Proposed Changes to the Green Belt in the Pre-Submission Local Plan Response to Inspectors Initial Questions - Q16

Proposed changes to the Green Belt in the Pre-submission Local Plan Response to Inspectors Initial Questions - Q16

January 2021 Update

Contents

Consequential changes as a result of strategic allocations ...... 6 PGB-1 - Hadleigh Fire Station and Essex Auto Group, Hadleigh ...... 7 PGB-2 - Arthur Stevens’ Playing Field, South Benfleet ...... 10 PGB-3 – Land adjacent to policy HO11 ...... 13 PGB-4 – Land adjacent to policy HO24 ...... 16 PGB-5 – Land adjacent to policy HO13 ...... 19 PGB-6 - Kent’s Hill Infants and Junior School & Holy Family Catholic School, Benfleet ...... 22 PGB-7 - Thundersley Primary School, Cedar Hall School and land surrounding site HO20 ...... 25 Educational Uses ...... 28 PGB-8 - Land at USP Canvey College Campus and the former Castle View School, Canvey Island .. 29 PGB-9 - Deanes School and Virgin Active, Hadleigh ...... 33 PGB-10 - Glenwood School, Benfleet ...... 37 PGB-11 - King John School, Benfleet ...... 40 PGB-12- Cornelius Vermuyden School ...... 43 Previously Developed Sites ...... 46 PGB-13 - Land at Crescent Road, South Benfleet ...... 47 PGB-14 - Solby Wood Farm ...... 50 Additional land in the Green Belt ...... 54 PGB-15 - Land South of Northwick Road and east of Roscommon Way, Canvey Island ...... 55 Other Minor Changes to the Green Belt ...... 59 PGB-16 – Land adjacent 37 The Dale and consequential changes, Thundersley ...... 60

Introduction

This report updates the previous ‘Proposed changes to the Green Belt in the Pre-submission Local Plan 2020’ [GB-005] in response to the initial questions posed by the Inspector examining the Castle Point Local Plan in the letter dated 6 January 2020, the following question was asked:

The Green Belt

16. Document GB-005 Proposed changes to the Green Belt in the Pre-submission Local Plan details a number of ‘additional’ changes to the boundaries of the Green Belt. What are the exceptional circumstances for these proposed changes to the Green Belt boundaries?

In response to this question this report sets out where changes to the Green Belt as defined in the Pre-submission Local Plan 2019 have been made. This report also took the opportunity to ensure all proposed changes to the Green Belt in the Pre-submission Local Plan 2019, have been captured and assessed.

The methodology used in the Green Belt Review Part 2 2018 (GB-002) was used for each site in defining the impact that could occur if it was released from the Green Belt.

There are instances on the maps below where GIS layers have been prepared at different scales and do not align entirely, for the purpose of the report these are not considered additional changes to the Green Belt. Once the Plan is adopted, the Council will only amend Green Belt boundaries that have been consulted on and approved by the Council.

The report is set out in five sections and justify how exceptional circumstances exist for the release or addition of sites to the Green Belt, these sections include:

• Consequential changes to the Green Belt as a result of strategic allocations • Educational uses • Previously developed sites • Additional land in the Green Belt • Other minor changes to the Green Belt

Figure 1 highlights the differences between the existing Green Belt boundary and the proposed new boundary. The residential and employment allocations within the Plan have been assessed within the Castle Point Borough Green Belt Review - Part 2 2019 update [GB-004] and this report highlights where changes have been made in addition to this.

Figure 1: Differences from the existing Green belt and the proposed Green Belt

Figure 2 highlights where the proposed strategic allocations, from the Pre-submission Local Plan are in relation to the additional proposed changes as set out in this report.

Figure 2: Strategic allocations and additional proposed changes to the Green Belt

Consequential changes as a result of strategic allocations

The Green Belt Topic Paper 2018 (GB-003) critically examines whether exceptional circumstances exist in Castle Point to release land from the Green Belt for development. It found that in relation to development needs for housing and economic development exceptional circumstances exist to justify the release of the land from the current extent of the Green Belt for development purposes. It concluded that there is a clear, acute need for development, which is affected by inherent constraints on land supply. This in turn is affecting the ability of the Council to achieve more sustainable patterns of development that support economic growth and social outcomes.

The Green Belt Topic Paper 2018 (GB-003) found that there would be harm to the Green Belt arising from development, however this could be limited as there are opportunities to minimise this harm through careful site selection and mitigation including the use of appropriate development densities, the provision of open space at the edge of development, and through high quality design and landscaping. It was considered that it was possible to pass the tests in relation to exceptional circumstances identified in the judgement of Calverton Parish Council v Greater Nottingham Councils [2015] within Castle Point Borough and provide land to deliver the levels of development that meet assessed development needs.

As a result of this assessment a number of potential housing sites were assessed within the Green Belt Review Part 2 2018 (GB-002) and the 2019 update (GB-004) to determine the resultant harm to the Green Belt that would arise as a consequence of development on these sites. These site level assessments informed the allocations identified in the Castle Point Local Plan 2019.

Due to the allocation of sites for housing development purposes within the current extent of the Green Belt, there are a number of pieces of land which are not proposed to form part of the housing allocations, but which will become isolated from the wider Green Belt due to the housing allocations proposed.

Being isolated from the remainder of the Green Belt, these pieces of land will no longer fulfil the purposes of the Green Belt as set out in paragraph 134 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). This part of the assessment looks into the exceptional circumstances that exist for these pieces of land to be removed from the Green Belt consequential to the development of the adjacent land as identified in the Part 2 Green Belt Reviews.

PGB-1 - Hadleigh Fire Station and Essex Auto Group, Hadleigh Size 1.7 hectares Action Removed from Green Belt Reason Site has been built out as a fire station and car dealership and is a consequential loss from Green Belt. It is proposed this is released alongside housing allocation HO13 to the south and east.

PGB-1 Area removed from Green Belt as a consequence of the allocation HO13

Use

The proposed allocation is for out of centre retail, to reflect the existing use in part.

Description of Site

The site is currently occupied by Rayleigh Weir Fire Station, a car dealership and a car park, the eastern boundary of the site is a sparsely wooded area.

Relationship to Surrounding Area

The site is adjacent to the existing urban area with the A129/Rayleigh Road adjacent to the site along the western boundary, residential and commercial buildings lie on the other side of that road. Stadium Way runs along the northern boundary with a Sainsburys supermarket and related car parking on the other side. To the south and east of the site is the strategic allocation policy HO13 – land east of Rayleigh Road, currently these are open green fields, however policy HO13 has been allocated for 455 new homes.

Performance of Relevant Parcel(s) under Part 1 Methodology

The site falls within Parcel 4. A summary of the Green Belt Review 2018 Part 1 assessment as it relates to Parcel 4 follows below:

Purpose 1 – Check Purpose 2 – Prevent Towns Purpose 3 – Safeguard Unrestricted Sprawl from Merging Countryside The Green Belt parcel is The parcel represents the full The topography is rolling with adjacent to New Thundersley, extent of the strategic gap small valleys. It contains areas Daws Heath and Hadleigh. between Thundersley to the of pasture, woodland and There is limited sprawl across west and Daws Heath to the hedgerows with field boundary the northern border where east, as well as Daws Heath trees. The main land use in the commercial development acts and Hadleigh, located to the parcel is agriculture with farms to continue the trading estate south. These strategic gaps at being present in the north and across Stadium Way into the their shortest extent are south of the parcel. There are parcel. There is also ribbon approximately 350m and also stables and a timber yard development along the short 300m respectively, meaning which are not considered to be stretch of Daws Heath Road that significant development inappropriate development in which is in the Green Belt. would act to notably decrease the Green Belt. The industrial However, outside of these the remaining gap between estate on the northern edge is examples, and despite the these urban areas. reasonably well screened and absence of permanent robust set below the high ground in boundaries along much of the views from the south. Whilst extent of the parcel, the parcel there is a small amount of itself is free of built up localised ribbon development, development. As such the the overall perception of this Green Belt is considered to parcel is of agricultural land make a very strong and woods. contribution to this purpose. The parcel has residential development at its north western, eastern and southern boundaries but is considered large enough that it is not specifically influenced by these boundary features. The parcel also links to wider countryside to the north and south west. Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution:

Very Strong Very Strong Very Strong

Is the Parcel in a Strategic Area as defined by Part 1 of the Green Belt Review?

Parcel 4 lies within the Locally Important Strategic Green Belt area of the Daws Heath Ring as defined by Part 1 of the Castle Point Green Belt Review 2018. This Green Belt area encircles the settlement of Daws Heath and has been effective in preventing urban sprawl and therefore preventing the settlement from merging with the surrounding settlements of Hadleigh, Thundersley, Rayleigh and Eastwood.

Degree of Harm of Releasing the Site from the Green Belt

It is assumed that this site will be removed from the Green Belt if the adjacent strategic housing allocation, policy HO13, is found sound. As the degree of harm arising from this has been assessed in the Green Belt Review Part 2, there will be no additional harm arising from the removal of this site from the Green Belt compared to the removal of the allocation. The Green Belt Review Part 2 2018 stated that this site is not considered to have a significant impact on the purposes of the Green Belt as the land is already developed with inappropriate uses and of limited strategic importance.

Impact on Remaining Wider Green Belt

The impact to the wider remaining Green Belt has been assessed in the Green Belt Review Part 2 2018 through policy HO13. As this site would be in isolation to the Green Belt it would therefore not have a greater impact than that already assessed through policy HO13.

Potential Alternative Boundaries within the Proposed Site

Due to the location of this site in relation to policy HO13, Part 2 of the Green Belt Review has assessed the need for alternative boundaries, the removal of this site is a consequence of that.

Options for the Mitigation of Harm on the Green Belt

This site will be isolated from the wider Green Belt; therefore, the relationship has been diminished, and mitigation for harm for this site is not required. Mitigation of harm for the larger HO13 site has been assessed through the Green Belt Review Part 2 2018.

