Rochford Town Centre

Rochford town centre requires layout changes relieving the narrow streets of the original crossroad design and improving the 'hidden away' profile of the new 'Somerfield development'. The square should be pedestrianised and access to newer areas be improved with, for example a better bus route, avoiding narrow streets. The existing centre should become more attractive and reflect its heritage. Since the council have approved the new 'airport station', the existing station becomes a brownfield site suitable for housing. Parking could be put on the undeveloped land behind Blanchfields(Horse and Groom)pub and could be used for both Rochford and airport parking.

I think there needs to be a coffee / milk bar for the young people to go to after school and in the evenings. It could even have a small stage area as an outlet for local talent. There is absolutely nowhere for young people under 18 to gather in rochford to meet up. Whilst I am happy for my daughter to have friends round, they prefer to feel independent and be able to go out to meet friends. No wonder kids hang around the streets. What else is there for them to do to meet up with mates?

1. As little interference with green belt as possible. 2. Faster planning processes, whilst retaining the character of Rochford without it appearing run down. 3 Affordable housing for young disabled to purchase since most supported / sheltered accomodation is for people over 55.
4. Affordable housing for first time purchsers.
5. More entertainment / recreational facilities for all ages.
6. Promote local business development

AS A DRIVING INSTRUCTOR I CANNOT BELEIVE SOMETHING HAS NOT BEEN DONE TO RECTIFY THE QUEEING ISSUE FOR THE MARKET SQUARE CAR PARK .THROUGHT THE DAY TRAFFIC BACKS UP INTO SOUTH/EASTSTREET BECAUSE OF VECHILES SITTING IN KEEP CLEAR AREA,THIS IS MADE WORSE WHEN THE BUS TRIES TO TURN INTO THE SQUARE WE EITHER NEED TO REMOVE PARKING COMPLETLY REINFORCE THE KEEP CLEAR MARKINGS OR MOVE THE ENTRANCE TO FAR END AGAIN. I FEEL THE ONLY LONG TERM SOLUTION IS TO REMOVE PARKING BUT THIS WILL DETER THE PASSING TRADE TO THE SHOPS IN THE SQUARE

Pedestrianisation of Rochford will kill the town centre. A few years ago it cost 20p to park in the main car park and the access off back lane made it easy for people to use if there was on room to park in the square. Now it costs 50p (which is relatively expensive if you only want a loaf of bread.If there is no room in the square you have to drive round in a circle so people queue and cause a problem. If it is pedestrianised they won't bother to stop in Rochford at all.

I do not believe that Rochford town centre would benefit from being traffic free as there is not a lot of through traffic. To put some life into it, I would like to see a seven day a week market similar to the one in Norwich.

It is about time the Square be pedestrianised. The cars queueing cause chaos to the buses and South Street. I think West Street should remain open, but the square itself blocked off. Perhaps you should consider taking away the charges for the car park at the bottom of West Street. This will encourage people to park there and walk up to the Square. The Square could become a nice place to sit in the summer and might encourage a little cafe to open up.

Pedestrianise the town centre and you will kill off profitable businesses. It will become a great meeting place for youngsters of a night! People will shun the town centre if they have to pay parking charges for banking, one-off small shopping items, etc. The quality of shops are not that fantastic as it is. I never use Somerfield's new store because of the parking charge for shopping under £5. I don't use Back Lane carpark because of additional cost. Pensioners cannot keep affording the increasing charges. Come on. Open you eyes!!

The Council's plans revealed in the Echo yesterday are quite ridiculous. The shops are not drab or dreary. There is a butcher with an excellent display of the best local meat in the district, an excellent card shop, jewelers, backers, iron mongers also selling really good fresh eggs and 2 Banks.

What difference will it make to tourism in the area is you pedestrianise Rochford Square.

Surely it would be better to move the bus stop from the Square. It tourism is being assessed by the RSPB Wallasea Project then surely the tourists will come to see birds on Wallasea Island. They will not need to park in Rochford Square.

Who should the Council serve, the people who shop in Rochford and pay rates and taxes or the wild bird watchers?

Perdestrianise Market Square

No! No! No! please No!.

After reading the article in Fridays Echo I was so angered that Saturday morning I went into the Square to get other peoples opinions first hand.

I actually showed shoppers the Echo article and got a 100% NO! against the idea. I then asked four traders (butcher, hardware, greengrocer & cafe/sandwich bar) for their thoughts. They were all unanimously against the crazy suggestion saying their trade was already down due to a new Somerfield plus a further threat from a second supermarket now under construction. They all fear no parking would be their death knell. The traders also pointed out that the square has only been recently revamped for no apparent reason with a loss of parking spaces. Plus the number of bays in North Street have been reduced and shorter parking periods. Also the when the toilets were removed from the well used free parking area by the Ship pub it become a pay& display which is now very little used, good move that by the counil (give us your money!).

