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Policy DM1 - Design Quality

Supporting text

1. The Council will support good quality, innovative design that contributes positively to the creation of successful places. All developments should draw reference from the design principles set out in the Design and Townscape Guide SPD, where applicable, and where a Design and Access Statement is required demonstrate how this guidance has been addressed to achieve high quality, sustainable design. In order to reinforce local distinctiveness all development should:
   1. Add to the overall quality of the area and respect the character of the site, its local context and surroundings in terms of its architectural approach, height, size, scale, form, massing, density, layout, proportions, materials, townscape and/or landscape setting, use, and detailed design features giving appropriate weight to the preservation of a heritage asset based on its significance in accordance with Policy DM5 where applicable;
   2. Provide appropriate detailing that contributes to and enhances the distinctiveness of place;
   3. Contribute positively to the space between buildings and their relationship to the public realm;
   4. Protect the amenity of the site, immediate neighbours, and surrounding area, having regard to privacy, overlooking, outlook, noise and disturbance, visual enclosure, pollution, and daylight and sunlight;
   5. Provide an internal and external layout that takes account of all potential users including prioritising pedestrians and cyclists and accessibility to public transport; and
   6. Address security issues by having regard to the principles of 'Secured by Design'.

Policy DM2 - Low Carbon Development and Efficient Use of Resources

Supporting text

To ensure the delivery of sustainable development, all development proposals should contribute to minimising energy demand and carbon dioxide emissions in accordance with the energy hierarchy and address the following:

New Development

1. All new development that creates additional residential and/or commercial units, should be energy and resource efficient by incorporating the following requirements:
   1. Applying passive and energy efficient design measures; and
   2. Prioritising the use of sustainably sourced material, and adopting sustainable construction methods that minimise the use of raw materials and maximise the recovery of minerals from construction, demolition and excavation wastes produced at development or redevelopment sites; and
   3. Where viable and feasible, achieving a minimum Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3, and move towards zero carbon by 2016 for all residential developments; or achieving a BREEAM 'very good' rating, and move towards zero carbon by 2019 for all non-residential developments. Applications should include Interim Code or BREEAM certificates based on the design stage assessment. Planning conditions will require submission of final Code certificates and post-construction BREEAM certificates, as appropriate; and
   4. Water efficient design measures that limit internal water consumption to 105 litres per person per day (lpd) (110 lpd when including external water consumption). Such measures will include the use of water efficient fittings, appliances and water recycling systems such as grey water and rainwater harvesting; and
   5. Urban greening measures and promoting biodiversity from the beginning of the design process. Urban greening design measures include, but are not limited to: provision of soft landscaped open space; tree planting; green roofs; living walls; nest boxes; and soft landscaping.

Alterations and extensions to existing development

2. High standards of energy and water efficiency in existing developments will be supported wherever possible through retrofitting. Conversions, extensions and/or alterations of existing buildings should meet BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment 'very good'. Where this is not technically feasible or viable, appropriate sustainability measures should stillbe incorporated.

Policy DM3 - The Efficient and Effective Use of Land

Supporting text

1. The Council will seek to support development that is well designed and that seeks to optimise the use of land in a sustainable manner that responds positively to local context and does not lead to over-intensification, which would result in undue stress on local services, and infrastructure, including transport capacity.
2. All development on land that constitutes backland and infill development will be considered on a site-by-site basis. Development within these locations will be resisted where the proposals:
   1. Create a detrimental impact upon the living conditions and amenity of existing and future residents or neighbouring residents; or
   2. Conflict with the character and grain of the local area; or
   3. Result in unusable garden space for the existing and proposed dwellings in line with Policy DM8; or
   4. Result in the loss of local ecological assets including wildlife habitats and significant or protected trees.
3. The conversion of existing single dwellings into two or more dwellings will only be permitted where the proposed development:
   1. Does not adversely impact upon the living conditions and amenity of the intended occupants and neighbouring residents and uses; and
   2. Will not harm the character and appearance of the existing building or wider area; and
   3. Will not lead to a detrimental change of a street's function; and
   4. Meets the residential standards set out in DM8 and the vehicle parking standards set out in Policy DM15.
4. The conversion or redevelopment of single storey dwellings (bungalows) will generally be resisted. Exceptions will be considered where the proposal:
   1. Does not create an unacceptable juxtaposition within the streetscene that would harm the character and appearance of the area;and
   2. Will not result in a net loss of housing accommodation suitable for the needs of Southend's older residents having regard to the Lifetime Homes Standards.
5. Alterations and additions to a building will be expected to make a positive contribution to the character of the original building and the surrounding area through:
   1. The use of materials and detailing that draws reference from, and where appropriate enhances, the original building, and ensures successful integration with it; and
   2. Adopting a scale that is respectful and subservient to that of the original building and surrounding area; and
   3. Where alternative materials and detailing to those of the prevailing character of the area are proposed, the Council will look favourably upon proposals that demonstrate high levels of innovative and sustainable design that positively enhances the character of the original building or surrounding area.

Policy DM4 - Tall and Large Buildings

Supporting text

1. Tall and large buildings are by definition substantially taller and out of scale with the prevailing built form of the surrounding area and/or have a significant impact on the skyline. Tall buildings will only be permitted in appropriate locations in the Southend Central Area and will only be considered outside this area in exceptional circumstances, where the development would be within the street block of an existing cluster of tall buildings, where it can be demonstrated that it would not be incongruous with the character and function of the area, and where the proposed development meets the criteria set out within this policy. Tall and large buildings will be considered acceptable where:
   1. They are located in areas whose character, function and appearance would not be harmed by the scale, mass or bulk of a tall or large building; and
   2. They integrate with the form, proportion, composition, and character of surrounding buildings, urban grain and public realm (including landscape features), particularly at street level; and
   3. Individually or as a group, form a distinctive landmark that emphasises a point of visual significance and enhances the skyline and image of Southend; and
   4. The highest standards of architecture and materials are incorporated; and
   5. The latest regulations and planning policies for minimising energy use and reducing carbon emissions over the lifetime of the development are exceeded, where viable and feasible;and
   6. Ground floor activities provide a positive relationship to the surrounding streets; and
   7. They are located in a sustainable area with frequent public transport links, and where local services are accessible by foot and bicycle

2. Tall and large buildings will not be acceptable where:
   1. They adversely affect their surroundings in terms of character, microclimate, wind turbulence, overshadowing, noise, reflected glare, navigation and telecommunication interference; or
   2. They impact adversely on local views that make an important contribution to the character of the area; or
   3. They adversely impact upon the skyline of Southend as viewed from the foreshore and other important viewpoints and vistas within and outside the Borough; or
   4. They adversely impact upon London Southend Airport; or
   5. They detrimentally impact upon the setting of heritage assets.

