NUNNS CLOSE A small 1990s estate of large detached houses in a cul-de-sac.

HORN LANE A pedestrian route to the Recreation Ground.

ALBERT PLACE LEADING TO ALBERT GARDENS A limited number of mainly Victorian houses including a terrace of old workers cottages. At the end is a small group of detached bungalows in a cul- de-sac.

EAST STREET A varied mixture of ancient properties to late Victorian villas, with modern bungalows and retirement apartments and new food store. There is a single footpath and a large recreation ground on the northern boundary.

SWAN YARD Named after a demolished Public House, there are mainly cottages along a gravel track with an ex forge building and some modern houses.

GAS LANE CHURCH STREET Cul-de-sac that leads down to Back Ditch. Many large medieval houses of quality with the Woolpack Public House to the east and Market Hill to the west. A pleasing variety of styles, roofs and walls. PETTITTS WALK The street meanders along providing different views along its length. Mixture of medieval houses with some modern properties in a cul-de-sac.

98 BRIDGE STREET A mixture of properties with some commercial uses and housing. Leading down to Back Ditch and onto the River Blackwater.

WEST STREET Only access into Coggeshall from the west, with a mixture of medieval houses to modern semi-detached houses. It features a 16�� Century wool merchant’s house which is open to the public. GRANGE HILL THE GRAVEL A collection of houses, converted mill buildings and large medieval barn A pleasing mixture of medieval and later dwellings and was once the site of which is open to the public. the Market Town House (Shambles) and general market. GREEN ACRES KINGS ACRE A small modern gated cul-de-sac development. The site of a former industrial complex that is now been re-developed into housing.

CULVER CLOSE A small cul-de-sac development.

99 Heritage Evaluation of Town Area 2 on 17/12/2015 MOUNT ROAD (off St Peters Road) Another 1950’s estate of semi-detached houses.

ST ANNES CLOSE (off St Peters Road) A 1960’s estate of bungalows in a cul-de-sac.

MYNEER PARK (off St Peters Road) A 1990’s estate of detached, semi-detached and terraced houses and a Primary School.

EAST STREET A new food store on the site of once a “kinema” and later garage. Only a single pavement with large 18�� century detached houses to modern dwellings. There is a natural field boundary to the south side that has an allocation for housing. At the far eastern end of the Area, on the site of a modern terrace once stood the Toll House (later a Public House).

PARKLANDS (off East Street) Modern detached houses in a cul-de-sac.

POPES LEEZE (off East Street) A group of modern detached and semi-detached properties in a cul-de-sac. CHURCH GREEN ST PETERS ROAD Mainly 17�� and 18�� century cottages, with 1950’s Almshouses and A mixture of fairly modern detached, semi-detached and bungalows set back detached dwellings, with pedestrian access to the Recreation Ground and from the road giving a suburban feel. Primary School. The area is dominated by St Peters ad Vincula Church completed in 1426 that has a large Churchyard and small derelict Non- HILL ROAD (off St Peters Road) Conformist Chapel in the grounds. A 1950’s semi-detached estate of houses and bungalows in a cul-de-sac. 100 COLNE ROAD A mixture of late Victorian and modern properties, with small infill modern WISDOMS GREEN (off Colne Road) developments off the road. The road lead north and has a fire station, small A modern estate of detached, semi-detached and terraced houses in a play area and school playing field boundary. cul-de-sac.

TEY ROAD (off Colne Road) BRICK KILN CLOSE (off Colne Road) A mixture of 1930’s to 1960’s detached and semi-detached houses on a no- A small modern infill of terraced and semi-detached properties in a cul- through road. There is currently a planning application for 11 houses and the de-sac. far northern end on a green field site. PRIORS WAY (off Colne Road) Access to an industrial estate with a large distribution warehouse and approximately 20 units with 3 small housing infill developments.

GURTON ROAD A 1970’s estate of semi-detached houses with access to a secondary school.

FABIANS CLOSE (off Gurton Road) A 1970’s estate of flats, semi-detached houses and bungalows in a cul-de- sac.

PAYCOCKES WAY (off Gurton Road) An estate of detached, semi-detached houses and bungalows with a care home in a cul-de-sac. There is pedestrian access to the churchyard and Church Green.

BEARDS TERRACE (off Paycockes Way) A late Victorian terrace. MONKSDOWN ROAD (off Tey Road) There is an access to a small allotment behind the houses. The semi-detached and terraced houses vary from 1930’s to 1950’s and are set around a large central green space.

COPTHORNE CLOSE (off Colne Road) A small modern estate in a cul-de-sac.

101 Heritage Evaluation of Town Area 3 on 16/12/2015 ownership should be established to see if there is any opportunity to develop it.

KNIGHTS ROAD Modern estate of house and bungalows in a cul-de-sac and has a pedestrian access into School Mews Playing Area.

STONEHAM STREET Continues north with a collection of large detached houses and small terraced cottages. St Bernards Catholic Church dated 1928 is timber clad, unusual for the town.

SCHOOL MEWS (off Stoneham Street) TILKEY ROAD A small cul-de-sac of mid-Victorian buildings which originally provided for all A Victorian settlement with terraced cottages, modern semi-detached the schooling of the town and now converted into residential properties. and detached houses, bungalows and the site of an old windmill. Many of the properties are set back from the road giving the area a different more ROBINSBRIDGE ROAD suburban feeling from Area 1. A winding road that once lead to Marks On the corner is an old Public House (still signed) and one of many that were Hall but is now a no-through road. At the far northern end the style of in the town. This is the road that went to Halstead but is now a no-through properties, narrowing road and lack of pavements give this area a small road due to the by-pass. There is a mixture of mid 19�� century cottages with hamlet perception. There is a pedestrian access that runs behind modern infills, bungalows and care home. Robinsbridge Mill is a derelict Mitcham Road to a green space and a nature reserve owned by the Parish building on a large overgrown plot leading down to Robin’s Brook. The site Council. This is a great asset for the village which should be more used and maintained.

102 JAGGARDS ROAD A modern estate of mainly semi-detached houses.

BUXTON ROAD A 1970’s estate of mainly semi-detached houses WALFORD WAY / WALFORD CLOSE WINDMILL FIELDS A small area of bungalows, with a new development of semi-detached Accessed off Buxton Road and is a cul-de-sac. houses. MELLINGS (off Tilkey Road) GEOFFREY BLACKWELL CLOSE Small modern infill estate. A new development of semi-detached houses. BRICKFIELDS (off Tilkey Road) VESTA CLOSE A small modern infill development. Part of the Buxton Road estate with a care home. WESTFIELD DRIVE / ST NICHOLAS WAY / HONYWOOD AVENUE MITCHAM ROAD / DAMPER ROAD / HAWKES ROAD A 1970’s estate of mainly semi-detached houses. Part of the Buxton Road estate of semi-detached houses. CHURCHFIELD ROAD GREENWAYS / BRAMLEYS A 1980’s estate of detached houses. A 1970’s estate of semi-detached and detached houses.

103 Area 1 Map 104 Area 2 Map Area 3 Map

105 Appendix H2- Design Management within Rural Areas “judgements should also be made about the value attached to the views experienced. This should take account of recognition of the value Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan Sub-Committee has prepared this appendix to attached to particular views, for example, in relation to heritage assets, where appropriate justify the Design Management in Rural Areas Policy and or through planning designations...” explain the local context. Policy Context Views - Protected Views Assessment This assessment has included a desktop study of the following background information: The CNP Sub-Committee has assessed and justified the below identified views The Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford Landscape which form part of policy 16. Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan Sub-Committee Character Assessment (2006), Chris Blandford Associates. The study has prepared this assessment to create a consistent and transparent considers ‘Visual characteristics’ in its profiles of landscape character methodology for evaluating the identified protected views. It forms part of areas. the evidence base which has informed the production of the Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan. Coggeshall falls within: Landscape Character Type A9 which is described as: Views form part of the Parish’s landscape character and encapsulates it. ● Shallow valley with gently sloping sides. Views incorporate the individual features, topography, vegetation, land use ● Predominately arable farmland. etc., which make up the character of a landscape, help create ‘atmosphere’ ● Overall strong sense of place and tranquillity away from and afford it a value placed there by humans. By implication therefore, views the main settlements of Braintree, Witham and Maldon at a local level may be afforded protection. The views identified in policy P.16 and the A120 A12 and the railway line. ‘Design Management in Rural Areas’, are enjoyed by the community, and The report details the Key Planning issues for the Type which development which would permanently change or alter the view by includes: negatively impacting the view will be prevented. “Potential for erection of new farm buildings and houses within the open landscape, which would be conspicuous The Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (Third Edition) on the skyline.” published jointly by the Landscape Institute and the Institute of The report highlights that: Environmental Management and Assessment (GLVIA3) advise in paragraph “the skyline of the valley slopes are visually sensitive (to 6.31: change sic) with potential new development being visible within several views to and from adjacent Landscape “it is important to remember at the outset that visual receptors are all Character Areas and also within views across and along the people. Each visual receptor, meaning the particular person or group of valley. There is also a sense of historic integrity, resulting people likely to be affected at a specific viewpoint, should be assessed in from enclosed meadows within the valley bottom, historic terms of both their susceptibility to change in views and visual amenity and settlements and a dispersed settlement pattern, also the value attached to particular views.” comprising isolated manors, church/hall complexes, farms and moated sites.” Paragraph 6.37 of GLVIA3 further advises 106 Landscape Character Type B19 Langley Green Farmland Plateau which is The following Views have been identified for assessment: described as: • V1 Colchester Road: SW. ● Gently undulating farmland. • V2 Cook Field: N & S. ● Irregular predominantly large arable fields marked by sinuous • V3 Abbey Mill: N&S. hedgerows. • V4 Mill Race: S. ● Small woods and copses provide structure and edges in the • V5 Essex Way, (East): N. landscape. • V6 West Street, Co-op: S. ● Scattered settlement pattern and narrow winding lanes. • V7 Market Hill: NE & SW. ● Mostly tranquil character away from the major roads. • V8 Long Bridge, Bridge St: E&W. ● F2 High Garrett /Marks Hall Wooded Farmland: • V9 Essex Way, (West): N. ● Flat to gently undulating landform. • V10 Essex Way, (West): E. ● Strong pattern of large and small woods, including ancient lime • V11 Essex Way, (West): SW. woods. Regular medium to large arable fields, bounded by low • V12 Blackwater River Corridor: W. well-trimmed thick hedgerows and some mature hedgerow • V13 Public footpath north of West Street: S. trees. • V14 West Street: S. ● Open to enclosed character depending on density of wood • V15 Public footpath North-west of the village: N. lands. Many small farmsteads and occasional villages. • V16 Vicarage Field: N. ● Several Halls and estates. • V17 Tey Rd: SW. • V18 Marks Hall Rd: SW. ● Braintree District Settlement Fringes Evaluation of Landscape Analysis • V19 Public footpath nr Holfield Grange: S. Study for Coggeshall (2015), The Landscape Partnership. • V20 Public footpath nr Cuthedge Lane: NW. ● The study considered: ‘Characteristics that informed the identification of the Parcels’ which included: ‘Presence of Methodology views and landmark features’ ● Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity Appraisal for Coggeshall Parish Council Viewpoints have been evaluated visually on the ground. Information (2017), The Landscape Partnership. about each viewpoint is provided in the table below. The table provides a ● The study in para 3.7.4 considered ‘openness to public view reference number which corresponds with viewpoint markers shown on (secondary)’ & ‘openness to private view (secondary)’ as part figure 13 ‘Protected Views Proposals Plan’. Please note that the written of their criteria when assessing visual sensitivity. descriptions of viewpoints/views are intended to take precedence over map markers, which are for indicative purposes only. For example, a Planning policy matrices 333Env Ob3Pa3Pi3 which forms part of the evidence viewpoint which fits the description of and offers essentially the same base identifies further background information including key local and views as an identified viewpoint should be considered part of that national planning policy. viewpoint, even if it is several hundred metres from the location marked on the plan.

107 The plan identifies important views which have been selected for one or Describing views more of the following reasons: ● They have amenity value to residents and were identified Views have been evaluated visually on the ground from the identified during consultation exercise or from community comments. viewpoints. Information about each view is provided in the table below. ● They are accessible to residents within the Parish, located The table includes a description of each view, which records within a reasonable proximity (walking distance) to homes and characteristics such as: workplaces. • Whether the view is panoramic, elevated, glimpsed, open or ● They incorporate features that are typical of the landscape expansive; character / atmosphere within the Parish and are of value to • Whether there are dominant elements in the foreground, the Parish and contribute to the rural landscape setting. middle distance or on the skyline; ● They incorporate features of architectural, cultural or historical • Whether it is framed by built development, vegetation or value. landform; • Whether it is essentially rural or urban; The table provides the following baseline information: • Whether it is likely to be significantly altered by seasonal ● The location of viewpoints and grid reference. For the most change. (I.e. views opening up as a result of trees losing part, viewpoints are publicly accessible (e.g. roads, footpaths, leaves in winter) bridleways or public open spaces), as these have more frequent usage than viewpoints on private land. OS Map 195 The table records the key components of each view, including: Braintree & Saffron Walden. • Features that positively contribute to the importance; ● The height of viewpoints = ground level + camera height above distinctiveness and attractiveness of a view (e.g. the river); ground. Height estimates have been derived from Ordnance • Iconic features (e.g. Listed buildings); Survey map contours and have been given in metres above • The degree of containment; ordnance datum (sea level). Photographs were taken at • The rural setting; approximately 1.5m above ground level. • Detractors in view (e.g. busy transport corridors, overhead ● The type of viewpoint, i.e.: Movement corridor and whether power lines, large-scale/extensive development). road, footpath, cycle trail. ● The type of user (e.g. vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist) and number The table records the psychological experience brought about by each of receptors (many / moderate / few), (e.g. vehicle, pedestrian, view (which is likely to vary with each individual observer). Experiences cyclist). might include: ● Any designation applying to land where the viewpoint is • An attraction to a view; located (e.g. Conservation Area, LWS). • A sense of release deriving from open countryside; • A sense of tranquillity; • A desire to explore; • Other associations (e.g. landmark signifying home).

