Castle Point Borough Council New Local Plan 2018

Technical Evidence: Summary Document

June 2018

CONTENTS

1 Background ...... 1

2 Evidence to May 2018 ...... 1

3 Next Steps ...... 1

4 Borough Council Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople

Accommodation Assessment (GTAA) (September 2017) ...... 3

5 Castle Point Borough Council Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment (May 2018) ..... 4

6 South Economic Development Needs Assessment (EDNA) (November

2017)...... 7

7 South Essex Retail Study Volume 1 (May 2018) ...... 9

8 South Essex Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) (May 2016) ...... 11

9 South Essex Strategic Housing Market Assessment Addendum (SHMA) (May

2017)...... 12

10 South Essex Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (Level 1) ...... 13

11 Updated Objectively Assessed Need (OAN) ...... 15

12 Air quality Annual Status Report (2016) & The UK Air Quality Action Plan for

Nitrogen Dioxide (July 2017) ...... 16

1 Background

1.1 In 2014 the Council prepared a draft local plan supported by technical evidence and made this available for public consultation. In response to the consultation process, an updated local plan was produced in 2016. Council approved this version for publication and submission to the Secretary of State for examination. In March 2017 following concerns expressed by the Planning Inspector regarding the "duty to co-operate", this plan was withdrawn.

1.2 Since then planning policy making has focused on strategic planning, with the Council fully engaged with neighbouring and nearby authorities in South Essex to address the "duty to co-operate" and to follow a more co-ordinated approach to strategic planning in the area. This has resulted in agreement to prepare a Joint Strategic Plan (JSP) for South Essex, to provide for new growth but aligned with place-making ambitions and improvements to infrastructure.

1.3 The New Local Plan 2018 will put in place up-to-date planning policies, in accordance with the NPPF, and the PPG. The new Local Plan will have a timeframe of at least 15 years: however the housing delivery policies and site allocations will have a shorter timeframe of between 5 to 10 years. This shorter timeframe for the housing policy elements will ensure an upturn in housing delivery in the short term. In the longer term, the JSP aims to pick up any unmet need to support the aims of the South Essex 2050 vision. Work on the JSP for South Essex will continue in parallel to the development of the New Local Plan 2018.

2 Evidence to May 2018

2.1 This document provides a brief summary of the conclusions of nine technical evidence reports prepared since the 2016 Plan was withdrawn. The reports have been prepared by independent consultants and will inform both the South Essex JSP and the Castle Point Local Plan.

2.2 The summaries set out aim to support stakeholder and community engagement. The full reports have been made available online- https://www.castlepoint.gov.uk/studies-and-assessments -these should be read to gain a full insight on the topics discussed and conclusions reached.

3 Next Steps

3.1 Updated and/or new technical evidence has been commissioned to support the New Local Plan 2018 as follows:

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• Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment and Brownfield Land Register 2018 • Essex Coast Recreational disturbance Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy • Essex Design Guide • Community Infrastructure Needs Assessment • Greenbelt Review • Green Infrastructure Strategy and Open Space Strategy • Playing Pitch Strategy • Sport and Leisure Facilities Needs Assessment • Sustainability Appraisal • Strategic Flood Risk Assessment • Transport Assessment Update • Whole Plan Viability Assessment

3.2 Where new or updated evidence relates to potential housing land allocations it will be used to inform a Housing Site Options Paper.

3.3 All new or updated evidence and the Housing Sites Options Paper will be used to inform the New Local Plan. Subject to approval by the Council, currently scheduled for consideration in November 2018, the New Local Plan and all supporting evidence will be made available for public consultation in January 2019.

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4 Castle Point Borough Council Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Accommodation Assessment (GTAA) (September 2017)

4.1 This Assessment provides a robust evaluation of current and future need for Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople accommodation in Castle Point Borough for the period 2016-2033. It responds to a new planning definition set out in the Planning Policy for Traveller Sites (PPTS) (2015) which states that Gypsies, Travellers or Travelling Showpeople who have ceased to travel will no longer fit the planning definition of a Gypsy, Traveller or Travelling Showperson. The Assessment determines the number of people who meet the new planning definition through fieldwork in the form of interviews. The baseline of the Assessment is September 2016.

