Rochford Town Centre Area Action Plan - Issues and Options

I attach my Council's response to the Rochford Town Centre Area Action Plan.

Site A Page 36/37

Agree best option would be replacement of site A by 2 storey copy of once existing Market Hall to fit in existing building incorporating shops with flat over.

The proposed removal of the Spar building without its replacement would destroy the whole concept of the Square Horner's Corner is the centre of a unique street system which must be retained.

Pedestrians move between the Square and North Street easily via the alley.

Site B Page 38/39

Parking in Square is vital to the shops economy. The entrance and exit should be reversed. Reduce taxis in Square to 3 places. Do not agree Rochford needs more restaurants or bars, 2 Pubs have closed down, there are 3 restaurants in West Street and 3 restaurants in East Street.

Pedestrianisation of the Square will encourage antisocial behaviour as experienced in Southend - rowdy youths on skateboards and skates. Café culture is not appropriate in such a small town, people living over the shops will experience noise.

Relocation of the pump and trough from the centre of the Square will remove 2 features that were returned to the Square only a few years ago. The bus must be retained through West Street as it is convenient for shoppers with heavy loads particularly with many elderly residents.

Area C Page 42

The restaurants and florist should be retained, these are old buildings part of fabric of the town.

The Garage and ex-garage site on both corners of Union Lane would benefit with a symmetric development no more than 2.5 stories high, preferably residential.

Site D

Car park must be retained for the pub but the vacant plot and 'sixties' style shops should be redeveloped with more sympathetic residential development.

Site E

Whittingham's Garage is an iconic building and should be listed. It is one of the oldest businesses in the town and must be retained as part of the older fabric of the town, it neighbours a listed building.

Site F

Cannot believe that a lovely landscaped area along Bradley Way could be called a weak frontage. The Hotel has permission for an extension on part of this site, also attractive area for Wedding photos and contributes and softens the commercial building in Bradley Way. The suggestion for retail or residential units facing onto Bradley Way will detract from the appearance and proposed lay-bys will cause congestion with cars entering and leaving the lay-bys.

Site G

Back Lane car park should be retained, several businesses and houses have access across car park. Rear of the properties in South Street is not unattractive - shows the historic core, the same goes for South Street.

Dr's surgery should be retained on site, most convenient location for elderly people, several sheltered housing schemes, Day Centre, Citizens Advice Bureau, Housing Office and Council Office are in close proximity.

New Health Centre would take too much car parking space as would residential or retail no the site.

Site H

Shows picture of CAB and Day Centre, not Surgery. The proposal to relocate Dr's Surgery to near hospital site, bear in mind it is a mental health hospital - there is no benefit.

Site J

Provision of a multi-storey car park in conjunction with the hospital car park is not practical. The hospital, because of security, closed all footpaths through the site to the detriment of residents on the east of Rochford and town centre trade.

Site K

The Railway Station car park and Freight House car park should be left alone, both are needed to service these facilities.

There is a well-used footpath link from West Street/Back Lane via alley the side of the Hotel, steps set in bank would aid access to Freight House and Station.

North and South Street

The proposal 2-way traffic in North Street is not practical, traffic speed can be controlled by road humps.

Weir Pond Road

Most of the parking on Weir Pond Road is by residents as many houses have no off street parking.

The traffic island at the junction with East Street could be removed.

Bradley Way

Do not agree to signalise junction with West Street.

West Street

Do not agree signalise junction with Hall Road.

The system of mini roundabouts work perfectly well most of the time. Traffic signals are out of place in a conservation area.

I attach my Council's response to the Rochford Town Centre Area Action Plan.

Site A Page 36/37

Agree best option would be replacement of site A by 2 storey copy of once existing Market Hall to fit in existing building incorporating shops with flat over.

The proposed removal of the Spar building without its replacement would destroy the whole concept of the Square Horner's Corner is the centre of a unique street system which must be retained.

Pedestrians move between the Square and North Street easily via the alley.

Site B Page 38/39

Parking in Square is vital to the shops economy. The entrance and exit should be reversed. Reduce taxis in Square to 3 places. Do not agree Rochford needs more restaurants or bars, 2 Pubs have closed down, there are 3 restaurants in West Street and 3 restaurants in East Street.

Pedestrianisation of the Square will encourage antisocial behaviour as experienced in Southend - rowdy youths on skateboards and skates. Café culture is not appropriate in such a small town, people living over the shops will experience noise.

