10.1 Should we develop local planning policies for the development of new or renewed sea defences

yes

As a professional meteorologist and physical oceanographer, I believe that the current sea defences around Southend are adequate for likely sea level rises due to climate change - at least for the next 100 years.
Of course, existing sea defences need to be maintained/repaired when necessary, and drainage in certain areas needs to also be improved, e.g. central Southend seafront. However, sea defences need not be made any higher within the Southend boundary. The only exception to this is Old Leigh, where a < 1 in 50 year coastal storm surge event could badly flood the area.

yes

Need to avoid building on flood plains. Look at a wider South East Essex strategy that allows the water to be absorbed in a natural way - i.e. bring back wildlife areas such as work Maldon/burnham way

Yes.

Yes

New planning policies should focus on and include the use of green and nature based solutions (NBS) to mitigate against the wholesale use of grey infrastructure.

NBS can soften the grey infrastructure and often reduce the impact of wave energy. This can reduce the need for ever higher grey sea defences.

Sea defenses should be as natural as possible ie natural flood plains, rather than building in areas that might flood.

Judging by recent effects on the seafront at Westcliff, I'd say Yes.

Managing our sea defences are impotent to the viability of the town and the local environment. Local planing policy should consider this.

the text and slides attached, introduces the Metrotidal Lower Thames Orbital and forms the Metrotidal Limited submission and response to the Southend Local Plan consultations, to support the aims and objectives of the local plan while offering an alternative approach to deliverability with a view to generating greater benefits. Deliverability is likely to extend beyond the local plan period, so the proposals raise a question of safeguarding to enable delivery as part of the long term objectives of the Southend 2050 plan.
Set out below are some initial responses to the 12No. Local Plan section headings of the consultations:-
Our Vision
Metrotidal Limited supports the key messages in Box 1 of the Southend 2050 plan.
Spatial Strategy
1.4 – Metrotidal Limited supports Option 3, i.e. Option 2 + working with neighbouring authorities. The Metrotidal proposal would mitigate any local loss of greenbelt and greenfield land by providing much improved access to greenbelt and greenfield land on the routes of the rail orbital and Sustrans cycle networks across the Lower Thames and Medway estuaries. Furthermore, the new connectivity supports an integrated and co-ordinated approach to existing and new housing developments across the Lower Thames Estuary while providing the resilience of alternative routes across the estuary and into Central London.
Housing
2.1(b), 2.3, 2.4, 2.7. The Metrotidal proposal supports both increased housing supply at public transport and town centre locations including land released by redevelopment of the Southend Victoria terminus as well as the potential of the “Sector D “ Fossets Farm, Garon Park and Bournes Green Chase area, with access from Southend Airport Station.
Securing a Thriving Local Economy
3.7 The Metrotidal proposal creates an orbital line for the Lower Thames Estuary, bringing together new markets and opportunities for Southend in terms of outward connectivity and inward investment. The Medway Towns are currently up to 2-hours away but at a distance of only 20km. The Metrotidal Lower Thames Orbital brings South Essex and North Kent within a 30 minute journey, creating a single economy larger than Manchester.
Promoting Southend as a Major Resort
4. The Metrotidal proposal supports Southend as an exemplar coastal tourism destination within the UK. The sea defence system becomes itself a major tourist attraction. The proposals include a high-quality marina development with a cruise liner terminal and Thames Clipper ferry landings all served by a Thames Estuary Station, enhancing Southend as a gateway for national and international tourism. The marina, cruise liner terminal and ferry landings complement the original development of the pier as a tourist gateway to Southend. The integrated transport connections, including the rail links to Southend Airport, Ebbsfleet and Central London, provide an attractive tourist offer and radically improve access to the Southend conurbation.
Providing for Vibrant and Attractive Town Centres
5.6 The Metrotidal proposal supports the regeneration of the town centre for the 21st century with a new Southend Central underground station linking the existing lines while releasing the Southend Victoria terminus site for redevelopment.
Providing for a Sustainable Transport System
6.6 The Metrotidal proposals promote green-growth across the Lower Thames estuary by including a floating solar array and wind turbines to generate renewable energy for the railway orbital and tunnel M+E systems along with an efficient data storage and distribution system.
Facilitating Good Design and Healthy Living
7.5 The Metrotidal Lower Thames Orbital provides ready access to the wide open spaces of the Thames and Medway estuaries.
Providing Community Services and Infrastructure
8.4 The Metrotidal proposals contribute to improved broadband infrastructure and connectivity.

Enhancing our Natural Environment
9.3 As noted above The Metrotidal Lower Thames Orbital provides ready access to the wide open spaces of the Thames and Medway estuaries.
Planning for Climate Change
10.1 The Metrotidal proposal protects the full length of the Thames tideway upstream with a system that is only 8km long.
Ensuring that the Local Plan is Delivered
12.5 The Metrotidal proposal for integrated infrastructure enables overall costs to be reduced while increasing the net economic benefits. Municipal Railway Bonds and other innovative funding initiatives replace conventional public/private sector funding sources to restore the co-ordination of railway and land development that had contributed to the growth of Southend in the 19th and 20th centuries.

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