108 Grading the importance of viewpoints Grading the importance of views

Viewpoints have been graded as either ‘exceptional’, ‘special’ or Views have been graded as either ‘exceptional’, ‘special’ or ‘representative’. ‘representative.’ Exceptional views might include highly valued, panoramic views or long-distance views across intact countryside; they might capture Exceptional viewpoints include sites within nationally designated the quintessential character of an area; they might allow for an landscapes such as historic sites of particular importance (Grade I/II* listed appreciation and understanding of the wider surroundings of Coggeshall; buildings, Scheduled Monuments); and sites where viewers have unique they might contribute to the enjoyment of important heritage or cultural and prolonged/unfolding views from main transport corridors, or national locations; or they might be unique in their own way. cycle network routes or public rights of way. Special views might include panoramic or long-distance views, dramatic Special viewpoints include historic sites of national importance scenery and skyline features; they might allow an appreciation of the more (Conservation Areas, Grade I and II / II* listed buildings); and sites where intimate setting of the village within its landscape; they might help to viewers have opportunities to appreciate views – for example, approach reveal landscape character types; or they might be comparable to other roads and well established/ used footpaths leading to the village within special views. markedly tranquil settings. Representative views might include narrow or glimpsed views; they might Representative viewpoints include typical local landscapes; unregistered be marred by the presence of negative features which detract from the heritage assets (e.g. locally listed buildings); sites which are degraded by quality of the experience; or they might be typical views which are the presence of urban or highway structures; and sites where viewers are replicated elsewhere. on movement corridors which are typical of the locality or which provide only fleeting views. Grading overall importance to arrive at ‘Key Views’ Each view has been given an overall rating of ‘exceptional’, ‘special’ or In grading viewpoints, account has been taken of how many people ‘representative’. This is arrived at through combining the importance of experience a viewpoint, as well as of the quality of that experience. Speed both the viewpoint and the view. A ‘representative viewpoint’ combined of transit would normally have a bearing on the quality of experience. Thus with a ‘representative view’ would result in an overall rating of the view of a well-known landmark from a quickly moving vehicle might be ‘representative’. A ‘representative viewpoint’ combined with an qualitatively inferior to the same view experienced by a pedestrian. ‘exceptional view’ would result in an overall rating of ‘special’. A However, busy roads are experienced by a large number of people daily, ‘representative viewpoint’ combined with a ‘special view’ would result in thereby increasing their importance. For example, a busy motorway an overall rating of either ‘representative’ or ‘special’, offering brief, iconic views of a picturesque castle, might be considered as important a viewpoint as a seldom used footpath in the midst of nationally designated scenery.

109 Of those views listed above, it was decided that only those that were rated overall as ‘special’ or ‘exceptional’ would be included in Policy 16 which incorporates the protected views and has been included in the Coggeshall Parish Neighbourhood Plan ‘Regulation 14’ version. The views which received an overall rating of ‘representative’ have not been included in the policy but remain in the Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan in recognition of their inherent value to the local community and their contribution to the countryside setting of Coggeshall.

The following Views have been identified for inclusion in the policy: • PV1 Colchester Road: SW. • PV2 Cook Field: N & S. • PV3 Abbey Mill: N&S. • PV4 Mill Race: S. • PV5 Essex Way, (East): N. • PV6 West Street, Co-op: S. • PV7 Market Hill: NE & SW. • PV8 Long Bridge, Bridge St: E&W. • PV9 Essex Way, (West): N. • PV10 Essex Way, (West): E. • PV11 Essex Way, (West): SW. • PV12 Blackwater River Corridor: W. • PV13 Public footpath: S. • PV14 West Street: S. • PV15 Public footpath North-west of the village: N. • PV16 Vicarage Field: N. • PV17 Marks Hall Rd: SW. • PV18 Public footpath nr Holfield Grange: S. • PV19 Public footpath nr Cuthedge Lane: NW.

Consultation The assessment was consulted on as part of the Regulation 14 consultation on the draft CNP and has subsequently been updated to take into account comments received.

110 V1: Colchester Road: SW Written description of the view Psychological experience brought Other Evidence Importance of Importance of (Policy reference: PV1) including the key components about by each view the viewpoint the view ‘exceptional’, ‘exceptional’, ‘special’ or ‘special’ or ‘representative’ ‘representative’ Rural, expansive, open view. Long A sense of space and openness. Enjoyment The landscape and the view Representative Special distance over fields and hedgerows over of the long, uncontained vista over open are part of the landscape rising land to the distance. fields and into the far distance. This is rare setting of the village. in the Parish close to the settlement and from a public vantage point. The view forms part of the initial approach into Coggeshall village which becomes steadily more urban as you drive along Colchester road.

Location: Colchester Road looking SW Grid reference: 861,227 Height: 46.5m AOD Type of viewpoint: Movement corridor, PRoW Type & no of view point users: Vehicles along Colchester Road; Many. Walkers on the PRoW; Few. Designations: None Conclusion: V1 has been graded as ‘special’. This view is enjoyed by many as they visit or return home to Coggeshall. It is a rare expansive and long view over open country side. The view forms part of the context and landscape setting of the village.

V2: Cook Field N&S Written description of the view Psychological experience brought Other Evidence Importance of Importance of (Policy reference: PV2) including the key components about by each view the viewpoint the view ‘exceptional’, ‘exceptional’, ‘special’ or ‘special’ or ‘representative’ ‘representative’ View North: View North: Landscape Sensitivity and View North: View North: Rural, open view, over the open field A sense of tranquillity and release deriving Capacity Appraisal 2017 Special Exceptional framed to the west by a large hedge row from open countryside. Enjoyment of the Parcel F Para 5.6.7 associated with the adjacent stream and glimpsed landmark of the roof top and “Views from the Essex way View South: View South: to the east by two large cedar trees along conservatory of ‘Starling Leeze’ House are currently open, so that Special Special the field boundary to the west. The the site is perceived as a background is dominated by large, View South: single field bounded by mature trees within the garden of a listed A sense of release deriving from open mature trees. The Victorian mansion, ‘Starling Leeze’. There countryside after leaving East Street, of Photo 1: are glimpsed views of the mansion in the ‘openness’ after leaving the street scape mitigation measures for any new development Location: SW corner of Cook Field, outside the summer and more open views of the and a sense of tranquillity. field boundary on the Essex Way looking N mansion and its conservatory in the should include an open Grid reference: 856,225 winter. buffer zone adjacent to the Height: 31.5m AOD Essex Way to protect View South: existing views north and 111 Type of viewpoint: Movement corridor, Rural, open view, over the open field. It is south from the Essex Way, PRoW, National Trail framed to the east by a large hedge row and the landscape setting Type & no of view point users: Walkers and associated with the adjacent stream, and and character of this runners. Many. to the east by two large cedar trees at section of the path. Designations: Starling Leeze is within the the end of the hedge line. The view looks Landscape buffer planting, conservation area though these two elements over the using native trees and fence boundary to the open fields shrubs, should be beyond. established at the southern edge of the developed area to reduce the impact of new buildings in views from the Essex Way, and to help assimilate new built form into a well-vegetated Photo 2: settlement edge.” Location: NW corner of Cook Field, outside the field boundary on the Essex Way just off East The small-scale historical Street looking S field pattern that forms Grid reference: 855,226 part of the views form the Height: 31.5m AOD context and landscape Type of viewpoint: Movement corridor, PRoW, setting for the Grade 1 National Trail Listed Abbey and Mill. Type & no of view point users: Walkers and runners. Many. Designations: None Conclusion: Exceptional. V2 N&S have been graded as ‘Special +’. The views are enjoyed by many people in the local community, they incorporate a heritage building in the conservation area, a national trail and open countryside that retains the small-scale historical field pattern. They help create a strong sense of release and tranquillity for the receptor.

V3: Abbey Mill: N&S Written description of the view Psychological experience brought Other Evidence Importance of Importance of (Policy reference: PV3) including the key components about by each view the viewpoint the view ‘exceptional’, ‘exceptional’, ‘special’ or ‘special’ or ‘representative’ ‘representative’ These views are located on a tranquil and View North: . View North: View North: well vegetated small section of the Essex Attraction to the picturesque setting of the The Abbey and Abbey Mill Exceptional Exceptional way, just after passing through the livery Abbey next to the Mill race and enjoyment are listed as Grade 1 star. stables or past grazing land open. The of the ‘picture post card’ view. A sense of View South: View South: setting of the buildings is, intimate, tranquillity. Intrigue brought about by the Exceptional Exceptional contained and unique within the wider glimpsed views of the beautiful and ancient landscape. buildings.

View North: View South: Photo 1: 112 Location: PRoW, the Essex Way on the bridge Rural, contained view over the Mill Race Attraction to the picturesque setting of the looking N towards the Abbey and associated Mill and Mill House next to the Mill pond Grid reference: 855221 buildings. The view is framed by and enjoyment of the ‘picture post card’ Height: 31.5m AOD woodland to the east, and tree, shrub view. A sense of tranquillity. Intrigue Type of viewpoint: Movement corridor, planting and garden to the west. The brought about by the glimpsed views of PRoW, National Trail dominant residential and occupied wing the beautiful and ancient buildings. of the Abbey view forms the culmination Type & no of view point users: Walkers and of the view. runners. Many. Designations: Grade 1 listed building & View South: Scheduled Ancient Monument. Rural, contained view over the Mill pond towards the Mill to the left and Abbey Mill house to the right. Framed by vegetation to both sides and an old, timber framed barns to the west.

Photo 2: Location: PRoW, the Essex Way on the bridge looking S Grid reference: 855221 Height: 31.5m AOD Type of viewpoint: Movement corridor, PRoW, National Trail Type & no of view point users: Walkers and runners. Many. Designations: Grade 1 Listed Building The Mill, Grade 2 listed building Abbey Mill House. Conclusion: Exceptional. The views are enjoyed by many people in the local community, they incorporate 3 very attractive and historically important listed buildings. They are unique within Coggeshall Parish and along the Essex Way, and may be viewed from the same juncture. The views are both picturesque and in a tranquil setting.

V4 Mill Race: S Written description of the view Psychological experience brought Other Evidence Importance of Importance of (Policy reference: PV4) including the key components about by each view the viewpoint the view ‘exceptional’, ‘exceptional’, ‘special’ or ‘special’ or ‘representative’ ‘representative’

113 Rural, view along the river and the mill This is a very tranquil view in a tranquil Exceptional Exceptional race towards Pointwell House in the setting. The abundance of water and the distance at the end of the footpath. The resulting very lush and green vegetation view along this foot path is open in parts create a cool and calm atmosphere even in and enclosed by trees and shrub at the the height of summer. It is contained and northern end of the footpath. Willow framed by willow trees. It is distinctive trees, the Cricket bat willow and the within the Parish and culminates in the Weeping willows in the garden of attractive form of Pointwell House in the Pointwell House are key features. The background. Location: PRoW North of Coggeshall Hamlet two watercourses frame and define the between the River Blackwater and the Mill view at ground level, each have their race, looking S. own characteristic, the calm flat water of Grid reference: 854,216 the Blackwater and the fast water of the Height: 26.5m AOD narrow channel that is the Mill race. Type of viewpoint: Movement corridor, PRoW, Type & no of view point users: Walkers. Many. Designations: Pointwell House and Pointwell Mill House. Grade 2 listed. Conclusion: Exceptional. The viewpoint and the view are thoroughly enjoyed by the community, it is a unique, contained view in an attractive and tranquil landscape setting.

V5 Essex Way, (East): N Written description of the view Psychological experience brought Other Evidence Importance of Importance of (Policy reference: PV5) including the key components about by each view the viewpoint the view ‘exceptional’, ‘exceptional’, ‘special’ or ‘special’ or ‘representative’ ‘representative’ Rural and urban, long, view from a This is an open, rare and direct view onto The fields and the Special Exceptional national trail over grazing land and the the attractive historic core of the village settlement in this view are historical edge towards the centre of the from open countryside. The view of the within the conservation village. The rear of buildings can be seen landscape complements the rural setting of area. through glimpsed views through the the Essex Way. For these reasons, it is trees. The view opens up further in the enjoyed by walkers along the Essex Way. This view and its landscape winter. setting form part of the historical landscape setting of the settlement, its village conservation area and the landscape setting on the approach to Grade 1 St Location: The Essex Way, to the east of Nicholas Chapel and the Kelvedon Road, looking N. Abbey. Grid reference: 852,222 Height: 41.5m AOD Type of viewpoint: Movement corridor, PRoW, The Essex Way

114 Type & no of view point users: Walkers. Many. Designations: Conservation area Conclusion: Exceptional. The view from this viewpoint is a rare view from countryside onto the historical core of the village. Views into the historical core from the north, east and west have now been obscured by later development. It is one which may be enjoyed from a National Trail close to the settlement and forms the landscape setting to our historical assets.

V6 West Street, Co-op: S Written description of the view Psychological experience brought Other Evidence Importance of Importance of (Policy reference: PV6) including the key components about by each view the viewpoint the view ‘exceptional’, ‘exceptional’, ‘special’ or ‘special’ or ‘representative’ ‘representative’ Rural, open view towards river corridor This is an attractive view that brings about Planning conditions ‘Representative’ ‘Exceptional’ through Willow plantation and up the a sense of release and surprise as its associated with the slope towards St Nicholas Chapel. The viewpoint is unusual and it is also the only development of the Its location in a The Chapel is view is foreshortened in the summer by view from a public vantage point of the Cooperative supermarket carpark makes it otherwise only vegetation however in the winter it River Blackwater corridor. stipulated that the representative, visible as one opens up and the Chapel is visible. boundary fence to the rear however the view approaches it of the development is also visible from along the Essex complement the rural the recreation Way. This is the character and be visually ground which is only glimpsed permeable to enable a long elevated above view of the view to the open space the car park and building from a beyond. provides long public vantage Location: Co-operative supermarket carpark distance views of point from the looking S St Nicholas Chapel is grade the same aspect built envelope. Grid reference: 855,226 1 listed to receptors in Height: 31.5m AOD the park. Type of viewpoint: Carpark & movement corridor, Road Type & no of view point users: Many Designations: St Nicolas Chapel is a grade 1 listed building associated with Scheduled ancient monument, Coggeshall Abbey. Conclusion: ‘Special’ St Nicholas Chapel is in the background glimpsed through the attractive river corridor. The viewpoint is a car park which reduces the value of the viewpoint however increases the number of receptors. The importance of the chapel, receptor number and its rarity from the built envelope make this view a special view

V7 Market Hill N&S Written description of the view Psychological experience brought Other Evidence Importance of Importance of (Policy reference: PV7) including the key components about by each view the viewpoint the view ‘exceptional’, ‘exceptional’, ‘special’ or ‘special’ or ‘representative’ ‘representative’

115 View North. View North Special Exceptional An urban view. The view is contained and An attractive urban view, the scale of framed by historical buildings in the which is relatable to the human The view point conservation area. The Landmark experience. The view conveys a sense of has been rated as building, the Victorian Clock Tower, history and the features and details within special because punctuates and dominates the view. the view are explored and appreciated by the viewpoint was the observer. The landmark clocktower taken from the View South. conveys a sense of home to residents as middle of Market An urban view. The view is contained and the most easily identifiable feature in the Hill, a road, framed by the historical buildings in the Parish. The atmosphere and experience in however the conservation area. 4 roads converge the centre of the village and therefore this same view point within this view. The view culminates view varies from tranquil in the early is also visible from Photo 1: with the buildings of East / West Street evening or hot summer days with few the pavement and Location: Market Hill looking North up including the grade 1 listed White Hart people about, to exciting and busy on at varying angles. Stoneham Street. Hotel. market day or days of public celebrations Grid reference: 851,226 and gatherings. Height: 36.5m AOD Type of viewpoint: Movement corridor, Road View South &footpaths. Village Centre. Once again, an attractive urban view, the Type & no of view point users: Vehicles, scale of which is relatable to the human experience. The view conveys a sense of pedestrians. Many history and the features and details within Designations: Conservation area with historic the view are explored and appreciated by listed buildings. the observer. The confluence of 4 roads creates interest and depth. The White Hart Hotel is a landmark building in the village, its historical features and history enjoyed by the community.

