10. Next steps

I believe option 2a would be the best option. The people of Hockley have made it clear we do not want large scale intrusion into the town and want to keep the industrial estate. However creating the retail options and flats will be positive for the area as the existing are in a dreadful state! However what will happen to the Royal Mail sorting office? Keep Spa road roundabout as it is, you cannot increase capacity at the junction and the only option is to reduce the volume. New integrated health centre and Library is good idea.

Could you also add a drop off area in Plumberow Avenue for the station and put double yellow lines on that stretch? This will ease road congestion at peak hours.

I support Option 1 or Option 2 as I feel that this would be an improvement to Hockley Village without overcrowding it too much more. The other options are going to cause so much overcrowding in a very small area and are unnecessary, and because of this, I strongly oppose the remaining options.

It has taken me over 6 hours to make my online response to this document. This is not a fair way for the public to respond 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.

10 Next steps.

In a single option for Hockley consider:

Shopping centre -focus on Walters and Stanton to the Co op.
New houses/flats - to be under 100. Continue developments along Station Approach into the Foundry Industrial Estate (convert new unsold office block to flats), and around station. Infill and change of use.
Retail - no new supermarkets (Cost Cutters and Co op are sufficient). Aim for bespoke shops not multiples. Consider reducing rates (and rents) to encourage businesses (e.g. Harrisons) to transfer to the Centre.
Transport - see Transport section. Urge Railway to offer special off peak fares to Southend to encourage shoppers' usage.
Parking - increase parking in the Centre.
'Industry' - The Airport developments of new businesses negates expansion at Hockley for industry and offices. Focus on leisure.
Centre ambience - use any opportunities through planning rules and business rates to encourage landlords to improve shop frontage and let properties e.g. why is the shop at the corner of Bramerton Road still dormant? Any house developments to incorporate funding to improve the Centre and transport.

Previous consultations have made clear that highways infrastructure improvementa to Spar roundabout;Eldon Way;Station Approach; and Plumerow need to be determined before any redevolpment could be considered.Insufficient attention has been paid to these key requirements.

Option 1 OBJECT Insufficient benefits
Option 2 OBJECT Inappropiate changes and missed opportunities.
Options 3 and 4 OBJECT Inappropiate changes and over development

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 Roads (key priority and subject to viability confirmation)
* Improvements to Spa Roundabout e.g. Slip lanes * 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
* 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

I am pleased to see a realistic approach to the next stages including further consultation with those who make it happen or stop it in its tracks. Fortunately the plan is modular and therefore some parts could be taken forward independently of the rest. By the time the preferred option is published it would be useful to identify the modular components and the issues and dependencies affecting each. I would also hope for continued involvement of residents as the preferred option is developed.

In response to the RDC Hockley Area Action Plan 2 we have put together our thoughts to these proposals in line with your online numbering system:

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

2) We are 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. We 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. We 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. We do not believe the parking proposals are practical and the width of Spa Road should not reduce with trees planted close to shops. We 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 we 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. We 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. We 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. We 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. We 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. We 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 we 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. We 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. We 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 we have experienced of shared junctions we 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 we 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. We believe the new northern entrance to the train station is also a good idea. We do not believe the parallel parking proposals are practical and the width of Spa Road should not reduce with trees planted close to shops. We 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 we 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) It took one of our members over 6 hours to make my online response to this document. This is not a fair way for the public to respond especially as this is the second consultation on this subject. We believe the public now have consultation fatigue and will not respond in sufficient numbers to get a realistic opinion.

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.

We note from your next steps that you are planning to meet with shop keepers. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss our comments or anything else in relation to the HAAP. We are very keen to be involved throughout this process in a constructive way.

In terms of styling we would like to comment that the HAAP document is very long, pitched at a high level and uses jargonistic terms. The models are difficult to follow and compare in the format of the report. Given that this is meant to be a public document for consultation we think it would have been helpful if it had at least an executive summary in plain English to ensure that people have the best chance to understand it. Also to aid understanding we think it would be helpful to the public if you included a list as an appendix of the shops that you refer to, instead of just quoting their numbers.

This has been the cause of much concern to our family and to others within Hockley and it would have been helpful if it had clearly set out your intentions upfront i.e. this is going to lead to a blue print for future development which may or may not happen. It is not something that RDC are looking to implement with a big bang or by compulsory purchase.

We have previously provided comments on the Issues and Options document in early 2009. Our comments included advice on Sustainable Development, Sustainable Drainage Systems and Biodiversity and landscaping. These comments remain valid and should be considered in future iterations of the AAP.

In addition, we note that some parts of the AAP area may be subject to land contamination due to there past uses. We recommend that consideration should be given to this matter in taking the AAP forward.

Furthermore, should the proposed future development include industrial development or other potentially polluting land uses, it will need to be ensured that adequate pollution control measures are in place.

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.

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.

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.

Set out overleaf are officer comments on the consultation document which are provided as the representation of Essex County Council in respect of the consultation on the Options Report.