Policy DM5 - Southend-on-Sea's Historic Environment

Supporting text

1. All development proposals that affect a heritage asset will be required to include an assessment of its significance, and to conserve and enhance its historic and architectural character, setting and townscape value.

2. Development proposals that result in the total loss of or substantial harm to the significance of a designated heritage asset, including listed buildings and buildings within conservation areas, will be resisted, unless there is clear and convincing justification that outweighs the harm or loss. Development proposals that are demonstrated to result in less than substantial harm to a designated heritage asset will be weighed against the impact on the significance of the asset and the public benefits of the proposal, and will be resisted where there is no clear and convincing justification for this. High quality redevelopment of existing buildings within conservation areas which are considered to be of poor architectural quality will be encouraged.

3. Development proposals that result in the loss of or harm to the significance of a non-designated heritage asset, such as a locally listed building or frontages of townscape merit, will normally be resisted, although a balanced judgement will be made, having regard to the scale of any harm or loss, the significance of the asset and any public benefits.

4. Development proposals, including replacement shopfronts, that impact upon the 'Frontages of Townscape Merit' will be required to pay regard to the preservation and restoration of features which contribute to the special character of their frontage, including form and function. Special attention will be paid to the quality of replacement shopfronts and associated signage to ensure that their design and materials are appropriate to the historic character of the building.

5. Any alterations and additions to a heritage asset will need be evidenced. They should be informed by a heritage statement explaining the significance of the building, including any contribution made by its setting, giving a justification for the works, and clearly identifying their impact on the building's fabric and character in a manner appropriate to the significance of the heritage asset. Where appropriate this may be incorporated in the Design and Access Statement.

6. Where development might affect archaeological deposits an evaluation should be carried out beforehand so that it is possible to assess the likely impact of the application on the deposits, and that provision is made for them toremain in situ, or for their investigation and recording. Developments that are close to or in the vicinity of a Scheduled Ancient Monument will be expected to ensure that the Monument and its setting are preserved and enhanced.

Policy DM6 - The Seafront

Supporting text

1. All development within the Seafront Area will incorporate measures which will:
   1. (i) Limit any adverse impacts and where possible enhance the biodiversity interests of the local nature reserves and coastal and marine environment; and
   2. (ii) Protect the valuable natural amenity areas of International, European, national importance.
2. All development proposals within the Seafront Area must take account of flood risk and coastal change. This will include, where appropriate, developing, agreeing and then incorporating:
   1. Appropriate flood defence and engineering solutions; and/or
   2. Flood resistant and resilient design that provides safe refuge to occupants in the event of a flood and is easily restored after the event.
   3. Design solutions which do not prevent or restrict future maintenance and improvement of flood defences and the Borough Council's ability to manage coastal change.
3. Existing buildings along the Seafront that form a cohesive frontage, have a historic context or are recognised as key landmarks and/or contribute to a distinctive Southend sense of place will be retained and protected from development that would adversely affect their character, appearance, setting and the importance of the Seafront.
4. Development within or near the Seafront Area must not detrimentally impact upon the Thames Estuary's openness or views across and backdrops to the River Thames and Southend's beaches.
5. The provision of new and improved facilities for water recreation and other leisure and tourism facilities will generally be supported in appropriate locations along the Seafront in accordance with Policy Table 1. Proposals are required to demonstrate that:
   1. Such facilities will not detrimentally reduce the amount of beach available for public use or public accessibility to the foreshore; and
   2. They provide an adequate means of access to the foreshore
   3. They contribute to the positive appreciation of natural resources and biodiversity of the foreshore by visitors and users.
6. All development within the Seafront Area must accord with the development principles set outin Policy Table 1. Additionally all new buildings must:
   1. Demonstrate how it connects to and, where appropriate, contributes to the Green Grid Strategy; and
   2. Either incorporate or contribute towards the provision public art within this area.

      All development must explore the need for Habitats Regulation Assessment to ensure screening for potential adverse impacts on internationally designated nature conservation sites in the area.

Policy DM7 - Dwelling Mix, Size and Type

Supporting text

1. All major* residential development is expected to provide a dwelling mix that incorporates a range of dwelling types and bedroom sizes, including family housing where feasible, to reflect the Borough's housing need and housing demand.

   The Council will promote the mix of dwellings types and sizes, taking account of those outlined in the SHMA, illustrated in Policy Table 2, in all new major* residential development proposals. Where a proposal significantly deviates from this mix the reasons must be justified and demonstrated to the Council.

   The Council will look favourably upon the provision of family size housing on smaller sites, particularly where the surrounding building types provide an appropriate context for this type of development to be included within a scheme.

2. Where affordable housing is provided:
   1. The affordable dwelling mix set out in Policy Table 3 is sought; and
   2. An indicative tenure mix of 60:40 between social and/ or affordable rented accommodation and intermediate housing is sought respectively.

      Where it is considered that the affordable housing dwelling mix and/or tenure mix is not appropriate, applicants will be required to justify to the satisfaction of the Council, a more appropriate mix. The Council will take into consideration factors such as the latest available affordable housing evidence, the site context and viability amongst other things.

Policy DM8 - Residential Standards

Supporting text

1. The internal environment of all new dwellings must be high quality and flexible to meet the changing needs of residents. To achieve this all new dwellings should:
2. 1. Provide convenient, useable and effective room layouts; and
   2. Meet, if not exceed, the residential space standards set out in Policy Table 4 and meet the requirements of residentialbedroom and amenity standards set out in Policy Table 5; and
   3. Meet the Lifetime Homes Standards, unless it can be clearly demonstrated that it is not viable and feasible to do so; and
   4. Ensure that at least 10% of new dwellings on major* development sites are wheelchair accessible, or easily adaptable for residents who are wheelchair users; and
   5. Make provision for usable private outdoor amenity space for the enjoyment of intended occupiers; for flatted schemes this could take the form of a balcony or easily accessible semi-private communal amenity space. Residential schemes with no amenity space will only be considered acceptable in exceptional circumstances, the reasons for which will need to be fully justified and clearly demonstrated.
3. All proposals for non self-contained accommodation (such as student and hospital staff accommodation) will be required to meet the internal space standards set out in Policy Table 6.

   *Major development is defined as:

   1. the number of dwelling-houses to be provided is 10 or more; or
   2. the development is to be carried out on a site having an area of 0.5 hectares or more and it is not known whether the development would constitute 10 dwellings or more.

Policy DM9 - Specialist Residential Accommodation

Supporting text

1. Development proposals for specialist residential accommodation, including new build and extensions, will be considered acceptable where each of the following criteria are addressed and it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Council that:
   1. there is a clearly identified need in Southend; and
   2. there is no existing capacity for such facilities within Southend; and
   3. it will not lead to an over concentration of similar uses that would be detrimental to the character of a residential area, residential amenity or will impact on the capacity of public services e.g. health and social care; and
   4. it would not result in the loss of an existing use that makes an important contribution to other Council objectives, strategies and policies; and
   5. it is accessible to public transport, shops, services, community facilities, public open space and social networks appropriate to the needs of the intended occupiers.

