Re: Proposed housing development around Folly Chase

I am writing to express my deep concern having been made aware of the council's proposals to possibly build 50 houses at the end of Folly Chase.

Having moved to the road last year you and I are fully aware of its tranquillity and popularity with walkers and we have more walkers than cars down this road. Out of the 5 proposed sites 3 of them will deeply affect this road.

I recently requested a crown reduction to an Oak tree which has a preservation order on it in my front garden and this was refused. One of the reasons stated was the aesthetics of the road! Whilst I realise this is a different department the irony is it is obviously one rule for one and a differed for another!

I cannot understand how a council is allowed to even consider building at the end of a private road and totally transforming the 'aesthetics' by making it a cut through access road for 50+ cars.

I have been consulting with my neighbours who are all vehemently opposed to this taking place.

I have no doubt, whatsoever, that should this go ahead it will affect house prices to the detriment as when looking to purchase it is always marketed as a private road in one of the most sought after roads. I am also aware that if you adopt the road we will have to pay for the services you will bring down so financially we lose on both counts.

I realise that there is a shortage of land and need for houses but I cannot possibly see how this is aviable option.

I am aware that having 2 nurseries down here causes some element of noise with lorry deliveries but this is not a nuisance and is their business. I personally do not have a problem with that at all but I have a big problem with numerous cars potentially using this road as a cut through.

I am also aghast at the possible sites for gypsy camps. Working for Basildon District Council I am fully aware of the problems they cause in the local area, schools affected and the inability to evict them even with a court order!

When buying a property you take into account many things: the road, the immediate surrounding area and the town. I as many other people in Hockley like the village feel and whilst not opposed to any changes whatsoever if I wanted to live in a bigger town and have the feel about it I would have moved somewhere else.

I sincerely hope you take your residents concerns seriously and will look at alternatives.