Photo 2: Location: Market Hill looking S toward West and East Street junction. Grid reference: 851,226 Height: 36.5m AOD Type of viewpoint: Movement corridor, Road &footpaths. Village Centre. Type & no of view point users: Vehicles, pedestrians. Many

116 Designations: Conservation area with historic listed buildings. Conclusion: ‘Exceptional’. These views celebrate the historical urban village centre. The variety and layout of the buildings and streetscape create interest and diversity in the view. The psychological experience of walking through the centre is one of enjoyment, taking pleasure in the urban streetscape which after centuries of gradual development remains on a human scale and with plenty of visual interest.

V8 Long Bridge, Bridge St: E&W Written description of the view Psychological experience brought Other Evidence Importance of Importance of (Policy reference: PV8) including the key components about by each view the viewpoint the view ‘exceptional’, ‘exceptional’, ‘special’ or ‘special’ or ‘representative’ ‘representative’ View East: View East: Long Bridge is grade 2 View East: View North: Urban / village open view elevated from Enjoyment of the arrangement and listed. Exceptional Exceptional Long Bridge along the River Blackwater combination of distinctive and attractive The riverside and buildings and framed on both sides by historical landscaped and architectural features. within the views are within View West: View South: properties of character within Tranquillity from the river. the conservation area. Special Exceptional Coggeshall’s conservation zone the arrangement of which make this view View West: unique. In winter the view opens up to A sense of release and refreshment derived the east with the reduction of leaf cover from the uncluttered green open space Photo 1: and riverscape. A sense of tranquillity. Location: Long Bridge, Bridge Street looking E View West: Grid reference: 850,224 Rural / village and open view elevated Height: 34m AOD from Long Bridge along the River Type of viewpoint: Movement corridor, Road Blackwater. To the south an historical and footpath. property and gardens run down to the Type & no of view point users: Vehicles riverbank, to the north a small area (formally a ford crossing), with public Walkers and runners. Many. seating area. Beyond, the flood plain and Designations: Conservation Zone. willow plantation backed by mature trees in gardens of the development edge stretch into the distance. The rural character of this view within the village centre and as a green lung make this view unique.

Photo 2: Location: Long Bridge, Bridge Street looking W Grid reference: 850,224 Height: 34m AOD 117 Type of viewpoint: Movement corridor, Road and footpath. Type & no of view point users: Vehicles Walkers and runners. Many. Designations: Conservation area Conclusion: Exceptional. The viewpoints and the views are thoroughly enjoyed by the community and visitors. The view point is a view with two halves of a very attractive village urban setting to the east and a tranquil, green riverside setting to the west. Together they create a unique and attractive landscape of character and atmosphere in the village envelope.

V9 Essex Way, (West): N Written description of the view Psychological experience brought Other Evidence Importance of Importance of (Policy reference: PV9) including the key components about by each view the viewpoint the view ‘exceptional’, ‘exceptional’, ‘special’ or ‘special’ or ‘representative’ ‘representative’ Rural, long, panoramic view from a An open and expansive view it creates This is one viewpoint of the Exceptional Exceptional national trail over expansive agricultural refreshing a sense of space and release only cross valley view in land, the Blackwater River corridor and after leaving the build envelope. Coggeshall which is also onto the fields opposite West Street close to the settlement. The Vineyard to the north of West Street and other being from PRoW 17 beyond to the north of the Parish. The on the northern side of the roof tops of two building on West street Blackwater Valley. The can be seen in the middle distance. The importance of the view opens up further in winter to reveal preservation of these views the fields beyond when the trees of the (which are free from river corridor lose their leaves. development), from and onto a field on West Street Location: The Essex Way, to the west of was a determining factor in Kelvedon Road, looking NW. the 2017 appeal decision. Grid reference: 846220 Appeal Ref: Height: 41.5m AOD APP/Z1510/W/16/3160474 Type of viewpoint: Movement corridor, Para 56 “… development PRoW, The Essex Way would harm the cross-valley Type & no of view point users: Walkers. views from public rights of Many. way in both directions. Notwithstanding the Designations: None proposed meadow area close to the Highfields Farm complex, it would also detract from, or result in the loss of, views to the listed buildings at Highfields Farm rather than being sensitive to the listed buildings as landscape features.”

118 Conclusion: Exceptional. The viewpoint and the view is thoroughly enjoyed by the community, it is a unique, expansive, cross valley view for Coggeshall Parish, and one which may be enjoyed from a National Trail close to the settlement.

V10 Essex Way, (West): E Written description of the view Psychological experience brought Other Evidence Importance of Importance of (Policy reference: PV10) including the key components about by each view the viewpoint the view ‘exceptional’, ‘exceptional’, ‘special’ or ‘special’ or ‘representative’ ‘representative’ Rural, long, panoramic view from a An open and expansive view. It delivers Special Special national trail over expansive agricultural refreshing a sense of space and release land, over the Blackwater river corridor after leaving the build envelope. The tower and onto the historic settlement of of St Peters is a recognisable landmark and Coggeshall. It encompasses various the village in the middle distance is ‘home’ elements representative of Coggeshall's for the community. agricultural, commercial and religious past, including the landmark building of St Peters Ad Vincula and the glimpsed fields beyond to the north of the Parish. The view opens up in winter to reveal the settlement and long-distance views. Location: The Essex Way, to the west of Kelvedon Road, looking NE. Grid reference: 844,220 Height: 41.5m AOD Movement corridor, PRoW, The Essex Way Type & no of view point users: Walkers. Many. Designations: St Peters Ad Vincula is a grade 1 listed building. The medieval centre of Coggeshall is a conservation zone.

Conclusion: Special. This viewpoint and view reveal the historical village in its landscape setting on the approach to the village along a national footpath. It is an expansive view with a distinctive landmark. It is close to the settlement and is enjoyed by many members of the community.

V11 Essex Way, (West): SW Written description of the view Psychological experience brought Other Evidence Importance of Importance of (Policy reference: PV11) including the key components about by each view the viewpoint the view ‘exceptional’, ‘exceptional’, ‘special’ or ‘special’ or ‘representative’ ‘representative’

119 A long, expansive, open rural view over This long expansive and open landscape Special Special the agricultural farmland of the plateau Delivers a refreshing a sense of space and between Kelvedon and Coggeshall. Curd release away from the build envelope. Hall sits in the distance at the end of this Enjoyment of the long, uncontained vista section of the Essex Way. over open fields and into the far distance. This is a long view in the Parish close to the settlement and from a public vantage point.

Location: The Essex Way, to the west of Kelvedon Road, looking SW. Grid reference: 843,219 Height: 36.5m AOD Movement corridor, PRoW, The Essex Way Type & no of view point users: Walkers. Many. Designations: Curd Hall Grade 2 Conclusion: Special. This open and expansive long-distance vista is a refreshing view from the Essex Way. It is close to the settlement and is enjoyed by many members of the community.

V12 Blackwater River Corridor: W Written description of the view Psychological experience brought Other Evidence Importance of Importance of (Policy reference: PV12) including the key components about by each view the viewpoint the view ‘exceptional’, ‘exceptional’, ‘special’ or ‘special’ or ‘representative’ ‘representative’ This view is through the trees and This is a tranquil, calming view and setting Special Exceptional vegetation of the river corridor up and within the tranquil river corridor of the down the river. The trees enclose or Blackwater. The PRoW passes through a frame the views to an extent within the willow plantation with many flowers in the corridor, however there are filtered spring. It is an attractive peaceful place to views of the sloping agricultural fields to walk. The bridge is a key and welcome the south and the football ground to the feature within this natural landscape. north. Looking west Nunn’s Bridge is a landmark historical bridge within the Location: PRoW in the Blackwater river view an attractive feature in the river corridor looking, looking W. corridor. Grid reference: 837,219 Height: 31.5m AOD Movement corridor, PRoW, The Essex Way Type & no of view point users: Walkers. Many. Designations: Local Wildlife Site. 120 Conclusion: Exceptional. This is within an LWS with a key character of ‘natural vegetation’. A view from within a plantation next to the river is rare in the Parish. The combination of the landscape setting, its tranquil atmosphere and Nunn’s bridge make this an exceptional view within the Parish. It is close to the settlement and is enjoyed by many members of the community.

V13: Public Footpath: S Written description of the view Psychological experience brought Other Evidence Importance of Importance of (Policy reference: PV13) including the key components about by each view the viewpoint the view ‘exceptional’, ‘exceptional’, ‘special’ or ‘special’ or ‘representative’ ‘representative’ A long, open, cross valley view look south A sense of openness and space is derived This is one viewpoint of the Special Exceptional from a public footpath crossing an from this view and this PRoW viewpoint. It only cross valley view in agricultural field. The view looks over overlooks four landscape types and Coggeshall which is also West Street to the vines of the West crucially the Blackwater valley among close to the settlement. The Street Vineyard and its associated them. other being from the Essex buildings. Beyond is the treed Blackwater Way on the southern side river corridor. Behind the trees is rising of the Blackwater Valley. ground to the Essex Way and the plateau The importance of the in the distance. preservation of these views (which are free from development), from and onto a field on West Street Location: PRoW17 crossing E/W through field was a determining factor in to the north of West Street. Looking S. the 2017 appeal decision. Grid reference: 844,225 Appeal Ref: Height: 39m AOD APP/Z1510/W/16/3160474 Type of viewpoint: Movement corridor, PRoW Para 56 “… development Type & no of view point users: Walkers. Many would harm the cross-valley Designations: None views from public rights of way in both directions. Notwithstanding the proposed meadow area close to the Highfields Farm complex, it would also detract from, or result in the loss of, views to the listed buildings at Highfields Farm rather than being sensitive to the listed buildings as landscape features.” Conclusion: Exceptional. This view is long distance, expansive, and overlooking the Blackwater river corridor. It is one viewpoint of the only cross valley view in Coggeshall which is also close to the settlement

121 V14 West Street: S Written description of the view Psychological experience brought Other Evidence Importance of Importance of (Policy reference: PV14) including the key components about by each view the viewpoint the view ‘exceptional’, ‘exceptional’, ‘special’ or ‘special’ or ‘representative’ ‘representative’ This is a view from the public highway This is a distinctive view within Coggeshall. This view is part of the only Special Exceptional over the vineyard which forms part of The vines are a unique and attractive cross valley view in the West Street Vineyard. An open view landscape feature which is pleasurable to Coggeshall which is also over the vines which are below road level look upon and a sense of openness is close to the settlement, the it looks down to the vegetated derived from this break in the urban fabric other being from the Essex Blackwater Rive corridor. The view is on the approach down West Street into Way on the southern side framed on either side by residential Coggeshall. of the Blackwater Valley. properties on West Street to the east and The importance of the the Vineyard restaurant to the west. preservation of these views (which are free from development), from and onto a field on West Street Location: West Street opposite the West was a determining factor in Street vineyard vines. Looking S. the 2017 appeal decision. Grid reference: 845,225 Appeal Ref: Height: 33.5.m AOD APP/Z1510/W/16/3160474 Type of viewpoint: Movement corridor, PRoW Para 56 “… development Type & no of view point users: vehicles and would harm the cross-valley pedestrians. Many views from public rights of Designations: None way in both directions. Notwithstanding the proposed meadow area close to the Highfields Farm complex, it would also detract from, or result in the loss of, views to the listed buildings at Highfields Farm rather than being sensitive to the listed buildings as landscape features.” Conclusion: Exceptional. This view is an attractive long view over a distinctive landscape feature within Coggeshall. It is utilised by many receptors including pedestrians and vehicles and delivers a sense of openness from the break in the urban fabric along West Street.

V15 Public footpath North-west of the Written description of the view Psychological experience brought Other Evidence Importance of Importance of village: N including the key components about by each view the viewpoint the view (Policy reference: PV15) ‘exceptional’, ‘exceptional’, ‘special’ or ‘special’ or ‘representative’ ‘representative’

122 A wide, expansive long view looking This view delivers a sense of openness and Representative Special north over a large agricultural field connectedness with the north of the towards the A120 and the north of the Parish. Parish. Distant views of woodland and shelter belt.

Location: PRoW North-west of the Village. Looking S. Grid reference: 844,229 Height: 47.5.m AOD Type of viewpoint: Movement corridor, PRoW Type & no of view point users: vehicles and pedestrians. Many Designations: None

Conclusion: Special. This view is a long view over a distinctive agricultural landscape within Coggeshall. It is utilised by many pedestrians and delivers a sense of openness and connection with the north of the Parish.

V16: Vicarage Field: N Written description of the view Psychological experience brought Other Evidence Importance of Importance of (Policy reference: PV16) including the key components about by each view the viewpoint the view ‘exceptional’, ‘exceptional’, ‘special’ or ‘special’ or ‘representative’ ‘representative’ Rural view on an open field, Vicarage This is an attractive rural view, delivering a The view looks over a Local Special Special Field, framed by woodland to the east sense of openness, and ‘green’ after Green Space. Whilst with a long view towards toward the leaving the urban environment of West Vicarage Field may not be north of the Parish and the open Street. It is somewhat of a ‘surprise’ as the considered to have agricultural land, A120 and intermittent pedestrian approaches given the short significant aesthetic value, woodland beyond. distance between a carpark and the field it is held in great regard by gate which forms an attractive and rural the community for its viewpoint. aesthetic value to residents, its rural quality close to the village centre and as a landscape with historical context. The field Location: Footpath entrance off carpark to the and the views are easily former Hitcham School House, 27 West Street. accessed by the Looking N community. Grid reference: 847,225 Height: 31.5m AOD Type of viewpoint: PRoW.

