What have you told us so far?

It is of vital importance to carry out a compete 'Full Survey' of Infrastructure requirements in our Village of Hullbridge. And even more important to act to complete all those items identified, prior to increasing any further developments within the vicinity.

Our local 'Parish Council' have a several page'd list of outstanding road and pathway issues, which they are unable to get action'd by Essex County Highways, due to their unreasonable and outdated 'Priority Grading System'. This situation is unacceptable in modern times and shows a real lack of operational organisation within Essex County Council department.

This extends from Zebra Crossings and General Road Markings, Speed Signage, Community Building Signage etc. to Paved Areas, Both Made-up and Unmade Road and Paved Surfaces.
Broken, Missing and Damaged Safety Bollards and Lamp Posts in the main Ferry Road shopping area.

On a more positive note, I would like to suggest an improvement to the environmental/welfare of the village. By paving and marking out 'Watery Lane/Beeches Road' as a Pedestrian/Cycle Route.
Allowing only vehicle use by local residential and business traffic.
This to be supplemented by Traffic Calming Measures.
Object: - To encourage a safe outdoor exercise and fresh air activity for all residents.

I think section 5.8 tells you all that you need to know in terms of local public opinion in relation to the Local Plan. Rochford is a lovely place to live but like anything it needs nurturing for it to remain this way. I am concerned about the numbers of new homes (and potential developments), I realise we need homes for people but developments such as the one on Hall Road seem massively out of keeping with the rest of Rochford and it's like a 'mini' village has been built in Rochford without due care and attention being given to the strain it will inevitably put on the doctors, schools and road network. All planning applications need to be given due care and attention and it is not enough to just home people, we have to be able to take care of them once they are homed. Also we need to ensure that we protect the green areas in Rochford and not be allowed to build on gardens, parks etc. Rochford will not be a green and pleasant place IF every green space is removed.

Maldon District Council Comments on the Rochford District Council New Local Plan: Issues and Options Document 2017
Forming the first stage of the Local Plan review, the Issues and Options Document identifies a series of strategic priorities and objectives to support the draft vision for the future of Rochford District. These are supported by key planning issues that have been identified for a number of themes, and potential options to deal with these issues.
Document Page, Policy and/or Paragraph Number Comments
Our Vision and Strategic Objectives
5. Our Vision and Strategic Objectives 5.8 Maldon Council supports a number of key ideas and themes that have come from paragraph 5.8. Improving the strategic infrastructure network is a shared objective for both authorities; the Southminster branch line holds a significant relationship with the Southend train line, which must be safeguarded and enhanced.
Delivering Homes and Jobs
Pg. 32. Para. 6.9 The revised OAN now expresses a range of between 331 and 361 homes per year. To effectively meet the revised OAN, all possible options must be considered including a review of Green Belt land. With the current pressures on housing need as a national issue, there needs a balance between serving strategic housing allocations and mitigating the consequences, such as loss of greenfield land.
Pg. 39. Para. 6.31 Provided the national threshold for affordable housing is 10 units or 1000sqm, which has been widely adopted by most local authorities, it would seem appropriate to use this threshold as local policy given the pressures on affordable housing as a national issue.
Pg. 56. Para. 6.86 Retention of or amendments to strengthen the existing policy would be supported by the Council. Any amendments which would be detrimental to the landscape, ecology and/or biodiversity of the River Crouch would be objected to.
Pg. 58. Para. 6.91 With a revised OAN of 6620-7220 homes from 2017-2037, the assessed need of up to 16 hectares of 'new' employment land between 2016-2036 would need to be appropriately situated to align with a vision that seeks increased provisions for sustainable transport and sustainable communities.
Delivering Infrastructure
Pg. 85. Para. 8.26 Although there are limitations on the level of influence local planning authorities have on the level of provision with regard to public transport, the level of provision is based on the use of services. When identifying strategic housing allocations within the district, this must be taken into consideration.
Protecting and Enhancing our Environment
Pg. 127. Para. 10.26 It should be emphasised that there will be a close working relationship between all contributing authorities in the preparation and production of the Essex Coastal Recreational Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy and that there must be a Duty to Cooperate.
Pg. 127. Para. 10.27 Retaining or amending policy ENV1 to strengthen the current policy is supported.



Additional Comments
Reference to Wallasea Island in the Burnham-on-Crouch Neighbourhood Plan Referenced within the 'made' Burnham-on-Crouch Neighbourhood Development Plan, the town will encourage the RSPB to invest appropriately in facilities that will encourage visitors to travel sustainably between Burnham-on-Crouch and Wallasea. The Council supports the aspirations of the Burnham-on-Crouch Neighbourhood Plan in this regard and wishes these aspirations to be acknowledged by Rochford District Council.
Speed Limits on the River Crouch With reference to the River Crouch, the Council seeks the acknowledgment of Rochford District Council with regard to the issues related to the omitted speed restrictions and a commitment to overcome these challenges. The sensitive shorelines of the River Crouch have been noted to be a high priority for conservation within Maldon District Council and therefore would like to form an open and productive dialogue with Rochford District Council to mitigate the relevant issues.