Southend Central Area Action Plan (SCAAP) - Revised Proposed Submission 2016

Comment

Representation ID: 2634

Received: 15/12/2016

Respondent: Valad Europe Ltd

Agent: Indigo Planning

Draft Policy DS5 continues to state that the Council will encourage businesses to provide appropriate service and delivery arrangements and minimise their environmental impact; working with the freight industry and logistics to implement more efficient use of vehicles in terms of guidance, zoning and delivery timetables and that this can be set out in freight management plan. As per our previous representations, the requirement for a freight management plan should not be set out in Policy but dealt with by a case-by-case basis and, as necessary.

Comment

Representation ID: 2635

Received: 15/12/2016

Respondent: Valad Europe Ltd

Agent: Indigo Planning

Part 1 (M) of Draft Policy DS5 states that the Council will encourage visually active frontages to the installation of public art, green walls, well detailed signage and appropriately placed window and entrance ways to enliven blank frontages. It should be recognised that this is not always possible due to the internal requirements of certain retailers and the need to include for example, fire escapes.

Support

Representation ID: 2636

Received: 15/12/2016

Respondent: Valad Europe Ltd

Agent: Indigo Planning

The proposal to promote independent small scale retail, boutiques, café's, restaurants, bars and small studio styled workshops to create an area with a strong cultural identity together with residential uses above is welcomed. This will also help reinforce the vitality and viability of the High Street through linked trips.

Support

Representation ID: 2637

Received: 15/12/2016

Respondent: Valad Europe Ltd

Agent: Indigo Planning

Part 2 seeks to redevelop Central House for new larger retail units with frontage on the High Street and Clifton Road and office and residential above which is also supported for the reasons set out above.

Support

Representation ID: 2638

Received: 15/12/2016

Respondent: Valad Europe Ltd

Agent: Indigo Planning

A number of strategic objectives are set out within the SCAAP which include: Improving and transforming the "economic vitality, viability and diversity of Southend's area by encouraging establishment of a wider range of homes, business and shops whilst providing new opportunities for learning, recreation, leisure and tourism". It also seeks to improve accessibility to the area, ensuring street, public and green spaces are well-connected, well-designed and safe, which is welcomed.

Comment

Representation ID: 2639

Received: 15/12/2016

Respondent: Valad Europe Ltd

Agent: Indigo Planning

As per our previous representations submitted in relation to the draft SCAAP Preferred Approach Version 2015 in February 2016, we suggest that a further strategic objective be included that makes it clear that the SCAAP seeks to maintain and protect existing shops and town centre uses in the Southend Central area.

Support

Representation ID: 2640

Received: 15/12/2016

Respondent: Valad Europe Ltd

Agent: Indigo Planning

We note that Part 2D of this policy states that proposals that would assist with delivery of the provision of an active frontage on the southern façade of The Royals Shopping Centre will be supported in principle which is welcomed.

Comment

Representation ID: 2641

Received: 15/12/2016

Respondent: Valad Europe Ltd

Agent: Indigo Planning

Part E also states that the introduction of additional A3 cafes and restaurants will be supported in principle, subject to the provisions of Policy DS1: A Prosperous Retail Centre. It is important to include the provision of certain non-A1 uses in the town centre to ensure the vitality and viability of the town centre and also to support the town centres night time economy.

Comment

Representation ID: 2642

Received: 15/12/2016

Respondent: Valad Europe Ltd

Agent: Indigo Planning

Part 4D of Draft Policy PA1 seeks to further connect the town centre to the central seafront policy area through improved signage which will help to link the seafront with the Town Centre and High Street, thus benefiting the Town Centre as a whole and, as such, is welcomed by Valad Europe.

Support

Representation ID: 2643

Received: 15/12/2016

Respondent: Valad Europe Ltd

Agent: Indigo Planning

Draft Policy PA7 seeks to provide enhanced connectivity to the Central, Seafront and High Street policy areas which is welcomed because by enhancing the link, this will help to increase footfall, linked trips which, in turn, will help boost the vitality and viability of the town centre, and on this basis, Valad Europe support this policy.