Policy DM10 - Employment Sectors

Supporting text

1. Development that contributes to the promotion of sustainable economic growth by increasing the capacity and quality of employment land, floorspace, and jobs will be encouraged.
2. The Southend Central Area, as defined in the Southend Central Area Action Plan, will form the primary location for major economic growth particularly for Class B1 office uses.
3. Development proposals within the employment sectors identified within Policy Table 7 will principally be directed to the Priority Location Areas.

Policy DM11 - Employment Areas

Supporting text

1. Major redevelopment proposals within the Employment Areas (Policy Table 8) should seek to make provision for a range of flexible unit sizes including accommodation that supports small and medium sized enterprises, where this is feasible, to ensure the needs of businesses are met in accordance with market signals. This should take account of the location and type of business proposed to ensure land is used efficiently. Where appropriate, incubator / seedbed centres and/or affordable workspaces will be sought.
2. The Borough Council will support the retention, enhancement and development of Class B uses within the Employment Areas shown on the Policies Map and described in Policy Table 8. Proposals that fall outside of a Class B employment use will only be granted permission where:
   1. the development proposal is a 'sui generis' use of a similar employment nature, which is compatible with and will not compromise the operating conditions of the Employment Area; or
   2. the development proposal is in conformity with a planning brief, or similar planning policy document, that has been adopted by the Borough Council for the concerned site, which sets out other appropriate uses; or
   3. it can be demonstrated to the Council's satisfaction that:
      1. there is no long term or reasonable prospect of the site concerned being used for Class B purposes.*; and
      2. the use is compatible with and will not compromise the operating conditions for other employment uses or the potential future use of neighbouring sites for employment uses; and
      3. the alternative use cannot be reasonably located elsewhere within the area it serves**; and
      4. the use will not give rise to unacceptable traffic generation, noise, odour or vehicle parking; or
   4. it can be shown that the development will be a complementary and supporting use, which is both subservient and ancillary to the principal employment uses and serves the day-time needs of the estate's working population and will not result in a material change to the Class B character and function of the area.

* This should include a minimum 2 year active marketing exercise where the vacant site / floorspace has been offered for sale or letting on the open market at a realistic price and that no reasonable offers have been refused. In exceptional cases related to site-specific circumstances, where the vacancy period has been less than two years, a robust market demand analysis which supplements any marketing and vacancy evidence may be considered acceptable. Appendix 4 sets out the information to be provided in relation to marketing and market demand.

** The Borough Council will make a judgement about the extent of the area based upon the site concerned and the proposed use.

3. The Employment Growth Areas identified within column 1 of Policy Table 8 will be promoted as locations for increased modern employment floorspace. A managed approach will be sought at the Employment Growth Areas through other planning policy documents, including planning briefs, that will set out the quantum of development and appropriate uses.
4. Proposals for employment generating uses outside the Employment Areas (Policy Table 8) will be allowed where they do not impact upon the amenity of the surrounding uses and do not conflict with other development plan policies.
5. Outside the Employment Areas (Policy Table 8), proposals for alternative uses on sites used (or last used) for employment purposes, including sites for sui-generis uses of an employment nature, will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that:
   1. it will no longer be effective or viable to accommodate the continued use of the site for employment purposes***; or
   2. Use of the site for B2 or B8 purposes gives rise to unacceptable environmental problems.

It will need to be demonstrated that an alternative use or mix of uses will give greater potential benefits to the community and environment than continued employment use.

*** Appendix 4 Part C sets out the information to be provided as part of this appraisal.

Policy DM12 - Visitor Accommodation

Supporting text

1. New visitor accommodation will be focused within the Southend Central Area, London Southend Airport area and at locations with good access and a clear and strong relationship with the Seafront (the 'KeyAreas'). Proposals must relate well to strategicroutes and the distributor road network, have good public transport accessibility, and meet the requirements of other relevant planning policies.
2. Within the Key Areas in (1) visitor accommodation will be retained. Proposals for alternative uses on sites used (or last used) for visitor accommodation will be considered where it can be demonstrated that:
   1. the site is no longer viable or feasible for visitor accommodation*; and
   2. the proposal meets all other relevant planning policies.

   Where an alternative use is considered acceptable by the Council, applications that would contribute positively to the leisure, recreation and tourism offer in the Borough will be considered favourably.

   *Supporting text paragraph 5.37 and Appendix 4 Part A sets out the information to be provided

3. Proposals for alternative uses on sites used (or last used) for visitor accommodation outside the Key Areas in (1) will generally be permitted provided that the proposal meets other relevant planning policies

Policy DM13 - Shopping Frontage Management outside the Town Centre

Supporting text

1. Primary and secondary shopping frontages within Southend will be managed to reinforce their attractiveness, vitality and viability within the daytime and night-time economies. The character and function of both typesof frontage will be protected and enhanced.
2. The Policies Map defines discrete areas of Primary Shopping Frontage within District and Local Centres. Within each of the identified primary shopping frontage areas, proposals for Class A1 retail use will be supported and its loss will be resisted. The change of use of ground floor Class A1 units to other uses of the Use Classes Order 1987 (as amended) or 'sui generis' uses of a retail nature will only be considered if:
   1. The proposed use will not result in the proportion of frontage (measured in terms of length of frontage) remaining in retail use (class A1) falling below 60% within each centre as a whole. Where retail use (class A1) already falls below 60% of the primary shopping frontage length, no further loss of Class A1 will be allowed unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Council that the A1 use is no longer viable through an effective 2 year marketing exercise where the vacant property has been offered for sale or letting on the open market at a realistic price and no reasonable offers have been refused*; and
   2. It can be demonstrated that the proposed change of use would enhance the vitality and viability of the centre and would not lead to the isolation of A1 retail uses; and
   3. An active frontage is retained or provided with a display function for goods and services rendered and the proposed use will provide a direct service to visiting members of the general public.

* Appendix 4 sets out the information to be provided in relation to marketing of vacant floorspace.

3. All developments in the secondary shopping frontage, as defined on the Policies Map, must maintain or provide an active frontage with a display function for goods and services rendered and the proposed use will provide a direct service to visiting members of the general public.
4. All new shop frontages will be of a high standard of design that is compatible with the architectural style and character of the building and surrounding area. The design of new shop fronts should have regard to the Design and Townscape Guide SPD and address the following design principles:
5. 1. The loss of traditional features and shop fronts which make a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the building or surrounding area will be resisted unless it can be demonstrated that the benefits of a proposal significantly outweigh their loss;
   2. Blank frontages will be resisted on principal elevations and opportunities for exposing upper floor windows maximised.
6. Where an empty unit has little prospect of being occupied within a primary or secondary shopping frontage in the short term, the Council will encourage the landowner/landlord to display local art within the windows to create visual interest from the public realm.