Relocation of the pump and trough from the centre of the Square will remove 2 features that were returned to the Square only a few years ago. The bus must be retained through West Street as it is convenient for shoppers with heavy loads particularly with many elderly residents.

Area C Page 42

The restaurants and florist should be retained, these are old buildings part of fabric of the town.

The Garage and ex-garage site on both corners of Union Lane would benefit with a symmetric development no more than 2.5 stories high, preferably residential.

Site D

Car park must be retained for the pub but the vacant plot and 'sixties' style shops should be redeveloped with more sympathetic residential development.

Site E

Whittingham's Garage is an iconic building and should be listed. It is one of the oldest businesses in the town and must be retained as part of the older fabric of the town, it neighbours a listed building.

Site F

Cannot believe that a lovely landscaped area along Bradley Way could be called a weak frontage. The Hotel has permission for an extension on part of this site, also attractive area for Wedding photos and contributes and softens the commercial building in Bradley Way. The suggestion for retail or residential units facing onto Bradley Way will detract from the appearance and proposed lay-bys will cause congestion with cars entering and leaving the lay-bys.

Site G

Back Lane car park should be retained, several businesses and houses have access across car park. Rear of the properties in South Street is not unattractive - shows the historic core, the same goes for South Street.

Dr's surgery should be retained on site, most convenient location for elderly people, several sheltered housing schemes, Day Centre, Citizens Advice Bureau, Housing Office and Council Office are in close proximity.

New Health Centre would take too much car parking space as would residential or retail no the site.

Site H

Shows picture of CAB and Day Centre, not Surgery. The proposal to relocate Dr's Surgery to near hospital site, bear in mind it is a mental health hospital - there is no benefit.

Site J

Provision of a multi-storey car park in conjunction with the hospital car park is not practical. The hospital, because of security, closed all footpaths through the site to the detriment of residents on the east of Rochford and town centre trade.

Site K

The Railway Station car park and Freight House car park should be left alone, both are needed to service these facilities.

There is a well-used footpath link from West Street/Back Lane via alley the side of the Hotel, steps set in bank would aid access to Freight House and Station.

North and South Street

The proposal 2-way traffic in North Street is not practical, traffic speed can be controlled by road humps.

Weir Pond Road

Most of the parking on Weir Pond Road is by residents as many houses have no off street parking.

The traffic island at the junction with East Street could be removed.

Bradley Way

Do not agree to signalise junction with West Street.

West Street

Do not agree signalise junction with Hall Road.

The system of mini roundabouts work perfectly well most of the time. Traffic signals are out of place in a conservation area.

I attach my Council's response to the Rochford Town Centre Area Action Plan.

Site A Page 36/37

Agree best option would be replacement of site A by 2 storey copy of once existing Market Hall to fit in existing building incorporating shops with flat over.

The proposed removal of the Spar building without its replacement would destroy the whole concept of the Square Horner's Corner is the centre of a unique street system which must be retained.

Pedestrians move between the Square and North Street easily via the alley.

Site B Page 38/39

Parking in Square is vital to the shops economy. The entrance and exit should be reversed. Reduce taxis in Square to 3 places. Do not agree Rochford needs more restaurants or bars, 2 Pubs have closed down, there are 3 restaurants in West Street and 3 restaurants in East Street.

Pedestrianisation of the Square will encourage antisocial behaviour as experienced in Southend - rowdy youths on skateboards and skates. Café culture is not appropriate in such a small town, people living over the shops will experience noise.

Relocation of the pump and trough from the centre of the Square will remove 2 features that were returned to the Square only a few years ago. The bus must be retained through West Street as it is convenient for shoppers with heavy loads particularly with many elderly residents.

Area C Page 42

The restaurants and florist should be retained, these are old buildings part of fabric of the town.

The Garage and ex-garage site on both corners of Union Lane would benefit with a symmetric development no more than 2.5 stories high, preferably residential.

Site D

Car park must be retained for the pub but the vacant plot and 'sixties' style shops should be redeveloped with more sympathetic residential development.

Site E

Whittingham's Garage is an iconic building and should be listed. It is one of the oldest businesses in the town and must be retained as part of the older fabric of the town, it neighbours a listed building.