Considering the Green Belt in the Longer Term

Due to the size of this site and the surrounding land, which is proposed for housing, there is no requirement to consider the longer term need for Green Belt in this location.

PGB-2 - Arthur Stevens’ Playing Field, South Benfleet Size 7.4 hectares Action Removed from Green Belt Reason Consequential loss from Green Belt release at site HO9 to the west.

PGB-2 Area removed from Green Belt as a consequence of the allocation

HO9

Use

The current uses are to be retained. The northern field is allotments, the middle field is public open space and the southern feature is utility infrastructure.

Description of Site

The site is made up of an allotment to the north, open public space in the centre of the site and a reservoir to the south.

Relationship to Surrounding Area

The western and southern boundaries run parallel to the proposed strategic allocation in HO9 – Land west of Benfleet in the draft Castle Point Local Plan. This site is allocated for 850 new homes and associated community facilities and infrastructure. To the north and east of the site is a built-up residential area and associated residential roads.

Performance of Relevant Parcel(s) under Part 1 Methodology

The proposed site is fully located within Parcel 10b. A summary of the Green Belt Review 2018 Part 1 assessment as it relates to Parcel 10b follows below:

Purpose 1 – Check Purpose 2 – Prevent Towns Purpose 3 – Safeguard Unrestricted Sprawl from Merging Countryside The parcel is adjacent to The parcel represents a small The area generally provides an curtilages associated with proportion of the total edge to the housing areas and South Benfleet along the strategic gap of approximately a landscape corridor beside entirety of the eastern 550m between South Benfleet the A130. The topography is boundary. Although this and North Benfleet. It is undulating with a long slope boundary is not considered to considered that there is no down toward the estuary and be strong and robust, there inter-visibility between South primarily takes the form of has been no urban sprawl into Benfleet and North Benfleet, pasture used as fields for the area. with multiple lanes and slip horses. The only built roads of the A130 providing a development within the parcel robust barrier between the is a collection of buildings two urban areas. primarily in agricultural use towards the south, although some of these incorporate commercial uses, as well as a reservoir in the central portion. However, the parcel is a relatively narrow strip of land and is considered to be influenced by residential development to the east and the A130 to the west, although not to the same degree as Parcel 10a to the north which is narrower still. The parcel is assessed as being cut off from the wider countryside by this peripheral development. Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution:

Very Strong Minor Moderate

Is the Parcel in a Strategic Area as defined by Part 1 of the Green Belt Review?

Parcel 10b is not defined as a Strategic Area in Part 1 of the Green Belt Review.

Degree of Harm of Releasing the Site from the Green Belt

It is assumed that this site will be removed from the Green Belt if the adjacent strategic housing allocation, policy HO9, is found sound. As the degree of harm arising from this has been assessed in the Green Belt Review Part 2, there will be no additional harm arising from the removal of this site from the Green Belt compared to the removal of the allocation.

Impact on Remaining Wider Green Belt

The impact to the wider remaining Green Belt has been assessed in the Green Belt Review Part 2 2018 through policy HO9. As this site would be in isolation to the Green Belt it would therefore not have a greater impact than that already assessed through policy HO9.

Potential Alternative Boundaries within the Proposed Site

Due to the location of this site in relation to policy HO9, Part 2 of the Green Belt Review has assessed the need for alternative boundaries, the removal of this site is a consequence of that.

Options for the Mitigation of Harm on the Green Belt

This site will be isolated from the wider Green Belt; therefore, the relationship has been diminished, and mitigation for harm for this site is not required. Mitigation of harm for the larger HO9 site has been assessed through the Green Belt Review Part 2 2018.

Considering the Green Belt in the Longer Term

Due to the size of this site and the proposals for the surrounding land, there is no requirement to consider the longer term need for Green Belt in this location.

PGB-3 – Land adjacent to policy HO11 Size 0.5 hectares Action Removed from Green Belt Reason Consequential loss from Green Belt release at site HO11.

PGB-3 Area removed from Green Belt as a consequence of the allocation HO11

Use

The site is proposed to be removed from the Green Belt and be retained as residential gardens.

Description of Site

This site is narrow parcel of land made up of mature trees and shrubs that make up the rear of residential gardens.

Relationship to Surrounding Area

The south and west of the site are residential areas with mature trees and shrubs, the north of the site is the boundary for strategic allocation policy HO11 in the draft Castle Point Local Plan, this

13 policy allocates for 30 new homes. Directly to the east of this site is the Benfleet Downs Nature Reserve and Benfleet and Southend Marshes SSSI, this comprises mature trees and shrubs.

Performance of Relevant Parcel(s) under Part 1 Methodology

The proposed site is fully located within Parcel 16. A summary of the Green Belt Review 2018 Part 1 assessment as it relates to Parcel 16 follows below:

Purpose 1 – Check Purpose 2 – Prevent Towns Purpose 3 – Safeguard Unrestricted Sprawl from Merging Countryside The northern boundary is The parcel lies between South The topography is undulating adjacent to ribbon Benfleet and Hadleigh and and slopes down towards the development emanating from represents the only parcel in estuary. The parcel comprises Hadleigh whilst the western the strategic gap at this of arable land, pasture, boundary is adjacent to South location. Although the current woodland and scrub. The Benfleet. Both boundaries take strategic gap is small in those landscape is relatively the form of residential areas close to the ribbon enclosed by woodland and curtilages and are therefore development, due to the large hedges and hedgerow trees. not considered to be robust. amount of screening offered The parcel is adjacent to two Sprawl has however been by existing woodland and urban settlements and resisted across the western other vegetation in the parcel although there has been boundary but this is not the there is no inter-visibility residential sprawl into the case at the northern boundary, between most of South parcel, these dwellings are where a number of large Benfleet and Hadleigh. very well screened. A B road properties have been However, due to the sloping runs through part of the parcel developed inside the parcel. topography, there is visibility but due to the size of the Many of the properties that of properties along Essex Way parcel this does not act to have sprawled into the Green on the eastern edge of South significantly detract from its Belt have large residential Benfleet from the ribbon rural nature. The properties to curtilages, but the fact that development emanating from the north overlook the parcel they are in the Green Belt acts Hadleigh. Development of but are well set back from the to limit their further parcel 16 would act to parcel edge. Given the size of development. significantly impact on the the parcel it is not influenced physical degree and by the residential perception of merge between development along its western the two areas. As such the boundary. Coupled with the parcel is considered to very relative lack of development, strongly contribute to the overriding characteristic of preventing neighbouring the parcel is of countryside, towns from merging. and it contains strong links to further countryside to the east and south. Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution:

Strong Very Strong Very Strong

Is the Parcel in a Strategic Area as defined by Part 1 of the Green Belt Review?

Parcel 16 lies within the Locally Important Strategic Green Belt area of the Central Corridor as defined by Part 1 of the Castle Point Green Belt Review 2018. These parcels of Green Belt serve to restrict the settlements of South Benfleet and Thundersley from merging and also create a connection between the northern Green Belt parcels within the borough to those in the south.

Degree of Harm of Releasing the Site from the Green Belt

It is assumed that this site will be removed from the Green Belt if the adjacent strategic housing allocation, policy HO11, is found sound. The degree of harm arising from this has been assessed in the Green Belt Review Part 2, due to the size and shape of the site, which are part of residential gardens there will be no additional harm arising from the removal of this site from the Green Belt compared to the removal of the allocation.

Impact on Remaining Wider Green Belt

The impact to the wider remaining Green Belt has been assessed in the Green Belt Review Part 2 2018 through policy HO11. This site would not have further impact to the remaining wider Green Belt due to its location to HO11.

Potential Alternative Boundaries within the Proposed Site

Due to the location of this site in relation to policy HO11, Part 2 of the Green Belt Review has assessed the need for alternative boundaries, the removal of this site is a consequence of that in creating a robust logical boundary from north to south.

Options for the Mitigation of Harm on the Green Belt

This site will be isolated from the wider Green Belt on three edges, the retention of mature trees within this site would maintain a natural screening to the Green Belt to the east. Mitigation of the wider harm for the larger HO11 site has been assessed through the Green Belt Review Part 2 2018.

Considering the Green Belt in the Longer Term

Due to the size of this site and the surrounding land, which is proposed for housing, there is no requirement to consider the longer term need for Green Belt in this location.

PGB-4 – Land adjacent to policy HO24 Size 1.5 hectares Action Removed from Green Belt Reason Consequential loss from Green Belt release at site HO24.

PGB-4 Area removed from Green Belt as a consequence of the allocation HO24

Use

Retain uses as existing residential and museum (the Dutch Cottage).

Description of Site

This site is formed of multiple uses on the outskirt of strategic allocation policy HO24 – Land west of Canvey Road in the draft Castle Point Local Plan for 196 new homes. The existing uses includes commercial storage facility to the south, the Grade Listed Dutch Cottage to the east along with a car dealership.

Relationship to Surrounding Area

The site is bounded by busy roads, including Canvey Road to the east, Northwick Road to the south and Roscommon Way to the north and west. Further residential areas can be found to the east, commercial areas to the south and West Canvey Marshes and open land to the west.