Policy DM14 - Environmental Protection

Supporting text

1. Development on or near land that is known to be contaminated or which may be affected by contamination will only be permitted where:
   1. An appropriate Contaminated Land Assessment has been carried out as part of the application to identify any risks to human health, the natural environment or water quality; and
   2. Where contamination is found which would pose an unacceptable risk to people's health, the natural environment or water quality, the Council will impose a condition, if appropriate, to ensure the applicant undertake appropriate remedial measures to ensure that the site is suitable for the proposed use and that the development can safely proceed.
   3. Remediation works will be carried out before the commencement of any new development.
2. All development proposals in the vicinity of the cliff frontages shall take full account of the risk of ground instability. Development that is at risk from land instability or that is likely to increase risk to a site or to the surrounding areas will be not acceptable. Proposals will only be considered where:
   1. It has been demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Council that the development of unstable or potentially unstable land will be constructed and used safely without increasing instability of the site and surrounding land; and
   2. It can be demonstrated that mitigation measures to stabilise land are environmentally acceptable and will not adversely impact upon neighbouring uses or sites.

Policy DM15 - Sustainable Transport Management

Supporting text

1. Development will be allowed where there is, or it can be demonstrated thatthere will be,physical and environmental capacity to accommodate the type and amount of traffic generated in a safe and sustainable manner. For developments that generate significant amounts of movement, a supporting Transport Statement or Transport Assessment should be provided.
2. Access to the proposed development and any traffic generated must not unreasonably harm the surroundings, including the amenity of neighbouring properties and/or the public rights of way.
3. To prioritise and promote viable alternatives to private vehicle use developmentproposals must prioritise the needs of pedestrians, including disabled persons and those with impaired mobilityand cyclists, including safe, secure and covered on-site cycle parking and where appropriate changing facilities, creating safe and secure layouts that minimise conflicts with traffic and avoid street clutter and barriers to movement;

   The provision of facilities for charging electric vehicles and other ultra-low emission vehicles will be encouraged wherever practical and feasible.

4. All major* development proposals must incorporate and include provision for:
   1. safe, convenient and legible access to public transport for pedestrians and cyclists, and appropriate 'smarter choice' measures to reduce dependency on vehicles such as Travel Plans (Personal, Workplace and School), car clubs, car sharing and pooling, real-time public transport information and marketing and communication materials and welcome packs. All other development should seek to include such measures where site specific circumstances allow; and
   2. servicing and emergency vehicles.
5. All development should meet the parking standards (including cycle parking) set out in Appendix 6. Residential vehicle parking standards may be applied flexibly where it can be demonstrated that the development is proposed in a sustainable location with frequent and extensive links to public transport and/ or where the rigid application of these standards would have a clear detrimental impact on local character and context.

   Reliance upon on-street parking will only be considered appropriate where it can be demonstrated by the applicant that there is on-street parking capacity.

   The parking standards in Appendix 6 will be kept under review.

Policy KP1 - Spatial Strategy

Supporting text

As a principal basis for sustainable development in the town, development and investment will be expected to build on and contribute to the effectiveness and integration of the key transport corridors and interchanges.

The primary focus of regeneration and growth within Southend will be in:

• Southend Town Centre and Central Area – to regenerate the existing town centre, as a fully competitive regional centre, led by the development of the University Campus, and securing a full range of quality sub-regional services to provide for 6,500 new jobs and providing for at least 2,000 additional homes in conjunction with the upgrading of strategic and local passenger transport accessibility, including development of Southend Central and Southend Victoria Stations as strategic transport interchanges and related travel centres.

In addition, appropriate regeneration and growth will be focussed in the following locations:

• Seafront – to enhance the Seafront's role as a successful leisure and tourist attraction and place to live, and make the best use of the River Thames, subject to the safeguarding of the biodiversity importance of the foreshore*.
• Shoeburyness – to promote the role of Shoeburyness as a place to live and work, led by the successful redevelopment at Shoebury Garrison, regeneration of local shopping centres and existing industrial estates to secure an additional 1,500 jobs, and providing for 1,400 additional dwellings, linked to improved access, and subject where relevant to the safeguarding of the biodiversity importance of the foreshore*.
• Priority Urban Areas – these comprise:
  1. The District Centres of Westcliff (Hamlet Court Road) and Leigh (Leigh Broadway, Elm Road and Rectory Grove), the Southchurch Road shopping area, and the West Road/Ness Road shopping area of Shoebury;
  2. The main Industrial/employment areas as identified on the Key Diagram, and
  3. The Cluny Square Renewal Area.

The relocation of Southend United Football Club stadium to Fossetts Farm area will be supported in principle.

Successful regeneration and growth on the scale planned will require substantial improvements to transport infrastructure and accessibility in the Borough.

A Green Belt will be maintained around the urban area. Minor amendments to the Green Belt boundary may exceptionally be considered where this would enable delivery of specific objectives and policies in this Core Strategy that could not otherwise be achieved in a sustainable manner, and the openness of the remaining Green Belt and its ability to provide effective separation between Southend and neighbouring settlements are maintained.

Where the Environment Agency's Flood Zone Maps or other considerations, including the South Essex Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, indicate that a risk of flooding may remain, all development proposals shall be accompanied by a detailed flood risk assessment appropriate to the scale and nature of the development and the risk. Development will only be permitted where that assessment clearly demonstrates that it is appropriate in terms of its type, siting and the mitigation measures proposed, using appropriate and sustainable flood risk management options which safeguard the biodiversity importance of the foreshore and/or effective sustainable drainage measures.

* in particular ensuring that European and international sites for nature conservation are not adversely affected by any new development. Appropriate and sustainable flood risk management measures will be provided as part of a comprehensive shoreline management strategy.

Policy KP2 - Development Prinicples

Supporting text

All new development, including transport infrastructure, should contribute to economic, social, physical and environmental regeneration in a sustainable way throughout the Thames Gateway Area, and to the regeneration of Southend's primary role within Thames Gateway as a cultural and intellectual hub and a higher education centre of excellence. This must be achieved in ways which:

1. contribute to the achievement of, and do not compromise, the Borough Council's Strategic Objectives;
2. make the best use of previously developed land, ensuring that sites and buildings are put to best use;
3. apply a sequential approach to the location and siting of development, particularly having regard to the need to:
   1. minimise the use of 'greenfield' land;
   2. avoid or appropriately mitigate flood risk;
   3. reduce the need to travel;
   4. ensure good accessibility to local services and the transport network;
   5. facilitate the use of travel modes other than the private car; and
   6. safeguard and promote the vitality and viability of existing town and local centres.

