Objection to Spatial Option on Greenbelt Land - Wellington/Napier/Bull Lane
Reference Numbers:

CFS027
CFS098
CFS086
CFS029
CFS053

We'd like to register our extremely strong objection to the spatial option plan to build on the protected greenbelt land and countryside around Wellington, Napier and Bull Lane Farm Road.

I'd like to think that you and any council would totally agree that Greenbelt land should be protected at all costs for the good of our community, our planet, our future and our children's futures.

As I'm sure you are aware, Greenbelt land should never be built on and can only be considered for development for the below exceptions:
• Buildings for agriculture or forestry
• Provision of appropriate facilities for outdoor sport, outdoor recreation and for cemeteries, as long as it preserves the openness of the Green Belt and does not conflict with the purposes of including land within it
• The extension or alteration of an existing building provided that it does not result in disproportionate additions over and above the original building
• The replacement of an existing building provided the new building is in the same use and not materially larger than the one it replaces
• Limited infilling in villages, and limited affordable housing needs
I'm sure you will agree that the spatial plans to build 329 new homes do not meet any of the above exceptions - meaning that this should be a total non-starter.

Just the fact that it is greenbelt land should be enough to stop any building plans but we'd also like to raise the below very strong objections:

Pollution: We've just moved our young family to Albert Road from Greenwich in London. The main reason for this move was we have a 2 year old little girl and a 6 month old baby boy. Little girl has developed asthma due to the pollution in London so we moved to Rayleigh to escape this and found a beautiful countryside spot in Albert Road, Rayleigh. By destroying this countryside and building 329 new homes, it would significantly decrease air quality generated by the countryside and increase pollution.

Before buying this house for £550,000 we paid £150 to our solicitor for a local planning report to be carried out to ensure that there were no plans to build on this land and the report came back saying there were not any plans. In fact, the report came back highlighting that it was protected greenbelt land and therefore there was no chance the land would be built on, except in exceptional circumstances to fulfil one of the aforementioned criteria. This was the basis for our decision to go ahead and buy in Rayleigh.

Wildlife: In the 2 months since we have moved here, we have been for runs and walks in this beautiful countryside and seen horses, rabbits, hedgehogs, foxes, squirrels, a badger, many mole holes showing the presence of moles, a stunning array of birds, butterflies, dragon flies and insects and even a lizard! As well as amazing and diverse wildlife there is a beautiful array of plants, trees and flowers. It is also home to many crops which are vital. This area is absolutely vital for our eco-system and it would be incredibly callous and dangerous to destroy all of that. Rochford council must protect this land.

Horse Rescue: There is a horse's field which usually houses around 10 rescued horses. This is an incredible place that attracts many fantastic young adults (mucking out the stables, grooming them etc) and many families bringing their little children to see the horses - what a wonderful resource for the community! Where would these horses go? What about the fantastic young adults? Do we want to force them to hang around on the streets instead? What about the little children and families who love coming here?

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty: As well as being home to a spectacular array of wildlife and flora, this is also an area of outstanding natural beauty that Rochford council and our community should be very proud of and protect at all costs. We simply cannot destroy this. We should treasure this.

Physical & Mental Health: This area is used by a huge amount of dog walkers, walkers and runners and is vitally important for all of those people. As you know this country is in the midst of a mental health crisis that is costing many lives every year and has a devastating impact, we should be promoting what a huge part walking and running in these surroundings can play in this crisis - not destroying this land, worsening the crisis further.


Bridelpaths & Public Walkways: There are many of these across the area you have mapped for development. These are protected and cannot be destroyed.

Stretched Facilities: Since moving into the area we have been informed we would have to get a private dentist as there is no availability remaining for an NHS dentist and the earliest appointment would be around December - a 5 month wait!


The majority of nursery's were full, after trying about 7 nursery's we finally got the last remaining place at one.


We are informed by the neighbours that wait times for doctor's appointments are weeks and it's very hard to get an appointment.


Flood Risk: This area has experienced flooding before and hence doesn't feel like a wise area to build 329 new homes.



We would like to reiterate the strength of our objection and would urge you to consider the many other sites before completely destroying Rochford's beautiful and extremely precious greenbelt land.

You as the council are the guardians of this and have the power to ensure it stays protected. Once it's gone, it's gone and it can never be replaced.