Notice of Executive Decision

NOTICE OF EXECUTIVE DECISION

The attached decision was made by the Portfolio Holder for Planning.

The decision will come into force and may then be implemented, on the expiry of five working days after the publication of this notice, unless called in by the Review Committee.

Signed for Assistant Director, Legal & Democratic

Dated 7 June 2019

For further information please contact Member Services on 01702 318141/318179 or email: memberservices@rochford.gov.uk

If you would like this document in large print, Braille or another language please contact 01702 318111.

EXECUTIVE DECISION BY PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR PLANNING

SUBJECT: BASILDON BOROUGH LOCAL PLAN 2014-2034: STATEMENT OF COMMON GROUND

1 DECISION MADE

1.1 That the Council signs a Statement of Common Ground with Basildon Borough Council (Appendix 1) in relation to the Basildon Borough Local Plan 2014-2034. This Statement of Common Ground identifies the areas of agreement between both Councils to inform the future examination of the Basildon Borough Local Plan.

2 NAME OF PORTFOLIO HOLDER

2.1 Cllr I H Ward.

3 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

3.1 None.

The reasons for the decision and alternative options considered are as set out in the Lead Officer’s report (see below). The decision does not depart from Council policy and appropriate consideration has been given to any budgetary and legal implications.

Portfolio Holder Signature:

Date of Decision: 7 June 2019

* * * * * * * * * * * *

REPORT TO PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR PLANNING

REPORT FROM MANAGING DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: BASILDON BOROUGH LOCAL PLAN 2014-2034: STATEMENT OF COMMON GROUND

1 DECISION BEING RECOMMENDED

2 REASON FOR RECOMMENDATION

2.1 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 2019 supports the preparation of Statements of Common Ground to demonstrate how strategic cross-boundary issues have been addressed in the preparation of Local Plans. The Statement of Common Ground that is the subject of this decision sets out the areas of agreement between the Council and Basildon Borough Council with respect to the Basildon Borough Local Plan 2014-2034 which has recently been submitted to the Secretary of State for examination.

3 SALIENT INFORMATION

Basildon Borough Local Plan 2014-2034

3.1 The Basildon Borough Local Plan 2014-2034 will provide a strategy for growth and development within Basildon Borough Council’s administrative area up to 2034, replacing the current saved planning policies from Basildon Borough Council’s 1998 Local Plan.

3.2 Basildon Borough Council consulted on the first stage of its new Local Plan (Draft Local Plan 2016) between January and March 2016. This was followed by a further consultation on new and alternative sites in late 2016. Prior to these consultations, Basildon Borough Council had published two iterations of its Core Strategy which were prepared under the previous Local Development Framework (LDF) system. These consisted of the Preferred Options in 2012 and the Revised Preferred Options in 2014. Rochford District Council has provided formal representations to each of these draft policy documents.

3.3 Building on the 2016 Draft Local Plan consultation, Basildon Borough Council published its Publication draft (Regulation 19) Local Plan in November 2018. This draft Local Plan sets out the vision, strategic objectives, and proposed strategic frameworks, allocations and detailed development management policies for the Borough over the next 15 years. This draft Plan covers the key topic areas within the NPPF, which planning can influence and shape,

including infrastructure, housing, town centres, transport, Green Belt and the natural environment. The draft Plan is accompanied by a draft Sustainability Appraisal, which assesses the potential environmental, economic and social effects of the proposed policies and land allocations, and a draft Habitat Regulations Assessment, which assesses the potential effects of the proposed policies and land allocations on areas designated under the Habitats Regulations. The Council submitted a formal representation to this draft Local Plan in December 2018.

3.4 The draft Plan makes land provision for at least 17,791 homes, although it is expected that in the region of 15,465 homes will be delivered over a 20-year period from 2014 to 2034, with staged delivery rates. Around 1,700-2,000 homes are not expected to be delivered by 2034 primarily due to infrastructure delivery constraints. The Councils are in agreement that the most effective mechanism for resolving any unmet housing need across South Essex is through the collaborative work supporting the preparation of the South Essex Joint Strategic Plan.

3.5 With respect to the issue of unmet housing need, the Council’s formal representation from December 2018 acknowledged and supported the commitments to an early review of this Local Plan. In any case, national policy requires adopted Plans to be reviewed at least every five years. It is important that the Council continues to work positively with other authorities in South Essex to address strategic cross-boundary issues, including in the preparation of the South Essex Joint Strategic Plan and supporting projects.

3.6 The draft Local Plan was considered to provide a sound strategy for accommodating Basildon’s other growth needs, including with respect to employment land, which was acknowledged in the Council’s formal representation in December 2018.

3.7 Basildon Borough Council submitted its draft Local Plan to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on 28 March 2019. This draft Local Plan will be examined by an appointed Planning Inspector in due course.

3.8 There are four key tests of soundness that the Planning Inspector will assess this draft Plan against, as set out in paragraph 35 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) published in February 2019.

