Dear Sir/ Madam

With respect to the above mentioned plans please see below my objections and comments to the above mentioned plan

I've lived in Rayleigh for the best part of 60 years and seen changes good and bad. Rarely have I involved myself in local politics although I must confess to having strongly objected to the London Road/ Rawreth Lane proposals for many reasons. This process did make me realise that mass developments such as these need heavy scrutiny and the need for individuals and local communities to stand up and state their alternative views and hope that the voice of reason is carried.

I would like to see a 20 year plan for Rayleigh and the surrounding area that considers the following;

Decision makers putting the wishes and concerns of the local community at the forefront of all large scale planning applications/options.

A strong focus given to the impact of increased traffic flow that would result from any large scale future planning applications/developments. This should take into account both congestion problems together with health and pollution issues.

Property developments only to be considered as and when sufficient infrastructure is already in place (or proven it will be in an acceptable timeframe) and considered adequate to cope with the consequences of any such developments.

All decisions should keep in mind the need to avoid developments that support or negatively influence the culture of anti-social behaviour. Presently this is moving very quickly in the wrong direction in Rayleigh and as such gives rise to much concern. The mid and long term effects of this should not be under-estimated and is an important consideration if we are to maintain Rayleigh as a desirable place to live or visit.

Where there is insufficient room for new or very much improved roads then no large scale developments should be permitted.

There should be no intrusion into designated "green belt" areas, it was labelled green belt for a reason and those reasons still hold good today. We need to keep in mind that our trees and vegetation are linked to an important eco system that benefits us all.

MOST IMPORTANTLY I WOULD LIKE TO SEE LOCAL GOVT STAND UP TO THE CENTRAL GOVT. WHO ARE IMPOSING THESE QUOTAS AND CHALLENGE THEM WHEN IT CAN BE DEMONSTRATED THAT IN ALL PROBABILITY THE PROPOSALS WILL RESULT IN A NEGATIVE IMPACT TO THE EXISTING RESIDENTS/ENVIRONMENT.

I believe in a democratic society local councils should have a moral duty to support and stand up for the desires and wishes of the local communities they represent rather than accept any ill thought -out and unwelcome impositions of central government.

As long as I can remember Rayleigh has always been a desirable place to live. At the moment however it is on the cusp of slip sliding away into something far less desirable. Now is the time to reject what is not in our best long term interests and for the local Council to submit a more acceptable and realistic planning proposal that fits with the wishes of the local community and takes into account the foregoing objections and comments.