PARISH COUNCIL

Clerk: Mrs. Christine Wakeling 9 St. Stephens Road CM3 6JE Tel: 01621 828244 Email: [email protected]

12th December 2016

Mr Simon Berkeley Planning Inspector c/o Andrea Copsey, Programme Officer Examination Office Longcroft Cottage Bentley Road Weeley Heath Clacton-on-Sea Essex CO16 9BX

Dear Mr. Berkeley,

North Fambridge Parish Council has already made a response on the Main Modifications to the Local Development Plan (LDP) as they related to North Fambridge but wish to comment on the response of Plainview Planning to the Inspector's questions. (Document ref: Proposed Main Modifications 1520/ARCIW). We are of the opinion that these comments are not in answer to the Inspector's specific questions but feel that we cannot avoid providing a further response as the suggestions made by Plainview Planning substantially affect North Fambridge.

1. It is incorrect to suggest that the sustainability appraisal is retrospective (para 3.1 Plainview Planning) as an Infrastructure Delivery plan was undertaken in 2012 identifying sites including North Fambridge. Whilst we disagree with the findings of the sustainability appraisal on the basis they should be negative rather than neutral we do not consider it to automatically render the local development process unsound.

2. Statements made by Plainview Planning do not necessarily demonstrate the full picture. For example 'all residents are well within 10 km of key services', in fact Burnham-on- Crouch is 13.1966 kilometres in distance (the town where many residents are registered with a G.P surgery), is 10.94 kilometres (where many bank) and it is only which is 8.8 kilometres away. Maldon is inaccessible by train and bus, and all the above areas are generally accessed by car. It is a long walk from the train station to the centre of South Woodham Ferrers where chemists, supermarket, banks etc. are located. Maldon is the centre for local authority services.

3. Although residents use the train service for commuting any increase in this will impact on other communities. The train service cannot be greatly increased due to congestion at Liverpool Street station and short platforms prevent longer trains. The dangers of an increase in traffic along the B1010/1012 were dealt with by us in our response to the Examining Inspector's Matters and Questions Paper in December 2104. This road has a higher number of accidents than could be expected. There have been recent accidents at the bend near the village including the demolition of the garage of the house immediately adjacent to the turning at the entrance to the village.

4. The provision of a new primary/ junior school will not necessarily occur with the proposed additional housing. The local Education Authority prefers a two form intake and that will not automatically be provided by the proposed housing.

5. There is no indication that a large amount of affordable housing is required in North Fambridge nor a demand for it. No such demand was identified in the Parish Plan. The community is isolated, the cost of accessing services is a deterrent to anyone without a car, running a car is increasingly expensive as are train fares to local centres. Hospital visits are almost impossible on public transport and take difficult journeys with several bus changes. There are no regular, frequent bus services within the village. Doctor's surgeries in Maldon and Burnham-on-Crouch are full and the closure of another surgery in South Woodham Ferrers has put pressure on the ability to accept new patients. The community only has a public house and a church. To put reliance on an outline planning application to provide all the necessary facilities within the early stage of the LDP is not sufficient to demonstrate viability or to outweigh the detriment. The recent case of East Bergholt Parish Council v. Babergh District Council, 14th December 2016 has established, inter alia, that the needs of the local area differed from those of the wider district, and that Babergh had incorrectly conducted an exercise to decide whether land development on the land within the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty had an exceptional reason to overrule the ordinary prohibition on development. The needs of North Fambridge do not require additional development of the scale proposed in an area so near to a Ramsar site, SSSI's and an Reserve . l 6. There may be low crime levels as against areas of higher population which is not unusual in rural areas. However there have been 2 burglaries in the last 2 months and given the reduction of policing in the area there is likely to be an increase.

7. The problems with the B1010/1012 have been outlined above and barring a very few households a car is essential, as can be seen by the number of cars on driveways in the village. It is not unusual for one adult to commute and the other(s) to use a car. The provision of a very limited amount of future employment in the village will not improve this situation and existing employers do not use much village labour. The proposed increase in housing would lead to further use of cars and be of detrimental effect on the environment.

8. We cannot agree that the substantial allocation of housing will not affect the Ramsar site, SSSI's and Essex Wildlife Trust, . The provision of an additional c.125 houses with planning permission and concomitant impact is considerably less than 1,000 plus in a considerably smaller area than Burnham on Crouch.

