Please find attached the Spatial Options Consultation response from Rayleigh Town Museum.

We have particularly concentrated on the Heritage Topic Paper upon which we are very concerned about especially in relation to the proposed development within the Rayleigh Town Centre Conservation Area. The enhancement and protection of the many heritage assets within Rayleigh have been considered and we believe should be subject to protection.

I would also ask that a receipt of this email is forwarded to me to ensure our views are considered.



Comments and Observations regarding the Heritage Topic Paper
Following the opportunity to consider the above the Trustees of the Rayleigh Town Museum would like to make a number of comments and observations in regard to the outlined spatial Options Consultation Paper whilst you are preparing for the new Local Plan.
There are a number of issues that give concern especially with regard to the Proposed sites as outlined within the interactive map layers.
It can be seen that the areas identified are:
• The Mill Hall site incorporating the Bellingham Lane car park, Windmill and the Mount area;
• The site of the former Dairy at the rear of the High Street;
• The site of Barringtons and the present Council Offices and car park on Websters way and Hockley Road;
• The land adjacent to the Post office Sorting Office and houses 168, 166, 162 and 164 as well as 156 to 155 High Road;
• In addition there is the issue of the present Building Plot under construction where Luxury Penthouse Flats are being completed overlooking the Marks and Spencer Car Park;

Our Major concern appears to be the total disregard to the fact that outlined within the spatial consultation all these proposed sites lie within the Conservation area of the Rayleigh Town Centre.
The National Planning Policy Framework outlines the following:
‘Strategic policies should set out an overall strategy for the pattern, scale and quality of
development, and make sufficient provision for (inter alia) the conservation and
enhancement of the natural, built and historic environment, including landscapes and
green infrastructure, and planning measures to address climate change mitigation and
adaptation (Paragraph 20)’

Paragraph 20 is self-explanatory when it comes to strategic policies and the need to ensure that sufficient provision for the conservation and enhancement of the natural, built and historic environment. The centre of Rayleigh Town is primarily a natural, built and historic environment which needs sympathy and protection from redevelopment not in keeping with its present historic nature.

There are a number of individual historic landmarks within the conservation area including:

• The site of the Rayleigh Mott and Bailey Castle a recognised designated historical asset located on the Mount on Bellingham Lane which was gifted to the National Trust by Edward Francis. The Mount is also identified as a scheduled Ancient Monument;
• The Rayleigh Windmill Grade II listed built in 18th Century again within the Bellingham Lane complex;
• Grade II Listed Holy Trinity Church at the top of the High Street on the junction of Hockley Road, London Hill and the High Street built c1380 although there the same site has been one of religious observance for 1000 years;
• Barringtons House Grade II listed House built in Mid C 19 on the junction of Websters Way and Hockley Road;
• Martyrs Memorial built in 1908. It commemorates four local Protestant martyrs, who died in 1555 during Queen Mary's reign.
• Dutch Cottage which is presently outside the Conservation area but is still a recognised historic landmark which was thought to be built in the 18th Century.
• 91 High Street a Grade II listed building the oldest secular building which presently houses the Rayleigh Town Museum;

It is the opinion of the Trustees of Rayleigh Town Museum that the Heritage Assets within the Conservation Area may suffer extreme harm and certainly will not be enhanced as required by the National Planning Policy Framework.

Paragraph 4.5 outlines the differing heritage assets and it can be seen from the list above we have outlined are present within Rayleigh certainly within the categories of:

• Listed Buildings;
• Scheduled Monuments;
• Conservation Area.

There are a number of observations that we require some explanation for including:-

On page 6 it identifies that Local Authorities from time to time review their conservations areas- we would be extremely interested in when the last conservation area was reviewed?

On Page 8 - 4.6 and 4.7 it outlines – Does the council have an Updated Local List that would identify the heritage assets that are Designated and Non-designated.

On Page 9 – 5.4 it makes mention of the Essex Historic Environment Record and we would be interested in more of an explanation as to the purpose and when did the EHER last carry out a survey of the significant areas which are of archaeological interest or potential archaeological interest.

General Observations

Areas of General Observation within the Heritage Topic Paper.

We note that there are a number of areas that the Rayleigh Town Museum could assist with during the process of the Spatial Options Consultation. We would be keen to act as a consultee in respect of the following areas:-

• Any conservation area appraisal;
• Any procedure that Rochford undertake in respect of Heritage and the effect of planning upon those Heritage Designated and Non-Designated Assets.

In Conclusion

The Significant heritage of the Rochford District must be a key element in any/all future planning considerations and related infrastructure developments to help ensure its long term protection. Rayleigh Town Museum is most keen to work and assist in that protection.