Q63a. Do you agree with our vision for Rawreth? Is there anything you feel is missing? [Please state reasoning]
Object
New Local Plan: Spatial Options Document 2021
Representation ID: 38022
Received: 20/08/2021
Respondent: Mr Steven Kjar
negative impact on green belt and agricultural land. impact on infrastructure.
negative impact on green belt and agricultural land. impact on infrastructure.
Object
New Local Plan: Spatial Options Document 2021
Representation ID: 38028
Received: 20/08/2021
Respondent: Mr Steven Kjar
Housing proposal will have a negative impact on green belt and agricultural land. Existing infrastructure can't handle more traffic.
Housing proposal will have a negative impact on green belt and agricultural land. Existing infrastructure can't handle more traffic.
Object
New Local Plan: Spatial Options Document 2021
Representation ID: 38030
Received: 20/08/2021
Respondent: Mr Steven Kjar
Housing proposal will have a negative impact on green belt and agricultural land. Existing infrastructure can't handle more traffic.
Housing proposal will have a negative impact on green belt and agricultural land. Existing infrastructure can't handle more traffic.
Object
New Local Plan: Spatial Options Document 2021
Representation ID: 38032
Received: 20/08/2021
Respondent: Mr Steven Kjar
Housing proposal will have a negative impact on green belt and agricultural land. Existing infrastructure can't handle more traffic.
Housing proposal will have a negative impact on green belt and agricultural land. Existing infrastructure can't handle more traffic.
Object
New Local Plan: Spatial Options Document 2021
Representation ID: 38850
Received: 14/09/2021
Respondent: Stuart Watson
Rawreth is developed enough already. Stop building more houses. Stop any kind of building/development on green belt land.
Rawreth is developed enough already. Stop building more houses. Stop any kind of building/development on green belt land.
Object
New Local Plan: Spatial Options Document 2021
Representation ID: 38973
Received: 16/09/2021
Respondent: Mrs kathryn Gilbert
No further development should be allowed within Rawreth until the infrastructure is in place. Roads, schools, gps, hospital. Any development in this area only increases the traffic on the already busy roads in and around Rayleigh. Public transport is poor so cars will be used for school runs, shopping, travel to station or work and current road links are inadequate. The jams that result increase air polution as well as causing frustration and annoyance.
No further development should be allowed within Rawreth until the infrastructure is in place. Roads, schools, gps, hospital. Any development in this area only increases the traffic on the already busy roads in and around Rayleigh. Public transport is poor so cars will be used for school runs, shopping, travel to station or work and current road links are inadequate. The jams that result increase air polution as well as causing frustration and annoyance.
Comment
New Local Plan: Spatial Options Document 2021
Representation ID: 39901
Received: 22/09/2021
Respondent: Bloor Homes
Agent: Wood Plc
Land east of Wickford sits within Rawreth parish but is fundamentally related to and links to Wickford/Shotgate, lying east of the A130. Engagement with the parish council will be central to our approach, including how the wider transport, green infrastructure, sports pitches, school and
local centre to benefit existing residents in this area.
1. Introduction
These representations are submitted by Wood Group UK Ltd (Wood) on behalf of Bloor Homes Ltd.
⚫ Section 2 provides a summary response to the Spatial Options consultation,
specifically in support the ‘Potential Cross-Boundary Opportunity’ east of Wickford,
explaining why the site should be part of whichever Strategy Option is taken forward
as it performs so well.
⚫ Section 3 sets out further detailed justification for a strategic land allocation to the
east of Wickford - centred on the release of sites CFS222 and CFS239 from the Green
Belt and improvements to remaining Green Belt in this area1
- in the context of
national Green Belt policy, sustainability, limited harm and the Council’s evidence base.
⚫ Section 4 explains the specific opportunities and benefits associated with a strategic
land allocation east of Wickford, supported by a concept masterplan and proposed
revision to the Green Belt boundary. This is intended to aid understanding of the
significant potential of this location.
⚫ Section 5 provides answers to the specific questions identified in the consultation
document.
2. Summary
A strategic site allocation to the east of Wickford has such significant credentials in sustainability
and Green Belt terms that it should be allocated as a strategic site whichever Strategy Option is
taken forward - the allocation could be central to Strategy Options 2, 3 or 4. Option 1 (urban
intensification) is unsound given that it does not meet the district’s housing needs and would not
constitute a positively prepared plan.
The size and status of Wickford as essentially a Tier 1 settlement equivalent to Rayleigh at the top
of Rochford’s settlement hierarchy means that this is where development should be focussed.
Wickford is a highly sustainable location for growth and development. It has a range of services,
two secondary schools, strategic employment, retail and a recently upgraded railway station
providing trains to London Liverpool Street. This is all within close proximity to land east of Wickford, which adjoins Wickford Business Park, lies on the A129 high frequency public transport
corridor and is just a 15-minute bus/cycle journey to the railway station and town centre.
In Green Belt terms the ‘exceptional circumstances’ for reviewing boundaries required by NPPF140
are evidenced and justified by the lack of available land outside the Green Belt to meet the district’s
needs through to 2040. When reviewing Green Belt boundaries, the promotion of sustainable
patterns of development and use of previously developed land or sites well-served by public
transport are policy requirements (NPPF142) which the site supports given the sustainability
credentials outlined above. The extent of land controlled by Bloor in this location also provides
the opportunity for compensatory improvements to the remaining Green Belt, through the
provision of new/enhanced sports pitches, biodiversity net-gain and improvements to
walking/cycle links (also NPPF142).
Land east of Wickford is well-related to the urban edge, is visually well-contained, already contains
urbanising influences and has the long term robust boundary of the A130. The presence of the
A130 as such a strong recognisable physical barrier - central to defining Green Belt boundaries
through plan-making under NPPF143(f) - is a particular advantage that other strategic Green Belt
locations in Rochford district do not have (for example, in contrast, there is no such significant and
defensible barrier for development sites centred on Strategy Option 3b, north of Southend).
Release of land east of Wickford will therefore not result in urban sprawl, nor lead to neighbouring
towns merging or encroachment into the countryside. In Green Belt terms land east of Wickford is
a unique opportunity and the best performing strategic location for Green Belt land release,
resulting in the least harm.
From a landscape and heritage perspective it also one of the best performing strategic locations
assessed as part of the Spatial Options consultation (again, in contrast, Strategy Option 3b is in
proximity to designated heritage assets and in an area with low landscape capacity to
accommodate new development). It also an area of lower landscape sensitivity when compared
with other options.
As illustrated on the accompanying plans (Appendix A), a strategic site allocation east of Wickford
can deliver around 1,500 new homes and employment at a scale which supports the delivery of
new community infrastructure, including a primary school and new local centre (convenience retail
and other community facilities). An allocation here would reduce the pressure on other
communities in Rochford district.
In terms of delivery, the land is all under the single control of Bloor Homes, a 5* housebuilder
committed to working with Rochford District Council, the local community and key stakeholders to
realise the opportunities presented by this important opportunity.
3. Justification for a strategic land allocation /
cross boundary opportunity east of Wickford
3.1 Green Belt
NPPF Green Belt Policy
Exceptional circumstances (NPPF140)
The case for exceptional circumstances for Green Belt land release in Rochford – as required by
NPPF140 - is established under Strategy Options 2 and 3. As recognised on page 29 of the Spatial
Options, Strategy Option 1 (urban intensification), predicated on no Green Belt land release, will
not meet Rochford’s growth needs, and is therefore unlikely to be considered sound, being not
positively prepared. Green Belt land is needed. The question is where the best locations are to do
so whilst limiting the overall harm to the Green Belt and with respect to the requirements of
NPPF142 and NPPF143 in particular.
Promoting sustainable patterns of development and giving first consideration to land which has
been previously-developed ‘and/or’ is well-served by public transport (NPPF142)
Wickford is rightly recognised as equivalent to a Tier 1 settlement2
– i.e. the top of the settlement
hierarchy alongside Rayleigh. It has two secondary schools, strategic employment and retail, with
Wickford railway station - recently subject to a £4m package of improvements – providing trains
into London Liverpool Street.
Land east of Wickford is highly sustainable, as supported by the Council’s evidence base, including
the Complete Communities Topic Paper. As shown on Figure 4 of this topic paper the site adjoins
frequent public transport (more than 4 services per hour), with bus stops to the north west
(Southend Road roundabout3
), east (A129/Old London Road) and west (Hodgson Way). As part of
a strategic site allocation there is the potential to route a bus into the site and enhance
accessibility.
As supported by the Site Appraisal Paper all key facilities are nearby, including secondary school
(Beachamps High), local shops and Post Office (centred around the junction of Southend
Road/Fanton Walk/Bruce Grove), healthcare (Shotgate Surgery), jobs and employment (at
Dollymans Farm, Wickford Business Park & Fanton Hall Farm). Furthermore, the site is well-located
in proximity to extensive areas of open space, including sports pitches at The Warren, Rayleigh FC
Boys & Girls, Chichester Ground Football Pitches and Shotgate Park (with respect to the Site
Appraisal Paper, the site should at least score ‘4’ given proximity within 400-800 metres). Land
east of Wickford is just a 15-minute bus/cycle journey from the railway station and the town centre.
Promoting sustainable patterns of development in NPPF Green Belt terms therefore means
directing a significant share of new growth and development towards Wickford, whichever Strategy
Option of 2, 3 or 4 is pursued.
The site is already part brownfield and part developed with clear urbanising influences - as
acknowledged in the Site Appraisal Paper - encompassing one of the district’s twelve ‘informal
employment areas’ (Economy & Skills Topic Paper) as well as an existing dwelling and curtilage at
Dollymans Farm.
A particular benefit in terms of sustainable patterns of development is the ability to provide a scale
of development which supports additional infrastructure and investment, with the 1,500 homes at a
level which sustains provision of a new primary school, as well as supporting facilities including a
local centre, which alongside existing and enhanced public transport all helps to create a truly
‘walkable’ neighbourhood. The ability for strategic allocations to deliver infrastructure
improvements is identified in the Spatial Options Document, supporting Strategy Options Topic
Paper and the Interim Integrated Impact Assessment IIA4
. This will also be a sustainability benefit to
the existing area – including users of Wickford Business Park and neighbouring residential areas.
This would support the intentions of Strategy Options 2, 3 and 4 whereby the ability to fund and
deliver new infrastructure is identified as a clear opportunity.
Delivering compensatory improvements to the environmental quality and accessibility of the
remaining Green Belt land (NPPF142)
Compensatory improvements to the environmental quality and accessibility of the remaining Green
Belt - another key objective of NPPF142 - could also be secured given the extent of land within
Bloor Homes’ control (e.g. around CFS223, 226, 227, 230 & 238). Improvements could include a
combination of enhanced green infrastructure connectivity, new recreational routes for walking and
cycling and additional playing fields/sports provision. This would also align with NPPG002 (Green
Belt - Reference ID: 64-002-20190722) in terms of the range of compensatory improvements. By
tying such improvements in with the allocation and future planning permission, this would also be
deliverable in the context of NPPG003 (Reference ID: 64-003-20190722) and can be secured via the
S106 process.
Defining a clear Green Belt boundary (NPPF143(f))
The A130 is a significant clear physical feature and long term permanent boundary to the east of
Wickford which would form a logical defensible boundary which is capable of enduring beyond the
plan period. In this regard land east of Wickford is a unique opportunity – with no other strategic
locations having such a significant and robust Green Belt boundary, in combination with
accessibility, sustainability and suitability (being of lower environmental value).
The Council’s Green Belt Study (Assessment Area AA01 / Sites 222, 239, 238 & 223)
Against the fundamental purpose of the Green Belt – to prevent urban sprawl (NPPF137) – the
Green Belt Study rightly recognises that the area makes a weak contribution. Surprisingly it then
identifies a ‘High’ harm impact score which then follows through into the Site Appraisal Paper.
This appears predicated on the conclusion that the area makes a ‘strong contribution’ to
preventing encroachment on the countryside. However, the assessment is flawed because it fails to
reflect the existing urbanising influences in the area, incorrectly stating that the area is
undeveloped. The presence and extent of ‘urbanising land uses and features that could diminish
openness or compromise the rural character of the countryside’ are identified as key factors in the
Green Belt Study’s own methodology (2.46, 2.477, 2.50 and 2.53) but then disregarded in the
assessment of Parcel 1/AA01. Examples of the urbanising features on the site are illustrated on the
photographs presented at Figure 2. Urbanising influences include the employment areas at
Dollymans Farm (note: non-agricultural uses), and residential use at Dollymans Farm itself, as well
Fanton Hall employment area to the south east. The presence of the A129 and A130, pylons,
employment distribution infrastructure and railway line are also urbanising influences.
Furthermore, the assessment of encroachment and wider performance of the land in this area in
terms of Green Belt purposes then fails to reflect the role of strong physical boundaries, i.e. the
A130 in this case. The dictionary definition of encroachment concerns a gradual advance beyond
usual or ‘acceptable limits’ – the acceptable limit in this case being the A130. This should be a
fundamental consideration as part of the assessment and at present is a significant omission in the
study’s methodology and in the appraisal of Parcel 1/AA01. The assessment should be revised to
conclude a weak contribution to this Green Belt purpose.
In reality, and as explained earlier in this section this is a unique and strongly performing Green
Belt site because it is so well-related to the existing urban edge, already contains urbanising
influences, is visually well-contained and has such a strong boundary in the A130 that other
strategic development locations do not have. It is the best option with the least level of harm to
the Green Belt particularly with regard to the fundamental policy aim of the NPPF in preventing
urban sprawl.
Revised scoring for Parcel 01 (from the Stage 1 Assessment) and Parcel AA01 (from the Stage 2
Assessment) is therefore presented in Figure 3. It is concluded that the overall contribution to
Green Belt purposes is weak and the harm of release reduces to low-moderate. This should then
be coupled with the site’s sustainable development credentials.
Wider local plan evidence base: Site Appraisal Paper – Land East of Wickford
The Site Appraisal Paper identifies all land within Bloor Home’s control in this location as
deliverable within 5-years subject to policy, encompassing sites CFS222, CFS239, CFS238, CFS223
and CFS226. The Site Appraisal Paper shows how well-located the area is in landscape terms, lying
outside of the more sensitive landscapes in the district. Informed by the findings of the Landscape
Character, Sensitivity and Capacity Study identifies land east of Wickford as lying within a ‘LowMedium’ landscape sensitivity and ‘Medium-High’ landscape capacity to accommodate
development. The main development sites comprising CFS222 and CFS239 are also unaffected by
designated heritage assets, unlike other strategic development areas assessed in the District.
These sites all perform well in terms of accessibility given proximity to high frequency public transport on the A129 and access to facilities and services. However, there is an inaccuracy in the
scoring with respect to access to open spaces. This does not reflect the latest position on the ground, whereby the sites are very well-located in proximity to extensive areas of open space,
including sports pitches at The Warren, Rayleigh FC Boys & Girls, Chichester Ground Football
Pitches as well as Shotgate Park. The scoring for CFS222 and CFS239 should be increased from ‘1’
to ‘4’ given the extent of open space provision already within 400-800m.
In terms of access to public transport, whilst accessibility to high frequency bus routes is
recognised, the scoring for CFS222 does not yet reflect the ability to deliver
enhancements/improvements as a central part of any development scheme. In reality CFS239 –
which scores well with a ‘4’ given that it abuts the A129 and is within 400 metres of bus stops at
Southend Road roundabout – would form part of the single comprehensive allocation which aligns
with the masterplan enclosed at Appendix A. The masterplan reflects the ability for a bus to route
in and out of the scheme in order that new homes would be within 400m, so this could easily be dealt with as part of the allocation and consenting process, in which case CFS222 would also score
4.
Figure 4 presents the revised scoring for sites CFS222 and CFS239 under Bloor’s control on land east of Wickford which are to form the main area for Green Belt land release presented in section 4.
The land clearly outperforms other locations with respect to Green Belt, landscape, accessibility,
ecology and heritage.
4. Strategic land allocation - concept masterplan,
potential & opportunities
As summarised in section 2 and justified in section 3, land east of Wickford is the best location for a strategic land allocation, and should play an important role under Strategy Options 2, 3 and 4. In Green Belt terms, Wickford’s status akin to a Tier 1 settlement, accessibility to high frequency
public transport, services and facilities – and ability to deliver new community infrastructure – is
entirely consistent with promoting the sustainable patterns of development envisaged by NPPF142.
The A130 is a strong and longer term defensible Green Belt boundary unique to this location, helping limit sprawl and encroachment. Alongside the area’s relationship with the existing urban edge, visual containment and existing urbanising influences it is the best performing location for
Green Belt land release with the least harm to the overall role and function of the Green Belt in Rochford district.
In landscape and heritage terms this area would also result in the least harm when compared with other strategic options. It provides the opportunity for the Council to deliver growth in a location which minimises impacts on existing communities and environmental assets.
Appendix A provides a draft concept masterplan, with Appendix B providing a context plan and proposed revision to the Green Belt boundary in this location.
The draft concept masterplan is based on the following key features and benefits.
⚫ Around 1,500 homes, a mix of market and affordable in response to local needs, on a net residential area of around 40ha.
⚫ 2ha of land for a new 2FE primary school, supporting the Spatial Options opportunity to deliver growth at a scale which provides and sustains new infrastructure.
⚫ A new local centre, located next to the new school site, providing convenience retail
and other community uses.
⚫ A robust, long-term and defensible Green Belt boundary, capable of enduring beyond the plan period and supporting the sustainable patterns of development envisaged by NPPF142(f) Green Belt policy. The A130 and railway line provides a clear boundary using an existing physical feature that is readily recognisable and likely to be permanent, entirely consistent with NPPF132(f). Appendix B sets out the proposed Green Belt boundary revision.
⚫ New and enhanced playing pitches as a ‘hub’ for sports and recreation. The Council’s Playing Pitch Assessment and Action Plan identifies the opportunity to provide greater security of tenure for sports provision in this location – including at The Warren (CFS226) which is land under Bloor’s control. Further pitches could be provided west of the Warren/A130 or land to the east which is also within Bloor’s control. This would utilise existing bridleways all of which would link sports provision with the new homes, across the existing Pegasus crossing on the A129, with access off the A129.
Alongside the bridleways and existing crossing, the scheme would promote the use of public transport through the ability to route a bus into the site to secure a 400m walkable catchment and could provide ped/cycle links to the west through to Wickford.
⚫ Visual containment can be maximised by retaining key landscape features and enhancing structural planting alongside the site’s northern and eastern boundaries, complemented by the provision of sustainable drainage and wildlife habitats to deliver net biodiversity gain all on-site. 50% of the site would comprise green uses.
⚫ Access would be via a new roundabout on the A129, providing a tree-lined avenue
into the neighbourhood, with a potential secondary access located to the east (refer to
the masterplan in Appendix A for details).
5. Response to specific questions
Q6. Which of the identified strategy options do you consider should be taken forward in the Plan?
For the reasons explained in section 2, the cross-boundary opportunity east of Wickford has such
significant and unique credentials in sustainability, Green Belt and deliverability terms that it has a
role to play in delivering all Strategy Options 2, 3 and 4.
Q12. Do you agree we should require new development to achieve energy efficiency standards higher than building regulations? What level should these be set at?
Standards for new developments relating to both energy supply and energy efficiency standards should be left to national building regulations (e.g. linked to the Future Homes Standard or similar
initiatives in the future).
Q34. With reference to your preferred Strategy Option, are there opportunities for growth to help deliver new strategic green and blue infrastructure?
Under Strategy Options 2, 3 or 4, a strategic land allocation east of Wickford could clearly support
the opportunity for new green infrastructure, including a new hub for sports provision in this
location (improving both the quality and quantity of sports pitches), improvements to GI
connectivity (e.g. upgrading existing bridleways), biodiversity net gains and further strategic
landscaping, particularly associated with the establishment of a robust and defensible Green Belt
boundary to the east of Wickford / west of the A130. This package of measures would also support
the environmental quality and accessibility of remaining Green Belt land, as set out in NPPF142.
Q36. With reference to your preferred Strategy Option, are there opportunities for growth to
deliver new or improved community infrastructure?
Under Strategy Options 2, 3 or 4, a strategic land allocation east of Wickford can deliver growth at
a scale – 1,500 homes plus employment - which provides and sustains new community facilities,
including land for a 2FE primary school, new local centre (which provides convenience retail and
other community provision), extensive green infrastructure as well as new and enhanced sports
provision. Further details are provided in sections 3 and 4 of these representations.
Q41. With reference to your preferred Strategy Option, are there opportunities for growth to help
deliver improvements to open space or sport facility accessibility or provision?
Bringing forward a strategic land allocation east of Wickford – under Strategy Options 2, 3 or 4 –
would support improvements to open space and sports provision. There are opportunities to deliver additional pitches as well as greater security of tenure, for example, on retained Green Belt
land centred on sites CFS223 and CFS226, all on land which Bloor Homes controls and would tie in
with a new strategic land allocation. The opportunity to provide greater security of tenure at The
Warren in particular (CFS223) is identified in the Playing Pitch Assessment and Action Plan. Further
details are provided in sections 3 and 4 of these representations, with the opportunity to provided
new pitches identified on the concept masterplan presented in Appendix A (6-7ha of
new/enhanced pitch provision complemented by extensive green infrastructure and biodiversity
net gains).
