I have reviewed Rochford District Councils New Local Plan and can only conclude it purely indicates the sites to be considered for new housing. I fully appreciate there remains a severe shortage of housing, this in turn driving property inflation further adding to affordability issues many people have been experiencing for a number of years to buy, or even rent property. However, I sincerely believe building in excess of a further 6,000 properties in the Rochford area is the wrong decision based on the total lack of infrastructure proposals to deal with this greater demand!

If we consider other significant developments both within Rochford and neighbouring authorities and without a viable infrastructure plan to support the growing demands of an ever increasing population, I simply cannot see how this current plan is sustainable! Regardless of development location within Rochford, the roads are already over used and seriously congested, worn out roads are simply not being repaired and continue to be a hazard to all road users, examples are Greensward Lane, Main Road (o/s Bull Pub & near to White Hart Garage), where the roads have simply been worn away! It would be safe to assume 6,000 properties with increase traffic in the Hockley area by a further 9,000 vehicles, this will almost certainly make it impossible to move around the area regardless as to whether its is by private car of using buses!

The plan further erodes green spaces, in combination with increase vehicle movements, our ‘green lungs’ will be reduced, wildlife jeopardised, and with climate change causing an increased risk of flooding due to heavy rainfall, what provision is being made to manage water flow? The Local Plan is ill considered and unbalanced as it does not deal with infrastructure, services, education etc.

I will continue to follow Rochford Councils local plan with interest!