1. Introduction
1.1 Southend-on-Sea Borough Council has issued for consultation on a final draft refresh of its Design and Townscape Guide Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).
This updates the original version which was first published in 2006, and takes into account new policy and other guidance documents, including the Southend on Sea Core Strategy (adopted December 2007) which sets out the spatial plan for development in the Borough.
1.2 The closing date for comments is 30th April 2009. Further details can be found on the Council's website at http://www.southend.gov.uk.content.asp?content=11808
2. Background
2.1 Southend is a Unitary Authority along the South Essex coast covering an area of approx 42 sq.km's (16 sq.miles). The town expanded rapidly in the late 19th/early 20th centuries, principally through its attraction as a seaside resort and because of its proximity to London, which is only 40 miles away. In 2001 the population stood at 160,000.
2.2 Southend forms the begninning and end of a major east-west transport corridor with London comprising two key strategic highways (the A13 and A127/A1159), and two railway lines (London to Shoeburyness, and London to Southend. Just to the north, in neighbouring Rochford, lies London Southend Airport.
3. Regional and Local Policy
3.1 Planning policy for Southend is contained within the adopted East of England Plan (May 2008) and Southend on Sea Core Strategy .
3.2 In carrying out this review, all policies within the adopted East of England Plan have been considered.
4 Comment
4.1 This Design and Townscape Refresh document provides details (local) guidance across four main topic areas: Principles of good Design: Sustainable Development and Design: The Historic Environment: and Detailed Requirements for Good Design. Each topic area is related back two key core Strategy Objectives and two Key Policies.
5 Recommendations
5.1 The Standing Committee is asked to consider the recommendation that the Southend on Sea Design and Townscape Guide Refresh 2009 consultation document does not give rise to any major conformity issues with the East of England Plan.