Site F

Cannot believe that a lovely landscaped area along Bradley Way could be called a weak frontage. The Hotel has permission for an extension on part of this site, also attractive area for Wedding photos and contributes and softens the commercial building in Bradley Way. The suggestion for retail or residential units facing onto Bradley Way will detract from the appearance and proposed lay-bys will cause congestion with cars entering and leaving the lay-bys.

Site G

Back Lane car park should be retained, several businesses and houses have access across car park. Rear of the properties in South Street is not unattractive - shows the historic core, the same goes for South Street.

Dr's surgery should be retained on site, most convenient location for elderly people, several sheltered housing schemes, Day Centre, Citizens Advice Bureau, Housing Office and Council Office are in close proximity.

New Health Centre would take too much car parking space as would residential or retail no the site.

Site H

Shows picture of CAB and Day Centre, not Surgery. The proposal to relocate Dr's Surgery to near hospital site, bear in mind it is a mental health hospital - there is no benefit.

Site J

Provision of a multi-storey car park in conjunction with the hospital car park is not practical. The hospital, because of security, closed all footpaths through the site to the detriment of residents on the east of Rochford and town centre trade.

Site K

The Railway Station car park and Freight House car park should be left alone, both are needed to service these facilities.

There is a well-used footpath link from West Street/Back Lane via alley the side of the Hotel, steps set in bank would aid access to Freight House and Station.

North and South Street

The proposal 2-way traffic in North Street is not practical, traffic speed can be controlled by road humps.

Weir Pond Road

Most of the parking on Weir Pond Road is by residents as many houses have no off street parking.

The traffic island at the junction with East Street could be removed.

Bradley Way

Do not agree to signalise junction with West Street.

West Street

Do not agree signalise junction with Hall Road.

The system of mini roundabouts work perfectly well most of the time. Traffic signals are out of place in a conservation area.

I attach my Council's response to the Rochford Town Centre Area Action Plan.

Site A Page 36/37

Agree best option would be replacement of site A by 2 storey copy of once existing Market Hall to fit in existing building incorporating shops with flat over.

The proposed removal of the Spar building without its replacement would destroy the whole concept of the Square Horner's Corner is the centre of a unique street system which must be retained.

Pedestrians move between the Square and North Street easily via the alley.

Site B Page 38/39

Parking in Square is vital to the shops economy. The entrance and exit should be reversed. Reduce taxis in Square to 3 places. Do not agree Rochford needs more restaurants or bars, 2 Pubs have closed down, there are 3 restaurants in West Street and 3 restaurants in East Street.

Pedestrianisation of the Square will encourage antisocial behaviour as experienced in Southend - rowdy youths on skateboards and skates. Café culture is not appropriate in such a small town, people living over the shops will experience noise.

Relocation of the pump and trough from the centre of the Square will remove 2 features that were returned to the Square only a few years ago. The bus must be retained through West Street as it is convenient for shoppers with heavy loads particularly with many elderly residents.

Area C Page 42

The restaurants and florist should be retained, these are old buildings part of fabric of the town.

The Garage and ex-garage site on both corners of Union Lane would benefit with a symmetric development no more than 2.5 stories high, preferably residential.

Site D

Car park must be retained for the pub but the vacant plot and 'sixties' style shops should be redeveloped with more sympathetic residential development.

Site E

Whittingham's Garage is an iconic building and should be listed. It is one of the oldest businesses in the town and must be retained as part of the older fabric of the town, it neighbours a listed building.

Site F

Cannot believe that a lovely landscaped area along Bradley Way could be called a weak frontage. The Hotel has permission for an extension on part of this site, also attractive area for Wedding photos and contributes and softens the commercial building in Bradley Way. The suggestion for retail or residential units facing onto Bradley Way will detract from the appearance and proposed lay-bys will cause congestion with cars entering and leaving the lay-bys.

Site G

Back Lane car park should be retained, several businesses and houses have access across car park. Rear of the properties in South Street is not unattractive - shows the historic core, the same goes for South Street.

Dr's surgery should be retained on site, most convenient location for elderly people, several sheltered housing schemes, Day Centre, Citizens Advice Bureau, Housing Office and Council Office are in close proximity.

New Health Centre would take too much car parking space as would residential or retail no the site.

Site H

Shows picture of CAB and Day Centre, not Surgery. The proposal to relocate Dr's Surgery to near hospital site, bear in mind it is a mental health hospital - there is no benefit.

