Core Strategy Preferred Options document - Amazon Web Services

Characteristics, Issues and Opportunities
Characteristics, Issues and Opportunities
The District of Rochford is situated within a peninsula between the Rivers
Thames and Crouch, and is bounded to the east by the North Sea. The
District has land boundaries with Basildon and Castle Point District and
Southend–on–Sea Borough Councils. It also has marine boundaries with
Maldon and Chelmsford Districts. The District has linkages to the M25 via the
A127 and the A13 and direct rail links to London.
The Rochford District covers an area of 65 square miles. It is rich in heritage
and natural beauty, with many miles of unspoilt coastline and attractive
countryside. There are more than 200 sites of archaeological interest, 14
ancient woodlands and several nature reserves across the District.
The District is predominantly rural, which is reflected in the fact that 12,763
hectares are designated as Metropolitan Green Belt. Large areas of the
District are of ecological importance, with Sites of Special Scientific Interest
totally 12,986 hectares.
Environment
The landscape of the character of the District has been broadly identified as
being made up of three types: Crouch and Roach Farmland; Dengie and
Foulness Coastal; and South Essex Coastal Towns. The latter of these three
is least sensitive to development.
The character of the District is split, with a clear east-west divide. Areas at risk
of flooding and of ecological importance are predominantly situated in the
sparsely populated, relatively inaccessible east. The west of the District
contains the majority of the District’s population, has better access to services
and fewer physical constraints.
Issues and Opportunities
Locations for development are limited by physical constraints, including land
at risk of flooding, areas protected for their landscape value, sites protected
for their ecological value etc. Some such areas are of local, regional, national
and international importance, including those protected by the EU Habitats
Directive.
7,071 hectares of the Rochford District have a 1% annual probability of fluvial
flooding and / or a 0.5% annual probability of tidal flooding, as calculated by
the Environment Agency.
The District contains a number of Conservation Areas which will continue to
evolve and develop over time. It is crucial that any change is managed to
preserve the unique character of such areas, whilst allowing them to adapt to
change.
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