Q43. With reference to the options listed in this section, or your own options, how do you feel we
can best address heritage issues through the plan?
The potential for impacts on the significance of heritage assets and their setting is a key constraint
to consider through plan-making and subsequent decision-taking on planning applications. The
Council should look therefore towards options with no/limited heritage constraints, as is the case
for land east of Wickford, recognised in both the Site Appraisal Paper and IIA.
Q51. With reference to the options above, or your own options, how do you feel we can best address our transport and connectivity needs through the plan?
Growth should be directed to the most sustainable locations already well-served by high frequency
public transport, services and facilities, and where there is the opportunity to deliver a scale of development to sustain new services and facilities to deliver truly walkable neighbourhoods.
Promoting sustainable patterns of development is central to the review and release of Green Belt land and where land east of Wickford performs particularly well. Wickford is equivalent to a Tier 1
settlement, has rail access into London Liverpool Street, with the opportunity that Bloor has identified just a 15-minute bus/cycle ride to the station and lying on a high frequency public transport corridor (recognised in the Connecting Communities Topic Paper). Land east of Wickford
is already identified as having a positive contribution to sustainable transport in the IIA. Further detail on transport and sustainability for the cross-boundary opportunity east of Wickford is provided in sections 2, 3 and 4 of these representations.
Having reviewed the Strategy Options presented, Option 3b appears less suitable in transport terms for the following reasons.
⚫ A review of the potential development sites outlined in Figure 17 associated with Option 3b of the Spatial Strategy Options shows there is a lack of suitable infrastructure to support a significant level of housing growth in this region when compared with other strategic options (e.g. land east of Wickford). Figure 2 of the Complete Communities Topic Paper shows that this area is also less well-served by public transport – highlighting non-frequent bus services and services less than 4 per hour when compared with the high frequency public transport provided on land east of Wickford (tested under Option 3a).
⚫ The land identified for Option 3b within the Spatial Strategy Options is sandwiched between the River Roach to the north, Potton and Foulness Islands to the east, the existing settlement of Southend-on-Sea, and the River Thames to the south and London Southend Airport to the west.
⚫ The only strategic route to and from this area is via the A127 which provides a route
west towards the A130 (north / south route) and the M25. All vehicle redistribution and growth associated with a new, large residential settlement in this area would therefore be required to utilise the A127 as the main route in and out of the area. This route also serves as the main route for London Southend Airport which is due to continue to expand.
The other option for movement into and out from the area is less strategic and comprises the A13 London Road though this would require traffic to travel through
the centre of Southend-on-Sea.
⚫ If a strategic scale of development is proposed then significant new transport
infrastructure may be required, whereby the location of Option 3b presents limitations. For example, the proximity of London Southend Airport to the A127 to the south, and River Roach to the north mean there is very little scope to enhance a connection east from lands north of the town centre.
Q63a. Do you agree with our vision for Rawreth? Is there anything you feel is missing? [Please state
reasoning]
Land east of Wickford sits within Rawreth parish but is fundamentally related to and links to
Wickford/Shotgate, lying east of the A130. Engagement with the parish council will be central to
our approach, including how the wider transport, green infrastructure, sports pitches, school and
local centre to benefit existing residents in this area.
Q63b. With reference to Figure 51 and your preferred Strategy Option, do you think any of the
promoted sites should be made available for any of the following uses? How could that improve
the completeness of Rawreth?
Linked with the response to Q63a, the cross-boundary opportunity east of Wickford should be
recognised and allocated as part of the new local plan under whichever strategy option is taken
forward. The opportunities associated with this land allocation are presented in sections 2, 3 and 4
of these representations, supported by the concept masterplan provided in Appendix A.
Essentially, it would comprise a new walkable neighbourhood of around 1,500 homes, employment
plus 2FE primary school and local centre, through removing sites CFS222 and CFS239 from the
Green Belt. A new defensible Green Belt boundary would be established to the west of the A130
and north of the railway line, as shown on the plan enclosed at Appendix B.
Retained Green Belt land under Bloor Homes control – comprising CFS238, CFS223, CFS226, CFS227 and CFS230 – could deliver compensatory improvements to the environmental quality and
accessibility of remaining Green Belt land, including new and improved sports pitches (e.g. CFS222 and CFS226/The Warren), biodiversity net gain, improved walking/cycle links and strategic landscaping.
Comment
New Local Plan: Spatial Options Document 2021
Representation ID: 40453
Received: 22/09/2021
Respondent: Essex County Council
In respect of all the nine Community Clusters in Question 56 –65, the following points are made.
ECC welcome the concept of Complete Communities, identifying the location of infrastructure and services, however this does not consider their capacity, which will need to be part of the next stage of plan preparation - what infrastructure and services will need to be planned for and are dependent upon the mix and location of sites and growth areas proposed?
In moving forward, ECC will work with RDC and expect to be fully engaged in the preparation of evidence to assess and refine the growth scenario options. This includes assessments for any impacts and opportunities on ECC infrastructure and services to identify ECC’s requirements. This will enable ECC to identify and explore with RDC any impacts, opportunities and requirements for infrastructure and services, and to identify any necessary mitigation etc, arising from the individual and cumulative growth options.
When considering which communities may benefit from or be able to accommodate growth, the capacity of local schools rather than just their existence needs to be considered. The ECC Planners’ Guide to School Organisation section 3.3. sets out how potential developments may be ranked in terms of their impact.
In respect of education, full details of the next steps and requirements for scenario testing are set out in ECC’s Local and Neighbourhood Planners’ Guide to School Organisation (PDF, 160KB) and ECC Developers’ Guide .
Please refer to ECC’s response to Q6, for full details of ECC’s requirements regarding the need for the scale, pattern and phasing of the growth options to be viable for the sustainable delivery of infrastructure and services, funded through the development proposals.
All Nine Communities - Please see ECC’s initial feedback in the following appendices, however, ECC will continue to provide feedback as part of the preparation of the new Local Plan.
• Appendix A for the LLFA’s technical information regarding the relevant Critical Drainage Areas and the SWMP Action Plan
• Appendix B for the MWPA’s high-level review of the proposed sites against the MLP and WLP. Each site has been assessed for any MSA / MCA / WCA implications, as set out in policy S8 and policy 2 of the MLP and WLP respectively.
ECC Response to Rochford New Local Plan: Spatial Options Consultation July 2021
Thank you for consulting Essex County Council (ECC) on the Rochford New Local Plan: Spatial Options Consultation (SOC) published in July 2021. ECC has engaged with Rochford District Council (RDC) in the preparation of the new Local Plan, and our involvement to date has been proportionate at this early stage of plan preparation, building on the Issues and Options consultation in 2017/18. Once prepared, the new Local Plan will include the required strategies, policies and site proposals to guide future planning across the District, and will replace the current suite of adopted Development Plans up to 2040.
ECC welcomes the opportunity to review and comment on the emerging new Local Plan vision, strategic priorities and objectives, initial growth scenarios, spatial options, thematic themes and ‘Planning for Complete Communities’. As Plan preparation continues, ECC is committed to working with RDC through regular and on-going focussed collaborative discussions to prepare evidence that ensures the preferred spatial strategy, policies and site allocations are sound, viable and deliverable, where future development is aligned to the provision of required local and strategic infrastructure.
A Local Plan can provide a platform from which to secure a sustainable economic, social and environmental future to the benefit of residents, businesses and visitors. A robust long-term strategy will provide a reliable basis on which RDC, ECC and its partners may plan and provide the services and required infrastructure for which they are responsible. To this end, ECC will use its best endeavours to assist on strategic and cross-boundary matters under the duty to cooperate (Duty), including engagement and co-operation with other organisations for which those issues may have relevance.
It is acknowledged that RDC has engaged ECC under the Duty, during the past year, in addition to the joint and regular meetings established with the South Essex authorities, through specific South Essex strategic planning duty to co-operate groups for Members and Officers respectively to explore strategic and cross boundary matters.
ECC interest in the Rochford New Local Plan – spatial options consultation
ECC aims to ensure that local policies and related strategies provide the greatest benefit to deliver a buoyant economy for the existing and future population that lives, works, visits not only in Rochford District, but Essex as a whole. This includes a balance of land-uses to create great places for all communities, and businesses across all sectors; and that the developer funding for the required infrastructure is clear and explicit. As a result, ECC is keen to understand, inform, support and help refine the formulation of the development strategy and policies delivered by LPAs within and adjoining Essex. Involvement is necessary and beneficial because of ECC’s roles as:
a. the highway and transport authority, including responsibility for the delivery of the Essex Local Transport Plan; the lead authority for education including early years and childcare (EYCC), Special Education Needs and Disabilities, and Post 16 education; Minerals and Waste Planning Authority; Lead Local Flood Authority; lead advisors on public health;
and adult social care in relation to the securing the right housing mix which takes account of the housing needs of older people and adults with disabilities;
b. an infrastructure funding partner, that seeks to ensure that development proposed is realistic and does not place an unnecessary (or unacceptable) cost burden on the public purse, and specifically ECC’s Capital Programme;
c. major provider and commissioner of a wide range of local government services throughout the county (and where potential cross boundary impacts need to be considered);
d. Advocate of the Essex Climate Action Commissioner’s (ECAC) Report 2021 Net Zero – Making Essex Carbon Neutral providing advice and recommendations for action on climate change mitigation and adaption including setting planning policies which minimise carbon. This work has been tailored for use in the county of Essex; and
e. involvement through the Association of South Essex Local Authorities (ASELA) and Opportunity South Essex Partnership (OSE), promoting economic development, regeneration, infrastructure delivery and new development throughout the County.
In accordance with the Duty, ECC will contribute cooperatively to the preparation of a new Rochford Local Plan, particularly within the following broad subject areas,
• Evidence base. Guidance with assembly and interpretation of the evidence base both for strategic/cross-boundary projects, for example, education provision and transport studies and modelling, and wider work across South Essex as part of the joint strategic plan.
• ECC assets and services. Where relevant, advice on the current status of assets and services and the likely impact and implications of proposals in the emerging Local Plan for the future operation and delivery of ECC services.
• Sub-regional and broader context. Assistance with identification of relevant information and its fit with broader strategic initiatives, and assessments of how emerging proposals for the District may impact on areas beyond and vice-versa.
• Policy development. Contributions on the relationship of the evidence base with the structure and content of emerging policies and proposals.
• Inter-relationship between Local Plans. Including the Essex Minerals Local Plan (2014) and the Essex and Southend-on-Sea Waste Local Plan (2017).
To achieve this, ECC seeks a formal structure for regular and ongoing engagement with RDC through the next stage of Plan preparation. Of critical importance is the additional evidence required for the site assessment process at both the individual and cumulative level to refine and develop the spatial strategy, which will be informed by the provision of sustainable and deliverable infrastructure and services at the right scale, location and time, for the existing and future residents of Rochford. There are also challenges arising from COVID-19 and how these can be addressed through the Local Plan and the future growth ambitions for London Southend Airport.
Key issues and messages of the ECC response
The ECC requirements are set within the context of national policy and ECC’s organisation plan proposals within “Everyone’s Essex” and commitments for “Renewal, Ambition and Equality” based on ECC’s strategies, policies, objectives and evidence base. The ECC response therefore identifies where we support emerging options and proposals, and where we recommend further work and engagement with ECC in order to refine and inform the “Preferred Options”, the next iteration of the local plan preparation, scheduled for consultation in Spring 2022. The key messages in ECC’s response are summarised below.
1. ECC support RDC preparing a new Local Plan and will assist with the preparation of sound evidence and policies, that plan for long term sustainable infrastructure delivery.
2. It is still too early for ECC to provide detailed comments on the impacts, opportunities and requirements for the full range of ECC infrastructure and services, and additional evidence is required on a range of matters to inform the selection of a preferred strategy and sites, together with supporting policies. It is acknowledged that ECC has engaged with RDC on the preparation of the transport evidence base to date, which has been proportionate to this stage of plan preparation.
3. The preferred strategy and site allocations will need to ensure that the requirements of ECC infrastructure and services are met to secure their sound, viable and sustainable delivery at the right scale, location and time, that is commensurate with housing needs and growth aspirations.
4. This will include engagement with preparing additional evidence, that will include, but is not limited to,
o Transportation modelling (including sustainable transport) to develop a strategy to realise modal shift including analysis of existing active and sustainable travel infrastructure (including bus network and services). In collaboration with ECC, it is recommended that RDC prepare a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP).
o Scenario testing for education provision including early years and childcare and the approach to Special Education Needs with Disabilities provision.
o Minerals and waste policy compliant assessments.
o Flood and water management assessments through revised Critical Drainage Areas (CDAs) and revisions to the South Essex Water Management Action Plan.
o Economic need and employment evidence including an up to date Economic Development Needs Assessment to refine the level of economic growth to be planned for.
o ECC will also contribute to the evidence in respect of skills, Adult Social Care, Public Health, climate change, and green and blue infrastructure to that can deliver safer, greener, healthier communities.
o There is also benefit in undertaking a Health Impact Assessment to ensure health and wellbeing is comprehensively considered and integrated into the Local Plan, including a strategic health and wellbeing policy, an area where ECC can advise and assist, and one successfully implemented and included in other plans across Essex.
5. RDC will need to engage and work closely with ECC to inform site selection and the range of preferred sites both individually and cumulatively, having regard to the evidence.
6. Spatial Growth Scenarios – the preferred scenario should meet national policy to deliver housing and other growth requirements; climate change resilience and adaptation; and environmental aspirations of RDC. As a minimum, the standard methodology should be met and any buffer to drive local economic growth or address unmet need from elsewhere is supported but will need to be based on sound evidence.
7. Spatial Strategy Options – the spatial strategy option to proportionately spread growth across the district would not deliver the necessary scale of growth to secure the viable and sustainable delivery of local or strategic infrastructure and services (most notably a secondary school) and would not be supported. Based on the information presented in the SOC, a preferable option is likely to see a combination of the options presented resulting in urban intensification, a focus on main towns, and concentrated growth in one or more locations (resulting in a new neighbourhood the size of a larger village or small town). The option will need to be informed by the evidence base and further site assessments.
8. ECC will need to be involved in any cross boundary development proposals. To this end, Option 3a would need to be delivered in the longer term given current constraints of the strategic road network (Fairglen Interchange) and have regard to emerging proposals and aspirations arising in Basildon and Castle Point Boroughs; and Option 3b will require close and formal working arrangements with Southend-on-Sea Borough Council.
9. It is noted that several of ECC’s comments and observations made in response to the Issues and Options consultation from 2017/18 continue to apply, given the early stages of Plan preparation. We therefore reiterate where important our previous comments and additional points where this is necessary to do so.
The ECC response is set out in table from page 5 onwards and reflects the order of the SOC paper including responses to specific questions; the Integrated Impact Assessment; supporting Topic Papers; and Site Appraisal Paper.
[Due to tabular format of submission, please refer to attached documents for full submission]
Object
New Local Plan: Spatial Options Document 2021
Representation ID: 40656
Received: 22/09/2021
Respondent: Mr Stephen Tellis
Greater Rawreth has also sustained huge amount of development and has significant flood issues. Rawreth has no facilities. No further development should be permitted in in the Rawreth parish area.
Ref Spatial Options Paper
Rochford District Local Plan response / comments
Question numbers followed by comment
Q1 I believe that RDC should conduct a study to check the validity of the government’s target of 7,200 to 10,800 homes with the Rochford District. The study should check whether facilities and infrastructure have kept pace with development over the last 5 decades (not whether the infrastructure can be stretched further to cope but has it increased in line with development in the past).
Q1 RDC must take a proactive role in studying traffic increase when developing the Local Plan, not simply rely on Essex County Council advice.
If the government’s requirement, which could easily increase the District’s population by 30%, were found to be at odds with the infrastructural and facility capacities of the district then RDC should vigorously challenge government targets and seek a reduced more appropriate level of development during the plan period.
Q1 RDC should study opportunities to impose solar panels and other environmental features on all new developments. Recent and current development show no sign of adopting such measures therefore we cannot rely of a voluntary code. This must become an RDC Planning Policy with conditions imposed on all new approved applications. If support from central government required then they should be approached as a matter of some urgency.
Q1 RDC should conduct an air quality study throughout the district, not just at a very limited selected locations (all main roads and junctions in particular).
Q2 Draft Vision is far too optimistic and does not address the realities of current situation and challenges of the future.
Our vision should include respect for residents views – especially when consulted (which should be frequent).
Our Vision should include more infrastructure and facilities for existing communities which have already grown to a capacity population eg Rayleigh during recent waves of development. This infrastructure must be in place before new development is permitted
Rochford District vision should aim maintain green boundaries of individual communities - no merging of towns and villages at the boundary.
Our vision should include a desire for no further substantial boundary developments in and around Rayleigh and Rawreth, no more urban extension. The logic is that the old main roads (B roads etc.), that support the town are overburdened and cannot cope with additional traffic.
Our vision for the Plan period should be that if additional development is proved to be necessary within the Local Plan, then it should be sited in a separate ‘Garden Village’ development away from existing communities (separate from towns, villages and hamlets), with new infrastructure and roads connecting to existing main roads such as Eastern Avenue with its nearby facilities and retail opportunities.
Q5 Rayleigh is the biggest town in population and is currently undergoing yet another round of significant additional residential development in the form of urban expansion. It is therefore of deep concern that public facilities such as Mill Hall and Council Chamber are proposed to be removed from Rayleigh. It is suggested that the Council Debating Chamber be relocated to a town lower down in the hierarchy list. This is against overwhelming public opposition expressed in the Public Consultation (Engagement). Therefore the Local Plan review should consider whether hierarchy refers to population the Council serves or some other measurement which dictates where public facilities should go.
Q6 in view of public concern in most of the communities in the district, a new Garden Village Development in the east of the district, away from existing communities, should become policy, even if it regrettably it encroaches on greenbelt/agricultural land (most development will be on agricultural land anyway unless sufficient existing brownfield sites can be identified. Sites within the District that should be considered for a Garden Village new settlement are CFS155, CFS260Z, CFS260AE, CFS260AE, CFS260H, CFS260AK, CFS071, CFS071, CFS260G.
Urban extension of our existing communities is no longer acceptable in the RDC area.
Q10 Answer is NO, I do not agree. We are obliged to consider all areas if we are forced to accept new development by government. No such policy should be approved.
Q11, Q12 + Q13 RDC should demand solar panels and other environmental additions for all new housing schemes and industrial and commercial developments. The large ‘sheds’ in industrial / commercial areas would be excellent location for solar energy collection. However RDC need to do something positive about it and uphold robust planning policy on the subject not merely refer to it in the minor text of reports.
Where solar farms and wind farms are approved on agricultural land. The developers must be legally obliged to re-instate as agricultural land when their solar or wind farm etc. use is withdrawn / removed / not commenced. It should be a policy of RDC to demand legal guarantees regarding the same.
Q16 in particular item b, design guidelines should be just that – guidelines. It is not appropriate to have neo Georgian or pastiche Victorian dormers imposed on a 1960’s or mid 20th century properties. 50,60 and 70 year old property will be the heritage properties of the near future. Although not a strict rule this also applies to our town centres, shops and conservation areas.
Q18 modest starter homes for local people required, including some social housing. This is contrary to developer’s normal practice of building high value / high profit homes. RDC should challenge national government about this if they have a problem with adopting this as policy.
RDC should avoid flats especially in our crowded town centres and should generally stop all residential development in town centres, in particular Rayleigh Conservation Area, other than already accepted policy of change of use for rooms above shops as per current Local Plan.
Q20 it is important to have a well regulated Travellers Site approved, away from our communities, in order to avoid uncontrollable development of other land (as seen in recent times).
Q21 previously identified site close to A1245 / A127 junction (west side)
Q22 Travellers sites should be well regulated with clear unbreachable green boundaries.
Q23 Town centre and commercial land should not be used for housing.
Q25 the recent move to home working from former city based office working in London etc, should be carefully considered when predicting future work patterns. The change will inevitably lead to new commercial opportunities within the district that will require flexibility and commercial opportunities in our town centres and industrial estates. These sites should not be used for housing.
Q29 open/agricultural land on the edge towns and villages is very important to conserve. However the strict protection of remote agricultural land at the expense of open land close to our communities should be opposed. We have for too long sacrificed our communities on the altar of green belt protection in remote areas.
Q30 a few special sites should be protected (SSI’s etc), but the current boundaries of our towns must also be protected. They too preserve wildlife and precious environmental assets. Town and village boundary green spaces give opportunities for our population to enjoy recreation without resorting to driving to distant green locations.
Q34 A Garden Village in the east of the district away from existing communities is the best option for any essential future development. Reasoning: we have already had too much urban extension, time to do something different for future decades of growth.
Q35 & Q36 new Garden Village with new infrastructure paid for by developer.
Q37 There is very little additional capacity Rayleigh in particular, also in all other towns and villages generally in the RDC area. The burden of traffic on centuries old roads causes delay and further air pollution problems. Leaving Rayleigh at many busy times can often take as much time as a 20 mile journey after leaving the town.
