Department for Transport (DfT)   The Department for Transport is the government department responsible for transport issues, including Ports Policy.   Key reports are available on this site relevant to the development of ports and road and rail networks.   Tendring District Council   Tendring District Council is the local planning authority that covers Harwich. Its administrative area covers around 130 square miles of North East Essex. It includes 38 miles of varying coastline, and embraces a population in the region of 136,000 people.   Harwich Haven Authority   Harwich Haven Authority is responsible for managing and improving Harwich Harbour. It plays a vital role in sustaining the economic health of the area, complementing the cargo handling activities of the Haven Ports. In addition to its commercial activity Harwich Haven Authority has major environmental and community responsibilities.   Natural England   Natural England is the government’s advisor on the natural environment. They provide practical advice, grounded in science, on how best to safeguard England’s natural wealth for the benefit of everyone.   Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)   DEFRA is the government department responsible for sustainable development, food and farming, rural communities and reducing and managing risks associated with these areas.   Environment Agency   The Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body, sponsored largely by DEFRA and the National Assembly for Wales, responsible for protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales.   Other Sites of Interest:   Essex County Council   Essex Wildlife Trust   Invest East of England   East of England Development Agency (EEDA)   Government Office for the East of England (GO-East)   Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)