Reference CFS024 Land north of Merryfields Avenue, Hockley: Map G, 119

I wish to Object to the plan of houses at the end of Marylands Avenue north of Merryfields Avenue.

1) This land is Green Belt and adjacent to the Marylands Nature Reserve. Many animals use this area as a corridor and major disturbance and destruction of their ancient paths would put their numbers under considerable pressure. Badgers inhabit Crab Tree Wood, and Plumberow Avenue and are regularly seen around Marylands Wood. Their runs crisscross the land north of Merryfields Avenue. Plumberrow Mount is adjacent to the Marylands Nature Reserve and any building right next to the other side of the Reserve would sandwich all the naturally occurring creatures and plants. The stream runs from Marylands Wood, across the land north of Merryfields Avenue where wild flowers and newts can be seen.

2) I have lived here for more than four decades and this area has flooded many times causing problems to the sewerage. There is a natural stream which overflows often in winter.

3) The number of bats seen in our garden beside Marylands Wood have recently increased, and they are known to inhabit wood on the land behind Merryfields. Housing would seriously disrupt the bats' habitat, obstructing their recovery in this area.

4) Children play in the street in Marylands Avenue, but an increase in traffic would be a danger and cause pollution. The only access to the land north of Merryfields Avenue is through the estate on narrow roads not in the least suitable for heavy lorries.

5) Our water pressure is low, and extra housing would reduce the water flow further.

6) The gas pressure dips on my hob at times, and this would be put under further pressure.

7) It is already difficult for local children to find places at local schools, and this would be made worse by extra housing. Local Doctors' Surgeries are overflowing and Plumberow Avenue is really busy all the time.

I object most strongly to houses being built north of Merryfields Avenue for all these reasons.