In principle, the new plan for Hockley is good, but when analysed it seems ridiculous for the following reasons-

The idea of knocking down nearly all the old buildings to create a square would completely alter the character of our village. They are the village, and to make a new square is something akin to Basildon. Many small, old-established shops which we know and love would have to relocate and may lose their trade, or be forced to close becuase of the inability to pay what would no doubt be highter rents and rates. If the large supermarket proposed was to be Tesco, any small traders that were left would be killed stone-dead. It woudl not be competition, it would be monopoly, leaving Hockley like a ghost town and altering the feel of the village altogether. We already have some empty shops, so what would be the point of providing more retail units that nobody could afford.

As for more housing in Eldon Way, yes - if you can provide more doctors, dentists, school places ets and magic the increased traffic through the worsening congestion that already exists in Hockley. I have lived in Hockley for many years and have never seen so many new houses being built wherever they can be, so isn't that enough?

It isn't as simple as bulldozing a load of old buildings and making it all shiny and new. It is knocking down tradition and charm and a way of life. It would affect so many people in an adverse way. People need stability and something familiar in their lives and do not always need sweeping changes. These can be unsettling.

It would be a shame to clear it all away as if it had never existed - can you imagine that happening say, in Leigh Broadway? They thrive on tradition, mixing old ways with modern trading. Because of the individuality, people flock there. Hockley has been enhanced with trees and seating, and it is pleasant and interesting. Let's keep it that way, because it is not about resisting change for the sake of it, but about heritage that we do not want to lose.