9. To propose such a substantial increase in housing would clearly affect the nature of the village which is identified as a small village in the LDP and consists of currently c.330 houses. It is not appropriate to compare a small village with existing towns with all their facilities. Recent refusals of planning applications within the village have given as a reason for refusal the effect on the countryside by the urbanisation of the development. 'Concluding on the main issue, the proposed development would cause considerable harm to the character and appearance of the surrounding area through the urbanisation of a rural, green and tranquil landscape.' (APP/X1545/W/16/3142557). This was for a development of 5 houses not over 1,000. This appeal also concluded that Council could demonstrate a 5 year housing supply. Also see APP/X1545/A/14/2213766. In the Landscape Character Assessments, (relevant extract in Appendix D), it was stated that 'Potential new development either within the area, or within adjacent character areas, may also disturb the strong sense of tranquillity. The area also contains several internationally and nationally important sites for wildlife (in particular, wildfowl). Overall, this character area has high sensitivity to change.' and 'The open nature of the area is visually sensitive to new development (especially in close proximity to the sea wall), which would be visible within views from adjacent character areas. There is a sense of historic integrity, resulting from a distinctive co-axial rectilinear field pattern and a dispersed historic settlement pattern. Potential new development either within the area, or within adjacent character areas, may also disturb the strong sense of tranquillity. The area also contains several internationally and nationally important sites for wildlife (in particular, wildfowl). Overall, this character area has high sensitivity to change.

10. North Fambridge is an unsuitable area for development as is stated by the Parish Council in 2013 (Appendix A). A large proportion of the village is on flood plain and exits from the village would be blocked in the event of flooding (see paragraph 1 of Appendix A).

11. The existing problem of sewage and surface water has not been completely addressed by the proposals contained in Appendix B of Plainview Planning's submission. Although upgrading of the sewage system within the village could improve the situation regarding the 30 houses at Manor Farm it does not address the response of the Environment Agency on page 2 to an application FUL/MAL/15/01336 (Appendix B). This confirms the Joint Statement with Anglia Water (Appendix C) with its approximate costings. No further discharge into the Rier Blackwater is acceptable to the Environment Agency. admit that the upgrade would not cope with surface water entering the system a recognised current problem. The reasoning for removing the additional 75 from the proposed LDP remains. The Chelmsford Council emerging LDP identifies South Woodham Ferrers as an area for growth which in itself will put further pressure on the proposed alternative of the treatment works at South Woodham Ferrers.

Conclusion

North Fambridge has a number of negative reasons cited above which would prevent the sustainable allocation of additional housing to the village. The proposed main modifications from Plainview Planning are effectively a re-writing of the Local Development Plan as far as North Fambridge and the plan is concerned. There has never been a proposal within the emerging LDP to substantially increase the housing in North Fambridge. In many cases landowners have put forward land to be developed but this does not imply that using that land is a sustainable or viable possibility. Our understanding of the hearings by the Inspector in January were to examine the proposed LDP not to re-write it.

Appendix A

North Fambridge Parish Council

Maldon District Council MDC Local Development Plan Preferred Options Consultation Princes Road Maldon Essex CM9 5DL

9 St Stephens Road Cold Norton Essex CM3 6JE

October 2013

Dear Sir

Draft Local Development Plan 2014-2029 (MDCLDP) Much of the response below repeats comments made to the original proposed development plan of 2012. Whilst the number of houses allocated to North Fambridge (strategic allocation) has been reduced to 75 there are still a number of outstanding issues. 75 additional houses in 5 years in North Fambridge is a proportional increase of 27%, too high an amount for a small village to integrate into the community. It is accepted that the village has to grow with the provision of appropriate housing for the needs of the village but this is not served by such a large rapid expansion. North Fambridge has been included in the rural villages allocation but with a strategic allocation of 75 houses. The area of search in North Fambridge is wide and not clearly defined being within an 800m circle around the railway station excluding the flood zones 2 and 3. The consultation document specific to the rural villages allocation will not be available for consultation until late 2014 and adoption in late 2015. This makes it impossible for an in depth, educated response to be made to the MDCLDP. It also leaves North Fambridge in an invidious position until late 2015 in that development could take place piecemeal in any part of the area of search with no consistency of approach. North Fambridge has therefore not been afforded the possibility of consultation which will be granted to other rural settlements. According to 2.83 of the MDCLDP North Fambridge has been allocated 75 dwellings as it is more sustainable due to its proximity to South Woodham Ferrers, a railway station and proximity to a variety of employment and retail markets in South Essex. The Parish Council also wishes to raise the following objections to this consultation document on the basis of sustainability and deliverability:

