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This policy now appears to be a generic policy applying to the whole of Colchester whereas under the existing plan there is a specific policy applying to Mersea Island and we believe this should be maintained and reinstated into the new plan as per WMNP Policy WM22
We require this paragraph to be added to The Local Plan under Mersea Island & to comply with the WMNP policy
The removal of touring caravan/camping sites to be replaced with static caravan sites OR CHALETS will not be supported.
The last para of WMNP Policy WM22 but with addition of “or chalets”
(Reason: To continue to permit touring vans and campers to visit the Island and use official sites. This also helps prevent indiscriminate use of unauthorised areas, such as the public highways and car parks.)
NOTE Copy of agreement with East Mersea PC from the WMNP
Appendix 4 - Agreement of Understanding and Cooperation between the West Mersea Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group (WMNPSG) and East Mersea Parish Council (EMPC)
1. The aim of this agreement is to establish a good working relationship between the WMNPSG and EMPC. This is essential for the purpose of constructing a Neighbourhood Plan (NP) for West Mersea that will also give due consideration to the community of East Mersea.
2. The WMNPSG and EMPC will work closely together on areas where they share a common interest. Examples of this are the caravan parks, tourism, the environment Including but not limited to the preservation and benefit of our wildlife, birds, and seawater quality, recreational areas and open spaces. There may be other areas identified as the process develops.
3. A representative of EMPC will have a seat on the WMNPSG and will liaise between both community groups. The representative will be included on the distribution for the NPSG agenda, and minutes and will also have access to view information on the NP Google drive. The EMPC representative will share information and data which is available to them in support of the NP.
4. Following the adoption of the NP both East and West Mersea Councils may consider it beneficial to have procedures in place to ensure the policies contained within the NP are monitored and complied with.
5. This agreement will provide evidence for inclusion in the NP Consultative Statement of how the WMNPSG engaged and consulted with East Mersea Parish Council to shape the development of the NP.
Signed by:
Cllr Jeff Mason Chairman of EMPC C & Cllr Peter Banks Chairman of WMNPSG
Further matters of concern for Caravan Parks on Mersea Island
Wastewater Infrastructure Requirement:
i) CS6 states that any development, change of use, or intensification at caravan parks is only supported where Anglian Water confirms adequate wastewater treatment and sewage capacity.
ii) On Mersea Island, the WRC capacity is not currently demonstrated for cumulative allocations, including existing Local Plan and Neighbourhood Plan dwellings (~600 dwellings total), as well as caravan park intensification.
Environmental Sensitivity:
i) Mersea Island is home to MCZ, SAC, and Coastal Protection Belt designations.
ii) Additional wastewater discharges from caravan parks, combined with existing and proposed housing, would degrade estuarine and coastal water quality, threaten oyster recovery, and impact bathing waters and tourism.
Policy Implications:
i) Without confirmed WRC capacity and mitigation of discharges, development at caravan parks cannot meet CS6 criteria.
ii) Full cumulative wastewater assessment must include all housing, caravan park expansion, and potential CSO events to prevent adverse environmental and economic impacts.
Conclusion:
Approving caravan park development without proper wastewater infrastructure risks environmental harm, loss of oyster beds, reduced water quality, and negative impacts on tourism,

West Bergholt Parish Council supports this policy.

See attachment with detailed comments on numerous policies. Anglian Water welcomes the opportunity to contribute comments on the Draft
Local Plan for Colchester City Council. We consider that the Plan is well set out with in relation
to managing flood risk, surface water and wastewater, and enabling water efficiency. We
recognise the challenges for meeting the uplift in housing requirements and the
infrastructure required to help deliver future growth across the district, with the main
focus being Colchester and the larger towns.
We have raised some policy matters relating to consistency between policies addressing surface
water flood risk, water supply, and wastewater, and how these matters are attributed to site
allocation policies.
We look forward to continuing our positive and proactive discussions with the Council in
respect of our comments and the next iteration of the Local Plan, including supporting updates
to the evidence base if required

see attached

see attached