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Chapter 9 Harwich, Dovercourt, Parkeston, Ramsey and Little Oakley

Aim: To address local planning issues specific to the Harwich, Dovercourt, Parkeston, Ramsey and Little Oakley areas.

9.1 This Chapter of the Plan relates to Proposals Map Insets 2 and 2a which cover Harwich, Dovercourt and its Town Centre, Parkeston, Ramsey and Little Oakley respectively (referred to as the Harwich Inset Area). It considers the land-use planning background and makes policy and site specific proposals, to meet the needs of the area for the period up to 2011. It is essential that this Chapter is read in conjunction with the earlier policies that relate to the whole of Tendring District.

Key Issues:

• The identification of appropriate settlement boundaries, including new locations for housing.

• Ensuring sufficient land is available for the needs of industry and commerce, including stimulating local employment and economic activity in association with the proposed Bathside Bay development.

• Recognising the value of environmental assets in promoting the economic regeneration of the area.

• Protecting and enhancing the Harwich and Dovercourt Conservation Areas, and the other Areas of Special Character.

• Improving the quality and range of the area’s main tourist attractions.

• Improving open space provision, opportunities for recreation and community facilities.

• Upgrading, safeguarding and improving the area’s main shopping areas, especially Dovercourt Town Centre, including a new location for the market.

• Transport, including enhancement of the area’s two main railway stations and addressing traffic, parking and pedestrian issues generally.

Location of New Development

9.2 As one of the two main settlements in the District, Harwich has been identified as a focal point for growth in the District. Concentrating development within Harwich represents a sustainable choice whereby residents have the potential for access to all essential services including employment opportunities without relying solely on the use of the car. The Settlement Development Boundaries for the Harwich, Dovercourt, Parkeston, Ramsey and Little Oakley urban area to which policies QL1 and HG3 apply reflect the built-up area of the defined settlements. They include peripheral industrial and commercial areas, both existing and new allocations as new housing land.

9.3 In accordance with district-wide policies in the Plan, including the principles of sustainable development, new development will predominantly be contained within the Settlement Development Boundaries or on edge-of-town locations.

Strengthening the Economy and Promoting Regeneration

9.4 Regional Planning Guidance for the South East Region identifies Harwich as one of the Priority Areas for Economic Regeneration. Under the latest EU review, the majority of the Tendring District is currently classified as an area eligible for Enterprise Grants under EU Tier 3 arrangements. This is reflected in the Essex and Southend-on-Sea Replacement Structure Plan where Policy CS3 gives priority to investments, infrastructure and allocations that facilitate widely based economic regeneration and renewal in order to reduce disparities in economic success across Essex.

9.5 The Structure Plan also encourages further retailing and services, offices, leisure, recreation, tourism, entertainment and cultural activities within Harwich. It is also identified as a priority area for coastal tourism where existing tourist attraction/facilities should be retained and upgraded with new investment positively encouraged. The Structure Plan identifies that Harwich International Port offers potential for large-scale economic development to contribute to the overall improvement of the Essex economy. In specific support of this Policy BIW10 of the Structure Plan identifies Harwich International Port as suitable for expansion through the development of Bathside Bay.

9.6 This overall strategy is very much supported by Tendring District Council. Policy QL4 in the Improving the Quality of Life Chapter of this Plan sets out that approximately 100 hectares of new employment land will be identified. In connection with the description of Harwich as a Strategic Employment Location within the Regional Spatial Strategy and it’s importance in the Haven Gateway Sub- Region, as proposed in Draft RPG14, the Council have identified three Strategic Employment Sites for the District, two of which are in Harwich. These are Bathside Bay and land east of Pond Hall Farm. Furthermore, Policy QL6 identifies Dovercourt Town Centre and Harwich as Urban Regeneration Areas where permission will be granted for development that reinforces and/or enhances the function, character and appearance of the area and contributes towards regeneration and renewal. The Improving the Quality of Life Chapter provides details of all the existing and proposed employment sites. This Chapter considers the site-specific implications of the two main employment sites within Harwich.

Bathside Bay

9.7 The economy of the Harwich area is heavily dependent upon the port and it’s associated industries and services, and this is expected to remain the case for the lifetime of this Plan. This role will increase should the expansion of Harwich International Port into and Bathside Bay proceed.

9.8 The present planning applications to develop the 122ha site known as Bathside Bay and comprising previously reclaimed land and inter-tidal mudflats will are to be determined by the Government following a Public Local Inquiry held in 2004. The key elements of these proposals are the creation of a 1.4km long quayside through the reclamation of 72ha of intertidal area. It also includes the creation of a small boat harbour in the vicinity of Gas House Creek and the creation of a compensatory habitat through the managed realignment of Hamford Water at Little Oakley. As set out in Policy HAR1 below, the Council broadly welcomes the development of this land provided that the development is accepted by the Government as being of Overriding Public Interest (and there being no alternatives) and it is subject to meeting appropriate environmental safeguards. Key factors that favour the scheme are:

(i) in association with other port operations at Harwich and Felixstowe, the site can provide excellent facilities for handling large ships close to the entrance to the Stour and Orwell estuaries;

(ii) there is space to create capacity for a significant volume of traffic;

(iii) the site is well placed geographically to handle road and rail traffic to the Midlands and the North and the need for additional infrastructure to maximise its benefits has been recognised;

(iv) appropriate environmental mitigation measures can be achieved relating to avoiding air, noise, and light pollution along with the provision of a major compensatory wetland habitat, off-site highways works, landscaping, high quality design and the creation of a small boat harbour;

(v) development at Bathside Bay broadly accords with regeneration, employment and port related development policies contained within this Plan;

(vi) the present proposals could generate up to 1,700 local jobs both on site and in the wider local economy; and

(vii) it fits in well with the transport network and provides ideal cargo interchange facilities subject to the proposed road/rail freight modal split targets being achieved.