1. Sewerage System and Surface Water. Sewerage The sewer infrastructure was installed in 1974 by Maldon District Council for 141 houses (and included a 30% increase in housing)(see MDC sewer plan 1974). Since that time sewer flooding has occurred at Franklin Road Pumping Station and the Avenue Pumping Station on a regular basis. In the 1980’s records show that Anglian Water refused permission for a large development on two separate occasions. In recent years OFWAT placed Anglian Water on charge for not providing an adequate sewer infrastructure. New pumps have been installed at these two pumping stations but to no avail. Flooding still occurs as does backing up especially in Franklin Road. The Parish Council, Maldon District Council and Anglian Water have received recent complaints from residents concerning damage to property and backing up of the system. At times affected occupiers of properties in Franklin Road and Fambridge Road cannot use their toilets for fear of their overflowing with raw sewage. Further information has emerged from the Environment Agency relating to planning application OUT/MAL/13/00473 indicating that STW is at capacity with no spare capacity for growth. To increase the housing at North Fambridge would be contrary to the National Planning Policy framework paragraph 109.

Surface water. North Fambridge is built on the alluvial plain of the . The proposal will contradict National Planning Policy stating that development should be located away from areas at highest risk of flooding. It is difficult to envisage a village which has more areas subject to high risk of flooding (see map below showing part of them). The Parish Council would also like to bring to your attention the Environment Agency document on “Development and Flood Risk” 2012. North Fambridge has a high water table and therefore additional buildings and housing density will make the situation worse despite any SuDS provision which is constrained by the density of housing proposed- (see SuDS: Design and Adoption Guide ECC 2012). The Environment Agency Flood Risk Map shows that the village will be cut-off from the emergency services.

By building 75 properties on the areas which are not directly on the flood plain the risk of additional flooding will be forced on to those areas which are already at high risk i.e. parts of the Avenue, Fambridge Road, Blue House Chase, parts of Ferry Road and parts of Franklin Road. MDC/ECC have identified North Fambridge as having “vulnerable” sea defences – A Mid-Essex Strategic Flood Risk Assessment Report (Scott Wilson, 2008) specifically identifies North Fambridge as being at risk of flooding. Also note the report of June 2012 by TYM and Partners (Planners and Development Economists) which on Page 64 regarding the Sea Defences at North Fambridge on the River Crouch states “ Current standard of the defences is below the minimum recommended standard of 1 in 200 years”. The report also states that the main areas considered at risk are those adjacent to the River Crouch (i.e. North Fambridge) and it is not yet clear how these issues will be addressed. Environment Agency capital expenditure for the next 20/25 years has been curtailed (Source: Government Committee on Climate Change report 2012) Therefore no action will be taken to remedy this very serious situation. The Essex and Suffolk Shoreline Management Plan shows on Appendix 1 maps from the Management Plan that areas of North Fambridge to the east of the village will become vulnerable to flooding as the sea defences are realigned in 2055.

2. Highways/Transport. According to 2.83 of the MDCLDP North Fambridge has been allocated 75 dwellings as it is more sustainable due to its proximity to South Woodham Ferrers, a railway station and proximity to a variety of employment and retail markets in South Essex. Access to employment and retail opportunites will rely on the use of cars, the least sustainable mode of transport, and causes the most congestion in South Woodham Ferrers on the B1012. Most parishioners do not take the train to South Woodham Ferrers but rely on cars as the station is not located near the main shopping area. Use of the once a week shoppers bus is limited to those not constrained by employment and is not convenient for medical appointments. The village has a pub, a church, a children's nursery and playground and no other facilities. It is not a 'more sustainable location'.

North Fambridge has not been considered by Essex Highways in any of the assessments. It has been recognised by MDC in Appendix 3 of the MDC LDP Spatial Growth Scenarios and Strategic Site Allocations report that “the main access road to the village is narrow and meets the B1012 on a sharp bend. Forward visibility is very restricted and there appears to be minimal land available for suitable improvements. Traffic signals are not considered to be appropriate at this location as this would restrict the free flow of traffic on a main distributor route. The village also has limited facilities, so it may not be appropriate for significant additional development without better services and improved access from the B1012.” The B1012 is an Accident Reduction Area. Despite this it is an ECC Heavy Goods Vehicle Route.

