Consultation Process -The volume and format of information contained in the consultation was difficult to access and view online. It was difficult to understand the context of the consultation and RDC are not reaching residents who have no internet.

Infrastructure - This is a key concern for residents exacerbated by the volume of recent and proposed development causing additional pressure on roads, education, social services, health facilities and local employment opportunities. In particular our roads and cycle paths are in a very pitiful state of repair and are only likely to worsen with significant further development.
The Infrastructure Funding Statement states all financial and non-financial developer contributions relating to Section 106 conditions should be completed but this has not always been the case and is not the case when larger sites are split up.
Open Spaces - The value of our open spaces and the issues with climate change have become a priority. People will continue to reduce travel and split time working from home. Our open spaces are essential for wellbeing, exercise and relaxation. We are on an overpopulated peninsular surrounded by water with limited access in terms of roads into and out of the area. Open space is at a premium. Development of many of the proposed sites would mean a further reduction in air quality, increase in light pollution and the loss of trees and farming land at a time when food production and supply is becoming a cause for concern. Sites of Special Scientific Interest will also be affected. Essential green belt is being allowed to erode. The use of empty buildings and Brownfield sites should be evaluated first and consideration should be given to identifying an area where a discrete garden village with appropriate infrastructure, separate from current settlements, could be created.

Potential Developments in Hockley - The plan proposes around 1000 additional houses in Hockley with additional developments on land bordering the Parish. This density will have a major detrimental impact on the quality of life for residents. A particular concern is traffic. The volume of traffic on the B1013, into which most of the proposed new sites, including CFS045, CFS064, CFS160 & 161, CFS074, CFS194, CFS169, CFS150 and CFS020 will feed, is already at an unacceptable level. Many proposed sites are not within walking distance of services and bus services are limited. Current high levels of traffic mean that there is already a detrimental effect on the quality of life for residents as well as local commerce and potentially on individuals’ health, given levels of pollution. Additional traffic, potentially thousands of cars, will only worsen matters.

The proposal for development on land at Belchamps is particularly worrying due to the lack of open space for activities available to youngsters and community groups in the Rochford District. The site has been a very valuable well used resource and it is important this is retained for our future generations.

Whilst I understand the need to provide additional housing in Hockley, infrastructure requirements need to be considered and addressed alongside any consideration of potential development sites. Also proper consideration needs to be given to identifying development away from existing settlements. Whilst this may be unattractive due to upfront costs, such an approach could save money in the long term.