123 Type & no of view point users: Walkers. Many. Designations: Local Green Space Conclusion: Special. A local special view contained by a track of woodland but with long views to the north. It is accessed by many walkers along its footpath and provides relief from the urban environment.

V17: Tey Road: SW Written description of the view Psychological experience brought Other Evidence Importance of Importance of including the key components about by each view the viewpoint the view ‘exceptional’, ‘exceptional’, ‘special’ or ‘special’ or ‘representative’ ‘representative’ Rural, long view onto an open A sense of openness, this view and Representative. Representative agricultural field and the rear of the landscape forms part of the rural landscape eastern settlement boundary. The land setting to the village. dips to a brook with some associated hedgerows and rises to the Colchester Road in the south, opposite.

Location: Tey Road Looking S Grid reference: 857,232 Height: 46.5m AOD Type of viewpoint: Public highway. Type & no of view point users: Vehicles, pedestrian and, residential properties. Moderate use (No through road) Designations: None Conclusion: Representative. This long view onto open agricultural land is valued and enjoyed by the local community who enjoy the open character, sense of space and rural atmosphere this view delivers.

V18: Marks Hall Rd: NW Written description of the view Psychological experience brought Other Evidence Importance of Importance of (Policy reference: PV17) including the key components about by each view the viewpoint the view ‘exceptional’, ‘exceptional’, ‘special’ or ‘special’ or ‘representative’ ‘representative’

124 Rural, open view from the road leading A sense of openness, space and arrival in Special Special to Marks Hall Arboretum. Agricultural the ‘countryside’ is derived from this view. land in the foreground and rising ground This view and landscape are located just In the background, a patchwork of trees before passing through the first entrance and fields. The valley containing Robins into Marks Hall, they are therefore a Brook runs through the centre of the landmark along the road to Marks Hall. view. This is the primary westerly long- distance view from the entrance road to Marks Hall.

Location: Pubic highway to Marks Hall, opposite Marygolds House Grid reference: 844,248 Height: 63.5m AOD Type of viewpoint: Road Type & no of view point users: Vehicles and Walkers. Moderate. Designations: None Conclusion: Special. This is a long rural view which reveals itself at the end of the drive to Marks Hall, just before the entrance. Open and expansive it is enjoyed by the many visitors to Marks Hall.

V19: Public footpath nr Holfield Written description of the view Psychological experience brought Other Evidence Importance of Importance of Grange: S including the key components about by each view the viewpoint the view (Policy reference: PV18) ‘exceptional’, ‘exceptional’, ‘special’ or ‘special’ or ‘representative’ ‘representative’ Rural long view over an open field This view delivers a sense of openness and The view is preserved and Representative Special though intermittent trees towards space. The view opens up along the PRoW associated with Holfield Coggeshall Village in the valley in the just east of Holfield Grange. Grange as part of the distance. The land rises in the distance to design and character of its the plateau. landscape setting.

Location: Footpath South of Holfield Grange looking S. Grid reference: 833,234 Height: 63.5m AOD Type of viewpoint: PRoW.

125 Type & no of view point users: Walkers. Moderate. Designations: None Conclusion: Special. This view is a rare long view north of the A120 from a PRoW looking south. It is associated with Holfield Grange.

V20: Public footpath nr Cuthedge Written description of the view Psychological experience brought Other Evidence Importance of Importance of Lane: NW including the key components about by each view the viewpoint the view (Policy reference: PV19) ‘exceptional’, ‘exceptional’, ‘special’ or ‘special’ or ‘representative’ ‘representative’ Rural, expansive, long open view from a This is an attractive rural view, delivering a This is a key westerly view Representative Special PRoW on the plateau in the south of the sense of openness, and space to the accessible to the local Parish adjacent to Coggeshall Hamlet and receptor. community and especially overlooking Coggeshall Village. The those in Coggeshall Hamlet. foreground is an open agricultural field. Trees and field boundaries and the river The view and the landscape valley occupy the middle distance form the rural setting for together with the roof tops of Curd Hall the village and the hamlet. and associated barns. A line of electricity Location: PRoW west of Coggeshall Hamlet pylons run along the skyline. Buildings looking NW along the A120 and West Street can be Grid reference: 844,214 seen in the distance on the rising ground Height: 45.5m AOD to the north of the Parish. Type of viewpoint: PRoW. Type & no of view point users: PRoW. Walkers. Moderate. Designations: Curd Hall, listed grade 2. Conclusion: Special. The length and width of this view and landscape makes this a special view in the Parish. The view puts the village and hamlet in their rural landscape setting

126 Appendix I – Transport and Accessibility

Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan Sub-Committee has prepared this appendix to ● Adoption of electric vehicles is strongly improved by the provision where appropriate, justify the Transport and Accessibility Policy. of charging points. Electric vehicle do most of their charging Community consultation where they are naturally parked, therefore home, workplace and In the Coggeshall Community Questionnaire: destinations are the main locations where Electric vehicle charg- ing should be installed. 58% said new developments should be within walking distance of the village centre. An EV firm, Pod Point, advised the CNP Sub-Committee that a charge point “is about £1,000 to £2,000 per parking bay – it all depends on the 74% said new developments should be on a bus route. installation case. If the charge point is considered early in the building 90% said new developments should discourage roadside parking. development process, it can be less than this. Our general feedback from developers is that charging points are a very good value way of meeting 69% said new developments should offer facilities for charging electric cars. planning conditions.” We were also advised that the cost is a lot less for private homes. The CNP therefore suggest that this cost would not have 80% said new developments should provide cycleways within an adverse impact upon the viability of new housing developments. developments.

81% said new developments should contribute to the cost of cycleways around the Parish.

Electric vehicle charging

Research by the CNP Sub-Committee shows: ● Over 40% of all carbon emissions in the UK are from transport. Electric vehicles represent the solution to reducing these emissions to zero over the long term. ● Electric vehicles powered by today’s UK electrical energy mix are be- tween 50% and 100% more efficient on a carbon emission basis than the best internal combustion vehicles. When charged with renewable energy they represent a fully renewable, zero emission solution. ● Additionally, electric vehicles have zero tail pipe emissions and hence make a major positive contribution to local air quality ● Electric vehicles are currently about 3% of new car sales and are pre- dicted to increase to 90% of new car sales by 2030.

127 Appendix J – Infrastructure and Developer Contributions

Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan Sub-Committee has prepared this appendix to 8. Enabling pedestrians, cyclists and wildlife to have safe access and connec- where appropriate, justify the Infrastructure and Developer Contributions Policy. tivity across the A120 Infrastructure: Projects Assessment 9. Coggeshall East Footpath Connection. 10. Coggeshall to Earls Colne Cycleway via Marks Hall Estate. The CNP Sub-Committee has assessed and justified the Infrastructure Policy Projects which form part of Policy 18 Infrastructure and Developer Contributions. Methodology Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan Sub-Committee has prepared this assessment to create a consistent and transparent methodology for evaluating the identified The plan identifies Infrastructure Policy Projects which have been selected because Infrastructure Policy Projects. It forms part of the evidence base which has they contribute to the Parish’s infrastructure, particularly regarding recreational informed the production of the Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan. facilities, footpath / cycleway opportunities and green and blue infrastructure. The infrastructure projects will therefore support the delivery of sustainable growth in Background information accordance with the NP. Most have been identified as a result of the continuing community consultation carried out by the CNP Sub-Committee during the This assessment has included a desktop study of the following background information development of the Coggeshall Neighbourhood Plan and have been discussed with ● 2019 BDC Open Spaces Actions Plan. BDC. They have also developed in response to the allocated sites set out in this plan. ● The BDC Local Development Framework ‘Core Strategy’. The questions asked to assess the policy projects are as follows: ● The BDC Supplementary Planning Document on Open Space. ● Can this proposal be demonstrated to be a ‘Workable Project’? ● How will this project be delivered? ● BDC 2016 -2033 Braintree Open Space Study. ● Where will this project be located? ● 2017 BDC Infrastructure Delivery Plan Report ● What are the practical considerations associated with this project? National and local documents were examined to identify need within the district 2019 NPPF: The CNP’s policy seeks to fulfil at a local scale para 56 of the NPPF. and supportive planning policies. ● Does the project meet the following tests as a planning obligation? Is it: a) necessary to make the development acceptable in planning terms; The projects have not been ranked in order of priority. b) directly related to the development; and Each project is different, with differing advantages for the community and the c) fairly and reasonably related in scale and kind to the development. environment. Some will take longer to realise due to great levels of complexity and some have active public or landowner support which will result in a shorter delivery The following Infrastructure Policy Projects were identified for assessment: time. 1. Coggeshall to Kelvedon Cycleway 2. Bowling Green / Croquet Lawn Consultation 3. MUGA: Multi Use Games Area The assessment was developed following Regulation 14 as a result of comments 4. Outdoor Gym Equipment received from Braintree District Council to give greater weight to the Aspirational 5. Village Centre Improvements Projects (now known as Action Plan Projects) identified by the CNP Sub-Committee 6. Riverside Walk during community consultation. 7. Vicarage Field Public Open Space (a recreational community resource and a viable wildlife corridor). 128 1. Proposed Infrastructure Criteria Explanatory text / evidence Policy Project*1

OR Action Plan Project*2

Project description: Can this proposal be Residents in Coggeshall are heavy users of Kelvedon Station to commute to work and for recreation. In demonstrated to be a addition, children commute between the two villages to attend school. Kelvedon Road is now considered Coggeshall to Kelvedon ‘Workable Project’? by most to be too dangerous to cycle, many have been forced into cars. While Coggeshall has an effective Cycleway. community bus it cannot take every commuter off the road. A cycleway would also create an attractive Why is this project and safe recreational route for residents to commute between the villages to access each other’s schools Off road cycleway tracking, important to the Parish and commercial and recreational facilities. It would cater for the homes at Coggeshall Hamlet and nearby where practical, Kelvedon and the community? ‘Halfway’ restaurant. It would promote the health of the residents by enabling exercise. In a public Road between Coggeshall How will this project be consultation exercise by the CNP this idea came top in the survey. Village and Kelvedon Station. delivered? How will this project be The Parish Council will work with ECC, BDC, Kelvedon PC and relevant landowners to investigate and funded? implement an off-road cycleway between Kelvedon and Coggeshall. Where will this project be located? Funding would be from a variety of sources. Government grants and funding streams, such as the National Lottery and ECC funding pots including future CIL funds, developer contributions, national cycle way schemes and community fundraising could also be utilised. ECC in their 2016 Cycling Strategy set out ‘Transformational Funding’ sources to enable cycleways.

A preliminary route of the cycleway which would incorporate existing PRoW’s has been examined. Practical considerations Funding, landownership / access to land, safety for users, protecting land to either side of the path from trespass or damage. In accordance with NPPF All new development within the Parish and particularly the village will increase the population and para 56 does this project increase the pressure on Kelvedon Station and the number of road users traveling on either a daily or meet the following tests as occasional basis. A cycleway is a viable alternative to driving for many members of the community and will a planning obligation*3 Is it reduce pressure on the existing infrastructure. It is therefore considered to be a necessary project to make a) necessary to make the development of new homes acceptable in the Parish. development acceptable in planning terms; b) directly related to the The project will serve existing and future residents of Coggeshall and Kelvedon and it will be appropriate development; for development sites within the Parish to make a fair and equitable contribution. and c) fairly and A cycleway between Coggeshall and Kelvedon would be a large undertaking for the community. However, reasonably related in scale in relation to the allocated sites in Coggeshall and the additional homes they provide this is assessed as and kind to the being fairly and reasonably related in scale to new development. development.

129 BDC supporting documents This proposal is included within the 2019 BDC Open spaces Actions Plan

BDC 2016 -2033 Braintree Open Space Study “• Cycling is another important aspect of active recreation. The Council supports a number of led recreational cycle rides. There is also a district cycling map highlighting traffic free cycle routes. The further development of safe cycling routes should be considered. • The need for good, safe cycle access to open spaces is highlighted as a priority by stakeholders, including Natural England and Sustrans.” · Amenity greenspaces 0.8ha (Ha per 1000 people) • Seeking to maintain, improve and expand the network of green corridors and its links with neighbouring districts and broaden the range of opportunities for recreational pursuits within the corridors, including the identification of sites of accessible natural greenspace where appropriate.

The BDC Local Development Framework ‘Core Strategy’ Policy CS10 Provision for Open Space, Sport and Recreation states: • “Requiring new development to make appropriate provision (taking into consideration surpluses and deficiencies and condition of the different open space typologies within the vicinity of the site) for publicly accessible green space or improvement of existing accessible green space in accordance with the following standards.” · Outdoor sports provision 2.0 ha. (Ha per 1000 people) • “Seeking to maintain, improve and expand the network of green corridors and its links with neighbouring districts and broaden the range of opportunities for recreational pursuits within the corridors, including the identification of sites of accessible natural greenspace where appropriate.”

The BDC Supplementary Planning Document on Open Space. In regard to the delivery of open space this document sets out a 6 step delivery process on page 18 in order to deliver open space arising from development proposals which result in a net gain in residential units. The allocated sites and those brought forward by brownfield development in the Parish will result in a net gain and therefore open space provision must be made as part of the community’s infrastructure provision. · Appropriate provision includes: o “Outdoor Sport - This includes provision for playing pitches, including grass, artificial and synthetic surfaces for team sports at a junior and senior level with access, car parking and changing facilities, together with any necessary landscaping. Other types of provision include greens and courts, together with changing rooms and other ancillary facilities as necessary”. o “Casual or Informal space - Comprises casual or informal open space used for play and recreation, kick-about areas for informal sport and village greens. It also includes landscaped parks and gardens, which typically include paved and planted areas, footpaths and cycleways,

130 trees, flower beds, shrubs, paths, lawns, seating and other furniture. In some cases, informal space may include limited outdoor sports provision…….” o A cycleway combines the two categories of outdoor sport and informal open space. This document specifies 1.6-1.8 ha per 1000 people. · Outdoor sport must be within 4-6km of the development. · On or off-site provision. In accordance with table 3 on page 23 for developments of 1-9, 10-50 and 50+ the contribution can be financial, i.e. not on site. · Spending of contributions can be on: o Acquisition of land for open space; layout and landscaping, provision of car parking, fencing etc.; Purchase of equipment or facilities for existing open spaces; improvement and enhancement of existing open space; maintenance. See page 25 for full text. Conclusion This is an important project linking two communities with access to Kelvedon Station. It provides a safe off-road, non-vehicular transport links. It has been assessed as suitable to be included as an Infrastructure Policy Project and an Action Plan Project.

