Object

Representation ID: 41327

Received: 20/08/2021

Respondent: Virginia Port

I refer to the piece of land off of Folly Chase ( CFS064 ) earmarked for development. My reasons against this piece of land being developed are as follows:-
1. The land is surrounded by three ancient woodlands which would need to be demolished if permission were to be given to housing. In the spring there is an abundance of wild flowers in these woods including many areas of anemonies which grow at the rate of six feet in a hundred years which demonstrates how old these woods are. This is a habitat for many birds bees and butterflies. Can we really justify demolishing years and years of woodland just to line builder’s pockets? There is a suggestion that we should plant trees to save our planet and how can demolishing an old woodland demonstrate this. This is also an area where badgers roam freely at night, there are many sets on the waste land at the back of the new estate off of Folly Lane.
2. Since lockdown we have seen a considerable number of people with or without dogs wandering down our Folly chase for a stroll and into the woodlands surrounding it. The numbers have not decreased as this is now a well known spot for people to walk for exercise and enjoy the flora and fauna,birds and butterflies we still have in this area before it all disappears under the developer’s machinery.
3. During heavy rain this year the field became very waterlogged and the adjoining lane was just a big lake. As the new estate in Folly Lane has had enormous problems with sewerage just how can it be contemplated to add sewerage from another 214 houses when sewerage from the extra 75 houses cannot cope now.
4. The access to the site is very poor. Folly Chase is not wide enough for two cars to pass by. Entry via the Community Centre would lose the grassland surrounding the Community Centre which again is used by walkers, dog training club and the childrens nursery. Access via the school is not safe with small children around.
5. Traffic congestion along High Road is a constant problem, there is frequently long delays if a delivery is made anywhere in the vicinity causing exhaust pollution and that is before all the extra traffic any more houses will generate. Our children are encouraged to walk to school but how many will develop asthma from the constant exhaust fumes that will be generated by more cars stuck in traffic jams.
6. On a general note with future housing development in this area No plans as far as we know have been made to provide new schools, more doctors surgeries and new roads to cope with this influx of people and cars more building will create. As we know from the Hall Road site the builders manipulated the situation flaunting the rules meaning they did not have to provide the schools and doctors surgery as promised. Will the Council ensure that adequate provision is made and that this loophole is not used again?

[additional representation]

We are objecting to the proposed development of CFS064 and CFS264 with the following comments:-

1. Folly Chase is an unadopted private road, when it rains we get run off from both Folly Lane and Fountain Lane causing flooding. Since moving to Folly Chase we have had our garage flooded three times and have had to have extra drainage installed both as the drive meets the road and at the start of the garage. Every time it rains heavily we have a river running down the side of our drive. Extra development on the Greenacres site would substantially increase more likelihood of flooding. It has an undefined Public Footpath running down it. Ownership of the road isn’t registered and absent to any contrary evidence each land owner owns up to the mid- point of the road. There are some private rights of way that have been established by usage and by deed, but it is apparent that the ownership issue is complex and fragmented. We are convinced the majority of houseowners would be unwilling to enter into any negotiation to depart from current use and access.

2. We understand that there have been some problems regarding drainage at the Pond Chase new development and connection to the sewers has only recently been made. How are the sewers going to cope with another 250 houses when there has been some difficulties already?

3. There are several very old protected oak trees along Folly Chase which presumably would have to be demolished if access was required to get to either site. Our neighbour has always had extreme difficulty in just getting this tree trimmed but the Council would require this felled presumably with any necessary road widening.

4. Has the Council given any consideration to the environmental impact?. Folly Woods are designated HC1 Ancient Woodland and do have some protection. It is important that the map detailing the local plan includes the woods on the North Side of the field along the railway line which are also officially HC1,which may have been included in the map in error? The site CFS064 would conflict with RDC policy on promoting and preserving Biodiversity.
5. The field CFS264 is valuable agricultural land which indirectly supports local wildlife, birds, insects, mice voles etc. The vision statement for Hockley confirms the maintenance of ancient woodland as a priority factor yet the plan for our field shows ancient woodland to be completely engulfed by the development which is a contradiction of the Council’s vision. The proposed site is of great local significance bordering onto Jubilee Way with public footpaths leading to Hockley Church, Hullbridge and the other side of Hockley which will presumably all be destroyed if this development goes ahead.