We consider that the Employment Land west of Rayleigh should be allocated South of London Road but feel it should be located closer to the urban fringe of Rayleigh to avoid loss of Green Belt.

As the broad locations indicated in the Core Strategy have not yet been confirmed as sound by independent examination it is considered premature to provide definitive allocations. The area of search for employment land in this location could therefore be broadened to include land South of London Road opposite Lower Barn Farm.

We would suggest that Land south of London Road opposite Lower Barn Farm and incorporating the Call for Sites Allocations ref 126 should be allocated for employment land.

Unlike the proposed sites in E13-E16 this site is not productive agricultural land. The land is poor quality plot land and offers no really benefit in landscape terms. There would be no loss of productive agricultural land. Furthermore unlike the proposed sites there are no pylons restricting development on the site.

It is considered that redevelopment of the plot land area opposite Lower Barn Farm will offer a greater improvement in terms of landscape impact in this location. This site would also be closer to the existing residential settlement and Rayleigh Station.

Land incorporating Call for Sites Allocations 126 should be included in a proposed development area in this location.