9.9 However, notwithstanding its economic and other benefits, the acceptability of the proposals will have to be weighed against any harm to interests of acknowledged importance and the extent to which development of this site would not satisfy other policies in this Plan in relation to safeguarding internationally and nationally recognised habitats. Although a new In relation to the proposedcompensatory habitat forat Hamford Water is proposed, the Council will seek to ensure that the details of this proposal provide appropriate replacement habitat to compensate for the loss of the SSSI and proposed SPA at Bathside Bay and the other environmental impacts identified in the Environmental Impact Assessment (2003) that accompanied the planning applications.

9.10 It is acknowledged that the scale of any comprehensive development on this site would, by definition, have a detrimental and visual impact on its surroundings, notably the setting of the Conservation Area in Harwich and to a lesser extent Dovercourt, as well as the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB and residential amenity. The developers will be expected to take design and other appropriate measures to mitigate:

• the visual impact of the development with regard to the built, historic and rural environment;

• noise and vibrations;

• air pollution;

• light pollution;

• traffic impact; and

• flood risk.

Land East of Pond Hall Farm

9.11 This 27ha site is located to the south of the Dovercourt bypass on land north of the main housing areas of Dovercourt. Access to this site will need to be directly from the A120. This site offers the potential to provide accommodation for a range of port-related uses in a suitably landscaped business park setting. As with Bathside Bay, development proposals will need to be accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment including a Green Travel Plan, as detailed in the Local Transport Plan and the Tendring Transportation Strategy.

9.12 The local economy relies very heavily on transport-related uses and the site represents a prime opportunity to aid diversification to create a more balanced economy less reliant on one sector. To this end, the Council will encourage general and light industrial uses as well as storage and distribution activities related to the port.

9.12a Recent assessment of this proposed development site concluded that despite some environmental and physical constraints when considered against planning guidance (including the Sustainability Appraisal), the site retains a sustainable option for release as a strategic employment site in support of growth that is likely to be associated with the potential off-site employment development needs of the expansion of Bathside Bay. A detailed development brief for the site will be prepared.

9.12b This site will provide for :

• vehicular access to the satisfaction of the Highway Agency from the A120;

• a strategic landscape scheme on the western and northern perimeter of the site;

• a cycle footpath connection along its northern boundary to the adjacent Country Park to the west; and

• a pre-school crèche facility as part of its development.

Development within the Vicinity of Carless Refinery

9.13 The Carless Refinery to the west of the village of Parkeston contains a range of large storage tanks to enable various solvents and other materials to be mixed. The existing refinery is safeguarded for refinery purposes as shown on Proposals Map Inset 2. In view of health and safety requirements relating to the operation of the refinery and the need for safeguarded areas around it, initially only a limited expansion will be allowed between the northern boundary of the site and the railway line. However, the Council is aware of the longer-term expansion needs of Carless, therefore a further site is allocated to the south for this purpose. This land is shown as an allocated refinery site on the Proposals Map Inset 2.

Other Employment Sites

9.14 Other employment sites identified for Harwich are referred too under Policy ER1 of this Plan which includes Stanton Euro Park (3.55ha) and Land South of the A120 (3.75ha). These two sites straddle the A120 with the Bathside Bay site to the north-east and Parkeston to the north-west. These sites are ideally located for new employment development (Use Classes B1, B2 and B8) in connection with the existing and expanded port facilities. Other sites include land to the west of Station Road, Parkeston - (6ha), and land north-east of Stanton Euro Park - (1.63ha) both of which should be developed for B1, B2 and B8 uses. All other employment land within Harwich is to be subject to the support and safeguards proposed by policies ER2 and ER3.

9.15 The identification of the site west of Station Road, Parkeston has previously been controversial, due to its proximity to local residents and the sites of environmental significance. As a consequence of this and the potential availability of other employment land, it was not previously pursued and was therefore not included in the Adopted Local Plan of 1998. However, it is now very likely to be the case that the Bathside Bay site will be developed wholly as a container port with no land available for general industrial uses. Also, a considerably smaller area of the Stanton Euro Park site is now likely to be available for employment and port-related uses.

9.16 This means that in the light of the expected increased demand for employment land in the area associated with the Bathside Bay port development proposal and the need to allocate 100 hectares of employment land, this site is now required for that purpose. The allocation of the site is shown on the Proposals Map. Considerable landscaping works and related mitigation measures are proposed in accordance with a previously approved Design Brief for the site. Full regard will be given to the environmental impact of the development recognising its location adjoining residential areas and open countryside on the edge of Parkeston and the need to carry out adequate flood mitigation measures.

9.17 Other employment development opportunities are likely to occur within the built up area of Harwich and Dovercourt, including the redevelopment of existing industrial sites including the Pelcombe Engineering works off Main Road in Dovercourt.

Small Businesses

9.18 There are relatively few small businesses in Harwich. In order to redress the problem and thereby reduce the dependency on a few major employers, the Council will support appropriate proposals for sites and premises for small business units. either on existing allocated industrial sites or by considering favourably the location of small businesses within Use Class B1 such as light industrial, office or research and development businesses in predominantly residential areas subject to appropriate safeguards on noise, traffic, etc.

Sustainable and Affordable Housing - A Sequential and Sustainable Approach

9.19 The Harwich and Dovercourt urban area, in terms of the Adopted Replacement Structure Plan, is defined as a “large urban area” with a resident population exceeding 20,000, (taking into account the parts of the Ramsey, Parkeston and Little Oakley parishes within the urban area). It is largely surrounded by sensitive countryside and coast of recognised environmental, ecological or agricultural importance.

