4. Overarching framework and principles

Showing comments and forms 121 to 150 of 151

Object

Hockley Area Action Plan Options Report

Representation ID: 27535

Hockley Area Action Plan Options Report

Representation ID: 27595

Received: 24/01/2011

Respondent: Mrs J Sheepbush

Representation Summary:

Full text:

Object

Hockley Area Action Plan Options Report

Representation ID: 27604

Hockley Area Action Plan Options Report

Representation ID: 27626

Received: 27/01/2011

Respondent: C Radley

Representation Summary:

Full text:

Object

My Response to the RDC HAAP

In response to the RDC Hockley Area Action Plan 2 please find my thoughts on these proposals in line with your online numbering system:

1) I would like to retain the village feel but would also like to see some gradual improvements to the village centre. I can not support any of the five proposals but would like to see some of the improvements included within them.

2) I am not against studies but this is the second major study on this subject and each one adds cost to our council tax.

3) Producing a heavy weight document that prevented printing and general distribution and expecting the public to fill in a complicated online response for a second time is an unfair method of consultation. I believe the public now have consultation fatigue and will not respond in sufficient numbers.

4) One of the obvious locations for improvement is the Foundry Estate that is missing from the list.

5) Option 1. This appears to replace existing single story shops near the Factory Shop with single story shops. I believe a recent proposal to use the Factory Shop car park for a takeaway food outlet has already been turned down in the planning stage. I do not believe the parking proposals are practical and the width of Spa Road should not reduce with trees planted close to shops. I do not believe table top crossings are a good idea. They will certainly not solve the traffic issues.

6) Option 2. To just replace the Coop funeral parlour and not the other single story buildings in this are does not make sense. Additional offices are not required as there are empty units on the Foundry Estate. Existing shops should not be turned into homes. The proposed redevelopment of the existing library and health centre to provide a new combined community centre with library and health facilities should not be squeezed into the area allocated and should not include shops in this area. Consideration should be given to include and replace the Indian restaurant area and the shop opposite Walton & Stanton's to bring the building line back from the road for Spa Junction improvements. This junction should be replaced with modern computer controlled traffic lights with additional lanes. The access to the car park should be taken from Woodlands Road. A new home on Spa Road, close to the train station is unnecessary. The creation of a new parking area on the south side of the train station, for weekday commuters is a good idea but I do not believe it will be used by weekend shoppers. The vehicular drop-off and pick-up points should not be in the car park but at the station. Maybe the seating area at the side of Kilnfield House could be utilized. I do not believe the parallel parking proposals are practical and the width of Spa Road should not reduce with trees planted close to shops. Potters parking should not be changed especially as parking for flats would be necessary. If a green link walk way was created through the churchyard a crossing should be provided to cross Southend Road at its end.

Option 2a. I do not like the look of the proposed new shops and flats. They look like a bland row of characterless council homes. The sorting office area should not be used unless a replacement is built first, as we should not loose jobs unnecessarily. If the sorting office area was used the Junction of Eldon Way and Spa Road should be widened with a roundabout and Eldon way should be used to access a new free shopping car park. This also appears to replace existing single story shops near the Factory Shop with single story shops. I believe a recent proposal to use the Factory Shop car park for a takeaway food outlet has already been turned down in the planning stage. Something should be included to replace the Foundry area. The area from Walton & Stanton's to Harrison's restaurant should also be replaced and additional parking provided.

7) Option 3. To replace the relatively modern building opposite Potters that appears to be in current use makes no sense.
The proposed redevelopment of the existing library and health centre to provide a new combined community centre with library and health facilities should not be squeezed into the area allocated and should not include shops in this area. Consideration should be given to include and replace the Indian restaurant area and the shop opposite Walton & Stanton's to bring the building line back from the road for Spa Junction improvements. The shops opposite Walton & Stanton's should be replaced with homes not shops and should be accessed only from Woodlands Road. This junction should be replaced with modern computer controlled traffic lights with additional lanes. The access to the car park should only be taken from Woodlands Road. I cannot find the proposed replacement of poor quality building on Southend Road, with retail and homes to the rear. Additional offices are not required as there are empty units on the Foundry Estate. Existing shops should not be turned into homes. The replacement of the Coop is unnecessary. This also appears to replace existing single story shops near the Factory Shop with single story shops. I believe a recent proposal to use the Factory Shop car park for a takeaway food outlet has already been turned down in the planning stage. A new home on Spa Road, close to the train station is unnecessary. The creation of a new parking area on the south side of the train station, for weekday commuters is a good idea but I do not believe it will be used by weekend shoppers. The vehicular drop-off and pick-up points should not be in the car park but at the station. Maybe the seating area at the side of Kilnfield House could be utilized. I do not believe the parallel parking proposals are practical and the width of Spa Road should not reduce with trees planted close to shops. Spa Junction should be replaced with modern computer controlled traffic lights with additional lanes. Potters parking should not be changed especially as parking for flats would be necessary. If a green link walk way was created through the churchyard a crossing should be provided to cross Southend Road at its end. The proposed redevelopment of the existing library and health centre to provide a new combined community centre with library and health facilities should not be squeezed into the area allocated and should not include shops in this area. Consideration should be given to include and replace the Indian restaurant area and the shop opposite Walton & Stanton's to bring the building line back from the road for Spa Junction improvements. The shops opposite Walton & Stanton's should be replaced with homes not shops and should be accessed only from Woodlands Road.