2. Proposed Infrastructure Criteria Explanatory text / evidence Policy Project*1

OR Action Plan Project*2

Project description: Can this proposal be This facility would ideally be located centrally on PC land adjacent to the Coggeshall Surgery on Stoneham demonstrated to be a Street and opposite the children’s playground. This location is advantageous given it is close to both Bowling Green / Croquet ‘Workable Project’? public parking, bungalows and a care home, all of which are all within walking distance. Lawn Why is this project There are currently no formal recreation sporting facilities catering for the growing number of older A bowling green with a important to the Parish members of the Parish. A boules pitch associated with a public house was once popular in Coggeshall, suitable club pavilion. and the community? however it was lost when the pub was converted to a residential property. Existing formal sports are How will this project be provided by the Coggeshall Cricket Club and Coggeshall Town Football Club, the latter of which is privately delivered? owned. How will this project be funded? Funding would be from variety of sources, Government grants and funding streams, such as national Where will this project be lottery and ECC funding pots including future CIL funds and potentially developer contributions for formal located? sports.

This project would be delivered with the support of the Parish Council and the community in association with Bowls England / The Croquet Association. Practical considerations Clubhouse / shelter. Bowls England, the national association, require a fully serviced clubhouse to accompany a bowling green. Design and layout would therefore be an important consideration as well as funding, with a possible staged construction when funds become available to allow the provision of a

131 clubhouse and / or up-grade of a shelter. Evidence suggests that bowls and croquet players can share a green with minimal problems to either sport. Security and pitch maintenance. In accordance with NPPF All new development within the Parish, and particularly the village, will increase the population and para 56 does this project increase pressure on existing facilities. Allocated sites within the village are providing homes which appeal meet the following tests as to the older residents. Provision should be made for a range of informal and formal recreational facilities a planning obligation*3 Is it and priority should be afforded to expanding the range of facilities available. This project represents an a) necessary to make the opportunity to cater for a greater cross section of the community, both male and female, and particularly development acceptable in the older members of our community. planning terms; b) directly related to the This project is not directly related to the allocated development sites within the CNP in that it does not link development; into the sites. The Tey Road allocated site has planning permission for bungalows which will attract older residents. The current allocated sites are either too small to include such a facility or, where outline permission has been granted, no such facility has been incorporated. The lack of such facilities in Coggeshall, and the increase in population resulting from the allocated sites and our overall ageing population, links the need for this facility to the development sites within the Parish. and c) fairly and The proposal is for one green with dual use for croquet & bowling. As such, this is a fair and reasonable reasonably related in scale size in relation to the increase in population from the allocated development sites in the Neighbourhood and kind to the Plan. development. BDC supporting documents This proposal is included within the 2019 BDC Open spaces Actions Plan BDC 2016 -2033 Braintree Open Space Study: “• Essex was a priority "hot spot" area for bowls and Active Essex worked in partnership with the Bowls Development Alliance from 2013-15 to increase participation levels. The BDA funding has ended, however, meaning Active Essex no longer has the capacity to provide the level of support and programme delivery that clubs received over the 2013-15 period. • On the Active Essex club data base there are 8 outdoor bowls clubs registered in Braintree District (some clubs are privately owned). There are also a number of other clubs and greens in the parishes. • Broadly speaking, stakeholders indicate that there appear to be sufficient outdoor greens to meet current demand via the local clubs and Parish facilities. • Active Essex note that a lot of the clubs do not have wheelchair access to the green and the pavilion, restricting the number of disabled people playing the sport. (Sport England targets for the BDA is to increase disabled people aged 16-54 years playing bowls) • There is potential for club development and increased membership given the age demographic of the District Council area.” Whilst there appears to be contradictory evidence regarding the need for such a facility within Braintree District, there remains no facility in Coggeshall Parish for either formal ‘official’ or informal use. This site, adjacent to the Doctors surgery, also has the potential to offer wheelchair access.

132 The BDC Local Development Framework ‘Core Strategy’ Policy CS10 Provision for Open Space, Sport and Recreation states: • Requiring new development to make appropriate provision (taking into consideration surpluses and deficiencies and condition of the different open space typologies within the vicinity of the site) for publicly accessible green space or improvement of existing accessible green space in accordance with the following standards: · Outdoor sports provision 2.0 ha. (Ha per 1000 people) • “Investigating through future Local Development Documents, the potential to remedy existing deficiencies in provision and quality of green spaces, outdoor sports and children’s play facilities in the areas of greatest deficiency in accordance with the Council’s adopted standards, other Council open space and leisure strategies, and other relevant legislation.”

The BDC Supplementary Planning Document on Open Space. In regard to the delivery of open space, this document sets out a 6 step delivery process on page 18 in order to deliver open space arising from development proposals which result in a net gain in residential units. The allocated sites and those brought forward by brownfield development in the Parish will result in a net gain and therefore open space provision must be made as part of the community’s infrastructure provision.

Appropriate provision incudes: “Outdoor Sport - This includes provision for playing pitches, including grass, artificial and synthetic surfaces for team sports at a junior and senior level with access, car parking and changing facilities, together with any necessary landscaping. Other types of provision include greens and courts, together with changing rooms and other ancillary facilities as necessary”. This document specifies 1.6-1.8 ha per 1000 people. · Outdoor sport must be within 4-6km of the development. · On or off-site provision. In accordance with table 3 on page 23 for developments of 1-9, 10-50 and 50+ the contribution can be financial, i.e. not on site. · Spending of contributions can be on: o Acquisition of land for open space; layout and landscaping, provision of car parking, fencing etc.; purchase of equipment or facilities for existing open spaces; improvement and enhancement of existing open space; maintenance. See page 25 for full text. Conclusion This project provides new outdoor formal sport for members of the community, particularly the older generation who otherwise have no formal provision. It has been assessed as suitable to be included as an Infrastructure Policy Project and an Action Plan Project.

3. Proposed Infrastructure Criteria Explanatory text / evidence Policy Project*1

133 OR Action Plan Project*2

Project description: Can this proposal be This project would provide an upgrade to an existing facility, a basketball court on Parish Council land demonstrated to be a centrally located in Coggeshall Village. MUGA: Multi Use Games Area. ‘Workable Project’? Upgrade of the existing The basketball court is currently used on an informal basis, for both basketball and a hard surface for bike Why is this project riding by the very youngest in the Parish. The addition of netball and possibly a tennis / mini tennis facility basketball court in the important to the Parish and games such as Foursquare would provide public facilities in the Parish where none currently exist. Recreation Ground, East and the community? Street. How will this project be There are currently no formal recreation sporting facilities catering for women in the Parish. Whilst it is delivered? acknowledged that women can and do play football and cricket these are emerging sports in the youngest How will this project be demographic of society, i.e. 20 and under. Most women are therefore left without access to such formal funded? sporting facilities. A local facility would enable the growing population, and particularly the women of Where will this project be Coggeshall, to easily access a netball court. located? This project would be delivered with the support of the Parish Council and the community.

Funding would be from a variety of sources, Government grants and funding streams, such as the National Lottery, and governing bodies such as the Olympic Legacy Committee, to Sport England. ECC funding pots including future CIL funds and potentially developer contributions for formal sports. Practical Considerations The current hard area within the park would need to be doubled in size. Therefore, drainage of the surface either through a permeable surface or via overland flow into soakaways would need careful consideration. At present, the colour of the macadam and the size of the facility and lack of fencing does not overly visually intrude into the landscape setting of the park. As a relatively formal recreation ground, consideration would need to be given to these aspects of the design and whether fencing would be desired or required. No fencing would reduce overall installation costs and long-term maintenance costs and be less visually intrusive. Location and construction techniques to prevent damage to the adjacent trees would be an important consideration. The inclusion of tennis facilities would require consideration and community consultation.

Public access. The current facility is always open to the public. Use is not restricted nor regulated. It is proposed that this arrangement would continue with the new facility. Therefore, all posts, nets etc. would need to be vandal-proof and fixed. The final choice of sports included within the MUGA would be influenced by this practical consideration. In accordance with NPPF All new development within the Parish and particularly the village centre will increase the population and para 56 does this project also the pressure on existing facilities. With an increase in population provision should be made for a meet the following tests as range of informal and formal recreational facilities, and priority should be afforded to expanding the range a planning obligation*3 Is it

134 a) necessary to make the of facilities available. This project represents an opportunity to cater for a greater cross section of the development acceptable in community and particularly women. planning terms; b) directly related to the The lack of such facilities in Coggeshall and the increase in population resulting from the allocated sites development; links the need for this facility to the development sites. and c) fairly and The proposal is for one MUGA with one netball and basketball court or an alternative appropriate solution. reasonably related in scale As such, this is a fair and reasonable size in relation to in the increase in population from the allocated and kind to the development sites in the Neighbourhood Plan. development. BDC supporting documents This proposal is included within the 2019 BDC Open spaces Actions Plan

BDC 2016 -2033 Braintree Open Space Study: Netball: “Netball England would like to see more netball in the north of Essex. There is a lack of adult and junior netball opportunities in Braintree District” Tennis: “• Braintree District is not a priority area currently for the regional LTA. This means it will not be a priority in relation to securing LTA funding for facility improvements. • Most tennis facilities are provided via local tennis clubs. •Public Tennis courts are available at a small number of sites including Great Notley Country Park, Braintree & Bocking Public Gardens, Witham Leisure Centre and Halstead Leisure Centre. There are a number of additional courts in some of the parishes.”

Tennis courts are provided for within Braintree District. However, most require membership and there are none within the Parish with the exception of those at Honywood Secondary School which are not accessible to the general public.

The BDC Local Development Framework ‘Core Strategy’ Policy CS10 Provision for Open Space, Sport and Recreation states: • Requiring new development to make appropriate provision (taking into consideration surpluses and deficiencies and condition of the different open space typologies within the vicinity of the site) for publicly accessible green space or improvement of existing accessible green space in accordance with the following standards. Outdoor sports provision 2.0 ha. (Ha per 1000 people) • “Investigating through future Local Development Documents, the potential to remedy existing deficiencies in provision and quality of green spaces, outdoor sports and children’s play facilities in the areas of greatest deficiency in accordance with the Council’s adopted standards, other Council open space and leisure strategies and other relevant legislation”

135 The BDC Supplementary Planning Document on Open Space. In regard to the delivery of open space, this document sets out at 6 step delivery process on page 18 in order to deliver open space arising from development proposals which result in a net gain in residential units. The allocated sites, and those brought forward by brownfield development in the Parish, will result in a net gain and therefore open space provision must be made as part of the community’s infrastructure provision. · Appropriate provision includes: “Outdoor Sport - This includes provision for playing pitches, including grass, artificial and synthetic surfaces for team sports at a junior and senior level with access, car parking and changing facilities, together with any necessary landscaping. Other types of provision include greens and courts, together with changing rooms and other ancillary facilities as necessary”. This document specifies 1.6-1.8 ha per 1000 people. · Outdoor sport must be within 4-6km of the development. · On or off-site provision. In accordance with table 3 on page 23 for developments of 1-9, 10-50 and 50+ the contribution can be financial, i.e. not on site. · Spending of contributions can be on: Acquisition of land for open space; layout and landscaping, provision of car parking, fencing etc.; purchase of equipment or facilities for existing open spaces; improvement and enhancement of existing open space; maintenance. See page 25 of the document for full text. Conclusion This project will upgrade facilities for the teenagers and active adults in the community. It has been assessed as suitable to be included as an Infrastructure Policy Project and an Action Plan Project.

4. Proposed Infrastructure Criteria Explanatory text / evidence Policy Project*1

OR Action Plan Project*2

Project description: Can this proposal be This project would provide an upgrade to an existing open space, the recreation ground providing gym demonstrated to be a equipment within the existing landscape setting of the recreation ground. Outdoor Gym Equipment ‘Workable Project’? Install outdoor, adult gym Such facilities have been proposed by residents to the PC on many occasions. Jogging or running as an Why is this project informal non organised sport / recreation is very popular and such facilities would provide additional equipment in the Recreation important to the Parish fitness opportunities for runners and others in the community. Ground, East Street. and the community? How will this project be Funding would be from variety of sources, Government grants and funding streams, such as the National delivered? Lottery. ECC funding pots including future CIL funds and potentially developer contributions for formal How will this project be sports. funded? This project would be delivered with the support of the Parish Council and the community. 136 Where will this project be located? Practical Considerations. Consideration of location within the recreation park to avoid negative impacts such as visual impact, conflict with other users (memorial, dog walkers, footballers, young children playing and so on) and damage to the established and valued trees in the park.

Consultation may be required to establish the type of facilities which would be most valued / used by the community.

The proposed outdoor gym equipment would be fully accessible to the public therefore maintenance, health and safety, durability and vulnerability to potential malicious damage would also be key considerations which would impact the complexity of the equipment and material. In accordance with NPPF All new development within the Parish and particularly the village will increase the population and para 56 does this project increase the pressure on existing facilities. With an increase in population, provision should be made for a meet the following tests as range of informal and formal recreational facilities and priority should be afforded to expanding the range a planning obligation*3 Is it of facilities available. This project represents an opportunity to cater for informal exercise within the a) necessary to make the Parish omitting the need for members of the community to travel to, and / or spend money joining, a development acceptable in formal gym. planning terms; b) directly related to the The lack of such facilities in Coggeshall and the increase in population resulting from the allocated sites development; links the need for this facility to the development sites. and c) fairly and The proposal is for 6-10 pieces of equipment, this is fair and reasonable in relation to the increase in reasonably related in scale population from the allocated development sites in the Neighbourhood Plan. and kind to the development. BDC supporting documents This proposal is included within the 2019 BDC Open spaces Actions Plan.