9.20 Reflecting PPG3 (Housing), the Plan seeks to meet as much of the District’s housing requirement as possible within settlements, including Harwich and Dovercourt, on suitable previously developed sites accessible to facilities and at appropriate densities making efficient use of urban land. In accordance with the Plan’s Spatial Strategy described in Policy QL1, the sequential approach of PPG3 and Adopted Replacement Structure Plan Policy H2, most new housing will be concentrated in the “large urban areas” of Clacton and Harwich as set out in Table 1 to Policy HG1. This includes urban extensions to Clacton and Harwich given that not all of the new housing development to be provided for over the Plan Period can be accommodated on brownfield land.

9.21 All potential housing sites were assessed “sequentially” against a range of PPG3 sustainability criteria. As a result, the best urban extension sites for housing have been identified on the edges of Clacton and Harwich such that proposed expansion of smaller towns with more limited accessibility to employment, choice of sustainable means of transport, shops and other facilities and services, has not been necessary.

9.22 A combination of rolled forward “large” site commitments made up from existing planning permissions and presently allocated sites that accord with this Plan (Appendices 1 and 2) should provide over 700500 dwellings on 1815 well distributed large sites within the urban area or adjoining Harwich and Dovercourt. All of the proposed new allocations are located close to public transport corridors including the one new urban extension allocation at Michaelstowe Farm. In addition, a substantial number of small windfall housing sites, residential conversions and possibly one or two larger windfall sites on previously developed land will continue to come forward for consideration through the development control process. The scale of new housing provision locally in Harwich should therefore make an important contribution to meeting the District’s housing provision requirement in a sustainable way well-related to employment, shopping, educational and other community facilities, which are easily accessible by a choice of modes of transport.

Affordable Housing

9.23 In accordance with Policy HG4, housing schemes of 15 or more dwellings will be expected to provide a substantial element of genuinely affordable housing, normally for rent provided by a registered social landlord, to meet local housing needs. This will apply to both large allocated and windfall sites that emerge within Harwich and Dovercourt. Affordable housing site targets are set out for allocated sites in Appendix 2, in accordance with PPG3, as a basis for negotiation with the developer.

Dwelling Sub-Division

9.24 It is important to maintain a range of residential accommodation within the town. This is particularly important in the areas of older housing surrounding the town centre, conveniently located for town centre services, and in Parkeston and Bathside. Many older properties in these areas comprise a useful stock of smaller 2 and 3 bedroom terraced houses, which appeal to first time buyers, young families and single person households. Previously there have been planning applications submitted for flat conversions of both larger and, in some instances, among smaller properties. It is important that these areas of smaller, cheaper dwellings are retained to meet the needs of single person households and first time buyers and do not cater for development that would intensify existing parking problems. Proposals to sub-divide dwellings will be considered with these points in mind and will also have particular regard to Policy HG10.

Protecting and Enhancing the Natural and Built Environment and Promoting Tourism

9.25 These issues are considered together because of the importance of improving the local environment and exploiting its potential tourism benefits. Policies elsewhere in this Plan, particularly within the Sustaining Our Environment Chapter, provide clear protection for the natural and built environment for the whole of the District. These assets are a crucial factor in securing the regeneration of the local economy through tourism and to providing a more attractive location for new businesses to locate. This section of the Chapter identifies specific local proposals to upgrade the built infrastructure and to enhance the appearance and character of the main urban area, including the Conservation Areas. The delivery of these important urban regeneration projects will make a significant contribution to improving the attractiveness of this locality to businesses and for tourism, thus benefiting the local economy as a whole.

9.26 The historic town of Harwich, which is a designated Conservation Area containing approximately 200 Listed Buildings, is regarded as an important visitor attraction with significant tourism potential. Similarly, the substantial open spaces of the Dovercourt Conservation Area, including Cliff Park and the Beacon Hill Fort SAM, have a key role in the regeneration of the local tourism economy. Therefore, as part of regeneration initiatives within the area, the Council will encourage development that enhances the historic character and attractive appearance of these two Conservation Areas.

9.27 To secure the repair and upgrading of the most important buildings in the Harwich Conservation Area the District and County Councils together with English Heritage have for many years operated a Town Scheme, a Conservation Area Partnership Scheme and a Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme (HERS) whereby grants have been given to assist owners with the high cost of repair and restoration work. The latter HERS programme targeted various commercial buildings in the Conservation Area. Both Councils are currently preparing a Stage 2 Townscape Heritage Initiative bid for Dovercourt that will bring about a further £750,000 of conservation and heritage investment in the Harwich Area. A Townscape Heritage Initiative funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and other partners is expected to commence in 2005.

Harwich

9.28 Where applicable, development proposals shall have regard to the approved Design Brief for Timberfields and to the changed circumstances since this brief was prepared. Following the implementation of a new public car park and the repair and restoration of the Old Lifeboat House, a revised Design Brief is to be prepared, for the rest of the site.

9.29 Other enhancement opportunities will no doubt come forward in the Harwich Conservation Area during the Plan Period including various floorscape improvements. These works, involving the use of high quality paving materials and traditionally designed street furniture, will be supported.

9.30 Although considerable progress has been made in regenerating the Old Town and enhancing individual parts of the Conservation Area, much more remains to be done. These specific local policies and the general policies contained elsewhere within this Plan provide the framework for rolling forward a programme of work to improve Harwich.

