05/04/2005 - The Environment
Agency has today (4 April 2005) submitted
its response to the draft South East Plan.
The Plan, which sets out guidance for development
in the region until 2026, has been prepared
by the South East England Regional Assembly
(SEERA) and is currently available for public
consultation.
The Environment Agency supports the Plan overall.
It provides good provision for the environment
within development. For example, the Plan
says all new housing should be built to high
environmental standards (EcoHomes "Very
Good" standard as a minimum). This will
make new homes much more energy and water
efficient than most existing homes.
We want these policies - which prioritise
the environment - to be an integral part of
the final Plan.
The South East faces unique environmental
pressures. High flood risk, limited water
resources and high population density all
contribute to the fragility of our environment.
Satisfactory investment in infrastructure
must be a key condition for future development.
Development should not happen without the
necessary environmental infrastructure in
place.
The Plan also recognises the need for public
behaviour to change. This is essential if
we are to protect and improve the region’s
environment. We want the final Plan to do
more to actively promote the behaviour changes
needed to cut the waste we produce and reduce
the amounts of water and energy we all use.
Howard Davidson, Regional Director for the
Environment Agency in the South said:
"The South East Plan is a one off opportunity
to get planning in the South East right. Environmental
problems that could occur in the future can
be prevented if considered now. There is no
doubt that the planned development and increased
population will put pressures on the fragile
environment in the South East. This must be
considered at the beginning and throughout
all development so that we can get a better
environment."
