I would like to put forward my own opinions regarding the Spatial Options Consultation for my local area of Hullbridge and also for Rochford as a whole.

Vision for Hullbridge:

A large area of Hullbridge is NOT accessible by walking or public transport. If the proposed sites to the East along Lower Road are developed this will add to the horrific congestion on Lower Road from Coventry Hill. There are no pavements or crossings and personally, I am unable to cross over to the other side from Central Avenue where I live. It is dangerous standing on the "pavement" (such as it is) as there is no room to step back from the large lorries often going past. If building work continues this will worsen. There are no regular bus services along this route despite the bus stops and old timetables. If I find I can no longer drive I will be marooned in my road along with many others like myself.

There are indeed a growing number of older residents in this area. I feel the current trend of making bungalows into houses with loft conversions is not helping their housing needs. Rather than develop more of HUllbridge for family housing a site needs to be set aside for maybe sheltered warden controlled housing and care facilities close to the facilities around the Doctors Surgery in Ferry Road.

Our riverfront does NOT need to be developed - it is fine as it is - I feel that any development of the riverfront would be very detrimental to the rural coastal village outlook and the Hullbridge Foreshores.. A regional park to the West is a wonderful idea - a local country park would preserve habitats and wild life for the future. Much of this land to the West is flood plain and would be problematic if built on.

Building of homes:

If every site in Hullbridge is developed the scanty local facilities would totally be overwhelmed! There would be more pollution from more cars commuting to Rayleigh station or Hockley.

This is no doubt true of many of the existing towns and villages. WE are already in danger from eroding green belt. Rather than develop the needed new homes piecemeal without adequate infrastructure I feel it would be better to place them all on one site much like South Woodham Ferrears. However if any of the sites proposed are to the East of Rochford or North of Southend I feel it would place a larger burden on already busy roads. I have two suggestions:

Build on the Potential cross Boundary Opportunity marked to the West of Rayleigh - this is close to major roads and a railway line and a new station could easily be sited. This has the benefit of keeping the traffic away from local towns and not adding to congestion.

I also feel that the airport will not recover from the lost business due to the pandemic and in any case I know from experience working there how awful the pollution is from aircraft - not to mention the many cars and lorries also going there. There are already roads and a rail station and buses. Why not build on the airport. It is my understanding that the land belongs to Rochford in any case.

I hope my views are useful to the council.