Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025

Object

Representation ID: 13378

Received: 13/01/2026

Respondent: Environmental Law Foundation

Dear Sirs,

We are writing from the Environmental Law Foundation, a legal charity that assists communities with environmental problems. We are writing on behalf of Mr Graham Farley, a resident of West Mersea on Mersea Island. He has been working with ELF for over 10 years and is part of the Mersea Island Environmental Alliance (MIEA) and the West Mersea Town Council (WMTC) Local Plan working group. He has been fighting to protect the environment and unique ecology of the island.

Please refer to the attached file for our full objection to this draft, based on concerns around Policy PP23.

Object

Representation ID: 13527

Received: 13/01/2026

Respondent: Environmental Law Foundation

HRA: The HRA concludes that only full implementation of WCS Technical Note recommendations can prevent adverse effects on Habitats Sites. However, Policy PP23 fails to incorporate key measures, such as prohibiting surface water discharge into foul sewers or requiring new discharge permits and improved treatment at West Mersea WRC. Current wording risks increased pollutant loads, creating significant environmental risks. The HRA also overlooks hydrological links and relies on EN1 and EN9 for mitigation, but these policies lack clear safeguards and conflict with PP23. Without stronger, specific requirements, uncertainty remains over preventing pollution impacts on designated sites from future development.