These tests are as follows:

a) Positively prepared - providing a strategy which, as a minimum, seeks to meet the area’s objectively assessed needs; and is informed by agreements with other authorities, so that unmet need from neighbouring areas is accommodated where it is practical to do so and is consistent with achieving sustainable development;

b) Justified - an appropriate strategy, taking into account the reasonable alternatives, and based on proportionate evidence;

c) Effective - deliverable over the plan period, and based on effective joint working on cross-boundary strategic matters that have been dealt with rather than deferred, as evidenced by the statement of common ground; and

d) Consistent with national policy - enabling the delivery of sustainable development in accordance with the policies in this Framework

Statement of Common Ground

3.9 Basildon Borough Council have contacted the Council to request that the two authorities agree a Statement of Common Ground to inform and support the upcoming examination of Basildon’s draft Local Plan.

3.10 The need to prepare Statements of Common Ground is specifically identified in Paragraph 35 of the NPPF. These Statements of Common Ground are intended to evidence that cross-boundary, strategic matters have been adequately dealt with. As a neighbouring local authority, it is important that Rochford District Council positively engages with Basildon Borough Council in order to fulfil its Duty to Co-operate and to ensure that the Inspector examining Basildon’s draft Local Plan is appropriately informed of the Council’s position on the contents of the Plan.

3.11 The Statement of Common Ground prepared re-iterates and expands upon the Council’s formal representation to Basildon’s draft Local Plan consultation. This representation was the subject of a previous Portfolio Holder decision in December 2018.

3.12 In summary, the Statement of Common Ground defines the following areas of agreement:

1. That BBC has worked collaboratively with RDC to ensure that all cross- boundary strategic issues have been properly considered and where appropriate reflected in the Basildon Borough Local Plan 2014-2034 and effective and on-going joint working has and will continue to be undertaken;

2. The Basildon Revised Publication Local Plan does not allocate enough sites to meet the full OAN for housing. However, it commits to working with its neighbours in the South Essex and Brentwood Housing Market Area to prepare a Joint Strategic Plan (the South Essex Plan) which may identify opportunities for this unmet need to be addressed. The Basildon Borough Local Plan identifies two broad locations which will be brought forward as part of the plan’s first review, once options to improve capacity on the A127 have been identified through the South Essex Plan;

3. Basildon Borough Council has been through a transparent decision- making process in order to identify housing sites for inclusion within the Local Plan;

4. Basildon Borough Council acknowledge that Rochford District is currently unable to accommodate any of the unmet housing need arising from this

Publication Local Plan, but both Councils are committed to bringing forward a JSP which sets out the spatial approach to accommodating growth, and addresses any unmet housing needs arising across the South Essex Housing Market Area in a coordinated manner underpinned by infrastructure provision;

5. Basildon Borough Council and Rochford District Council consider that the Spatial Distribution of Growth, including housing targets to sustainable Neighbourhood Areas is a justified approach to help meet local housing needs;

6. Basildon Borough Council and Rochford District Council consider the approach for the medium to long-term for the two Broad Locations is pragmatic, justified and effective given the infrastructure constraints. They are committed to engaged positively to effectively plan for strategic infrastructure solutions as part of the South Essex Plan which should help unlock this area for development by the time of the Plan’s first review;

7. Whilst the Basildon Revised Publication Local Plan does not allocate enough sites to meet the full requirement for Gypsy and Traveller Sites it is considered to be an appropriate approach to identifying sites to meet needs through the provision of a new public site, regularised sites and Neighbourhood Plans;

8. Gypsy and Traveller needs are a strategic issue which the South Essex Plan will look to address;

9. Work will continue with Greater Essex authorities under the Essex Planning Officers’ Association to identify the scale of Transit Site needs as new evidence becomes available;

10. BBC is accommodating its employment needs within its boundaries resulting in no unmet need and economic growth and skills development could bring positive benefits to RDC’s residents;

11. BBC has consulted on the IDP during the Revised Publication Local Plan consultation. Service providers have worked alongside BBC to advise on the impact the Local Plan growth would have upon their services and facilities. As a result, the requirements for services, facilities and appropriate mitigation measures to support the Local Plan growth have been assessed and agreed with all partners;

12. The retail and town centre related policies in the Basildon Borough Revised Publication Local Plan are based on a shared evidence base with the other South Essex authorities including RDC. The growth projected for Basildon is therefore reflective of its position in the south Essex retail hierarchy and no unmet needs are generated;

13. BBC has committed, through its emerging Local Plans, to mitigating the in- combination effects of its Local Plan with others emerging across Essex

on the Essex Coast Natura 2000 sites through the Essex Coast Recreation Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy (RAMS);

14. There are no other areas of uncommon ground or unresolved strategic matters;

15. That BBC has undertaken transport modelling to identify and mitigate the impacts of the Local Plan on the highway and transport infrastructure;

16. That the allocation policies in the Basildon Borough Revised Publication Local Plan include transport infrastructure requirements to be delivered alongside development. This alignment flows from policy principles established in policy SD1, and is reiterated in the implementation policies in Chapter 18;

17. BBC and RDC will continue to engage with the Highways Authority during the implementation of the Basildon Borough Local Plan, its first review and the development of the South Essex Plan to determine if any cross- boundary highway connections are needed as part of growth proposals in the wider area;

18. There are no areas of uncommon ground in respects of site allocations;

19. BBC and RDC both recognise that strategic levels of growth at or around the Basildon – Brentwood – Thurrock boundary poses a risk in terms of Green Belt coalescence which is best managed through a coordinated approach at the sub-regional level through the South Essex Plan; and

20. There are no areas of uncommon ground or unresolved strategic matters.

4 ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED

4.1 The Council is not obliged to agree a Statement of Common Ground with Basildon Borough Council, however failure to do so may impact upon the ability of the Council to demonstrate it has fulfilled its Duty to Co-operate and has adequately informed the Inspector examining the draft Plan of the Council’s position on its contents.