Performance of Relevant Parcel(s) under Part 1 Methodology

The proposed site is fully located within Parcel 23. A summary of the Green Belt Review 2018 Part 1 assessment as it relates to Parcel 23 follows below:

Purpose 1 – Check Purpose 2 – Prevent Towns Purpose 3 – Safeguard Unrestricted Sprawl from Merging Countryside A small proportion of the The parcel forms the strategic The parcel is generally very Green Belt parcel borders the gap between South Benfleet flat, open, rough grassland. It west of Canvey Island. The and Canvey Island in is generally without hedges border takes the form of the conjunction with Parcel 22, and is therefore an expansive A130 and is therefore and forms the majority of that landscape. The area is considered to be robust. gap. At the shortest point generally all within a local However, there has been between the two settlements, wildlife site and most is limited residential and Parcel 23 accounts for managed as an RSPB reserve. commercial development over approximately 1300m of the There is a visitors’ carpark, the A130 although this is approximate 1800m total gap. linked to footpaths across the relatively well connected to However, Parcel 22 also site. The flat, open character the settlement outside of the constitutes a strong boundary means that higher features Green Belt. Development in between the two settlements beyond the area are this area is contained more meaning that this parcel noticeable, although they are effectively by Roscommon makes a moderate generally fairly distant, such as Way. There is limited sprawl contribution to this purpose. higher land to the north, traffic along Northwick Road which on Canvey Way, Pitsea landfill makes up the southern and the former oil refinery. boundary amounting to a Whilst there is also some built sewage works and commercial development around the development. This sprawl is margins of the parcel, this however extremely limited in does not impact significantly the context of the whole on the parcel, with the parcel and as such a very overwhelming character being strong contribution against of open countryside. this purpose is assessed. Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution:

Very Strong Moderate Very Strong

Is the Parcel in a Strategic Area as defined by Part 1 of the Green Belt Review?

Parcel 23 lies within the Locally Important Strategic Green Belt area of Canvey Island as defined by Part 1 of the Castle Point Green Belt Review 2018. The Green Belt on Canvey Island effectively prevents the urban settlement from expanding to the extent of the coastal wall or urban encroachment disrupting the ecological value and landscape character of the west of the island.

Degree of Harm of Releasing the Site from the Green Belt

The uses within this site already exist. There is therefore limited harm to the Green Belt arising from these potential amendments to the Green Belt boundary in their own right. However, it is assumed that this site will be removed from the Green Belt if the adjacent strategic housing allocation, policy HO24, is found sound. As the degree of harm arising from this has been assessed in the Green Belt Review Part 2, there will be no additional harm arising from the removal of this site from the Green Belt compared to the removal of the allocation.

Impact on Remaining Wider Green Belt

The impact to the wider remaining Green Belt has been assessed in the Green Belt Review Part 2 2018 through policy HO24. As this site would be in isolation to the Green Belt it would therefore not have a greater impact than that already assessed through policy HO9.

Potential Alternative Boundaries within the Proposed Site

Due to the location of this site in relation to policy HO24 and the logical Green Belt boundary from the existing road network around this site and the wider HO24 policy, Part 2 of the Green Belt Review has assessed the need for alternative boundaries, the removal of this site is a consequence of that.

Options for the Mitigation of Harm on the Green Belt

This site will be isolated from the wider Green Belt; therefore, the relationship has been diminished, and mitigation for harm for this site is not required. Mitigation of harm for the larger HO9 site has been assessed through the Green Belt Review Part 2 2018.

Considering the Green Belt in the Longer Term

Due to the size of this site, the uses currently within this site and the surrounding land, which is proposed for housing, there is no requirement to consider the longer term need for Green Belt in this location.

PGB-5 – Land adjacent to policy HO13 Size 2 hectares Action Removed from Green Belt Reason Consequential loss from Green Belt release at site HO13.

PGB-5 Area removed from Green Belt as a consequence of the allocation HO13

Use

To retain as residential land and the existing highways.

Description of Site

The site includes residential gardens and part of Daws Heath Road.

Relationship to Surrounding Area

The site falls to the south of strategic allocation policy HO13 – Land east of Rayleigh Road in the draft Castle Point Local Plan for 455 new homes. The south of the site includes residential dwellings on the frontage of Daws Heath Road as well as green fields to the south which extend into West Wood Ancient Woodland.

Performance of Relevant Parcel(s) under Part 1 Methodology

The proposed site is fully located within Parcel 4. A summary of the Green Belt Review 2018 Part 1 assessment as it relates to Parcel 4 follows below:

Very Strong Very Strong Very Strong

Is the Parcel in a Strategic Area as defined by Part 1 of the Green Belt Review?

Degree of Harm of Releasing the Site from the Green Belt

Impact on Remaining Wider Green Belt

Potential Alternative Boundaries within the Proposed Site

Due to the location of this site in relation to policy HO13, Part 2 of the Green Belt Review has assessed the need for alternative boundaries, the removal of this site is a consequence of that.

Options for the Mitigation of Harm on the Green Belt

Considering the Green Belt in the Longer Term

PGB-6 - Kent’s Hill Infants and Junior School & Holy Family Catholic School, Benfleet Size 4.2 hectares Action Removed from Green Belt Reason Site HO10 is to the west of this site and the Green Belt release is a consequential change to the residential allocation. Additionally, the re-designation of Kent’s Hill Infants and Junior School & Holy Family Catholic School and playing fields as a community facility and playing fields associated with educational facilities allows more flexibility for necessary school-related development to support the school.

PGB-6 Area removed from Green Belt as a consequence of the allocation HO10

Use

Retention of the existing community uses and playing fields associated with education facilities.

Description of Site

The site is made up of two primary schools, Holy Family Catholic School to the north and Kents Hill Junior and Infants School to the south. Open playing fields are within the centre of the site and connect the two schools. Both schools have hard playgrounds immediately adjacent to the buildings.

Relationship to Surrounding Area

This site is bounded by residential development to the north, west, south and south-east. Bowers Road runs along the northern boundary and Kents Hill Road runs along the western boundary. The eastern boundary includes Felstead Road and the strategic allocation in the draft Castle Point Local Plan policy HO10 Land between Felstead Road and Catherine Road.

Policy HO10 is allocated for 89 new dwellings and is currently includes heavily wooded areas and some residential development.

Performance of Relevant Parcel(s) under Part 1 Methodology

The proposed site is fully located within Parcel 3b. A summary of the Green Belt Review 2018 Part 1 assessment as it relates to Parcel 3b follows below:

Purpose 1 – Check Purpose 2 – Prevent Towns Purpose 3 – Safeguard Unrestricted Sprawl from Merging Countryside The parcel contains urban The parcel comprises of the The parcel contains a sprawl from both Thundersley entire gap between South significant degree of and South Benfleet. Sprawl is Benfleet and Thundersley. The residential development present along most of the wooded areas mean that there which, although sporadic, is northern boundary, with is limited visibility within the present across the entirety of sporadic housing contained parcel and its development the parcel and is considered to within much of the east and would lead to actual be inappropriate development south of the parcel, and coalescence between these in the Green Belt. Although housing at greater densities two urban areas. The parcel areas are wooded, the associated with roads cutting already contains low density overriding character of this through the northern and residential development parcel is assessed as being southern boundaries, across the entire parcel, with semi-urban as there is no clear particularly in the north the density increasing in the demarcation between the eastern portion. As such the north east. Removing this urban settlement and the parcel lacks a strongly defined parcel from the Green Belt parcel. It is noted that parts of edge between the built up could potentially result in a the parcel are nonetheless area and the parcel. Although continuation of the densities undeveloped and help to form there are a number of roads of development in the north a corridor of countryside that could act as an alternative east, whilst also threatening linking that to the north to the and more robust Green Belt the wooded areas which act to countryside to the south. This boundary, due to the fact that screen the development which linkage is however fractured development is located already exits within this parcel which also throughout the parcel, none of has an impact on the degree of these boundaries would result contribution this parcel makes in a more natural fit for the to this Purpose. Green Belt. Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution:

Moderate Very Strong Minor

Is the Parcel in a Strategic Area as defined by Part 1 of the Green Belt Review?

Parcel 3b lies within the Locally Important Strategic Green Belt area of the Central Corridor as defined by Part 1 of the Castle Point Green Belt Review 2018. These parcels of Green Belt serve to restrict the settlements of South Benfleet and Thundersley from merging and also create a connection between the northern Green Belt parcels within the borough to those in the south.

Degree of Harm of Releasing the Site from the Green Belt

It is assumed that this site will be removed from the Green Belt if the adjacent strategic housing allocation, policy HO10, is found sound. As the degree of harm arising from this has been assessed in the Green Belt Review Part 2, there will be no additional harm arising from the removal of this site from the Green Belt compared to the removal of the allocation.

Impact on Remaining Wider Green Belt

The impact to the wider remaining Green Belt has been assessed in the Green Belt Review Part 2 2018 through policy HO10. As this site would be in isolation to the Green Belt it would therefore not have a greater impact than that already assessed through policy HO10.

Potential Alternative Boundaries within the Proposed Site

Due to the location of this site in relation to policy HO10, Part 2 of the Green Belt Review has assessed the need for alternative boundaries at a wider scale, the removal of this site is a consequence of that. If policy HO10 was not to be found sound, there remains a case for removing this site from the Green Belt to allow flexibility around the adaptation of facilities at these sites. Both schools are adjacent to the existing built up area, which would minimise harm.

Options for the Mitigation of Harm on the Green Belt

This site will be isolated from the wider Green Belt; therefore, the relationship has been diminished, and mitigation for harm for this site is not required. Mitigation of harm for the larger HO10 site has been assessed through the Green Belt Review Part 2 2018.

Considering the Green Belt in the Longer Term

PGB-7 - Thundersley Primary School, Cedar Hall School and land surrounding site HO20 Size 4.9 hectares Action Removed from Green Belt Reason Consequential loss from Green Belt release at site HO20.

HO13

3 1 1 1 3 2 PGB-9

HO20 2 2

2 2

PGB-7 – areas numbered are defined as: 1- Area removed from Green Belt as a consequence of the allocation HO20 and retained for educational purposes 2- Area removed from Green Belt as a consequence of the allocation HO20 and retained as existing residential 3- Area removed from Green Belt and aligned along Rayleigh Road/A129, PGB-9 on the eastern side of Rayleigh Road/ A129 further isolates this area

Use

The retention of existing uses including community facilities, playing fields associated with education uses and residential areas.

Description of Site

There are multiple sites along the boundary of the strategic allocation. This includes residential homes and gardens, Thundersley Primary School to the north west and Cedar Hall School to the north east.