As for the suggestion of tourism the mind boggles. If any tourist wanted to stop at Rochford Town Square after first trying to locate back lane car park. They perhaps might wander into the other Square (confusing that, apparently Rochford now has two). Looking around that might think they are at Butlins or a Spanish timeshare complex.

After speaking to people in the square if it hadn't been for the Echo article majority of residents were unaware of this proposal or is that what the council wants. It appears to me like we have another maverick Ken Livingstone type character in the making. Why? are we only given a week to respond, why? couldn't this proposal been included in the free news magazines about Rochford that come through our door.

From one very angry and now depressed resident of over forty years.

With reference to your letter dated 28th January 2008, I would like to make the following comments.

I feel, as I am sure, most members of the public, will be of the same opinion, that Rochford and Hockley town centre's should not have any further development thus keeping their charactor and historical village outlook.

There are many parcels of land surrounding Rochford and Hockley that could be used for building purposes to help young people to get onto the first steps of owning their own home.

Rochford council do not do enough in releasing these small parcels of land (although in the green belt areas) to build cheaper, and more affordable houses for the young people in the town.

We have parcels of land in Disraeli Road, Rayleigh Avenue that has a house both ends of Disraeli Road and a parcel of land in the middle this could be classed as in-fill, then the road could go through to Grove Road, Rayleigh this land could have small propeties built on for first time buyers, instead of you granting permission for the mansions at the top of Rayleigh Avenue that have been built in the last few years. Also wasted land at the bottom of The Drive at Rayleigh.

Land not used at Rayleigh Downs Road off the Rayleigh Road, these are all issue's I think the council should consider. But they need to be affordable houses, to help our young people.

Re: The proposed plan to pedestrianise the square in Rochford.

I am writing, as a trader in Rochford, to express my grave concerns over the plans to pedestrianise Rochford Square.

Firstly, a considerable number of shoppers who use the town square parking bays, are elderly or disabled. Some of these shoppers are also my customers. The parking bays make it easier for them to use the bank, library and local shops. Alternative parking for disabled shoppers/consumers would need to be very carefully considered.

Secondly, I receive several deliveries during the week from my suppliers. The only access to the business is via the square or West Street which is of course, a narrow one way street which would easily be blocked if a lorry had to unload near it. This must be a similar problem for other business premises on the square. We would need alternative arrangements for unloading supplies safely.

Thirdly, parking is a major consideration for customers who collect food from us in the evening. To park further away and walk to collect food would be a great inconvenience and on dark evenings may make them feel less safe.

I feel that the proposed pedestrianisation would be yet another set back for the small traders based on the square. Without the shops, the atmosphere on the square would be very different. No-one wants to see boarded up premises and 'to let' signs when they visit an area. The shops on the square are part of the attraction for many visitors to Rochford who want a change from the chain strores which feature in surrounding shopping areas.

I welcome any plans which seek to maintain and enhance the character of Rochford, but urge the Council to consider the wider long-term impact that any changes may have.

Further to the standard recorder of the 15th February where you asked for coments on no cars in the square. My husband and I agree and welcome the revamp proposals for the square. Rochford is a wonderful place to live in. Our only concern is the parking when going to the doctors. We try to support local shops which includes the chemist for prescriptions. With no free parking in the town we feel that we would have to turn to such places as Tesco. Sometimes with no change in our car we would have to put a pound coin in just to collect medicines from the chemist. With free parking going in the square maybe a very short stay in the carpark should be considered.

Pedestrianisation of the town square would be an excellent idea. If cars were diverted from the square it could be made aesthetically pleasing by planting small trees and shrubs. There is a perfectly good car park in Back Lane which could be used more. It has always struck me as a wasted opportunity to have a town square made into little more than a car park. Also, many drivers enter the square far too fast and anything that would limit car access to the square would, in my view, be a very good idea. Good luck!

I support the idea of pedestrianising the market square area. I further think provision for additional car parking is needed but most of all more bus connections and bus stop are required in all Rochford District. It is also noticeable that visitors arriving to the area get lost around the one way traffic system so more adequate signage for directions is needed. The available shopping base is sufficient locally in my opinion.