There is already heavy congestion on the B1012 at South Woodham Ferrers. Additional housing (450) in Burnham on Crouch, (1,830) in land south of Maldon will exacerbate this and a further 75 houses at North Fambridge will add to the problem, increasing the likelihood of serious accidents. There has been no impact assessment regarding this cumulative effect. The road into the village is very narrow in places and includes a narrow railway bridge where it is difficult to safely pass the many lorries which enter the village.

Additional housing in North Fambridge is not sustainable when considering the provision of transport. There is no regular bus service with one bus a week travelling to Chelmsford. The Dart service (an on demand service only) takes shoppers to South Woodham Ferrers once a week. Otherwise it will only take passengers to a nearby bus connection.

The train service is a branch line service and cannot be expanded as there is a shortage of “clearance times” and “capacity” on Liverpool Street to Southend Line . There are hourly trains except for rush hour when there are two trains per hour. There are no late trains forcing many commuters to drive to instead of using North Fambridge.

3. Education. The Parish Council cannot identify any feasibility carried out on pupil numbers. Latchingdon School is a faith school and not acceptable to some parents so should not be included in the consultation document as a feeder school. The primary feeder schools ( and Cold Norton) are over-subscribed and do not have scope for expansion as is the secondary feeder school (William de Ferrers), currently the preferred secondary school with pupils bussed from North Fambridge. The Ormiston River Academy is outside the catchment area. MDC identify “no choice” for secondary education for residents in North Fambridge. MDC pupil numbers quoted are “questionable” as no source is provided.

4. Employment. MDC identifies that employment opportunities are limited in the district therefore mobility of labour is essential for seeking employment opportunities in , Chelmsford, Southend and and this would be totally dependent on a car. The development of 75 houses suggested by MDC is not sustainable. If working in London a season ticket now costs c. £4,000 pa. This would price low earners out of this option and is also not sustainable. No employment opportunities exist in North Fambridge apart from marina, public house, waste business and children’s nursery. The local farms do not employ any labour. The employment opportunities that exist in Maldon are principally dependent on retailing, catering and the service industries. People living in North Fambridge cannot walk, cycle or catch a bus for work in Maldon. Placing housing away from employment is also not sustainable.

5. Health. MDC states that GP services in Maldon area are over-subscribed. The addition of 450 houses in Burnham and 1,830 in land south of Maldon will overstretch two of the catchment practices for North Fambridge and all the practices in South Woodham Ferrers (except for one which is already at capacity) have been required to accept additional patients due to the closure of one of the former practices. In order to access the following you need a car: • Dentist • Chemist • St Peters Hospital – no direct buses • Broomfield Hospital • Braintree Hospital • Colchester Hospital (Cancer Patients) • Basildon Hospital (Essex Cardiac Centre) Development in North Fambridge is not sustainable from the perspective of health as access is virtually always by car. The above are the very facilities more frequently required by young families and the elderly.

6.Environment. All of North Fambridge is identified by MDC as of Ecological Importance on Preferred Options Map 2012. No reference is made in the MDCLDP to the ancient woodland, with bats, in the northern part of North Fambridge. Likewise no reference is made of the impact of development on SSSI’s and RAMSAR sites and Essex Wildlife Trust Blue House Farm. The National Planning Policy Framework 2012 makes reference to the coastal zone in that its value is to be protected. The MDCLDP makes no reference to ancient hedgerows that can be found in North Fambridge. No feasibility or environmental impact assessment can be found in the MDC document. The proposed development is in breach of NPPF Section 11 para 109 which states inter alia that “The planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by: protecting and enhancing valued landscapes, geological conservation interests and soils; recognising the wider benefits of ecosystem services; minimising impacts on biodiversity.” The watercourse and present drainage system will be affected by the development of 75 houses. No mention is made of the impact on these in the documentation. The development of 75 houses will be on agricultural land. With a growing population in the UK land available for food production will be at a premium thus this development will be “damaging the needs for the future”.

Recommendations were made in discussions with adjoining authorities that there should be a clear Planning Policy Guideline protecting the coastal belt. Policy N2 does not fulfil this purpose. It is difficult to see how the development proposals will benefit the SSR's and RAMSAR site in North Fambridge. Additional housing will be of detriment to these fragile sites merely by the increase of population accessing them.

