Option E18

Comments made on Allocations, GT3, GT6 and E18.
See paper copy for details.

Comments made on Allocations, GT3, GT6 and E18.
See paper copy for details.

Comments made on Allocations, GT3, GT1 and E18.
See paper copy for details.

im writing this email because it has been brought to my attention the potential 'massive building scale' in my area.

I understand that 720 homes, travellers sites for 15 pitches and and industrial areas are earmarked for rayleigh.

I also found out that this was posted in the yellow advertiser, of which I have never received them because im in a new house ( was built in the 1980's) I attended a meeting of which it was a staggering shock.
my point of view is.. regarding the traveller sites, we don't want another 'CRAYS HILL SITUATION IN RAYLEIGH'. 15 pitches is quite a number and I knowing the situation and taking advantage of it, I know that lots of families of families will all try to stay on the ammenties allocated for 15 pitches, and it will easily become and 'no go area'. of which potential crime will soar,, im not prejudice, but the situation would easily remedy by suggesting that allocated 'smaller sites throughout the REGION' would be the answer... if they have to live in the area, abide by the rules and regulations of smaller easily policed sites...... i think this is acceptable for a large proportion of home owners/council tax payers.. I am a single parent through no fault of my own and I don't want to feel vulnerable because of introducing 'potential crime' to the area.

I also understand 720 homes are allocated to be built here... is that wise considering no more amenities i.e. doctors which are already at bursting point, schools are full, the traffic chaos would be a nightmare... again maybe social housing built on a smaller scale... I know it is allocated for green belt land, once this sliver of land would be touched, then residents can kiss goodbye to it, and it will be built on bit by bit...I propose the 'brown land up near the traffic lights on the a 130 near rawreth.. makes sense so as not to spoil the beauty of the surrounding areas.

the industrial site.. again I propose that it be built on the land where the tyre place on the slip road coming off the a 127 joining the a 130 would be favourable.. it makes sense as pollution levels would stay away from the housing and rural areas...

I would hope that your department acknowledges my comments on the proposals for the rayleigh/rawreth areas...

I speak on behalf of many other residents who are quite taken aback by all this proposals by this district council... which to me was kept very very quiet. I understand this was all vetoed by hockley, hullbridge , now rayleigh is the last on the list... all this was kept very quiet which I find somewhat alarming.
I hope you reconsider your allocations......

Object to the proposed development of land between London Road and Rawreth Lane.

Proposed Industrial site on London Road would also be unsuitable because of additional heavy traffic. The only suitable site in my opinion would be at the junction of the A1245 and A127, this site already has the road network in place.

Regarding the traveller sites, why not legalize the existing site on the A1245.

Additional information regarding employment land allocation at option E18.

For further details see paper copy.

Objection to E18

Suggest a new development in West Rayleigh to accommodate Rochford's housing allocation should be provided in a new village to take advantage from the highway network of A127, A130 and A1245 where all the infrastructure can be provided in a phased manner without compromising existing settlements.

Various comments received, for further details see paper copy.

Local Development Framework Allocations DPD

Thank you for allowing an extension on time for Rayleigh Town Council to submit its response to this consultation. We would like to congratulate Rochford District Council for the care and diligence taken in preparing this document. We also recognise the creation of this document has provoked many unfair criticisms. It must be recognised by all interested parties that these plans have been required by the Government under the auspices of the East of England Regional Assembly (an unelected quango) creating both socially and politically difficult circumstances.

It is the Town Council's opinion that in principal we totalling reject the validity of an unelected body to impose targets on the peoples elected representatives, such as 550 dwellings required to be built in the town of Rayleigh between now and 2021. We are therefore forced to acknowledge these basic democratic principals have been replaced by a dictatorial quango, made legal by the Government, which runs roughshod over local requirements. Given these circumstances, finding the least worst, best option is the best we can do.

We were heartened to hear that the PPS3 requirements had changed, due to vigorous lobbying by Rochford District Council to lengthen the time required to accommodate the 3,790 dwellings, this will now run till 2031, giving an average requirement build of 126 properties per year.