Site J

Provision of a multi-storey car park in conjunction with the hospital car park is not practical. The hospital, because of security, closed all footpaths through the site to the detriment of residents on the east of Rochford and town centre trade.

Site K

The Railway Station car park and Freight House car park should be left alone, both are needed to service these facilities.

There is a well-used footpath link from West Street/Back Lane via alley the side of the Hotel, steps set in bank would aid access to Freight House and Station.

North and South Street

The proposal 2-way traffic in North Street is not practical, traffic speed can be controlled by road humps.

Weir Pond Road

Most of the parking on Weir Pond Road is by residents as many houses have no off street parking.

The traffic island at the junction with East Street could be removed.

Bradley Way

Do not agree to signalise junction with West Street.

West Street

Do not agree signalise junction with Hall Road.

The system of mini roundabouts work perfectly well most of the time. Traffic signals are out of place in a conservation area.

I attach my Council's response to the Rochford Town Centre Area Action Plan.

Site A Page 36/37

Agree best option would be replacement of site A by 2 storey copy of once existing Market Hall to fit in existing building incorporating shops with flat over.

The proposed removal of the Spar building without its replacement would destroy the whole concept of the Square Horner's Corner is the centre of a unique street system which must be retained.

Pedestrians move between the Square and North Street easily via the alley.

Site B Page 38/39

Parking in Square is vital to the shops economy. The entrance and exit should be reversed. Reduce taxis in Square to 3 places. Do not agree Rochford needs more restaurants or bars, 2 Pubs have closed down, there are 3 restaurants in West Street and 3 restaurants in East Street.

Pedestrianisation of the Square will encourage antisocial behaviour as experienced in Southend - rowdy youths on skateboards and skates. Café culture is not appropriate in such a small town, people living over the shops will experience noise.

Relocation of the pump and trough from the centre of the Square will remove 2 features that were returned to the Square only a few years ago. The bus must be retained through West Street as it is convenient for shoppers with heavy loads particularly with many elderly residents.

Area C Page 42

The restaurants and florist should be retained, these are old buildings part of fabric of the town.

The Garage and ex-garage site on both corners of Union Lane would benefit with a symmetric development no more than 2.5 stories high, preferably residential.

Site D

Car park must be retained for the pub but the vacant plot and 'sixties' style shops should be redeveloped with more sympathetic residential development.

Site E

Whittingham's Garage is an iconic building and should be listed. It is one of the oldest businesses in the town and must be retained as part of the older fabric of the town, it neighbours a listed building.

Site F

Cannot believe that a lovely landscaped area along Bradley Way could be called a weak frontage. The Hotel has permission for an extension on part of this site, also attractive area for Wedding photos and contributes and softens the commercial building in Bradley Way. The suggestion for retail or residential units facing onto Bradley Way will detract from the appearance and proposed lay-bys will cause congestion with cars entering and leaving the lay-bys.

Site G

Back Lane car park should be retained, several businesses and houses have access across car park. Rear of the properties in South Street is not unattractive - shows the historic core, the same goes for South Street.

Dr's surgery should be retained on site, most convenient location for elderly people, several sheltered housing schemes, Day Centre, Citizens Advice Bureau, Housing Office and Council Office are in close proximity.

New Health Centre would take too much car parking space as would residential or retail no the site.

Site H

Shows picture of CAB and Day Centre, not Surgery. The proposal to relocate Dr's Surgery to near hospital site, bear in mind it is a mental health hospital - there is no benefit.

Site J

Provision of a multi-storey car park in conjunction with the hospital car park is not practical. The hospital, because of security, closed all footpaths through the site to the detriment of residents on the east of Rochford and town centre trade.

Site K

The Railway Station car park and Freight House car park should be left alone, both are needed to service these facilities.

There is a well-used footpath link from West Street/Back Lane via alley the side of the Hotel, steps set in bank would aid access to Freight House and Station.

North and South Street

The proposal 2-way traffic in North Street is not practical, traffic speed can be controlled by road humps.

Weir Pond Road

Most of the parking on Weir Pond Road is by residents as many houses have no off street parking.

The traffic island at the junction with East Street could be removed.

Bradley Way

Do not agree to signalise junction with West Street.

West Street

Do not agree signalise junction with Hall Road.

The system of mini roundabouts work perfectly well most of the time. Traffic signals are out of place in a conservation area.