My biggest concern would be buses not running by rochford station. we know a new station is being buit at the airport to serve the minority but if rochford sq were to close the buses would then not go down west street thus not passing by the station. it could be the final nail in the coffin for rochford station if a decision is then made to close either rochford or prittlewell station because of the new station. thus you would get fewer visitors to rochford

Having recently moved to Rochford, I am very impressed with the old buildings in the town however i feel that these are neglected and it's potential has not been recognised. The olde worlde tea house and sweet shop are real features and more quaint shops, cafes and eateries would enhance the area. I fully believe pedestrianising the town square would be fundamental to creating 'one' town centre. At the moment it is fragmented by the one way system and the four main streets (N, E, S, W). A town square would attract many events that in turn would attract tourists.

one way in which to transorm the look of both rochford and hockley would be to get rid of the over-head power cables.They are a complete eye-sore,draped across the streets hanging from lop-sided poles they make the whole area look tatty,how difficult would it be to lay them under the street as is the case in southend.

I feel that pedestrianising the town square would accentuate the rural appeal of Rochford and am very fond of this idea especially as it would alleviate the problems that occur when the small car park is full and provide space for seasonal events. However, much concern must be given to free parking arrangements so that local businesses do not suffer.

I have read the proposed ideas (subject to approval by a public meeting I hope) and that of the Echo. I feel that the Echo gave me a wrong impression. Being a Gemini I can see both sides the the coin. On one hand perhaps could do with a face lift. Queueing for the car parking spaces in the square is a problem. As a previous writer has stated people wait in that keep clear area not preparing to give away their space in the line. Pave the square use the small car park outside the doctors free, but what about the disabled drivers some will not be able to walk that distance. The shops around the square have a hard job to keep up with the like of Tesco's Somerfield and now maybe Sainsbury's on the old Warren's site. The butcher gives a jolly good service he must find it hard to makes ends meet. He'll be the next to go. I hope not. The idea of a market everyday, that will further knock that nail into the shops coffin. Recently a leaflet came around our doors (I think it was from the Conservatives if not please forgive me) they said that they welcomed Somerfield to the town I bet that went down well with our shop keepers. I'll finish now on my soap box and finish with this. Mr Chairman of the Council lets have that public meeting and hear the voices of Rochford. But make sure that you do in all you power to inform each household when it is to be held.

Any withdrawal of parking facilities in the Square will have an adverse effect on the number of people coming into Rochford to use the local shops. Of all those probably hundreds of cars each day going into the Square to use local shops and banks I am sure that the majority will bypass Rochford if those parking facilities disappear. Quite frankly, the majority of people will not opt to use the Back Lane pay car-park. Businesses will suffer, shops will close and the Council will then get less rate income. Rochford is not a large shopping centre where people spend a lot of time, they visit for short periods only and to pedestrianise the Square will serve no purpose other than to drive people away to other areas.

The Square needs a clothes shop.-Chris R.

In my opinion as someone who works in Rochford it is a dangerous place for pedestrians.
I propose three new crossings to make the area near to the Square safer.
1. Put a crossing by the New Ship Pub.(This is a fast and busy road to cross.)
2.A crossing between the Post Office and the old Ship. (Again a very busy road with large parked vehicles blocking the view of oncoming traffic.)
3.A painted crossing for people walking between the Square and the new Supermarket.(By the Bank car park entry/exit.)
In the Square: A semi covered continental style Cafe with plenty of seating for customers and visitors to the Town.

Re: the pedestrianising Rochford Market Square.

I only heard about it last Tuesday and then read about it in the Standard on Wednesday and my first reaction was, who has left their brains at home, and yes it will cut traffic in Rochford, it will also out people - those of us who shop in the market town. I have a blue badge and more or less rely on parking in the square to shop at the butchers, hardware shop, bank, greengrocers and post office and opticians. I refuse to try and park in Back Lane car park because it is nearly always full up, the blue badge spaces are in the wrong place, except the two outside the doctors, and it is wrong that you charge at all for blue badge holders, you may wonder why we drive to Tesco's, well for a start you can buy most things there, including petrol, and parking is free for the first 2 hours or so and that is for everyone, and that is why you should keep the market square as it is at present.

I was horrified to read that you are considering making the market square pedestrian only.

Perhaps you should give some thought to the disabled who would find it difficult to walk from the car park and carry shopping etc.

I can't believe the shop keepers in the square would be happy, there must be hundreds visit the square daily by car even if they only stop for a short while to visit Banks and the Library as well as the Post Office and shops. I feel you will drive these people away to places with easier access.

I strongly object to the plan and also the fact that my standard devliered on Thursday afternoon which said we had until this Friday to object to the proposal (why such a short while).