Q44 It is vital that Rayleigh’s existing Conservation area be protected from housing development, views of the listed Windmill and Mount must be protected. The Civic Suite our link with local democracy with it’s historic Council Chamber should preserved and used. It is the top town in the hierarchy as stated in the draft Local Plan, with the biggest population. Therefore it is illogical to remove these facilities from the town. The beautiful gardens to the rear of Barringtons / Civic Suite – a significant part of the Rayleigh Conservation Area – should be protected.
Rayleigh’s Conservation Area should also be extended to the south as far as Rayleigh Weir under the Local Plan review. Although there are a small number of less attractive shops and restaurants close to the Police Station (buildings of their time), which could be designated an improvement area, this quickly changes to grand historic buildings of significance; the Library, Salvation Army chapel, Love Lane School, the old Post Office, former Elephant and Castle pub on the corner of Castle Road, the Baptist Chapel from the late 18th century, the Paul Pry which is not listed, the grand Rayleigh House and cottages opposite (none listed), right down to the Beautiful Weir Farm. It is not just the buildings that make a conservation area, fine trees and vegetation, in abundance at these locations, also make an important contribution in this area. . We should value High Road - the entry into Rayleigh – to a much greater extent. It should be incorporated into an enlarged Rayleigh Conservation Area. There has been survey evidence of resident approval of an extension to the Conservation Area (I can provide details if required).
Q45 Additional buildings local list buildings in Rayleigh Mill Hall, Civic Suite with Council Chamber, Rayleigh Library,( Paul Pry pub, Rayleigh House and old Post Office if not already on the List). The principle of adding to the list is a good one and should be considered during the Local Plan process with public input.
Q46 keep all parking spaces, make them easily accessible and affordable, maintain town centre facilities and shops. Do not allow residential development in Rayleigh Conservation Area which will lead to downgrading of shopping facilities and the loss of community assets like Mill Hall and Civic Suite.
Q47 the natural hierarchy of Rayleigh is threatened by proposed housing development of COL07 and COL20.
Q50 we must protect Rayleigh with it’s vibrant town centre with shopping and other facilities. The biggest threat to Rayleigh Town Centre and Conservation Area is the District Council’s own plan to demolish and promote residential development on sites COL07 AND COL20. RDC has a vested interest in these development sites. This must not sway their impartial creation of a Local Plan.
Q51 RDC must retain all its Rayleigh town centre car parking.The Rayleigh car parks are unusually attractive and do not receive adequate recognition of their contribution to the town’s Conservation Area, views of historic buildings, parks and gardens. They add significantly to the the town centre vitality. Building on any part of them should be forbidden.
Q53 safe cycle routes requires more attention and support in the new RDC Local Plan.
Q56 Vision statement ignores major traffic problems in Rayleigh. I would challenge the optimistic words about walking distances. Rayleigh has grown to such an extent that walking to the town centre is impractical for many of the new developments. There must be no further urban extension developments in / around Rayleigh / Rawreth.
All potential development areas around Rayleigh and Rawreth should be excluded from development sites in the new Local Plan. This is important in view of the enormous amount of urban expansion during past decades and lack of infrastructure and facilities. I strongly object to site COL07 (Mill Hall, car park and green) and also site COL20 Civic Suite with landscaped gardens to the rear being included in the Local Plan as future residential development sites.
Under Section 71 of the Planning (listed Buildings & Conservation Areas) Act 1990 and other legislation Rochford District Council has a duty to preserve and enhance the Rayleigh Conservation Area. Both sites are surrounded by listed buildings and a Scheduled Ancient Monument in the case of Mill Hall, neither should not be developed for housing. The setting of the listed buildings are also greatly enhanced by the gardens and the landscaped car parks which make a significant contribution to the conservation area, these would be lost if developed for residential use.
Under S.39 Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, the Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and other legislation and guidance, Rochford has a duty to contribute towards achieving sustainable development.
It is widely acknowledged that the greenest building is the one already there. The carbon footprint of demolishing existing buildings on these sites will significantly increase the carbon footprint of the whole district. In is important therefore to invest in the present buildings and make them more sustainable (Mill Hall would appear to offer significant opportunities.).
Under S.40 of the Natural Environment & Rural Communities Act 2006, the local planning authority has a duty, when exercising its functions, to conserve biodiversity. The green areas and trees on both sites greatly contribute to the biodiversity of the area. In particular in this conservation area, which is not only valued for its buildings but for the mature trees and open space owned by the public. The loss of this biodiversity would be unacceptable if these sites were changed to residential use in the next local plan.
The contribution of car parking to the vitality of the town centre is significant and loss of public car parking within COL07 and COL20 would be detrimental to the Rayleigh Town Centre.
The above are borne out by Rochford Council's own plans and policy documents
Q63 Greater Rawreth has also sustained huge amount of development and has significant flood issues. Rawreth has no facilities. No further development should be permitted in in the Rawreth parish area.
Q65 C. Sutton and Stonebridge. I would not support additional development as extensions of these existing communities. However, the Sutton Parish does hold potential for a Garden Village site which could join onto main access roads and facilities nearby. Included in this is the opportunity of access to nearby retail and other facilities in Southend.
Sites within Sutton Parish that should be considered are CFS155, CFS260Z, CFS260AE, CFS260AE, CFS260H, CFS260AK, CFS071,CFS071, CFS260G.
Support
New Local Plan: Spatial Options Document 2021
Representation ID: 40922
Received: 22/09/2021
Respondent: Rayleigh Town Council
Yes. Insofar as it relates to Rayleigh.
Q1. Are there any other technical evidence studies that
you feel the Council needs to prepare to inform its
new Local Plan, other than those listed in this section?
The Council would expect to see specific reference to:
• The Infrastructure Delivery and Funding Plan
• Level 2 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment
• Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan
These plans are vital to the long-term sustainability assessment of any proposed sites. Without these
we are unable to comment
Evaluation of the impact of current development on the town of Rayleigh
Rochford District Council should produce its own estimate of Housing need with which to Challenge the figures imposed by Westminster, it is known that the nearest neighbours have all done this.
The Town Council cannot comment on the suitability of the sites in the plan without completion of an
Infrastructure Delivery and Funding Plan which is being undertaken at present, why has this consultation been undertaken before this is available. RDC, ECC, and SBC,
I would expect it to see specific reference to
i) the main Roads and the principal junctions and exit points to Rayleigh, there is potential in this
plan is to build on London Road, Eastwood Road, Hockley Road and Hullbridge Road simultaneously.
ii) Consultation with the actual schools in Rayleigh as to capacity, too often there are no places in
specific school.
iii) Consultation with Doctors and Pharmacies as well the local Healthcare Trust, again there is
evidence of no capacity in certain parts of Rayleigh.
iv) Next level HealthCare such as Hospitals, need consulting, as they are overstretched.
v) Air Quality Management - too many parts of Rayleigh have poor CO2/CO readings
Any such Plan would need agreement with Rochford District Council, Essex County Council, and
Southend Borough Council as they are all affected
Q2. Do you agree with our draft vision for Rochford
District? Is there anything missing from the vision that
you feel needs to be included? [Please state
reasoning]
Mostly. Although you have not included enough information on how you might achieve housing for
the hidden homeless or those on low incomes, schemes to allow the elderly in large houses to be able
to downsize or how you plan to provide suitable commercial units of varying sizes, to allow businesses
to up or downsize into a suitably sized premises without them needing to relocate into another area.
No provision for emergency housing.
Q3. Do you agree that we should develop a range of
separate visions for each of our settlements to help
guide decision-making? [Please state reasoning]
Yes, as each settlement has its own characteristics and needs.
Q4. Do you agree with the strategic priorities and
objectives we have identified? Is there anything
missing from the strategic priorities or objectives that
you feel needs to be included? [Please state
reasoning]
No comments.
Q5. Do you agree with the settlement hierarchy
presented? If not, what changes do you think are
required? [Please state reasoning]
Yes. Rayleigh is the largest town in the district but care needs to be taken to maintain the integrity of
the existing settlements with respect to green boundary between Rayleigh and its neighbours.
Q6. Which of the identified strategy options do you
consider should be taken forward in the Plan? [Please
state reasoning]
Creating a new town would enable all the infrastructure to be put in place, allowing more scope for
cycling routes and pedestrianised areas. This will stop the urban sprawl which is currently happening
in the larger town (and proposed in option 1), creating traffic havoc and pollution. A single large
"garden" village, possibly shared with Southend could allow a more environmentally friendly
development. A development that allows the infrastructure to be developed in advance of the
housing.
Q7. Are there any reasonable alternatives to these options that should be considered instead? [Please state
reasoning]
Small development and windfall developments should be included in housing count.
Q8. Are there any key spatial themes that you feel we
have missed or that require greater emphasis? [Please
state reasoning]
Yes: Cultural and Accessibility.
Q9. Do you agree we should take a sequential approach to flood risk and coastal change in our plan, locating
development away from areas at risk of flooding and
coastal change wherever possible? How can we best
protect current and future communities from flood
risk and coastal change? [Please state reasoning]
Yes. You must ensure the district has a suitable plan to protect not only the towns and village communities, their houses and businesses but also the natural areas as well. The district needs adequate defences to limit flooding in all areas, protecting people and wildlife. Maybe these could be incorporated in the “natural” landscape theming so as to deflect any water away from these areas.
New developments not only need to address their carbon footprint but also the design of the housing they build so that they limit flood damage; raised floors, bunded gardens etc.
The plan must include or identify a flood plane that is protected from development.
Q10. Do you agree that the Coastal Protection Belt and
Upper Roach Valley should be protected from
development that would be harmful to their
landscape character? Are there other areas that you
feel should be protected for their special landscape
character? [Please state reasoning]
All the coastal areas and areas of special interest, especially where there is a significant risk of
flooding and harm to the environment need careful consideration.
The Ancient woodlands such as Kingley Woods, Hockley Woods and Rayleigh Grove Woods and all
natural parks, not just the actual woodlands but also the surrounding areas
Q11. Do you agree we should require development to
source a percentage of their energy from low-carbon
and renewable sources? Are there other opportunities
in the district to supply low-carbon or renewable
energy?
Yes.
New developments should be able to source some or all of their energy from renewable sources.
Q12. Do you agree we should require new development to achieve energy efficiency standards higher than
building regulations? What level should these be set
at? [Please state reasoning].
Yes. The Town Council believes that you should aim to achieve a higher standard if possible and
encourage developers to put forward new ways of achieving this. You must plan for future generations and should not be stuck in the past. Why go for minimum standards? Always aim higher! Keep the technology under review to capitalise on new development.
Q13. How do you feel the plan can help to support the local generation of low-carbon and renewable energy? Are there locations where you feel energy generation
should be supported? [Please state reasoning]
Solar in all new development as standard. Incentives to encourage existing developments to install
solar onto their properties as well as any commercial buildings to be fitted with solar to their roofs;
there are many flat roofed buildings all over the district that could accommodate solar panels without
damaging the landscape. Explore tidal energy and seek out suitable locations in order to ascertain
whether it is viable. Retrofitting existing housing and commercial buildings
Q14. Do you consider that the plan should include a placemaking charter that informs relevant policies? Should the same principles apply everywhere in the district, or should different principles apply to different areas? [Please state reasoning]
The district has some very distinct areas and a “one shoe fits all” would be detrimental to some smaller communities. The place-making charter should be bespoke, with each area being considered
in its own right. The rules on building should be strict so as to enhance the areas of development and needs to consider the wider picture in respect of amenities, open spaces, retail, schools, services, pollution, character and accessibility (to name but a few). There should not be deviation of plans unless there are exceptional circumstances. Time and again, SPD2 documents are ignored and ugly extensions and dormers are built to the detriment of the area.
Q15. Are the principles set out in the draft place-making
charter the right ones? Are there other principles that
should be included? [Please state reasoning]
They are, as long as they are adhered to.
Q16.
a. Do you consider that new design guides, codes or
masterplans should be created alongside the new
Local Plan?
Yes.
b. If yes, do you think it is more appropriate to have a
single design guide/code for the whole District, or to
have design guides/codes/masterplans for individual
settlements or growth areas? [Please state reasoning]
You need different design guides as this district is both unique and diverse and the “one shoe fits all"
would be detrimental to its character and charm.
c. What do you think should be included in design
guides/codes/masterplans at the scale you are
suggesting? [Please state reasoning].
You need to ensure that the character and heritage of the settlements are adhered to whilst allowing for some growth, in order to rejuvenate the smaller settlements if needed.
Q17. With reference to the options listed above, or your
own options, how do you feel we can best plan to
meet our need for different types, sizes and tenures of
housing? [Please state reasoning]
By working closely with planners and developers, as well as different charities and communities,
residents and businesses. You will then get a better understanding as to what you need and what will
be achievable.
Q18. With reference to your preferred Strategy Option, are there areas or sites in Rochford that you feel require a specific approach to housing types, size and tenure?
What is required to meet housing needs in these
areas? [Please state reasoning]
The district has a large number of houses, existing and approved that have four or five bedrooms. The number of homes available with two or three bedrooms is minimal, which increases their price and availability. The smaller properties are the ones that need to be affordable for families. You must ensure that the “affordable“ properties are not all flats and that minimum or higher standards are
met for gardens and recreational space. There are sure to be single, elderly residents that would like to downsize from their large family homes, into a smaller, more manageable one but do not wish to go into an assisted living, residential or retirement homes. They may want a one or two bedroomed property, maybe one storey, or low-rise apartment that they own freehold. The Council would like to safeguard the number of smaller bungalows available and make sure that the existing stock is preserved and a suitable number are provided in the housing mix. You need to consider that some residents may need residential care and you should be looking at ways to cope with the rising number of elderly and provide accommodation for them also.
Consideration should be given to the provision of house for life, bungalows and other potential buildings for downsizing families.
The plan makes no reference to social housing quotas.
The district desperately needs to meet the needs of the hidden homeless. People like the adult children on low wages who have no hope of starting a life of their own away from their parents. By living in these conditions, even if the family unit is tight and loving, it will cause mental health issues, stress and anxiety. You also need accessible properties for the disabled members of our community, where they are assisted in order to fulfil a normal as possible life. All these issues, and perhaps many more, need be addressed.
Q19. Are there any other forms of housing that you feel we should be planning for? How can we best plan to meet the need for that form of housing? [Please state
reasoning]
Housing for the hidden homeless – those “sofa surfing”, or adult children living at home with parents as they are on low wages or wages that would not allow them to move out to rent or buy somewhere on their own. Adapted homes for the disabled. Smaller, freehold properties for the older generation to enable them to downsize from large family homes. Emergency housing.
Q20. With reference to the options listed, or your own
options, what do you think is the most appropriate
way of meeting our permanent Gypsy and Traveller
accommodation needs? [Please state reasoning]
You need to find a permanent site that has a little room to expand but not exponentially. The “Traveller” life has changed over the years and you should revisit the criteria for the traveller community to meet the legal requirements. Strong controls are needed to prevent illegal building work and to ensure the site populations do not exceed capacity.
Q21. With reference to the options listed, or your own
options, what do you think is the most appropriate
way of meeting our temporary Gypsy and Traveller
accommodation needs? [Please state reasoning]
See answer to Q20
Q22. What do you consider would need to be included in a criteria-based policy for assessing potential locations
for new Gypsy and Traveller sites? [Please state
reasoning]
See answer to Q20.
Q23. With reference to the options listed above, or your
own options, how do you feel we can best ensure that
we meet our employment and skills needs through
the plan? [Please state reasoning]
The council should stop developing existing commercial land into housing. Too many sites have already been lost and many more are planned to go. Consider how the plan can help those businesses wanting to expand. Work with local schools and colleges, as well as businesses and the job centre, to see what sustainable employment is needed in the district. Incorporate ways to assist in schemes to train all ages get back into work or upskill. Developers should be encouraged to use local labour
Q24. With reference to Figure 30, do you consider the
current employment site allocations to provide
enough space to meet the District’s employment
needs through to 2040? Should we seek to formally
protect any informal employment sites for commercial
uses, including those in the Green Belt? [Please state
reasoning]
No. The current employment site allocations on Figure 30 do not provide enough space to meet the district’s employment needs through to 2040. There are eighty-seven thousand people in the district. There is no data on the form to suggest how many of these are in employment and how many are looking for work but the council need to reassess its future needs in order to future-proof our residents’ opportunities. The plan should only formally protect sites the that have a future and a
potential to expand or continue effectively.
Q25. With reference to your preferred Strategy Option, are there opportunities for growth to deliver new
employment facilities or improvements to existing
employment facilities?
Option 3 could deliver new opportunities for employment as it would be a new site completely. Industrial units of various sizes, with room for expansion plus retail, hospitality and other employment could be included in the criteria for the development.
Q26. Are there any particular types of employment site or
business accommodation that you consider Rochford
District is lacking, or would benefit from?
Environmental services - woodland conservation and management. (We need to find funding for this
as it is important!) HGV training school and modern transport training. Improve manufacturing base.
Q27. Are there other measures we can take through the
plan to lay the foundations for long-term economic
growth, e.g., skills or connectivity?
Better road networks, gigabit broadband and Wi-Fi. Apprenticeships or training for all ages with jobs
at the end of training. CCTV where appropriate.
Q28. With reference to the options listed above, or your
own options, how do you feel we can best manage the
Airport’s adaptations and growth through the
planning system? [Please state reasoning]
No comments.
Q29. Do you agree that the plan should designate and
protect areas of land of locally important wildlife
value as a local wildlife site, having regard to the Local
Wildlife Sites review? Are there any other sites that
you feel are worthy of protection? [Please state
reasoning]
Yes. You should conform to and improve existing RDC policies for protecting wildlife areas. Everyone should be doing all in their power to protect wildlife sites. All wildlife is important and has been neglected, sites have been slowly lost over the years. Wildlife now enters suburban areas as their own habitats have diminished and they can no longer fend for themselves adequately from nature. Badgers and hedgehogs as well as rabbits, frogs, newts, voles and shrews are declining and are seldom seen apart from dead at the roadside. Bat numbers are declining as their habitats are lost. Designating initial sites is a step in the right direction but more must be done. It is proven that mental health issues can be relieved by nature and keeping the sites sacred is more important now than it ever was.
Keeping a biodiverse environment, with wildlife and the environment in which it relies is paramount. You mention that Doggett Pond no longer meets the standard but are there no steps to improve its status instead of dismissing it? It is obviously an important site for the wildlife in that area. To lose it would be to our detriment. You should be looking at creating new sites with every large housing
development, and protecting them to improve our district and our own wellbeing. Private households should not be allowed to take over grass areas and verges or worse, concreting the verges over for parking and cost savings. These areas, although small are still areas for wildlife. Bees and butterflies are also in decline, as are
the bugs which feed our birds. The plan should create new wildlife meadows to encourage the pollinators in order to future proof our own existence. You should be exploring smaller sites that could be enhanced, managed and protected to give future generations a legacy to be proud of.
Q30. Do you agree that the plan should designate and
protect areas of land of locally important geological
value as a local geological site, having regard to the
Local Wildlife Sites review? Are there any other sites
that you feel are worthy of protection? [Please state
reasoning]
Yes. The plan must protect them for future generations and teach our children their history and importance so that they can continue to keep them safe.
Q31. Do you consider net gains for biodiversity are best
delivered on-site or off-site? Are there specific
locations or projects where net gain projects could be
delivered?
On site. You can then assess in real time and sort out any issues you would not have known about off
site.
Q32. With reference to the options above, or your own
options, how do you feel we can best deliver a quality
green and blue infrastructure network through the
plan? [Please state reasoning]
You need to retain what we already have by ensuring the necessary links are in place to join as many as possible, and ensuring that public rights of way are not blocked by land owners and are kept free from debris. You also need to assess some paths to make them accessible to the disabled so that all is inclusive. There are some green areas that do not have public facilities and it would be advantageous to look into offering this in the larger spaces. For example, a small toilet block and hand washing facilities in the car park. Obtaining funding from new developments that can enhance existing areas as
well as providing new spaces and facilities. The sites should be well-maintained.
Q33. Do you agree that the central woodlands arc and
island wetlands, shown on Figure 32 are the most
appropriate areas for new regional parklands? Are
there any other areas that should be considered or
preferred? [Please state reasoning]
They are a step in the right direction, but you need to assess periodically in order to be able to add further links to any new parkland that may be created in the future. The map is unclear as it does not show exact routes. There is a large open space to the South West of Rayleigh (on the border), South of Bardfield Way and The Grange/Wheatley Wood, which could be enhanced. Existing sites must be retained
Q34. With reference to your preferred Strategy Option, are there opportunities for growth to help deliver new
strategic green and blue infrastructure? [Please state
reasoning]
Enhancing existing areas and ensuring developers include green space and recreational facilities
within their developments. A new, separate development would be able to deliver this within their plan layout. Ensuring there are suitable links, access and footpaths. Making sure some of these footpaths are maintained and accessible for the disabled.
Q35. With reference to the options above, or your own
options, how can we address the need for sufficient
and accessible community infrastructure through the
plan? [Please state reasoning]
Assess the shortfall of facilities and networks before plans are approved so that adequate planning
and funding can be secured before any building takes place.
Q36. With reference to your preferred Strategy Option, are there opportunities for growth to deliver new or
improved community infrastructure? [Please state
reasoning]
A new town would have this infrastructure built into its plans. Funding for improvements must otherwise come from developers if an area is already overpopulated.