I attach my Council's response to the Rochford Town Centre Area Action Plan.

Site A Page 36/37

Agree best option would be replacement of site A by 2 storey copy of once existing Market Hall to fit in existing building incorporating shops with flat over.

The proposed removal of the Spar building without its replacement would destroy the whole concept of the Square Horner's Corner is the centre of a unique street system which must be retained.

Pedestrians move between the Square and North Street easily via the alley.

Site B Page 38/39

Parking in Square is vital to the shops economy. The entrance and exit should be reversed. Reduce taxis in Square to 3 places. Do not agree Rochford needs more restaurants or bars, 2 Pubs have closed down, there are 3 restaurants in West Street and 3 restaurants in East Street.

Pedestrianisation of the Square will encourage antisocial behaviour as experienced in Southend - rowdy youths on skateboards and skates. Café culture is not appropriate in such a small town, people living over the shops will experience noise.

Relocation of the pump and trough from the centre of the Square will remove 2 features that were returned to the Square only a few years ago. The bus must be retained through West Street as it is convenient for shoppers with heavy loads particularly with many elderly residents.

Area C Page 42

The restaurants and florist should be retained, these are old buildings part of fabric of the town.

The Garage and ex-garage site on both corners of Union Lane would benefit with a symmetric development no more than 2.5 stories high, preferably residential.

Site D

Car park must be retained for the pub but the vacant plot and 'sixties' style shops should be redeveloped with more sympathetic residential development.

Site E

Whittingham's Garage is an iconic building and should be listed. It is one of the oldest businesses in the town and must be retained as part of the older fabric of the town, it neighbours a listed building.

Site F

Cannot believe that a lovely landscaped area along Bradley Way could be called a weak frontage. The Hotel has permission for an extension on part of this site, also attractive area for Wedding photos and contributes and softens the commercial building in Bradley Way. The suggestion for retail or residential units facing onto Bradley Way will detract from the appearance and proposed lay-bys will cause congestion with cars entering and leaving the lay-bys.

Site G

Back Lane car park should be retained, several businesses and houses have access across car park. Rear of the properties in South Street is not unattractive - shows the historic core, the same goes for South Street.

Dr's surgery should be retained on site, most convenient location for elderly people, several sheltered housing schemes, Day Centre, Citizens Advice Bureau, Housing Office and Council Office are in close proximity.

New Health Centre would take too much car parking space as would residential or retail no the site.

Site H

Shows picture of CAB and Day Centre, not Surgery. The proposal to relocate Dr's Surgery to near hospital site, bear in mind it is a mental health hospital - there is no benefit.

Site J

Provision of a multi-storey car park in conjunction with the hospital car park is not practical. The hospital, because of security, closed all footpaths through the site to the detriment of residents on the east of Rochford and town centre trade.

Site K

The Railway Station car park and Freight House car park should be left alone, both are needed to service these facilities.

There is a well-used footpath link from West Street/Back Lane via alley the side of the Hotel, steps set in bank would aid access to Freight House and Station.

North and South Street

The proposal 2-way traffic in North Street is not practical, traffic speed can be controlled by road humps.

Weir Pond Road

Most of the parking on Weir Pond Road is by residents as many houses have no off street parking.

The traffic island at the junction with East Street could be removed.

Bradley Way

Do not agree to signalise junction with West Street.

West Street

Do not agree signalise junction with Hall Road.

The system of mini roundabouts work perfectly well most of the time. Traffic signals are out of place in a conservation area.

I attach my Council's response to the Rochford Town Centre Area Action Plan.

Site A Page 36/37

Agree best option would be replacement of site A by 2 storey copy of once existing Market Hall to fit in existing building incorporating shops with flat over.

The proposed removal of the Spar building without its replacement would destroy the whole concept of the Square Horner's Corner is the centre of a unique street system which must be retained.

Pedestrians move between the Square and North Street easily via the alley.

Site B Page 38/39

Parking in Square is vital to the shops economy. The entrance and exit should be reversed. Reduce taxis in Square to 3 places. Do not agree Rochford needs more restaurants or bars, 2 Pubs have closed down, there are 3 restaurants in West Street and 3 restaurants in East Street.

Pedestrianisation of the Square will encourage antisocial behaviour as experienced in Southend - rowdy youths on skateboards and skates. Café culture is not appropriate in such a small town, people living over the shops will experience noise.

