ECC HAS STATUTORY DUTY TO PROTECT THEIR AONB

The new LVA 'Magnitude of change in an AONB' rating has now been increased from ‘low' to 'medium low’.  But this is no ordinary landscape the author rates. SEE HERITAGE ASSESSMENT.  AONBs have the highest status of protection in relation to landscape and scenic beauty. ECC has a statutory duty to preserve and enhance their natural beauty and to resist the irreversible spread of urbanisation into rural Essex. Statutory duties are spelled out in Section 85 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

The Landscape Visual Appraisal Addendum (recently submitted to support Highways replacement bridge) fails to appreciate the special qualities of the Dedham Vale AONB and the statutory duty of ECC to enhance and preserve it. It states the Magnitude of Change of the proposal in the AONB is 'low/medium.'

We urge you to write to Babergh planning with your own comments on the new plans by the DEADLINE NOV 22ND.  Please write to Babergh DC to OBJECT and if you have objected earlier say that your earlier objection still stands despite these new submissions.  Copy your letter to the other two planning authorities making sure to change the different Ref numbers accordingly. 

Write to:

Babergh DC planninggreen@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk Ref: Boxted Bridge DC/22/00050

Also send a copy to: 

Colchester BC  planning.services@colchester.gov.uk  Ref Boxted Bridge Ref 220059 

Essex CC  mineralsandwastedm@essex.gov.uk  Ref Boxted Bridge CC Ref CC/COL/106/21