Re: Standard 15/2/2008 front page

Council leader Terry Cutmore is wrong to say 'in Rochford, many people would like to see a central area free from traffic....' I live in Rochford and I would rather see Rochford as it is today - I walk into Rochford and do not find a problem with cars. On occasion when I am not able to walk in I do drive and use the market car park to do my shopping.

I find the shops individual and sell the items I need - which is better than Southend!

The location of Rochford Station to town is ideal - I always feel safe going into town at night.

Please do not pedestrianise Rochford - I am a pedestrian and love Rochford as it is - accessible to cars and people. If you want more people to come to Rochford advertise the market held on Tuesday and suggest people come by train or bus.

Keep Rochford how it is - a great town!

To Pedestrianise Rochford Mkt Square,

What a wonderful idea ( for some )

What a wonderful idea, the Yobo dream as every Yobo will converge on Rochford Square to enjoy a glorious flood lit kick about, break a few windows, create unacceptable noise levels, when tired a break at the take away, seats provided and receptables for the paper and cans ( in the horse trough ).

Not forgetting some shops will go out of business.

Just plain daft.

Pedestrianisation Of Rochford Market Square

I fully support the removal of car parking in Rochford Market Square. For the sake of providing car parking, the whole character of this traditionally central feature of a typically English market town has been destroyed. As a visitor enters the Market Square on foot he or she is not struck by the attractive historic buildings and the homely atmosphere that an enclosed public space should present.

A visitor or resident is unable to enjoy the visual effect of the Market Square's variety of English architecture because it is necessary to concentrate totally upon remaining safe in what has become a most stressful environment for any pedestrian.

Extreme care has to be taken to avoid colliding with the bonnets of the many vehicles which overhang the pavement. Care has to be taken to leave plenty of room for those motorists who drive so quickly into the parking areas that their cars do not actually come to a halt until after their bonnets have projected over the pavement. Vehicles start up suddenly, startling anyone passing in front of them. In this age of litigation and compensation claims, I always wonder why virtually no feature has been included to minimise the risk of vehicles overshooting the pavement. There is no "protective terrace" around the edge of the Market Square to prevent vehicles parking with wheels up against the edge of the pavement and their bonnets obstructing the pavement. These terraces are a standard feature of many car parks..

Motorists who are waiting for a parking space obstruct the raised entrance area to the car park. Pedestrians have to remain extremely vigilant as they pass in front of or behind these obstructing vehicles in case the driver has not applied the handbrake and taken the vehicle out of gear. A pedestrian attempting to cross in front of one of these vehicles could easily be injured if it rolled forward.

The town centre of Rochford has the potential to be both architecturally outstanding and to offer a very attractive social atmosphere. At present the quality of life of visitors to central Rochford is, in my opinion, very adversely affected by the dominance of motor vehicles.(Many vehicles hurtle into the town centre far too fast.)

It is necessary to decide whether the convenience of the twenty motorists who can park in the Market Square at any one time is more important than the provision of an an attractive zone which would greatly enhance the enjoyment, relaxation and safety of the many senior citizens and others who use Rochford's shops and facilities.

Likewise it is necessary to decide whether it is more important to maximise revenues from the Main Car Park and, as a result, maintain the present unpleasant situation in the Market Square or to provide a short period of free parking in the Main Car Park in order to restore the Market Square to the people-friendly ambiance which would enhance the quality of life of residents and visitors.

A period of free parking in the Main Car Park would almost certainly help to reduce the noise, air pollution, obstruction and environmental waste caused by the queue of vehicles waiting for a vacant place. It would also avoid the obstruction of buses and other traffic. This would be Rochford's direct contribution to the Environment.

A basic principle governing the re-development of the Market Square should be that it should attract civilised users during the daytime but not attract uncivilised users after dark. Planted areas and seating would need to be designed in a way that would minimise the danger of vandalism. The provision of tables and chairs during the daytime could be the responsibility of the catering businesses and other organisations which border the square. These tables and chairs could be removed overnight.

Whatever architectural materials are used in the re-development need to be very carefully chosen so that they are in keeping with the age of the surrounding buildings. The choice of virtually white paving stones should definitely be avoided. The design of the area needs a great deal of thought and should involve a great deal of discussion and critical appraisal.

The benefits of the provision of a really attractive amenity in the centre of Rochford will not be fully realised unless it is made far safer for pedestrians to actually reach the Market Square.

Unfortunately the attractiveness for residents and visitors is considerably reduced by the marked lack of
provision for the safe passage of pedestrians. The centre of Rochford is not, in my opinion, a very safe place to approach on foot. Vehicles hurtle though the narrow gap leading into North Street and shoppers in North Street (many of whom are old) run the risk of being struck by these vehicles.