Gypsies and Travellers

4.2 In summary there is a need for no additional pitches in Castle Point to 2033 for Gypsy and Traveller households that meet the planning definition as none were identified; a need for up to 1 additional pitch for Gypsy and Traveller households that may meet the planning definition; and a need for 5 additional pitches for Gypsy and Traveller households who do not meet the planning definition.

Travelling Showpeople

4.3 There were no Travelling Showpeople identified living in Castle Point so there is no current or future need for additional plots.

Transit Provision

4.4 Whilst there is historic evidence to suggest that there may be a need for some form of transit provision in Greater Essex, it is not recommended that any should be provided at this point in time as the robustness of the data which could indicate this is not considered to be sufficient. It is recommended that the situation relating to levels of unauthorised encampments should continue to be monitored whilst any potential changes associated with PPTS (2015) develop. It is also recommended that further work is completed to identify the need for transit provision on an Essex-wide basis.

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5 Castle Point Borough Council Playing Pitch Strategy Assessment (May 2018)

5.1 This report was produced to identify current levels and provision of play pitches across the Castle Point Borough. Below assesses issues and future recommended actions for each pitch type.

Grass football pitches

5.2 All pitch types in Castle Point have a potential future shortfall based on predicted future demand.

Third generation turf pitches (3G) and Artificial Grass Pitches (AGP)

5.3 The shortfall in 3G and AGPS pitches equates to one pitch in the Analysis Area and to two pitches in the Mainland Analysis Area. A total of eight teams currently play matches on the existing 3G pitch stock.

Cricket pitches

5.4 Current and future demand is accommodated in Castle Point; however, an increase in provision may be required to accommodate any future senior demand derived from either Canvey Island CC or Hadleigh & CC.

Rugby union pitches (including World Rugby compliant 3G AGPs

5.5 Despite current spare capacity, a shortfall of 1.25 match equivalent sessions will be created in the Mainland Analysis Area if all junior and mini demand is transferred to Benfleet Playing Fields as is desired by Benfleet Vikings RFC.

Rugby league pitches

5.6 Given that no perceived rugby league demand exists currently or in the future, no action is required in relation to the sport.

Hockey pitches (sand/water based AGPs)

5.7 There are no hockey suitable AGPs and no hockey clubs based in Castle Point, with demand likely to be exported to neighbouring authorities. Consultation with England Hockey (EH) suggests that it is unlikely for a dedicated club to be created in Castle Point in the near future, meaning immediate priority should be given to clubs and facilities in neighbouring authorities. Notwithstanding the above, the lack of provision is considered detrimental to school-based hockey.

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Golf courses

5.8 Both golfing facilities in the borough should be supported to ensure that sites are able to retain current members and users as well as, whereas appropriate, assisting them in capitalising on any untapped demand plus future demand generated from housing growth and population increases.

Outdoor tennis courts

5.9 A shortfall will be evident at Hadleigh Park TC if the Club realises its future demand aspirations, suggesting that floodlight installation is required. For non- club courts, the supply is considered to be insufficient as only four courts are provided.

Outdoor bowling greens

5.10 As providing additional outdoor greens is considered unrealistic, consideration should be given to the creation of an indoor bowls facility as this would reduce the pressures on the outdoor greens.

Outdoor netball courts

5.11 There is currently community demand for outdoor netball provision in Castle Point generated from the Southend & District Netball League. This league accesses the Deanes School Sports Centre. As such, a priority should be placed on ensuring these courts remain of a good standard.

Outdoor athletics facilities

5.12 It is worth exploring whether a dedicated athletics club could be created via help from England Athletics. Priority should also be placed on sustaining and increasing the popularity of the running events currently taking place.

Outdoor cycling facilities

5.13 It is considered that demand for cycling within Castle Point is accommodated for due to Hadleigh Park being situated in the Borough. The priority should be sustaining the quality of this site so that it continues to meet demand.