Relationship to Surrounding Area

The entirety of the site is made up of residential areas and community facilities, including the Council Offices and USP College to the south west. The sites are spread around strategic housing allocation HO20, which is allocated for 350 new homes in the draft Local Plan.

Performance of Relevant Parcel(s) under Part 1 Methodology

The proposed site is fully located within Parcel 6. A summary of the Green Belt Review 2018 Part 1 assessment as it relates to Parcel 6 follows below:

Purpose 1 – Check Purpose 2 – Prevent Towns Purpose 3 – Safeguard Unrestricted Sprawl from Merging Countryside The northern, western and The parcel is almost entirely The topography is gently southern boundaries are encircled by Thundersley, such sloping and the landscape is adjacent to Thundersley whilst that its development would enclosed and the south eastern boundary is represent infilling of land compartmentalised with a adjacent to Hadleigh. Much of within Thundersley, apart from variety of land uses. The these boundaries are formed the south eastern boundary landscape includes woodland, by residential curtilages and which is adjacent to Hadleigh. pasture, with hedgerows and are therefore not considered However, it is assessed that grassed areas for formal and to be particularly robust. the parcel does not contribute informal recreation. However, Nonetheless, high density to this purpose as the strategic there are plotland residential development has gap between Thundersley and developments across much of been resisted across all of the Hadleigh is comprised of a the centre of the parcel which parcel. There is however a school, playing fields and a amount to inappropriate small ribbon development leisure centre and as such is development and a semi-rural along the A129 which cuts already largely developed. perception through the main through the parcel on the Further, there has already routes across the parcel, whilst eastern side, and further been a significant degree of the eastern portion contains a ribbon development taking the merge between Thundersley school and a leisure facility form of residential dwellings and Hadleigh in proximity to and displays no countryside along The Chase and other the parcel, with all of the character. The parcel is roads that come off The Chase undeveloped land within the surrounded by residential or in the centre of the parcel. parcel being within other built development Much of the parcel is Thundersley. uncharacteristic to a rural comprised of residential location across the entire dwellings and their curtilages, length of its boundary which a school and associated uses normally would create a as well as a leisure centre and perception of this parcel being therefore there is a lack of a in the countryside. The parcel strongly defined edge between is also poorly related to the the built-up area and the wider countryside system. parcel. Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution:

Moderate None Minor

Is the Parcel in a Strategic Area as defined by Part 1 of the Green Belt Review?

Parcel 6 is not defined as a Strategic Area in Part 1 of the Green Belt Review.

Degree of Harm of Releasing the Site from the Green Belt

It is assumed that these parcels of land will be removed from the Green Belt if the adjacent strategic housing allocation, policy HO20, is found sound. As the degree of harm arising from this has been assessed in the Green Belt Review Part 2, there will be no additional harm arising from the removal of the surrounding parcels of land from the Green Belt compared to the removal of the allocation. The Part 2 Review recommended removing the schools from the Green Belt and aligning the boundary to the A129 to create a robust boundary.

Impact on Remaining Wider Green Belt

The impact to the wider remaining Green Belt has been assessed in the Green Belt Review Part 2 2018 through policy HO20. As this site would be in isolation to the Green Belt it would therefore not have a greater impact than that already assessed through policy HO10.

Potential Alternative Boundaries within the Proposed Site

Due to the location of the parcels of land in comparison to policy HO20, Part 2 of the Green Belt Review has assessed the need for alternative boundaries at a wider scale, the removal of these sites is a consequence of that. If policy HO20 was not to be found sound, there remains a case for removing the school sites from the Green Belt to allow flexibility around the adaptation of facilities at these sites. Both schools are adjacent to the existing built up area, which would minimise harm.

Options for the Mitigation of Harm on the Green Belt

The parcels of land identified will be isolated from the wider Green Belt; therefore, the relationship has been diminished, and mitigation for harm for this site is not required. Mitigation of harm for the larger HO20 site has been assessed through the Green Belt Review Part 2 2018.

Considering the Green Belt in the Longer Term

Due to the sizes of the parcels of land, the uses currently within this site and the surrounding land, which is proposed for housing, there is no requirement to consider the longer term need for Green Belt in this location.

Educational Uses

There are a number of educational facilities within the Green Belt in Castle Point. Due to the restrictive nature of Green Belt policy, certain development that would aid in supporting critical education functions have in the past been subject to Green Belt policy. The Council believe that in order to allow suitable development at educational facilities within the borough, re-designating educational facilities to community facilities would allow necessary reconfiguration or development at these establishments to facilitate local needs as required. As per paragraph 139 in the NPPF, this enables the Council to meet identified requirements for sustainable development in the area by allowing such facilities to be updated in accordance with local needs. The Council believes that exceptional circumstances therefore exist in the education facilities below to meet sustainable development needs in the borough.

The playing fields associated with the educational facilities create robust Green Belt boundaries and allow for expansion of community facilities if required. By designating playing fields as playing fields associated with educational uses, this adds protection to these areas longer term.

PGB-8 - Land at USP Canvey College Campus and the former Castle View School, Canvey Island Size 5.7 hectares Action Removed from Green Belt Reason The majority of the site has been built out for educational uses, the site has been designated as community facilities and playing fields associated with educational uses.

PGB-8 Area removed from Green Belt to be retained as community uses and playing fields associated with educational uses Proposed use

This site is proposed to be designated as community facilities to the south and maintaining the openness of the land to the north, this is proposed to be designated and retained as playing fields associated with educational uses. These uses exist on the site currently.

Description of Site

The south of this site is developed and includes USP Canvey College Campus and the former Castle View School. The northern half of the site is a sport playing field. There is a playground in the south east and a small area of green land.

Relationship to Surrounding Area

To the west of the site is residential development. To the south is Central Wall Road, beyond this is a further residential area. Along the northern and eastern boundary is a ditch, beyond this is Green Belt, made up of a golf course.

Performance of Relevant Parcel(s) under Part 1 Methodology

The proposed site is fully located within Parcel 24. A summary of the Green Belt Review 2018 Part 1 assessment as it relates to Parcel 24 follows below:

Purpose 1 – Check Purpose 2 – Prevent Towns Purpose 3 – Safeguard Unrestricted Sprawl from Merging Countryside The boundary is adjacent to A significant proportion of the This parcel has generally been the northern extent of Canvey southern boundary is adjacent taken over by various sporting Island along a significant to Canvey Island. The parcel uses. The largest of these is a proportion of its southern forms approximately 500m of golf course, which runs along boundary. This boundary takes the total approximate 1200m the whole length of the parcel the form of residential of the strategic gap between at the north, from east to curtilages for the most part South Benfleet and Canvey west. On the western half of and is therefore not Island, and there is the parcel, the golf course considered to be a robust intervisibility between the occupies the part to the north boundary. However, the only two. There is however a strong of the B1014, while the part to evidence of inappropriate boundary to any physical the south of this road is development across this merge as a result of Benfleet occupied by a sports centre. At boundary is the Canvey Skills Creek in Parcel 22. the south-east of the parcel is Campus, which in the context a smaller area occupied by a of the wider parcel is rugby club, and a small area considered to be isolated managed for nature development and relatively conservation, containing a well located in relation to the creek. The north-west corner settlement. As such a very of the parcel is occupied by strong contribution is waste management and an assessed. associated depot and buildings together with some allotments. There is also a Skills Campus in the eastern portion. Despite these latter developments, the vast majority of the parcel is in recreational use, which is permissible in the Green Belt. However, the presence of the waste facility and leisure centre is assessed as detracting from countryside character and there is a residential influence to the south, although this is

tempered by the fact that the parcel contains a strong linkage with the wider countryside to the north. Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution:

Very Strong Minor Moderate

Is the Parcel in a Strategic Area as defined by Part 1 of the Green Belt Review?

Parcel 24 lies within the Locally Important Strategic Green Belt area of Canvey Island as defined by Part 1 of the Castle Point Green Belt Review 2018. The Green Belt on Canvey Island effectively prevents the urban settlement from expanding to the extent of the coastal wall or urban encroachment disrupting the ecological value and landscape character of the west of the island.

Degree of Harm of Releasing the Site from the Green Belt

Purpose 1 – Check Purpose 2 – Prevent Towns Purpose 3 – Safeguard Unrestricted Sprawl from Merging Countryside The existing built up area does This site makes up a small The site and the immediate not have a strongly defined proportion of Parcel 24 and surrounds to the west and edge, as the south of the site therefore the impact would be south are urban in appearance has large urban buildings, minimal on encroachment such that this has a significant sprawl has already occurred in towards the sea wall. The impact on the perception of this location. The Part 1 nearest town is Hadleigh the site not being in the Review concluded that the which is separated from the countryside. Canvey Skills Campus was the large creek and country park, only inappropriate this site therefore makes a The immediate surrounds to development within the Parcel minimal contribution from the north and east however, and was well located adjacent preventing towns from are open and this impacts the to the existing settlement. merging together. perception of the site being within the countryside. As the The north of the site is open The proposed uses of this site proposed designations within playing fields and therefore would mean that the urban the site are unlikely to change could contribute to sprawl if setting and open playing fields the makeup of the existing released from the Green Belt, would remain as it currently is. urban fabric, the site will however as the proposed use This again reiterates the therefore maintain the is for playing fields associated minimal impact of releasing perception of openness to the with education uses, it adds this site from the Green Belt. countryside to the north and protection to this part of the east of the site. land, preventing unrestricted sprawl. The ditch that runs along the north and east of the boundary also constitutes a logical boundary line that would prevent unrestricted sprawl.

Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution:

Minor Minor Moderate

Impact on Remaining Wider Green Belt

Parcel 24 lies within the Locally Important Strategic Green Belt area of Canvey Island as defined by Part 1 of the Castle Point Green Belt Review 2018. However, release of this site from the Green Belt would not significantly impact on the strategic function of the wider Canvey Island Green Belt as the width of the strategic gap which renders the parcels identified within the Central Corridor as performing a specific strategic function is already narrower in other parts of Parcel 24. Release of this site from Green Belt would have a limited impact to the wider Green Belt, as the proposed uses would remain the same and would be designated as community facilities and playing fields associated with education uses, adding further protection limiting the ability to develop the site.

Potential Alternative Boundaries within the Proposed Site

The proposed site boundary follows the existing field boundary and runs alongside a drainage ditch and therefore represents a suitable, defensible Green Belt boundary. There is potential to realign the boundary around the community uses to the south and maintaining the openness of the playing fields to the north of the site.

Options for the Mitigation of Harm on the Green Belt

Retaining the playing pitches to the north of the site would preserve the openness of the Green Belt, this is in keeping with the proposal to designate the site as playing pitches associated with education uses.

Considering the Green Belt in the Longer Term

Release of this site from the Green Belt would provide the opportunity to realign the Green Belt boundary to a more robust edge alongside the existing field boundary and the ditch to the north and east of the site. As this site provides a defensible Green Belt boundary it does not offer a significant opportunity to consider a wider Green Belt release to provide land that could be safeguarded for future housing development beyond the proposed plan period of the emerging Local Plan.

PGB-9 - Deanes School and Virgin Active, Hadleigh Size 14 hectares Action Removed from Green Belt Reason The Virgin Active site has been built out. The Deanes School and playing fields have been re-designated as a community facility and playing fields associated with educational facilities, to allow more flexibility for necessary school-related development to support the school.

HO13

HO20

PGB-9 (east of Rayleigh Road/A129) Area removed from Green Belt to be retained as community uses and playing fields associated with

educational uses

Proposed use

The Deanes School and associated buildings as well as the Virgin Active Leisure Centre are proposed to be designated as community facilities and the school playing fields to be designated as playing fields associated with educational uses. These uses already exist on the site.

Description of Site

The Deanes School is a secondary school made up of multiple two-story blocks with associated car parking. There are large school playing fields including hard courts. To the south west of the school playing fields is the Virgin Active Leisure Centre which is two storey-block surrounded by car parking.

Relationship to Surrounding Area

The A129 runs along the western boundary of the site, the A129 is a busy residential road. Residential gardens back onto the site to the north, west and south of the site. West Wood Ancient Woodland runs along the entirety of the eastern boundary.

Performance of Relevant Parcel(s) under Part 1 Methodology

The proposed site is fully located within Parcel 6. A summary of the Green Belt Review 2018 Part 1 assessment as it relates to Parcel 6 follows below:

Moderate None Minor

Is the Parcel in a Strategic Area as defined by Part 1 of the Green Belt Review?

Parcel 6 is not defined as a Strategic Area in Part 1 of the Green Belt Review.

Degree of Harm of Releasing the Site from the Green Belt

Purpose 1 – Check Purpose 2 – Prevent Towns Purpose 3 – Safeguard Unrestricted Sprawl from Merging Countryside The existing built up area Parcel 6 is not considered to The site is only partially visible adjacent to this site does not fall within a Strategic Area as from the A129 which reduces have a robust boundary, the defined by the Green Belt the perception that is in the site has the potential to create Review Part 1. The parcel is countryside. There is a limited a logical boundary to the east isolated and would act as break in the urban form along along the boundary of West infilling to Thundersley. Due to the A129 that looks across the Wood. the natural boundary of West playing fields, this view does Wood, this creates a visual give a sense of countryside, The proposed uses on this site distinction between the towns however due to the urban limits the ability to develop of Thundersley and Daws surroundings this is and contribute to urban sprawl Heath, therefore removal of significantly reduced. in this location. The majority of this site from the Green Belt the site would remain open. would make a minor contribution to Daws Heath and Thundersley from merging.

Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution:

Moderate Minor Minor

Impact on Remaining Wider Green Belt

The removal of this site from the Green Belt and in combination with the assessment of site policy HO20 in Part 2 of the Green Belt Review, would remove Parcel 6 entirely from the Green Belt. Compared to other parcels, this had the weakest contribution to the Green Belt. The location of West Wood which is a visual barrier between settlements creates a robust Green Belt boundary.

It should also be noted that the Deanes School is in a sustainable location, that provides multiple leisure and sporting activities for the wider community, it has been identified as a potential location to expand community and sport uses, such as a full size 3G Artificial Grass Pitch through the Local Football Facilities Plan. Such a facility on this field could increase the perception of urbanisation within this locality, despite this use being compatible with the Green Belt.

Potential Alternative Boundaries within the Proposed Site

No alternative boundary is deemed suitable or as robust as West Wood, however it is recognised that due to the exceptional circumstances to release the school site from the Green Belt to allow for flexibility of school facilities, the northern part of the site could be an alternative boundary around the existing school buildings. Consideration would need to be given in this instance as to the extent of the southern boundary, as the Virgin Active building significantly erodes the openness of this parcel to the south.

Options for the Mitigation of Harm on the Green Belt

The playing fields on The Deanes School ground should remain as it creates a degree of openness which leads to the edge of the Green Belt.

Considering the Green Belt in the Longer Term

Release of this site from the Green Belt would provide the opportunity to realign the Green Belt boundary to a robust edge alongside the existing field boundary and West Wood to the east of the site. As this site provides a defensible Green Belt boundary it does not offer a significant opportunity to consider a wider Green Belt release to provide land that could be safeguarded for future housing development beyond the proposed plan period of the emerging Local Plan.

PGB-10 - Glenwood School, Benfleet Size 9.4 hectares Action Removed from Green Belt Reason The Glenwood and Montgomerie Schools and playing fields have been re- designated as a community facility and playing fields associated with educational facilities, to allow more flexibility for necessary school-related development to support the school. Site HO19 is to the south of this site and the Green Belt release is also a consequential change to the residential allocation.

PGB-10 Northern area removed from Green Belt for a more robust Green Belt boundary along the A130

HO19

PGB-10 Southern area removed from Green Belt for community uses to function as a school and playing fields associated with educational uses

Proposed use

The proposed use of this site is for community facilities, playing pitches associated with education uses and utility infrastructure. These already substantially occupy this site.

Description of Site

This site has three main character areas. Firstly, the Glenwood School and Montgomerie Primary School which are both in the southern portion of the site. Along with both schools are playing pitches associated with educational use, these are open green fields. To the north is utility infrastructure this is largely green open land with mature trees and shrubs.

Relationship to Surrounding Area

The A130 runs along the western boundary of the site which cures to the north. To the south is the northern boundary of strategic allocation policy HO19 – Land at Glebelands in the draft Castle Point Local Plan, this is allocated for 155 new homes. Adjacent to policy HO19 is a residential area which runs along the entirety of the eastern boundary of the site.

Performance of Relevant Parcel(s) under Part 1 Methodology

The proposed site is fully located within Parcel 10a. A summary of the Green Belt Review 2018 Part 1 assessment as it relates to Parcel 10a follows below:

Purpose 1 – Check Purpose 2 – Prevent Towns Purpose 3 – Safeguard Unrestricted Sprawl from Merging Countryside The entirety of the eastern The parcel represents The area generally provides an boundary follows the western approximately 100m of the edge to the housing areas and edge of South Benfeet. In the total strategic gap of 500m a landscape corridor beside north west it follows the path between South Benfleet and the A130. The parcel is a of Rushbottom Lane which is North Benfleet. It is considered relatively narrow strip of land considered to be a permanent that there is no inter-visibility and is considered to be boundary but a significant between South Benfleet and strongly influenced by proportion of the parcel North Benfleet, with the A130 residential development to the boundary takes the form of forming a strong permanent east and the A130 to the west. residential curtilages. boundary. The parcel is cut off from the Nonetheless, there is very little wider countryside by these built development within the features and also contains a parcel, with the sum of the school in the north which is development taking the form uncharacteristic of the of a school and associated countryside and relatively buildings in the north of the prominent given the size and parcel, and a small collection configuration of the parcel. of dwellings at the pinchpoint by the A130. This amount of sprawl is assessed as minor in the context of the level of urban development across the eastern boundary. Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution:

Very Strong Minor Minor

Is the Parcel in a Strategic Area as defined by Part 1 of the Green Belt Review?

Parcel 10a is not defined as a Strategic Area in Part 1 of the Green Belt Review.

Degree of Harm of Releasing the Site from the Green Belt

Purpose 1 – Check Purpose 2 – Prevent Towns Purpose 3 – Safeguard Unrestricted Sprawl from Merging Countryside The proposed uses limit the The parcel represents a small The site is cut off from the opportunity for sprawl and part of the strategic gap wider countryside by the A130 given the location of the A130 between South Benfleet and and Green Belt release would to the west of the site, this North Benfleet. It is however amount to the infilling of a acts as a barrier to any considered that there is no relatively narrow strip of land development and would inter-visibility between South in between South Benfleet and prevent sprawl. Benfleet and North Benfleet, the A130. and the A130 would form a strong barrier to any further expansion and resultant reduction of that gap.

Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution:

Minor Minor Minor

Impact on Remaining Wider Green Belt

This site would act to reduce the amount of Green Belt land between North Benfleet and South Benfleet but the A130 acts as a physical boundary feature which runs through the Green Belt in this area. It is considered that the removal of this site from the Green Belt would not have a significant impact on the wider Green Belt system. The Green Belt boundary at this locality would be realigned away from residential curtilage to the more robust boundary feature of the A130.

The Green Belt Review Part 2 2018 recognised the robustness of the A130 as a Green Belt boundary and recommended an amended boundary including this site to be removed from the Green Belt.

Potential Alternative Boundaries within the Proposed Site

The site comprises of open playing fields and scrubland and therefore does not contain any robust boundary that would represent a logical realignment of the Green Belt.

