It is encouraging to learn of Rochford District Council’s intention to provide housing to meet the needs of both young and old that are carbon neutral and energy efficient.

However, there can only be concern that many of the designated sites are in green belt or in-fill. Land suggested for development in Hockley includes that north of Merryfields Ave, Turret Farm, Church Road, land north-east of Folly Lane, a number of sites on Greensward Lane, Lower Road and the High Road – all on green belt/agricultural land.

Of particular concern is the site at Merryfields Ave. On green belt, it abuts the nature reserve and footpath 13. The owner of this land has had several planning applications refused in the past on account of the threat to local wildlife, impact on ancient woodland, lack of access, the danger of flooding from the nearby stream and run off from the road. Also worthy of note is the land to the north east of Folly Chase also proposed for development - also in the green belt and adjacent to ancient woodland with protected trees (Betts Wood). To the west of the site there is green lane bordered with ancient trees which should be protected if development takes place.. There is no public access to the site and there is concern that the adjacent community centre could be sacrificed for this purpose.

Young people/couples do indeed find it difficult to purchase property in Hockley. It is hoped that the new developments proposed will cater for their needs with more semi-detached properties than is now the case. The growing elderly population requiring specialist/suitable accommodation need assistance. Many elderly single people are living in family-sized homes when they would prefer more suitable accommodation such as bungalows or purpose-built flats.


The main access to Hockley and on to Southend is via the B1013; one of the busiest ‘B’ roads in the country. It is difficult to understand how this already congested road could cope with the vehicles from another 1,000 houses in Hockley, let alone those from adjacent villages and towns. Rochford District is on a peninsular: traffic can go no further than Southend especially with limited access to the north of the county via Battlesbridge. It is suggested the Council undertake a road traffic survey before continuing with the District Plan.

Hockley is served by two GP practices, as has been the case for 50 years or more. Hockley’s health clinic closed in the last few year and young mothers and the elderly have to travel to Rayleigh for medical attention. What are the plans for additional health services in line with the vastly increased population should the plan be enforced?

Unfortunately for the youth of Hockley, there is no sports field they can use in the village. The District Plan does mention the use of the Greensward Playfield and it is to be hoped this will be progressed.

Hockley is fortunate in having a library but its future is uncertain.

Hockley benefits from being on the main Southend Victoria/Liverpool Street train line. Unfortunately its bus service is not so efficient with the nos 7 and 8 services passing through the village from Southend to Rayleigh and vice versa twice an hour. Services to other parts of the district/county have to be accessed from these two termini.

The District Plan places great emphasis on health and well-being. Fortuntely Hockley is well served with a network of footpaths. It is important that they are maintained and not encroached upon by development.


Surrounded by Green Belt, Hockley is lucky in having access to a number of open spaces. It is noted that the Marylands Nature Reserve is included in The District Plan but not Plumberow Mount Open Space or St Peter’s Road Open Space – all maintained by the Parish Council. Marylands Woods, Plumberow Woods, Crabtree Woods, Hockley Hall Woods and nearby Beckney Woods are all ancient woodland but in private hands. It would be of great benefit to the community if they were included in the Local Plan and protected for the future. Betts Wood and, of course, Hockley Woods are in the care of the RDC.

With so much development, it is obvious that flora and fauna will suffer. Consideration should be given to identifying further green spaces (not just play areas) for public use. Efforts should be made to ensure wild-life corridors are incorporated into developments near to woods and open countryside.


The District Plan contains a list of conservation areas. It is disappointing to note that Ss Peter and Pauls’ church, Church Road and adjacent buildings (the old school house, Hockley Hall, Mill House and the former rectory) does not appear. In the surrounding green belt, it is constantly under threat and it would be a tremendous loss to the community should this historic part of the village be developed.

Plumberow Mount (a Romano/British tumulus) does not appear in the document as an ancient monument.