7. Emergency Services All the emergency services are now under pressure. Maldon Police Station is increasingly unmanned and all other stations are part-time. The police force is working on reduced budgets. The same applies to the fire service. The response times for the ambulance service have increased. With an increase in population and increased volume of traffic, demand for emergency services will only increase which could cause risk to life.

8. Housing demand. Although a housing demand in the district has been identified it is not apparent from the MDCLDP how many additional residents wish to live in North Fambridge. All indications from statements made in planning applications suggest only a small number. In addition the Parish Plan shows that out of those responding (over 90% of the village) the largest numbers of recorded residents (738) are of the age group 25- 59 (342) with 220 being under the age of 18. The remainder of those giving an age indication are between 60 and 85+ (164). These figures do not indicate a demand for smaller dwellings for an ageing population nor for young persons looking to get on the housing ladder (46 between the ages of 18-24). Provision of such housing with 30% social housing would seem inappropriate and not based on an objectively assessed housing need for North Fambridge.

9. Infrastructure. North Fambridge has limited infrastructure, a Public House, Church, Village Hall (Capacity 90) and Children’s Play Area. The village hall is identified as the emergency centre and refuge and would be insufficient for the occupants of 75 extra houses.

10. Utilities. North Fambridge has no mains gas supply nor are there any plans for piping gas into the village. Oil, Solid Fuel and Electricity are the primary sources of heating. Providing sustainable housing or small properties in the village would be difficult or expensive and thus unattractive to developers.

11. Telecommunications BT only has two cables into North Fambridge from the Latchingdon exchange and there are no plans for a fibre optic upgrade as it is not cost effective. Broadband is operating at 1-2MB at present with no future proposals for enhanced broadband. This means that opportunities to work from home via telecommunication and not to use cars are nearly impossible. The implementation of proposed policy S7 (1) would be extremely difficult to implement.

Conclusion

The proposed area, 800 metres from station, lies within an area where rural planning policies of restraint apply. The development of this area for housing is remote from community services and essential support facilities and is inaccessible by a range of transport so would represent an unsuitable form of development and would be contrary to the National Planning Policy Framework. The cost of putting in additional services would be prohibitive and unable to be met by CIL or s.106 agreements. Furthermore, the development of this rural site for new dwellings without adequate justification or special circumstances would fail to protect the intrinsic natural quality and beauty of an area of Ecological Importance, and thereby fails the principals of the National Planning Policy Framework. The allocation of 75 houses is contrary to Policy S7 in the MDCLDP as it does not reflect the size and character of the village concerned, its level of service provision, availability or potential for sustainable transport choices. It is not acceptable within the infrastructure of North Fambridge for the reasons set out in this submission.

Finally, in our submission the Parish Council wishes to state that Smart Planning will also submit objections for and on behalf of the Parish Council and the whole community of North Fambridge.

North Fambridge Parish Council request that Maldon District Council review their decision to include our village as an option for inclusion in the draft Local Development Plan and remove it before final submission for the reasons given above.

Yours sincerely,

Christine Wakeling Clerk to the Parish Council

Appendix http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/planning/33698.aspx http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/jul/14/flood-defence-schemes- unbuilt http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-18790674

Appendix B

Appendix C

Technical Report (May 2011) indicated there was sufficient capacity to serve the proposed modest growth in the Chelmsford Borough without the need for revised consent or upgrades. Foul Network North Fambridge is served by a foul only sewerage network including two pumping stations located at The Avenue and Franklin Road. Surface Water There are no public surface water sewers in the vicinity. There is on going issues relating to surface water disposal. Investigations have found that there are a significant number of surface water connections into the sewer designated for foul only flows (26 properties in Franklin Road) that on occasions of heavy rainfall are having an adverse affect on the system. Ditches that historically provided for natural run off have become blocked, inaccessible or filled in. Current Situation Latchingdon Water Recycling Centre The most recent data shows that a revision to the consented DWF is necessary to accommodate further growth. Consequently, substantial process enhancements at the WRC would be needed to create capacity and to achieve the anticipated requirements of a revised consent. South Woodham Ferrers Water Recycling Centre The recent data indicates that South Woodham Ferrers WRC has sufficient capacity to accommodate both the growth in North Fambridge and in the Chelmsford Borough. There would be no need for a revised permit or upgrades to the works. This would therefore be the preferred and most sustainable treatment option. Foul Network The current network does not have the capacity to accept the further growth indicated. Options for taking additional flows from North Fambridge have been considered based on the total growth proposed, which includes the allocation in the Local Development plan of 75 units, a recent application awaiting decision of 30 units and a recently refused application for 37 houses where an appeal may be submitted. The assessment has been based on: a)taking flows to Latchingdon WRC b)taking flows to South Woodham Ferrers WRC. To enable option a, the network will need to be upgraded. This will require a new pumping station and approximately 6km of rising main. The anticipated capital cost is £2,573,616. To enable option b, the network will need to be upgraded. This will require a new pumping station and a 4km of rising main. It is also expected that a storage tank maybe required. The capital cost predicted in the region of £2,088,647. Joint Position Statement on Development in North Fambridge 3

