RDC have launched their Spatial Options Consultation to the residents of Rochford District for comment on proposed sites to be brought forward for housing development to meet proposed numbers of new housing to be built .


The question must be asked WHY this is happening prior to ECC Highways Study being commenced and a report compiled. Is this not against Government guidelines? Highways are a major consideration and huge concern to most residents in the district. RDC should not or cannot make any kind of plan or recommendation to its officers until capacity of the local road network has been reviewed. Any possible proposed extension or changes to the network must have guaranteed Central Government Funding in place before any further consideration for further building is planned.

Local infrastructure is not fit for use.

The current road network is already under severe strain with current car movements. Recently RDC made a decision to refuse the proposed Bloor development in Ashingdon. “In the absence of a definition of severe it is for the local authority to determine whether a severe impact would result and in this case it considered that the development would result in severe impact on the local highway network”

By definition RDC has acknowledged that the road network throughout the area does not have capacity to take on increased capacity through mass development.

Of particular concern to us is site Field CFS064. This site is constrained by existing housing. The only possible access being through woodland in Manor Road or Folly Chase, a private road which is a public footpath. The site is also boarded by a public footpath. Loss of amenity to the local community would be catastrophic. The site would feed out on the B1013 already running at well over capacity.

Rochford district is constrained by its location. Located on a peninsula it is bordered by the River Crouch, areas of SSI, ancient woodland, Green belt and the proximity of the coast. Railway bridges built up to 120 years ago constrain movement on roads in at least five locations on the network. All, but one, have height restrictions. None allow easy movement of two opposing cars passing, one is one way only.

The road system running through the district is ancient in many places. Indeed the Ashingdon Road having been laid out and originally built by The Romans. Maps dating from the 18th century show most major roads, e.g. the B1013, having a layout which still exists in 2021. Housing, shops and businesses have been built along their borders allowing
no capacity for expansion. We no longer see the stagecoach bound for Southend, two donkeys, a haycart and the odd child on a bicycle moving along these roads each day compared to the number of vehicle movements now seen.

Lower Road and Watery Lane are used as major or main routes in and out of the district into and out of Southend, Chelmsford and beyond.

The following areas are also of significant concern to me as a resident all being at or close to saturation point with demand from the current population.

An aging and vulnerable services system. Water, drains, sewage, (one recent development was actually completed without sewage systems being in place) gas, electricity and communication networks. E.g. Recent catastrophic water main collapse in The Hullbridge Road due to aged pipes.

Roads which are no longer fit for purpose. Many and multiply needs for repair, maintenance upgrade and extension causing broken surfaces and most significantly constant road closure or restrictions. County Highways seems to deem the district way down on its list for repairs and maintenance.

The severe risk to life and property should any major, or minor, emergence occur necessitating
the need for multiple emergency services, fire, ambulance, police to attend at peak times where roads are blocked or at capacity. On street parking is also a huge issue in many areas. Grid lock throughout the district ensues almost immediately any accident occurs or road work(s) are in place.

Existing Schools are at capacity with most being in locations where it would be difficult or impossible to increase their footprint. E.g. Rochford Primary. None of the proposed developments come with any plan for new schools, or any room to build them. Current approved development has necessitated the movement of children to school in adjoining villages due to lack of planning or capacity locally, resulting in increased car movements at peak times and pollution issues.

Doctors surgeries are at capacity and placed under further strain by the difficulty of recruiting GP’s

Local Hospital capacity is at breaking point

Environmental issues are not mentioned or considered. Building on flood plain, lost green belt areas, loss of habitat. Existing roads or areas already exceeding approved pollution levels. This I believe must also be the case for most main roads in the area, if not all, especially during rush hours due to standing traffic.

For ALL the above reasons no additional housing should be considered until a full and comprehensive environmental study is carried out and analysed.