BDC 2016 -2033 Braintree Open Space Study: The Study does not reference Adult gym equipment directly. It does reference formal athletics facilities which are considered adequate and it does contain the following relevant paragraph which supports the proposal of Adult gym equipment. “Growing importance of linkages between health and fitness and sport. With changes in public health management and revenue streams, linking fitness, sport and health can access new areas of funding; moreover the advantages to community health in increasing fitness levels is now receiving political support. Many initiatives and opportunities are possible: e.g. the idea of linking sports sites with trim trails, outdoor fitness equipment etc. (using sports facilities as a base and green infrastructure and open space as resources). Associated with this, there is rapidly growing activity and

137 demand for ‘individual fitness activities’ - walking, running and cycling, using existing facilities and open space resources.“

The BDC Local Development Framework ‘Core Strategy’ Policy CS10 Provision for Open Space, Sport and Recreation states: • Requiring new development to make appropriate provision (taking into consideration surpluses and deficiencies and the condition of the different open space typologies within the vicinity of the site) for publicly accessible green space or improvement of existing accessible green space in accordance with the following standards. Outdoor sports provision 2.0 ha. (Ha per 1000 people) • “Investigating through future Local Development Documents, the potential to remedy existing deficiencies in provision and quality of green spaces, outdoor sports and children’s play facilities in the areas of greatest deficiency in accordance with the Council’s adopted standards other Council open space and leisure strategies, and other relevant legislation;”

The BDC Supplementary Planning Document on Open Space. In regard to the delivery of open space, this document sets out a 6 step delivery process on page 18 in order to deliver open space arising from development proposals which result in a net gain in residential units. The allocated sites and those brought forward by brownfield development in the Parish will result in a net gain and therefore open space provision must be made as part of the community’s infrastructure provision. · Appropriate provision includes: o “Casual or informal space comprises casual or informal open space used for play and recreation, kick-about areas for informal sport and village greens. It also includes landscaped parks and gardens, which typically includes paved and planted areas, footpaths and cycleways, trees, flower beds, shrubs, paths, lawns, seating and other furniture. In some cases informal space may include limited outdoor sports provision…….” This document specifies 1.6-1.8 ha per 1000 people. · Outdoor sport must be within 4-6km of the development. · On or off-site provision. In accordance with table 3 on page 23 for developments of 1-9, 10-50 and 50+ the contribution can be financial, i.e. not on site. · Spending of contributions can be on: Acquisition of land for open space; layout and landscaping, provision of car parking, fencing etc.; purchase of equipment or facilities for existing open spaces; improvement and enhancement of existing open space; maintenance. See page 25 of the document for full text. Conclusion This project would provide fitness equipment for which there is a proven demand for informal use by the community. It has been assessed as suitable to be included as an Infrastructure Policy Project and an Action Plan Project.

138 5. Proposed Infrastructure Criteria Explanatory text / evidence Policy Project*1

OR Action Plan Project*2

Project description: Can this proposal be This project would deliver economic benefit to Coggeshall, improve the visual aesthetic of the centre of demonstrated to be a the village and improve drainage of surface run off water. It would, in addition, create a more community Village Centre Improvements. ‘Workable Project’? orientated space which could, through careful design, be more pedestrian friendly with greater Scoping study to draw up a opportunities for social interaction with a defined market space and a tourist information hub. Additional Why is this project parking spaces could be accommodated. development brief to improve important to the Parish the village centre around the and the community? Coggeshall is centred around the convergence of the village’s main roads. In the past, a Chapel once junction of Stoneham Street, How will this project be marked the centre close to where the raised flower bed is today. This central space is unique within Church Street, Market Hill and delivered? Braintree District and surrounding areas where other key service villages are linear in nature. The roads in Market End. Introducing How will this project be the centre are wide and there is potential for greater areas to be laid out for pedestrians and defined traffic calming via ‘shared funded? parking whilst still enabling unhindered traffic flow. Drainage solutions can be revised with the space’, realigning roads Where will this project be introduction of SuDS in the centre. A 1960’s row of shops at Doubleday Corner is a recognised local moving bus stops and creating located? ‘eyesore’, and the wide pavement there is a poor use of space. Road crossings are limited and often a focal point /meeting area. dangerous. Bus stop location and safety should be reconsidered. Whilst minimal vegetation and trees are a feature of the centre, there is scope within this space to include future landmark tree/s. A central focal point / meeting area could form the focus of community events such as the weekly market.

Village centre improvements have been identified and supported by residents during the Neighbourhood Plan consultation process.

This project would be a large undertaking for the Parish. Community consultation and business consultation would be key along with consultation with other user groups and regulatory authorities. Commitment and financial support from the CPC and BDC would also be vital. Land ownership is an additional consideration. However, the project has the potential to revitalise the village and improve its economic fortunes as a destination village within the Braintree District.

Funding for this project would require ECC and BDC support to access Government grants. The initial scoping report and development brief would be necessary to develop a business case for the project which would assist in attracting external funding. Practical Considerations. This would be a large project and the practical considerations are many, from highways, drainage, safety, design and construction. An initial scoping exercise would be required, and urban design consultants engaged in order to consult and manage the design development and construction process and ensure that the many elements of this project are successfully brought together.

139 In accordance with NPPF All new development within the Parish and particularly the village will increase the population and the para 56 does this project pressure on existing facilities. The village centre is particularly vulnerable because of the convergence of all meet the following tests as the main routes in the village. Congestion and poor traffic management pose a threat to pedestrians. a planning obligation*3 Is it Congestion is particularly bad on market day, Thursday morning. Buses struggle to pass through the a) necessary to make the village. Redesign of the village centre would help enhance the character of the village and create a strong development acceptable in centre which invites the existing and new residents to use it and strengthens the community. planning terms; b) directly related to the The increase in population from allocated developments will add approximately 20% to the population of development; Coggeshall placing increased pressure on the village centre. The centre is vital to the economic health of the village, its tourist potential and preservation of heritage assets. and c) fairly and The village centre is the fulcrum of the village and a feasibility study, a scoping study and development reasonably related in scale brief for its improvement would take account of the increase in population. and kind to the development. BDC supporting documents This proposal is hard open space and is therefore not included within the 2019 BDC Open Spaces Action Plan. The regeneration of this key communal, economic and vehicular space would provide passive recreational opportunities.

BDC Draft Local Plan 2017: 5.6 The Key Service Villages are large villages which serve a wider rural hinterland. The ability to meet day to day needs is normally possible in a Key Service Village through the availability of early years and primary schools, primary health care facilities, convenience shopping facilities, local employment opportunities and links by public transport and road to the larger towns.

The NPPF para 6.38 states that in order to ensure the vitality of town centres, planning policies should promote competitive town centre environments and the management and growth of centres over the plan period.

BDC 2016 -2033 Braintree Open Space Study: The Study concentrates on formal and informal sports provided in primarily green spaces. It is therefore not generally applicable to this project. However, it does contain the following relevant paragraph: “Play and youth organisations also highlight a shortage of teenage provision. A shortage of youth shelters/informal hangouts and teen facilities are particularly notable with 53% of respondents stating there were not enough of such facilities.“ Urban open space often becomes a focus for informal hangouts / meeting places. Improvements to the village centre would provide such opportunities for teenagers and the wider demographic.

The BDC Local Development Framework ‘Core Strategy’

140 Policy CS9 Built and Historic Environment sates: The Council will promote and secure the highest possible standards of design and layout in all new development and the protection and enhancement of the historic environment in order to: • Promote and encourage the contribution that historical assets can make towards driving regeneration, economic development, tourism and leisure provision in the District • Create environments which are safe and accessible to everyone, and which will contribute towards the quality of life in all towns and villages • Create good quality built environments in commercial and business districts and in the public realm as well as in residential areas.

The BDC Supplementary Planning Document on Open Space. In regard to the delivery of open space, this document sets out a 6 step delivery process on page 18 in order to deliver open space arising from development proposals which result in a net gain in residential units. The allocated sites and those brought forward by brownfield development in the Parish will result in a net gain and therefore open space provision must be made as part of the community’s infrastructure provision. · Appropriate provision includes: o “Casual or Informal space - Comprises casual or informal open space used for play and recreation, kick-about areas for informal sport and village greens. It also includes landscaped parks and gardens, which typically include paved and planted areas, footpaths and cycleways, trees, flower beds, shrubs, paths, lawns, seating and other furniture. In some cases informal space may include limited outdoor sports provision. It also comprises smaller landscaped spaces in and around housing areas which although not actively used for recreation do contribute to the public realm and the setting of development”. o This project proposes that part of the redesigned centre will be informal space which will provide informal, passive recreation opportunities on a daily basis and be used in organised village events, such as Coggeshall Christmas. · On or off-site provision for informal space: In accordance with table 3 on page 23 for developments of 1-9, 10-50 and 50+ the contribution can be financial, i.e. not on site. · Spending of contributions can be on: Acquisition of land for open space; layout and landscaping, provision of car parking, fencing etc.; purchase of equipment or facilities for existing open spaces; improvement and enhancement of existing open space; maintenance. See page 25 for full text. Conclusion This project is large scale but would deliver economic, recreational and community benefits. It has been assessed as suitable to be included as an Infrastructure Policy Project.

6. Proposed Infrastructure Criteria Explanatory text / evidence Policy Project*1

141 OR Action Plan Project*2

Project description: Can this proposal be The River Blackwater in Coggeshall is part of the monastic landscape from the important Cistercian Abbey, demonstrated to be a most of which is now an archaeological site, on its banks. At the community consultation event in 2016, Riverside walk from Long ‘Workable Project’? the riverside walk from west of the Long Bridge in Coggeshall was supported by the community. Bridge to Nunn’s Bridge Why is this project Currently there is a very popular, but small, picnic area next to Long Bridge. Families with small children important to the Parish are often there to feed the ducks etc. A continuous riverside walk from the centre of Coggeshall at Long and the community? Bridge to Nunn’s Bridge would create an attractive environment to encourage walking and form a key part How will this project be of the Parish’s Green Infrastructure. delivered? How will this project be There are existing walks linking with the Essex Way and the historical Nunn’s Bridge which crosses the funded? river valley next to the football ground. The new Dutch Nursery development has a riverside walk built into Where will this project be its planning approval which will link with the walk next to the football ground. To achieve continuation of located? the walk on either side of the river from the Dutch Nursery to Long Bridge, access to the land which is currently in private hands and access would need to be negotiated / purchased. This project would be delivered with the support of landowners, Parish Council, the community and with advice from Essex Wildlife Trust or another similar body to ensure that the corridor remains and is enhanced as an ecological corridor.

Funding would be from a variety of sources, Government grants and funding streams, such as the National Lottery. ECC funding pots including future CIL funds.

The project will be located from Long Bridge to Nunn’s Bridge In accordance with NPPF The anticipated growth of population by 20% will put strain on existing community resources and para 56 does this project infrastructure. It can be anticipated that much of the new housing stock will be young families and the meet the following tests as riverside walk would be an attractive asset for encouraging close encounters with the natural world. a planning obligation*3 Is it The Neighbourhood Plan designates part of this area as a Tranquil Area and a Green Amenity Area. Part of a) necessary to make the the proposed route is also a Local Wildlife Site. There was significant support from the community development acceptable in questionnaire for public access to green, natural, open spaces. planning terms; b) directly related to the The project directly relates to the Dutch Nursery development which would provide the start of the new development; path. Linking this to Long Bridge (B1024) in the centre of the village would provide an alternative off road access from the new development, reducing the traffic along West Street which is already congested with narrow pavements in places. It would provide residents of the new development easy access to the Essex Way and associated pathways. and c) fairly and This project would provide access and amenity to the new development at the Dutch Nursery, West reasonably related in scale Street.

142 and kind to the development. BDC supporting documents BDC Draft Local Plan 2017: Policy LPP 53: Provision for Open Space, Sport and Recreation “Open space and sports and recreational facilities that are of high quality, or of particular value to a local community, will be recognised and given protection by the Council. Areas of particular quality may include; · Areas of open space that provide a community resource and can be used for informal or formal events such as community, religious and cultural festivals” Policy LPP 67: Natural Environment and Green Infrastructure “The Council will expect all development proposals, where appropriate, to contribute towards the delivery of new Green Infrastructure which develops and enhances a network of multi-functional spaces and natural features throughout the District. This will be proportionate to the scale of the proposed development and the rural or urban context. The Council will support and encourage development which contributes to the District’s existing Green Infrastructure and where possible, enhances and protects networks and adds to their functions. It will secure additional provision where deficiencies have been identified.”

The BDC Local Development Framework ‘Core Strategy’ Chapter 8 Environment states: “Environment - To protect, restore and enhance the natural habitats, biodiversity, landscape character, amenity and environmental quality of the countryside and the open spaces and green corridors within towns and villages and improve ecological connectivity across the District.” Para 8.8: “The Council proposes that areas and networks of Green Infrastructure should be identified and created, protected, enhanced and managed to provide an improved and healthy environment. This Green Infrastructure should maximise biodiversity value, contribute to carbon neutral development and to flood attenuation. In developing Green Infrastructure, opportunities should be taken to develop networks for walking and cycling.” Policy CS8 states: • “Maximising opportunities for creation of new Green Infrastructure and networks in sites allocated for development • Creating green networks to link urban areas to the countryside.”

BDC 2016 -2033 Braintree Open Space Study: Under Open Space the study notes from community consultation that: • “Over 60% suggest a shortfall of: facilities for teenagers; informal open spaces for ball games, picnics, hobbies, dog walking etc. and wildlife areas/nature reserves.

143 • Following this, other aspects where there was considered to be an overall shortfall by a majority were: country parks, countryside and woodlands; footpaths, bridleways and cycle paths; allotments; and artificial turf pitches.” Under Priorities and Issues: • “72% of households confirmed that they would be prepared to walk/cycle further if the quality of the route to open spaces and facilities was improved. 76% also said that if the quality of the route was improved they would make the journey more often. • Other notable high priorities for improvement noted by significant numbers were for country parks, accessible countryside/woodlands and nature reserves/wildlife areas (at least 47%); parks/gardens/local recreation grounds (45%); informal open spaces (44%) and children’s play areas/ facilities for teenagers (35%/33%). • Access to areas for water recreation also scored quite highly as a priority need (a combined high/medium priority choice for 68% of households - 42% medium/26% high).” Under quantity: • “In contrast a majority of Panel respondents thought that overall there were not enough footpaths, bridleways and cyclepaths (58%); country parks, accessible countryside and woodlands (59%); wildlife areas and nature reserves(62%); allotments (55%) and informal open spaces (62%).” Under Access: • PROW - examples of newly launched walks demonstrate effective and creative ways of developing and funding new publicly accessible routes.