Option 3a. The new housing is provided to the north of the railway line, along Plumberow Avenue is a good idea but it would increase the traffic at the junction with Greensward Lane. I believe the new northern entrance to the train station is also a good idea.

8) Transport Options. The proposed modified roundabout would improve the situation but from schemes I have experienced of shared junctions I believe they are dangerous and should not be considered at this busy intersection. Consideration should be given to include and replace the Indian restaurant area and the shop opposite Walton & Stanton's to bring the building line back from the road for Spa Junction improvements. The shops opposite Walton & Stanton's should be replaced with homes not shops and should be accessed only from Woodlands Road. This junction should be replaced with modern computer controlled traffic lights with additional lanes. The access to the Southend Road car park should only be taken from Woodlands Road. The creation of a new parking area on the south side of the train station, for weekday commuters is a good idea but I do not believe it will be used by weekend shoppers. The vehicular drop-off and pick-up points should not be in the car park but at the station. Maybe the seating area at the side of Kilnfield House could be utilized. I believe the new northern entrance to the train station is also a good idea. I do not believe the parallel parking proposals are practical and the width of Spa Road should not reduce with trees planted close to shops. I believe the new northern entrance to the train station is also a good idea. If the sorting office area was used the Junction of Eldon Way and Spa Road should be widened with a roundabout and Eldon way should be used to access a new free shopping car park.

9) Funding & Delivery. In the current financial climate I believe this kind of development will not happen. There seems be little demand for new shops and offices and even the demand for homes is hampered by the restrictions on mortgages. Any new developments would have to be carried out by a major developer who would need to pay for any infrastructure required.

10) To expect the public to make my online response to this document is not a fair request especially as this is the second consultation on this subject. I believe the public now have consultation fatigue and will not respond in sufficient numbers to get a realistic opinion.

Comment

Hockley Area Action Plan Options Report

Representation ID: 27752

Received: 02/02/2011

Respondent: Mr Peter Symes

Representation Summary:

Pg 14 Framework - consider moving Health facility at Eldon Way to site near Jones practice surgery/library - believe this was in original HAAP, but hasn't been carried over. Land to west of Eldon Way along Sap Road could all potentially be converted to housing.

Full text:

Sirs,

We have previously raised objections to the HAAP, by e-mail and presume that despite the note on the RDC website methods other than use of the online link remain valid (we cannot be alone in finding the online "facility"
unhelpful).

Where we refer to option 2 and or 3 it refers to all variations of these options unless stated otherwise

Firstly we believe that the council should be clearer on the reasons for the necessity of the plan. We understand that this is two-fold:-
1) without a plan the council is stranded when refusing planning permission (particularly for housing and commercial development)
2) The council wishes to press ahead with housing development (despite national government withdrawing the requirement for 3,000+ homes in the are), because national government offers a council tax matching incentive, which will double the council's income from any housing development. This is referred to in the final pages of the document "Funding & Delivery - New Homes Bonus". Report also fails to mention other approved housing developments and proposals that have or are taking place at present and how many houses are actually being built in the area or have been built in last decade. These need to be offset against RDC's insistence in pressing ahead for more housing. Options 2 and 3 are unacceptable because of the extensive

Introduction - low density nature and reasonable character are mentioned yet several of the options (2 & 3) seek to completely destroy this and should therefore be rejected.

Firstly observe that the document is incorrect and out-of-date in places.

