Rochford Core Strategy Development Plan Document - Schedule of Changes

It is acknowledge that even with the reduced delivery of housing in the new proposed changes there is still a requirement in the District to release Green Belt land to provide sufficient housing for the extended plan period. It is stated in Policy H1 that additional housing that cannot be provided through redevelopment of previously developed sites will be met through extensions to the residential envelope which is supported.

It is considered that the strategy is unsound as there has been insufficient consideration of opportunities for extension to the residential envelope of Rayleigh. Despite being the largest area of population and also being an area having the largest demand for growth very few housing have been allocated to this area of the District.

It is considered that there are options for extensions south of Rayleigh where the landscape impact will be considerably less than open agricultural land proposed in other areas. The poor quality landscape on the southern boundary of Rayleigh should be considered as alternative development site.

It is strongly felt that too little consideration has been given to the allocation of smaller housing sites on fringe locations. Whilst it is acknowledge that larger sites can provide additional infrastructure medium sized developments can be accommodated within existing infrastructure and offer additional support to that infrastructure. Medium sized sites also have a lesser impact in terms landscape loss than larger green field locations.

Land at Eastwood Nurseries (Call for Sites Allocations site 146) is a medium sized site which offers a development site with existing infrastructure in place. In relation to this site within the Rochford District Replacement Local Plan in 2006 the Inspector noted that the site "adjoins two established communities likely to be able to accept further additions of population" and that "the local infrastructure would be sufficient to absorb further development". The reason the site was not included at that time was there was no requirement to release Green Belt land. It is not considered that the Council has fully explored the potential to extend the boundary south of Rayleigh and as such the Stratergy is unsound as it has not beenjustified.

This site at Eastwood Nurseries is preferable to larger scale green field sites proposed for the following reasons;

* Offers residential development close to expanding employment opportunities at Southend airport and associated employment areas and is also close to Southend Hospital.
* Rayleigh Station is within 2 miles of this site and there are already established bus links into Rayleigh town adjoining the site.
* Local infrastructure could absorb additional development in this location. It is noted within the SHLAA the site is acknowledged to have 'fair access to services'. It is in proximity to existing leisure facilities and schools and has good links to the highway network.
* Development of this site can include provision of a welfare centre for this area of Rayleigh supporting the recognised increasing elderly population. The landowner of this site is happy to put forward land for community purposes such as a medical/welfare centre or school if required.
* The site is an area of unattractive Green Belt which is subdivided and provides a very limited landscape and environmental benefit. Development with good design and effective landscaping would enhance this area and its extensive views from the A127.
* Cycle connectivity with both Rayleigh Station and the many employment centers along the A127and towards the airport exist and can be enhanced as part of this development. This will reduce the reliance on car traffic in this already congested area.
* Green Connectivity from this site can be enhanced providing access to nearby Cherry Orchard Country Park and also open space opposite the site in Castle Point Borough.