5 RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

5.1 This Statement of Common Ground has been prepared within existing agreed budgets and resources.

6 LEGAL IMPLICATIONS

6.1 If the Council fails to agree a Statement of Common Ground with Basildon Borough Council, it may impact upon the ability of the Council to demonstrate it has fulfilled its Duty to Co-operate and has adequately informed the Inspector examining the draft Plan of the Council’s position on its contents.

7 EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY IMPLICATIONS

7.1 An Equality Impact Assessment has been completed and found there to be no impacts (either positive or negative) on protected groups as defined under the Equality Act 2010.

I confirm that the above recommendation does not depart from Council policy and that appropriate consideration has been given to any budgetary and legal implications.

LT Lead Officer Signature:

Date: 5 June 2019

Background Papers:

None.

For further information please contact Daniel Goodman (Senior Strategic Planner) on:

Phone: 01702 318043 Email: [email protected]

Note: Please ensure that Member Services are provided with the original of the decision on the day it is taken (or by 10 am the following morning at the latest) to enable publication.

Basildon Borough Local Plan 2014-2034 Statement of Common Ground

Organisations: Basildon Borough Council and Rochford District Council

June 2019

1. Introduction

1.1. This Statement of Common Ground identifies areas of agreement between Basildon Borough Council (BBC) and Rochford District Council (RDC) in relation to the Basildon Borough Revised Publication Local Plan and supporting evidence base. There are no outstanding areas of disagreement.

1.2. This statement has been prepared to assist the examination of the Basildon Borough Local Plan. RDC made representations to the Regulation 19 Revised Publication Local Plan published for consultation on the 1 November 2018. The following table sets out the relevant representation numbers:

Chapter and RPLP No. Chapter and Policy RPLP No. Policy Whole Plan 1646 Chapter 11 1663 Chapter 6: SD1 1647 Chapter 11 1664 Chapter 6: SD2 1648 Chapter 12 1665 Chapter 6: SD3 1649 Chapter 13 1666 Chapter 6: SD4 1650 Chapter 13 1667 Chapter 7: E1 1651 Chapter 13 1668 Chapter 8: R1 1652 Chapter 13 1669 Chapter 9: T1 1653 Chapter 14 1670 Chapter 9: T2 1654 Chapter 15 1671 Chapter 9: 1655 Chapter 15 1672 Chapter 10 1656 Chapter 16 1673 Chapter 11 1657 Chapter 16 1674 Chapter 11 1658 Chapter 16 1675 Chapter 11 1659 Chapter 17 1676 Chapter 11 1660 Chapter 18 1677 Chapter 11 1661 SA/SEA 1678 Chapter 11 1662

1.3. A Plan has been provided at Appendix 1 which shows the locations and administrative areas covered by the statement. RDC is an adjoining local authority located to the east of BBC’s administrative area.

1.4. BBC has fully engaged with RDC on the development of each Council’s respective Local Plans from the outset. In accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England)

Regulations 2012, RDC has been formally consulted at every stage of consultation on the Local Plan together with its accompanying Sustainability Appraisal (SA) and the Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA). RDC has made representations to each stage of consultation on the Local Plan. The Duty to Co-operate Compliance Statement 2019 outlines in detail the engagement activities and outcomes together with the joint evidence base studies undertaken during the plans preparation and any protocols agreed which benefit strategic and cross-boundary plan- making.

1.5. The plan is lawful and sound (Representation RPLP/1646).

Areas of Agreement 1. That BBC has worked collaboratively with RDC to ensure that all cross-boundary strategic issues have been properly considered and where appropriate reflected in the Basildon Borough Local Plan 2014-2034 and effective and on-going joint working has and will continue to be undertaken.

Housing Requirement

1.6. The Basildon Borough Local Plan has been informed by the South Essex Strategic Housing Market Assessment (2016) and Addendum (2017). The Addendum used the 2014-based CLG Household Projections to calculate the full objective assessment need for housing in Basildon Borough as 972 to 986 homes per annum, resulting in a need for between 19,440 and 19,720 homes in Basildon between 2014 and 2034. The overall housing need for South Essex was around 4,000 homes per annum. This was prepared in accordance with the Planning Practice Guidance that underpinned the NPPF2012.

1.7. The Basildon Borough Local Plan will however be examined against the NPPF2019, which requires housing need to be calculated in accordance with the standard methodology set out in the current Planning Practice Guidance. This expects the use of the 2014-based CLG Household Projections as the baseline position, adjusted to address affordability, with the adjustment capped at 40%. The standard methodology results in an identified OAN for Basildon of 1,077 homes per annum. This is however calculated only for the remaining period of the plan 2018 to 2034, resulting in a need for 17,232 homes.