Multi-Use Game Areas (MUGAs)

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5.14 It is considered that given the limited number of identified MUGAs it is likely there is an under provision across the Borough. Usage of current provision is likely to be limited given that neither are floodlit.

Parkour

5.15 There is one parkour facility in Castle Point found in Hadleigh Park. This is regularly used by Southend Parkour Club, who suggest that flood-lighting will be necessary to enable use all year round use as well as bars that will be suitable for a younger audience to increase participation.

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6 South Essex Economic Development Needs Assessment (EDNA) (November 2017)

6.1 The South Essex Economic Development Needs Assessment (EDNA) complements Castle Point’s existing Employment and Retail Needs Assessment 2012. It focuses on economic development needs across Borough, Castle Point Borough, District, Borough and Southend-on-Sea Borough Councils.

6.2 Castle Point’s median workplace earnings in 2015 was £23,878 compared to its median residential earnings of £29,529. This indicates that while the average earnings for residents are relative high, local jobs pay relatively poorly and are therefore lower value. In 2014 Castle Point had £1,155.5 million gross value added (GVA) output, this equates to a £12,996.7 output per capita, and this is nearly half of the amount produced by Basildon over the same period. From 2001-2014 GVA in Castle Point grew by 14.6%, the borough’s biggest employment sector is construction at 22.5%.

6.3 Castle Point has had consistently low level of office and industrial stock from 2010-2015 highlighting a high demand for these employment spaces, which puts greater reliance on neighbouring authorities. In total Castle Point has six employment sites ranging in quality and size owing 79ha this makes up just 6% of all employment land in South Essex.

6.4 There is approximately 24.3ha of land identified for potential future employment uses in Castle Point. This includes:

 West of Windermere Road - Northern Cluster – 4.05ha  South of Roscommon Way – Canvey Island – 10.47ha  Northwick Road – Canvey Island – 9.72ha

6.5 Castle Point is expected to accommodate a limited supply of displaced industrial land that will be released from London over the next 20 years. Future need is based on historic and market sector trends, the projected impact of industrial land re-location from London reverses the negative manufacturing / industrial floor space requirement predicted in Castle Point to a positive growth requirement of 9,265sqm. This growth will expect to increase the employment creation to 257 instead of -392 FTE jobs initially forecasted in the industrial sector.

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6.6 It is suggested that a total requirement of 1ha of employment land over the projection period (2016-2036) is necessary to support growth; 0ha for office activity, 2ha for manufacturing / industrial (B1c / B2) activity and -2ha (2ha over-supply) for warehouse (B8) activity. However, allowances need to be made for churn and windfall losses. Taking this into account the total employment land required in Castle Point is 9ha which corresponds to 43,088sq m of floor space.

6.7 The majority of this additional capacity requirement is driven by the need to offset historic losses of industrial and office premises which may not be necessary as much of the stock was redundant prior to demolition/conversion. It may be that Castle Point Borough Council adopts differing approaches to including these supply side adjustments.

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7 South Essex Retail Study Volume 1 (May 2018)

7.1 This Study provides a common evidence base to assist cooperation between the South Essex authorities on cross-boundary retail and leisure planning matters. The five authorities include; Basildon Borough, Castle Point Borough, , Southend-on-Sea Borough and Thurrock Borough Councils.

7.2 Issues affecting the retail sector are identified by the study as: the polarisation trend, restructuring of the convenience (food) sector, growth of the commercial leisure centre and the effects of digital technology.

7.3 In South Essex, retail expenditure is expected to grow at a rate of 3.1% for comparison goods, convenience expenditure at 0.1% and leisure is forecasted at 1.4% per annum between 2016 and 2035. Special Forms of Trading (SFT) which includes all non-store retail sales (internet, catalogue, outdoor markets, telephone sales and door to door). The SFT share of retail spending is forecast to reach 18.6% by 2022 and 20.4% by the mid-2030s.

