Harwich Masterplan

The Masterplan promotes the sustainable development of Old Harwich. Sustainable development is defined internationally as "development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". The plan consists of two strands which are embraced in two core policies:

• Identifying Old Harwich's development needs where it will do most to assist urban regeneration  
• Restraining development in locations where it would cause harm to the environment or regeneration.

Developed in consultation with the local community and key private sector partners the implementation of the Masterplan is led by a steering Group. The plan was formally adopted a by the District Council in September 2006 and has subsequently been incorporated into the District Local Plan.

Implementation of phase 1 of the Plan in accordance with the Design Statement has received £1.25m of funding under the Haven Gateway New Growth Point and work is due to start later this year.

Design Guide

A supporting Harwich Quayside Design Statement has been formally adopted as a Supplementary Planning Interim Document. It It shows how the Quayside and Gateway areas are to be improved. The proposals involve using high quality materials and street furniture, constructing a new car park for visitors at Gas House Creek and the paving of large parts of the Quayside making it more pedestrian friendly. Most of the car parking on the quay is to be removed.

Flood Risk

To assist investors in developing proposals a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment has been undertaken for the Harwich peninsula including the Masterplan area as well as Dovercourt. The Stage 1 study (large pdf document) proides a strategic overview of potential sources of flooding and forms the evidence base for undertaking sequential testing of specific sites.

The  stage 2 study has now been received and considers potential development areas, some of which are allocated in the Tendring District Local Plan 2007. It highlights the likely requirements for satisfaction of the the 'Exception Test', where applicable under PPS25.

The Steering Group will be using both documents to secure specific guidance from the Communities and Local Government department as to how this nationally recognised 'growth area' can be regenerated in the light of current flood risk guidance.

A CD's containing these reports may be purchased for £10 by contacting the Company.