Any cost calculations provided within the report are estimated only and may be subject to change. Surface Water Maldon District Council, Anglian Water, North Fambridge Parish Council and Essex County Council continue to work together to resolve the existing issues. Anglian Water in partnership with Essex County Council will endeavour to carry out further work to be completed by the end of this financial year to:  establish the effect of surface water removal from the foul system  endeavour to establish the natural surface water flow routes in North Fambridge

A factual report will be presented to provide recommendations and guidance. A sustainable drainage system to resolve the current issues of surface water drainage is the preferred option, however if this is found not to be feasible, the installation of a surface water sewer may be an option to consider if funding could be found. Anglian Water will advise and vet any surface water sewer design submitted to serve the existing properties in North Fambridge with a view to adoption of the sewer once it is installed. New growth- recommendations to manage flood risk: 1. No new surface water connections to combined and foul sewers. 2. Removal of existing surface water connections from combined and foul systems. Evidence that the developments had followed the surface water management hierarchy will help to ensure infiltration is considered ahead of maintaining connection to sewers. 3. Understand exceedance of existing and proposed surface water management measures and safeguard/design flow routes reinstating natural pathways, where possible. Should the rainfall extent exceed the capabilities of the surface water systems, this will help to ensure properties are protected and urban design of public open space considers the potential flows of surface water. 4. Development should seek to reduce flood risk to the site and third parties. 5. Early engagement is key to ensuring adequate surface water management measures are included. 6. Particular consideration must be given to development in areas where there is high water table. 7. Maintaining existing surface water drainage features, such as ditches, to ensure there are opportunities for surface water to be attenuated and disposed of away from sewers.

All parties are keen to ensure the water infrastructure and flood risk is adequately considered upfront without unduly blocking development, whilst continuing to safeguard Habitats Directive sites, and meet the objectives of Joint Position Statement on Development in North Fambridge 4 the Water Framework Directive. Developers will need to engage with relevant parties in order to identify and progress solutions, indeed Anglian Water and the Environment Agency actively encourage pre-application discussions. We are committed to work with all parties to progress solutions to enable development in North Fambridge. Susan Bull Jo Firth Planning Liaison Manager Sustainable Places Team Leader Anglian Water Environment Agency Lucy Shepard Lead Local Flood Authority Essex County Council Appendix D

EB009A

Landscape Character Assessments

P166 onwards

D9 FAMBRIDGE DRAINED ESTUARINE MARSH (shared with Maldon District) Key Characteristics Low-lying flat drained marsh hinterland north of River Crouch that become gently rolling further inland.

Predominantly open, arable fields with a regular, rectilinear field pattern. Steeply rising land above and North Fambridge

Extensive grazing marsh. Sense of isolation and openness near the sea wall.

Overall Character

This character area is the hinterland of the marshes on the north shore of the narrow River Crouch. This drained marshland is now primarily arable, although extensive grazing is apparent near the sea wall. Gently rising from the marsh levels, the landform is gently rolling country indented by many creeks, with scattered blocks of trees, linear tree belts, scrub and formerly elm-dominated hedgerows around pastures. The narrow estuary penetrates far inland at Bridgemarsh Creek, Creek, Fenn Creek and Clementsgreen Creek. Drainage ditches and relic dykes accentuate the medium to large- scale field pattern, and sinuous ditches are visible near Bridgemarsh Creek. Small blocks of woodland are visible west and north of North Fambridge and west of Burnham-on-Crouch, but most other tree cover is usually near farmsteads. The land rises dramatically at Creeksea in a broad ridge that stretches northwest. Pylons dominate the horizon to the north, and the only road through the area, the B1012/1010, follows the right-angled pattern found elsewhere on the Peninsula which suggests ancient planned landscape here also. The railroad between South Woodham Ferrers and Burnham is well screened in the landscape. Pedestrian access to the sea wall and marsh landscape is limited, with only a few tracks and lanes leading to the river from North Fambridge, Althorne and Creeksea. There is a public footpath along the sea wall between Burnham and North Fambridge, Little Hayes. The Marsh Farm Country Park also provides public access to the river. Settlement pattern is linear along the main road, with scattered farms on the slopes. Woodham Ferrers is a large new town with a well- screened wooded perimeter, but it appears out of character with such dense planting in an open marshland landscape. Historic buildings are less visible here than elsewhere on the but some examples are seen at North Fambridge and occasionally elsewhere, including Creeksea Place.