Options for the Mitigation of Harm on the Green Belt

The introduction of landscaping and mature trees would create the perception that this part of the A130 is cutting across a rural area. This also has the potential to ameliorate noise from the A130.

Considering the Green Belt in the Longer Term

There are no other boundaries in this area which offer the potential to form an alternative, robust Green Belt boundary to that which would result through development of this site. As such, this proposed site does not offer a significant opportunity to consider a wider Green Belt release to provide land that could be safeguarded for future housing development beyond the proposed plan period.

PGB-11 - King John School, Benfleet Size 7.4 hectares Action Removed from Green Belt Reason The King John School and playing fields have been re-designated as a community facility and playing fields associated with educational facilities, to allow more flexibility for necessary school-related development to support the school.

PGB-11 Area removed from Green Belt to be retained as community uses and playing fields associated with

educational uses

Proposed use

The proposed use of this site is mainly to designate as community facilities and playing fields associated with education uses. These uses already exist on this site. There are also two dwellings to be retained as residential.

Description of Site

This site comprises King John secondary school and associated playing fields. The school buildings are located to the north of the site, which go up to three storeys in height. The playing fields and sports areas are to the south of the site and along the south-eastern edge of the site. There are also two dwellings to the east of the site that front onto Benfleet Road.

Relationship to Surrounding Area

Residential areas lie on the north-east, east, south-east and south-west of the site, with Benfleet Road to the south and Shipwrights Drive along the north-western boundary. Further dwellings are found on the southern side of Benfleet Road. To the west of Shipwrights Drive is an open green field.

Performance of Relevant Parcel(s) under Part 1 Methodology

The proposed site is fully located within Parcel 13. A summary of the Green Belt Review 2018 Part 1 assessment as it relates to Parcel 13 follows below:

Purpose 1 – Check Purpose 2 – Prevent Towns Purpose 3 – Safeguard Unrestricted Sprawl from Merging Countryside The parcel is closely related to The parcel is characterised as The parcel is closely related to an adjacent urban area such ribbon development between an adjacent urban area such that there is no significant South Benfleet and Hadleigh that there is no significant break between the built-up which passes through the break between the built-up urban area and the parcel. entire length of the parcel. As urban area and the parcel, However, the development is such the parcel does not act as therefore the overriding confined to frontage land only, a rural break between two character is that of residential with extensive areas of settlements. development. However, the openness to the rear. vast majority of development Therefore, whilst there is is confined to frontage land strong evidence of sprawl into only, with extensive areas of the Green Belt, its designation openness to the rear. The as Green Belt safeguards Green Belt designation against any further sprawl into reduces the possibility that the countryside. Strategic large gardens in the parcel can development would conflict be partitioned and then sold with the purpose of the Green for housing. Such an action Belt as it would result in would increase the degree of increasing the density of what encroachment and reduces is already an undesirable green field land, which would settlement pattern. further detrimentally affect the character of the Green Belt. The parcel is linked to further countryside to the north, south and west although these links are fractured given the amount of development within the parcel itself. Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution:

Moderate None Minor

Is the Parcel in a Strategic Area as defined by Part 1 of the Green Belt Review?

Parcel 13 lies within the Locally Important Strategic Green Belt area of the Central Corridor as defined by Part 1 of the Castle Point Green Belt Review 2018. These parcels of Green Belt serve to restrict the settlements of South Benfleet and Thundersley from merging and also create a connection between the northern Green Belt parcels within the borough to those in the south.

Degree of Harm of Releasing the Site from the Green Belt

Purpose 1 – Check Purpose 2 – Prevent Towns Purpose 3 – Safeguard Unrestricted Sprawl from Merging Countryside This site falls between two This site forms a small part of As the majority of the site urban areas, sprawl has the strategic gap along the surroundings are built up the occurred to the south of the Central Corridor which has perception of countryside is site along Benfleet Road as been weakened due to the lost. The open field to the ribbon development has taken level of development that has north is edged with mature place. This site would occurred within the vicinity. trees which give a visual break therefore further infill where The sense of a rural break is to open countryside. urban sprawl has taken place. lost within this locality not only through existing urban development adjacent to the site, but also through development of school buildings within the site.

Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution:

None Minor None

Impact on Remaining Wider Green Belt

Realignment of the Green Belt for this site would primarily act to realign the majority of a boundary that is currently formed of residential curtilages. Due to the residential break in the Green Belt to the west of this site, the realignment of the Green Belt boundary would also not act to sever any Green Belt from the wider system nor impact significantly on the locally strategically important function of the wider Parcel as it is wider in other areas of the parcel.

Potential Alternative Boundaries within the Proposed Site

The school buildings to the north eastern part of this site could form an alternative boundary and allow the school to maintain a flexible and adaptable facility to meet education needs. However, this would leave a relatively narrow strip of Green Belt which may be difficult to defend in the longer term, especially as there is no easily recognisable defensible boundary for this option.

Options for the Mitigation of Harm on the Green Belt

Due to the urban surroundings of this site, no options for mitigation to the Green Belt have been identified. The playing fields are proposed for designation as playing fields associated with education facilities that will maintain a degree of openness on the southern portion of this site.

Considering the Green Belt in the Longer Term

The proposed site does not offer a significant opportunity to consider a wider Green Belt release to provide land that could be safeguarded for future housing development beyond the proposed plan period.

PGB-12- Cornelius Vermuyden School Size 4.4 hectares Action Removed from Green Belt Reason Cornelius Vermuyden School and playing fields have been re-designated as a community facility and playing fields associated with educational facilities, to allow more flexibility for necessary school-related development to support the school.

HO24

HO23

PGB-12 Area removed from Green Belt for community uses to function as a school

Proposed use

The proposed use of this site is to designate as community facilities. A school already exists on the site.

Description of Site

This site comprises Cornelius Vermuyden secondary school. The school buildings are located to the east of the site, which go up to three storeys in height, there is also a car park and green landscaping to the west of the site, mature shrubs follow the western boundary of the site.

Relationship to Surrounding Area

Residential areas lie on the south of the site past a ditch. Open green school playing fields surround the site to the north and east. To the west of the site is proposed housing allocation policy HO23 which is allocated for 300 new homes. A Roman Saltern, Scheduled Monument is found to the north west of the site.

Performance of Relevant Parcel(s) under Part 1 Methodology

The proposed site is fully located within Parcel 26. A summary of the Green Belt Review 2018 Part 1 assessment as it relates to Parcel 26 follows below:

Purpose 1 – Check Purpose 2 – Prevent Towns Purpose 3 – Safeguard Unrestricted Sprawl from Merging Countryside The eastern, southern and part The parcel is between Canvey The area includes the grounds of the western boundary Island and South Benfleet. At of a school and is bounded by either follow residential its closest point, the current metal fencing. The housing curtilages or a drain in very strategic gap between these bordering the site to the east, close proximity to the western two settlements is south and part of the west is urban edge of Canvey Island. approximately 1200m. partially screened. The There is no residential sprawl Development of this parcel northern portion is of a into the parcel. The only would cause a different part of different quality to the rest development within the parcel Canvey Island to come within and is used for formal which is not considered to be approximately 1100m of South recreation. The overall appropriate development in Benfleet, although there character is of a relatively the Green Belt is a single would still be another two extensive rural area close to school. As such the parcel does parcels between them. One of large areas of housing, but one not display significant urban these parcels contains influenced to some degree by characteristics. Benfleet Creek which would be the presence of the school in a strong boundary between the east. The parcel contains the two settlements. linkages to further countryside to the north and west, but these are intervened by a leisure centre and Canvey Road respectively. Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution:

Very Strong Minor Moderate

Is the Parcel in a Strategic Area as defined by Part 1 of the Green Belt Review?

Parcel 26 lies within the Locally Important Strategic Green Belt area of Canvey Island as defined by Part 1 of the Castle Point Green Belt Review 2018. The Green Belt on Canvey Island effectively prevents the urban settlement from expanding to the extent of the coastal wall or urban encroachment disrupting the ecological value and landscape character of the west of the island.

Degree of Harm of Releasing the Site from the Green Belt

Purpose 1 – Check Purpose 2 – Prevent Towns Purpose 3 – Safeguard Unrestricted Sprawl from Merging Countryside The site currently sits out of The proposed development The site already has a number the existing residential site is between Canvey Island of school buildings on it which curtilage. The proposal in and South Benfleet. Due to the reduces the perception of the policy HO23 would extent of the proposed countryside. The southern

44 considerably increase sprawl development, the strategic portion of the site is also to the west, which has been gap between the two bounded by residential considered in the Green Belt settlements would be reduced, development and a school Review Part 2, 2018 and 2019 in combination with policy which impacts on the update. This site would be an HO23 this increases further. perception of the area being a extension to that. As the However, Benfleet Creek lies rural locality. school buildings make up a between South Benfleet and large proportion of this site, Canvey Island and would urban sprawl has already continue to act as a strong occurred. boundary between the two towns.

Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution:

Minor Minor Minor

Impact on Remaining Wider Green Belt

The proposed development site falls within the Locally Important Strategic Green Belt Area of Canvey Island. This strategic area acts to prevent the urban settlement of Canvey Island from expanding to the extent of the coastal wall or urban encroachment disrupting the ecological value and landscape character of the west of the island. The proposed housing site HO23 would impact the wider Green Belt and as such this site would have a limited impact in that context. If HO23 is not found sound and not released from the Green Belt, then release of this site would create an illogical Green Belt boundary.

Potential Alternative Boundaries within the Proposed Site

The school buildings to the western part of this site could form an alternative boundary and allow the school to maintain a flexible and adaptable facility to meet education needs. It is not considered however that this would deliver a logical Green Belt boundary when viewed alongside proposed housing allocation HO23.

Options for the Mitigation of Harm on the Green Belt

Due to the urban surroundings of this site, no options for mitigation to the Green Belt have been identified.