The Town Council having studied the various options on offer, considered site NLR5, to be the least worst, due to its ease of access to either the A129 or Rawreth Lane. It is important to maintain current sporting facilities and if option NLR5 is selected Rochford District Council must ensure that Rayleigh Town Sports and Social Club is allowed to remain at its existing site. The Town Council also feels that emphasis should be placed on co-ordinated infrastructure. With such a huge development, especially in an area through which streams run and the threat of flooding is highlighted on the Environment Agency's own research documents. Clear, concise provisions for sewerage removal and proper drainage must be put in place, even at the expense of the contractor replacing old sewerage and drainage in the area of Rawreth Lane and London Road, as a condition of the contract to build. As well as good public open spaces, youth and community facilities, a viable road and public transport system must be in place, enabling continuity and through flow of an enlarged Rayleigh population.

The East of England Regional Assembly in their East of England plan, require Rochford District Council to provide 18 pitches for Gypsies and Travellers. We acknowledge this has proved a most contentious issue in the area. The Town Council being aware of possible future problems does not wish to accept traveller sites in the district but if this is unavoidable the provision of traveller sites should be spread throughout the district and not located in one area.

The Town Council wishes to emphasise the need to attract high quality employers to the area, so the possible redevelopment of site E7 as a possible "signature industrial site" at the junction of Rayleigh Weir is extremely attractive to the further enhancement of the Town. The Town Council supports E18 (Michelins Farm) as a suitable location for a relocated Rawreth Industrial Estate. The surrounding area has fantastic housing stock and attracting high spec businesses, with the real opportunity to offer some of the finest education, healthcare, and general high quality of life in the UK, must be at the forefront of any initial planning.

This town is in a unique position to attract high quality employers, as well as having the schools to provide high quality students.
Investing in a progressive promotional programme, linking schools and high tech industries could open a new age in apprenticeships. These positive qualities should be promoted to ensure the health, wealth and well being of the residents of Rayleigh and Rochford District as a whole.

The Town Council, though acknowledging the need for houses, feels the loss of Green Belt to 2745 new dwellings in the District needs reviewing. The recent volcanic eruption in Iceland, which is continuing to have such an
adverse economical effect, is a reminder that we are an island, and we should not be giving up valuable land which could be used for food
production in the event of a national emergency. Once the land is concreted over it is lost forever. we would urge our District Councillors to seriously question these targets at this present time.

Please contact me if you require clarification of any of these points.

Rochford Site Allocations DPD

Outlined below are the Historic Environment and management (HEM) Teams comments on those options set out in the Rochford site allocations DPD. These are mainly focused upon section 2 the residential allocations and brownfield sites and section 3 new employment sites. Section 4, Environment, requires the addition of an appropriately worded section to cover the Historic Environment of the Rochford Area. This could be provided by the HEM team if required.

Section 2: Residential

Residential Land Allocations

North of London Road Rayleigh

The Rochford Historic Environment Character project identifies that the options NLR1-4 for land north of London Road as lying within an area characterised by an historic dispersed settlement pattern retaining good potential for below ground deposits (HECZ 34). Whilst there would be no objection to any of the four options suggested, given the sites adjacency to known heritage sites, the historic environment character and potential any future large scale housing development would require a programme of archaeological evaluation to ensure that the cultural heritage potential of the area is taken into account at an early stage and to make sure that opportunities for pro-active assessment, management and enhancement are fully considered.

West Rochford

The Rochford Historic Environment Character project identifies the site West of Rochford as lying within an area of high potential for surviving below ground deposits in un-quarried areas (HECZ 18). The limited archaeological knowledge of the site probably relates to a lack of fieldwork than to a genuine lack of early settlement as extensive evidence of prehistoric occupation lies to the south of the site at Westbarrow Hall. The area around the scheduled Rochford Hall should also be considered one of archaeolgocial potential, as the postulated location of medieval settlement. Whilst there would be no objection on Historic Environment grounds to any of the four options (WR1-4) suggested for land West of Rochford, given the sites adjacency to known heritage sites and its archaeological potential any future housing development would require a programme of archaeological evaluation to ensure that the cultural heritage of the area is taken into account at an early stage and to make sure that opportunities for pro-active assessment, management and enhancement are fully considered.