Relocation of the pump and trough from the centre of the Square will remove 2 features that were returned to the Square only a few years ago. The bus must be retained through West Street as it is convenient for shoppers with heavy loads particularly with many elderly residents.

Area C Page 42

The restaurants and florist should be retained, these are old buildings part of fabric of the town.

The Garage and ex-garage site on both corners of Union Lane would benefit with a symmetric development no more than 2.5 stories high, preferably residential.

Site D

Car park must be retained for the pub but the vacant plot and 'sixties' style shops should be redeveloped with more sympathetic residential development.

Site E

Whittingham's Garage is an iconic building and should be listed. It is one of the oldest businesses in the town and must be retained as part of the older fabric of the town, it neighbours a listed building.

Site F

Cannot believe that a lovely landscaped area along Bradley Way could be called a weak frontage. The Hotel has permission for an extension on part of this site, also attractive area for Wedding photos and contributes and softens the commercial building in Bradley Way. The suggestion for retail or residential units facing onto Bradley Way will detract from the appearance and proposed lay-bys will cause congestion with cars entering and leaving the lay-bys.

Site G

Back Lane car park should be retained, several businesses and houses have access across car park. Rear of the properties in South Street is not unattractive - shows the historic core, the same goes for South Street.

Dr's surgery should be retained on site, most convenient location for elderly people, several sheltered housing schemes, Day Centre, Citizens Advice Bureau, Housing Office and Council Office are in close proximity.

New Health Centre would take too much car parking space as would residential or retail no the site.

Site H

Shows picture of CAB and Day Centre, not Surgery. The proposal to relocate Dr's Surgery to near hospital site, bear in mind it is a mental health hospital - there is no benefit.

Site J

Provision of a multi-storey car park in conjunction with the hospital car park is not practical. The hospital, because of security, closed all footpaths through the site to the detriment of residents on the east of Rochford and town centre trade.

Site K

The Railway Station car park and Freight House car park should be left alone, both are needed to service these facilities.

There is a well-used footpath link from West Street/Back Lane via alley the side of the Hotel, steps set in bank would aid access to Freight House and Station.

North and South Street

The proposal 2-way traffic in North Street is not practical, traffic speed can be controlled by road humps.

Weir Pond Road

Most of the parking on Weir Pond Road is by residents as many houses have no off street parking.

The traffic island at the junction with East Street could be removed.

Bradley Way

Do not agree to signalise junction with West Street.

West Street

Do not agree signalise junction with Hall Road.

The system of mini roundabouts work perfectly well most of the time. Traffic signals are out of place in a conservation area.

I attach my Council's response to the Rochford Town Centre Area Action Plan.

Site A Page 36/37

Agree best option would be replacement of site A by 2 storey copy of once existing Market Hall to fit in existing building incorporating shops with flat over.

The proposed removal of the Spar building without its replacement would destroy the whole concept of the Square Horner's Corner is the centre of a unique street system which must be retained.

Pedestrians move between the Square and North Street easily via the alley.

Site B Page 38/39

Parking in Square is vital to the shops economy. The entrance and exit should be reversed. Reduce taxis in Square to 3 places. Do not agree Rochford needs more restaurants or bars, 2 Pubs have closed down, there are 3 restaurants in West Street and 3 restaurants in East Street.

Pedestrianisation of the Square will encourage antisocial behaviour as experienced in Southend - rowdy youths on skateboards and skates. Café culture is not appropriate in such a small town, people living over the shops will experience noise.

Relocation of the pump and trough from the centre of the Square will remove 2 features that were returned to the Square only a few years ago. The bus must be retained through West Street as it is convenient for shoppers with heavy loads particularly with many elderly residents.

Area C Page 42

The restaurants and florist should be retained, these are old buildings part of fabric of the town.

The Garage and ex-garage site on both corners of Union Lane would benefit with a symmetric development no more than 2.5 stories high, preferably residential.

Site D

Car park must be retained for the pub but the vacant plot and 'sixties' style shops should be redeveloped with more sympathetic residential development.

Site E

Whittingham's Garage is an iconic building and should be listed. It is one of the oldest businesses in the town and must be retained as part of the older fabric of the town, it neighbours a listed building.