4. respect, conserve and enhance and where necessary adequately mitigate effects on the natural and historic environment, including the Borough's biodiversity and green space resources; ensure that European and international sites for nature conservation are not adversely affected and contribute positively towards the 'Green Grid' in Southend
5. do not place a damaging burden on existing infrastructure;
6. are within the capacity of the urban area in terms of the services and amenities available to the local community;
7. secure improvements to transport networks, infrastructure and facilities;
8. promote improved and sustainable modes of travel;
9. secure improvements to the urban environment through quality design;
10. respect the character and scale of the existing neighbourhood where appropriate;
11. include appropriate measures in design, layout, operation and materials to achieve:
    1. a reduction in the use of resources, including the use of renewable and recycled resources. All development proposals should demonstrate how they will maximise the use of renewable and recycled energy, water and other resources. This applies during both construction and the subsequent operation of the development. At least 10% of the energy needs of new development should come from on-site renewable options (and/or decentralised renewable or low carbon energy sources), such as those set out in SPD 1 Design and Townscape Guide, wherever feasible. How the development will provide for the collection of re-usable and recyclable waste will also be a consideration.
    2. avoidance of flood risk, or where, having regard to other sustainability considerations (see Section 2(i) and Policy KP1 above) a residual risk remains, the provision of measures to appropriately and adequately mitigate that risk. All development proposals should demonstrate how they incorporate 'sustainable urban drainage systems' (SUDS) to mitigate the increase in surface water run-off, and, where relevant, how they will avoid or mitigate tidal or fluvial flood risk;
    3. avoidance or appropriate mitigation of actual and potential pollution impacts of development;
    4. a reduction in and prevention of crime. All development proposals should demonstrate how they have used design measures to help reduce crime and create environments that are safe, secure and people friendly;
    5. enhancement to the ecological and amenity value of the environment where appropriate;
    6. would avoid areas of land instability or adequately mitigate potential harmful effects.

All development will need to have regard to the Council's guidance set out in its Supplementary Planning Documents.

Policy KP3 - Implementation and Resources

Supporting text

In order to help the delivery of the Plan's provisions the Borough Council will:

1. prepare Area Action Plans and Supplementary Planning Documents to ensure development of an appropriate scale, mix and quality for key areas of opportunity and change, including:
   1. The Town Centre;
   2. Southend Seafront;
   3. Shoeburyness and
   4. London Southend Airport (joint Area Action Plan with Rochford District Council);
2. enter into planning obligations with developers to ensure the provision of infrastructure and transportation measures required as a consequence of the development proposed.

   This includes provisions such as;

   1. roads , sewers, servicing facilities and car parking;
   2. improvements to cycling, walking and passenger transport facilities and services;
   3. off-site flood protection or mitigation measures, including sustainable drainage systems (SUDS);
   4. affordable housing;
   5. educational facilities;
   6. open space, 'green grid', recreational, sport or other community development and environmental enhancements, including the provision of public art where appropriate;
   7. any other works, measures or actions required as a consequence of the proposed development; and
   8. appropriate on-going maintenance requirements.
3. prepare Development Plan and Supplementary Planning Documents, where appropriate, to elaborate upon the policies and proposals in this plan, including more detailed policy and guidance on:
   1. developer contributions and vehicle parking standards;
   2. achieving design excellence in all new development; and
   3. sustainable transport, green space and the Green Grid;
4. require all development to have regard to, and in appropriate cases contribute to the delivery of, the Southend on Sea Local Transport Plan and its reviews where this relates to the development proposed;
5. work in partnership with 'Renaissance Southend' (Urban Regeneration Company) to deliver sustainable regeneration and growth in the Borough;
6. consider the development or use of its own land holdings or the acquisition and management of additional land, where necessary in partnership with the private sector, to bring sites forward for development;
7. seek to use compulsory purchase powers in appropriate circumstances in order to assemble land to enable key development schemes and/or improvements to infrastructure to proceed;
8. require ' Appropriate Assessment' where development may adversely affect national, European and international nature conservation designations;
9. seek to deal expeditiously and within Government Best Value targets with all planning applications. Particular priority will be given to proposals that would generate extra jobs and which build on existing sectoral strengths and create a new enterprise culture.

Policy CP1 - Employment Generating Development

Supporting text

Provision is made for not less than 6,500 net additional jobs by 2011, and not less than 13,000 net additional jobs by 2021, distributed^[6] as follows:

       2001-2021    Per Annum

Town Centre and Central Area 6,500 325

Shoeburyness* 1,500 75

Seafront** 750 37.5

Priority Urban Areas*** 2,750 137.5

Intensification**** 1,500 75

TOTAL 13,000 650

* Further detailed guidance into development in Shoeburyness will be provided in the "Shoeburyness SPD".

** 'Seafront': subject to the safeguarding of the biodiversity importance of the foreshore

*** Priority Urban Areas these comprise the District Centres of Westcliff and Leigh, the Southchurch Road shopping area and the West Road/Ness Road shopping area in Shoebury, together with the town's main industrial estates/employment areas as identified on the Key Diagram and listed at paragraph 2.4. Those Priority Areas falling within the boundaries of proposed Area Action Plans and Supplementary Planning Documents provide a jobs contribution towards these areas rather that the 'Priority Urban Areas' category.

**** In broad terms, intensification takes into account the modern forms of working such as home working and 'hot desking' as well as small scale employment generating mixed use development within the community.

Development proposals involving employment must contribute to the creation and retention of a wide range of jobs, educational and re-skilling opportunities. Employment generating development should be located using a sequential approach in accordance with the spatial priorities and roles set out in Policies KP1 and CP2. Offices, retailing, leisure and other uses generating large numbers of people should be focussed in the town centre. Industrial and distribution uses will be supported on existing and identified industrial/employment sites, where this would increase employment densities and/or reinforce their role in regeneration.

Permission will not normally be granted for development proposals that involve the loss of existing employment land and premises unless it can be clearly demonstrated that the proposal will contribute to the objective of regeneration of the local economy in other ways, including significant enhancement of the environment, amenity and condition of the local area. To promote economic regeneration, development will be expected to:

1. enhance the town's role as a cultural and intellectual hub, a higher education centre of excellence, visitor destination and cultural centre;
2. provide for the development and growth of appropriate technology and knowledge based industries, including the provision of businessinnovation/incubator centres with linkages to HE and University facilities and existing centres of excellence;
3. improve opportunities for small and medium enterprises in all economic sectors, especially those reflecting the vision and strategy for Essex Thames Gateway, including healthcare; education, sports, culture, leisure and tourism, and regionally and locally significant clusters;
4. support the town's regional potential to develop as a HotelandConference Resort with high quality hotels, casinos and broad-based leisure and tourism facilities;
5. contribute to the regeneration and development of existing and proposed employment sites; the Town Centre and Seafront; existing industrial areas and other Priority Urban Areas;
6. improve the vitality and viability of Southend town centre, the district centres of Leigh and Westcliff and smaller local centres;
7. support the future potential of London Southend Airport and the regeneration of Leigh Port;
8. improve the level of service of broadband infrastructure and other state of the art information communication technology – including maximising the opportunities of the pan-European fibreoptic network.