Local vernacular is primarily weatherboarding, painted white with black trim. The Ferryman Pub at North Fambridge highlights the former importance of the area for the ferry landing across the river here. Overall, this landscape character appears sandwiched between two urban centres, historic but expanding Burnham and modern South Woodham Ferrers, and yet due to its lack of access across the farmland, it retains a strong sense of place and offers many opportunities, especially along the sea wall, to find places with a great sense of isolation and tranquillity.

Visual Characteristics

Historic pub at North Fambridge where ferry used to cross the river. Panoramic views across adjacent saltmarsh and mudflats down the river and across large farmland fields to the south shore of the river at North Fambridge. Short-distance views across Althorne Creek to Bridgemarsh Island. Long views down Clementsgreen Creek to Brandyhole Reach.

Historic Land Use

Evidence of historic land use within the Character Area is dominated by a distinctive co-axial rectilinear field pattern (known as Dengie-form after this area). Historically settlement is scattered along the roads along the top of the ridge and on smaller peninsulas protruding out to the coast. The main historic landscape features include: Areas of salt marsh and grazing marsh adjacent to the River Crouch within Marsh Farm Country Park.

Field systems of considerable antiquity, that may have their origins in the middle Saxon period, if not before.

Ecological Features This Character Area is dominated by arable farmland and extensive grazing marsh. The area containnumerous sites of nature conservation value and other ecological features. These include:

Crouch & Roach Estuaries Ramsar and SPA – supports internationally and nationally important numbers of wildfowl.

Essex Estuaries cSAC - supports variety of internationally important habitats including estuarine, mudflats, sandflats, Salicornia colonising mud, Spartina swards and Atlantic salt meadows.

Croach and Roach Estuaries SSSI – tidal mud, saltmarsh and grazing marsh which support internationally important numbers of dark-bellied Brent geese, and nationally important numbers of black-tailed godwit, shelduck and shoveler plus other wildfowl and uncommon flora.

Ancient woodland at North Fambridge Hall Wood. Fen, saltmarsh and mudflats. Riverside creek margins and banks of the River Crouch.

Key Planning and land Management Issues

Encroaching urban edge at South Woodham Ferrers very abrupt.

Potential growth in water sports, especially sailing and pleasure craft, with inherent demand for more marinas and river moorings.

Sea-level rise and erosion could lead to the loss of existing saltmarsh within the Crouch Estuary channel.

Risk of erosion due to wash from motorised craft.

Potential for damage to diverse, important saltmarsh and bird habitats with a potential increase in tourism and accessibility to visitors.

Further development, including caravan parks as at Creeksea could erode the generally undisturbed character of the area and adversely affect saltmarsh.

Pressure for change of use from arable for development, which may have a visually intrusive impact on landscape character.

Pressure from development within this, and adjacent character areas.

Continuing loss of hedges and field boundary vegetation with subsequent loss of historic pattern, sense of enclosure and ecological habitat.

Sensitivities to Change

Sensitive key characteristics and landscape elements within this character area include areas of drained grazing marsh close to the sea wall, ditches, dykes and sea walls, scattered blocks of trees and linear tree belts (which are sensitive to changes in land management). The open nature of the area is visually sensitive to new development (especially in close proximity to the sea wall), which would be visible within views from adjacent character areas. There is a sense of historic integrity, resulting from a distinctive co-axial rectilinear field pattern and a dispersed historic settlement pattern. Potential new development either within the area, or within adjacent character areas, may also disturb the strong sense of tranquillity. The area also contains several internationally and nationally important sites for wildlife (in particular, wildfowl). Overall, this character area has high sensitivity to change.

Proposed Landscape Strategy Objectives

Conserve - seek to protect and enhance positive features that are essential in contributing to local distinctiveness and sense of place through effective planning and positive land management measures.