Site F

Cannot believe that a lovely landscaped area along Bradley Way could be called a weak frontage. The Hotel has permission for an extension on part of this site, also attractive area for Wedding photos and contributes and softens the commercial building in Bradley Way. The suggestion for retail or residential units facing onto Bradley Way will detract from the appearance and proposed lay-bys will cause congestion with cars entering and leaving the lay-bys.

Site G

Back Lane car park should be retained, several businesses and houses have access across car park. Rear of the properties in South Street is not unattractive - shows the historic core, the same goes for South Street.

Dr's surgery should be retained on site, most convenient location for elderly people, several sheltered housing schemes, Day Centre, Citizens Advice Bureau, Housing Office and Council Office are in close proximity.

New Health Centre would take too much car parking space as would residential or retail no the site.

Site H

Shows picture of CAB and Day Centre, not Surgery. The proposal to relocate Dr's Surgery to near hospital site, bear in mind it is a mental health hospital - there is no benefit.

Site J

Provision of a multi-storey car park in conjunction with the hospital car park is not practical. The hospital, because of security, closed all footpaths through the site to the detriment of residents on the east of Rochford and town centre trade.

Site K

The Railway Station car park and Freight House car park should be left alone, both are needed to service these facilities.

There is a well-used footpath link from West Street/Back Lane via alley the side of the Hotel, steps set in bank would aid access to Freight House and Station.

North and South Street

The proposal 2-way traffic in North Street is not practical, traffic speed can be controlled by road humps.

Weir Pond Road

Most of the parking on Weir Pond Road is by residents as many houses have no off street parking.

The traffic island at the junction with East Street could be removed.

Bradley Way

Do not agree to signalise junction with West Street.

West Street

Do not agree signalise junction with Hall Road.

The system of mini roundabouts work perfectly well most of the time. Traffic signals are out of place in a conservation area.

I attach my Council's response to the Rochford Town Centre Area Action Plan.

Site A Page 36/37

Agree best option would be replacement of site A by 2 storey copy of once existing Market Hall to fit in existing building incorporating shops with flat over.

The proposed removal of the Spar building without its replacement would destroy the whole concept of the Square Horner's Corner is the centre of a unique street system which must be retained.

Pedestrians move between the Square and North Street easily via the alley.

Site B Page 38/39

Parking in Square is vital to the shops economy. The entrance and exit should be reversed. Reduce taxis in Square to 3 places. Do not agree Rochford needs more restaurants or bars, 2 Pubs have closed down, there are 3 restaurants in West Street and 3 restaurants in East Street.

Pedestrianisation of the Square will encourage antisocial behaviour as experienced in Southend - rowdy youths on skateboards and skates. Café culture is not appropriate in such a small town, people living over the shops will experience noise.

Relocation of the pump and trough from the centre of the Square will remove 2 features that were returned to the Square only a few years ago. The bus must be retained through West Street as it is convenient for shoppers with heavy loads particularly with many elderly residents.

Area C Page 42

The restaurants and florist should be retained, these are old buildings part of fabric of the town.

The Garage and ex-garage site on both corners of Union Lane would benefit with a symmetric development no more than 2.5 stories high, preferably residential.

Site D

Car park must be retained for the pub but the vacant plot and 'sixties' style shops should be redeveloped with more sympathetic residential development.

Site E

Whittingham's Garage is an iconic building and should be listed. It is one of the oldest businesses in the town and must be retained as part of the older fabric of the town, it neighbours a listed building.

Site F

Cannot believe that a lovely landscaped area along Bradley Way could be called a weak frontage. The Hotel has permission for an extension on part of this site, also attractive area for Wedding photos and contributes and softens the commercial building in Bradley Way. The suggestion for retail or residential units facing onto Bradley Way will detract from the appearance and proposed lay-bys will cause congestion with cars entering and leaving the lay-bys.

Site G

Back Lane car park should be retained, several businesses and houses have access across car park. Rear of the properties in South Street is not unattractive - shows the historic core, the same goes for South Street.

Dr's surgery should be retained on site, most convenient location for elderly people, several sheltered housing schemes, Day Centre, Citizens Advice Bureau, Housing Office and Council Office are in close proximity.

New Health Centre would take too much car parking space as would residential or retail no the site.

Site H

Shows picture of CAB and Day Centre, not Surgery. The proposal to relocate Dr's Surgery to near hospital site, bear in mind it is a mental health hospital - there is no benefit.