Q37. Are there areas in the District that you feel have
particularly severe capacity or access issues relating to
community infrastructure, including schools,
healthcare facilities or community facilities? How can
we best address these? [Please state reasoning]
Rayleigh is overcrowded; it has a road network no longer fit for purpose, some schools are near to capacity, it is difficult to obtain a GP or dental appointment. There is little to no disabled play areas or play equipment. There are always issues with waste collections, drain and road cleaning and verge trimming. The District Council does not have the staff to deal with all these issues. The council should either build another waste recycling site, or develop a better waste collection program which allows extra waste to be collected next to the bin. The current recycling site at Castle Road is no longer
capable of expanding to meet the needs of an ever-growing population. The plan should also identify
a site to accommodate commercial waste facilities to stop fly tipping.
Q38. With reference to the options above, or your own
options, how do you feel we can best meet our open
space and sport facility needs through the plan?
[Please state reasoning]
Improve what we already have. The tennis courts on Fairview Park needs improvement. Safeguard our open spaces to protect wildlife and recreation. Develop different types of sporting facilities. We need to offer free recreation.
Q39. Are the potential locations for 3G pitch investment
the right ones? Are there other locations that we
should be considering? [Please state reasoning]
All-weather facilities should be considered
Q40. Are the listed potential hub sites and key centres the right ones? Are there other locations that we should
be considering? [Please state reasoning]
They look suitable. They will probably need funding.
Q41. With reference to your preferred Strategy Option, are there opportunities for growth to help deliver
improvements to open space or sport facility accessibility or provision?
A new development would be able to deliver this in their plans or fund improvements for existing facilities in line with national strategy and requirements.
Q42. Are there particular open spaces that we should be
protecting or improving? [Please note, you will have
an opportunity to make specific comments on open
spaces and local green spaces in the settlement
profiles set out later in this report]
The sites will be specific in each parish. You must protect all of these recreational spaces and improve them, if necessary. Once lost to development, they can never come back.
Q43. With reference to the options listed in this section, or your own options, how do you feel we can best
address heritage issues through the plan? [Please
state reasoning]
You should reassess the planning policies regarding alterations made to the buildings on the heritage
list, especially those in conservation areas. There have been a few occasions where buildings of “interest” (or other) have been altered, and that places in conservation areas have been allowed canopies, shutters and internal illumination of signage without challenge. Any building work should be sympathetic to the area and you should require corrections to unauthorised changes, even if they
have been in place for some time. Shop fronts are huge areas of uninteresting glass with garish colours. No objections are raised to signage and advertising that is out of character with a conservation area in a heritage town. Ensure statutory bodies are consulted and heeded.
You should take effective actions to manage the footways, ‘A’ boards and barriers are obstructions to
those with impaired sight or mobility.
Q44. Are there areas of the District we should be
considering for conservation area status beyond those
listed in this section? [Please state reasoning]
You should not take areas of precious woodland to make way for housing. Sites within the existing Rayleigh Conversation Area should not be considered
Q45. Are there any buildings, spaces or structures that
should be protected for their historic, cultural or
architectural significance? Should these be considered
for inclusion on the Local List of non-designated
assets? [Please state reasoning]
Yes there are many sites of historic importance which should be included.
Q46. With reference to the options listed above, or your
own options, how do you think we can best plan for
vibrant town centres in Rochford, Rayleigh and
Hockley? How can we also ensure our village and
neighbourhood centres remain vibrant? [Please state
reasoning]
You can only have a vibrant town centre if there are shops to go to. If these units are subsequently changed to residential then our town centres will be fractured and uninviting. The new Use Class E will mean it will be even more important for the council to protect our retail outlets. You need to work actively with premises owners in order to assist in the re-letting of any empty shops. Maybe
offer a reduced rent to new businesses as a start-up scheme. You could contain this as a “local”
business only – allowing the entrepreneurs in the Rochford District a chance to showcase their
businesses. You also need to be able to negotiate with the owners of empty shops how they can best strive to fill these premises and if not, then have some visual displays in the windows, perhaps photos of the old towns or useful information, to make them more attractive. Explore business rates levies. Any plan should be reviewed frequently; at least every 5 years
It is a well-documented fact that independent businesses have done better than large chains during Covid as they are able to diversify at short notice. RDC need to incentivise new small or micro businesses into our town centre, either through grant support or another mechanism. Occupied premises create employment, increase footfall and reduce vandalism. Landlords should be engaged with to ensure quick turn-arounds, or for more flexible lease agreements where for example a new
business can take on a shorter lease to test the market.
Good public transport links are crucial for our villages, neighbourhoods and town centres.
Q47. Do you agree with the local centre hierarchy set out in Figure 36? If not, what changes would you make?
[Please state reasoning]
Yes
Q48. With reference to Figures 38-40, do you agree with
existing town centre boundaries and extent of
primary and secondary shopping frontages in
Rayleigh, Rochford and Hockley? If not, what
changes would you make? [Please state reasoning]
Yes.
Q49. Should we continue to restrict appropriate uses within town centres, including primary and secondary
shopping frontages within those centres? If yes, what
uses should be restricted? [Please state reasoning]
Yes. A mix of retailers is essential as a lack of variety will eventually kill off the high streets. We need to have a balance of outlets that keep the area viable as you would lose the vibrancy you are hoping to achieve.
Q50. With reference to your preferred Strategy Option, are there opportunities for growth to deliver improved
retail and leisure services in the District? [Please state
reasoning]
Unfortunately, there has been a tendency to switch from commercial outlets to residential, where smaller retail areas have been sold off and housing development has been allowed. In a new development there would be scope to add a small, medium or large retail precinct, depending on the development size. Retail parks, leisure areas and outlets are proving in many cases, the preferred option for consumers, normally as a result of having everything in one place, free on-site parking and maximum choice. We feel that some of the sites, whilst not suitable for large housing developments, may be suitable for something of this type. It would create much needed employment, opportunity and tourism for the
area.
Q51. With reference to the options above, or your own
options, how do you feel we can best address our
transport and connectivity needs through the plan?
[Please state reasoning]
The council needs to follow the rule “No development before infrastructure”. Houses are being built without adequate road, pedestrian and cycle networks in place. New developments should be planned with cycle paths and walkways that link up with existing paths. The existing paths need updating and attention
Q52. Are there areas where improvements to transport
connections are needed? What could be done to help
improve connectivity in these areas?
More work needs to be done on the A127 and The Carpenters Arms roundabout. The feeder lanes
proposed some years ago to link the Fairglen interchange with The Rayleigh Weir in both directions is
now essential as this is a bottleneck. Hockley needs another access. Connecting the cycle ways into a
cycle network as part of the plan.
Q53. With reference to your preferred Strategy Option, are there opportunities for growth to deliver new
transport connections, such as link roads or rapid
transit? What routes and modes should these take?
[Walking, cycling, rail, bus, road etc.]
As the preferred strategy option is 3b, this could create opportunities for improved links to Southend. You should also consider more and smaller buses to link the towns and villages. Designated cycling paths that are separated from existing roads and pavements, but adjacent to our road networks would help improve traffic flow. Ensure the cycle network links with public transport as part of a
complete review of sustainable transport.
Q54. Do you feel that the plan should identify rural
exception sites? If so, where should these be located
and what forms of housing or employment do you feel
need to be provided? [Please note you may wish to
comment on the use of specific areas of land in the
next section]
This may be a suitable option for a retirement village that could be restricted to single storey dwellings only, and could include community facilities such as convenient store, community centre and so on.
Q55. Are there any other ways that you feel the plan should be planning for the needs of rural communities?
[Please stare reasoning]
Better public transport and sustainable transport links.
Q56.
a. Do you agree with our vision for Rayleigh? Is there
anything you feel is missing? [Please state reasoning]
The plan is adequate so far is it goes, but you have more work to do. You must plan for a reduced volume of traffic and air pollution. More attention is needed to initiatives that design-out crime and fear of crime, and this needs to be functional, sustainable and viable. The Draft Vision Statement ignores the over-development, the lack of infrastructure and facilities we already suffer. Indeed, Rochford District Council’s stated aim within their Asset Strategy and the plans of other Public Service providers is to reduce facilities in the Town further. This is at the same time as demand is growing from a sharply increasing population. This is particularly relevant for the growing elderly population. This will make the next 25 years very challenging.
1/ Cycling infrastructure and other sustainable transport methods should be prioritised over a carcentric highway use. We regret we do not because it is unrealistic, our response must be to inject a note of realism looking forward based on RDCs policies and past action. This goes to the heart of the new Local Plan.
We regret a realistic Vision Statement based on the current trajectory of further development recommended in the Draft Local Plan will be rather more dystopian. We could see a Rayleigh chocked by traffic. Although pollution should decrease with electric vehicles the advent of driverless vehicles, both domestic and commercial, servicing an ever-expanding population could result in gridlock. Pollution will increase from fossil burning home heating systems in many of the new homes. Failure to support public transport will inevitably maroon older residents in their homes far from those few
facilities and shops that remain in our town centre.
Public services offered by police and council (most likely giant unitary council catering for half million people based far away in an urban area), will seem very distant to most people. Most of the green open spaces not in public ownership, also some that are publicly owned, will be built on and have disappeared by 2050. Many public facilities and local public service providers will be taken away and sold off to property developers. The town centres will cease to be the shopping and social areas we know today as a result of Council plans and changing shopping habits. Rayleigh retail business will have closed and online and out of town retail parks will prosper with their free parking facilities. In the same way that London boroughs developed through the decades and centuries, the traditional housing we know today, with private gardens will be replaced by blocks of flats with large vehicle parking areas with recharge points.
2/ Another vision could be forged with the right policies in an enlightened Local Plan. RDC could opt for a garden village settlement away from all the Districts Towns and villages. Rayleigh like other towns that have suffered from overdevelopment in recent decades and should be protect from large scale private development during the forthcoming Plan Period. Only development or local needs should be permitted. Local facilities like Mill Hall would be saved and car parking retained and made
cheaper to assist local town centre business to survive what will be a challenging period. Secondary
shopping facilities in Rayleigh would be supported and encouraged with public finance where required. Public transport would be supported and encouragement, especially when given for children to reach school without parents’ vehicles. Renovation and refurbishment of historic buildings with modern green energy would be promoted over demolition and intensification. Public services would be encouraged to return/expand to Rayleigh, in existing buildings like Council Offices, Police Station and Library etc. The town centre should be the heart of our community not just something you drive
through to reach somewhere else. This could be our vision and our aim for the future.
b. With reference to Figure 44 and your preferred
Strategy Option, do you think any of the promoted
sites should be made available for any of the following
uses? How could that improve the completeness of
Rayleigh?
Balancing access against increased congestion will be the issue for a lot of the sites in Rayleigh. If you keep adding small developments to the boundaries of the town, it will overcrowd existing houses and add to urban sprawl.
i. Rayleigh has taken the brunt of development without significant infrastructural improvement.
ii. Commercial [offices, industrial, retail, other]
Commercial development should be supported in town centres, secondary shopping facilities and on approved industrial estates (the latter should not become retail / entertainment locations and residential development should not encroach on them to avoid conflict). Community Improvement Districts should be established
iii. Community infrastructure [open space, education, healthcare, allotments, other]
Community infrastructure should be preserved and extended. Access to town centres and secondary
shopping by bicycle and foot should be made easier and safer.
c. Are there areas in Rayleigh that development should
generally be presumed appropriate? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
No. Large scale residential development in Rayleigh should be resisted in the new Local Plan. So called
windfall development should be incorporated in the overall development targets thereby reducing
large scale development.
d. Are there areas that require protecting from
development? Why these areas? [Please state
reasoning]
Conservation areas and green belt and sites subject to the exclusion criteria on the call for sites should be protected. Proposed sites within Rayleigh and on the Western side should not be considered for development. Only an infrastructure plan would provide evidence that the chosen sites are sustainable in the long term, and greenbelt and environmental policies should be adhered to in relation to open spaces on the edge or within the town.
e. Do you agree that the local green spaces shown on
Figure 44 hold local significance? Are there any other
open spaces that hold particular local significance?
All green spaces, no matter how small, hold some significance, especially to those who use them for
recreation. They are of particular community value and should not be developed. They must be seen as the vital green area not the next place along the line to be built on. It is reasonable for RDC to encourage the development of a garden village away from existing communities to accommodate the Governments home building targets
Q57.
d. Are there areas that require protecting from
development? Why these areas? [Please state
reasoning]
Hockley Wood
Q58.
a. Do you agree with our vision for Hockley and
Hawkwell? Is there anything you feel is missing?
[Please state reasoning]
Yes. Insofar as it relates to Rayleigh.
Q58.
d. Are there areas that require protecting from
development? Why these areas? [Please state
reasoning]
As Hockley Woods is the largest remaining wild woodland in the country you should be doing
EVERYTHING you can to save it from development, either adjacent to or close by. You should also actively be adding to it by planting more trees to future proof its existence and status. You must protect any thoroughfares that access Hockley Wood.
Q60.
a. Do you agree with our vision for Hullbridge? Is there
anything you feel is missing? [Please state reasoning]
Yes. Insofar as it relates to Rayleigh.
d. Are there areas that require protecting from
development? Why these areas? [Please state
reasoning]
Anything too close to the river due to flood risk.
e. Do you agree that the local green spaces shown on
Figure 48 hold local significance? Are there any other
open spaces that hold particular local significance?
[Please state reasoning]
All green spaces, no matter how small, hold some significance, especially to those who use them for
recreation. They are of particular community value and should not be developed. They must be seen as the vital green area not the next place along the line to be built on. It is reasonable for RDC to encourage the development of a garden village away from existing communities to accommodate the
Governments home building targets
Q63.
a. Do you agree with our vision for Rawreth? Is there
anything you feel is missing? [Please state reasoning]
Yes. Insofar as it relates to Rayleigh.
c. Are there areas in Rawreth that development should
generally be presumed appropriate? Why these
areas? [Please state reasoning]
d. Are there areas that require protecting from
development? Why these areas? [Please state
reasoning]
Protection needs to be given to development that change the dynamics of the village and those areas that border Wickford. There needs to be a significant amount of green belt land left to separate the two areas to prevent urban sprawl. Rawreth Lane gets heavily congested at peak times, and with Wolsey Park still not complete this is likely to increase. If there is an accident or breakdown on the road network, it has a huge knock on through Rayleigh and the surrounding areas and Watery Lane isn’t a reliable back up for when there are issue. Therefore, further development on the boundary or
otherwise could be detrimental to not only local residents but the wider District too. RDC should be supporting farmers wherever possible to continue to grow their crops in the district and protect suitable farm land in the area. We do not want to lose the local producers
Q66. Do you agree that our rural communities do not
require individual vision statements? Are there
communities that you feel should have their own
vision? [Please state reasoning]
At this time – yes, but we feel they should have some consideration in the future, in order to protect
them. It would be for the communities to decide their vision statements and we would be happy to
support them.
Q67. Do you agree with our vision for our rural
communities? Is there anything you feel is missing?
[Please state reasoning]
Yes.
Q68. Are there other courses of action the Council could
take to improve the completeness of our rural
communities?
Listen to the residents to see where they would like to go next. See if they require anything specific; travel links, facilities, affordable housing and so on. Empower Parish and Town Councils to take
relevant local actions
Object
New Local Plan: Spatial Options Document 2021
Representation ID: 42540
Received: 18/09/2021
Respondent: Julia Hall
With regard to the Proposed Local Plan
The local area is already suffering from overcrowding without adding more houses.
The new builds at Rawreth Lane and Hullbridge have already shown that developments cause major disruptions to the traffic in the area.
The installation of the two new roundabouts caused delays in all directions for many days over several months. This was at the same time as ongoing work on other roads within the area.
The total grid lock in the area when an incident occurs only goes to show that the traffic levels are already at breaking point.
Understandably, when a water main bursts and the road collapses it becomes necessary to close the road. However, the ensuing queues and problems to move around the area again only demonstrate the already heavy density of traffic.
When new homes are built little consideration seems to be given to the needs of the proposed residents. Which schools are the children supposed to go to?
Where will they find doctors and dentists? How will they travel to and from work? Wolsey Park has just one bus which goes along Rawreth Lane only every two hours.
The existing open spaces are relatively small for the existing number of residents. If the proposed sites are to be built on this ratio will be even lower.
The future plans do not show any intention to increase open spaces, build schools or extra leisure facilities.
The road surfaces in the area are dreadful. Some repair work has been done but adjoining areas remain untouched. Increased traffic flow will not improve this situation.
With regard to the Proposed Local Plan
The local area is already suffering from overcrowding without adding more houses.
The new builds at Rawreth Lane and Hullbridge have already shown that developments cause major disruptions to the traffic in the area.
The installation of the two new roundabouts caused delays in all directions for many days over several months. This was at the same time as ongoing work on other roads within the area.
The total grid lock in the area when an incident occurs only goes to show that the traffic levels are already at breaking point.
Understandably, when a water main bursts and the road collapses it becomes necessary to close the road. However, the ensuing queues and problems to move around the area again only demonstrate the already heavy density of traffic.
When new homes are built little consideration seems to be given to the needs of the proposed residents. Which schools are the children supposed to go to?
Where will they find doctors and dentists? How will they travel to and from work? Wolsey Park has just one bus which goes along Rawreth Lane only every two hours.
The existing open spaces are relatively small for the existing number of residents. If the proposed sites are to be built on this ratio will be even lower.
The future plans do not show any intention to increase open spaces, build schools or extra leisure facilities.
The road surfaces in the area are dreadful. Some repair work has been done but adjoining areas remain untouched. Increased traffic flow will not improve this situation.
Comment
New Local Plan: Spatial Options Document 2021
Representation ID: 43000
Received: 10/09/2021
Respondent: Ms Deborah Mercer
Don’t know.
RDC/Spatial Consultation 2021 Questions
Q1. Are there any other technical evidence studies that you feel the Council needs to prepare to inform its new Local Plan, other than those listed in this section?
A: Evaluate the impact of the current developments, especially in Rayleigh and Hullbridge.
Q2. Do you agree with our draft vision for Rochford District? Is there anything missing from the vision that you feel needs to be included? [Please state reasoning]
A: Mostly, although I do not feel you have included enough information on how you might achieve housing for the hidden homeless or those on low incomes, emergency housing provision, schemes to allow the elderly in large houses to be able to downsize or how you plan to provide suitable commercial units of varying sizes, to allow businesses to up or downsize into a suitably sized premises without them needing to relocate into another area.
Q3. Do you agree that we should develop a range of separate visions for each of our settlements to help guide decision-making? [Please state reasoning]
A: Yes, as each settlement has its own characteristics and needs.
Q4. Do you agree with the strategic priorities and objectives we have identified? Is there anything missing from the strategic priorities or objectives that you feel needs to be included? [Please state reasoning]
A: Don’t know.
Q5. Do you agree with the settlement hierarchy presented? If not, what changes do you think are required? [Please state reasoning]
A: Yes. Rayleigh is the largest town in the district but you need to maintain the green boundaries between the surrounding areas.
Q6. Which of the identified strategy options do you consider should be taken forward in the Plan? [Please state reasoning]
A: A combination of 3 and 4.
Creating a new town would enable all the infrastructure to be put in place, allowing more scope for cycling routes and pedestrianised areas. This will stop the urban sprawl which is currently happening in the larger town (and proposed in option 1), creating traffic havoc and pollution. Combining this with option 4 could help with spreading the balance of housing needs, traffic, etc. across the whole of the district and not just in one place.
Q7. Are there any reasonable alternatives to these options that should be considered instead? [Please state reasoning]
A: Windfalls should be included in the housing quota.
Q8. Are there any key spatial themes that you feel we have missed or that require greater emphasis? [Please state reasoning]
A: Yes: Cultural and Accessibility.
Q9. Do you agree we should take a sequential approach to flood risk and coastal change in our plan, locating development away from areas at risk of flooding and coastal change wherever possible? How can we best protect current and future communities from flood risk and coastal change? [Please state reasoning]
A: Yes. We need to ensure we have a suitable plan to protect not only our towns and village communities (houses/businesses) but also the natural areas as well. We need adequate defences to limit flooding in all areas, protecting people and wildlife. Maybe these could be incorporated in the “natural” landscape theming so as to deflect any water away from these areas. New developments not only need to address their carbon footprint but also the design of the housing they build so that they limit flood damage.
Q10. Do you agree that the Coastal Protection Belt and Upper Roach Valley should be protected from development that would be harmful to their landscape character? Are there other areas that you feel should be protected for their special landscape character? [Please state reasoning]
A: Yes. I feel all of our coastal areas and areas of special interest, where there is a significant risk of flooding and harm to the environment needs careful consideration. Our ancient woodlands also need to be protected and well managed.
Q11. Do you agree we should require development to source a percentage of their energy from low-carbon and renewable sources? Are there other opportunities in the District to supply low-carbon or renewable energy?
A: Vast swathes of land being used for solar panels or unsightly wind farms should not be allowed. I do not feel we have used the potential of tidal renewable energy themes. We have potential in some areas to explore this without defacing our district. All new homes should be fitted with solar, either on their roof or windows and commercial properties could be encouraged to fit solar panels to their roof.
