Open Space
Comment
Core Strategy Preferred Options (Revised October 2008)
Representation ID: 4385
Received: 17/12/2008
Respondent: Mr G Marshall
Agent: Strutt & Parker
e) Open Space
4.14 The owner has been contacted by Rochford District Council in the past (by Mr. Richard Tartan-Bennet) in relation to the re-Iocation of a Local Equipped Area of Play (currently in Sutton Court Drive) to land in his ownership. A copy of the letter is attached as
Appendix 4. The release of Peggie Meadow for residential development would mean
that this playground could be effectively re-Iocated and properly integrated within a new
scheme.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 The following response is submitted on behalf of Mr G Marshall, who owns both 193 Southend Road, Rochford and an area of 3.9ha to the east This land will be described below.
Summary of Response
1.2 We support the overall Core Strategy as it relates to the identification of residual housing land required within the District.
1.3 Whilst we support the hierarchical approach to housing distribution across the District, we object to the distribution of housing growth itself as it relates to some settlements and locations.
1.4 We support the level of housing growth assigned to Rochford itself, but object to the broad locations indicated for this growth.
1.5 My client's site represents a more logical and sustainable location for this growth.
2.0 THE REPRESENTATION SITE
2.1 The site is shown identified on the attached plan. It comprises an area of 3.9 ha. located on the southern edge of Rochford. The site is bounded by residential development to the west fronting Southend Road and Warners Bridge Chase; residential development to the north fronting Ravenswood Chase: and to the east
and south by the heavily vegetated Prittle Brook and Harp House Ditch. As a consequence it is well contained and well related to existing development
2.2 To the west beyond Southend Road is the Southend Victoria-Rayleigh-London Liverpool Street railway line. To the south-west is a retail park on part of Southend Airport which was developed approximately 5 years ago. To the south are recreational uses.
2.3 The site itself is not in productive agricultural use, although is cut for hay once a year principally to keep it from becoming overgrown. It includes a number of former agricultural buildings none of which is of any architectural or historic merit. and which are in varying states of disrepair. It includes the dwellinghouse at 193
Southend Road. which again is of no architectural or historic merit. and which
can be demolished to provide access into the site. Although there is a further potential access from the north via the end of Sutton Court Drive. this is subject of a ransom strip.
2.4 Attached with this response is a sketch layout plan, which demonstrates that the
site can be accessed and developed in a manner that would secure a good quality and highly sustainable residential development It shows a green edge along the eastern boundary of the site that incorporates sustainable pedestrian
and cycle links to surrounding housing, employment airport and recreational facilities. Access would be via the existing property. whilst existing dense landscaping around the edge would be retained The allocation and development of the site would secure affordable housing provision. together with other potential benefits such as new pedestrian and cycle links and open space.
Planning History
2.5 It is understood that there is no planning application history relating to the site. However, it is believed by the landowner that the land was earmarked for development in the 1920's when his grandfather purchased the land, but not
pursued.
2.6 It is the case however that the site was considered for longer-term residential
development in 1985. and attached as Appendix 1 is a copy of a letter confirming
that a report prepared by the local plan Working Party recommended the identification of the land as such. proposed for release in the period after 1990.