Considering the Green Belt in the Longer Term

Previously Developed Sites

There have been instances over the previous years where development has occurred in the Green Belt, these sites therefore no longer meet the purposes of the Green Belt and exceptional circumstances exist to realign the Green Belt to a more robust boundary. The new development in the cases below create an argument for a more robust Green Belt boundary, these sites have been assessed below.

PGB-13 - Land at Crescent Road, South Benfleet Size 0.14 hectares Action Removed from Green Belt Reason This site creates an irregular edge to the Green Belt and has permission for two dwellings which are nearing completion

PGB-13 Area removed from Green Belt as this site has been infilled into the existing residential curtilage and creates a sensible Green Belt boundary

Development that has occurred on site

Proposed use

Residential use.

Description of Site

This site has recently been developed and is made up of three detached residential dwellings with associated rear and front gardens.

Relationship to Surrounding Area

The new development follows the line of the existing residential development to the east and west. Crescent Road, which is a residential street, runs to the north of the site, with further homes on the opposite side of the road. The southern boundary of the site is adjacent to Boyce Hill golf course.

Performance of Relevant Parcel(s) under Part 1 Methodology

The proposed site is fully located within Parcel 12. A summary of the Green Belt Review 2018 Part 1 assessment as it relates to Parcel 12 follows below:

Purpose 1 – Check Purpose 2 – Prevent Towns Purpose 3 – Safeguard Unrestricted Sprawl from Merging Countryside The parcel is adjacent to South Parcel 12 forms the entirety of Whilst the use of this area as a Benfleet on its northern, the strategic gap between golf course requires some western and most of its South Benfleet and the ribbon amenity provision, golf courses southern edge. Although the development extending west by their nature are open and boundaries are primarily of Hadleigh. There are views green, and therefore this formed by a small tree belt into the area from the parcel by virtue of both its and residential curtilages, so surrounding high ground and designation and use prevents are not robust, there has not nearby properties have views urban encroachment into the been any sprawl into the down to the area between the countryside. The parcel majority of the parcel. This is trees and areas of woodland. contains very limited screening however strongly influenced Development of this parcel across its entirety meaning by the fact that the majority of would significantly increase that the perception of the parcel is a golf course. the physical and perceived countryside is slightly There has been a small merge between these two influenced by the residential amount of ribbon settlements. development at the periphery development in the south east to the north, west and part of corner on land outside of the the southern boundary. golf course which is associated with the ribbon development running through Parcel 13. Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution:

Very Strong Very Strong Strong

Is the Parcel in a Strategic Area as defined by Part 1 of the Green Belt Review?

Parcel 12 lies within the Locally Important Strategic Green Belt area of the Central Corridor as defined by Part 1 of the Castle Point Green Belt Review 2018. These parcels of Green Belt serve to restrict the settlements of South Benfleet and Thundersley from merging and also create a connection between the northern Green Belt parcels within the borough to those in the south.

Degree of Harm of Releasing the Site from the Green Belt

Purpose 1 – Check Purpose 2 – Prevent Towns Purpose 3 – Safeguard Unrestricted Sprawl from Merging Countryside This site constitutes infilling of Due to the size of the site and The site is developed to the an established urban setting. the level of development point that the land already The infilling seen at this site within the site, it does not functions as part of the built- turns its back on the Green prevent the merging of two up area. Belt, is therefore likely to have towns. The site operates as an prevented urban sprawl into extension to the adjacent built

48 the golf course to the south of up area that it does not the site and therefore restricts perform as a rural break. urban sprawl.

Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution:

None None None

Impact on Remaining Wider Green Belt

Parcel 12 lies within the Locally Important Strategic Green Belt area of the Central Corridor as defined by Part 1 of the Castle Point Green Belt Review 2018. However, development of this site would not significantly impact on the strategic function of the wider Central Corridor due to the size of the site. As development has already occurred within this site, the impact has already happened. Development of the site represents an infilling of land surrounded by development rather than placing more pressure on the corridor running between South Benfleet and Thundersley. In terms of realignment of the Green Belt boundary the proposed changes along the edge of the Boyce Hill golf course and field boundary is a sensible edge.

Potential Alternative Boundaries within the Proposed Site

The site makes a suitable defensible edge the Green Belt boundary.

Options for the Mitigation of Harm on the Green Belt

The site contains a number of mature trees and shrubs along the south-eastern boundary, some of which could be retained and incorporated into sympathetic landscaping to ensure that development is well screened.

Considering the Green Belt in the Longer Term

PGB-14 - Solby Wood Farm Size 2.07 hectares Action Removed from Green Belt Reason Development on the site.

HO13

HO14

HO16

PGB-14 Area to be removed from Green Belt as this site has been developed for 46 homes and does not fulfil the purpose of the Green Belt.

Development that has occurred on site

Proposed use

This site is proposed to be removed from the Green Belt as it has been developed for residential purposes and will be retained as such.

Description of Site

This site has recently been developed and now comprises 46 new homes and open space.

Relationship to Surrounding Area

To the north and east of the site is the residential area of Daws Heath. Land to the west is made up of open green fields and the land to the south is made up of various farm buildings.

Performance of Relevant Parcel(s) under Part 1 Methodology

The proposed site is fully located within Parcel 4. A summary of the Green Belt Review 2018 Part 1 assessment as it relates to Parcel 4 follows below:

51 which is in the Green Belt. would act to notably decrease the Green Belt. The industrial However, outside of these the remaining gap between estate on the northern edge is examples, and despite the these urban areas. reasonably well screened and absence of permanent robust set below the high ground in boundaries along much of the views from the south. Whilst extent of the parcel, the parcel there is a small amount of itself is free of built up localised ribbon development, development. As such the the overall perception of this Green Belt is considered to parcel is of agricultural land make a very strong and woods. contribution to this purpose. The parcel has residential development at its north western, eastern and southern boundaries but is considered large enough that it is not specifically influenced by these boundary features. The parcel also links to wider countryside to the north and south west. Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution:

Very Strong Very Strong Very Strong

Is the Parcel in a Strategic Area as defined by Part 1 of the Green Belt Review?

Degree of Harm of Releasing the Site from the Green Belt

Purpose 1 – Check Purpose 2 – Prevent Towns Purpose 3 – Safeguard Unrestricted Sprawl from Merging Countryside The site has recently been In the wider context of the As this site has been built out developed and therefore site, this site would act to as a residential estate the would not contribute to reduce the existing strategic perception that it is in the further unrestricted sprawl as gap between Hadleigh and countryside has been lost. The the site has been fully built Daws Heath, with boundaries immediate surroundings out. or features which prevent remain open fields and inter-visibility between the therefore have the perception two urban settlements being of countryside. weak or non-existent in the land which would form the remainder of the strategic gap However, as development has occurred on this site visual impact of development has already taken place.

Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution:

None Strong Minor

Impact on Remaining Wider Green Belt

The impact to the strategic function has been lost as the development has already occurred on this site. There is an opportunity to realign the Green Belt boundary in line with this development along the back of residential gardens.

Potential Alternative Boundaries within the Proposed Site

A more robust boundary would exclude the open space to the west of the site and use the back of residential gardens as the boundary. This would create a more logical end to the Green Belt compared to open space.

Options for the Mitigation of Harm on the Green Belt

Development of this site has included screening along the southern boundary.

Considering the Green Belt in the Longer Term

Additional land in the Green Belt

The Council has to identify exceptional circumstances for any changes to Green Belt boundaries, this includes when including new land within the Green Belt. It is considered that exceptional circumstances exist for the inclusion of the following site within the Green Belt. These exceptional circumstances include compensatory environmental benefits arising from this site.

PGB-15 - Land South of Northwick Road and east of Roscommon Way, Canvey Island

Size 10.9 hectares Action Added to the Green Belt Reason Proposed land for inclusion in the Green Belt forms part of Canvey Wick SSSI and can no longer be developed. It is a logical extension to the Green Belt which compensates for Green Belt loss elsewhere nearby.

HO23

HO24

PGB-15 Area added to the Green Belt, due to the ecological designations on this site, this site provides compensatory environmental benefits, it also strengthens the Canvey island strategic Green Belt area.

Proposed use

This site is proposed to be put back into the Green Belt and retain its existing uses.

Description of Site

This site is located on the west of Canvey Island, it falls within Canvey Wick Nature Reserve which is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The site is public open space and is currently owned by the Land Trust and managed by the RSPB and Buglife. It is made up of a unique ex- industrial habitat, rich in rare plant and insect species, it is made up of scrub and small wooded areas.

Relationship to Surrounding Area

The site is bounded by Green Belt to the west and south and a small portion to the east. The eastern boundary follows Roscommon Way and to the north lies a footpath. The SSSI designation in the site extends into the adjacent fields to the west, south and east of the site (excluding Roscommon Way). A new employment site has commenced work for multiple commercial buildings to the north of the site, beyond the footpath.

Performance of Relevant Parcel(s) under Part 1 Methodology

This site is currently not within the Green Belt. However, is adjacent to parcel 28 Green Belt Review 2018 Part 1 assessment. As the site is adjacent to Parcel 28 the assessment of this parcel within the Part 1 assessment is below:

Purpose 1 – Check Purpose 2 – Prevent Towns Purpose 3 – Safeguard Unrestricted Sprawl from Merging Countryside The parcel is adjacent to The parcel is between the On most of the parcel work industrial areas in the south neighbouring settlements of was started to develop it as an associated with Canvey Island Canvey Island and Standford-le industrial storage facility but as well as a small amount of Hope and forms an important this was subsequently residential development. part of the strategic gap. abandoned. This part of the Although existing boundaries However, there is another parcel now supports scrub, are not robust, there has only parcel within the strategic gap long grass and other self- been limited urban sprawl into as well as land in Thurrock, seeded vegetation. The scrub the parcel comprising of an and the parcel in Castle Point varies in density but is abandoned storage facility in contains Holehaven Creek generally scattered. A few the south east in close which is a strong barrier to any belts of trees have also proximity to the industrial area merge. developed. Parts of the parcel in Canvey Island. contain debris from the abandoned facilities. Part of the western area was previously used as landfill, containing visibly raised and uneven land. There are isolated storage units in the south which are not considered to be agricultural and therefore are inappropriate in the Green Belt.

