Neighbourhood Plan
The Marks Tey Neighbourhood Plan was agreed by referendum in May 2022 and forms part of the Development Plan for the area.
Given the government changes in relation to housing requirements, as set out earlier, there is now a requirement for additional sites to come forward.
The policies and work carried out on the Neighbourhood Plan provide important considerations to guide proposed development. In particular there is a requirement for sites to deliver ‘significant community benefits’, the meaning of which is set out by Policy MT04 in the Neighbourhood Plan. This highlights the need to deliver priorities for pedestrian and cycle connectivity, and for improving access for those with restricted mobility. The policy
also highlights environmental enhancement measures on Coggeshall Road and relieving vehicular pressure on residential areas.
The scheme proposals have been designed with particular consideration to these issues including improved crossing facilities to the Coggeshall Road (A120), which is currently a significant barrier to pedestrian and cycle movement. Furthermore, the proposals will provide for new open space and landscaped areas including to Coggeshall Road, and transport work has been carried out in consultation with the highway authorities to consider potential improvements to vehicular connections.
Whilst consideration has been given to all policies within the Neighbourhood Plan the following are considered particularly relevant and will be addressed as part of the work on the planning application moving forward:
MT01: The A12, A120 & Station
MT02: Walking & Cycle Friendly Neighbourhoods
MT03: A120 / Coggeshall Road
MT04: Village Settlement Boundaries
MT05: Local Character and Design
MT06: Landscape Character
MT07: Heritage assets
MT10: Protecting and enhancing our green infrastructure
MT11: Protecting the natural environment
MT12: Essex Coast Recreational Disturbance Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy (RAMS)
MT13: Housing Mix & Choice