Gypsy and Traveller Site Allocations in Hockley - GT5 New Park Road

I have recently become aware of the above proposal and would like to submit my comments as this will very much affect my home. I live along Cavendish Road, at the bottom of the hill opposite the fields adjacent to Oakfield Road.

My main concern is there is NO MAINS DRAINAGE in this area. Already over the last few years with the heavier rainfall, my property has been very nearly subjected to flooding at the front, side and back of my property.

Firstly, directly opposite, there has been a development at the top of Oakfield Road, with many trees being felled and cleared. This, and the fact that my neighbour has concreted over one side of the field opposite, has caused the water from heavy rainfall to run very quickly directly down to Cavendish Road and into the ditch at the bottom of the field, over the road, and into my ditch next to my garage. This water also runs into a ditch alongside, between my property and Cherry Tree Cottage. This flooded earlier this year, and part of my side garden was underwater.

Secondly, the excess water from the heavy rainfall from the top of New Park Road runs down and into the ditch situated alongside Beckney Wood House. This together with the water running directly from Lower Road, runs into the ditch, which runs along the back of my property, and that of my neighbours at Woodview.

With the heavy rainfall we have experienced over the last few years, especially this year, I have been out many times clearing the ditches. On February 28th this year after particularly heavy bouts of rain over a period of days, I had to stay home and bail out with buckets and my broom to stop the water coming into my garage, and then going to the back of my property to keep the water running past the back of my garden as this ditch was at full capacity. If this proposal is accepted will the Council be prepared to pay for any flood damage to local residents properties?

My other concern is that these are unmade roads, and are maintained by the residents not the Council. With further proposed concrete sites that will mean more traffic along these roads, which will mean more maintenance and expense to the residents. Will the Council be prepared to help with this maintenance cost?

With climate change causing heavier rain and property prices falling drastically over the last few years in this area, I am already extremely worried. If this proposal goes ahead, then things will no doubt get worse for the local residents.

As the Council is planning to build in excess of 200 new homes on the Christmas Tree farm site in Rectory Road, Hawkwell. Can I suggest you consider making provision for these permanent traveller sites on this development where there will be sustainable mains drainage, and accessible and maintained roads?

I would be very grateful if you would take my comments into consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.