Object
New Local Plan: Spatial Options Document 2021
Representation ID: 40090
Received: 22/09/2021
Respondent: Jan Hall
I am writing to object in the strongest possible terms to a Change of Use of Rayleigh's Conservation Areas to Residential Use.
One area of contention, but amongst others, is The Mill Hall: a well used site by so many different groups, which brings people into the town, who will then use local shops, etc. The parking areas there are usually full, where will people be able to park, especially those with limited mobility, if there are no spaces at that end of town? Maybe they will decide to go elsewhere....
One vital question I do need to put to you is about air quality. I do remember that Rayleigh town centre had high levels of pollutants due to traffic a few years ago. Has this now been resolved? I think rather not. Do you have current figures on air quality? What are the projected levels expected to rise to when thousands more cars are using our local roads? Have you driven through Rayleigh yourselves recently? Even on a "normal" day it is slow moving. Have you noticed the gridlock conditions that arise when there need to be roadworks, or following a breakdown or accident? Even if that is at the Weir or further afield? Cleaner, all-electric vehicles are a long way off yet I fear.
I appreciate that whilst green open spaces are pleasant - I would say vital - for the residents and visitors alike, they don't necessarily bring in revenue do they? It's just a field or open space, doing nothing, it would appear. Housing does of course, but at what other costs to our lives?
I urge you to please reconsider your plans and ideas for our beautiful town of Rayleigh, to keep it that way for us and future generations to enjoy.
I am writing to object in the strongest possible terms to a Change of Use of Rayleigh's Conservation Areas to Residential Use.
One area of contention, but amongst others, is The Mill Hall: a well used site by so many different groups, which brings people into the town, who will then use local shops, etc. The parking areas there are usually full, where will people be able to park, especially those with limited mobility, if there are no spaces at that end of town? Maybe they will decide to go elsewhere....
One vital question I do need to put to you is about air quality. I do remember that Rayleigh town centre had high levels of pollutants due to traffic a few years ago. Has this now been resolved? I think rather not. Do you have current figures on air quality? What are the projected levels expected to rise to when thousands more cars are using our local roads? Have you driven through Rayleigh yourselves recently? Even on a "normal" day it is slow moving. Have you noticed the gridlock conditions that arise when there need to be roadworks, or following a breakdown or accident? Even if that is at the Weir or further afield? Cleaner, all-electric vehicles are a long way off yet I fear.
I appreciate that whilst green open spaces are pleasant - I would say vital - for the residents and visitors alike, they don't necessarily bring in revenue do they? It's just a field or open space, doing nothing, it would appear. Housing does of course, but at what other costs to our lives?
I urge you to please reconsider your plans and ideas for our beautiful town of Rayleigh, to keep it that way for us and future generations to enjoy.