The north western portion of Parcel 28 is also influenced to some extent by the proximity of Pitsea landfill but more significantly by the industrial land to the south east. Industrial land to the south west is also prominent but separated by the creek.

The smaller east part of the area consists of fields used for grazing cattle and horses, with some fencing, a creek and some ditches. The quality of this part is degraded by adjacent industrial features on two sides and by a few sheds and clutter.

It is considered that the abandoned storage facility has been reclaimed by nature and due to the near absence of other development that is inappropriate to the Green Belt other than the landfill to the north west and industrial land to the south east and south west, a very strong contribution is assessed against this purpose. Whilst degraded, the quality of the countryside is not a factor in this assessment, and the inter- tidal habitat acts as a clear buffer between the industrial land such that there is a clear demarcation. The parcel also connects to the wider countryside system along its northern boundary and is assessed as primarily functioning as part of the wider landscape to the west of Canvey Island. Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution:

Very Strong Moderate Very Strong

Is the Parcel in a Strategic Area as defined by Part 1 of the Green Belt Review?

This site does not fall within the Green Belt and therefore was not assessed in the Green Belt Review 2018 Part 1 assessment, however as mentioned above the site is adjacent to Parcel 28. Parcel 28 lies within the strategic Green Belt area of Canvey Island. This site would potentially contribute to the strategic purpose of Green Belt on Canvey Island.

Impact on Remaining Wider Green Belt

The RSPB and Buglife state that there as many species per square metre in this site than there are in the rainforest, including 1,300 different invertebrate species with at least 30 of them on UK red list of endangered species. Particular species include Canvey Island ground beetle (Scybalicus oblongiusculus), five-banded weevil-wasp (Cercersis quinquefascinata), shrill carder bee (Bombus sylvarum), brown-banded carder bee (Bombus humilis) and scarce emerald damselfly (Lestes dryas).

There would be no harm to the Green Belt by including this site within the Green Belt, in fact it would act as a compensatory addition to the Green Belt due to the loss experienced elsewhere in the borough due to the exceptional need for housing. This, as stated in the NPPF, under paragraph 138.

Potential Alternative Boundaries within the Proposed Site

The proposed Green Belt boundary would create a more robust edge along physical features such as Roscommon Way and the footpath to the north. Paragraph 138 in the NPPF states ‘the impact of removing land from the Green Belt can be offset through compensatory improvements to the environmental quality and accessibility of remaining Green Belt land.’ By including this site within the Green Belt, the compensatory measures and improvement to environmental quality of the rich and diverse habitat would act as a compensatory factor to the loss of Green Belt elsewhere in the borough. It is however, noted that the boundary to the east could follow a more logical pattern along Roscommon Way and joining up to the existing Green Belt, which could be an alternative to that proposed.

Considering the Green Belt in the Longer Term

Due to the rich number of species within this site it is clear that the Green Belt boundary would not be required to be realigned after this plan period, due to the importance of this habitat. The inclusion of this site would improve the robustness and strategic nature of Parcel 28 and the Strategic Canvey Island Green Belt area.

Other Minor Changes to the Green Belt

The Green Belt Review Part 2 2018 [GB-002] assessed an additional site which informed a further change to the Green Belt boundary, this was included in the 2018 Pre-publication Local Plan and was carried forward into the Pre-submission Local Plan. In addition to the assessed site in 2018, consequential changes are proposed to the Green Belt boundary to the north of the 2018 site.

PGB-16 – Land adjacent 37 The Dale and consequential changes, Thundersley

Size 0.24 hectares Action Removal from the Green Belt Reason The site was assessed in the SHLAA as having capacity and suitable for residential development for 2 dwellings.

HO20

PGB-16 Area previously assessed in 2018 to be

removed from the Green Belt and the land to the north as a consequential change.

Proposed use

The 2018 Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) [H-007; H-008; H-009; H-010] assessed this site under reference S0402, it concluded that the site has capacity for two dwellings. However, application 18/0510/FUL was received in 2018 for two dwellings on this site, which was later refused and then dismissed at appeal (appeal reference – APP/M1520/W/3213212). At that time the existing local plan allocation as Green Belt was a consideration, and the Inspector concluded that there were no very special circumstances to allow the development.

The majority of this site has previously been assessed in the Green Belt Review Part Two 2018 [GB- 002], that assessment as set out below.

In addition, there is a small strip of land immediately to the north of the assessed site that it is proposed to be removed as a consequential change, as demonstrated on the map below.

PGB-16 Consequential change to Green Belt boundary.

PGB-16 Area previously assessed in 2018.

[GB-002] –Extract from the Green Belt Review Part Two 2018 Site SH04

Context of Proposed Site Aerial of Proposed Housing Site

Description of Site

The proposed site is a small residential curtilage in close proximity to a number of residential properties in South Benfleet.

Relationship to Surrounding Area

The northern, eastern, southern and majority of the western boundary is adjacent to Green Belt.

The northern boundary is tree-lined, beyond which lies a number of trees which form the boundary of existing residential curtilage. The eastern boundary is also lined by foliage beyond which is residential curtilage. The southern boundary is open, beyond which are a number of outbuildings. The western boundary is with a fence which again follows residential curtilage.

Performance of Relevant Parcel(s) under Part 1 Methodology

The proposed housing site is fully located within Parcel 11. A summary of the Green Belt Review 2018 Part 1 assessment as it relates to Parcel 11 follows below:

Purpose 1 – Check Purpose 2 – Prevent Towns Purpose 3 – Safeguard Unrestricted Sprawl from Merging Countryside The northern, half of the The parcel represents the Development within the parcel eastern, the southern and part entire strategic gap between that is considered to be of the western boundary are Thundersley and South inappropriate development in adjacent to urban settlements. Benfleet. The parcel also the Green Belt is well screened There has been a small represents the majority of the relatively isolated and does amount of sprawl across the gap between South Benfleet not act to define the parcel. northern boundary and and Hadleigh. Its development The parcel is considered to be isolated residential sprawl in would therefore lead to the of such a size as to not be the northern portion and the actual merging of Thundersley strongly influenced by the south west. However, in the and South Benfleet, and the residential development at the context of the parcel, and significant reduction of the northern, southern and part of particularly given the amount strategic gap between South the western boundary, which of urban development Benfleet and Hadleigh. in any event are surrounding the parcel, it is Development would also lead predominantly screened by considered that this parcel to the merging of South woodland. The parcel contains makes a strong contribution to Benfleet with the ribbon links to the countryside to the checking the unrestricted development to the south of north west and south west. sprawl of large built up areas. the parcel stretching out from Hadleigh. Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution:

Very Strong Very Strong Very Strong

Is the Parcel in a Strategic Area as defined by Part 1 of the Green Belt Review?

Parcel 11 lies within the Locally Important Strategic Green Belt area of the Central Corridor as defined by Part 1 of the Castle Point Green Belt Review 2018. These parcels of Green Belt serve to restrict the settlements of South Benfleet and Thundersley from merging and also create a connection between the northern Green Belt parcels within the borough to those in the south.

Degree of Harm of Releasing the Site from the Green Belt

Purpose 1 – Check Purpose 2 – Prevent Towns Purpose 3 – Safeguard Unrestricted Sprawl from Merging Countryside The proposed development The proposed development Although the proposed site is adjacent to an existing site is between two development site itself is built up area and would act as neighbouring towns but forms undeveloped, its character is a very small scale southerly a small part of the total gap of a small undeveloped space extension of the settlement between them. Development within an urban area rather boundary of South Benfleet. of this site in isolation would than that of countryside, with

There is already a high degree not have an impact on this any views of the wider of permeability between the function as there is already countryside to the east largely existing built-up urban area built development enclosing obscured by existing trees at and the Green Belt in this the proposed site the boundary. immediate location such that development would act to infill land surrounded by existing residential development and curtilage. However, as stated, not all of this developed land is outside of the Green Belt. As such the proposed site is still assessed as being a southerly extension to a non-robust boundary but due to the size of the proposed site, any impact on this purpose would be relatively minor. Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution: Degree of Contribution:

Minor None None

Impact on Remaining Wider Green Belt

Development of this site in isolation would not have a significant impact on the Green Belt. The proposed development site falls within Parcel 11 which is part of the Locally Important Strategic Green Belt area of the Central Corridor. This local Green Belt system serves to restrict the settlements of South Benfleet and Thundersley from merging and also creates a connection between the northern Green Belt parcels within the borough to those in the south. The size of the site means that there would not be a markedly negative impact on this strategic function.

Its release would not constitute the realignment of the Green Belt boundary to a robust defendable boundary that could be defended in the long term, with the current boundary with residential curtilage being realigned to the new curtilage.

Development here would however effectively round off the Green Belt that currently exists at the edge of the settlement of South Benfleet, rather than a strategic release and would create a more logical boundary. Development would also add to the residential sprawl which has already encroached into the Green Belt

Potential Alternative Boundaries within the Proposed Site

The proposed site is a small unmanaged patch of land that contains no obvious internal boundary features through which the site could be reconfigured.

Options for the Mitigation of Harm on the Green Belt

The proposed development site is well-screened by existing built development and tree lines and therefore its development would not be particularly detrimental to the wider character of the area.

Considering the Green Belt in the Longer Term

There are no obvious robust boundary features to which the Green Belt could be realigned as part of a wider strategic release of land from the Green Belt. It is considered that any significant release would directly impact on the locally important strategic function that the Green Belt performs in this area.

Should this site be considered appropriate to release from the Green Belt, consideration will need to be given to remove the sliver of land to the north from the Green Belt as this would become isolated.