Comment
New Local Plan: Spatial Options Document 2021
Representation ID: 42794
Received: 15/09/2021
Respondent: Mr Jeff Higgs
I feel the draft vision infers a model of infinite housing development for Rayleigh and other small towns. (Rayleigh has already lost much green belt land and open space) This is fundamentally misguided in my view and leads to a lower quality of life over time.
I believe significant new housing development should be should be based on creating new towns along with required infrastructure transport, schools etc. It would be good to see evidence of local councils petitioning central government to make such new towns a priority.
Dear Sir,
I write to submit feedback on the proposed new housing development sites in our area.
(New Local Plan: Spatial Options Document 2021) https://rochford.oc2.uk/document/207/28308#d28422
In common with the majority of residents I believe Rayleigh and surrounding areas already have enormous new build projects underway. We should stop further housing sprawl especially on the outskirts of towns such as Rayleigh where upgrading the road system is impractical. The uncertainty of the situation is causing anxiety amongst my friends and neighbours who maybe directly impacted.
My concerns are the usual ones:
• Loss of greenbelt and wildlife habitat
• Traffic congestion and associated air pollution
(Inability to widen the narrow residential roads in Rayleigh)
• Surface water drainage
• School and GP services
Fundamentally I fear we are on a path of infinite housing growth that surely cannot be sustained without deterioration to our quality of life. I feel we should halt all new housing developments on town borders (greenbelt land) and create new towns with the required infrastructure instead.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide my feedback, please find my responses to the questions enclosed.