9.31 Harwich Town Station and Forecourt area has for some time been identified in the Conservation Area Enhancement Scheme as an area for environmental improvement and a Design Brief has been prepared. This area remains a key conservation objective of an area in need of improvement. The District Council will continue to investigate ways to bring about further improvements, through follow-on grant schemes to the Harwich Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme (which ended in March 2004). Such enhancement works may be carried out using finance obtained through a Section 106 legal agreement with the developers of Bathside Bay. The Conservation Area Strategy for Harwich contains details of the various enhancement proposals.

9.32 A number of initiatives have been taken by the Council to promote Harwich and Dovercourt as a tourist destination including the introduction of the Harwich Maritime Heritage Trail and other heritage promotions and the proposals for Beacon Hill Fort (see Policy HAR6). Other initiatives include the scope for wider environmental improvements to Dovercourt Railway Station as part of the Dovercourt Town Centre Regeneration Area programme.

9.33 Harwich is also a potentially rich source for archaeological remains, and to this end new development will be subject to the strict application of Policy EN29 of this Plan.

9.28a Harwich “Old Town” as identified in Policy QL6 is an Urban Regeneration Area, the extent of which is shown on Proposals Map Inset 2A. The Haven Gateway Partnership, which is promoting regeneration opportunities in the Sub-Region, has identified Harwich as one area requiring regeneration. In order to take this forward the Partnership, which includes the Council, has prepared a Master Plan identifying certain areas and individual sites for new development.

9.29a The Master Plan was subject to two periods of public consultation and a Strategic Environmental Assessment. The Master Plan was subsequently submitted to the Council for consideration and the document has been adopted as a Supplementary Planning Interim Document to guide Council development control policy in the Harwich area. It is intended that the Master Plan will be formally adopted as a Supplementary Planning Document once the Local Plan has been adopted.

9.30a The Harwich Master Plan contains proposals for the development of the waterfront sites at The Quay occupied by Trinity House and Harwich Haven Authority, redevelopment of the Navyard Wharf for mixed development comprising housing, commercial and leisure uses with a large marina within the region of 500 berths. Other proposals involve enhancement of certain areas of the public realm, especially The Quay, redevelopment opportunities at the railway station, sailing club, and the Bernards site. There are other proposals for improved car parking, a new public transport interchange and improved pedestrian access and circulation. Proposals Map Inset 2A shows the area covered by the Master Plan.

9.31a The Master Plan provides a detailed framework for the consideration of development proposals over a ten year period i.e. 2005 2015. Those proposals included in the Master Plan which are considered “long term” i.e. post 2011 are not covered by this Local Plan but may be subsequently included in the new Local Development Framework (Harwich Area Action Plan). Diagram 8 shows the main proposals incorporated into the Masterplan.

9.32a As most of the area covered by the Master Plan is within a Conservation Area it is proposed that there will be a sensitive approach taken to redevelopment proposals ensuring that the preservation or enhancement of the Conservation Area are primary factors in the consideration of proposals. The Master Plan proposals generally replace the Conservation Area Enhancement proposals put forward previously in the First Deposit Draft Local Plan (former policies HAR4 and HAR5).

9.33a The Master Plan proposals are also reflected in the following amended policies: HAR10 Water-Based Recreation and Marina Development, and HAR16 Port Development. Subsequent amendments have also been made to other aspects of the Local Plan dealing with housing and employment sites.

Dovercourt

9.34 In contrast to Harwich the centre of Dovercourt is largely the result of development spanning the second half of the 19th Century. Although the new resort grew slowly, Victoria Street comprises a complete set piece, with two, almost identical terraces. Whilst not presently listed, these houses are remarkable, not only because of their contribution to the townscape’s value, but also for the attention to the original detailing, which remains intact, such as window and door arches, “dentil” courses at the eaves, entrance steps with piers and railings and fine chimney stacks. In order to safeguard these features (which can often be lost during “improvement” works) the Council will give consideration to serving an Article 4 Direction which will require owners to apply for planning permission for certain minor building works. Grant aid will be available through the Townscape Heritage Initiative to encourage appropriate building repairs and re-instatement of architectural detail.

9.35 Within the High Street, Station Road and Kingsway there are a number of interesting Victorian and Edwardian buildings retaining much of their original details above ground floor level. This strong, distinctive character gives the town centre considerable visual interest and therefore the Dovercourt Conservation Area has been extended to cover these areas. A second extension to the Conservation Area in 1995 covers the Beacon Hill Fort area.

9.36 Following the designation of the enlarged Conservation Area enhancement proposals will be prepared aimed at creating an improved shopping environment for residents and visitors alike. There is considerable scope for improving the appearance of Kingsway, the High Street and the very extensive currently featureless space around the Station with good quality paving, tree planting and improved street furniture. These enhancement proposals will be prepared in consultation with the Highway Authority, Network Rail/SRA and of various local stakeholders. They will also be closely related to the detailed proposals put forward in the Dovercourt Town Centre Regeneration Strategy and in accordance with policies HAR12, HAR13 and HAR14.

DIAGRAM 8: HARWICH MASTERPLAN

[Click to see larger image in a pop-up window]

Ramsey and Little Oakley

9.37 Both settlements have important historic buildings giving an indication of the early development of these villages. Ramsey Village is in part designated as a Conservation Area and contains a prominent listed windmill. In accordance with other policies in this Plan, safeguards are in place to protect these important historical features from inappropriate new development. A Conservation Area Character Appraisal has been prepared for Ramsey Village.

Beacon Hill Fort

9.38 Beacon Hill Fort is an extensive Scheduled Ancient Monument comprising the surviving structures of four major phases of development i.e. the 1860s and earlier, 1880s/1890s, and the First and Second World Wars. Many of the defensive features above and below ground, including gun emplacements, observation towers, underground magazines, engine houses etc, provide an interesting insight into the development of coastal fortifications developed over the last Century.