1.8. The Basildon Borough Revised Publication Local Plan identifies supply for around 17, 791 homes. This comprises urban capacity, site allocations, limited infilling capacity in the borough’s Green Belt settlements in accordance with policy GB4, a windfall allowance beyond 2023, and completions between 2014 and 2018. Against, the OAN identified in the SHMA Addendum 2017 this supply is around 2,000 homes short. There were 2,247 completions between 2014 and 2018. When applying the standard methodology these should not be included in the supply figure. This reduces the supply to 15,544. Against the standard methodology calculation using the 2014-based CLG Household Projections the supply is around 1,800 homes short. There is therefore an unmet housing need arising in Basildon Borough of between 1,800 and 2,000 homes depending on the methodology used for the OAN calculation.

1.9. The Basildon Borough Revised Publication Local Plan also identifies delivery challenges with regard to the housing supply taking into account infrastructure and environmental constraints, and also applying realistic build out rates to sites within the current extent of the Green Belt, which due to the level of objection to the principle of development in the Green Belt cannot be considered available until the plan is adopted. Consequently, the Basildon Borough Local Plan is only able to commit to delivering around 15,465 homes within the period to 2034. Whilst this is expressed as a minimum level of delivery within policy SD1, delivery at this level would result in a higher unmet need of up to 4,000 homes during the plan period.

1.10. RDC in its representations on the Basildon Borough Revised Publication Local Plan broadly support the approach of Policy SD1 and H1 (Representation RPLP/1647 and RPLP/1656), but has noted that infrastructure constraints could mean in region of 1700+ homes may not be delivered in the plan period but acknowledges that these could be overcome in the medium to long term to permit delivery. BBC approached RDC for help to meet OAN, but has suggested that BBC should assure itself and the Planning Inspector that it has “left no stone unturned” in meeting its own needs in full in the plan period.

1.11. RDC acknowledges that the former Infrastructure, Growth and Development Committee at BBC considered the full range of housing site options available to them at meetings on the 7th December 2017, and then repeated a consideration of omission sites on the 19th March 2018. A further review of all omission sites was also undertaken at a meeting of the current Strategic Planning and Infrastructure Committee in September 2018. It is recognised that the decision making process in relation to site allocations for the Basildon Borough Local Plan has therefore been transparent, and full consideration has been given to evidence, albeit the judgements on individual sites has resulted in a supply position which does not meet the full OAN for housing.

1.12. It is also by recognised RDC that in order to address the gap in delivery, the Basildon Borough Revised Publication Local Plan commits within policy SD1 to work with neighbouring authorities to bring forward a Joint Strategic Plan (JSP) for South Essex. It further commits itself to a review if the JSP identifies new opportunities for further growth and infrastructure in Basildon Borough which clarifies the future relationship between the Local Plan and the JSP. In addition to this policy SD2 identifies two broad locations within Basildon Borough (Land to the South of Crays Hill and Land to the South of Wickford) for potential housing growth in the future, once proposals for capacity improvements to the A127 have been developed through the JSP. At this time, the options available for bringing sustainable development forward in these locations is dependent on knowing what land needs to be retained for these transport improvements.

1.13. It is acknowledged that the South Essex Joint Strategic Plan Statement of Common Ground – June 2018 and its Annexes of Memorandums of Understanding that formed the Association of South Essex Local Authorities (ASELA) and South Essex Strategic Planning Officer and Member Governance Arrangements have already established how a JSP for South Essex will be prepared and what its objectives are. Section 9.1 confirms that the transitional arrangements from relying on individual Local Plans to the new JSP and Local Plan portfolio will be managed by the June 2018 commitment from all South Essex authorities to meet the full housing needs of the sub-region and a spatial strategy for which would be agreed through the JSP. Section 9.3 reaffirms that the emerging JSP will therefore provide the “effective strategic planning mechanism” to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Duty to Cooperate, with

existing joint work, evidence based and shared governance through ASELA demonstrating cooperation is proactive, positive and ongoing.

1.14. Given the issue of unmet need, and in accordance with the Essex Planning Officers’ Association Unmet Housing Need Protocol 2017, BBC approached the four authorities within the South Essex Housing Market Area to determine if they could assist it in meeting housing needs in February and September 2018. All responded with the view that at the time they could not offer any assistance to BBC in meeting needs immediately, but considered that this issue would be explored holistically across the South Essex area as part of the JSP. It is therefore anticipated that any unmet need arising from South Essex will be addressed through the JSP. An Issues and Options Regulation 18 Consultation exploring the spatial options for growth in South Essex is being developed, with the aim of undertaking consultation in the autumn of 2019.

1.15. RDC are supportive of the Revised Publication Local Plan’s approach to Policy SD2’s Settlement Hierarchy & Distribution of Growth (RPLP 1648), Policy SD3’s approach to Designated Neighbourhood Areas and Policy SD4’s Presumption in Favour of Sustainable Development (RPLP 1648-1650).

