We live at 14 Latchingdon Close in Rayleigh, and have resided in the area for almost 11 years.

We are writing to express our concern about some of the options featured in the area development plan as given in the current document
which is out for public consultation.

Specifically, we are strongly opposed to options NLR1, NLR2, NLR3, NLR4 and NLR5.

We oppose any building of housing between London Road and Rawreth Lane, or that land being used for employment land or travellers sites.
There is already problematic traffic congestion in the area and the addition of such housing would exacerbate this. For example, the queue on Crown Hill to get to the High Street stretches down past Downhall Road on a saturday morning and often down the hill as far as Rayleigh Station in times that would be considered 'off peak' (e.g weekday late morning).

It is our understanding that the land is currently classed as 'green belt' and it should stay that way. The existing road, rail (The trains on the Liverpool Street line are already crammed) domestic and leisure facilities in the town would not support 550 houses plus the 220 we understand are intended for the current Rawreth Industrial site. In addition, we are very concerned that once the land begins to be developed, eventually all of it will be used up. This would be to the detriment of the overall quality of life for all residents in the area as well as the pressure on infrastructure noted above.

We oppose the siting of a travellers site on London Road. It would be to the detriment of the impression and appearance of the area given that the road is main 'gateway' to the town. A site in that position would not encourage 'cohesiveness' as there is consistent evidence that travellers do not wish to integrate with local communities. We are aware of this via annecdotal evidence, media reporting (both newpapers and television) and to some extent through knowledge gained in our professional working lives.

We are not opposed to relocating the businesses from the Rawreth Industrial estate to another venue, the suggested site by the A127/A1245 would seem a sensible and viable option, given the businesses that already seem to be there and the close accessed the A127/A130.

We understand that there is a need for additional housing. We understand that things are difficult for people trying to 'get on the housing ladder'. We understand there is the
possibility of previously used land further north next to the A1245 and would ask whether consideration has been given to using this land. We would also ask whether a proportion
of the proposed new housing will be 'affordable' housing, shared ownership etc.

Thanking you for your time.