7.4 Canvey Island has the highest amount of retail influence in Castle Point followed by Hadleigh, however in comparison to neighbouring towns in other South Essex authorities both these towns have very small influence and mainly provide retail facilities for local residents. Castle Point does attract some inward expenditure in the convenience sector due to the geography of some foodstores being located near the Rochford border. A lot of comparison and leisure expenditure is spent in the neighbouring authorities of Basildon and Southend-on-Sea. Castle Point has a very limited food and drink leisure offer and as a result experiences the highest level of expenditure leakage in South Essex at 60%. As food and drink is expected to have the highest level of increase in the sub-region and due to the level of leakage in the borough there is an opportunity increase food and drink offer to retain expenditure. There is capacity for three new cinema screens in Castle Point, however this would be better suited for larger towns with wider catchment areas such as Basildon, Southend and Thurrock.

7.5 Currently Castle Point has very low levels of comparison and convenience needs identified because it achieves a very low market share at present and on this basis would benefit from further provision in order to promote more sustainable shopping patterns.

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7.6 In relation to convenience goods, it is important to remember that it is only new population that is generating additional convenience goods expenditure. The distribution of new population is therefore critical in allocating convenience floorspace. But because there are significant commitments already in the pipeline, there is little or no quantitative need identified. It will therefore be important for Castle Point to monitor the location of housing growth relative to these planned new stores; in the event there is a mismatch between the location of floorspace and population, it may well be appropriate to plan for growth in addition to quantitative needs.

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8 South Essex Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) (May 2016)

8.1 This report studies the potential housing need in Castle Point from 2014-2037, it is based on varying methodologies to predict population growth from natural change, migration, the London effect, historical trends and market signals. Employment growth is touched upon but a more detailed assessment is found within the South Essex Economic Development Needs Assessment (EDNA). The local authorities of Basildon Borough, Castle Point Borough, Rochford District, Southend-on-Sea Borough and Thurrock Borough Councils are known as Thames Gateway South Essex (TGSE) and are defined within this document as a single housing market area (HMA). The majority of residents live and work within the TGSE and are likely to move between these authorities compared to other areas.

8.2 Castle Point is expected to see an increase of people aged 85 and above and a decrease of those at working age at 40-54 during 2014-2037. The report suggests that the upper objectively assessed need (OAN) should be used to inform decisions and in the case of Castle Point an estimated 326 – 410 dwellings per annum are required for future need over the 2014-2037 period. There is a calculated need for 249 affordable homes annually in Castle Point over the projection period to 2037. This represents between 61 – 76% of the total OAN range. Based on historic trends the greatest need for new housing in Castle Point is as follows:

 35% detached three bedroom (or less) houses  22% semi-detached two bedroom (or less) houses  18% semi-detached three bedroom houses  Affordable housing needs vary greatly with 47% of affordable housing require one bedroom homes.

8.3 Local authorities are expected to establish local registers of custom builders wishing to acquire suitable land to build their own homes, which will provide a useful future mechanism for monitoring demand for such housing across Castle Point and the TGSE which should be taken into account in developing respective Local Plans.

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9 South Essex Strategic Housing Market Assessment Addendum (SHMA) (May 2017)

9.1 This addendum follows on from the 2016 Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) in light of the 2014 sub-national population projections (SNPP) and South Essex Economic Development Needs Assessment (EDNA). It considers the implications of this newly available evidence on the OAN concluded in the 2016 SHMA. It does not represent a comprehensive update of all elements of the SHMA, and is intended to be read alongside the earlier document.

9.2 Using the 2014 updated population figures and similarly to the 2016 SHMA predicting outcomes from market signals, household formation rates, natural change, migration and employment assumptions. A new objectively assessed housing need of 311 dwellings per annum is recommended in Castle Point from 2014-2037.

9.3 To reflect the increased number of newly forming households anticipated under the updated demographic projection the new net annual affordable housing need is 353 in Castle Point over the 2014-2037 period.

9.4 Based on the amount of each household typology and past household occupancy trends it is estimated that Castle Point requires 7% of one bedroom housing, 25% two bedroom housing, 42% three bedrooms and 27% four bedrooms or more in the 2014-2037 period. This should only be used as a guidance as the market will inform the types of housing that will be required at specific times.