Areas of Agreement 2. The Basildon Revised Publication Local Plan does not allocate enough sites to meet the full OAN for housing at this time. However, it commits to working with its neighbours in the South Essex and Brentwood Housing Market Area to prepare a Joint Strategic Plan which may identify opportunities for this unmet need to be addressed. The Basildon Borough Local Plan identifies two broad locations which will be brought forward as part of the plan’s first review, once options to improve capacity on the A127 have been identified through the JSP. 3. Basildon Borough Council has been through a transparent decision-making process in order to identify housing sites for inclusion within the Local Plan. 4. Basildon Borough Council acknowledge that Rochford District is currently unable to determine that it can accommodate any of the unmet housing need arising from this Publication Local Plan, but both Councils are committed to bringing forward a JSP which sets out the spatial approach to accommodating growth, and addresses any unmet housing needs arising across the South Essex Housing Market Area in a coordinated manner underpinned by infrastructure provision. 5. Basildon Borough Council and Rochford District Council consider that the Spatial Distribution of Growth, including housing targets to sustainable Neighbourhood Areas is a justified approach to help meet local housing needs. 6. Basildon Borough Council and Rochford District Council consider the approach for the medium to long-term for the two Broad Locations is pragmatic, justified and effective given the infrastructure constraints. They are committed to engaged positively to effectively plan for strategic infrastructure solutions as part of the JSP which should help unlock this area for development by the time of the Plan’s first review.

Gypsy and Traveller Needs

1.13 The evidence of the need for pitches to accommodate the needs of Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople within Basildon Borough is identified through the Basildon Borough Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Local Needs Accommodation Assessment (BBLNAA) completed in January 2018. The method used for this assessment aligns with that used for the Essex Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Accommodation Needs Assessment 2018, and the findings are integrated into the Essex wide study.

1.14 The BBLNAA identifies a specific need for 47 additional pitches for those Gypsies and Travellers that meet the definition in the Planning Policy for Traveller Sites (PPTS). There is also a need for a further 6 pitches to address the needs arising from growth in the population of Gypsies and Travellers whose status in relation to the PPTS is unknown. This represents 10% of growth arising from the ‘unknown’ population. It also identifies a need for 3 plots to meet the need of the Travelling Showpeople population.

1.15 The Basildon Borough Revised Publication Local Plan makes provision for the Travelling Showpeople population, and for the majority of the Gypsy and Traveller population through smaller site allocations and through the authorisation of existing authorised sites. However, currently, it acknowledges that there is an unmet need of nine pitches for Gypsies and Travellers. This need arises towards the end of the plan period.

1.16 Paragraph 11.46 indicates that given some of the existing population exists within neighbourhood planning areas, some of this unmet need will be met through Neighbourhood Plans. It also indicates that BBC will continue to work with neighbouring authorities to identify a strategic approach to meeting the needs of Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople, including Transit Sites should new evidence being prepared during 2019/2020 across Essex identify the need to do so.

1.17 RDC support the broad policy approach to Gypsy and Traveller provision in the Revised Publication Local Plan (Representations RPLP/1658) including the Transit Site review. RDC supports the relevant Development Management policies but have suggested that the Essex Design Guide update is expected to provide suitable design guidance (RPLP/1659 and RPLP/ 1663) for new Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Sites.

Areas of Agreement

7. Whilst the Basildon Revised Publication Local Plan does not allocate enough sites to meet the full requirement for Gypsy and Traveller Sites at this time it is considered to be an appropriate approach to identifying sites to meet needs through a new public site, regularised sites and Neighbourhood Plans. 8. Gypsy and Traveller needs are a strategic issue which the JSP will look to address in a holistic way. 9. Work will continue with Greater Essex authorities under the Essex Planning Officers’ Association to identify the scale of Transit Site needs as new evidence becomes available.

Jobs and Employment

1.18 Evidence base studies have informed the job numbers and amount of land for employment use for the Basildon Borough Revised Publication Local Plan. The Local Plan seeks to deliver at least 20,000 new jobs during the Plan period, and has identified 92ha of employment land supply in order to secure this. This level of land provision exceeds the need identified in evidence (the South Essex Economic Development Needs Assessment 2018), and addresses a request from the Greater London Authority for willing partners to deliver displaced demands for employment land arising from London.

1.19 Employment growth will primarily be delivered through the re-use and logical extensions of the A127 Enterprise Corridor, with some additional growth secured in town centres, in smaller employment areas within Billericay and Wickford and rural enterprise sites in the Green Belt.

1.20 The requirement for all new employment is outlined in Strategic Policies SD1 – A Strategic Approach to Sustainable Development and SD2 – Settlement Hierarchy and the Distribution of Growth. Detailed policies in relation to employment are meanwhile set out in Policies E1 to E11.

1.21 RDC welcome the policy efforts to support growth, strengthen the A127 corridor and improve access to local employment through skills development and acknowledge that this could have a positive cross-boundary impact on RDC’s residents as well (RPLP/1651).