Q12. Do you agree we should require new development to achieve energy efficiency standards higher than building regulations? What level should these be set at? [Please state reasoning].
A: I believe that we should aim to achieve a higher standard if possible and encourage developers to put forward new ways of achieving this. We are planning for future generations and should not be stuck in the past. Why go for minimum standards? Always aim higher!
Q13. How do you feel the plan can help to support the local generation of low-carbon and renewable energy? Are there locations where you feel energy generation should be supported? [Please state reasoning]
A: Solar in all new development as standard. Incentives to encourage existing developments to install solar onto their properties as well as any commercial buildings to be fitted with solar to their roofs (there are many flat roofed buildings all over the district that could accommodate solar panels without damaging the landscape). Explore tidal energy and seek out suitable locations in order to ascertain whether it is viable. No wind turbines! They would ruin the landscape.
Q14. Do you consider that the plan should include a place-making charter that informs relevant policies? Should the same principles apply everywhere in the District, or should different principles apply to different areas? [Please state reasoning]
A: The district has some very distinct areas and a “one shoe fits all” would be detrimental to some smaller communities. The place-making charter should be bespoke, with each area being considered in its own right. The rules on building should be strict so as to enhance the areas of development and needs to consider the wider picture in respect of amenities, open spaces, retail, schools, services, pollution, character and accessibility (to name but a few). There should not be deviation of plans unless there are exceptional circumstances. Time and time again out SPD2 documents are ignored and ugly extensions and dormers are built to the detriment of the area.
Q15. Are the principles set out in the draft place-making charter the right ones? Are there other principles that should be included? [Please state reasoning]
A: They are, as long as they are adhered to.
Q16a. Do you consider that new design guides, codes or masterplans should be created alongside the new Local Plan?
A: Yes.
➔ Q16b. If yes, do you think it is more appropriate to have a single design guide/code for the whole District, or to have design guides/codes/masterplans for individual settlements or growth areas? [Please state reasoning]
A: You need different design guides/etc as our district is unique and diverse and the “one shoe fits all" would be detrimental to its character and charm.
➔ Q16c. What do you think should be included in design guides/codes/masterplans at the scale you are suggesting? [Please state reasoning].
A: You need to ensure that the character and heritage of our settlements are adhered to whilst allowing for some growth, in order to rejuvenate the smaller settlements if needed.
Q17. With reference to the options listed above, or your own options, how do you feel we can best plan to meet our need for different types, sizes and tenures of housing? [Please state reasoning]
A: By working closely with planners and developers, as well as different charities and communities, residents and businesses. You will then get a better understanding as to what you need and what will be achievable.
Q18. With reference to your preferred Strategy Option, are there areas or sites in Rochford that you feel require a specific approach to housing types, size and tenure? What is required to meet housing needs in these areas? [Please state reasoning]
A: The district has a large number of houses, existing and approved that have 4 or 5 bedrooms. The number of homes available with 2 or 3 bedrooms is minimal, which increases their price and availability. The smaller properties are the ones that need to be affordable for families. We should ensure that our “affordable“ properties are not all flats and that the minimum (or higher) standards are met for gardens/recreational space. There are sure to be single, elderly residents that would like to downsize from their large family homes, into a smaller, more manageable one but do not wish to go into an assisted living/residential /retirement home. They may want a 1 or 2 bedroomed property, maybe one storey, or low rise apartment that they own freehold. We also need to consider that some of our residents may need residential care and we should be looking at ways to cope with the rising number of elderly and provide accommodation for them also. We desperately need to meet the needs of the hidden homeless. The adult children on low wages that have no hope of starting a life of their own away from their parents. By living in these conditions, even if the family unit is tight and loving, it will cause mental health issues, stress and anxiety. We also need accessible properties for our disabled members of our community, where they are assisted in order to fulfil a normal as possible life. Emergency and social housing also need to be addressed.
Q19. Are there any other forms of housing that you feel we should be planning for? How can we best plan to meet the need for that form of housing? [Please state reasoning]
A: Housing for the hidden homeless – those “sofa surfing”, or adult children living at home with parents as they are on low wages or wages that would not allow them to move out to rent or buy somewhere on their own. Adapted homes for the disabled (physical, blind, etc.). Smaller, free hold properties for the older generation to enable them to downsize from large family homes. Social housing. Emergency housing.
Q20. With reference to the options listed, or your own options, what do you think is the most appropriate way of meeting our permanent Gypsy and Traveller accommodation needs? [Please state reasoning]
A: You need to find a permanent site that has a little room to expand but not exponentially. The “Traveller” life has changed over the years and many will not fit into this category. We need to be integrating those not deemed into the classification into everyday life and housing. We also need it to be managed so that illegal building work and population do not exceed its capacity. This site will need good access and be somewhere where it does not impose or affect other residents.
Q21. With reference to the options listed, or your own options, what do you think is the most appropriate way of meeting our temporary Gypsy and Traveller accommodation needs? [Please state reasoning]
A: You need to find a permanent site that has a little room to expand but not exponentially. The “Traveller” life has changed over the years and many will not fit into this category. We need to be integrating those not deemed into the classification into everyday life and housing. We also need it to be managed so that illegal building work and population do not exceed its capacity. This site will need good access and be somewhere where it does not impose or affect other residents.
Q22. What do you consider would need to be included in a criteria-based policy for assessing potential locations for new Gypsy and Traveller sites? [Please state reasoning]
A: Easy access re large vehicles to the site and main roads to ensure the residential roads are not blocked by the larger vehicles. Room for some expansion that would not encroach on the surrounding area. Away from residents to reduce disturbance of vehicle movements. Not in an area of interest or recreation where the landscape would be blighted by the appearance of many vehicles. Not all in one area – spread out our quota across the district in order to avoid another Crays Farm scenario.
Q23. With reference to the options listed above, or your own options, how do you feel we can best ensure that we meet our employment and skills needs through the plan? [Please state reasoning]
A: The council needs to stop developing existing commercial land into housing. Too many sites have already been lost and many more are planned to go. They can then concentrate on helping those businesses wanting to expand to be able to do so. They should look to working with local schools and colleges, as well as businesses and the job centre, to see what sustainable employment is needed in the district. They then need to assist in schemes to train all ages get back into work or upskill.
Q24. With reference to Figure 30, do you consider the current employment site allocations to provide enough space to meet the District’s employment needs through to 2040? Should we seek to formally protect any informal employment sites for commercial uses, including those in the Green Belt? [Please state reasoning]
A: No. The current employment site allocations on Figure 30 do not provide enough space to meet the District’s employment needs through to 2040. We have around 87,000 people in the district. There is no data on the form to suggest how many of these are in employment and how many are looking for work but the council need to reassess its future needs in order to future-proof our residents’ opportunities. We only need to formally protect sites that have a future and a potential to expand or continue effectively. Green belt sites should be assessed separately and decisions made on merit.
Q25. With reference to your preferred Strategy Option, are there opportunities for growth to deliver new employment facilities or improvements to existing employment facilities?
A: Option 3 could deliver new opportunities for employment as it would be a new site completely. Industrial units of various sizes, with room for expansion plus retail, hospitality and other employment could be included in the criteria for the development. Option 4 could assess existing sites across the district and the options to be able to expand, as well as areas for new sites.
Q26. Are there any particular types of employment site or business accommodation that you consider Rochford District is lacking, or would benefit from?
A: Environmental services - woodland conservation/management. (We need to find funding for this as it is important!) HGV training school.
Q27. Are there other measures we can take through the plan to lay the foundations for long-term economic growth, e.g. skills or connectivity?
A: Better road networks and Wi-Fi. Apprenticeships or training for all ages with jobs at the end of training.
Q28. With reference to the options listed above, or your own options, how do you feel we can best manage the Airport’s adaptations and growth through the planning system? [Please state reasoning]
A: Unsure, but I feel there is not enough room for too much expansion ie. add another run way. The council could consider a park and ride park, to divert some traffic away from the residential area, which could create jobs for security services, bus drivers, attendants, cleaners, etc. Expansion of the airport may affect the Grade 1 listed St Laurence and All Saints Church and this needs careful consideration.
Q29. Do you agree that the plan should designate and protect areas of land of locally important wildlife value as a local wildlife site, having regard to the Local Wildlife Sites review? Are there any other sites that you feel are worthy of protection? [Please state reasoning]
A: We all should be doing everything in our power to protect wildlife sites. All wildlife is important and we have been neglecting them, and slowly chipping away at them for years. Wildlife now enter suburban areas as their own habitats have diminished and they can no longer fend for themselves adequately from nature. We have a decline in Badgers and hedgehogs as well as rabbits, frogs, newts, voles and shrews. Ask yourselves: when did you last see a live hedgehog or badger? Most (especially badgers) are usually dead (along with foxes and deer) by the side of our roads. We have removed places that have housed bats and now we do not see them flying around the district in the numbers they did. Designating initial sites is a step in the right direction but we have to do more. It is proven that our mental health issues can be relieved by nature and keeping the sites sacred is more important now than it ever was. Keeping a biodiverse environment, with wildlife and the environment in which it relies is paramount. You mention that Doggett Pond no longer meets the standard but are there no steps to improve its status instead of dismissing it? It is obviously an important site for the wildlife in that area. To lose it would be to our detriment. We should be looking at creating new sites with every large housing development, and adding them to our protected list in order to improve our district and our own wellbeing. We should no allow private households to take over grass areas and verges (or concreting the verges over for parking and cost savings). These areas, although small are still areas for wildlife (bees and butterflies - also in decline, as well as bugs which feed our birds). We should create new wildlife meadows to encourage the pollinators in order to future proof our own existence. We should be exploring smaller sites that we could enhance, manage and protect in order to give future generations something to look back on and feel proud that we have given them a legacy. Something that we can be proud of.
Q30. Do you agree that the plan should designate and protect areas of land of locally important geological value as a local geological site, having regard to the Local Wildlife Sites review? Are there any other sites that you feel are worthy of protection? [Please state reasoning]
A: Yes. We need to protect them for future generations and teach our children their history and importance so that they can continue to keep them safe.
Q31. Do you consider net gains for biodiversity are best delivered on-site or off-site? Are there specific locations or projects where net gain projects could be delivered?
A: On site. You can then assess in real time and sort out any issues you would not have known about off site.
Q32. With reference to the options above, or your own options, how do you feel we can best deliver a quality green and blue infrastructure network through the plan? [Please state reasoning]
A: You need to enhance and maintain what we already have by ensuring the necessary links are in place to link as many as possible, and ensuring that public rights of way are not blocked by land owners and are kept free from debris. You also need to assess some paths to make them accessible to the disabled so that all is inclusive. There are some green areas that do not have public facilities and it would be advantageous to look into offering this in the larger spaces (ie in the car park – a small toilet block and hand washing facilities). Obtaining funding from large (and medium) developments for enhancement of existing areas as well as providing new spaces and facilities is a step in the right direction.
Q33. Do you agree that the central woodlands arc and island wetlands, shown on Figure 32 are the most appropriate areas for new regional parklands? Are there any other areas that should be considered or preferred? [Please state reasoning]
A: They are a step in the right direction but you need to assess periodically in order to be able to add further links to any new parkland that may be created in the future. The map is unclear as it does not show exact routes. There is a large open space to the South West of Rayleigh (on the border), South of Bardfield Way and The Grange/Wheatley Wood, which could be enhanced.
Q34. With reference to your preferred Strategy Option, are there opportunities for growth to help deliver new strategic green and blue infrastructure? [Please state reasoning]
A: Enhancing the areas we have and ensuring developers include green space/recreational facility areas within their developments. A new, separate development would be able to deliver this within their plan layout. Ensuring there are suitable links, access and footpaths. Making sure some of these footpaths are accessible for the disabled.
Q35. With reference to the options above, or your own options, how can we address the need for sufficient and accessible community infrastructure through the plan? [Please state reasoning]
A: Ensuring that funding for existing facilities comes from new developments and making sure that these facilities are built during the time of the development (not like the London Road/Rawreth Lane development where a site was “provided” for healthcare but has not been built). Assess the shortfall of facilities and networks before plans are approved so that adequate planning and funding can be secured before any building takes place.
Q36. With reference to your preferred Strategy Option, are there opportunities for growth to deliver new or improved community infrastructure? [Please state reasoning]
A: A new town would have this infrastructure built into its plans. Funding for improvements must otherwise come from developers if an area is already overpopulated.
Q37. Are there areas in the District that you feel have particularly severe capacity or access issues relating to community infrastructure, including schools, healthcare facilities or community facilities? How can we best address these? [Please state reasoning]
A: Rayleigh is overcrowded. It has a road network no longer fit for purpose. The schools are almost full. It is difficult to obtain a GP or dental appointment. There is little to no disabled play areas/equipment. There is always issues with waste collections, drain & road cleaning and verge trimming. The council does not have the staff to deal with all these issues. The council needs to either build another waste recycling site (as the one in Castle road is no longer capable of expanding and meeting the needs of its ever growing population) or develop a better waste collection program which allows extra waste to be collected next to bins. It also needs to find a site to address/install commercial waste facilities to stop fly tipping.
Q38. With reference to the options above, or your own options, how do you feel we can best meet our open space and sport facility needs through the plan? [Please state reasoning]
A: Improve what we already have. The tennis courts on Fairview Park need improvement. Safeguard our open spaces to ensure we have wildlife and recreation. Develop different types of sporting facilities – not just football pitches. There is a need for a larger skateboard park and BMX track. We need to offer free recreation for our teenagers.
Q39. Are the potential locations for 3G pitch investment the right ones? Are there other locations that we should be considering? [Please state reasoning]
A: The development of 3G pitches seems to be the trendy thing to do but they are plastic grass at the end of the day and we should be looking at ways to reduce our plastic use. If there is an area that already exists that is in a poor start of repair then it may be an option – especially if the “grass” is made from recyclables, but we should be thinking outside the box and not covering our parks with it.
Q40. Are the listed potential hub sites and key centres the right ones? Are there other locations that we should be considering? [Please state reasoning]
A: They look suitable. They will probably need funding.
Q41. With reference to your preferred Strategy Option, are there opportunities for growth to help deliver improvements to open space or sport facility accessibility or provision?
A: A new development would be able to deliver this in their plans or fund improvements for existing facilities.
Q42. Are there particular open spaces that we should be protecting or improving? [Please note, you will have an opportunity to make specific comments on open spaces and local green spaces in the settlement profiles set out later in this report]
A: The sites will be specific in each parish. You need to protect all of these recreational spaces and improve if necessary as once lost to development, they can ever come back.
Q43. With reference to the options listed in this section, or your own options, how do you feel we can best address heritage issues through the plan? [Please state reasoning]
A: You need to reassess your policies on planning regarding alterations made to the buildings on your list, especially in our conservation areas. There have been a few occasions where buildings of “interest” (or other) have been altered, and that places in conservation areas have been allowed canopies, shutters and internal illumination of signage without challenge. Any building work (if any) needs to be sympathetic to the area and you should be able to request amendments to frontage, even if they have had it up for some time. Shop fronts are huge areas of uninteresting glass with garish colours. Signage and advertising (‘A’ board’s litter our pavements without challenge and large barriers are erected onto the pavements – totally out of character with a conservation area in a heritage town. Stick to your policies.
Q44. Are there areas of the District we should be considering for conservation area status beyond those listed in this section? [Please state reasoning]
A: Unsure although we need to stop taking areas of our precious woodland to make way for housing.
Q45. Are there any buildings, spaces or structures that should be protected for their historic, cultural or architectural significance? Should these be considered for inclusion on the Local List of non-designated assets? [Please state reasoning]
A: Don’t know. Mill Hall? Over 50 years old. Cultural centre in a conservation area. Needs massive investment and management. A new survey needs to be taken to ascertain whether there are any other areas that should be considered. There are many buildings along the High Road into Rayleigh (but not in the conservation area) which should be considered.
Q46. With reference to the options listed above, or your own options, how do you think we can best plan for vibrant town centres in Rochford, Rayleigh and Hockley? How can we also ensure our village and neighbourhood centres remain vibrant? [Please state reasoning]
A: You can only have a vibrant town centre if there are shops to go to. If these units are subsequently changed to residential then our town centres will be fractured and uninviting. The new Use Class E will mean it will be even more important for the council to protect our retail outlets. You need to work actively with premises owners in order to assist in the re-letting of any empty shops. Maybe offer a reduced rent to new businesses as a start-up scheme (you could contain this as a “local” business only – allowing the entrepreneurs in the Rochford District a chance to showcase their business). You also need to be able to negotiate with the owners of empty shops how they can best strive to fill these premises and if not, then have some visual displays in the windows (ie. photos of the old towns or useful information) to make them more attractive.
You will need good access links with an excellent road and cycle network and reliable public transport that links effectively from all the villages to all the towns.
Q47. Do you agree with the local centre hierarchy set out in Figure 36? If not, what changes would you make? [Please state reasoning]
A: Yes.
Q48. With reference to Figures 38-40, do you agree with existing town centre boundaries and extent of primary and secondary shopping frontages in Rayleigh, Rochford and Hockley? If not, what changes would you make? [Please state reasoning]
A: Yes
Q49. Should we continue to restrict appropriate uses within town centres, including primary and secondary shopping frontages within those centres? If yes, what uses should be restricted? [Please state reasoning]
A: Yes. We do not want rows of hairdresser or rows of takeaways etc. as this would eventually kill off our high streets. We need to have a balance of outlets. You would lose the vibrancy you are hoping to achieve if you allowed this. You should also consider restricting use to giant chains as these tend to be the first to go in a crisis and make high streets lose their individuality by them all looking the same.
Q50. With reference to your preferred Strategy Option, are there opportunities for growth to deliver improved retail and leisure services in the District? [Please state reasoning]
A: Unfortunately, some of our smaller retail areas have been sold off and housing development has been allowed (eg. Rayleigh - rear of Marks & Spencer and Dairy Crest plus Lancaster Road [builders’ yard]). In a new development there would be scope to add a small/medium/large precinct of retail etc. depending on the development size.
Q51. With reference to the options above, or your own options, how do you feel we can best address our transport and connectivity needs through the plan? [Please state reasoning]
A: The council needs to address the “No development before infrastructure” mantra! Too many houses are being built without adequate road networks in place (including walking and cycling routes). A new road could be built from the A1245 to Hullbridge, limiting the traffic on Rawreth Lane. More work need to be done (and quickly) on the A127 and The Carpenters Arms roundabout. The feeder lanes proposed some years ago to link the Fairglen interchange with The Rayleigh Weir in both directions need to be done ASAP as this is a bottleneck. Hockley needs another access although I am unsure how that can be achieved. New developments should put in cycle paths and walkways and they could be made to link up with existing paths (which need updating and attention).
Q52. Are there areas where improvements to transport connections are needed? What could be done to help improve connectivity in these areas?
A: More work need to be done (and quickly) on the A127 and The Carpenters Arms roundabout. The feeder lanes proposed some years ago to link the Fairglen interchange with The Rayleigh Weir in both directions need to be done ASAP as this is a bottleneck. Hockley needs another access.
Q53. With reference to your preferred Strategy Option, are there opportunities for growth to deliver new transport connections, such as link roads or rapid transit? What routes and modes should these take? [Walking, cycling, rail, bus, road etc.]
A: A new road from A1245 to Hullbridge is needed as Watery Lane is too narrow and winding, and is closed on a regular basis due to flooding. More (smaller) buses to link our towns and villages. Trams, although they seem a good idea, would cause congestion on our narrow roads and be unsustainable. Designated cycling paths (not on the roads or pavements) adjacent to our road networks would help improve traffic flow and these would need to be linked to be efficient.
Q54. Do you feel that the plan should identify rural exception sites? If so, where should these be located and what forms of housing or employment do you feel need to be provided? [Please note you may wish to comment on the use of specific areas of land in the next section]
A: Yes, but if they are to be affordable only, then they should be offered to local residents first and not anyone from afar who wants a cheap house or for those with a buy to let mortgage.
Q55. Are there any other ways that you feel the plan should be planning for the needs of rural communities? [Please stare reasoning]
A: Improve public transport.
Q56a. Do you agree with our vision for Rayleigh? Is there anything you feel is missing? [Please state reasoning]
A: Yes but you also need to include a reduced volume of traffic and air pollution. The High Street is usually grid locked and this causes dangerous pollution for our pedestrians/shoppers/residents. An active Police presence.
Q56b. With reference to Figure 44 and your preferred Strategy Option, do you think any of the promoted sites should be made available for any of the following uses? How could that improve the completeness of Rayleigh?
i. Housing [market, affordable, specialist, traveller, other]
ii. Commercial [offices, industrial, retail, other]
iii. Community infrastructure [open space, education, healthcare, allotments, other]
iv. Other
A: Access and increased congestion is going to be an issue with a lot of the sites in Rayleigh. If you keep adding small developments to the boundaries of the town we will create an overcrowded impacting on the developments already there and an urban sprawl effect. CFS 121 has potential for a new woodland area which could soak up some of the carbon emissions from the A127 traffic.
Q56c. Are there areas in Rayleigh that development should generally be presumed appropriate? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
A: We should be restricting any further large developments in Rayleigh and need to assess the impact of the current developments first.