It is noted that next steps in preparation of the Plan will include discussion with key stakeholders, including Essex County Council (Chapter 10, page 70, column 1). The County Council would welcome early discussion of issues relating to delivery of its range of services that arise from preparation of the Plan. I would be pleased to arrange the necessary introductions and contacts to enable positive discussion.

General Comment

Essex County Council welcomes the initiative of Rochford District Council to prepare an Area Action Plan for Hockley. The Area Action Plan, with its emphasis on the centre of Hockley, would assist revitalisation of commercial and leisure activity at a key focal point in the District. This would strengthen the role of the area and help meet the future needs of the local community in support of the vision and objectives of the Core Strategy.

The County Council does not wish to express a view on the selection of the options presented in the consultation document, viewing that as a matter for the local community. Nevertheless, the County Council considers that future stages in preparation of the Plan would be assisted by further consideration of,

* accessibility by all means of travel. The Highways Authority would welcome early discussion on accessibility issues and transport options and proposals. To assist this process further detailed comment below sets out key matters for discussion.
* implementation and delivery of the modular approach set out in the options. Within the presentation of the options, greater clarity is needed on the relationship between proposed land use changes and the required transport provision and area improvement infrastructure. In particular, further information is required on the financial viability of the proposals and the linkage between land use change and infrastructure provision.
* the implications for continued operation of existing businesses during implementation and delivery of the preferred option. Implementation could take an extended period of time given the weak commercial demand in the area and could be accompanied by delay between land use change and infrastructure provision. Extended disruption in the centre could adversely affect the attractiveness of existing businesses, thereby reducing the vitality and viability of the centre and diminishing the benefits sought by the Plan.
* design issues and the needs of mobility and visually impaired members of the community to access and use the services and facilities easily and safely, for instance, the use of shared spaces and of stepped kerbs.
* the mapping of existing community infrastructure, including schools and early years and childcare facilities.

It is noted that next steps in preparation of the Plan will include discussion with key stakeholders, including Essex County Council (Chapter 10, page 70, column 1). The County Council would welcome early discussion of issues relating to delivery of its range of services that arise from preparation of the Plan. In respect of transportation matters an initial set of comments is set out below to afford the District Council and its consultants an early opportunity to prepare for their suggested future discussions. The Highway Authority will require further analysis to be provided in order to reach a considered opinion on the options identified within the consultation document and to advise on transport requirements for the preferred option.


Accessibility Issues and Transport Options and Proposals

A. The options, as currently presented in the consultation document, raise a general issue in terms of the balance to be struck between the need for extra car parking and the needs to address congestion hotspots and to make the town more attractive for other modes of transport. There is a requirement for presentation of a more detailed analysis of the effect of the provision of extra free car parking on the network and on other modes of transport using the network.

B. Southend Road / Spa Road roundabout - any changes to the existing layout of this junction would require a detailed design incorporating safety audit and junction modelling, including traffic surveys and vehicle swept path analyses. Improvement to the existing zebra crossings by upgrading to signalised crossings could potentially improve vehicle flows and manage crossing pedestrians.

C. Realignment / provision of parking bays on Spa Road - a survey of utilities could potentially identify numerous facilities along Spa Road, with the cost implication of diversions, adversely affecting the deliverability of the Plan. Any road realignment along Spa Road would need to ensure that visibility splays are maintained to Highway standards. Similarly, any changes to the road width to provide parking bays would also require capacity assessment of the carriageway. The Highway Authority would require further information to assess these proposals.

D. Station Approach / Spa Road - any extension of car parking facilities at the station would need careful consideration in terms of its impact on the Station Approach/Spa Road junction and also the ability for all modes of transport, especially pedestrians, to gain access to the station. A station travel plan should be prepared for implementation in conjunction with any new works. The removal of the existing roundabout would create a 'crossroads' style junction which may lead to increased safety concerns regarding vehicle movements associated with the existing residential/business areas. The Highway Authority would require further information on pedestrian and vehicle flows at the Station Road/Spa Road junction to determine the need for junction improvements. There are safety implications as the junction is currently used to enable access to the station, residential areas and the business park.

E. Implementation and Delivery - the Highway Authority would promote improvements encouraging modal shift and use of more sustainable forms of transport -including improved public transport infrastructure enhancements and provision for cyclists. Any proposal which seeks to create pedestrian links should also incorporate cycling infrastructure where appropriate. The focus on pedestrian and cycling routes is welcome as a means of widening travel choice and enabling reduced use of motorised vehicles for local journeys. Such routes should also contribute to 'Safer Journeys to School' and be considered alongside traffic speed reduction measures, especially in the vicinity of schools and early years and childcare facilities.

F. Appropriate text and provision should be included in the Plan for,
* developer contributions to be sought from future development in the area.
* car parking provision to conform to the EPOA parking standards.
* provision of Transport Assessments or Transport Statements for defined proposals.