Comment
New Local Plan: Spatial Options Document 2021
Representation ID: 40514
Received: 22/09/2021
Respondent: Katherine Ware
I would like to express concerns about the plans for development and housing on our beautiful and essential green spaces.
Living in the centre of Hockley I am acutely aware of the pressure on our local road system which has increased significantly in recent years. The mini roundabout at the Spa is already dangerous to use, far too small for the sheer number of cars, and difficult to use safely when turning out of and into Woodlands Road. I also feel that many of the local roads and infrastructure as a whole is inadequate for the current volume of traffic, let alone any additional development. With one road in and out of Hockely, and many dangerous potholes and burst water mains on Rochford and Hockley roads at all times of year, RDC need to focus ensuring the roads can cope with current housing, let alone additional.
There also needs to be adequate schools, doctors, public transport etc to cover the additional needs of new housing. The 3-4 local primary schools in Hockley are all oversubscribed as it is.
Trees and woodlands are absolutely essential for counteracting climate change, as well as providing homes for a wide range of wildlife, and providing the local children with invaluable education and experiences. The U.K. is already facing a critical shortage of trees. Green spaces are under threat when they should be cherished and protected. We are incredibly lucky to have the fields and woodlands, which are used daily by families, dog walkers, joggers and ramblers.
In particular the plan ref CFS064, which proposes a development on a well loved green space and ancient woodland behind Folly Chase, the Hockley Community Centre, and Hockley Primary school, is disturbing to the many families that use these areas on a regular basis for fresh air and outdoor activities.
If the last year and a half of a global pandemic has had any positive impact on us as a community it is that people have rediscovered a love for the local green space, woodlands and wildlife. Being locked down throughout a lot of 2020 and 2021 was extremely damaging to both the mental and physical health of children and adults. Being able to walk, run and play in the fields and woods as a form of exercise was a lifeline to some families, keeping little ones active and allowing parents to clear their minds. I can’t tell you how many times I heard people express how grateful they are to have this precious space and how crucial is has been, and will always continue to be, for the well-being of the community.
Stand in the field behind the community centre and watch a Jay hop along, spot a squirrel, listen to the crickets and birdsong. Imagine losing this resource to diggers and developers, knowing the damage it’ll cause the local area, traffic, air quality, pollution levels, wildlife, infrastructure, education and overall health of our community. I hope and trust that the council will choose to invest in and care for the community it already has, to help us thrive and protect our beautiful green spaces, fields, woodlands and homes.
I would like to express concerns about the plans for development and housing on our beautiful and essential green spaces.
Living in the centre of Hockley I am acutely aware of the pressure on our local road system which has increased significantly in recent years. The mini roundabout at the Spa is already dangerous to use, far too small for the sheer number of cars, and difficult to use safely when turning out of and into Woodlands Road. I also feel that many of the local roads and infrastructure as a whole is inadequate for the current volume of traffic, let alone any additional development. With one road in and out of Hockely, and many dangerous potholes and burst water mains on Rochford and Hockley roads at all times of year, RDC need to focus ensuring the roads can cope with current housing, let alone additional.
There also needs to be adequate schools, doctors, public transport etc to cover the additional needs of new housing. The 3-4 local primary schools in Hockley are all oversubscribed as it is.
Trees and woodlands are absolutely essential for counteracting climate change, as well as providing homes for a wide range of wildlife, and providing the local children with invaluable education and experiences. The U.K. is already facing a critical shortage of trees. Green spaces are under threat when they should be cherished and protected. We are incredibly lucky to have the fields and woodlands, which are used daily by families, dog walkers, joggers and ramblers.
In particular the plan ref CFS064, which proposes a development on a well loved green space and ancient woodland behind Folly Chase, the Hockley Community Centre, and Hockley Primary school, is disturbing to the many families that use these areas on a regular basis for fresh air and outdoor activities.
If the last year and a half of a global pandemic has had any positive impact on us as a community it is that people have rediscovered a love for the local green space, woodlands and wildlife. Being locked down throughout a lot of 2020 and 2021 was extremely damaging to both the mental and physical health of children and adults. Being able to walk, run and play in the fields and woods as a form of exercise was a lifeline to some families, keeping little ones active and allowing parents to clear their minds. I can’t tell you how many times I heard people express how grateful they are to have this precious space and how crucial is has been, and will always continue to be, for the well-being of the community.
Stand in the field behind the community centre and watch a Jay hop along, spot a squirrel, listen to the crickets and birdsong. Imagine losing this resource to diggers and developers, knowing the damage it’ll cause the local area, traffic, air quality, pollution levels, wildlife, infrastructure, education and overall health of our community. I hope and trust that the council will choose to invest in and care for the community it already has, to help us thrive and protect our beautiful green spaces, fields, woodlands and homes.