RE: Core Strategy Allocation Development Plan and Structure Plan

I wish to register an objection to the Hockley Parish Plan and the large-scale housing developments proposed in Hockley and the release of Green Belt/ Open Spaces.

My prime objection is to the release of any Green Belt within the Hockley area and the redevelopment of Hockley Town. It is clear that the residents of Hockley would prefer Hockley Town to be downgraded to a Village. There is no desire of the residents for any expansion of Hockley and specifically the redevelopment of the Town Centre.

With regard to the proposed expansion of residential dwellings and the release of Green Belt within the Hockley area, I write to voice my strong objections both on grounds relating to the loss of countryside, wildlife habitat and amenities for local residents, whether accessible or purely visual. The latter being significantly overlooked in planning terms but in reality being one of the most important Planning issues.

Pond Farm Nurseries, Folly Lane, Hockley
The proposal to develop this site is wholly unacceptable and unreasonable. The Local Authority has defended the release of this site from Green Belt for many years and indeed, on one occasion the Council almost bankrupted themselves in the High Court defending an appeal. To release this site now would make a mockery of all previous decisions and a total disregard of Council Tax payers' money in the previous defence of this Green Belt area.

The addition of any further traffic entering Alderman's Hill from Folly Lane, particularly during the rush hour, would result in gridlock. Already traffic is often backed up as far as The Gattons and on occasions, if there are road works, removal lorries, or any minor disruption on Aldermans Hill, by The Spa or either Greensward Lane and Main Road, Hawkwell, traffic often backs up as far as Hambro Hill. Similarly, evening traffic is as bad. Without improvements to the infrastructure I cannot believe that the Local Authority would consider releasing any Green Belt where traffic will enter Aldermans Hill, Greensward Lane or Main Road, Hawkwell.

In relation to the undeveloped part of Pond Chase Nurseries (Hockley West 1), I would advise that this land has remained virtually untouched for many years with only occasional human presence for the maintenance of some of the land surrounding the ponds. The two ponds are a haven for wildlife (one or which is currently being filled by the owner) with regular duck flights, kingfishers and herons. The pond is also inhabited by Smooth Newts, Palmate Newts and Great Crested Newts. This section of land also helps provide a corridor virtually through to Hockley Woods from the crouch for wildlife to travel.

The south facing slopes of the rear section of the site are a breeding ground for slow-worms with good populations of slow-worms being present throughout the site and in the neighbouring gardens. The ageing oak trees provide bat roosts and nesting grounds. There is a pair of Tawny Owls currently nesting on the site. This small area of lightly wooded ground and the adjoining densely wooded ground is a haven for wildlife. There are badgers' setts on both sites. The importance of this land to the local wildlife population cannot be ignored.

The proposed release of green belt in the structure plan is unacceptable and any pressure from central government to expand the housing numbers in the Borough must be strongly resisted. We are approaching a general election and there is a strong likelihood there will be a change in government and a change in policy. It is therefore essential, at this time, not to revise the Structure Plan in line with flawed Central Government policy.

It was clear from the meeting at Greensward Academy that the population of Hockley do not want any further expansion of the housing stock within the area. This is not NIMBY-ism this is a simply conclusion based on the realities relating to the infrastructure in the area and the realisation that any further expansion of Hockley is likely to significantly change the character of the "Town" forever. It is this character and feeling that Hockley is still a Village that makes it attractive to the people that live here.

As Planning Officers, you like Councillors are Public Servants employed to protect the interests of the residents of the area as far as planning issues are concerned. Expansion of the housing stock in Hockley does not in any way serve the interests of the residents. The development of Pond Chase Nurseries would cause the loss of jobs not an increase in the number of jobs (due to Pond Chase Nurseries currently being "a mini industrial estate" as well as a mushroom farm). The businesses occupying the premises at Pond Chase Nurseries would have to move from the area, taking the jobs with them. This will not serve the interest of the community, local shops and businesses.