The Council will monitor and assess the delivery of both the transport infrastructure priorities set out in the RTS (Regional Transport Strategy) and Southend LTP (Local Transport Plan) and the employment targets required by this policy. Failure to achieve employment targets set for 2011 and thereafter may trigger a review of the Core Strategy to assess whether the phasing and further release of the housing provisions set out within Policy CP 8 should be delayed until a better alignment of employment, infrastructure and dwelling provision is secured and maintained. In order to remain in general conformity with the East of England Plan (Policy H1), and to ensure that there is sufficient housing provision in Southend on Sea to meet the East of England's Plan's housing allocation (2001 – 2021), the 6,500 net additional dwellings will not, however be phased beyond the 2021 end date of this plan.

Policy CP2 - Town Centre and Retail Development

Supporting text

Southend Town Centre will remain the first preference for all forms of retail development and for other town centre uses attracting large numbers of people, as set out in relevant national planning policy, the East of England Plan and local strategies and plans. It will be supported and developed in accordance with the spatial strategy set out in Policy KP1:

• as a regional centre providing the full range of high quality sub-regional services and facilities required to meet the needs of Essex Thames Gateway for higher order retail, leisure, cultural and higher education services, for office-based employment, and for higher quality mixed use development to secure new jobs and homes;
• as the key focus and driver for the regeneration of Southend, and
• as a priority location for urban renaissance.

The centres of Westcliff (Hamlet Court Road) and Leigh will be supported as District Centres providing a range of local comparison shopping, convenience shopping and services to the neighbouring communities.

Existing centres elsewhere will be supported as local centres only, meeting chiefly the day to day convenience needs of their local communities.

Town centre and retail development should be located within these centres, should contribute to their vitality and viability, and must be appropriate to the function, size and character of the centre concerned, in accordance with the above hierarchy and priorities.

In order to maintain and promote the vitality and viability of these centres their functions in the retail hierarchy, their roles and priorities in the regeneration of the Borough, and to meet forecast quantitative shopping needs and currently identified qualitative deficiencies, provision for retail development in Southend will be delivered through the Regeneration Framework and Masterplans of Renaissance Southend Limited (RSL), supporting and supported by the Local Development Framework as follows:

• additional comparision goods floorspace, to be located in accordance with the sequential preference:
  1. within Southend Town Centre;
  2. on the edge of Southend Town Centre, where the development will contribute to and not prejudice achievement of the regeneration and urban renaissance objectives for the Town Centre.

  An Area Action Plan for the Town Centre, and the work to inform it through RSL's Central Area Masterplan, will set out the detailed proposals for delivering the additional floorspace required to meet forecast needs;

  3. the consolidation, improvement and modernisation of existing floorspace and its environment within the District Centres of Westcliff and Leigh, in order to provide and maintain .a range of shopping, services and facilities for the neighbouring communities. The provision of significant additional retail floorspace within these centres, will not, however, be supported;
  4. within other existing centres to support their role as local centres only, where the development is in keeping with the function and scale of the centre concerned.

• additional convenience goods floorspace, to be located in accordance with the following sequential preference:
  1. within Southend Town Centre;
  2. on the edge of Southend Town Centre, where the development will contribute to and not prejudice achievement of the regeneration and urban renaissance objectives for the Town Centre;
  3. expansion of provision in other existing centres, where the development is in keeping with the function and scale of the centre concerned, to facilitate their improvement, modernisation and adaptation, and to meet locally generated needs;
  4. within the area bounded by the Southend Town Centre to the west, Southchurch (A13) to the north, Lifstans Way to the east and Marine Parade/Eastern Esplanade to the south to meet an identified qualitative deficiency.

Any proposal not in accordance with the above hierarchy and sequential preferences will be required to demonstrate that:

1. there is a need for the proposed development, and in particular that it would contribute to meeting the development needs and objectives set out in this policy or, where it seeks to demonstrate other need to be met, it would not prejudice the achievement of those needs and objectives, or the wider strategic objectives of this Core Strategy;
2. it would not prejudice the role of Southend Town Centre as a regional centre and, in all its functions, as the key driver of regeneration in the Borough and its urban renaissance;
3. a sequential approach and test has been rigorously followed in the selection of the site, in accordance with national planning policy and the sequential preferences set out in this policy; and
4. there are no unacceptable impacts on any other existing centres.

The Council will undertake an early review of the Southend Retail Study to update and roll forward its provisions to cover the period to 2021. It will subsequently monitor and manage the provision of retail and other town centre development within Southend, and the evidence base supporting the assessment of future needs, to ensure that those needs, and the objectives for the regeneration of the Borough and an urban renaissance of the Town Centre, are met.

Policy CP3 - Transport and Accessibility

Supporting text

Improvements to transport infrastructure and services will be sought in partnership to secure a 'step change' in provision to achieve a modern integrated transport system necessary to unlock key development sites and to secure the sustainable jobs led regeneration and growth of Southend. This will be achieved by:

1. improving the road and rail network to deliver improvements to accessibility, traffic flows, travel choice and freight distribution. In particular by:
   1. improving the A127/A1159 east-west strategic transport and freight corridor including junction improvements at Progress Road, Kent Elms, The Bell, Cuckoo Corner, Sutton Road, Fairfax Drive, East/West Street and Victoria Circus;
   2. improving accessibility to key development opportunity sites, including improved access to Shoeburyness and London Southend Airport to support the potential of the Airport to function as a catalyst for economic growth;
   3. providing for the development of high quality transport interchanges at Southend (Southend Regional Transport Node^*) and the key urban interchanges at Leigh Railway Station, Shoeburyness Railway Station, Southend Hospital and London Southend Airport;

2. widening travel choice, particularly by car share, rail, bus, including social transport, taxi, cycling and walking, including the development of 'showcase' bus priority corridors and completion of the national and regional Sustrans cycle routes;
3. making provision and safeguarding appropriate corridors/land for new modes of passenger transport, such as the 'South Essex Rapid Transit' (SERT) system and potential for 'park and ride' schemes;
4. realising the potential of the River Thames to function as a sustainable transport corridor, including improved access to Leigh Port, subject to environmental considerations;
5. providing for state of the art communications, signing and intelligent transport management systems, including maximising the opportunities of the pan – European fibre optic network;
6. safeguarding and enhancing the environment of 'Environmental Rooms', as defined in the Southend Local Transport Plan; and
7. improving road safety, quality of life and equality of access for all.

Development proposals will be required to contribute to the implementation of the above transport improvements and the provisions of the Southend on Sea Local Transport Plan and its subsequent reviews where such contributions would be related to the development proposed and necessary for the development to proceed.

