Two important consultation responses have now been received regarding the proposed warehouse development at Land North of Taylor’s Farm.
Both raise matters which remain unresolved.
FLOODING & DRAINAGE – HOLDING OBJECTION
Essex County Council, acting as the Lead Local Flood Authority, has reviewed the Developer’s revised Flood Risk Assessment and issued a holding objection.
Amongst the matters raised, the Council identifies existing surface water flood risk across the site, with predicted depths of up to 1.2 metres.
Questions have been raised over how existing overland flows will be managed without displacing water and potentially increasing flood risk elsewhere.
The response also raises concerns regarding:
- Treatment of potentially polluted runoff from roads, yards and delivery areas before entering local watercourses.
- The proposed treatment of an existing ditch and the potential consequences of filling in or building over it.
- The need for further information before the holding objection can be withdrawn.
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS – M11 JUNCTION 8 & A120
National Highways has also provided its latest response.
Further modelling was requested to assess the impact of the development on M11 Junction 8 and the A120 junction to the east.
Although modelling has now been submitted and reviewed, National Highways confirms that matters remain outstanding and it is awaiting a response from the Developer.
Importantly, National Highways currently recommends that planning permission should not be granted until these matters have been satisfactorily addressed.
WHY DOES THIS MATTER?
These are not simply concerns being raised by TSAG or local residents.
They are outstanding issues identified by the statutory bodies responsible for flooding, drainage and the strategic road network.
The proposed development would introduce a huge area of warehouses, roads, service yards and hardstanding onto what is currently predominantly open land, while also generating significant additional traffic.
We believe these issues need to be fully resolved and properly scrutinised before any decision is made on this application.
YOU CAN COMMENT AGAIN
Even if you have already objected to the application, you can submit further comments regarding this new information.
You may wish to raise concerns regarding the outstanding flood and drainage issues, or the fact that the impact on M11 Junction 8 and the A120 remains unresolved.
Application: UTT/25/2786/OP – Land North of Taylor’s Farm, The Street, Takeley
Every additional representation helps ensure that these matters are properly considered before the application is determined.
Takeley Street Action Group