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Sustainability Appraisal
Appendix C - Sustainability Appraisal Final Report Colchester Preferred Options Local Plan February 2025
Representation ID: 13529
Received: 13/01/2026
Respondent: Environmental Law Foundation
The Sustainability Appraisal notes the site’s proximity to Blackwater Estuary SPA, Ramsar, and SSSI but omits reference to designated shellfish waters and the hydrological link between West Mersea WRC and Essex Estuaries SAC. Proposed mitigation—such as grassland enhancement, freshwater habitat creation, and measures to protect overwintering birds—does not address risks identified in the WCS Technical Note, including potential impacts on Essex Estuaries SAC, the Marine Conservation Zone, and shellfish waters. Without incorporating these considerations, the mitigation strategy is incomplete and fails to safeguard designated sites from water quality impacts associated with development.
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.