Pg 4 Retail Study - Alldays is now occupied; a second "supermarket" opened (although currently closed following a fire it is presumed it will re-open); planning application has been submitted to Factory Shop car park (which surely should be refused, given that other alternative locations exist and one of the main issues with Hockley is the lack of parking in the High St.

Noted that all the maps of Hockley show Spa roundabout as "give way" on all sides - this is incorrect vehicles exiting Spa Road and Woodlands Road are required to stop.

Pg 4 and options 2 and 3 are insistent on the provision of further office space there are however several office locations awaiting letting (around Spa Roundabout and Kilnfield House are prime examples.

Still on pg 4 - improvements to frontage are mentioned, but nothing about considering potential to use historic style shopfronts to try and keep in line with older premises e.g. Spa and avoiding neon signage

Physical context and much of the report fails to mention that B1013 is already the busiest B road in Essex, continued development all along the road e.g. opp Rayleigh Cemetery and various in fill sites, plus proposals for Hall Road and Ironwell Lane will only lead to more traffic, as will any development in Hockley and Hawkwell. Any development should therefore be on a small scale 10's or 100's of dwellings are not acceptable.

Pg 8 Consultation feedback whilst agree with most comments questionable whether there are enough participants for this to be representative.

Pg 10 Foundry Industrial estate is not mentioned - existing businesses should be encouraged to stay, but consideration (if housing really must
occur) give to conversion of unoccupied premises. Area next to Station platform on South side, now proposed as a car park would also make suitable housing option - curious as to why this hasn't been explored - are there proposals to widen the rail network for freight?

Pg 14 Framework - consider moving Health facility at Eldon Way to site near Jones practice surgery/library - believe this was in original HAAP, but hasn't been carried over. Land to west of Eldon Way along Sap Road could all potentially be converted to housing.

Option 1
This offers very few benefits and doesn't go far enough in protecting the area. As with the whole of the document it is unhelpful in not naming the current occupier of the premises where changes are envisaged e.g the warehouse style premises at 2 Main Road and 34-40 Spa Road? It also isn't explained how established businesses are meant to adopt the plan.

Opening up the parking is a good idea, but with the Funeral Parlour at former Alldays site is likely to prove impossible there for the present.

Enhancing green pedestrian link between Bramerton Road and Eldon Way - Wasn't even aware there was a green link that's how well used that is

Why however, to ease stress on the road has a through road from Eldon Way to the Station not been considered - this would link two industrial sites provide additional access to the leisure facilities and remove some of the issues around the station. Indeed may be worth considering that this should be the only way of driving to the station - make station approach exit only and introduce waiting area?

What is "secondary road treatment" pg 22?

Would question planting of additional trees only seem to attract litter and dog's mess at the moment

Option 2 Unacceptable as it stands. If the council insist on building further premises, why are they to be built on some of the few attractions to Hockley i.e. Monkey Business and the Bowling Alley? Surely better use would be conversion of some of the premises on the Foundry Estate, particularly Kilnfield House, which is only partially occupied and would fit in as flats with the existing flats in the area (all of which actually were an improvement to what was there before).

We also have reference to more office space, but the existing office space is not utilised (Spa roundabout and Kilnfield House for example.

Again why only a pedestrian link to station from Eldon Way and not a road?
Why not provide pedestrian link from High St and open up existing Car Parks to rear of most of these properties - as with area behind shops on Main Road which is always utilised. Could link not also run though Pub beer garden or Old Fire Station area?

Pg 26 what is stronger frontage - meaningless phrase.

"a is even worse - development makes it look like a city suburb (perhaps preparation for Southend getting City status and Rochford being swallowed
up?) Where do all these premises go and in respect of the sorting office especially the jobs?

Major concern is that the redevelopment of Eldon Way is merely an excuse to try and move business to airport in order that the council can justify the
(over) development of the surrounding green belt there. Why are Council even considering movement of business attractions to Hockley e.g. Bowling and Monkey Business, just need to make access easier and these elements will surely bring trade.

Pg 35 C - why not housing if housing is necessary D - consider road entry/exit via Eldon Way to Station and exit only from Station Approach and/or alternate one-way on that Road and Spa Road between Station Approach and Eldon Way Evening/Morning

E - what about deliveries of stock etc

Option 3 - as with 2 this represents significant over development and is unacceptable in current form.