The many old people who live in the East Street area have no provision for crossing East Street safely
on their way to shop and to meet their friends in the Market Square. In my opinion the following actions would make drivers more aware of their responsibilities:

1. Paint "SLOW" at least twice on the road surface in South Street as it approaches the narrow gap leading
into North Street.

2. Paint "SLOW" at least three times on the road surface in East Street starting at the Post Office Sorting
Office and ending alongside the Bus Stop.

3. Introduce a 20 m.p.h. Speed Limit in North Street.

There is little point in attracting visitors if they in danger of getting run over on their way to the re-developed Market Square.

I am most encouraged by the Council's decision to consider re-development and wish it every success.

Rochford and Hockley Town Centre Masterplans

Thank you for consulting the Home Builders Federation (HBF) on the above.


Specific points:

The text states that "this study will help to identify how much capacity for development exists within the town centres of Rochford and Hockley and what level of new development is appropriate, taking into account the local character and historical context of the town centres, to achieve the Council's vision of making the district the place of choice in the county to live, work and visit". The text gives an impression that the Masterplans are seeking to fulfil a role that needs to be undertaken by a Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment.

PPS3 now requires the production of Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessments, with key input from key stakeholders such as the development industry. These are far more vigorous in their approach, and make it clear that existing commitments will only be able to counted, where there is evidence that they will actually be deliverable.

Annex C of PPS3 states, "a Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment should:

- Assess the likely level of housing that could be provided if unimplemented planning permissions were brought into development.

- Assess land availability by identifying buildings or areas of land (including previously developed land and greenfield) that have development potential for housing, including within mixed-use developments.

- Assess the potential level of housing that can be provided on identified land.

- Where appropriate, evaluate past trends in windfall land coming forward for development and estimate the likely future implementation rate.

- Identify constraints that might make a particular site unavailable and/or unviable for development.

- Identify sustainability issues and physical constraints that might make a site unsuitable for development.

- Identify what action could be taken to overcome constraints on particular sites".

Indeed PPS3 requires the production of Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessments with key input from key stakeholders such as the development industry. These are far more vigorous in their approach, and make it clear that existing commitments will only be able to counted, where there is evidence that they will actually be deliverable. Any Assessment methodology will need to be discussed with key stakeholders including HBF and its Members as part of any such assessment. Stakeholders will then need to be fully involved throughout the production of the assessment.

Consequently, the likely overall housing supply will not be known until the Council has undertaken a Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment in full accordance with national guidance and in conjunction with other key stakeholders. This will examine whether assumptions are realistic or not (e.g. in respect of urban capacity, commitments, future windfalls e.t.c.). It is only at that point that there will be suitable evidence to demonstrate whether the overall housing requirement is likely to be deliverable or not. Furthermore, it must be remembered that the overall requirement figure is a minimum requirement that should be exceeded.

The HBF looks forward to it and its Members being consulted on the draft methodology for the SHLAA. The Federation is keen that these fully accord with national guidance and are not simply rehashed Urban Capacity or Housing Land Availability Studies.

As the HBF Regional Planner I see my role as facilitating and co-ordinating our Member's involvement throughout the SHLAA production process. I expect this will result in them being involved in the Assessment of the developability and deliverability of individual sites.

On behalf of the HBF I will be seeking to ensure that our Members local knowledge can be fully utilised in Assessments.



Unfortunately, the full text in relation to the Masterplans on your Council's website does not appear to be readily accessible. Therefore, I have been unable to view it, and can't comment upon any further matters.


Consultation:

I look forward to being consulted on all future relevant DPD and SPD documents in the future, and would appreciate being notified in writing wherever these documents are being either submitted to the Secretary of State, or being Adopted.

If I can be of any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me. I will of course be happy to help organise any meetings involving our Members necessary during the production of the SHLAA.

Re: Pedestrianisation of Rochford Sq. If this measure is brought in I will take all of my local shopping to Southend, where it is easier to park. This measure you propose will be the death knell for the local business. I think the councils time can be better spent on other issues rather than constantly attacking car users. I noticed the stream by the station is full of rubbish and is terribly overgrown. How about cleaning this up?

I wanted to comment on the development of rochford town square as shown in the standard recorder dated 15th Feb 2008. There should have been a clear link to see info and make views. I found nothing even using your search however I found out that i'd missed an event on Oct 6th 2007. I am not sure what benefit it would be to pedestrianize the square apart from making a larger area fo rthe youth to hang around terrorizing others as they walk through to the cash machines. If there was a decent bar or late cafe then there may be a point in summer. Perhaps it could be pedestrianized for particular events rather than permenantly, but without seeing proper plans or proposals it's hard to comment any further.