Site J

Provision of a multi-storey car park in conjunction with the hospital car park is not practical. The hospital, because of security, closed all footpaths through the site to the detriment of residents on the east of Rochford and town centre trade.

Site K

The Railway Station car park and Freight House car park should be left alone, both are needed to service these facilities.

There is a well-used footpath link from West Street/Back Lane via alley the side of the Hotel, steps set in bank would aid access to Freight House and Station.

North and South Street

The proposal 2-way traffic in North Street is not practical, traffic speed can be controlled by road humps.

Weir Pond Road

Most of the parking on Weir Pond Road is by residents as many houses have no off street parking.

The traffic island at the junction with East Street could be removed.

Bradley Way

Do not agree to signalise junction with West Street.

West Street

Do not agree signalise junction with Hall Road.

The system of mini roundabouts work perfectly well most of the time. Traffic signals are out of place in a conservation area.

I attach my Council's response to the Rochford Town Centre Area Action Plan.

Site A Page 36/37

Agree best option would be replacement of site A by 2 storey copy of once existing Market Hall to fit in existing building incorporating shops with flat over.

The proposed removal of the Spar building without its replacement would destroy the whole concept of the Square Horner's Corner is the centre of a unique street system which must be retained.

Pedestrians move between the Square and North Street easily via the alley.

Site B Page 38/39

Parking in Square is vital to the shops economy. The entrance and exit should be reversed. Reduce taxis in Square to 3 places. Do not agree Rochford needs more restaurants or bars, 2 Pubs have closed down, there are 3 restaurants in West Street and 3 restaurants in East Street.

Pedestrianisation of the Square will encourage antisocial behaviour as experienced in Southend - rowdy youths on skateboards and skates. Café culture is not appropriate in such a small town, people living over the shops will experience noise.

Relocation of the pump and trough from the centre of the Square will remove 2 features that were returned to the Square only a few years ago. The bus must be retained through West Street as it is convenient for shoppers with heavy loads particularly with many elderly residents.

Area C Page 42

The restaurants and florist should be retained, these are old buildings part of fabric of the town.

The Garage and ex-garage site on both corners of Union Lane would benefit with a symmetric development no more than 2.5 stories high, preferably residential.

Site D

Car park must be retained for the pub but the vacant plot and 'sixties' style shops should be redeveloped with more sympathetic residential development.

Site E

Whittingham's Garage is an iconic building and should be listed. It is one of the oldest businesses in the town and must be retained as part of the older fabric of the town, it neighbours a listed building.

Site F

Cannot believe that a lovely landscaped area along Bradley Way could be called a weak frontage. The Hotel has permission for an extension on part of this site, also attractive area for Wedding photos and contributes and softens the commercial building in Bradley Way. The suggestion for retail or residential units facing onto Bradley Way will detract from the appearance and proposed lay-bys will cause congestion with cars entering and leaving the lay-bys.

Site G

Back Lane car park should be retained, several businesses and houses have access across car park. Rear of the properties in South Street is not unattractive - shows the historic core, the same goes for South Street.

Dr's surgery should be retained on site, most convenient location for elderly people, several sheltered housing schemes, Day Centre, Citizens Advice Bureau, Housing Office and Council Office are in close proximity.

New Health Centre would take too much car parking space as would residential or retail no the site.

Site H

Shows picture of CAB and Day Centre, not Surgery. The proposal to relocate Dr's Surgery to near hospital site, bear in mind it is a mental health hospital - there is no benefit.

Site J

Provision of a multi-storey car park in conjunction with the hospital car park is not practical. The hospital, because of security, closed all footpaths through the site to the detriment of residents on the east of Rochford and town centre trade.

Site K

The Railway Station car park and Freight House car park should be left alone, both are needed to service these facilities.

There is a well-used footpath link from West Street/Back Lane via alley the side of the Hotel, steps set in bank would aid access to Freight House and Station.

North and South Street

The proposal 2-way traffic in North Street is not practical, traffic speed can be controlled by road humps.

Weir Pond Road

Most of the parking on Weir Pond Road is by residents as many houses have no off street parking.

The traffic island at the junction with East Street could be removed.

Bradley Way

Do not agree to signalise junction with West Street.

West Street

Do not agree signalise junction with Hall Road.

The system of mini roundabouts work perfectly well most of the time. Traffic signals are out of place in a conservation area.