9.39 In 1989 the Council published a Draft Action and Management Plan which has been used as a basis for consultation with both local and national bodies involved in the conservation, restoration and interpretation of this coastal fortification site. The intention is to develop the fort complex and its associated cliff-top open space as a significant heritage tourist attraction to complement the other attractions in Harwich itself. Any work to be carried out at Beacon Hill will be discussed and agreed in advance with English Heritage.

9.40 In addition to the need to apply for Scheduled Ancient Monument consent from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, this and other SAMs in this Inset Area are protected by Policy EN28.

Parkeston Village

9.41 Parkeston Village developed in the 1880/1890’s as Parkeston Quay was developed as a major new port. Although not of Conservation Area status, it is a good example of a Victorian “industrial” village which deserves to be safeguarded.

9.42 A proactive approach has been taken to ensure the overall appearance of the village is improved and the residential environment is upgraded for the benefit of the local people. An environmental enhancement scheme has been undertaken by the Council, working closely with all relevant stakeholders including the Parish Council, amenity bodies and relevant interested groups. The enhancement scheme aims to safeguard the village’s attractive surviving Victorian character and also seeks to provide a basis for encouraging new community developments. Various enhancement works have taken place in the village and further works will be considered during the Plan Period.

Countryside and Natural Resources

9.43 Although predominantly urban in character, the Harwich Area includes some very important areas of countryside and undeveloped coastline, much of which is of considerable ecological and landscape value. Particularly important are the expanses of undeveloped land to the south and west of the Dovercourt Bay Housing Estate and the valley between Upper Dovercourt and Parkeston. The coastline extending westwards from Parkeston QuayHarwich International Port along the River Stour and southwards from Dovercourt Bay towards Hamford Water is particularly sensitive in relation to landscape and nature conservation considerations.

9.44 Hamford Water is a SSSI and the intertidal mudflats make this a NNR. The Stour Estuary is also a SSSI and contains internationally important wildlife habitats. It has also been identified as a wetland area of international importance under the Ramsar Convention and is a SPA designated under the European Community’s Wild Birds Directive. Recently the SSSI boundaries have been amended to include the whole of Bathside Bay and the remaining undesignated portion of Copperas Bay. The extent of these designations is shown on the Proposals Map Insets 2 and 2a. A District-Wide Landscape Character Assessment has been carried out which has identified the countryside around Harwich as particularly diverse, incorporating both open and drained estuarine/coastal mashes, coastal slopes, coastal ridges and peninsulas, river flood plains and clay valleys. Local Green Gaps have also been defined between Dovercourt and Ramsey and between Dovercourt and Parkeston. These local policy boundaries have been taken from a technical study, which has identified a number of these local designations throughout the Plan area. Notwithstanding the technical study recommendations, the boundaries of the Local Green Gaps in this location have been amended to accommodate the new land allocations for employment development on the site East of Pond Hall Farm and West of Station Road, Parkeston. Similarly an amendment has been made to accommodate the proposed extension of the Carless Refinery to the south of its existing site.

9.45 Policy EN11 of this Plan provides the policy safeguard for these sites. Also, Policy EN3 seeks to severely restrict development along the undeveloped coastline and supports the County Council’s Structure Plan Policy NR18. The Coastal Protection Belt to which this policy applies is defined on Proposals Map. Boundary adjustments have been made reflecting local considerations and new land allocations in this Plan, therefore the Coastal Protection Belt differs from the County Council’s published boundary.

9.46 The eastern extremity of the Stour Estuary falls within the Harwich Inset Area and the Local Plan specifically seeks to protect the special character and ecology of the estuary through strict control of development. Policy EN11 also seeks to encourage the co-ordination of agencies involved in the management and use of the Estuary. An overall Management Plan for the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB, including the southern shore of the Stour Estuary, was aAdopted in February 2003. The southern shore of the Stour is of equal quality to the northern shore and it is suggested that the area should be treated as if it were an AONB. The suggested boundary of the AONB is shown on the Proposals Maps. A technical study has been prepared to justify the AONB boundary proposed.

9.47 There are also significant tracts of high quality farmland within the Inset Area which should be protected from development wherever possible in accordance with Policy EN4.

Tourism

9.48 The Structure Plan identifies Harwich/Dovercourt as falling within a Priority Area for Coastal Tourism where economic vitality and viability should be promoted by protecting and enhancing tourist facilities, as well as permitting new development that strengthens and diversifies the attractiveness of the area for tourism.

9.49 Large numbers of passengers pass through Harwich International Port each year travelling to and from Europe. However, to date, Harwich has only been able to capitalise on this tourism potential to a limited extent. In order to be able to tap into this substantial market, existing tourist facilities will be safeguarded and support given to proposals which seek to upgrade them.

9.50 Over the last 30 years the area has continued to suffer from a long period of decline in the tourist industry, with many hotels and guesthouses closing down. This trend is a reflection of the national tourism industry as evidenced in other resorts. There remain several medium-sized hotels and a number of small family-run businesses whichbusinesses that provide a useful stock of accommodation. The Council will therefore safeguard these existing hotels and guest housesguesthouses and encourage their upgrading and improvement. Policy ER24 applies.