9.5 It is estimated that residents aged 65+ in Castle Point will grow by 9,418 people and those aged 75+ by 7,659 from 2014-2037. The analysis suggests that the projected growth in the older population at the upper end of the concluded OAN range could generate a need for 52 specialist older persons accommodation units annually in Castle Point, with a total need for 1,205 units over the full assessment period.

9.6 An additional need for 25 bedspaces annually in addition to the overall OAN is required to provide the growth of those aged 75+ living in communal establishments.

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10 South Essex Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (Level 1)

10.1 The aim of the South Essex Level 1 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) is to refine the information on flood risk; identify the requirements for Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs); inform the preparation of flood risk policy and guidance; determine the acceptability of flood risk in relation to emergency planning capability; and consider opportunities to reduce flood risk to existing communities and developments through better management of surface water, provision for conveyance and storage for flood water. This document was created for the South Essex authorities of Basildon Borough, Castle Point Borough, Rochford District and Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s.

10.2 In the preparation of the Level 1 SFRA, the most up-to-date flood risk information from all flooding sources (tidal, fluvial, surface water, groundwater, sewer and artificial sources) was collated, reviewed and presented for use by the South Essex Authorities. This included collation of existing hydraulic modelling outputs combined with updated hydraulic modelling (including flood defence breach analysis) to inform the SFRA mapping.

10.3 The SFRA has mapped the impact of climate change, the potential extent of breaches of flood defences and extents of functional floodplain. This has been defined by additional hydraulic modelling to determine these areas of risk.

10.4 Tidal and fluvial flooding poses the most significant flood risk to the Castle Point Borough, in particular Canvey Island and Hadleigh Marshes. The topography and location of watercourses on Canvey Island means that the whole island is at risk from tidal and fluvial flooding. Although much of the Island is protected by the presence of defences, the island is still at residual risk of flooding if the defences were to fail or to be overtopped.

10.5 In the event that a breach in the existing flood defences was to occur, or a failure of one of the existing flood barriers (residual risk), significant depths of floodwater would be experienced on Canvey Island and the southern portion of the mainland. Given the low lying nature of these parts of the Borough, floodwaters would propagate rapidly across Canvey Island thereby reducing the time for warning and evacuation of residents.

10.6 On the mainland area of the Borough, the Prittle Brook and Benfleet Hall Sewer pose the most significant fluvial risk with the southern part of and Hadleigh located within Flood Zone 2 and 3 as well as a small area along the course of the Prittle Brook. High Ground and Embankments protect the area from flooding however the area is still at residual risk.

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10.7 There is a high probability of surface water flooding within the Castle Point Borough. Surface water flood risk is highest on Canvey Island. A number of high risk flow paths are located in the South Benfleet and Thundersley areas associated with the route of ordinary watercourses. Localised flooding within the Borough can be attributed to topographic depressions as well as insufficient capacity within watercourses. The management of the drainage system has also been found to be an exacerbating factor for previous surface water flooding events that have occurred within the Borough.

10.8 When considering sites that are in flood zones 2 and 3 the sequential test is applied, this compares alternative site options and sustainability measures. If a site positively outweighs an alternative site than an exception test is applied. An exception test provides a method of managing flood risk whilst still allowing necessary sustainable development to occur. The test is only appropriate for use when there are large areas in Flood Zones 2 and 3a where the Sequential Test alone cannot deliver acceptable sites, but where some continuing development is necessary for wider sustainable development reasons.

10.9 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) understands that when it is not possible to avoid locating development in areas at risk of flooding, when that is the case management and mitigation measures should be applied. Mitigation measures should be designed with an allowance for climate change over the lifetime of the proposed development (100 years for residential development and 75 years for commercial / industrial developments). Various mitigation measures are outlined within the SFRA.

10.10 In regards to Sustainable urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) and Castle Point, given the low-lying nature of Canvey Island, Hadleigh and South Benfleet, this area would not be suitable for infiltration SUDS. Instead, source control mechanisms such as green / brown roofs and rainwater harvesting and grey water recycling should be encouraged for new developments to restrict the volumes and rates of surface water runoff leaving a site.

