The new Vision statement in section 3 is a mix of aspiration and detailed proposals. References to "a new primary school in Rochford", "a new primary care centre", "a new primary school in Rayleigh" or "the ECO-Enterprise Centre" are too specific and inappropriate to a general vision for the district. Indeed I am not sure if all of these are really 'strategic'.
Targets of 'at least one new facility a year being developed' are also inappropriate to a vision and a hostage to fortune.
Where reference is made to elements wholly or partially outside the control of the council such as SERT or the Airport Joint Area Action Plan, this should be made clear as these groups could adversely affect delivery of the vision. Indeed with the continuing gloomy forecasts for the economy it is more than possible that plans will be deferred or even cancelled whatever Rochford Council may wish.
There should be commitment within the vision to more involvement from the residents of the district in council policy and decision making. Whilst recent consultations have been better publicised, residents need to be convinced that their views are being listened to and taken into account when formulating policy and taking decisions.