9.51 The provision of new hotel developments within the Harwich area is encouraged and planning permission was previouslyhas been granted for a large hotel on the Stanton Euro Park site west of Bathside Bay. This is still the preferred site for such a development. Other new hotel developments in the area will be judged in accordance with all relevant policies. Surveys of holidaymakers and day-trippers revealed that the main attractions of the resort were the sandy beaches. Dovercourt’s beach has been awarded Blue Flag status and attracts considerable numbers of visitors each year. , tThe viewing of shipping south of Lower Marine Parade through to Harwich is also a major tourist asset which will be safeguarded and upgraded during the Plan Period (as resources permit). Dovercourt’s beach has been awarded Blue Flag status and attracts considerable numbers of visitors each year.

9.52 Whilst tourism has generally moved away from the long-stay “main holiday” to shorter and more frequent breaks, much more could be done by the local “tourism industry” to broaden its appeal. Accommodating this change will require radical restructuring of the local tourism infrastructure, including the provision of good quality facilities appropriate to the day-tripper. For its part, the Council will encourage such facilities in the Harwich area, particularly in the area off Lower Marine Parade.

9.53 The main concentrations of tourist facilities, including various amusements and associated recreation areas, are found along Lower Marine Parade and Low Road. This is the traditional area for such activities which are generally located well away from residential areas. There is also an attractive seafront adjoining Harwich near the Low Lighthouse. Overall, these areas will be progressively upgraded and improved by the Council in partnership with the private sector and other stakeholders as resources become available.

Open Space Provision, Opportunities for Recreation and Community Facilities

9.54 Opportunities for recreational open space are safeguarded through policies in the Safer and Healthier Communities Chapter of this Plan. One specific site requiring attention in this Inset Area is land known as “The Hangings”, as an area of open space linking Parkeston Road to Dovercourt Town Centre along the old railway line. This is an important linear open space that provides the potential to become part of the National Cycle Route Network and could be declared as a LNR.

9.55 The informal linear open space area of “The Hangings”, following the old railway track, will be augmented by the proposed open space within the Capital House housing development. This amounts to a total open space provision of 7.2 hectares as a green buffer zone between existing and proposed housing and the extensive Bathside Bay development. The Bobbits Hole LNR also provides further open space in this locality.

9.56 Within Little Oakley there are three areas of open space including the private playing field located off Oakley Road/Lodge Road that extends to some 2 hectares. These sites will be safeguarded in accordance with Policy COM7.

9.57 A long-standing proposal exists to provide an area of 6.6 hectares of public open space on land south of Low Road to serve the Dovercourt Bay Housing Estate and the south west of the town generally. This land was allocated for open space in the Adopted Local Plan of 1998. The above recreational open space shortfall needs to be reduced and therefore it is proposed to extend the Low Road area of open space to include further land to the south west. This will also assist in providing an undeveloped buffer between the Dovercourt Bay Housing Estate, the caravan parks and the sensitive coastal area. The new open space proposal in this area amounts to 16.5 hectares.

9.58 Other important areas of open space include the two cemeteries, various allotment gardens scattered throughout the area and school playing fields. There is also a 9-hole golf course south of Parkeston comprising 19.8 hectares of land and the Beacon Hill Scheduled Ancient Monument was also allocated as an “Important Open or Wooded Area” within the Adopted Local Plan of 1998.

9.59 The District Council considers that both existing and any proposed open space must be safeguarded in the long-term from development. School playing fields can supplement this local recreation provision and will be safeguarded for that reason in addition to the important amenity value of school grounds.

9.60 Harwich and Parkeston Football Club currently occupy The Royal Oak Football Ground situated on the Main Road, Dovercourt opposite Fiveways supermarket. The Council recognises the important local community role of the Football Club and will assist any proposals to relocate to a new site if this becomes necessary during the Plan Period where such a proposal accords with the relevant policies of this Plan.

Indoor Recreation and Sports Provision

9.61 Local indoor sports and recreation provision is provided by the Harwich Sports Hall, a dual-use facility in the grounds of the Harwich School and the Council’s covered swimming pool located within the main recreation area off Lower Marine Parade and Wick Lane. The Council will support the provision of new facilities to enhance these sites.

Water-Based Recreation

9.62 The Replacement Structure Plan recognises that Harwich is one of various locations in the County where sailing facilities are concentrated. Policy LRT6 of the Structure Plan seeks to limit the establishment of new facilities to such locations as defined in Local Plans. In this context, as part of the Bathside Bay development, there are proposals for a small boat harbour in the vicinity of Gas House Creek whichCreek, which will accommodate the local yacht club and other boat users including fishermen. The proposed site for the boat harbour is shown on Proposals Map Inset 2a.

9.63 The Harwich Haven Authority has now established some floating pontoons for visiting yachts off Halfpenny Pier. Further mooring facilities could be developed during the Plan Period in accordance with proposals for a “seed marina” which is included in the Harwich Master Plan.

9.63a The long-term redevelopment of Navyard for mixed use (mixed residential and commercial) will also involve the creation of a large marina of 500 berths. These proposals have been included in the Harwich Master Plan although the implementation of this scheme will stretch well beyond the Plan period i.e. post 2011. However, approximately 50% of the development is expected to be completed by 2011.

9.64 Policy COM16 specifically seeks to ensure that there are no new boat moorings or new marina developments within the Stour Estuary and Hamford Water areas. The very northern part of the Hamford Water SSSI is within the Harwich Inset Area and the extent of the area is shown on Proposals Map Inset 2.

Community Facilities Land Adjoining Barrack Lane

9.65 Policy COM3 safeguards this site for community facilities. It is actively used by a number of local organisations, and the Council is keen to further improve these facilities in line with the wishes of the current users and in accordance with the broader objectives of this Plan. However, many of the buildings are in a very poor condition and major investment is needed to ensure their longevity. The Council recognises that this can only be achieved by a major capital investment.

9.66 As the first stage in reviewing the options for achieving this goal, the Council instructed consultants to develop a vision for the site. All options included an element of housing to part-fund a purpose-built community facility. Recognising that the upgrading of this facility would have wider community benefits, the Council supports mixed-development at this site recognising that the limited intrusion of such development into the surrounding recreational open space is more than offset by the wider benefits a new and enhanced community facility would have. This site is in a sustainable location near to Dovercourt Town town Centre centre and will be part of the strategy to ease the pressure to release new greenfield housing sites. Nonetheless, housing is proposed purely as enabling development to facilitate appropriate regeneration of the adjacent community facilities.

Improving the Main Shopping Areas

9.67 The Replacement Structure Plan identifies Harwich as one of the Principal Second Tier Town Centres of Essex and supports additional retailing and other town centre uses in the town. The Council supports this approach for Harwich and the Council’s land-use strategy for retailing is considered in more detail in the Strengthening the Economy and Promoting Regeneration Chapter of this Plan. A key factor is the identification of the Dovercourt Town Centre Regeneration Area. Shopping provision within the area is concentrated in Dovercourt Town Centre, which contains approximately two thirds of the local shopping floorspace. This Chapter considers the local implications for the Harwich area of these broader strategy policies.

9.68 In addition to the principal town centre of Dovercourt, minor local shopping centres are located at Upper Dovercourt, Tollgate and in Harwich. In addition there are also various small parades and individual shops on the Dovercourt Bay Housing Estate, in Parkeston, Little Oakley and elsewhere within the built-up area. Other policies in the Plan provide appropriate safeguards for these.

9.69 Over the last twenty years there has been a general decline in the number of shops within the Harwich area, most noticeable in the number of shops selling food goods. The decline in the range of shopping facilities has been particularly apparent in Harwich. Dovercourt Town Centre has also suffered from a reduction in the overall number and range of shops and an increase in vacant units.

Dovercourt Town Centre

9.70 Policies elsewhere in this Plan resist non-retail use in Primary Shopping Frontages. Nonetheless, recentRecent studies undertaken for the Council have concluded that Dovercourt Ttown cCentre is in a poor state of health. It is anticipated that in time the town centre will benefit from the expansion of Harwich International Port. However, proposals are also needed to improve the existing facilities now to secure its short-term future as a local shopping centre and its broader contribution to the local economy. In recognition of Dovercourt being identified as a Town Centre Regeneration Area, measures will be taken to encourage the repair and restoration of historic buildings. The Townscape Heritage Initiative bid is one illustration of such initiatives.

9.71 To identify specific opportunities, the Council commissioned a Dovercourt Town Centre Regeneration Study to identify proposals for the enhancement of High Street, Kingsway and the following parts of the town centre: Kingsway, Station Road, High Street, Victoria Street, and the area in front of Dovercourt train station. A significant feature of the resultant proposals was the relocation of the existing market, currently sited on land adjoining The Royal Oak Football Ground, to Kingsway. This project will require substantial infrastructure investment but will have a significant benefit by consolidating retailing activity in the town centre and thus creating greater potential for more sustainable locally linked trips to the local town stores rather than out-of-town or edge-of-centre outlets.

9.72 Linked to this are proposals by Essex County Council’s Community Rail Partnership to secure funding from the Strategic Rail Authority’s Rail Passenger Partnership Fund for improvement to Dovercourt railway station. Proposals include improved waiting areas and a station caf—. These proposals will be supported through policies in this Plan.

9.73 It is not intended for Dovercourt Town Centre to expand beyond its existing boundaries and it is therefore proposed that the existing retail uses in this area should be protected from changes of use to non-retail especially where this would weaken the vitality and viability of the centre as a whole. Policy ER33 will therefore be applied to any change-of-use proposals within the Primary Shopping Frontage identified on Proposals Map Inset 2a.

Edge-of-Town Development

9.74 Outside of the town and local shopping centres there is a large Safeway superstore at Stanton Euro Park and a Co-op Fiveways superstore off Main Road, Dovercourt. Planning consent has also been granted for non-food retailing on the site immediately west of the existing Safeway’s store comprising approximately 5,000sqm of floorspace.

Transport

9.75 Development at Harwich provides a prime opportunity to promote sustainable forms of transport. Policy QL2 states that “development should be located and designed to avoid reliance on the use of the private car”. The Essex Local Transport Plan and the Tendring District Transportation Strategy (2004) seek to develop a sustainable, integrated transport system for the District that provides necessary access to facilities, services and goods with less dependence on cars and less impact on the environment.

9.76 Harwich is a major gateway to Europe and the Council continues to lobby strongly for the remainder of the A120 route from Little Bentley to the Port to be dualled during the Plan Period. as referred to in Paragraph 7.7 of the Sustainable Transportation Chapter. In addition, the Council is also pressing for the provision of an all-purpose A120/A133 junction provided at Hare Green. These priorities for highway improvements to the A120 are recognised in the emerging Regional Strategy and sub- regional policies for the Haven Gateway.

9.77 Since the completion of the Dovercourt bypass and a new port access road to Harwich International Port, the County Council has introduced some local traffic management measures in Parkeston. Opportunities exist to improve environmental conditions especially in residential areas with one-way streets, improved and additional on-street parking, traffic calming measures and where feasible, the introduction of pedestrian priority streets. These will be supported. The District Council will actively investigate what measures can be taken to improve the availability of off-street parking in residential areas that currently have little or no provision. These could involve the possibility of creating rear access-ways to older housing areas. Residential streets immediately surrounding Dovercourt Town town Centre centre should will be considered as a priority as resources permit. Heavy vehicles will be directed to the new bypass and a weight ban on local roads is in operation.

