I just thought I’d email in regarding the proposed development / spatial options plan as per Rochford DCs website.

I’d just like to put on record my own objection to this plan, in that it sacrifices for development invaluable open/green spaces which are of particularly easy access to Rochford residents, especially in terms of the land near Southbourne Grove where I live.

Rochford is rightly regarded as rural, but much of that rural / green belt is often difficult to access and fastly diminishing.

COVID has demonstrated how much we appreciate what is on our doorstep and this stripping away of green space will do great damage to the physical and mental health and well-being of the district, not least the environment.

The infrastructure of the area is also under great pressure from all angles, e.g. school places, roads, etc with Hall Road, Clements Hall and Rawreth Lane all substantial recent developments.

Rochford is therefore in real danger of becoming a souless urban sprawl and we risk destroying the core character of the district for future generations.

I appreciate the need for more homes within reason, but I’d like to know what has been explored in terms brownfield sites and other options first.

As a Southbourne Grove resident myself, if these plans are adopted, I would continue to object with all means at my disposal and look to galvanise similar responses from my fellow residents.