West Hockley

This proposed site area lies with an historic landscape of dispersed settlement which dates to the medieval or earlier periods and within a zone (HECZ 33) identified in the Rochford Historic Environment Character (HEC) project as retaining a high potential for historic environment assets. There would be no objection on Historic Environment grounds to any of the five options (HW1-5) suggested for land West of Hockley, although options WH2 or WH5 would be preferred due to previous development, they would entail the least impact on nay surviving remains. The other options would however require a programme of archaeological evaluation to ensure that the cultural heritage is taken into account at an early stage and to make sure that opportunities for pro-active assessment, management and enhancement are fully considered. Consideration should also be given to the landscape character of the are and the woodland setting.

South Hawkwell

Within the Rochford HEC the proposed development south of Hawkwell lies within the (HECZ 26), Land between Hockley and Ashingdon. This area of predominantly rural landscape slopes down to the Crouch Estuary between Hawkwell and Ashingdon, is noted for its dispersed settlement and the number of find spots, particularly of prehistoric material and its potential for archaeological sites despite little formal investigation having been carried out. Having considered the sites historic environment character and potential we would have no objection to the options (SH1-4) but given the sites archaeological potential any future housing development would require a programme of archaeological evaluation to ensure that the cultural heritage is taken into account at an early stage and to make sure that opportunities for pro-active assessment, management and enhancement are fully considered.

East Ashingdon

The site lies within Historic Environment Character Area (HECA 13) characterised by its landscape of dispersed and polyfocal settlements, church/hall complexes and historic farms. The medieval church/hall complex of Ashingdon Hall/St Andrews Church lies less than a 1km to the north while a number of halls, moated sites and farms including Apton Hall, Little Stambridge Hall, Moated site of Rectory Hall and Doggetts Farm lie closeby. The zone is also noted for the many archaeological sites of a multi-period date and the potential for archaeological survival due to lack of development. Although there is limited archaeological knowledge within the limits of the proposed site, the area has been identified as being sensitive to change. We would have no objection to the options (EA1-4) but would require a programme of archaeological evaluation to ensure that the cultural heritage is taken into account at an early stage and to make sure that opportunities for pro-active assessment, management and enhancement are fully considered.

South West Hullbridge

The Historic Environment Character Zone (HECZ 36) for land west of Hullbridge states that whilst archaeological deposits are rare, prehistoric sites are present within the inter tidal zone and in general the area has potential for deposits to survive. Two known undated earthworks at Maylons and South of Maylons lie within the proposed area while a medieval moated site is closeby. Options SWH1 and 2 have the greatest impact on the earthwork sites, Options 3 and 4, less impact. We would have no objection to the options outlined for South west Hullbridge, but would require a programme of archaeological evaluation to ensure that the cultural heritage is taken into account at an early stage and to make sure that opportunities for pro-active assessment, management and enhancement are fully considered.

South Canewdon

The Historic Environment Character Zone (HECZ 12) shows that Canewdon is an example of a late Saxon/early Medieval settlement focused on the church hall complex but surrounded by a wider dispersed pattern of manors. On comparison with similar settlements it is reasonable to assume that archaeological remains survive within and in the proximity of the historic settlement particularly those historic assets associated with the coast and historic core. Some archaeological finds have been unearthed immediately north of option SC2-4 but little to the south, further away from the historic core, in the area of SC1. We would have no objection to the options outlined for South Canewdon, but would require a programme of archaeological evaluation to ensure that the cultural heritage is taken into account at an early stage and to make sure that opportunities for pro-active assessment, management and enhancement are fully considered.

South East Ashingdon

The site lies within Historic Environment Character Area (HECA 13) characterised by its landscape of dispersed and poly-focal settlements, church/hall complexes and historic farms. The medieval church/hall complex of Ashingdon Hall/St Andrews Church lies nearby while a number of halls, moated sites and farms including Apton Hall, Little Stambridge Hall, Moated site of Rectory Hall and Doggetts Farm are in close proximity. Roman material has also been identified to the west of Doggetts Farm. The zone is also noted for the many archaeological sites of a multi-period date and the potential for archaeological survival due to lack of development. Although there is limited archaeological knowledge within the limits of the proposed site, the area has been identified as being sensitive to change. We would have no objection to the options (SEA1-3) but would require a programme of archaeological evaluation to make sure that opportunities for pro-active assessment, management and enhancement are fully considered.

