I would like to provide a consultation response to the promoted site CFS261.

I understand the pressure the Council is under to provide the number of housing as per government requirements and the also the opportunity the owners of Doggett's Farm have identified to sell off their agricultural land for housing development.

However I would like to record my objection of the plan for this site and for it to be promoted for housing. The main objection is a personal one as our garden borders the site. The fantastic views we have from our garden and the peaceful environment was one of the reasons for us moving here. Although I appreciate that such personal views would have little bearing on any objection to the development, it is no doubt the feeling by all living on the border of the promoted site.

However, in addition to personal sentiments, there are also some wider implications to any development of the site. The loss of agricultural land is one; the importance of being able to produce food locally and not being dependant on the distribution, has recently proven crucial. Although I appreciate the value to the land owner is far higher were is housing, the fact is that there is a need to protect the ability we have to produce food locally.

The second is the question of infrastructure; although I am well aware that the plans will include infrastructure solutions and have a plan attached, there is no doubt that Rochford is becoming more and more congested. The planned and approved development by Holt Farm has already attracted considerable objections and a similar one on the promoted site would attract even more.

Doggetts farm has become a family attraction, with local families visiting to experience farming and the heritage of Rochford as a farming community. With most of the families living in urban environments, access to green space and farming activities provides a welcome contribution to living in Rochford and an opportunity for the District to be more than just a dormitory town to London and other major employment areas.

I applaud the Landowners aspiration to develop an Eco Village however I fail to see the reason behind using more of the green belt to develop more housing creating further pollution and congestion.

Although I appreciate that this is a major site and would be one of the preferred options, I ask that that the council considers the loss of valuable agricultural land, the creation of more congestion and pollution as a result of the development, and instead look to see if there are any brownfield sites which can provide the housing numbers required.

In addition to the objection of this site I would also like to see Social Value policies being introduced to planning agreements and to feature as a planning obligation in the new Local Plan. Requiring developers to produce Employment and Skills Plans as part of the planning process will ensure that local residents and businesses will benefit and I would argue, be a good selling point to residents when presenting development proposals.