Development in an environmentally responsible manner   HPUK, in conjunction with the Harwich Haven Authority (HHA), recognises the importance of the natural and human environment in undertaking any development. Previous development has been progressed in such a way that environmental considerations form part of the planning and design from the initial stages, ensuring that the outcome balances technical and economic constraints with due consideration of the environmental effects. Importantly, measures to offset any adverse environmental effects resulting from development have been identified and implemented. This approach is integral to the planned development of Bathside Bay.   Identification of environmental effects   The conclusion of the environmental studies was that the main effect of the development could be on the hydrodynamic and sedimentary characteristics of the estuarine system and the ecological interest of Bathside Bay and the wider estuaries. Other significant effects were identified, including visual and landscape impact and impacts on the fisheries resource of the estuaries.   Environmental designations   The Stour and Orwell estuaries are afforded considerable environmental protection under both national and international legislation. In terms of intertidal mud habitats and saltmarsh, and the species that these support, areas within the estuaries are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar site. The land area adjacent to the Orwell estuary is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) on the basis of landscape character.   The implications of the proposed development for each of these environmental designations have been determined during the environmental studies associated with the development of Bathside Bay.   Assessment of effects on the environment   The environmental studies undertaken have been comprehensive and wide-ranging. The effects on the hydrodynamic and sediment regime of the estuarine system have been predicted using the latest modelling techniques. The effects of any predicted changes on aspects of the natural environment, such as overwintering waterfowl and the invertebrates communities on the mudflats, have then been assessed. In addition to this, the environmental studies have involved assessment of the effects on traffic and transportation, landscape setting, noise, archaeology and heritage, water quality, fisheries and fishing activity, recreation and navigation.   Proposals for mitigation and compensation of effects   Measures have been agreed to mitigate adverse environmental impacts wherever possible. The approach involves the expansion of sediment replacement measures to address the potential erosion of habitats in the system. In addition, the company has agreed proposals with Natural England for significant habitat creation to ensure that the overall ecological functioning of the estuarine system is not compromised as a result of the Bathside Bay development. For this purpose, HPUK has secured land at Hamford Water, in Essex, that is suitable for the creation of compensatory intertidal mudflat.