1.22 BBC has met its objectively assessed need for employment through its Plan policies, and has also entered into discussions with the GLA to assist in supporting displaced industrial development from the London area. There are no outstanding requests for BBC to meet the employment needs of any neighbouring authorities.

Areas of Agreement

10. BBC is accommodating its employment needs within its boundaries resulting in no unmet need and economic growth and skills development could bring positive benefits to RDC’s residents.

Infrastructure Delivery

1.23 The Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) (2018) is the key evidence base document setting out details of the infrastructure identified by BBC and other service providers as being needed to support the delivery of new development across the Borough up to 2034. It is a ‘living document’ intended to be updated regularly as the plan is delivered.

1.24 Other evidence base studies to support the Local Plan include: • Basildon Council – Part 1 Draft Local Plan Transport and Highway Impact Assessment (2017) • Basildon Council – Part 2 Publication Local Plan Transport and Highway Impact Assessment (March 2018) • Basildon Council – Part 2 Addendum Publication Local Plan Transport and Highway Impact Assessment (August 2018) • Basildon Local Plan and CIL Viability Update Study (February 2018) and Addendum (September 2018)

1.25 BBC is still developing its Community Infrastructure Levy, having consulted on the Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule at the same time as the Regulation 19 consultation for the Revised Publication Local Plan. The Local Plan and CIL Viability Study will therefore be kept under review as the Local Plan is progressed towards adoption, and the CIL is revised in light of consultation responses.

1.26 In terms of securing infrastructure through the implementation of the Local Plan, Policy SD1 establishes as a strategic principle the alignment growth with services and infrastructure provision. Transport infrastructure requirements are outlined in Chapter 9 – Promoting Sustainable Transport. Community infrastructure requirements are outlined in Chapter 13 – Promoting Healthy Communities. Detailed requirements ensuring infrastructure delivery is aligned with development are set out in Chapter 18: Implementation.

Areas of Agreement

Retail

1.27 The Local Plan seeks to regenerate Basildon Town Centre as a sub-regional centre. It also seeks to regenerate Laindon, Pitsea and Wickford Town Centres as district centres. The enhancement of Billericay Town Centre as a district centre. Retail matters for the Local Plan are underpinned by the Basildon Retail and Commercial Leisure Capacity Study 2015, and updated by the South Essex Retail Study 2017.

1.28 Based on evidence, the Local Plan includes proposals for 2,500sqm for comparison goods, and 700sqm for convenience goods in the period to 2021, and a further 21,600sqm for comparison goods and 4,200sqm for convenience good to the end of the plan period. Provision will also be made for 9,300sqm of commercial leisure provision. RDC support the sequential approach which directs development to town centre locations through mixed use regeneration is the preferred strategy as set out in Chapter 8 of the Revised Publication Local Plan (RPLP/1652).

Areas of Agreement

12. The retail and town centre related policies in the Basildon Borough Revised Publication Local Plan are based on a shared evidence base with the other South Essex authorities including RDC. The growth projected for Basildon is therefore reflective of its position in the South Essex retail hierarchy and no unmet needs are generated.

Natural Environment

1.30 Basildon Borough has a wide range of designations which relate to the natural environment, including SSSI’s, ancient woodlands and local wildlife designations. There are also areas of freshwater and tidal marshland and water courses. The undeveloped parts of BCC’s area is also substantially designated as Green Belt. Green Belt designation currently extends to 63% of the boroughs area. In the eastern part of Basildon Borough the boundary with Rochford District is partly formed by the course of the River Crouch, which at its tidal extent near Battlesbridge is designated a RAMSAR and SPA.

1.31 The Local Plan specifically seeks to protect and enhance the natural environment including important ecological designations, the Green Belt and high quality landscapes, whilst delivering the growth required. This has been achieved through the undertaking of a Green Belt Review (2017), and the use of landscape evidence (Basildon Landscape Study 2015, and Outline Landscape Appraisals of Potential Strategic Sites 2017) and ecology evidence (Basildon Ecology Surveys 2016 and 2017) to identify appropriate development locations and any mitigation required.

1.32 The Local Plan will protect and enhance the networks of biodiversity and green infrastructure in line with the South Essex Green Grid Strategy, as set out in policy NE1, and supports the review and extension of this strategy across the whole South Essex area. The need to address climate change and minimise pollution is also set out within Chapters 15 and 16 of the Revised Publication Local Plan.

1.33 As a key cross-boundary strategic issue, policies NE1 and NE4 of the Revised Publication Local Plan also addresses the impacts of growth on the Essex Coast Natura 2000 sites by committing to the Essex Coast Recreation Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy (RAMS). Due to the in- combination impacts of plans across Essex, RDC is also a partner to the RAMS.

Areas of Agreement

13. BBC has committed, through its emerging Local Plans, to mitigating the in- combination effects of its Local Plan with others emerging across Essex on the Essex Coast Natura 2000 sites through the Essex Coast Recreation Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy (RAMS). 14. There are no other areas of uncommon ground or unresolved strategic matters.

Transport and Highways

1.34 Local Plan policies set out in Chapter 9 identify what and where new transport infrastructure is required. They have been informed by a robust evidence base prepared working in partnership with ECC as the Highway Authority to ensure projected development growth in Basildon Borough is tested robustly and a strategy for mitigation is formulated.