Enhance - seek to improve the integrity of the landscape, and reinforce its character, by introducing new and/or enhanced elements where distinctive features or characteristics are absent.

Restore - seek to reinforce and/or reinstate historic landscape patterns and features that contribute to sense of place and time depth, by repairing distinctive elements that have been lost or degraded.

Suggested Landscape Planning Guidelines

Loss of hedgerows due to agricultural intensification.

Ensure that any new development is well integrated into the surrounding landscape, responds to historic settlement pattern and scale, and uses materials which are appropriate to the local landscape character.

Conserve the rural character of the area.

Ensure that new farm buildings are sensitively designed and located within the landscape to accord with existing character.

Conserve panoramic long distance views to adjacent character areas of drained and open estuarine marsh to the south.

Suggested Land Management Guidelines

Conserve and restore the existing hedgerow network with particular emphasis placed on the planting and management of elm.

Conserve historic lanes and unimproved roadside verges.

Conserve and enhance the landscape setting of North Fambridge, Creeksea and other villages.

Appendix E

Recent Appeals

1. APP/X1545/A/14/2213766 ( Strathmore Road) Dismissed 23rd Jan 2013 Conclusion reads “... the proposal would be unacceptable due to its impact on the character and appearance of the surrounding area and surface water conditions in the locality” 2. APP/X1545/W/14 3001714 (Armstrong Road) Dismissed 11th June2015 Para 10 reads “... the new dwelling with the associated domestic paraphenalia, would lead to the urbanisation of an open area which currently contributes positively to the setting of this part of North Fambridge.” and “... as such the proposal would have a harmful effect on the character of the area...” 3. APP/G2435/A/14/222806 (Nipsells Chase) Dismissed 7th December 2016 Para 44 “.....I have found that the council can demonstrate a five year housing land supply....” UNCLASSIFIED

Ms Yee Cheung Our ref: AE/2016/120027/01-L01 Maldon District Council Your ref: FUL/MAL/15/01336 Planning Department Princes Road Date: 21 January 2016 Maldon Essex CM9 5DL

Dear Ms Cheung

PROPOSED 3 NO. NEW BUNGALOWS. LAND SOUTH OF BULLER LODGE, BULLER ROAD, NORTH FAMBRIDGE, ESSEX.

Thank you for your consultation received on 12 January 2016. We have inspected the application, as submitted, and have no objection, provided the condition below relating to foul water disposal is appended to any planning permission granted. Our detailed comments are provided below:

Foul Water Disposal

The proposed development site lies within the catchment of Latchingdon Water Recycling Centre (WRC). As highlighted in our Joint Position Statement with Anglian Water Services on North Fambridge, Latchingdon WRC is at capacity and cannot currently accommodate foul water flows from the proposed development.

This capacity issue will need to be addressed prior to occupation of these dwellings. The development will therefore need to be suitably phased alongside the phasing of other similar housing proposals in the Latchingdon and North Fambridge area.

In light of the above, the following condition may be deemed appropriate:

Condition No development approved by this permission shall be commenced until a scheme for the improvement and/ or extension of the existing sewerage system has been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The scheme shall be implemented as approved. No occupation of dwellings approved by this permission shall occur until the scheme for improvement and/ or extension of the existing sewage system has been completed.

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Reason The Anglian River Basin Management Plan requires the restoration and enhancement of water bodies to prevent deterioration and promote recovery of water bodies. Without this condition, the impact could cause deterioration of a protected area, Essex Estuaries Special Protection Area, because it could increase the nutrient load to the Blackwater Estuary.

Local Planning Authorities should have regard to the requirements of the River Basin Management Plan when determining their permissions.

Further Explanation

Latchingdon Water Recycling Centre has been identified as being at volumetric capacity. Increased foul water flows loading to the sewerage of this works from the proposed development would therefore not be looked upon favourably, as this will result in a permit breach and additional nutrient loading to the receiving waters, the Blackwater Estuary.

The Blackwater Estuary is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is a component SSSI of the Essex Estuaries Special Protection Area; as such it is regarded as a ‘Protected Area’ under the Water Framework Directive.

The water company have identified a sewerage solution that would take the foul water flows to a different sewage treatment works’ catchment, removing the potential pressure on the Blackwater Estuary.

We trust this advice is useful.

Yours sincerely

Miss Lizzie Griffiths Sustainable Places - Planning Advisor

Direct dial 020 302 58439 E-mail [email protected] cc Mr Ashley Robinson

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