Core Strategy Preferred Options (Revised October 2008)

I cannot see any mention of agriculture in these paragraphs.

How are we going to feed ourselves if good-quality agricultural land is built upon or purchased for extensions to country parks?

Called 'Transition: Food and Farming in 21st century Britain', the Soil Association's Annual Conference took place last month in Bristol.

Fossil fuel depletion, climate change, diminishing soil and water resources and population growth present an unprecedented threat to global food security. To address these challenges, Britain and every country in the world needs a future food plan.

How are we going to achieve a local food plan if farmers are 'encouraged' to give up their valuable land?

In September 2008, the Government receied the following petition:

"We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to make it compulsory that local authorities and developers make provision for allotments and community gardens on every new development. Waiting lists are huge we need more allotment sites."

The Government's response is below:

'Allotments are valuable green spaces and community assets. We are entirely committed to allotments for all the benefits they provide communities, including the opportunity to grow fresh produce in line with current thinking on healthy eating, organic food, exercise, fostering community cohesion, enhancing biodiversity, and providing educational opportunities and health benefits.

The provision of allotments is the responsibility of local authorities. Under existing legislation (the Smallholdings and Allotments Act 1908) there is a duty on local authorities (except for inner London boroughs) to provide allotments where they perceive a demand for them in their area. If an allotment authority is of the opinion that there is a demand for allotments in its area, it is required, under Section 23 of the Small Holdings and Allotments Act 1908, to provide a sufficient number of allotments and to let them to persons residing in its area who want them.

Written representations may be made to the local authority on the need for allotments by any 6 resident registered electors or persons liable to pay council tax, and the local authority must take those representations into account (section 23(2) of the Small Holdings and Allotments Act 1908). The Council must assess whether there is a demand for allotments in their area. If the Council then decides that there is a demand for them, they have a statutory duty to provide a sufficient number of plots. In terms of the duty to provide under section 23 of the Small Holdings and Allotments Act 1908 there is no time limit for provision once it has been established that there is a demand.

Furthermore, statutory allotments are protected via Section 8 of the Allotments Act 1925 which requires that local authorities seek the Secretary of State's consent for disposal or appropriation to another use. Consent cannot be given unless the Secretary of State is satisfied that certain criteria are met. Clarified criteria were issued to local authorities in February 2002.

Statutory allotments are only sold off if the Secretary of State (via Government Office) gives consent. Consent is not given unless the Secretary of State is satisfied that:

* the allotment in question is not necessary and is surplus to requirement;
* adequate alternative provision will be made for displaced plot holders;
* the number of people on the waiting list has been taken into account;
* that the authority have actively promoted and publicised the availability of sites and have consulted the National Society of Allotment & Leisure Gardeners; and
* the implications of disposal for other relevant policies, in particular development plan policies, have been taken into account

In addition to the legislation, the planning system through Planning Policy Guidance note 17 Planning for Open Space, Sport & Recreation, 2002 (PPG17) and Planning Policy Statement 3 (PPS3) provides a robust framework for the protection and provision of urban green spaces including allotments. PPG17 requires local authorities to make provision for all types of open space that may be of public value. It also requires local authorities to undertake robust assessments of local needs and audits of existing open space, sports and recreational facilities and to establish standards for new provision. It is expected that by implementing the guidance in PPG17, local authorities should make adequate provision for allotments, which are specifically included in the PPG17 typology. On the basis of these assessments and audits, local authorities should plan to meet future needs of their population (e.g. linked to new housing developments) and can place standards of provision in their development plan.

PPS3 says that local planning authorities should have clear policies for the protection and creation of open space, and new housing developments should incorporate sufficient provision where such spaces are not already adequately provided within easy access of the new housing.

Local planning authorities can also negotiate agreements with developers to provide allotments before granting planning permission under section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 ('s106 agreements' or 'planning obligations'). In addition, they may be able to impose conditions, which require developers to provide new allotments in certain cases if this is necessary to make the development acceptable in planning terms, and if it is viewed as reasonable in relation to the development.

Over the past year we have worked closely with the Local Government Association to revise the good practice guidance. The new edition of 'Growing in the Community - a good practice guide for the management of allotments' reflects the major developments in the allotments movement since 2001 and has some examples of current good practice, showing innovative use of allotments benefiting all sections of the community. The guide includes a section on allotment provision and provides an up to date policy framework, and a guide to allotments legislation. A free copy of the Guide was sent to all local authorities in England. This guide will, we hope, help local authorities to make full use of the legislative protection afforded to allotments.

Community empowerment also has a real effect. We are of course interested in empowering communities to take action. This is set out in the Local Government White Paper, the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 and the Community Empowerment White Paper; Communities in Control; Real People, Real Power, published in July 2008. Taken together, these provide communities with a framework to ensure local government prioritise the issues important to them. Community empowerment is already central to protecting allotments under current legislation and we are working to ensure that community empowerment mechanisms can benefit all green spaces, including allotments. Through the Community Empowerment White Paper, we are providing new opportunities for citizens to hold their local providers to account for the quality of services and facilities, and places greater charge for local authorities to be responsive to citizens.

Impacts on Hockley village will include:

Extra traffic on the B1013 and Ashingdon Road and at the Spa bottleneck; also on Lower Road.

Extra traffic to/from further development at the airport and more parking at Hockley shops/station.

Extra demand on our very limited health service. PCT dates show that Hockley has the worst GP/patient and dentist/patient ratios in SE Essex.

Extra demand on schools, particularly Greesward.

Lack of public transport. Most of Hockley, Hawkwell and Ashingdon will soon have just one bus an hour. How will the new and widespread housing (including 'affordable housing') be serviced?

I notice a gradual 'chipping away' of our natural areas all the time; for instance, spraying on farmland (Gusted Hall) recently; litter and dog-fouling in our small copses joined by trails and footpaths, not to mention Hockley Woods. This means that pressure is already being placed on them for recreation.

The fields in and around Hockley West need to be kept for agricultural use (please see my comments at the beginning of the consultation).

The local residents treasure these natural areas, precisely why many enjoy living in Hockley. This precious heritage belongs to our children and grandchildren and should be preserved.

The Sustainable Communities Act came into effect in October 2008 and will give significant opportunities for towns to achieve their aims.

It gives communities new and real powers to make central government do more locally to promote genuine sustainability.

There is a hurdle, which is that communities will only be able to use this Act if our local authority chooses to 'opt in' to it when invited to by central government in October.

What is Rochford DC going to do?

The Sustainable Communities Act came into effect in October 2008 and will give significant opportunities for towns to achieve their aims.

It gives communities new and real powers to make central government do more locally to promote genuine sustainability.

However, there is a hurdle, which is that communities will only be able to use this Act if Rochford DC chooses to 'opt in' when invited to by central government.

Has Rochford DC decided to 'opt in' yet?

I wish to object, due to loss of farmland and the enomormous infilling of soil (probably contaminated) that would be coming from London.