West Great Wakering

Options for West Great Wakering lie within Historic Environment Zone Area (HECZ 7) an area notable for its multi period landscape dating from the Middle Bronze Age. Brickearth quarrying has had a significant impact upon the historic environment although there remains a high potential for archaeological remains in those areas not previously subject to quarrying.

We would have no objection to the options (WGW1-5), although those incorporating or part incorporating former extractions such as WGW1-3 will have the least impact upon the historic environment. Otherwise non-quarried areas (most of WGW 4 7 5 ) would require a programme of archaeological evaluation to ensure that the cultural heritage is taken into account at an early stage and to make sure that opportunities for pro-active assessment, management and enhancement are fully considered.

Brownfield Sties

Stambridge Mills

Stambridge Mill survives as a complex multi-period site comprising a wide range of buildings, structures and earthworks which together chart the development of an historic milling site dating from the 18th century or earlier. In a wider context it sits within an industrial backdrop of quays and wharfs and a prehistoric landscape, with important Bronze Age and Iron Age settlement recently unearthed at nearby Coombes Farm. We would have no objection to the redevelopment of the Stambridge Mills site, but would require historic building survey to record the complex prior to any demolition and an archaeological evaluation to ensure that the cultural heritage is taken into account at an early stage and to make sure that opportunities for pro-active assessment, management and enhancement are fully considered.

Section 3 Economic Development

Additional Employment Land to be Allocated

West of Rayleigh

The Rochford Historic Environment Character project identifies that the options for land West of Rayleigh lie within an area characterised by historic dispersed settlement retaining good potential for below ground deposits *HECZ 34). Whilst there would be no objection to the options for a new employment park, options E13 and E15 would have the least impact on the historic environment. Any future development would require a programme of archaeological evaluation to ensure that the cultural heritage potential of the area is taken into account at an early stage.

Michelins Farm

The Rochford Historic Environment Character project identifies that option E18 for employment land at Michelins Farm lies within an area characterised by multi-period settlement, as revealed during the recent excavations along the A130, with a good potential for below ground deposits (HECZ 40). Whilst there would be no objection to option E18 any future development would require a programme of archaeological evaluation to ensure that the cultural heritage potential of the area is taken into account at an early stage.

London Southend Airport and Environs

Within the Rochford Historic Environment Character report the relevant character zones (HECZ 17 & 18) identify the areas not already developed has having a high potential for the survival of historic environment assets.

The area is one which although partially disturbed through construction of the airport and modern industrial buildings retains a significant archaeological and more general historic environment potential. In addition to known sites such as the medieval church of St Lawrence, moated sites, post-medieval tile kilns and brickworks, further finds, in the area of the on-going airport railway terminal and to the west of the site indicate extensive prehistoric activity. Furthermore the airfield was established by the RFC during WW1 and was later requisitioned to become RAF Rochford, part of the Fighter Command during WWII. The airfield was heavily defended and still contains a large number of extant features relating to the security of the airfield. Any future development proposals would require a programme of archaeological evaluation to ensure that the cultural heritage potential of the area is taken into account at an early stage and to make sure that opportunities for pro-active assessment, management and enhancement are fully considered.

South of Great Wakering

Options for south of Great Wakering lie within Historic Environment Zone Area (HECZ 7) an area notable for its multi period landscape dating from the Middle Bronze Age. Brickearth quarrying has had a significant impact upon the historic environment although there remains a high potential for archaeological remains in those areas not previously subject to quarrying.

Due to quarrying options E22, south of Star Lane brickworks, and E23 & 24, south of Poynters Road have no historic environment implications and E19 would have the least impact of the remaining options. Otherwise non-quarried areas would require a programme of archaeological evaluation to ensure that the cultural heritage is taken into account at an early stage.