Leisure & Tourism - Water Rectreation

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The estuaries and creeks of the Rivers Crouch and Roach are very popular for water recreation. Yachting is recognised as the major recreational use of the Crouch estuary. Essex Marina at Wallasea is one of the main sources of access onto the river. Other water recreation facilities include yacht and sailing clubs, Riverside Caravan Park and its boat park and a public launching point in Hullbridge.

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The Rivers Crouch and Roach and the areas through which they flow are an important part of the character of the District. The Council, whilst recognising the importance of the rivers for water recreation, will have regard to nature conservation and the protection of the largely undeveloped nature of the coast. The Structure Plan recognises that due to the largely undeveloped coastline virtually all coastal recreational development will have to be located in existing built up areas. However,
proposals for further recreational development will also be assessed against policy EB8 and its supporting text.

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The Local Planning Authority, when considering applications relating to water based recreation, will consult with the Crouch Harbour Authority (and their Harbour Management Plan), who have represented all interests on the rivers since 1975. The LPA will also have regard to PPG25 (Development and Flood Risk) and the Essex and Rochford Biodiversity Action Plans.

POLICY LT15 – WATER RECREATION FACILITIES
Proposals for new facilities or expansion of existing facilities will not be permitted within the Coastal Protection Belt. Within the already developed areas of the coast proposals for water recreation facilities will be considered against the following criteria and the contents of PPG25 (Development and Flood Risk):

i.	Evidence is provided that there will be no adverse affects on the Essex Estuaries European Marine site, to wildlife or their habitats or on other sites of nature conservation importance;
ii.	The proposal is of a scale, design and nature that safeguards the amenities and character of the surrounding locality;
iii.	There is sufficient capacity on the water to accommodate for the proposal, having regard to the existing use of the river and the proposed level of use in that area;
iv.	The proposal does not lead to problems of safety for other river users;
v.	The proposal will not create detrimental traffic generation affects and that access, parking, facilities for non-car users and existing rights of way are satisfactorily provided for.

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In order to keep the volume of water recreation on the Rivers Crouch and Roach to a minimum the Council will look inland for additional facilities. Sport England identifies the main opportunity for further areas of water for recreational purposes in Essex, to be through the restoration of mineral workings to 'wet pits'. These wet pits can have potential for specialised sports such as wind surfing, sub aqua, rowing and canoe racing, as well as fishing and nature conservation interests. At the current time there are no appropriate wet pits within the district.

Dry Pits

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Dry Pits have potential for specialised sports such as BMX, motorcross, grass boarding and abseiling. Noisy sports must, however, comply with Policy LT21. Dry Pits would also be ideal for the establishment of nature reserves.

POLICY LT16 – DRY PITS
Proposals for the after-use of mineral working for recreational purposes will be permitted if the following criteria are met:

i.	The site is not in or adjacent to a Site of Special Scientific Interest or other designated nature conservation site;
ii.	No built structures, other than those directly related to providing for those using the facility, i.e. toilets, changing rooms, etc. will be permitted;
iii.	Satisfactory provision is made for access and parking;
iv.	An ecological survey will be required to accompany applications and opportunities may be sought to create or enhance habitats for species listed in the Essex Biodiversity Action Plan.