[CFS027, CFS098, CFS086, CFS029, CFS053]

I am writing to strongly oppose the developments proposed by Rochford District Council (reference numbers above)

Firstly, I would like to comment on the completely unsuitable, archaic and alienating online 'comment' system you have created that is supposedly 'straightforward'. You claim it is the 'quick[est] and [most] efficient method for submitting comments'. I have never encountered such an inefficient online form (there are over 100 questions!! What part of that is quick and efficient?!!), and think it poses a huge barrier to those who are perhaps less computer literate or to be honest, anyone who has ever used an online portal for anything - ever. This is hugely problematic, as the details of a project that will affect so many, will be reviewed by only the very few who have hours to navigate your suggested ‘streamlined’ portal. Not inclusive or accessible at all.

Secondly, and perhaps my most pressing reason for objection is the complete 'tone deaf' attitude Rochford Council appear to have for the environment and climate change. The weighting given to climate related issues in this proposal is not aligned anywhere near to what is expected as we experience a global climate crisis. Housing currently accounts for around 15% of the UKs green house has emissions. Building more homes will only exacerbate this. This doesn’t account for any of the devastating impacts incurred through the loss of biodiversity and natural habitats, increased land, water and air pollution - and no these issues aren’t mitigated by ‘carefully mapping’ areas not to build on, or by creating new ‘wildlife spaces’ in the development plans. The issues are ‘mitigated’ by not developing at all.

More developments in Rayleigh/Rochdord will also result in more cars on the road. This will in turn result in greater levels of congestion, noise pollution and increase the level of carbon emissions entering the atmosphere. I’m not entirely sure how this project aligns with the governments net zero ambitions or the global aims of keeping global heating below 1.5 degrees…

The extreme proposal will see Rayleigh transformed to a traffic ridden, polluted and over crowded town, where current infrastructure simply will not support this vast expansion into green spaces!

Strongly oppose this proposal and hope it does not go ahead.