1.35 Several traffic modelling studies have been undertaken during the Local Plan preparation to assess the impact of emerging and preferred development options on the transport network. Comments made by neighbouring authorities at the Draft Local Plan stage have assisted BBC, in partnership with ECC, in refining the modelling work to ensure it picks up effectively on potential cross-boundary impacts. This saw BBC move from the use of a SATURN model to a VISUM model.

1.36 The junction modelling report assesses the likely impacts of planned growth on the highway network in the Basildon Borough area. This has included a high-level analysis of cross boundary traffic flows on key highway links including B1007 in Stock, A130 to/from Chelmsford City Council, A127 (Brentwood BC, Southend BC, Rochford DC) and A13 (Thurrock BC, Southend BC, Castle Point BC).

1.37 The flows and percentage increases on the key strategic cross boundary routes as a result of Local Plan growth, show some significant increases in traffic along the A127 corridor towards Brentwood. The A130 to/from Chelmsford and A13 to/from Thurrock are likely to experience traffic increases of 10-15%.

1.38 As a consequence of the evidence, the transport infrastructure requirements of each allocation site (H5 to H21 and E5 to E6) are set out in the respective policies, following the principle established in policy SD1 that infrastructure provision should be aligned with development. RDC supports the commitment to encourage a modal shift to support sustainable travel within the Borough and across the wider South Essex area. Policies within Chapter 18 – Implementation establish firm requirements around the use of planning obligations, phasing and the approach the Council will take to piecemeal development in order to secure the infrastructure necessary to support growth arising. RDC support the ongoing engagement with Essex County Council and partners to identify potential mitigation measures for the strategic highway network as part of the wider South Essex JSP, which it considers to be particularly important given the A127 is an important movement corridor which experiences capacity challenges at peak times. This commitment is already underlined by the separate A127 Statement of Common Ground, developed to support the London Borough of Havering Local Plan and which has since evolved into a cross sectoral political and officer platform called the A127 Task Force (RPLP/1653).

1.39 RDC has noted that the Revised Publication Local Plan Policies Map 2018 differs from the Draft Local Plan Policies Map 2016 in respects of access roads to the proposed new junction on the A127 (Pound Lane/Cranfield Park Road), insofar as Policy T2 no longer identifies a route which connects this junction to the western extent of RDC’s area (RPLP/1654). RDC consider that there may be merit in continuing to include this route and would seek to work with BBC in the future as part of its Local Plan Review and/or the JSP to determine whether it should continue. Between 2016 and 2018, BBC and Essex County Council undertook detailed VISUM modelling to test the mitigation options arising from growth in the Basildon Borough. (Evidence Study to List) The results of the modelling indicated that such a connection would be incompatible with the junction improvements programmed for the A127/A130 Fairglen Interchange. Until such a time as any growth proposals could be investigated for this part of Rochford as well, there was not enough justification to continue to show this connection.

Areas of Agreement 15. That BBC has undertaken transport modelling to identify and mitigate the impacts of the Local Plan on the highway and transport infrastructure. 16. That the allocation policies in the Basildon Borough Revised Publication Local Plan include transport infrastructure requirements to be delivered alongside development. This alignment flows from policy principles established in policy SD1, and is reiterated in the implementation policies in Chapter 18. 17. BBC and RDC will continue to engage with the Highways Authority during the implementation of the Basildon Borough Local Plan, its first review and the

development of the JSP to determine if any cross-boundary highway connections are needed as part of growth proposals in the wider area.

Site Allocations

1.40 RDC has made observations on three Site Allocations in the Basildon Borough Revised Publication Local Plan.

1.40.1 In respects of Policy H8 (RPLP/1660), RDC considers that this proposal could be in conflict with Brentwood Borough Council’s emerging policy for Dunton Hills Garden Village. It considered that it raises questions around the level of engagement between both councils and Essex County Council in respects of Green Belt, highways and infrastructure in particular.

1.40.2 Policy H8 is a relatively modest allocation for around 300 homes on land between Mandeville Way and Lower Dunton Road. The allocation includes a 7ha community sports hub which is a receptor site for pitches needing relocation from Policy H5, Land West of Gardiners Lane South in Basildon. As already set out and agreed in 1.11, BBC has been through a robust process to determine suitable and sustainable locations for growth allocations, including determining whether exceptional circumstances exist, on a site-by-site basis, and how to mitigate any harm, including landscape, infrastructure and highways. BBC is satisfied from this evidence that this site is appropriate, and is sufficiently contained by the Lower Dunton Road to its western extent to avoid any coalescence with the Dunton Hills Garden Village, if it were to go ahead.

1.40.3 In terms of Duty to Cooperate, RDC agree that the Duty to Cooperate Compliance Statement 2019 documents the extensive and proactive engagement that has taken place between Brentwood Borough Council and Essex County Council in respects of strategic, cross boundary issues. This has included the Dunton Garden Suburb Joint Project in 2015/2016 and joint workshops exploring infrastructure needs and solutions during 2016/2017. More recently, RDC acknowledges that the Joint Dunton Landscape Corridor Options Study 2017 sought to help inform how planning in this cross-boundary area could accommodate growth needs, whilst still maintaining a visual separation between new communities, surrounded by a managed landscape corridor served by new public transport routes.