9.78 Possible opportunities to introduce pedestrian priority measures to parts of Dovercourt Town Centre will be considered alongside Urban Regeneration objectives.

Port Development

9.78a The Harwich Master Plan envisages the relocation of the Navyard Wharf port operations elsewhere in the Harwich area and the redevelopment of the existing dock area. The redevelopment for mixed use with marina, is likely to take place later in the Plan period and beyond. The dock operations will therefore cease at that time.

9.79 Harwich Navyard Wharf is located immediately to the north-east of the Harwich Conservation Area. Government approval has been given to expand the wharf to take larger vessels although this expansion has yet to be carried out. The District Council supports the expansion with the proviso that appropriate measures are taken to minimise the impact on the Conservation Area and the local residents nearby. The extent of the Navyard Wharf complex is shown on Proposals Map Inset 2a.

9.79a Irrespective of the Bathside Bay Container Port proposal, the Council will continue to support the further development, expansion and upgrading of port facilities at Harwich International Port.

Rail Services

9.80 Rail services to Harwich have improved with the electrification of the railway line so that fast non- stop services to London take just over an hour. There is a small element of rail commuting from the Harwich area. Rail freight services continue to operate at Harwich International Port with rail borne containers still an important part of the port’s business. Such services are due to be dramatically expanded as part of the Bathside Bay Container Port proposal where it is proposed that up to 3022.5% of freight will go by rail.

9.81 The train ferry service from Harwich was discontinued in 1987 but the Grade II listed train gantry and “linkspan” remains. Proposals for Bathside Bay and the small boat harbour involve removing the long arm of the berthing pier that is attached to the gantry. The structure, which is a “Building at Risk”, is to be retained as a local heritage attraction and properly maintained by the owner as part of the Bathside Bay development proposals. This Chapter of the Plan supports the enhancement of the two main railway stations at Dovercourt railway station and supports the Harwich Masterplan proposals for Harwich Town station with the aim of making the stations more welcoming as the potential first point of call for tourists, holiday makers and business people to the area.

Bus and Ferry Services

9.82 Local bus services are operated from the bus station located close to Harwich Town Station. The Harwich Master Plan contains proposals to redevelop the whole station area and relocate and improve these facilities. A new rail/bus interchange is proposed in the Masterplan. The District Council wishes to see local services maintained and improved. A Community Bus Service has also been introduced recently, and proving to be very popular.

9.83 There is a local ferry service for foot passengers currently running between Harwich Quay, Shotley and Felixstowe. The upgrading of this service has been considered by the Haven Gateway Partnership. The ferry is also an additional tourist attraction for visitors to Harwich and those interested in the three historic forts guarding the mouth of the River Stour and River Orwell. The Council will resist proposals that would have an adverse impact on this ferry service.

Education

9.84 There are several primary schools within the area. Chase Lane, Spring Meadow, Mayflower, All Saints Church of England School and St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Schools are all well-established and have not signalled any intention to move. However, the former Ramsey County Primary and Little Oakley Infants Schools have combined to form one new school under the name of ”Two Villages”. This school is currently split between two sites, but there are proposals for relocating to one site west of Mayes Lane. In addition, the recently renamed Harwich Community Primary School has been relocated to a new site off Barrack Lane adjoining Beacon Hill.

Health Services

9.85 Most health services for the area are based at Harwich and Dovercourt District Hospital and Dovercourt Health Centre, both located in Main Road, Dovercourt. The Hospital provides in- patient facilities, with a total of 43 beds, outpatient and special clinics, a maternity unit, and plans for a psychogeriatric unit have been approved but not yet built. Land to the rear of Harwich Hospital was allocated for a new GP Surgery as notified by North Essex Health Consortium.

9.86 Currently, there is a proposal to completely replace the existing Hospital with a new purpose built Hospital on the land to the rear of the existing buildings. This proposal includes a new GP Surgery to replace the present premises on the nearby Harwich Clinic site further along the Main Road. If the project goes ahead the remainder of the land at the site will remain available for health service provision.

9.87 Any further development in the vicinity of the Hospital should aim to retain as many mature trees that are subject to Tree Preservation Orders as possible. A more extensive hospital service is provided by the District General Hospital and other hospitals in Colchester.

9.88 New housing development expected to take place in Dovercourt during the Plan Period will place additional pressures on existing health facilities in the area. It is therefore important that services are not only maintained but extended and improved. The District Council will continue to liase with the Primary Care Trust and Strategic Health Authority and through the Local Strategic Partnership, with the aim of ensuring adequate health service provision in the Harwich, Dovercourt, Parkeston, Ramsey and Little Oakley area.

Other Community Facilities

9.89 There are three community centres in the area offering important facilities for local residents: (i) The Ark Centre in Main Road, (ii) The Park Pavilion at Barrack Lane and (iii) the smaller centre at Long Meadows. The Park Pavilion is considered in more detail in the Community Facilities section of this Chapter. These existing facilities will be safeguarded from new development in accordance with Policy COM3 of this Plan.

Water Supply

9.90 Land at Strouts Gardens, south of Main Road, Dovercourt is safeguarded for the provision of improved water supply infrastructure during the Plan Period. The site is shown on the Proposals Map and protected by Policy COM31.

Coastal Protection

9.91 Responsibility for most of this stretch of coastline lies with the Council under an agency agreement with the Environmental Agency. Much of the policy area including Parkeston and Harwich, has been vulnerable to salt water flooding under tidal surge conditions. However, substantial improvements have been carried out in recent years to protect Harwich and other parts of the town. Further works will be carried out during the Plan Period. Development proposals and flood risk is considered in more detail in Policy QL3 on Flood Risk.

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