Development of Land to Rear of Malvern Road/Cattery (CFS023)


Destruction of this Green Belt Land and the excessive use of the Ancient Woodland of Beckney Wood through the development of 139 dwellings would be catastrophic for the woodland and land which supports such a large and diverse variety of flora, animals, reptiles, insects and birds, some of which we will list and all of which are ecologically dependant upon each other. Trees and woodland plants such as wood anenomes, celendine and bluebells. Animals including Badgers, squirrels, field mice, shrews, muntjac deer, foxes and bats which are a protected species. Butterflies, bees, adders, grass snakes, lizards. Birds, Sparrow hawks, Buzzards, Pheasants, Spotted and Green Back Woodpeckers, Chaffinches, Jackdaws and Herons in addition to the more common species, Wood pidgeons, Magpies, Blue tits, Long Tailed tits, Thrushes, Robins, Blackbirds, Sparrows House/Hedge etc.

With our own and Governments worldwide promoting Bio security/diversity to maintain a healthy populations it would, in our view, be a mistake to develop this land contrary to current thinking.

The topography of the land with very steep gradients both north to south and west to east would increase the risk of flooding to current properties
in Malvern Road and is of major concern if this land is developed. Present areas of flood risk in the Rochford District is already recorded and the issue of climate change and scientifically predicted increase in rainfall in relation to this proposed development should be considered of paramount importance.


The infrastructure in Hockley would be unable to absorb the proposed development of 139 dwellings and the extra strain on the towns resources would be enormous.

The Greensward Lane G.P. Surgery already has a waiting list of weeks to see a Doctor and all services there are over stretched. Local hospitals are also being stretched beyond capacity.

In addtion the local schools, according to the OFSTED reports are:

Plumberow Academy 2018 states, exceeded pupil capacity
Greensward Academy 2018 states, 122 places remaining and approaching full capacity.
Westerings 2017 states, exceeded capacity.

The proposed access to the development through Harrogate Drive would create a very narrow and dangerous junction onto Greensward Lane. As there is no land available to widen the road, turning into Greensward Lane would be extremely hazardous and the potential for serious accidents increased.

The road network in Hockley also needs addressing and it is doubtful if the current situation at the Spa roundabout could sustain the additional traffic resulting from a further 139 households and potential delivery vehicles the development would attract. Movement both in and out of Hockley as far as Rayleigh and Rochford can often be difficult and time consuming. The additional pollution from exhaust fumes the extra traffic would create would also have a detrimental effect on health if natural resources like Green Belt are to be replaced with concrete and vehicles.

It was once boasted that Rochford was the green lungs of Essex.

We hope you will consider our comments in your decision making.