RSS East Of England Plan - Broads Authority

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Section 13 Sub-Areas and Key Centres for Development and Change
CSR4: Transport Infrastructure
New transport infrastructure requirements arising from development in the Cambridge sub-region should build
upon the existing high quality public transport systems, high levels of cycling and demand management measures.
The aim should be to reduce the need to travel, especially by car and secure the fullest possible use of public
transport, cycling and walking. Strategic transport provision should take into account Cambridge’s position at the
junction of major east-west and north-south routes.
13.13 Successful implementation of the development strategy for the Cambridge sub-region relies on integration of
development with new and upgraded transport infrastructure. Central to this is the provision of high quality public
transport, in particular the Cambridgeshire guided bus, improvements to the strategic and local road network, and
enhanced provision for cyclists and pedestrians. Reflecting the priority to the Cambridge area in Policy T15, stakeholders
should look beyond the existing major programme of transport investment to identify further investment needs. There
should be a strong emphasis on public transport, demand management and traffic restraint taking full advantage of likely
sources of funding, including the Transport Innovation Fund and developer contributions.
Essex Thames Gateway
13.14 Essex Thames Gateway comprises the Essex part of the Thames Gateway Growth Area, a regional and national priority
for urban regeneration under the Sustainable Communities Plan which extends into London and the South East (Kent
Thames Gateway). It is the largest corridor of urban development in the East of England. It broadly encompasses the
areas south of the A13 in Thurrock and A127 in Basildon together with the Boroughs of Castle Point and Southend-on-
Sea and London Southend Airport in Rochford District.
13.15 Essex Thames Gateway presents a unique opportunity reflecting the extensive areas of previously developed land, its
proximity to central London, international transport links and access to continental Europe. Urban regeneration coupled
with wider environmental enhancements will enable major improvements in quality of life and regional economic
performance.
13.16 Separate policies are provided for the three key centres for development and change – Thurrock, Basildon and Southend.
Castle Point does not contain any settlements of comparable size but includes South Benfleet and Canvey Island, centres
with challenges and potential to contribute to regeneration.
13.17 Essex Thames Gateway contains the biggest assemblage of port infrastructure in the region, principally Port of London
facilities at Thurrock. The London Gateway container terminal and supporting infrastructure is planned on the former oil
refinery site at Shellhaven in east Thurrock.
13.18 The Gateway contains areas at risk of flooding. This must be taken into account at all stages in the planning process to
avoid inappropriate development in areas at risk. A South Essex Strategic Flood Risk Assessment has been prepared by
the Environment Agency and its partners, which takes account of planned flood protection infrastructure. This
assessment, together with the updated policies in PPS25: Development and Flood Risk, should ensure that development
is directed away from areas at highest risk, does not increase flood risk elsewhere and, where possible, reduces overall
flood risk. Development should not constrain options for future flood management measures in the Thames Estuary,
which are being developed through the Environment Agency’s Thames Estuary 2100 project.