The BDC Supplementary Planning Document on Open Space. In regard to the delivery of open space this document sets out a 6 step delivery process on page 18 in order to deliver open space arising from development proposals which result in a net gain in residential units. The allocated sites and those brought forward by brownfield development in the Parish will result in a net gain and therefore open space provision must be made a part of the community’s infrastructure provision. · Appropriate provision includes: o “Casual or Informal space - Comprises casual or informal open space used for play and recreation, kick-about areas for informal sport and village greens. It also includes landscaped parks and gardens, which typically includes paved and planted areas, footpaths and cycleways, trees, flower beds, shrubs, paths, lawns, seating and other furniture. In some cases informal space may include limited outdoor sports provision. It also comprises smaller landscaped spaces in and around housing areas which although not actively used for recreation do contribute to the public realm and the setting of development”. o This project is one that will provide informal, passive recreation opportunities on a daily basis. · On or off-site provision for informal space: In accordance with table 3 on page 23 for developments of 1-9, 10-50 and 50+ the contribution can be financial, i.e. not on site.

144 · Spending of contributions can be on: Acquisition of land for open space; layout and landscaping, provision of car parking, fencing etc.; purchase of equipment or facilities for existing open spaces; improvement and enhancement of existing open space; maintenance. See page 25 for full text.

Planning approval and associated plan illustrating the landscape and riverside layout for the Dutch Nursery, West Street, Coggeshall. Conclusion This project would be a welcome recreational resource reconnecting the community with the river valley. It has been assessed as suitable to be included as an Infrastructure Policy Project and Action Plan Project.

7. Proposed Infrastructure Criteria Explanatory text / evidence Policy Project*1

OR Action Plan Project*2

Project description: Can this proposal be Vicarage Field is on the edge of the development boundary for the village and until 2000 was a formal demonstrated to be a recreation open space with allotments, bowling green, football pitch and tennis courts. A number of Vicarage Field public open ‘Workable Project’? PRoW’s connect the field to the village and countryside beyond. It is viewed very positively by the space. community who successfully objected to the removal of its Local Green Space designation in 2016. The site Why is this project is owned by the CofE commissioners. Reclaiming this LGS as important to the Parish recreational community and the community? The landscape design of the site to include sports facilities (ranging from the formal tennis court to the less resource and a viable wildlife How will this project be formal such as bike / pump track and natural play spaces), disabled access and also enhance the natural corridor. delivered? environment. This would strengthen the wildlife corridor between the LWS of Robins Brook and remnant How will this project be woodland and ponds in the Western corner of the field as part of the Parish’s green and blue funded? infrastructure. It would become a multifunctional 'Village Green'. Where will this project be located? As a large multi-use project funding could be from a variety of sources each targeting a different element of the project from initial scoping briefs and concept development to grants for SuDS and flood mitigation and the creation of wildlife meadows and tree planting, to areas for informal sports such as bike tracks and play spaces.

The site is designated LGS. It is owned by the CofE commissioners. It could be brought forward for greater community use through an application for a Community Asset Transfer. The support of the Parish Council, landowner and community would be required.

Vicarage field is located north of West Street and immediately west of Robins Brook. In accordance with NPPF All new development within the Parish and particularly the village centre will increase the population and para 56 does this project the pressure on existing facilities. With an increase in population, provision should be made for a range of 145 meet the following tests as informal and formal recreational facilities. Priority should be afforded to expanding the range of facilities a planning obligation*3 Is it available. This project represents an opportunity to increate formal and informal recreation facilities and a) necessary to make the the ecological value of the site. development acceptable in planning terms; b) directly related to the This project is not directly related to the allocated development sites within the CNP. However, this site development; offers an opportunity for formal, informal and ecological infrastructure that is lacking within the Parish in accordance with the BCD Open Space Action Plan. and c) fairly and The increase in population from allocated developments will add approximately 20% to the population of reasonably related in scale Coggeshall placing increased pressure on all community facilities and natural infrastructure. Some of the and kind to the facilities previously provided on Vicarage Field are not provided anywhere else in the Parish, particularly development. the tennis courts. BDC supporting documents Included in the BDC Open spaces action plan 2019. BDC 2016 -2033 Braintree Open Space Study Policy LPP 53: Provision for Open Space, Sport and Recreation “Open space and sports and recreational facilities that are of high quality, or of particular value to a local community, will be recognised and given protection by the Council. Areas of particular quality may include; · “Small areas of open space in urban areas that provide an important local amenity and offer recreational and play opportunities. · Areas of open space that provide a community resource and can be used for informal or formal events such as community, religious and cultural festivals. · Areas of open space that particularly benefit wildlife and biodiversity. · Play areas, and sport and recreation grounds and associated facilities.” Policy CS8 states: • “Maximising opportunities for creation of new Green Infrastructure and networks in sites allocated for development • Creating green networks to link urban areas to the countryside”

BDC 2016 -2033 Braintree Open Space Study: Under Open Space the study notes from community consultation that: • “Over 60% suggest a shortfall of facilities for teenagers; informal open spaces (for ball games, picnics, hobbies, dog walking etc.) and wildlife areas/nature reserves. • Following this, other aspects where there was considered to be an overall shortfall by a majority were: country parks, countryside and woodlands; footpaths, bridleways and cycle paths; allotments; and artificial turf pitches.” Under parks, green spaces, countryside and rights of way: Quantity:

146 • A majority of People's Panel respondents thought that overall there were enough parks, gardens and recreation grounds (59%) and areas for water recreation (59%) to meet local need. • In contrast a majority of Panel respondents thought that overall there were not enough footpaths, bridleways and cyclepaths (58%); country parks, accessible countryside and woodlands (59%); wildlife areas and nature reserves(62%); allotments (55%); and informal open spaces (62%)

Under Children and Young People: Quantity: • The play/youth organisations suggest that outdoor informal sport provision is the least well catered for with 47% of respondents considering there to be not enough provision for the under 12s. • Survey comments note a requirement for informal sports facilities suitable for younger children (e.g. FISAs - Family Inclusive Sports Areas) and also increased provision for toddlers – (under 5s). Quality: • Natural and adventure play spaces are considered the top priority for investment and improvement by a majority of play/youth organisation respondents, followed by recognised spaces for young people to meet outdoors.

The BDC Supplementary Planning Document on Open Space. In regard to the delivery of open space this document sets out a 6 step delivery process on page 18 in order to deliver open space arising from development proposals which result in a net gain in residential units. The allocated sites and those brought forward by brownfield development in the Parish will result in a net gain and therefore open space provision must be made as part of the community’s infrastructure provision. · Appropriate provision includes: o “Casual or Informal space Comprises casual or informal open space used for play and recreation, kick-about areas for informal sport and village greens. It also includes landscaped parks and gardens, which typically include paved and planted areas, footpaths and cycleways, trees, flower beds, shrubs, paths, lawns, seating and other furniture. In some cases informal space may include limited outdoor sports provision. It also comprises smaller landscaped spaces in and around housing areas which although not actively used for recreation do contribute to the public realm and the setting of development”. · This project is one that will provide formal and informal passive recreation opportunities within an enhanced bio diverse setting. · On or off-site provision for informal space: In accordance with table 3 on page 23 for developments of 1-9, 10-50 and 50+ the contribution can be financial, i.e. not on site. · Spending of contributions can be on:

147 Acquisition of land for open space; layout and landscaping, provision of car parking, fencing etc.; purchase of equipment or facilities for existing open spaces; improvement and enhancement of existing open space; maintenance. Seepage 25 for full text. Conclusion This project would provide additional POS to help meet the current deficit and contribute to the Parish’s green and blue infrastructure. It has been assessed as suitable to be included as an Infrastructure Policy Project and Action Plan Project.

8. Proposed Infrastructure Criteria Explanatory text / evidence Policy Project*1

OR Action Plan Project*2

Project description: Can this proposal be The rerouting of the A120 to bypass the village in the 1980s removed most of the traffic through the demonstrated to be a village, however it also cut the Parish in two. The volume of traffic has since grown exponentially as the Enabling cyclist, pedestrian ‘Workable Project’? population has increased along with car ownership. One key concern in the village is the safe crossing of and wildlife safe access and the A120 by pedestrians. Currently there is one safe crossing, through a tunnel which is accessible only to connectivity across the Why is this project the able-bodied. The road also presents an almost impermeable barrier for wildlife. A protected crossing A120 important to the Parish for both pedestrians and wildlife (tunnel or green bridge) would allow access to the rural parts of the and the community? Parish to the north. If the crossing were to the East of the village it would allow walkers along the Essex How will this project be way to cross the A120 safely. delivered? How will this project be The project would require a large amount of financial support. Initially funding would be required for a funded? feasibility study to establish the most appropriate solution to meet user needs. Public funding would then Where will this project be be sought along with support from Highways England and Essex County Council. located? This project could be located anywhere along the A120 north of the village as long as pedestrian / cycle access is possible. In addition, it should be located where existing or new wildlife corridors can be developed. Ideally it would be to the East of the village, on the route of the Essex Way serving the existing community and new homes on Colchester Road and set apart from the Tilkey Road tunnel. In accordance with NPPF The land north of the Colchester Road development is directly adjacent to the A120 and the Essex Way para 56 does this project passes through the development site. Access by foot to the rural parts of the Parish requires crossing the meet the following tests as A120. a planning obligation*3 Is it a) necessary to make the development acceptable in planning terms; b) directly related to the Contributions, where appropriate, will be sought from developers to the project. development; and c) fairly and This project should be measured against the new development of 300 homes at Colchester Road and the reasonably related in scale need of the existing community. 148 and kind to the development. BDC supporting documents BDC Draft Local Plan 2017: Policy CS7 Promoting Accessibility for All Sustainable transport links will be improved, including provision of and contributions for cycling and walking and quality bus partnership. Policy LPP 67: Natural Environment and Green Infrastructure “The Council will expect all development proposals, where appropriate, to contribute towards the delivery of new Green Infrastructure which develops and enhances a network of multi-functional spaces and natural features throughout the District. This will be proportionate to the scale of the proposed development and the rural or urban context. The Council will support and encourage development which contributes to the District’s existing Green Infrastructure and where possible, enhances and protects networks and adds to their functions. It will secure additional provision where deficiencies have been identified.”

The BDC Local Development Framework ‘Core Strategy’ Chapter 8 Environment states: “Environment to protect, restore and enhance the natural habitats, biodiversity, landscape character, amenity and environmental quality of the countryside and the open spaces and green corridors within towns and villages and improve ecological connectivity across the District.” Para 8.8: “The Council proposes that areas and networks of Green Infrastructure should be identified and created, protected, enhanced and managed to provide an improved and healthy environment. This Green Infrastructure should maximise biodiversity value, contribute to carbon neutral development and to flood attenuation. In developing Green Infrastructure, opportunities should be taken to develop networks for walking and cycling.” Policy CS8 states: • “Maximising opportunities for creation of new Green Infrastructure and networks in sites allocated for development • Creating green networks to link urban areas to the countryside”

The BDC Supplementary Planning Document on Open Space. In regard to the delivery of open space this document sets out a 6 step delivery process on page 18 in order to deliver open space arising from development proposals which result in a net gain in residential units. The allocated sites and those brought forward by brownfield development in the Parish will result in a net gain and therefore open space provision must be made as part of the community’s infrastructure provision. · Appropriate provision includes:

149 o “Casual or Informal space - Comprises casual or informal open space used for play and recreation, kick-about areas for informal sport and village greens. It also includes landscaped parks and gardens, which typically includes paved and planted areas, footpaths and cycleways, trees, flower beds, shrubs, paths, lawns, seating and other furniture. In some cases informal space may include limited outdoor sports provision. It also comprises smaller landscaped spaces in and around housing areas which although not actively used for recreation do contribute to the public realm and the setting of development”. · This project is one that will provide a safe crossing of the A120 for informal recreation. · On or off-site provision for informal space: In accordance with table 3 on page 23 for developments of 1-9, 10-50 and 50+ the contribution can be financial, i.e. not on site. · Spending of contributions can be on: Acquisition of land for open space; layout and landscaping, provision of car parking, fencing etc.; purchase of equipment or facilities for existing open spaces; improvement and enhancement of existing open space; maintenance. See page 25 for full text. Conclusion This project would provide a valuable safe crossing at the eastern end of the village and prevent accidents for both animals and people. It has been assessed as suitable to be included as an Infrastructure Policy Project and an Action Plan Policy.