Q56d. Are there areas that require protecting from development? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
A: CSF027 – The access road (Bull Lane) is a known rat run and is extremely busy. Any further traffic, which will also compete with large agricultural vehicles, could be a danger to the residents already there. Bull Lane near this point has also been flooded several times recently. CFS023 – Access to this road is via Wellington Road. It can be extremely difficult, especially at peak times (non-pandemic) to access to and from Hockley Road. Adding a large development here will have an adverse impact on existing residents and car users alike. Also, if these 2 developments are linked to Albert Road, the installation of a through road to Bull Lane will cause issues in parking, access and wellbeing as the road would become another rat run!
Q56e. Do you agree that the local green spaces shown on Figure 44 hold local significance? Are there any other open spaces that hold particular local significance?
A: All green spaces hold significance, especially to those who use them for recreation, and have community value. They should be protected. Green belt borders should be protected from development in order to prevent urban sprawl.
The green space north of CFS121 could be linked by a new bridge over the railway and create a new habitat for wildlife, with meadows and woodlands, walks and a lake/pond. A car park with facilities could be created and a small retail space could be offered for snacks etc.
Q57a. Do you agree with our vision for Rochford and Ashingdon? Is there anything you feel is missing? [Please state reasoning]
A: I feel CFS261 would cause great harm to the area, with a potential of over 4,000 houses on the site. The road network is not sufficient to cope with half that amount of dwellings and new schools would need to be built.
Q57b. With reference to Figure 45 and your preferred Strategy Option, do you think any of the promoted sites should be made available for any of the following uses? How could that improve the completeness of Rochford and Ashingdon?
i. Housing [market, affordable, specialist, traveller, other]
ii. Commercial [offices, industrial, retail, other]
iii. Community infrastructure [open space, education, healthcare, allotments, other]
iv. Other
A: Don’t know.
Q57c. Are there areas in Rochford and Ashingdon that development should generally be presumed appropriate? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
A: Don’t know.
Q57d. Are there areas that require protecting from development? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
A: All green spaces hold significance, especially to those who use them for recreation, and have community value. They should be protected. Green belt borders should be protected from development in order to prevent urban sprawl.
Q57e. Do you agree that the local green spaces shown on Figure 45 hold local significance? Are there any other open spaces that hold particular local significance? [Please state reasoning]
A: All green spaces hold some significance, especially to those who use them for recreation, and have community value. These should be protected.
Q58a. Do you agree with our vision for Hockley and Hawkwell? Is there anything you feel is missing? [Please state reasoning]
A: Don’t know.
Q58b. With reference to Figure 46 and your preferred Strategy Option, do you think any of the promoted sites should be made available for any of the following uses? How could that improve the completeness of Hockley and Hawkwell?
i. Housing [market, affordable, specialist, traveller, other]
ii. Commercial [offices, industrial, retail, other]
iii. Community infrastructure [open space, education, healthcare, allotments, other]
iv. Other
A: Don’t know.
Q58c. Are there areas in Hockley and Hawkwell that development should generally be presumed appropriate? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
A: Don’t know
Q58d. Are there areas that require protecting from development? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
A: As Hockley Woods is the largest remaining wild woodland in the country you should be doing EVERYTHING you can to save it from development, either adjacent to or close by. You should also actively be adding to it by planting more trees to future proof its existence and status.
Q58e. Do you agree that the local green spaces shown on Figure 46 hold local significance? Are there any other open spaces that hold particular local significance? [Please state reasoning]
A: All green spaces hold significance, especially to those who use them for recreation, and have community value. They should be protected. Green belt borders should be protected from development in order to prevent urban sprawl.
Q59a. Do you agree with our vision for the Wakerings and Barling? Is there anything you feel is missing? [Please state reasoning]
A: Don’t know.
Q59b. With reference to Figure 47 and your preferred Strategy Option, do you think any of the promoted sites should be made available for any of the following uses? How could that improve the completeness of the Wakerings and Barling?
i. Housing [market, affordable, specialist, traveller, other]
ii. Commercial [offices, industrial, retail, other]
iii. Community infrastructure [open space, education, healthcare, allotments, other]
iv. Other
A: Don’t know.
Q59c. Are there areas in the Wakerings and Barling that development should generally be presumed appropriate? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
A: Any development needs to be sympathetic of the area.
Q59d. Are there areas that require protecting from development? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
A: Don’t know.
Q59e. Do you agree that the local green spaces shown on Figure 47 hold local significance? Are there any other open spaces that hold particular local significance? [Please state reasoning]
A: Don’t know.
Q60a. Do you agree with our vision for Hullbridge? Is there anything you feel is missing? [Please state reasoning]
A: Yes, although you need to address the road networks as well as those you have suggested. A new link road from A1245 to Hullbridge, adjacent to Watery Lane would serve the increased population with an improved access route and divert traffic away from other areas.
Q60b. With reference to Figure 48 and your preferred Strategy Option, do you think any of the promoted sites should be made available for any of the following uses? How could that improve the completeness of Hullbridge?
i. Housing [market, affordable, specialist, traveller, other]
ii. Commercial [offices, industrial, retail, other]
iii. Community infrastructure [open space, education, healthcare, allotments, other]
iv. Other
A: Some of the sites have potential to include a mix of shops, leisure, recreation, offices and housing but a study needs to be made to assess the impact of the current development
Q60c. Are there areas in Hullbridge that development should generally be presumed appropriate? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
A: Don’t know.
Q60d. Are there areas that require protecting from development? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
A: Anything too close to the river due to flood risk.
Q60e. Do you agree that the local green spaces shown on Figure 48 hold local significance? Are there any other open spaces that hold particular local significance? [Please state reasoning]
A: All green spaces hold significance, especially to those who use them for recreation, and have community value. They should be protected. Green belt borders should be protected from development in order to prevent urban sprawl.
Q61a. Do you agree with our vision for Canewdon? Is there anything you feel is missing? [Please state reasoning]
A: Yes. A small amount of housing can be sustainable there as long as the community feel it is needed.
Q61b. With reference to Figure 49 and your preferred Strategy Option, do you think any of the promoted sites should be made available for any of the following uses? How could that improve the completeness of Canewdon?
i. Housing [market, affordable, specialist, traveller, other]
ii. Commercial [offices, industrial, retail, other]
iii. Community infrastructure [open space, education, healthcare, allotments, other]
iv. Other
A: Opportunities for mixed retail, commercial and housing could be achieved with some sympathetic development in this area.
Q61c. Are there areas in Canewdon that development should generally be presumed appropriate? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
A: Don’t know.
Q61d. Are there areas that require protecting from development? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
A: Don’t know.
Q61e. Do you agree that the local green spaces shown on Figure 48 hold local significance? Are there any other open spaces that hold particular local significance? [Please state reasoning]
A: All green spaces hold significance, especially to those who use them for recreation, and have community value. They should be protected. Green belt borders should be protected from development in order to prevent urban sprawl.
Q62a. Do you agree with our vision for Great Stambridge? Is there anything you feel is missing? [Please state reasoning]
A: Yes.
Q62b. With reference to Figure 50 and your preferred Strategy Option, do you think any of the promoted sites should be made available for any of the following uses? How could that improve the completeness of Great Stambridge?
i. Housing [market, affordable, specialist, traveller, other]
ii. Commercial [offices, industrial, retail, other]
iii. Community infrastructure [open space, education, healthcare, allotments, other]
iv. Other
A: Any development needs to be sensitive and sympathetic to this small village.
Q62c. Are there areas in Great Stambridge that development should generally be presumed appropriate? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
A: Don’t know.
Q62d. Are there areas that require protecting from development? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
A: Don’t know.
Q62e. Do you agree that the local green spaces shown on Figure 50 hold local significance? Are there any other open spaces that hold particular local significance? [Please state reasoning]
A: All green spaces hold significance, especially to those who use them for recreation, and have community value. They should be protected. Green belt borders should be protected from development in order to prevent urban sprawl.
Q63a. Do you agree with our vision for Rawreth? Is there anything you feel is missing? [Please state reasoning]
A: Don’t know.
Q63b. With reference to Figure 51 and your preferred Strategy Option, do you think any of the promoted sites should be made available for any of the following uses? How could that improve the completeness of Rawreth?
i. Housing [market, affordable, specialist, traveller, other]
ii. Commercial [offices, industrial, retail, other]
iii. Community infrastructure [open space, education, healthcare, allotments, other]
iv. Other
A: Don’t know.
Q63c. Are there areas in Rawreth that development should generally be presumed appropriate? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
A: Yes. Those that border the main roads as this makes easy access.
Q63d. Are there areas that require protecting from development? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
A: Those that change the dynamics of the village and those areas that border Wickford. There needs to be a significate amount of green belt land left to separate the 2 areas to prevent urban sprawl.
Q63e. Do you agree that the local green spaces shown on Figure 51 hold local significance? Are there any other open spaces that hold particular local significance? [Please state reasoning]
A: All green spaces hold significance, especially to those who use them for recreation, and have community value. They should be protected. Green belt borders should be protected from development in order to prevent urban sprawl.
Q64a. Do you agree with our vision for Paglesham? Is there anything you feel is missing? [Please state reasoning]
A: I think the 30 houses is the maximum you should build to keep this hamlet special. Maybe less. The community should be consulted for their requirements.
Q64b. With reference to Figure 52 and your preferred Strategy Option, do you think any of the promoted sites should be made available for any of the following uses? How could that improve the completeness of Paglesham?
i. Housing [market, affordable, specialist, traveller, other]
ii. Commercial [offices, industrial, retail, other]
iii. Community infrastructure [open space, education, healthcare, allotments, other]
iv. Other
A: The 30 proposed houses should reflect the history of the area and should be modest in size and scale. These does not seem to be scope for any other building project with exception to open space. Any development should be sympathetic to the design and scale of the areas history.
Q64c. Are there areas in Paglesham that development should generally be presumed appropriate? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
A: Those proposed seem appropriate subject to local knowledge and support.
Q64d. Are there areas that require protecting from development? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
A: No building anywhere where it is liable to flood. No building near the waterfront in order to protect its charm and history.
Q64e. Do you agree that the local green spaces shown on Figure 52 hold local significance? Are there any other open spaces that hold particular local significance? [Please state reasoning]
A: All green spaces hold significance, especially to those who use them for recreation, and have community value. They should be protected. Green belt borders should be protected from development in order to prevent urban sprawl.
Q65a. Do you agree with our vision for Sutton and Stonebridge? Is there anything you feel is missing? [Please state reasoning]
A: Yes. These areas should remain low key but have better access to services.
Q65b. With reference to Figure 53 and your preferred Strategy Option, do you think any of the promoted sites should be made available for any of the following uses? How could that improve the completeness of Sutton and Stonebridge?
i. Housing [market, affordable, specialist, traveller, other]
ii. Commercial [offices, industrial, retail, other]
iii. Community infrastructure [open space, education, healthcare, allotments, other]
iv. Other
A: Don’t know, but mass development should not go ahead. The potential of building thousands of houses, retail etc would be devastating. If any form of development was to go ahead then this should be in the way of a nature reserve/woodland etc.
Q65c. Are there areas in Sutton and Stonebridge that development should generally be presumed appropriate? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
A: Don’t know.
Q65d. Are there areas that require protecting from development? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
A: Most of the area unless it is the creation of new woodland, ponds, meadows, etc.
Q65e. Do you agree that the local green spaces shown on Figure 53 hold local significance? Are there any other open spaces that hold particular local significance? [Please state reasoning]
A: All green spaces hold significance, especially to those who use them for recreation, and have community value. They should be protected. Green belt borders should be protected from development in order to prevent urban sprawl.
Q66. Do you agree that our rural communities do not require individual vision statements? Are there communities that you feel should have their own vision? [Please state reasoning]
A: At this time – yes, but I feel they should have some consideration in the future in order to protect them.
Q67. Do you agree with our vision for our rural communities? Is there anything you feel is missing? [Please state reasoning]
A: Yes. Nothing missing I can think of.
Q68. Are there other courses of action the Council could take to improve the completeness of our rural communities?
A: Survey and listen to the residents to see where they would like to go next. See if they require anything specific (travel links, facilities, affordable housing, etc.)
Comment
New Local Plan: Spatial Options Document 2021
Representation ID: 43379
Received: 28/09/2021
Respondent: Hawkwell Parish Council
N/A
Hawkwell Parish Council - Official Response to RDC's Local Plan Spatial Options Consultation
Q1. Are there any other technical evidence
studies that you feel the Council needs to
prepare to inform its new Local Plan, other
than those listed in this section?
A full infrastructure assessment should be conducted,
to include a local highway study/up to date traffic
assessment. This study needs to be undertaken prior
to deciding the best option to deliver the new Local
Plan. The cumulative effect of the development of the
present District Plan on Hawkwell’s road system; the
Christmas Tree farm, Rectory Road, Hall Road and Brays
Lane sites, without the impact of Sapwoods site yet to
be developed.
It would also be important to obtain some
statistics/reports from schools & doctor surgery and
drainage capacity. All these areas appear to be at or
near capacity already.
Comprehensive air quality testing is a necessity, with
the increase in traffic volumes (34.5%) there must have
also been increased air pollution, which is dangerous to
the health of residents and must not be overlooked.
With reports of government already struggling to meet
their climate change targets and the extremely
worrying IPCC report it is essential that we start to
consider the consequences of the rising temperatures,
therefore a Flood Risk assessment should be provided.
There are many areas in our District that are predicted
to be under flood level by 2050 and the areas that
aren’t in the flood risk zone are already suffering from
surface flooding problems when we have torrential
downpours. (A very high proportion of
Hawkwell/Hockley sites are rated 2 for flood risk)
Perhaps a windfall report? It would be good to know
how many houses have already been built over the
course of the last Local Plan that couldn’t be included.
This could potentially be used for challenging
government for a reduction in the housing target,
which is something we would like to see.
We find it very difficult to respond to this consultation
without having the above technical evidence.
Q2. Do you agree with our draft vision for
Rochford District? Is there anything missing
from the vision that you feel needs to be
included? [Please state reasoning]
No. The Council believes that Hawkwell Parish should
not be split with West Hawkwell joined with Hockley
and East Hawkwell joined with Rochford in this study.
Q3. Do you agree that we should develop a range
of separate visions for each of our settlements to help guide decision-making? [Please state reasoning]
Yes. As explained above each settlement has its own
unique needs and characteristics and it is only by
working with Parish Councils and residents that their views can be reflected in the Plan to ensure the unique
character of each settlement is protected.
Q4. Do you agree with the strategic priorities and
objectives we have identified? Is there anything missing from the strategic priorities or objectives that you feel needs to be included? [Please state reasoning]
Strategic Option 2 fails to address the problems of the
aging population within the District, partly due to the
failure to provide low rent social housing. The strategy
should provide council housing stock in small local
exception sites.
STRATEGY OPTIONS
Q5. Do you agree with the settlement hierarchy
presented? If not, what changes do you think
are required? [Please state reasoning]
No. Council does not agree in splitting Hawkwell Parish
into West and East and joining these areas with Hockley
and Rochford/Ashingdon respectively. Hawkwell is the
largest Parish in the Rochford District, except for
Rayleigh Town Council, yet doesn’t feature as a
complete settlement in the hierarchy.
Q6. Which of the identified strategy options do you consider should be taken forward in the Plan? [Please state reasoning]
Option 3a is Council’s preferred option. This seems the
least disruptive option and a new village to the west of
Rayleigh has the advantage of being close to exiting
road hubs (A127 and A130) which would enable good
transport links to Wickford, Basildon, Chelmsford,
Thurrock and Southend (the main employment routes).
Option 3a would attract Section 106 funding for
infrastructure, rather than adding to existing villages
and hoping for S106 funding afterwards towards
schools, community centres, medical centres and
shopping parades.
The Council promoted this option in the last Local Plan.
Option 3b would put even more pressure on existing
roads and erode the green belt and current separation
between Rochford District and Southend.
Option 3c would only lead to demands for a Southend
Bypass, promoted by developers which would lead to
further developments alongside the bypass.
Q7. Are there any reasonable alternatives to
these options that should be considered
instead? [Please state reasoning]
Yes. A combination of Option 1 and Option 3a after
utilising all available brownfield sites and infrastructure
improvements have been planned and/or completed.
SPATIAL THEMES
Q8. Are there any key spatial themes that you
feel we have missed or that require greater
emphasis? [Please state reasoning]
Council is concerned that the whole character of the
District will change with the urbanisation of the District.
Accessibility to some of the consultation documents
has been very problematic and Council has concerns
that residents, particularly those without access to a
computer, are not realistically able to view or respond
to the consultation.
Q9. Do you agree we should take a sequential
approach to flood risk and coastal change in our plan, locating development away from
areas at risk of flooding and coastal change
wherever possible? How can we best protect
current and future communities from flood
risk and coastal change? [Please state
reasoning]
We agree that it is essential that both flood risk and
coastal change be considered when developing a suitable plan and development sites. A plan needs to
focus on limiting flooding, protecting people, wildlife
and properties.
According to the climate central coastal risk screening
tool, the land projected to be below annual flood level
in 2050 includes a large part of the district (areas
affected include Foulness, Wakering, Barling,
Paglesham, Stambridge, South Fambridge, Hullbridge,
Canewdon and Rochford).
The main route out of Rochford between the train
station and the airport is also affected, roads leading to
for example, Watery Lane, Lower Road etc and
including the A130 & A1245.
Large retail areas such as Purdeys Industrial Estate may
also be affected which would affect employment. As
would employment areas such Battlesbridge, Rawreth
& Shotgate.
As the sea levels rise further other complications may
include:
• People unable to get mortgages and insurance,
therefore they may not be able to live in those
areas.
• People wanting to migrate to areas of lower
flood risk.
Q10. Do you agree that the Coastal Protection Belt
and Upper Roach Valley should be protected
from development that would be harmful to
their landscape character? Are there other
areas that you feel should be protected for
their special landscape character? [Please
state reasoning]
The Coastal Protection Belt only lasts to 2025 and
needs to be extended for many years. All development
in flood plains must be resisted as the danger of
flooding will increase. Hockley Woods and Cherry
Orchard Country Park must be protected from
development. The fields around St. Mary’s church in
Hawkwell and the network of footpaths around
Clements Hall and Glencroft Open Space need to be
protected for its contribution to wildlife habitat.
Q11. Do you agree we should require development to source a percentage of their energy from low-carbon and renewable sources? Are there other opportunities in the
district to supply low-carbon or renewable energy?
The way forward is renewable energy, wind farms and
solar panel farms, provided they are not in places with
impact on sensitive areas.
The area does not have enough free land to support
wind or Solar P.V farms to create enough energy. These
farms have a massive impact on the community as
large trenches have to be dug over great distances to
lay the cables to Sub Stations, that have to be built.
Other sources of producing Zero Carbon energy should
be selected, before covering every piece of land with
P.V panels or Wind turbines.
Q12. Do you agree we should require new development to achieve energy efficiency standards higher than building regulations?
What level should these be set at? [Please state reasoning].
Yes, providing the cost is not passed to the house buyer
making the cost prohibitive. Local building control
inspections should only be carried out by the Council’s
Inspectors.
Q13. How do you feel the plan can help to support the local generation of low-carbon and renewable energy? Are there locations where you feel energy generation should be supported? [Please state reasoning]
Foulness Island could be a good location for a Solar
Farm and wind turbines off the shore.
The plan cannot support local low carbon generation
and renewable energy. The only way this can be
achieved by all the Districts or Counties is if the grid is
de-centralised and smaller power stations are sited in
places like Foulness, where impact to the Community
would be kept to a minimum.
Q14. Do you consider that the plan should include
a place-making charter that informs relevant
policies? Should the same principles apply
everywhere in the district, or should different
principles apply to different areas? [Please
state reasoning]
Yes. They should be settlement specific to allow for
individual characteristic of each area, sufficiently
detailed to avoid confusion.
Q15. Are the principles set out in the draft placemaking charter the right ones? Are there other principles that should be included? [Please state reasoning]
Yes, provided that individual settlements are consulted,
and they are adhered to.
Q16.
a. Do you consider that new design guides, codes or masterplans should be created alongside the new Local Plan?
Yes. Each individual settlement should be at the centre
of it and considered as their own entities, with their own individual characteristics identified.
b. If yes, do you think it is more appropriate to have a single design guide/code for the whole District, or to have design guides/codes/masterplans for individual
settlements or growth areas? [Please state reasoning]
Design guides should be area specific under one single
guide covering the whole district.
c. What do you think should be included in design guides/codes/masterplans at the scale you are suggesting? [Please state reasoning].
The Design Guides must reflect the character of the
settlements while allowing for some growth.
HOUSING FOR ALL
Q17. With reference to the options listed above, or your own options, how do you feel we can best plan to meet our need for different types, sizes and tenures of housing? [Please state reasoning]
Meet the needs for different types of tenures of
affordable, social, council and specialist housing by
requiring all types are provided on all new
developments.
Q18. With reference to your preferred Strategy Option, are there areas or sites in Rochford that you feel require a specific approach to housing types, size and tenure? What is required to meet housing needs in these areas? [Please state reasoning]
There is a need for more flats, bungalows, 2 bed
houses. These can be accommodated in Option 3a. In
addition, the Council has a long-held view that
bungalows should not be converted into houses as this
depletes the bungalow stock which are required for an
ageing population.
