I note that you are formulating your Local Plan and that yet again it envisages significantly greater levels of Green Field Land being developed.

Like many people I do not have the time or capacity to consider these matters in detail, instead I place faith in our elected representatives to act in our best interests. However, I am now coming to the conclusion that my faith has been misplaced.

The consultation and review process seems designed to deliver the result which has already been decided upon. It starts from the perspective that large scale development in the area is both desirable and wanted by the residents. Furthermore, the Appraisal has been undertaken by an organisation with no involvement in the area and possibly little detailed knowledge of the history of the area and no real feel for the wants and needs of the local residents. The Appraisal merely looks at whether any problems caused by the plan can be minimised, surely some consideration needs to be given as to whether the Plans objectives are sound!

Having been a resident of the area since 1960 and brought up a family here, I sadly feel that this area is no longer somewhere where I am pleased to live and many of my family and friends feel the same.

There has been inadequate investment in the infrastructure and whilst there seems to be some mention of schemes to alleviate anticipated problems in the Plan, I have little faith that these will be implemented. I recall from media reports at the time that when the Airport expansion was proposed that concerns were expressed over inadequate road access. In spite of this, permission was granted seemingly in the hope that something could be done at some stage in the future to improve links to the A127. Given that at around this time the speed limit along the A127 was reduced because of the existing traffic volumes, the decision seems taken more in hope than any real expectation of a satisfactory outcome.

I note that Brown Field land in Rayleigh previously designated as being suitable for residential development has not found a developer willing to take it on. This tends to undermine the presumption that suitable land is in short supply. Before we even contemplate losing more farm land we should ensure that all other options have been been properly utilised. Whilst I do not know if it falls within Rochford District, I often wonder why the land by the Roundabout at the Airport has never been developed since the 'Prefabs' were demolished?

You intend to continue your existing policy of ''....seeking to direct development away from the Green Belt as far as possible.'' The Appraisal states that ''The government attaches great importance to Green Belts; the fundamental aim of the Green Belt policy being to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open. This helps to protect the identity of settlements and communities within the District. Figure 4 shows that the majority of the District's land is designated as Green Belt land. ..............., detailed policy concerns are raised for all aspects of Green Belt development,'' By qualifying your Plan to protect the Green Belt ''as far as possible'' seems not to fulfil the Government aim to avoid urban sprawl.

In the light of my above comments may I hope that you will fundamentally reconsider your plans.