Higher density development and/or proposals which would generate large traffic movements or which are of sub-regional importance, will be directed to those areas well served by a range of transport modes and in particular to areas close to the Southend Regional Transport Node. All development will need to reduce sole reliance on the car for accessibility having regard to the Council's Local Development Documents relating to:

1. Planning Obligations and Vehicle Parking Standards' (DPD2); and
2. Sustainable Transport' (SPD2).

The Council will monitor and assess the delivery of the transport infrastructure priorities set out in both the RTS (Regional Transport Strategy) and Southend LTP (Local Transport Plan). Failure to achieve clear improvements to transport infrastructure and accessibility to and within the town may trigger a review of the Core Strategy to assess whether further new housing and perhaps other development should be delayed until towards the end of the plan period.

Policy CP4 - The Environment and Urban Renaissance

Supporting text

Development proposals will be expected to contribute to the creation of a high quality, sustainable urban environment which enhances and complements the natural and built assets of Southend.

This will be achieved by:

1. promoting sustainable development of the highest quality and encouraging innovation and excellence in design to create places of distinction and a sense of place;
2. maximising the use of previously developed land, whilst recognising potential biodiversity value and promoting good, well-designed, quality mixed use developments;
3. ensuring design solutions that maximise the use of sustainable and renewable resources in the construction of development and resource and energy conservation (including water) in developments;
4. providing for quality in the public realm through the use of imaginative and innovative design, sustainable and quality materials and landscaping and imaginative use of public art;
5. maintaining and enhancing the amenities, appeal and character of residential areas, securing good relationships with existing development, and respecting the scale and nature of that development;
6. creating safe, permeable and accessible development and spaces that encourage walking and cycling within 'Environmental Rooms';
7. safeguarding and enhancing the historic environment, heritage and archaeological assets, including Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas and Ancient Monuments ;
8. protecting and enhancing the town's parks, gardens and other urban open spaces, including all open areas whose townscape and amenity value is important to the surrounding area, and the biodiversity of the area;
9. safeguarding, protecting and enhancing nature and conservation sites of international, national and local importance;
10. creating and maintaining a 'Green Grid' of high quality, linked and publicly accessible open spaces across the town which contribute to and help develop the Thames Gateway Green Grid;
11. maintaining the function and open character of a sustainable Green Belt;
12. providing for the effective management of land uses on the urban fringe*, including landscape enhancement in respect of any development;
13. protecting natural resources from inappropriate development;
14. preventing, reducing or remedying all forms of pollution including soil, water, noise and other forms of airborne pollution.

All development will be required to have regard to the Council's Design and Townscape Guide SPD.

*Urban fringe may be considered to be the countryside and other land 'spaces' immediately surrounding towns and cities. However no definitive definition exists at present.

Policy CP5 - Minerals and Soils Resources

Supporting text

As Local and Mineral Planning Authority, the Borough Council will require the sustainable use of soil and mineral resources, in particular by:

1. protecting the best and most versatile agricultural land (defined as land in grades 1, 2 and 3a of the Agricultural Land Classification) from irreversible damage where this is consistent with the full range of sustainability considerations, including biodiversity; quality and character of the landscape; amenity value or heritage interest; accessibility to infrastructure, workforce and markets; maintaining viable communities; and the protection of natural resources, including soil quality;

2. granting permission for the extraction of brickearth where it can be demonstrated that:
   1. there are proven workable brickearth deposits and a need for the mineral to ensure that sufficient raw material is available for brick making over a twenty-year period; and
   2. there is an agreed scheme for the quality management, progressive restoration, aftercare and beneficial after-use of the site to an appropriate standard and timetable, and which safeguards the agricultural quality of the land or promotes alternative after-uses of benefit to biodiversity conservation and habitat creation; and
   3. there will be no materially adverse impacts on the environment (including landscape character, surface and ground waters, wildlife habitats, air and ground quality, and noise levels), and on the transport network and local amenity, or such impacts can be satisfactorily mitigated;

3. refusing permission for any proposal that would result in the permanent sterilisation of workable or potentially workable brickearth deposits unless it can be demonstrated that the deposits are currently not commercially viable and there is no prospect of them becoming commercially viable in the foreseeable future, and the application proposal represents a community or other infrastructure use for which there is a demonstrable need and which cannot be met elsewhere;

4. granting permission for beneficial long-term new uses of land that is contaminated or otherwise degraded, where there is an appropriate and agreed scheme of remediation and restoration funded in accordance with the "polluter pays" principle;
5. permitting proposals for the importation of minerals and for the recovery of materials to produce secondary and recycled aggregates on industrial sites within the Borough where it can be demonstrated that:
   1. they can be carried out without material adverse impact on the environment (including surface and ground waters, air and ground quality, and noise levels), the transport network and local amenity; and
   2. the transportation arrangements are the most sustainable available in accordance with the proximity principle, using rail or water transport wherever possible.

Policy CP6 - Community Infrastructure

Supporting text

Development proposals must mitigate their impact on community infrastructure by contributing appropriately to services and facilities that would be adversely affected, in accordance with Circular 05/2005, Planning Obligations. New development should demonstrate that it will not jeopardise the Borough's ability to improve the education attainment, health and well being of local residents and visitors to Southend. This will be achieved by;

1. providing for health and social care facilities in particular supporting the strategic services development plan of the Primary Care Trust, and the improvement and expansion plans of Southend Hospital and other key health and social care agencies where these demonstrate clear net benefits in terms of accessibility to services for the local community. This will include the establishment of Primary Care Centres at Leigh, Eastwood, Westcliff, Central Southend, Southchurch and Shoeburyness.
2. supporting improvements to existing, and the provision of new, facilities to support the needs of education, skills and lifelong learning strategies particularly by:
   1. securing the physical infrastructure needed to maximise the impact of the Higher Education/University Campus in the Town Centre;
   2. the provision of academic and vocational education/training at a new Prospects College in east Southend; and
   3. providing for an academy of educational/training skills in aviation at London Southend Airport.
3. safeguarding existing and providing for new leisure, cultural, recreation and community facilities, particularly:
   1. optimising the potential of Garon's Park;
   2. Phase 2 of the refurbishment of the Cliffs Pavilion;
   3. Securing a landmark facility to exhibit finds associated with the 7^th Century Saxon King;
   4. Reinforcement of Southend Pier as an Icon of the Thames Gateway;
   5. Cliff Gardens Land Stabilisation.
4. ensuring the needs of all residents and visitors, including the disabled and other vulnerable groups, are met; and
5. ensuring access and safety concerns are resolved within all new development.

Policy CP7 - Sport, Recreation and Green Space

Supporting text

The Borough Council will bring forward proposals that contribute to sports, recreation and green space facilities within the Borough for the benefit of local residents and visitors. This will be achieved by:

1. optimising the potential for sports excellence and research and development centred on existing sports and leisure facilities; and
2. supporting the development of new green spaces and greenways, including a new Country Park facility within or close to the north-eastern part of the Borough, as part of the development of a Green Grid of open spaces and associated linkages throughout Essex Thames Gateway. A 'Southend-on-Sea Green Space and Green Grid Strategy' Supplementary Planning Document will be prepared, adopted and maintained to guide and facilitate this.

