21.1 Maldon District is blessed with an outstanding natural landscape. The two estuaries that it lies on form a distinctive characteristic and form at attractive lure for visitors. Many of the areas are of international, national and local importance and subsequently have been designated as Ramsar Sites, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Protection Areas (SPA), Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and National Nature Reserves (NNR). Development can result in unacceptable negative impacts on areas of wildlife value. It is for this reason that new housing already pays a financial contribution in the District to mitigate impacts that would otherwise occur through increased user pressure.

Issues and Options Consultation Questionnaire