Background

As referred to elsewhere in our submissions to the Site Allocations DPD, Countryside Properties do not disagree with the proposal to provide a 'buffer' between new development west of Rayleigh and the A1245. We do however query the use of the term 'park', and whether or not this would offer the most appropriate usage for the entirety of the area under consideration.

Representations

We note the reference to using a "Public Park" to provide a buffer between any future built development and the A1245 (page 126 of the Site Allocations DPD). Countryside Properties agree that any development will need to provide appropriate open space, and that there may well be opportunities for greater public access and a Park between the built development and the A1245.

This is a substantial area of land, and we do have some concerns that the reference to "park" may imply a substantially landscaped and formal area of open space. We are also unclear as to the extent of land which the Council might be considering for inclusion in the "park". In our experience, access to the countryside is an important source of informal leisure activity, and therefore retaining part at least of this land in agricultural use (perhaps with improved access) may provide both a better 'green' buffer and a greater recreational resource than an (underused) formal "park".