According to the strategy options/growth scenarios, the house price to local earning ratios, suggest our area is the least affordable in the country. It also states that our housing registers has grown by 20% in the last year.
With house prices going up it would mean that younger
generations are priced out of the area. If they leave the
area it would create more of a retirement settlement
than before, therefore requiring less employment & retail space etc.
Focus on building smaller properties (e.g. 1-3 bedrooms) and tailored towards singles/couples/first time buyers/young adults who are still living at home with parents.
Other priorities should be for ground level properties,
suitable for the aging and disabled residents, we should
be safeguarding existing bungalows which are rapidly
disappearing. Providing these options would ‘free up’
the larger properties within the district, meaning we
shouldn’t require so many larger (4/5 bedroom) homes.
It is important to note that first time buyers, buying a
property in the area will more than likely already live in
the district and own a vehicle. This means that no new
traffic is created, however for larger, more expensive
properties that attract buyers from outside the area
will also bring additional vehicles onto the already
congested roads.
Social housing and homes for homeless and vulnerable
residents also needs better consideration.
Q19. Are there any other forms of housing that you feel we should be planning for? How can we best plan to meet the need for that form of housing? [Please state reasoning]
Affordable housing for the disabled and starter homes
should be planned for.
Q20. With reference to the options listed, or your own options, what do you think is the most appropriate way of meeting our permanent Gypsy and Traveller accommodation needs? [Please state reasoning]
Possible need a permanent traveller site which could be
controlled in terms of site population exceeding capacity.
Q21. With reference to the options listed, or your own options, what do you think is the most appropriate way of meeting our temporary Gypsy and Traveller accommodation needs? [Please state reasoning]
Sites need to be away from residents but also close
enough to schools. Also needs to be near main roads to accommodate large vehicles and caravans.
Q22. What do you consider would need to be included in a criteria-based policy for assessing potential locations for new Gypsy and Traveller sites? [Please state reasoning]
See answer to Q21. In addition, sensitive green belt
areas should not be considered as potential locations.
EMPLOYMENT & JOBS
Q23. With reference to the options listed above, or your own options, how do you feel we can best ensure that we meet our employment and skills needs through the plan? [Please state reasoning]
Ensure that Essex Education Authority provides evening
and afternoon classes to offer affordable, local adult
education to address skill shortages and allow
opportunities to support residents to get back into
work or upskill/retrain. Work with local colleges, as
well as businesses, job centres and Essex County
Council to assess what sustainable employment is
needed in the District.
Large retail areas such as Purdey’s Industrial Estate may
be affected by flooding in the future, which would
affect employment. Current businesses within the flood
risk area may possibly need to be relocated or they
could lose employment opportunities.
Q24. With reference to Figure 30, do you consider the current employment site allocations to provide enough space to meet the District’s employment needs through to 2040? Should we seek to formally protect any informal
employment sites for commercial uses, including those in the Green Belt? [Please state reasoning]
Greenbelt sites must be controlled by regularisation of
informal sites. Brownfield sites should be used first and
protected from housing development if they have a
current or future potential to provide employment
opportunities. There is a need for employment in local
communities as this is a greener option as it reduces
transport use.
Q25. With reference to your preferred Strategy Option, are there opportunities for growth to deliver new employment facilities or improvements to existing employment facilities?
Council’s preferred option 3a provides many
employment opportunities to establish the new
infrastructure over many years. Various types of
employment facilities, i.e. industrial units, hospitality,
retail and other employment could be included in
option 3a. This option satisfies the ‘Employment
Option 4’ which states “meeting future needs by
prioritising employment space alongside any new
strategic housing developments.”
Q26. Are there any particular types of employment
site or business accommodation that you consider Rochford District is lacking, or would benefit from?
Yes, lacking in ‘green’ industries. Sites for ‘sustainable
living’ businesses e.g. refill stores, market type sites for
locally grown or manufactured foods or crafted items,
small holdings, upcycling or repair & restore facilities.
Q27. Are there other measures we can take through the plan to lay the foundations for long-term economic growth, e.g., skills or connectivity?
Better road networks and public transport links to serve
new schools and colleges required as result of the
increase in population linked to development. Also
improve footpaths and cycle path access. Consider
higher or further education facilities and availability of
apprenticeships and training for all ages, to address the
current and future skills shortages.
Q28. With reference to the options listed above, or your own options, how do you feel we can best manage the Airport’s adaptations and growth through the planning system? [Please state reasoning]
Careful consideration should be given to the growth of
the airport; it would bring additional jobs and business
opportunities, but it would also put more strain on the
existing transport network and would bring additional noise and air pollution. It would also require more land.
Improvements to the public transport system and road
network would be required to enable growth and jobs
linked to the airport industry. Airport linked transport
adjacent to both the existing airport industrial park and
Saxon Business Park should be included in the strategy.
Given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the impact
of Climate Change on the aviation industry (e.g., urgent
carbon reduction), we should continue to make
decisions based on the existing JAAP for the time being,
but to consider developing a new Area Action Plan, or
masterplan, after the new Local Plan is adopted or
when the need arises.
BIODIVERSITY
Q29. Do you agree that the plan should designate and protect areas of land of locally important wildlife value as a local wildlife site, having regard to the Local Wildlife Sites review? Are there any other sites that you feel are worthy of protection? [Please state reasoning]
Yes. Gusted Hall Wood, Hockley Woods (ancient
woodland). The upper Roach Valley, the lower Crouch
Valley. The rivers Roach and Crouch.
All local Nature Reserves and ancient woodland sites
must be protected at all costs. Magnolia Nature reserve
is home to protected Great Crested Newts.
We should avoid building on green belt, park land and
coastal locations, to protect wildlife and habitats.
Evidence suggests that society is losing its connection
to nature, we must not allow this to continue and must
ensure that future generations have a legacy. New
wildflower meadow creation would also be very
valuable as our insects and pollinators are in decline.
Q30. Do you agree that the plan should designate and protect areas of land of locally important geological value as a local geological site, having regard to the Local Wildlife Sites review? Are there any other sites that you
feel are worthy of protection? [Please state reasoning]
Yes. Many areas provide important wildlife habitats for
protected, endangered or rare wildlife and fauna. It is
important that these areas are protected for future
generations.
Q31. Do you consider net gains for biodiversity are best delivered on-site or off-site? Are there specific locations or projects where net gain projects could be delivered?
On-site.
GREEN AND BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE
Q32. With reference to the options above, or your own options, how do you feel we can best deliver a quality green and blue infrastructure network through the plan?
[Please state reasoning]
By retaining what is already in existence by ensuring
the links are in place to join as many locations as
possible. Additionally, ensuring that Public Rights of
Way (ProW) are free from land-owner obstructions and
that they are kept free from any debris. Also, paths
need to be made accessible to the disabled to ensure
all- inclusive facilities.
Q33. Do you agree that the central woodlands arc and island wetlands, shown on Figure 32 are the most appropriate areas for new regional parklands? Are there any other areas that should be considered or preferred? [Please state reasoning]
By lobbying central government to allow revision of
RDC plans to support a quality green and blue
infrastructure; additionally, Parish Councils could
maintain paths such as costal paths with funds from
Section 106 agreements.
Q34. With reference to your preferred Strategy Option, are there opportunities for growth to help deliver new strategic green and blue infrastructure? [Please state reasoning]
Our choice of Option 3a, Council believes there should
be concentration on brownfield and town sites to
protect rural communities and the Green Belt.
Alternative options 3 or 4 mean less development in
rural areas and are therefore more accommodating to
the needs of smaller rural areas.
COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE
Q35. With reference to the options above, or your own options, how can we address the need for sufficient and accessible community infrastructure through the plan? [Please state reasoning]
It is important to assess the shortfall of facilities and
networks before plans are approved to ensure
adequate planning and funding can be secured before
any building takes place.
Options could be considered to get people across the
road without the need to stop the traffic, such as a
walking bridge/flyover on Ashingdon Road where there
are 3 crossings within close proximity to each to other,
which is a significant cause of traffic and congestion.
Q36. With reference to your preferred Strategy Option, are there opportunities for growth to deliver new or improved community infrastructure? [Please state reasoning]
Any section 106 monies should be legally
specified/described in the plans to state that it must be
allocated to the development area stated within the
plans and not used for other sites elsewhere.
Q37. Are there areas in the District that you feel have particularly severe capacity or access issues relating to community infrastructure, including schools, healthcare facilities or community facilities? How can we best
address these? [Please state reasoning]
Ashingdon Road is gridlocked most days and has a
severe congestion problem. There should be public
transport links that allow residents to easily travel
between parishes within the district (for example:
Ashingdon to Hullbridge, or even travelling from East to
West Hawkwell would currently require 2 buses). Even
if Section 106 grants were made available, healthcare
facilities in Hawkwell are currently severely restricted,
especially since the pandemic due to doctor shortage;
those grants are unlikely to improve the situation.
Further development in Hawkwell would put further
burden on the healthcare provision.
A new site for the waste recycling site should be
located; the tip in Rayleigh seems to be insufficient
now.
OPEN SPACES & RECREATION
Q38. With reference to the options above, or your own options, how do you feel we can best meet our open space and sport facility needs through the plan? [Please state reasoning]
Permanent all year-round bus services to our main
leisure sites.
Section 106 monies, if available, should help fund the
improvement of the football pitches at Clements Hall. It
is important to safeguard, improve and maintain
existing open spaces and recreational sites.
Q39. Are the potential locations for 3G pitch investment the right ones? Are there other locations that we should be considering? [Please state reasoning]
All-weather facilities should be considered where
appropriate.
Q40. Are the listed potential hub sites and key centres the right ones? Are there other locations that we should be considering? [Please state reasoning]
The potential sites seem acceptable.
Q41. With reference to your preferred Strategy Option, are there opportunities for growth to help deliver improvements to open space or sport facility accessibility or provision?
There could be improvements made to Clements Hall,
including public transport links to and from the leisure
centre. Council’s preferred option 3a. would enable
delivery of new open space and sports facility provision
and S106 monies from larger developments could help
fund appropriate new facilities.
Q42. Are there particular open spaces that we should be protecting or improving? [Please note, you will have an opportunity to make specific comments on open spaces and local green spaces in the settlement profiles set
out later in this report]
Magnolia Nature Reserve and all other Reserves, green
spaces, parks, woodlands and the reservoir must be
protected.
HERITAGE
Q43. With reference to the options listed in this section, or your own options, how do you feel we can best address heritage issues through the plan? [Please state reasoning]
Villages and rural areas need to be protected from over
and/or inappropriate development through careful
planning considerations. A list of sites should be
composed with local consultation and those sites
maintained with local residents and organisations.
Q44. Are there areas of the District we should be
considering for conservation area status beyond those listed in this section? [Please state reasoning]
Areas of precious woodland should not be taken for
housing.
Q45. Are there any buildings, spaces or structures
that should be protected for their historic, cultural or architectural significance? Should these be considered for inclusion on the Local List of non-designated assets? [Please state reasoning]
The updated Local List needs to be made available for
an answer on this section.
TOWN CENTRES AND RETAIL
Q46. With reference to the options listed above, or your own options, how do you think we can best plan for vibrant town centres in Rochford, Rayleigh and Hockley? How can we also ensure our village and neighbourhood
centres remain vibrant? [Please state reasoning]
People need to ‘want’ to visit towns. People’s habits
have changed and therefore entertainment and shop
offerings need to reflect this. If nightlife is going to be
improved then consideration needs to be given to
security; people need to feel safe, especially in areas
that are prone to Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) already.
Transport links to town shopping and amenities need to
be improved. For example, there are no easy transport
links from Hullbridge to Hockley, Hawkwell or Rochford.
Q47. Do you agree with the local centre hierarchy set out in Figure 36? If not, what changes would you make? [Please state reasoning]
Rochford District Council (RDC) needs to encourage
business with free parking and reduced business rates.
Businesses should be encouraged to work together, or
a number of shops have extended opening hours to
encourage shoppers coming out in the early evening.
Q48. With reference to Figures 38-40, do you agree with existing town centre boundaries and extent of primary and secondary shopping frontages in Rayleigh, Rochford and Hockley? If not, what changes would you make? [Please state reasoning]
N/A
Q49. Should we continue to restrict appropriate uses within town centres, including primary and secondary shopping frontages within those centres? If yes, what uses should be restricted? [Please state reasoning]
Yes, a selection of retailers is essential. There needs to
be a balance of outlets that keeps the area viable.
Consideration should also be given to the restriction of
chain stores as these tend to be the first to go in a
crisis.
Q50. With reference to your preferred Strategy Option, are there opportunities for growth to deliver improved retail and leisure services in the District? [Please state reasoning]
Spatial strategy option 3a will allow the most
opportunity to expand retail both in terms of including
retail space and bringing customers into the town
centres, nearest to new developments. Depending on
the development size, in a new development there
would be scope to add a small, medium, or large retail
precinct.
TRANSPORT & CONNECTIVITY
Q51. With reference to the options above, or your own options, how do you feel we can best address our transport and connectivity needs through the plan? [Please state reasoning]
Development should not be seen without seeing
infrastructure first. Prepare an Infrastructure Delivery
Plan to deliver meaningful improvement to transport
networks, including cycle routes, walking pathways,
public transport and roads. It is worth noting these
modes are currently completely stretched and
therefore modernisation and improvements
need to occur before future housing developments are
built. (An electric scooter scheme could also be
introduced.) RDC need to work with Government,
Highways England, Essex County Council etc to deliver
meaningful road improvements to both the main and
local road network. However, the Southend Bypass
scheme which will destroy a large green belt area
should be opposed.
Q52. Are there areas where improvements to transport connections are needed? What could be done to help improve connectivity in these areas?
There needs to be an extensive review of the area with
highways and transport revisions.
Q53. With reference to your preferred Strategy Option, are there opportunities for growth to deliver new transport connections, such as link roads or rapid transit? What routes and modes should these take? [Walking, cycling, rail, bus, road etc.]
A bypass scheme that would only incorporate cycling,
walking and scooters etc around the outskirts would
help with congestion issues on the overcrowded roads.
GREEN BELT AND RURAL ISSUES
Q54. Do you feel that the plan should identify rural
exception sites? If so, where should these be located and what forms of housing or employment do you feel need to be provided? [Please note you may wish to comment on the use of specific areas of land in the next section]
Green belt and farmland / agricultural sites must be
protected. Rural and village life must also be
safeguarded.
Q55. Are there any other ways that you feel the plan should be planning for the needs of rural communities? [Please stare reasoning]
There should be support for the requirement of
developers of 10 units or less to pay something akin to
s.106/CIL monies. That would go towards infrastructure
improvements, particularly those affecting rural
communities.
PLANNING FOR COMPLETE COMMUNITIES
Q56.
a. Do you agree with our vision for Rayleigh? Is there anything you feel is missing? [Please state reasoning]
N/A
b. With reference to Figure 44 and your preferred Strategy Option, do you think any of the promoted sites should be made available for any of the following uses?
N/A
How could that improve the completeness of Rayleigh?
N/A
i. Housing [market, affordable, specialist, traveller, other]
N/A
ii. Commercial [offices, industrial, retail, other]
N/A
iii. Community infrastructure [open space, education, healthcare, allotments, other]
N/A
iv. Other
c. Are there areas in Rayleigh that development should generally be presumed appropriate? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
N/A
d. Are there areas that require protecting from
development? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
N/A
e. Do you agree that the local green spaces shown on Figure 44 hold local significance? Are there any other open spaces that hold particular local significance?
N/A
Q57.
a. Do you agree with our vision for Rochford and Ashingdon? Is there anything you feel is missing? [Please state reasoning]
Hawkwell Parish shares the Ashingdon Road with both
Ashingdon and Rochford Parish so any development
has an impact on East Hawkwell, which is not
mentioned in the consultation. Development not only
affects our Primary Schools and Doctors Surgeries but
also the road network. The proposed sites (some 5,000
properties) accessing onto Brays Lane leading onto the
Ashingdon Road and Rectory Road, onwards to Cherry
Orchard Way plus developments proposed in West
Hawkwell (some 1,280 properties) would lead to the
majority of the total development being concentrated
in this part of the District and would result in complete
urbanisation.
b. With reference to Figure 45 and your preferred Strategy Option, do you think any of the promoted sites should be made available for any of the following uses? How could that improve the completeness of Rochford and Ashingdon?
Council’s preferred Option 3a would alleviate the
pressure on the villages of Hockley, Hawkwell,
Ashingdon and Rochford.
i. Housing [market, affordable, specialist, traveller, other]
N/A
ii. Commercial [offices, industrial, retail, other]
N/A
iii. Community infrastructure [open space, education, healthcare, allotments, other]
N/A
iv. Other
N/A
c. Are there areas in Rochford and Ashingdon that development should generally be presumed appropriate? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
N/A
d. Are there areas that require protecting from development? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
N/A
e. Do you agree that the local green spaces shown on Figure 45 hold local significance? Are there any other open spaces that hold particular local significance? [Please state reasoning]
N/A
Q58.
a. Do you agree with our vision for Hockley and Hawkwell? Is there anything you feel is missing? [Please state reasoning]
The vision “In 2050, Hockley and Hawkwell should be
the District's gateway to the green lung of the Upper
Roach Valley, making the most of its access to ancient
woodland and a network of nature reserves. Its town
and neighbourhood centres should be vibrant places
with an emphasis on independent businesses and
providing for a diverse range of jobs. Deprivation should
continue to be largely absent from Hockley and
Hawkwell however housing affordability should have
been addressed to ensure that local first-time buyers
can greater afford to live locally.”
Firstly, it will not be a green lung if houses are built
within it. To be the ‘gateway to the green lung’, it
needs to be protected. Some of the proposed areas for
Hockley & Hawkwell contain ancient woodland. A
gateway also presumes by its nature that throughfare
of traffic is required, which could be interpreted as
traffic problems.
Also, Hockley has a village centre whereas Hawkwell is
mainly residential and comprised of green spaces
rather than leisure/social facilities, except for Clements
Hall, so the term vibrant would only be appropriate for
Hockley. As answered in Questions 2 and 5, Council
believe that there should be separate visions for
Hockley and Hawkwell as they are very different.
We agree that: “deprivation should continue to be
largely absent from Hockley and Hawkwell however
housing affordability should have been addressed to
ensure that local first-time buyers can greater afford to
live locally.”
b. With reference to Figure 46 and your preferred strategy Option, do you think any of the promoted sites should be made available for any of the following uses? How could that improve the completeness of Hockley and Hawkwell?
i. Housing [market, affordable, specialist, traveller, other]
ii. Commercial [offices, industrial, retail, other]
iii. Community infrastructure [open space, education, healthcare, allotments, other]
iv. Other
Most of the sites listed for Hockley & Hawkwell are
marked as severe/mildly severe harm when it comes to
the green belt. There are also a number of sites that
contain ancient woodland.
Hawkwell & Hockley are already at capacity and
therefore would require infrastructure improvements
before even considering any further development. Any
sites that create traffic through Rochford, Hockley or
Hullbridge would be opposed, in particular those that
need to utilise Ashingdon Road, Spa Road & Lower
Road, and those that empty traffic onto the B1013, due
to already being over capacity.
c. Are there areas in Hockley and Hawkwell that
development should generally be presumed appropriate? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
No, we feel it is not possible to comment on any sites
regarding their suitability without the full infrastructure
delivery plan being provided beforehand.
No green belt sites would be appropriate.
Development should be on brownfield sites only.
If the land would be of no use to agriculture and that
infrastructure had current capacity to absorb the extra
homes/residents. This would need to be evidenced.
c. Are there areas in Hockley and Hawkwell that
development should generally be presumed appropriate? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
No, we feel it is not possible to comment on any sites
regarding their suitability without the full infrastructure
delivery plan being provided beforehand.
No green belt sites would be appropriate.
Development should be on brownfield sites only.
If the land would be of no use to agriculture and that
infrastructure had current capacity to absorb the extra
homes/residents. This would need to be evidenced.
d. Are there areas that require protecting from
development? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
Yes, green belt needs to be protected for biodiversity
reasons and agriculture sites must be protected, as one
of the consequences of climate change could mean we
would have to look at growing produce locally. Ancient
woodlands must not be touched as they are
irreplaceable. Any sites containing wildlife must also be
protected, even those that serve as a barrier from
human life to wildlife as this creates a safe zone and
habitat.
e. Do you agree that the local green spaces shown on Figure 46 hold local significance? Are there any other open spaces that hold particular local significance? [Please state reasoning]
They would hold local and national significance, as they
are green spaces and therefore hold significance,
especially in mitigating the effects of climate change.