1.40.4 BBC and RDC acknowledge the joint effort (including Brentwood and Thurrock Boroughs and Essex County Council) during 2018, to seek resolutions to the justification for the planning approaches being proposed in the Brentwood Borough, which were facilitated by RDC’s Managing Director.

1.40.5 RDC agrees that this evidence leaves it without doubt that whilst differences of opinion may exist between BBC and Brentwood Borough Council, every effort has been made to engage and find a common solution to the joint boundary area.

1.40.6 RDC notes that BBC has limited its growth proposals in this location as a result of seeking to limit harm and both BBC and RDC agree that proposals which cross and/or impact on this boundary are best dealt with at a sub-regional level through the JSP.

1.40.7 RDC is satisfied that BBC can demonstrate that it has considered how to sympathetically plan for homes within H8, without impacting on Brentwood Borough and can demonstrate how it is mitigating any impact adequately that would otherwise arise.

1.41 In respects of Policy H12 (RPLP/1661), RDC have noted the proposed allocation and raised the absence of a link road connecting with the A130, but wants to ensure that an open dialogue remains about this possibility as part of future plan-making.

1.41.1 BBC have explained this issue as part of 1.39 of this Statement and RDC concur that this is an appropriate way forward.

1.42 In respects of Policy H13: Land North of Southend Road, Shotgate (RPLP/ 1662), RDC has noted the proposed allocation has reduced in size and now incorporates a substantial area of open space to mitigate potential impacts on odour, air and noise pollution from other infrastructure assets in the area.

Areas of Agreement

18. There are no areas of uncommon ground in respects of site allocations. 19. BBC and RDC both recognise that strategic levels of growth at or around the Basildon – Brentwood – Thurrock boundary poses a risk in terms of Green Belt coalescence which is best managed through a coordinated approach at the sub- regional level through the JSP.

Other Policies

1.43 RDC have offered an observation on policies Policy H26: Affordable Housing (RPLP/1664), DES1: Achieving Good Design (RPLP/1665), Policy GB1: Strategic Approach to Green Belt (RPLP/1670) where it is felt clarification could be made within the plan.

1.44 RDC support Policy H2: Specialist Accommodation for Older People and Disabled Adults (RPLP/1657), Policy HC1: Health and Well-being Strategy (RPLP/1666), Policy HC3: Strategic Approach to Educations, Skills and Learning (RPLP/1668), Policy CC1: Responding to Climate Change (RPLP/1671), Policy CC2: Flood Risk and Drainage Management (RPLP/1672), Policy NE2: Country Parks (RPLP/1674), Policy NE3: Local Wildlife Sites (RPLP/1675), Policy HE1: Strategy for Conserving and Enhancing the Historic Environment (RPLP/1676) and Policy IMP1: Implementation Strategy (RPLP/1677).

1.45 RDC have also observed that whilst it broadly supports Policy HC2: Strategic Approach to Leisure and Recreation (RPLP/1667), Policy HC5: Public Open Spaces (RPLP/1669) and Policy NE1: Green Infrastructure Strategy (RPLP/1673) that joint evidence commissioned for the JSP may lead to a need to change the strategic approach in the future. BBC accept and RDC acknowledge that this is the nature of joint evidence and have put in place through criteria in Policy SD1 the ability to review the Local Plan in the event the JSP establishes different strategic policies for the sub-region.

Sustainability Appraisal (including SEA)

1.46 Appropriate and robust SA/SEA has been undertaken throughout the preparation of the Local Plan in an iterative and consultative manner which has led to the Local Plan containing an appropriate and sustainable strategy (RPLP/1678).

Areas of Agreement

20. There are no areas of uncommon ground or unresolved strategic matters .

2. Further Joint Working

It is agreed by BBC and RDC that:

2.1. Following the publication of the EPOA Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment Report, January 2018, an initial scoping exercise has been identified to be undertaken by EPOA to review transit site requirements across Essex. This is dependent on new survey data being collected in 2019.

2.2. Whilst the RAMS has been completed, there is a need for a SPD to be developed and for joint governance arrangements to be put in place to implement and deliver the action plan set out in the RAMS in order to deliver effective mitigation of housing growth in Essex on the Essex Coast Natura 2000 sites.

3. Areas of Uncommon Ground

3.1. There are no areas of uncommon ground.

4. Additional Strategic Matter

4.1. There are no additional strategic matters which BBC or RDC are aware of which has not already been addressed by this Statement of Common Ground.

5. Monitoring

5.1. This statement will be maintained by BBC and updated as necessary.

5.2. BBC will continue to work with all RDC beyond the Local Plan adoption for the monitoring and implementation of the Local Plan.

6. Signatories:

Signature: Signature: W

Matthew Winslow Daniel Goodman Service Manager – Strategic Planning, Senior Strategic Planner Housing and Regeneration Strategy Rochford District Council Basildon Borough Council

Date Date

Appendix 1: