To Whom It May Concern

I am writing to you as I strongly object to the proposed plans to build a further 550 houses on what is currently green belt land and an additional 220 on the Rawreth Industrial Estate.

Rayleigh has seen a surge of new houses built in the last 20 years, particularly in West Rayleigh and the Rawreth area, whilst there may have been a need for this, the promise of additional amenities has never materialised into anything more.

Our schools are oversubscribed; doctors and dentists have long waiting lists; and traffic and parking in the area is horrendous. Not to mention the fact that our children have nowhere to play safely anymore.

If these proposals go ahead and these houses are built, the existing and new properties are likely to be affected by flooding. There will be nowhere for the water to run; some houses in the area are already affected by this.

Employment in the area will also be affected. With the impending closure of Eon on London Road as well as HSBC in Southend, there are an additional 1000 unemployed people now looking for work in this area. How is bringing more people into the area going to help reduce the unemployment figure?

I believe that green belt land should be left exactly that. There isn't enough farmland and countryside left in this area, and once building works start it may not stop.

I understand the reasons why the Rawreth Industrial Estate needs moving, pollution, noise etc but for the same reasons I do not believe that by moving them to London Road this problem will be solved.

Some of the suggestions that have been raised previously include using the land on the junction of the A1245 and the A127. This is further away from residential areas and schools therefore a safer option for residents and less traffic congestion as well as providing easier access to the main roads.

With regards to the 550 new houses, maybe the site on the A1245 would be a better choice as it will not affect the green belt land but be built on what is currently brown belt land.
When making this decision, please seriously consider the impact on the current community and surroundings; and ensure ample facilities are provided time.