We moved to Hullbridge on 19th March 2010, attracted to the village feel and rural character. We were therefore horrified to learn three weeks later (by way of posters displayed on lamp posts throughout the village) that Rochford District Council are proposing to use land in Hullbridge for the construction of 500 houses and for gypsy sites. We are obviously very concerned by this and would appreciate your response to the following question.

1) Why did this not show up in the local searches made when we purchased this house? Surely this is a legal requirement?
2) How did you intend to deal with the increased traffic volumes especially when Watery Lane is closed due to local flooding?
3) Where do you intend to school the children from these new houses? I am informed that the nearest senior school is oversubscribed and the old Park school was demolished for more housing.
4) At what point will there be no further housing developments, will we have to wait until there is no green belt land left?
5) If we are having to provide land for travellers does that mean they will be required to pay for the services they receive via council tax just as we the existing residences of Hullbridge do? If not perhaps you could explain why.
6) This development would increase the village population by 30%, this is an exceptionally large increase which would have a detrimental affect on the current community. How do you justify such an increase?

We strongly appose this development and await your response.