9. Proposed Infrastructure Criteria Explanatory text / evidence Policy Project*1

OR Action Plan Project*2

Project description: Can this proposal be A new development of some 300 homes to the eastern boundary of the settlement will place increased demonstrated to be a pressure on the existing road and footpath system. Parking is limited in the centre of the village. In Coggeshall East Footpath ‘Workable Project’? addition, opportunities to develop footpath / cycle ways access into the centre of the village are limited. It Connection. is considered very important that this new addition to the existing Coggeshall community does not Why is this project become an isolated suburb at its edge. New members of the community must be able to become a part of Footpath connection between important to the Parish the community, access the centre of the village, the schools and all amenities, ideally without using their St Anne’s Close and across the and the community? car. This enables community cohesion, and has a positive impact on health, the environment and the local southern section of St Peter’s How will this project be economy. This is also one of the key principles of sustainable development and Policy P7, Green and Blue School Field to connect with delivered? Infrastructure. the recreation ground. How will this project be funded? Funding would be from a variety of sources, Government grants and funding streams, such as the National Where will this project be Lottery and ECC funding pots including future CIL funds. located? The Essex Way runs though the centre of the development site ‘Land at Colchester Road’. This PRoW emerges onto St Peter’s Road. After crossing St Peter’s Road, the proposed pedestrian route would run along existing pavements down St Anne’s Close to the end where it would then run along the southern most edge of the St Peters Primary School Playing Field. This new section of footpath would emerge at the 150 north east corner of the recreation ground. From there residents can progress to the rear entrance of the primary school, the recreation ground with its playground, and beyond to the Co-op supermarket and recycling point and into the centre of the village via either Church Street or East Street. Practical considerations Improvements to the Essex Way from the Colchester Road development site to St Peters Road. Landownership of the proposed route between St Anne’s Road and the school field. Landownership of St Peters Primary school. Security to the school, relocation of the fence line and associated landscape and planting. Future additional footpath along the eastern edge of the recreation ground to cope with increased footfall if required. In accordance with NPPF All new development within the Parish and particularly the village will increase the population and para 56 does this project increase the pressure on the road, cycleway and footpath infrastructure. The addition of 300 homes at meet the following tests as the land at Colchester Road site will have a considerable negative impact on the existing infrastructure. A a planning obligation*3 footpath connection that will reduce pressure on the existing footpaths, enable new residents to walk into a) necessary to make the the village centre and access other amenities so reducing traffic on the road would be invaluable. The development acceptable in alternative pedestrian routes are both indirect, and East Street is not wide enough to have a continuous planning terms; footpath to both sides. This route would be safer and encourage walking. It is therefore considered to be a necessary project to make development of new homes (and on this site in particular) acceptable for the Parish. b) directly related to the This project is made necessary by the Land at Colchester Road development site; it is therefore directly development; related to it in that it will serve the new residents. It will also serve existing residents on St Peter’s Road and St Anne’s Close. and c) fairly and The majority of the infrastructure or footpaths for this route exist. The key link in the chain is the St Peter’s reasonably related in scale Primary School together with the small area of land at the end of St Anne’s Close. Other potential access and kind to the footpaths from the land at Colchester Road site are now unviable. This is the alternative. The key areas of development. land required to enable this new PRoW are not extensive in comparison to the 300 home development site. It is therefore reasonably related in scale and kind to the Colchester Rd development. BDC supporting documents BDC Draft Local Plan 2017: A Healthy and Active District: “7.10 There is a wealth of evidence which shows the importance of the physical, social and economic environment to health and wellbeing. In particular, more studies in the area of mind-body medicine show the mental health benefits of physical exercise. It is imperative to ensure that the design of the built environment and new developments does not exacerbate health inequalities and make it harder for people to live healthy lives. In planning terms, the evidence suggests that the following issues impact on physical and mental health: · Street layout and connectivity; · Access to public services, employment, local fresh food, education, leisure and recreation activities and other community services; · Community interaction Policy LPP 53: Provision for Open Space, Sport and Recreation 151 In considering planning applications which could impact on open space, the Council shall weigh any benefits being offered to the community against the loss of open space that will occur. The Council will seek to ensure that all proposed development takes account of, and is sensitive to, the local context. In this regard, the Council shall consider applications with the intention of; · Protecting and enhancing those parts of the rights of way network that may benefit open space and access to the wider countryside. 8 The District's Natural Environment 8.6 The District has a range of existing green infrastructure assets which serve a number of different functions. Assets such as open spaces, parks and gardens, allotments, woodlands, trees, fields hedges, lakes, ponds, meadows and grassland, playing fields, footpaths, former railways, cycleways and waterways all represent elements which can be considered as Green Infrastructure. Policy LPP 67: Natural Environment and Green Infrastructure. The Council will expect all development proposals, where appropriate, to contribute towards the delivery of new Green Infrastructure which develops and enhances a network of multi-functional spaces and natural features throughout the District. This will be proportionate to the scale of the proposed development and the rural or urban context. The Council will support and encourage development which contributes to the District’s existing green infrastructure and where possible, enhances and protects networks and adds to their functions. It will secure additional provision where deficiencies have been identified. Proposals which undermine these principles will not be acceptable.”

BDC 2016 -2033 Braintree Open Space Study · “Protecting and enhancing those parts of the rights of way network that may benefit open space and access to the wider countryside 2 General Community Consultation · Walking is the preferred mode of travel for a clear majority of respondent households accessing village halls and community sports centres (69%). · 72% of households confirmed that they would be prepared to walk/cycle further if the quality of the route to open spaces and facilities was improved. 76% also said that if the quality of the route was improved, they would make the journey more often. 4.1 Key Findings - Parks and green spaces · In contrast a majority of Panel respondents thought that overall there were not enough footpaths, bridleways and cyclepaths (58%); Community Groups Survey · The ratings of footpaths, bridleways and cyclepaths are not considered high with 65% rating them only adequate, or poor. Litter, connectivity and maintenance were highlighted as issues. · PROW examples of newly launched walks demonstrate effective and creative ways of developing and funding new publicly accessible routes”

152 The BDC Local Development Framework ‘Core Strategy’ Policy CS10 Provision for Open Space, Sport and Recreation states: • “Requiring new development to make appropriate provision (taking into consideration surpluses and deficiencies and condition of the different open space typologies within the vicinity of the site) for publicly accessible green space or improvement of existing accessible green space in accordance with the following standards. Amenity greenspaces 0.8ha (Ha per 1000 people) • Seeking to maintain, improve and expand the network of green corridors and its links with neighbouring districts and broaden the range of opportunities for recreational pursuits within the corridors, including the identification of sites of accessible natural greenspace where appropriate.”

The BDC Local Development Framework ‘Core Strategy’ 4. Spatial Strategy Aim. · “Accessibility to reduce the need to travel by locating development in sustainable locations where it will enable people to easily access employment, housing, retail provision, public transport and key services; such as education, healthcare, recreational facilities and open space.” · This project will provide the infrastructure to make the land at Colchester Road site more sustainable. Policy CS10 Provision for Open Space, Sport and Recreation states: • “Seeking to maintain, improve and expand the network of green corridors and its links with neighbouring districts, and broaden the range of opportunities for recreational pursuits within the corridors, including the identification of sites of accessible natural greenspace where appropriate.”

The BDC Supplementary Planning Document on Open Space. In regard to the delivery of open space this document sets out a 6 step delivery process on page 18 in order to deliver open space arising from development proposals which result in a net gain in residential units. The allocated sites and those brought forward by brownfield development in the Parish will result in a net gain and therefore open space provision must be made as part of the community’s infrastructure provision. · Appropriate provision includes: o “Casual or Informal space - Comprises casual or informal open space used for play and recreation, kick-about areas for informal sport and village greens. It also includes landscaped parks and gardens, which typically include paved and planted areas, footpaths and cycleways, trees, flower beds, shrubs, paths, lawns, seating and other furniture....” o A cycleway combines the two categories of outdoor sport and informal open space. · Spending of contributions can be on: o Acquisition of land for open space; layout and landscaping, provision of car parking, fencing etc.; Purchase of equipment or facilities for existing open spaces; improvement and enhancement of existing open space; maintenance. See page 25 for full text.

153 Conclusion This project would provide a practical solution to improving the ‘walkability’ within the village by providing a route which services St Peter’s Primary school the recreation ground, the supermarket and the village centre from the east of the village including the new development sites. It has been assessed as suitable to be included as an Infrastructure Policy Project and an Action Plan Policy.

10. Proposed Infrastructure Criteria Explanatory text / evidence Policy Project*1

OR Action Plan Project*2

Project description: Can this proposal be Residents in Coggeshall are frequent users of Marks Hall Estate for recreation. In addition, there are many demonstrated to be a keen cyclists and ‘would be cyclists’ if the surrounding roads and A120 were not so dangerous to use or Coggeshall to Earls Colne ‘Workable Project’? cross. A cycle way of which approximately two thirds are within the Parish boundary would also create an Cycleway Via Marks Hall attractive and safe recreational route for residents to access the heritage and landscape at Marks Hall Estate. Why is this project Estate and travel further to Earls Colne and vice versa. Passing Earls Colne Business Park north of Marks important to the Parish Hall, it also provides opportunities for residents to commute to work by bike here and at the Essex Golf and the community? and Country Club. It would promote the health of residents by enabling exercise. The project would also How will this project be provide a surface that would be suitable for pushchairs and the disabled; access to recreational pathways delivered? for these groups is lacking within the Parish. The project would also encourage more tourists to come to How will this project be the Coggeshall area, to stay longer and to spend money. It would therefore benefit the Parish and the funded? wider rural economy. Where will this project be This project would be delivered via Marks Hall Estate who are supportive of this policy, and an emerging located? local community group working with local cycling groups, the CPC, Earls Colne Parish Council, BDC, ECC, national cycling organisations, and local landowners. A feasibility and / or landownership study would assist in establishing the constraints and opportunities of the potential routes and provide a basis on which funding could be applied for. Funding would be from a variety of sources, Government grants and funding streams, such as National Lottery and ECC funding pots including the RDPE Growth Programme. Future CIL funds, developer contributions, national cycle way schemes and community fundraising could also be utilised. ECC in their 2016 Cycling Strategy sets out ‘Transformational Funding’ sources to enable cycleways. The cycleway would commence from Tilkey Road, Coggeshall pass under the A120 to Marks Hall Estate, around Earls Colne Business Park Airfield and onto Earls Colne. A preliminary route of the cycleway incorporating land in private ownership and country lanes has been explored.

Practical considerations Funding, landownership / access to land, safety for users, protecting land to either side of the path from trespass or damage. In accordance with NPPF All new residential development within the Parish and the Parish of Earls Colne will increase the pressure para 56 does this project on Marks Hall Estate as a recreational resource and the number of road users travelling to work and going meet the following tests as to Marks Hall. A cycleway is a viable alternative to driving for many members of the community and will a planning obligation*3 Is it 154 a) necessary to make the reduce pressure on the existing infrastructure. It is therefore considered to be a valuable project to make development acceptable in development of new homes acceptable in the Parish. planning terms; b) directly related to the The project will serve existing and future residents of Coggeshall and Earls Colne, and for the reasons development; stated above it is directly related in that it will serve the new residents who will visit Marks Hall Estate and may work at the adjacent Earls Colne Business Park and Golf and Country Club. and c) fairly and A cycleway between Coggeshall and Earls Colne is a significant project. However, in relation to the reasonably related in scale allocated sites in Coggeshall & Earls Colne, and the additional hundreds of homes they provide this is and kind to the assessed as being fairly and reasonably related in scale to new development. development. Supporting documents ECC Essex Cycling Strategy Highways /Major Projects Nov 2016 This document is a strong advocate of new cycleways within the county. In particular this cycleway will assist the authority is achieving: “Sustainable economic growth for Essex communities and businesses” by: · “Reducing road congestion and journey times for residents and businesses, through improved local connectivity and accessibility to key points of attraction for work, business and other trips. · A healthier population makes for a more prosperous economy through reduced absenteeism and reduced demand for NHS services” “People in Essex enjoy good health & wellbeing” by: · More physically active residents - greater activity levels reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, stroke and depression "People in Essex can live independently and exercise choice and Control over their Lives” by: · “Having a bike offers people who cannot drive a motorised vehicle the opportunity to travel and access opportunities when they want.” People in Essex experience a high quality & sustainable environment” by: · “Modal shift from car to bike means reduced congestion, and reduced air pollution and cleaner and quieter streets.” “People in Essex live in safe communities and are protected from harm” by: · “Reduced congestion, cleaner air. Cycling is arguably safer than driving when the health benefits and reduced risk to third parties is factored in”

The strategy states: “According to the 2011 Census, between 18% and 43% of all car trips to work in Essex Districts are less than 5km in length. A significant proportion of these could be made by bicycle.” · The distance between Coggeshall and Earls Colne is approximately 7.7km. Earls Colne Business Park and the Essex Golf and Country Club are in between the two villages just inside the Earls Colne Parish Boundary. This cycleway would assist in transferring car journeys to bicycle journeys. 155 “With over 115,000 new homes and 171,000 new jobs expected in Essex by 2031 and beyond, there will be significant pressure on the future transport network in Essex. It is essential that the existing percentage of trips made by car for journeys less than 5km is reduced, and an increase in cycling is one of the best ways to achieve this.” This cycleway will help ECC meet this aim.

BDC 2016 -2033 Braintree Open Space Study “• Cycling is another important aspect of active recreation. The Council supports a number of led recreational cycle rides. There is also a district cycling map highlighting traffic free cycle routes. The further development of safe cycling routes should be considered. • The need for good, safe cycle access to open spaces is highlighted as a priority by stakeholders, including Natural England and Sustrans.” The BDC Local Development Framework ‘Core Strategy’ Policy CS10 Provision for Open Space, Sport and Recreation states: • Requiring new development to make appropriate provision (taking into consideration surpluses and the deficiencies and condition of the different open space typologies within the vicinity of the site) for publicly accessible green space or improvement of existing accessible green space in accordance with the following standards. · Amenity greenspaces 0.8ha (Ha per 1000 people) • Seeking to maintain, improve and expand the network of green corridors and its links with neighbouring districts and broaden the range of opportunities for recreational pursuits within the corridors, including the identification of sites of accessible natural green space where appropriate.

The BDC Local Development Framework ‘Core Strategy’ Policy CS10 Provision for Open Space, Sport and Recreation states: • “Requiring new development to make appropriate provision (taking into consideration surpluses and deficiencies and condition of the different open space typologies within the vicinity of the site) for publicly accessible green space or improvement of existing accessible green space in accordance with the following standards:” Outdoor sports provision 2.0 ha. (Ha per 1000 people). • “Seeking to maintain, improve and expand the network of green corridors and its links with neighbouring districts and broaden the range of opportunities for recreational pursuits within the corridors, including the identification of sites of accessible natural green space where appropriate.”

The BDC Supplementary Planning Document on Open Space. In regard to the delivery of open space this document sets out a 6 step delivery process on page 18 in order to deliver open space arising from development proposals which result in a net gain in residential units. The allocated sites and those brought forward by brownfield development in the Parish will result in

156 a net gain and therefore open space provision must be made as part of the community’s infrastructure provision. · Appropriate provision includes: o “Outdoor Sport - This includes provision for playing pitches, including grass, artificial and synthetic surfaces for team sports at a junior and senior level with access, car parking and changing facilities, together with any necessary landscaping. Other types of provision include greens and courts, together with changing rooms and other ancillary facilities as necessary”. o “Casual or Informal space - Comprises casual or informal open space used for play and recreation, kick-about areas for informal sport and village greens. It also includes landscaped parks and gardens, which typically include paved and planted areas, footpaths and cycleways, trees, flower beds, shrubs, paths, lawns, seating and other furniture. In some cases, informal space may include limited outdoor sports provision…….” o A cycleway combines the two categories of outdoor sport and informal open space. This document specifies 1.6-1.8 ha per 1000 people. · Outdoor sport must be within 4-6km of the development. · On or off-site provision. In accordance with table 3 on page 23 for developments of 1-9, 10-50 and 50+ the contribution can be financial, i.e. not on site. · Spending of contributions can be on: o Acquisition of land for open space; Layout and landscaping, provision of car parking, fencing etc.; Purchase of equipment or facilities for existing open spaces; improvement and enhancement of existing open space; maintenance. See page 25 for full text. Conclusion This project has been assessed as suitable to be included as an Infrastructure Policy Project. *1 Infrastructure Policy Project: Projects that have been assessed as ‘deliverable’ and thus can be included in the CNP Infrastructure Policy. *2 Action Plan Project: Projects that have been assessed as not immediately ‘deliverable’ but are ‘desirable’ or aspirational projects. These will be set out in Volume 2 of the CNP *3 NPPF: “Planning conditions and obligations: Para 54. Local planning authorities should consider whether otherwise unacceptable development could be made acceptable through the use of conditions or planning obligations. Planning obligations should only be used where it is not possible to address unacceptable impacts through a planning condition.”

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