Sustainability Appraisal

3.92 “Protecting the setting of the Dedham Vale National Landscape and considering valued and more sensitive landscapes will be of importance”. References to the Dedham Vale National Landscape should be strengthened, as per the enhanced duty under Section 85 of the CRoW Act, that relevant authorities “must seek to further the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the area of outstanding natural beauty (National Landscapes)”. Reference also NPPF paragraph 189 that: "Great weight should be given to conserving and enhancing landscape and scenic beauty in National Landscapes" and that "development within their setting should be sensitively located and designed to avoid or minimise adverse impacts on the designated areas".

4.150 Mentions there are opportunities to mitigate the potential negative effects of Option 1 on the setting of the Dedham Vale National Landscape through “the careful selection of sites within the main growth areas to identify relatively less sensitive locations for development”. Policies PP37 and PP26 do not align with this clause, with particular reference to the adverse effects developments on these sites will have on the Dark Skies, tranquillity and views of the National Landscape.

5.48 “Colchester benefits from areas of high value landscape including parts of the Dedham Vale National Landscape to the north.” Policy PP26 does not align with this clause.

5.48 “The spatial strategy is clear that the areas of highest sensitivity will accommodate the lowest level of growth to help ensure the distinctive character of settlements and avoid their coalescence.” Policy PP37 does not align with this clause.

NPPF paragraph 198 states: "Planning policies should also ensure that new development is appropriate for its location taking into account the likely effects of pollution on... the natural environment" and to "b) identify and protect tranquil areas which have remained relatively undisturbed by noise and are prized for their recreational and amenity value for this reason" and "c) limit the impact of light pollution from artificial light on local amenity, intrinsically dark landscapes and nature conservation". NPPF paragraph 190 states: "Consideration of such applications should include an assessment of: c) any detrimental effect on the environment, the landscape..."

There does not appear to be any mention of assessment work for the setting of the Dedham Vale National Landscape within the Sustainability Appraisal.