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11 Updated Objectively Assessed Need (OAN)

11.1 The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) are currently reviewing the way in which local authorities calculate their Objectively Assessed housing Need (OAN). The aim of this is to prevent local planning authorities (LPAs) spending time and money on various methods that conclude different housing numbers. A single calculation that can be used across all areas is the ultimate objective of this study.

11.2 By using this standardised method, Castle Point’s OAN is 342 homes per year over the next 15 years.

11.3 Although this methodology is still under review it is likely to be adopted within the next year.

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12 Air quality Annual Status Report (2016) & The UK Air Quality Action Plan for Nitrogen Dioxide (July 2017)

12.1 The Air Quality Annual Status Report 2016 focuses on levels of air pollution in Castle Point. The UK Air Quality Action Plan for Nitrogen Dioxide (July 2017) is

Air Quality Annual Status Report 2016

12.2 The Air Quality Annual Status Report 2016 focuses on levels of air pollution specifically in Castle Point. It is Castle Point’s statutory duty to review and assess air quality in its area and determine whether or not air quality objectives are likely to be achieved.

12.3 The main source of air pollution in the borough is from traffic emissions particularly along the A127 and A13 major routes, along London Road and Canvey Way and at the key junctions of A127 Rayleigh Weir and A13 / A130 Sadlers Farm Junction.

12.4 Air pollution is considered to be generally low in Castle Point and monitoring of local air quality has measured no exceedances of air quality objective at relevant exposure. The trend of results monitored across sites from 2011-2015 indicates that air quality is improving in the borough.

12.5 Castle Point Borough Council and Essex County Council recognise that improved infrastructure within the highway network is essential for promoting access by sustainable modes of travel.

12.6 Work that will take place from February 2016 includes:

 Upgrading the existing footway/cycleway facilities along the northern side of Somnes Avenue and the eastern side of Canvey Road to meet current design standards. This will include extending the cycleway along the northern side of Somnes Avenue;  Improving crossing points;  Improving street lighting facilities and signage.

12.7 Air Quality in Castle Point meets the national Air Quality Objectives. As such, Castle Point Borough Council does not have an Air Quality Strategy or Action Plan. However the road network in the Borough experiences congestion on key routes and at key junctions during peak periods.

The UK Air Quality Action Plan for Nitrogen Dioxide (July 2017)

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12.8 This report concentrates on the tool for combatting Nitrogen Dioxide levels and improving air quality.

12.9 Unlike greenhouse gases, the risk from NO2 is focused in particular places: it is the build-up of pollution in a particular area that increases the concentration in the air and the associated risks. So intervention needs to be targeted to problem areas, fewer than 100 major roads which national modelling suggests will continue to have air pollution problems in 2021, mostly in cities and towns. The effort to reduce NO2 also needs to be targeted on the sources that make the biggest contribution to the problem: road vehicles contribute about 80% of NO2 pollution at the roadside and growth in the number of diesel cars has exacerbated this problem.

12.10 Given the local nature of the problem, local action is needed to achieve improvements in air quality. Local knowledge is vital to finding solutions for air quality problems that are suited to local areas and the communities and businesses affected. A leading role for local authorities is therefore essential.

12.11 In developing their local plans to tackle the causes of air pollution, local authorities should consider a wide range of innovative options, exploring new technologies and seeking to support the government’s industrial strategy so that they can deliver reduced emissions in a way that best meets the needs of their communities and local businesses. Their plans could include a wide range of measures such as: changing road layouts at congestion and air pollution pinch points; encouraging public and private uptake of ULEVs; using innovative retrofitting technologies and new fuels; and, encouraging the use of public transport. If these measures are not sufficient, local plans could include access restrictions on vehicles, such as charging zones or measures to prevent certain vehicles using particular roads at particular times.

12.12 Local authorities that do not meet legal level requirements had 18 months to produce their plans in order to improve air quality.

Conclusion

12.13 As Castle Point does not have locations that are classed as problem areas above national standards it is not necessary to create a mitigation plan. However the areas pinpointed above will need to be monitored to ensure that levels do not exceed limits in the future, especially on junctions that are likely to become busier due to development.

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