Pg 42 - Replacement of poor quality building on Southend Road - which one not specified New homes in churchyard curious option - access for cars etc and how does this fit with development proposed on Factory Shop car park?? Seems to be unnecessary cramming

Pg 44 table top crossing - doesn't mention whether the comparable sites are actually as busy as this road (very much doubt it) - one of the major issues at Spa roundabout is that drivers often commit offences (speeding, mobile 'phones etc), fail to signal correctly and fail to use the roundabout as intended (cut across). Simple improvement may be to introduce a flexible bollard to ensure vehicles navigate properly at low speed?

Pg 53 6 replacing existing business with so many houses, no consideration of infrastructure requirements, drainage and effluent waste - (flooding and power problems exist on the Betts Farm Estate of this nature and will surely be mirrored here).

Pg 59 - doubtful this would work, insufficient vehicles turning right from Southend Road to permit vehicles to exit Spa Road. Also poor sight lines for vehicles turning left

Pg 63 varying heights are a nightmare for elderly and partially sighted especially in poor weather. Further problems would occur if there is a repeat of the recent lack of gritting of surrounding roads and pavement areas.

Pg 68 Without repeating previous arguments there seems little justification for further office building when can't let existing. How is it justified that demand is strong - there are several sites that are long term vacant - Alldays only recently occupied, Butchers recently occupied as a taxi office (why they needed such a big space - perhaps they though they could park in it); Greengrocers, Electrical Store and further back on Main Road old Chemist, plus various sites opposite Potters.

All in all seems council want too many houses and to move established businesses without properly considering how to make pedestrian access and movement easier and therefore proposals should be rejected.

Object

Hockley Area Action Plan Options Report

Representation ID: 27762

Received: 03/02/2011

Respondent: Mrs Margaret Hooper

Representation Summary:

Full text:

Comment

Hockley Area Action Plan Options Report

Representation ID: 27769

Representation ID: 27792

Received: 10/01/2011

Respondent: Mr and Mrs Rungay

Representation Summary:

Full text:

I/we wish to register the following objections regarding the above consultation:

Chapter 4. Overarching Frame work: Object: Previous consultations have made clear that highways infrastructure improvements to the key junctions at: Spa roundabout; Eldon Way; Station Approach and Plumberow need to be determined as a precursor to any redevelopment. Insufficient attention has been paid to these key requirements.

Option 1: Object: Insufficient benefits.

Option 2a: Object: Inappropriate changes and missed opportunities.

Options 3: Object: Inappropriate changes and over development.

Options 3a: Object: Inappropriate changes and over development.

Chapter 8. Transport options: Object: Previous consultations have made clear that highways infrastructure improvements to the key junctions at: Spa roundabout; Eldon Way; Station Approach and Plumberow need to be determined as a precursor to any redevelopment. Insufficient attention has been paid to these key requirements and the sketch proposals provided have not been researched and may not be viable.

Option 2: Object: This option forms the basis of an appropriate plan but does not go far enough but support an enhanced version as follows (changes in italics):

Roads (key priority and subject to viability confirmation)

Improvements to Spa Roundabout e.g. Slip lanes or Table top crossing
Improvements to Eldon Way, Station Approach, and Plumberow junctions

Parking:

Added/Consolidated parking square behind shops on west side of Spa Road reached via Eldon Way and (if possible) Bramerton Rd
Added on-street parallel parking in Spa Road and pick-up/drop-off points both sides of Hockley Station

Building changes

Redevelop shops on Southside of Main Road, opposite Potters, to remove 'pinch -point' on B1013
Change from retail to housing at Costcutters Parade of shops
Modernised retail units with 4 flats above Seemore Glass
Modernised retail units with 2 added retail units at Factory Shop/Car park area (to remain single storey)
Redevelop Co-Op Undertakers etc and extend to join existing shops either side, removing access roads creating additional Retail
Community centre with library/health centre/shops at current library location with 13 flats and 2 retail units
2 large format retail units in Eldon Way (delete from proposals)
Replacement of one industrial building with light industry/ offices/ parking square on Eldon Way
Retail unit near station in Spa Road replaced by house
Housing on north side of Station along Plumberow Ave, to include railway drop-off point
Retail option (possibly a market) to be considered for Sorting Office site
Options for undeveloped portion of Foundry Estate to be considered.

General

Enhanced station frontage & Pedestrian link to Eldon Way (but care re safety considerations)
Enhanced shop fronts, paving and streetscape Spa Road / Main Road / Southend Road
Improved safety, consolidated and new leisure space on Eldon Way
Flexible employment opportunities, enhanced frontages to leisure/other buildings on Eldon Way
New link through Catholic Church from Spa Road to Southend Road