Q59.
a. Do you agree with our vision for the Wakerings and Barling? Is there anything QUESTIONS you feel is missing? [Please state reasoning]
N/A
b. With reference to Figure 47 and your preferred Strategy Option, do you think any of the promoted sites should be made available for any of the following uses? How could that improve the completeness of the
Wakerings and Barling?
i. Housing [market, affordable, specialist, traveller, other]
ii. Commercial [offices, industrial, retail, other]
iii. Community infrastructure [open space, education, healthcare, allotments, other]
iv. Other
N/A
c. Are there areas in the Wakerings and Barling that development should generally be presumed appropriate? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
N/A
d. Are there areas that require protecting from
development? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning] Q59e. Do you agree that the local green spaces shown on Figure 47 hold local significance? Are there any other open spaces that hold particular local significance? [Please state reasoning]
N/A
Q60.
a. Do you agree with our vision for Hullbridge? Is there anything you feel is missing? [Please state reasoning]
N/A
b. With reference to Figure 48 and your
preferred Strategy Option, do you think any
of the promoted sites should be made
available for any of the following uses? How
could that improve the completeness of
Hullbridge?
i. Housing [market, affordable, specialist, traveller, other]
ii. Commercial [offices, industrial, retail, other]
iii. Community infrastructure [open space, education, healthcare, allotments, other]
iv. Other
N/A
c. Are there areas in Hullbridge that development should generally be presumed appropriate? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
N/A
d. Are there areas that require protecting from
development? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
N/A
e. Do you agree that the local green spaces shown on Figure 48 hold local significance? Are there any other open spaces that hold particular local significance? [Please state reasoning]
N/A
Q61.
a. Do you agree with our vision for Canewdon? Is there anything you feel is QUESTIONS missing? [Please state reasoning]
N/A
b. With reference to Figure 49 and your preferred Strategy Option, do you think any of the promoted sites should be made available for any of the following uses? How could that improve the completeness of Canewdon?
i. Housing [market, affordable, specialist, traveller, other]
ii. Commercial [offices, industrial, retail, other]
iii. Community infrastructure [open space, education, healthcare, allotments, other]
iv. Other
N/A
c. Are there areas in Canewdon that development should generally be presumed appropriate? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
N/A
d. Are there areas that require protecting from
development? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
N/A
e. Do you agree that the local green spaces shown on Figure 48 hold local significance? Are there any other open spaces that hold particular local significance? [Please state reasoning]
N/A
Q62.
a. Do you agree with our vision for Great Stambridge? Is there anything you feel is missing? [Please state reasoning]
N/A
b. With reference to Figure 50 and your
preferred Strategy Option, do you think any
of the promoted sites should be made
available for any of the following uses? How
could that improve the completeness of
Great Stambridge?
N/A
i. Housing [market, affordable, specialist, traveller, other]
ii. Commercial [offices, industrial, retail, other]
iii. Community infrastructure [open space, education, healthcare, allotments, other]
iv. Other
N/A
c. Are there areas in Great Stambridge that
development should generally be presumed appropriate? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
N/A
d. Are there areas that require protecting from
development? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
N/A
e. Do you agree that the local green spaces shown on Figure 50 hold local significance? Are there any other open spaces that hold particular local significance? [Please state reasoning]
N/A
Q63.
a. Do you agree with our vision for Rawreth? Is there anything you feel is missing? [Please state reasoning]
N/A
b. With reference to Figure 51 and your
preferred Strategy Option, do you think any
of the promoted sites should be made
available for any of the following uses? How
could that improve the completeness of
Rawreth?
i. Housing [market, affordable, specialist, traveller, other]
ii. Commercial [offices, industrial, retail, other]
iii. Community infrastructure [open space, education, healthcare, allotments, other]
iv. Other
N/A
c. Are there areas in Rawreth that development should generally be presumed appropriate? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
d. Are there areas that require protecting from
development? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
N/A
e. Do you agree that the local green spaces shown on Figure 51 hold local significance? Are there any other open spaces that hold particular local significance? [Please state reasoning]
N/A
Q64.
a. Do you agree with our vision for Paglesham? Is there anything you feel is missing? [Please state reasoning]
N/A
b. With reference to Figure 52 and your preferred Strategy Option, do you think any of the promoted sites should be made available for any of the following uses? How could that improve the completeness of Paglesham?
i. Housing [market, affordable, specialist, traveller, other]
ii. Commercial [offices, industrial, retail, other]
iii. Community infrastructure [open space, education, healthcare, allotments, other]
iv. Other
N/A
c. Are there areas in Paglesham that development should generally be presumed appropriate? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
N/A
d. Are there areas that require protecting from
development? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
N/A
e. Do you agree that the local green spaces
shown on Figure 52 hold local significance?
Are there any other open spaces that hold
particular local significance? [Please state
reasoning]
N/A
Q65.
a. Do you agree with our vision for Sutton and
Stonebridge? Is there anything you feel is missing? [Please state reasoning]
N/A
b. With reference to Figure 53 and your
preferred Strategy Option, do you think any
of the promoted sites should be made
available for any of the following uses? How
could that improve the completeness of
Sutton and Stonebridge?
i. Housing [market, affordable, specialist, traveller, other]
ii. Commercial [offices, industrial, retail, other]
iii. Community infrastructure [open space,
education, healthcare, allotments, other]
iv. Other
N/A
d. Are there areas that require protecting from
development? Why these areas? [Please state reasoning]
N/A
e. Do you agree that the local green spaces shown on Figure 53 hold local significance? Are there any other open spaces that hold particular local significance? [Please state reasoning]
N/A
Q66. Do you agree that our rural communities do not require individual vision statements? Are there communities that you feel should have their own vision? [Please state reasoning]
N/A
Q67. Do you agree with our vision for our rural
communities? Is there anything you feel is missing? [Please state reasoning]
N/A
Q68. Are there other courses of action the Council
could take to improve the completeness of our rural communities?
N/A
Comment
New Local Plan: Spatial Options Document 2021
Representation ID: 43839
Received: 02/09/2021
Respondent: Ms G Yeadell
Description of centres is accurate. But one must accept that provision for new motorways is largely out of the question. The main roads that have been suitable in the past cannot cope with endless new development and its attendant motor traffic - as earlier, main B C roads in district are former narrow winding country lanes, later tarmacked for motors. But motorway to any large new centre would contend with c.50% flood risk, rising sea levels and the district still has land in agricultural use.
NEW LOCAL PLAN: SPATIAL OPTIONS CONSULTATION PAPER: 2021
Rochford in 2021- District Profile p.12
Our Social Characteristics
Rochford expected to shift to higher age groups. Housing affordability is an important issue. "..economically active individuals likely to decrease..fewer residents between ages 18-70..".
This is due to :-
Sale of Council houses, by Government dictat in 1980s. Said homes were for 2 classes: 1. Families who could never afford own homes; 2. Families unable to afford initially, but with cheap rent, could ultimately save deposit to buy own home.
Developers don't want to build "affordable", but have built eg luxury flats and "executive" mansions bought by "nouveau riches", usually middle aged, whose children long grown up and moved on. Thus unwealthy economic age groups with their children had to move to more affordable districts, hence current and possibly future age imbalance.
Many homes have been demolished to accommodate above expensive dwelling dwellings. Wealthy Londoners have sold up and moved to eg Rochford District to buy similar for less.
Cultural Characteristics
Most of them noted in Rayleigh and Rochford. But there are listed and heritage building in Hockley and Hawkwell and Ashingdon. There are the 3 mediaeval churches also. Many heritage items in said area have been demolished to accommodate flats and expensive homes. an example was at 1 Southens Road, formerly Blacks Farm, earliest from 17th century, on Local List. Developer planned replacement with flats: a former official at Planning Policy said Government now "frowned on" Local List. (Other councils claimed no knowledge of said Government dictat and didn't plan to abolish their Local List.) Plan for 13 flats was refused but no mention made of the house, demolition of which was included in application. Once house was demolished, said officer said Government now approved of Local Lists. New List omits several Hockley items on the earlier one. Many Hockley area heritage items have gone same way.
Environmental Characteristics
As you say 40% of Rochford area is at flood threat and the coastline also. This would preclude the area so designated as unsuitable for further development. It is known that insurance companies refuse to include cover against flood risk for homes in flood risk areas.
Economic Characteristics
The 2 main rail lines from Southend to London, one passing through Rochford District, are helpful for commuter traffic to London and for cargo purposes. It is risky that some airlines have withdrawn from Southend Airport. The nuclear station at Bradwell could be more of a risk than asset. Present road connections have served well in the past, but are getting inadequate now and won't support extensive future development.
Draft Strategic Priorities/Objectives for 2050 p.21
Strategic Priority 1: Meeting need for homes/jobs in the area
This states need to meet community need, working with South Essex neighbours, using already developed land first.
But increasingly, Londoners eg are selling for high prices and getting similar or bigger, for less, down here - eg new development in Hall Road (former agricultural land).
South Essex neighbours - be careful how much of their housing number needs aren't pushed into Rochford District.
Prioritising use of previously developed land first. Example - so-called "garden grab" - homes not in Green Belt have been called "land". Where two or three are adjacent - they are grabbed for "executive" houses (mansions), or luxury flats, others finally forced to move for price needing mortgage to move, when they don't want anyway. Others not moving are punished with 'executive' (big) development may be south of them - impacting them, so they become unviable.
Strategic Objective 2
"affordability" - as elsewhere, council houses were sold off in 1980s under "Right to Buy". Developers don't want to do affordable - one told me that at a meeting. Those builders with large estates to develop (requiring a percentage 'affordable') try to evade the rules, perhaps saying more than one firm involved.
"ageing population" - care homes are costly, the old don't want them. If pressured, their homes are sold off to pay for them.
Strategic objective 4
"accelerated growth" - avoid over-substantial Area Action Plans threatening retail centres - with jobs and businesses then lost. Southend Airport may struggle to survive from impact of Covid.
Strategy Options
Hierarchy of Settlements
Re Fig.14, Hockley is equivalent to Hawkwell and Ashingdon - village. Rochford is a market town.
Growth scenarios
Before any substantial growth can occur, a new motorway would be needed for Rochford District to overcome inevitable inadequacies of eg. Southend, Main, Greennward, Ashingdon and other B and C roads, which is doubtful unless a new large settlement occurs in Green Belt for most new housing-? behind Rpchford, to cross River Crouch somewhere near Hullbridge - unlikely and probably not tolerated by staff or residents.
Masterplan for towns etc centres - eg Hockley Area Action Plan more than a decade ago, involving replacement of some existing and erecting large supermarket and may be major store (? Unneeded with on-line shopping). Plan would have involved loss of businesses, jobs. It was unacceptable to traders and residents - a more limited HAAP was agreed.
Significant new community facilities - schools, primary care. These have been promised by developers of large estates, who then found excuses for not doing.
Re 'Important Note' - I'm relieved proposals aren't decided. Much gone already.
Planning for housing growth
HELLA 2020 identifies supply of 4,300 homes planned for, including sites with planning permission. Unfortunately some such have been overcome by huge mansion developments adjacently.
Planning for economic and retail growth
Completed Area Action Plans have provided enough retail space.
Levels of growth needed to deliver infrastructure
Section 106 doesn't always work. As earlier, huge new estate in hall Road (for which farming land sacrificed) developer promised new primary school, GP surgery, then found reasons not to do, causing pressure on existing.
Spatial Strategy Options
1. Urban intensification
There is no available space in any centres near stations. First issue of HAAP proposed building on parking area near Hockley Station, which would have been a mistake and didn't happen. Any intensification done already has often sacrificed existing dwellings, sometimes of heritage character. Others would be threatened. Blocks of flats have done likewise. Another proposal for latter is underway in Southend Road, Hockley, with potential disastrous results for many adjacent homes and would exacerbate a serious traffic problem.
2. Urban extension Would sacrifice Green Belt
Option 4
Your comments at CONS say it all.
Owners of house/garden, to protect themselves from building predators, obtained consent for 2 small homes additionally to their own - just resulted in massive adjacent demolition, replaced by huge dwellings, removing daylight and making light pollution.
Q6 and 7 I cannot agree to any of the 4. Only solution is small dwellings added to properties with large curtilages. This could still give problems re traffic access, neighbour resistance. problem is developers don't want "affordable", only mass demolition replaced by huge "executive" houses, block of luxury flats, making neighbours unviable. Mass sale of council houses -Right to Buy- 1980s was unfortunate.
Climate change and resilient environments
Development agreed in our district must be very limited due to flood risk and existing, expected coastal change.
Green Belt and heritage sites and homes/gardens need largely to be protected from Development. In fact, seeing your Diagram page 36, Rochford District can't accommodate substantial development/redevelopment even with need to provide co-operation needs of nearby districts. (one does realise big new buildings bring more council rates).
As earlier, companies won't five flood insurance in flood risk areas.
One agrees new development should provide energy from carbon neutral/renewable sources, but it's costly and in early stages. Those with gas heating feel threatened. Car reliance is unlikely to be reduced, but also electric cars instead of petrol driven will need plenty of energy-providing points in centres and elsewhere.
Place-making and design Q14-16
It would be very difficult, knowing developer wishes (and need for council rates to come from somewhere), but a design guide if possible, should now exclude further development of executive mansions, luxury flats, especially as Government now requires more affordable homes.
We need to exclude development involving further demolition of existing dwellings, replace by mansions, multi-storeyed units out of height/area with locale, causing daylight loss and night-time light pollution and outside incomes of most locale.
Housing for all
Lack of homes for locals. As before, developers erect executive houses, sometimes in big estates. Local families can't afford, but they are bought by eg Londoners who sell theirs for high prices and buy big ones here for less.
It could be said, in the past young adults lived with their parents, paying their "keep" towards household costs, because they couldn't afford to buy. They only left home on:- marriage, or getting a better paid job elsewhere.
Surely these problems need sorting as housing still "locally driven". Locals cannot afford and there is limited council housing, why they leave the district to find homes they can afford.
It's stated SHMA paper outline need for smaller dwellings, but recognises size is market driven. Developers build mansions for nouveau riches - normally middle-aged, their children grown up and have left. Difficult to change that.
Rented housing - "families with children who cannot afford to buy..ineligible for social housing" (?why). Reverts to social housing lost to Right to Buy of 1980s.
Need for affordable housing
Council housing (largely sold off as above). There are also homes acquired by housing associations charging social rent. it isn't true gardens are sold for inflated sums. Persons with home and garden are often pressured by developers to eave and get demolished for sums that they'd need mortgage in order to move. Developers charge inflated sums to erect outsized houses.
Employment and Jobs
Doubtful. Southend Council demolished much of Victoria avenue, replaced with office buildings c.1970s, may be in expectation of business chances arising from Britain joining European Union. Some firms, such as C E Heath, Norwich Union, opened up there. But it didn't last - both moved away, others likewise. Avenue is now largely re-residential.
Southend Airport was expected to thrive. But recent pandemic caused several airlines to move away.
Traditionally, office staff in S E Essex have commuted to the City and elsewhere in London to work. Arrival of new technology was expected to do away with most office and factory workers. Executive staff would work from home on computer, occasionally attending head office. But commuter trains to London continued to be packed since. Briefly pandemic led people to work from home, but this isn't lasting. Some are again commuting.
Employment land, Eldon way, Hockley was allocated by HAAP but results are limited apparently.
Future of Southend Airport
Probably restricted by loss of airlines, due to effects of pandemic. Further expansion in activity difficult to foresee, due to effect on local community of noise, night flights etc - the photo on p.50 in Spatial Options Local Plan issue shows how vast an area of housing is already affected, without further extension.
Biodiversity As side comment, Hockley isn't an "urban area" - on Wikkipedia it's a large village.
Qu.29-30 I agree in Local Plan wildlife Review. There are some protected species residing in some private gardens. These should be protected under the system. If some neighbours find them a nuisance, it could be explained to them how their boundaries can be safeguarded. However, while some resent eg their lawns dug into by creatures, some so-described objections arise from developer designs on other's properties, as transfer of protected species involves getting licence from DEFRA - complicated and expensive. They are determined to get the ground, regardless of owners' wishes, but don't want complications - they've been known to attack setts.
Green/Blue Infrastructure
Proposals are acceptable, but shouldn't be used as excuse for developers to grab existing/homes/gardens.
Q.35-37
Education As earlier, proof exists where developers of gigantic expensive estates have promised new school, surgery. When estate practically built, they said eg 2 builders involved, so failed to meet promises. result - school c.3 miles away has to take pupils from new estate. Developers of big 'executive' estates must be made in advance to provide, or be denied plan consent.
Healthcare Side comment - I'm concerned by your view of future GP clinics - no appointments, just on-line digital consultations. GP appointments are curtailed to eg phone ones during pandemic, just to avoid infection. This is ok sometimes, but other times impractical. Not all have computers by the way.
Early years/childcare There are plenty of nurseries, but private. I don't know how sate funding can be provided.
Secondary education Where shown this is already full locally, builders for big estates could combine to contribute additionally, if space can be found, or else contribute to extend existing, if area available.
Further education Locally provided by Southend branch of Essex University and other universities over UK. But may be builders of large estates could contribute to a national fund for this use.
Community, Open Spaces One can only suggest big developers contribute likewise and/or designate some of their land, if available.
Heritage
Q43-45 I fear heritage in Rochford has been somewhat selective. Several items in Hockley have been demolished, some in fact of widespread opposition. Your article in Spatial Options sets out straightaway with items presumably to be kept in Rayleigh/Rochford. Recent uproar over plan to remove Mill House has led to the matter going under review.
As earlier, plan to demolish 1 Southend Road for flats caused widespread rage (details earlier). Hockley councillor had flats refused, but nil said re the house, down for demolition on proposal.
It was on the Local List, so Plan Policy official said Government didn't approve that, so Rochford's was abolished. Once house demolished, officer said Government changed its mind. New Local List omitted some Hockley items on it earlier. spa pump house now on national list. May be St Peter & Paul church and Bull pub are listed. Others could be added to Local one, eg Hockley Cottage Southend Road, China Cottage Spa Road. Other items are demolished: Kent View Cottage, 2 Victorian Houses Southend Road, Manor at Plumberow, 17C house and forge opposite entry to Hockley woods.
Town centres and retail
Plan Objectives
"..retail - dominant town centre..struggling in light of on-going structural changes..in high streets/centres". On-line shopping has caused closure of eg clothing stores in towns, accelerated by pandemic. But, eg Hockley centre continues to provide basis needs successfully. Attempt to change it by original HAAP was unsuccessful.
If developers want to introduce residential in addition, it must not be at expense of businesses and be preferably 2 storey, not to threaten nearby low level dwellings.
[Figures 8, 25 and others eg 31-5 make clear Rochford District not suitable for drastic residential increase on grounds of flood risk particularly.]
Using Class E, allowing transfer from retail to residential without planning permission must not be allowed to threaten retail and not everyone has a car to do retail shopping elsewhere.
Q.46-50 Hockley Centre and its environs does not have space to provide additional facilities, residential (except as above) etc. You couldn't put a new supermarket in Eldon way, off the main road, and we have enough provision now. There are 1 or 2 stores in Southend Road, but remainder is residential, mostly 1 or 2 storey and basic needs shopping is adequate in the centre, food, hairdressing, ETC. Larger items, such as clothes, shoes, apart from on-line, people just bus to Southend. Hockley isn't big enough for more.
Transport and connectivity
"National Planning Policy states transport issues should be considered from the earliest stages of plan-making, so the impacts of development on transport networks can be addressed".
That is exactly the local problem. over-enthusiastic profiteering developers have been allowed forward, with often huge estates, without a major district motorway having been formulated and inserted first. Local main roads, particularly in Rochford District - an agricultural area - are former narrow, winding country lanes, later tarmacked over for motor traffic. I think Southend Council planned at one time for access from rear of Shoebury to reach the Crouch, traversing green belt area behind Rochford. Understandably I believe Rochford didn't agree.
Suggestion has been made for one huge development centre, served by one new motorway through green belt, but probably impractical in this rural, flood risk area and rising sea levels
Walking and cycling in preference to private car are excellent for leisure and short distance basic needs, but not eg commuting to work nor eg weekly shopping for families.
Bus services have suffered from increased private car use by middle classes, especially Nos. 7 and 8. Arrival of costly new estates are unlikely to change that.
Maps with your plan show how much of the district is flood threatened, including rising sea level. So I can't see answer to travel needs and extensive new development foreseen in plan.
Green Belt - Rural Issues
Q.54 Rural exception sites. Developers have said they don't want to do affordable. (One told me that at a meeting).
Planning for Complete Communities
Description of centres is accurate. But one must accept that provision for new motorways is largely out of the question. The main roads that have been suitable in the past cannot cope with endless new development and its attendant motor traffic - as earlier, main B C roads in district are former narrow winding country lanes, later tarmacked for motors. But motorway to any large new centre would contend with c.50% flood risk, rising sea levels and the district still has land in agricultural use.
Stonebridge and Sutton might possibly provide a substantial amount of new housing, judging only from the map, but provision of a new motorway (through where) seems doubtful.
Hockley and Hawkwell - housing availability and affordability "a key issue" - due to several problems.
Its services were adequate for its needs. But, as elsewhere in Rochford and UK, and as I wrote earlier, council houses designed for those of limited means were sold under Right to Buy (I believe this arrangement is now abolished). Also, as earlier, a new motorway would be needed, not possible.
Also, possibly attracted by convenience of rail line to London, this area has recently attracted wealthy residents from London and elsewhere. Modest homes/gardens have been demolished, replaces by mansions and blocks of flats. So, middle and low income families have been driven out to wherever they can afford, to be replaced by rich middle-aged. Elsewhere in the district large estates of expensive homes have been erected, presumably with the same results. Some driven out have been paid sums needing a mortgage in order to move. Developers don't expect to pay notable sums for "land" (including others' homes).
Mainly, only available land for building is Green Belt or "flood risk", not suitable.