All existing and proposed sport, recreation and green space facilities (including the Southend foreshore and small areas of important local amenity, community resource or biodiversity value) will be safeguarded from loss or displacement to other uses, except where it can clearly be demonstrated that alternative facilities of a higher standard are being provided in at least an equally convenient and accessible location to serve the same local community, and there would be no loss of amenity or environmental quality to that community.

Any alternative facilities provided in accordance with the above considerations will be required to be provided and available for use before existing facilities are lost. The displacement of existing and proposed facilities from within the built-up area into the adjacent countryside, so as to provide further land for urban development, will not be permitted.

The redevelopment of existing allotment sites for other uses will only be permitted where it can clearly be shown that the facility is no longer required or can be adequately and conveniently provided elsewhere, has no significant biodiversity value, or that any such value is safeguarded.

All new housing development should contribute to the provision of additional sport, recreation and green space facilities to a level at least commensurate with the additional population generated by that development, and in accordance with the requirements and guidance set out in the relevant Development Plan Document. This contribution shall normally be in the form of a financial contribution towards new provision or qualitative improvements to existing facilities elsewhere.

In relation to any major new area of housing development, however, direct provision within and as an integral part of the development may be sought, where this would provide at least 2.5 hectares of additional public open space, playing pitches and ancillary facilities, laid out as a local or neighbourhood park.

To meet the requirements generated by the additional dwelling provision over the period to 2021 and the need to minimise recreational pressures on European and international sites for nature conservation, contributions will be focused on the following provision:

1. approximately 20 hectares of additional local and neighbourhood park space, provided on areas of at least 2 hectares in size;
2. at least 4 additional equipped play areas for children and young people, spread evenly across the Borough;
3. 2 additional bowling greens (6 rink size);
4. at least 4 additional multi-use games areas (MUGA's) of 1 x tennis court size, together with the conversion of existing tennis court facilities to multi-use;
5. approximately 10 hectares of additional grass playing pitch space and ancillary facilities, provided on areas of at least 2.1 hectares each to allow flexibility between adult and junior pitches, and use for cricket in the summer;
6. qualitative improvements to existing recreational open spaces and sports facilities, including the ancillary facilities needed to support them, sports halls/centres and swimming pools, or their replacement with appropriately located new facilities;
7. qualitative and quantitative improvements to facilities for teenagers.

Policy CP8 - Dwelling Provision

Supporting text

Policy CP 8: Dwelling Provision

Provision is made for 3,350 net additional dwellings between 2001 and 2011 and for 3,150 net additional dwellings between 2011 and 2021, distributed as follows:

2001-2011 2011-2016 2016-2021 2001-2021

Town Centre and Central Area 1,000 750 250 2,000

Shoeburyness* 650 300 450 1,400

Seafront** 450 50 50 550

Intensification*** 1,250 500 800 2,550

TOTAL 3,350 1,600 1,550 6,500

Per annum (335) (320) (310) (325)

Further detailed guidance into development in part of Shoeburyness will be provided in the "Shoeburyness SPD".

** 'Seafront': subject to the safeguarding of the biodiversity importance of the foreshore.

*** In broad terms, intensification is making more effective use of land in a given area, where such sites may be poorly used, and even unsightly. Areas for intensification generally have potential for increased residential accommodation by building or redeveloping at an increased density and by incorporating a mix of uses where appropriate. With good design, layout and construction, intensification may improve the appearance of places as well as their sustainability.

Residential development proposals will be expected to contribute to local housing needs, including affordable and special needs provision, and the sustainable use of land and resources. To achieve this, the Borough Council will:

1. require the provision of not less than 80% of residential development on previously developed land (brownfield sites);
2. resist development proposals that involve the loss of existing valuable residential resources, having regard to the limited land resources in the Borough, the need to safeguard an adequate stock of single family dwellinghouse, and to protect the character of residential areas;
3. enter into negotiations with developers to ensure that^[1.]:
   1. all residential proposals of 10-49* dwellings or 0.3 hectares up to 1.99 hectares make an affordable housing or key worker provision of not less than 20% of the total number of units on site; and
   2. all residential proposals of 50* dwellings or 2 hectares or more make an affordable housing or key worker provision of not less than 30% of the total number of units on the site;

*The rational which will be used by the Council to determine whether more than the specified floor target for affordable housing will be sought will be set out and justified in 'Part 6 Affordable Housing' of the 'Planning Obligations and Vehicle Parking Standards DPD'.

For sites providing less than 10 dwellings (or below 0.3 ha) or larger sites where, exceptionally, the Borough Council is satisfied that on-site provision is not practical, they will negotiate with developers to obtain a financial contribution to fund off-site provision. The Council will ensure that any such sums are used to help address any shortfall which in affordable housing. Preferred arrangements for this will also be set out in the above DPD.

The Council will work with partner agencies to ensure that any such sums collected are programmed for the provision of affordable housing, in order to help address any shortfall which may occur in the level of affordable housing obtained through on-site provision arising from the urban nature of the Borough and a need to maintain viability of development scheme (see footnote 1).

4. promote the provision of housing for key workers in partnership with major employers and registered social landlords
5. require residential development schemes within the Borough's town, district and local centres to include replacement and/or new retail and commercial uses, in order to safeguard, maintain and enhance the vitality and viability of these shopping and commercial areas
6. support and require a vibrant mix of employment, residential and community uses on larger sites, to support greater economic and social diversity and sustainable transport principles

The Council will monitor and assess the delivery of both the transport infrastructure priorities set out in the RTS (Regional Transport Strategy) and Southend LTP (Local Transport Plan) and the employment targets required by Policy CP1: Employment Generating Development of this Plan. Failure to achieve targets set for 2011 and thereafter may trigger a review of the phasing and further release of the housing provisions set out within this policy, in order to ensure that an appropriate balance between employment, infrastructure and dwelling provision is secured and maintained. In order to remain in general conformity with the East of England Plan, (Policy H1) and to ensure that there is sufficient housing provision in Southend on Sea to meet the East of England Plan's housing allocation (2001-2021), the 6,500 net additional dwellings will not be phased beyond 2021 end date of this plan.

Policy CP9 - Monitoring and Review

Supporting text

The Borough Council will undertake regular monitoring to:

1. appraise the impact of the Plan and measure the effectiveness of its policies and proposals, using the monitoring and implementation frameworks set out in this document, particularly with regard to ensuring a job-led regeneration of the town with the necessary supporting infrastructure
2. appraise the performance of plan preparation with reference to the Local Development Scheme
3. indicate the need for policy revision, in particular re-appraisal of the phasing and release of further housing or other development, and/or where there may be a need for additional Supplementary Planning Documents and/or Area Action Plans.