Why does Basildon need regenerating? After only some 60 years or so the oldest buildings could only recently have been cleared of the debt charges and more recent structures are presumably still to be paid for.
It would be a disaster if all the housing also needed to be rebuilt on that timescale.
Why does the college need to vacate its present position when it appears to have space for some expansion, has parking facilities, a semi-rural pollution-free position, adjacent sports hall and the station is a reasonable walk away?
A town centre position will require additional parking, will add to the crowding which will no doubt increase with the additional residents.
What will be the cost to the ratepayers of the area in additional debt repayments and indirectly in loss of assets such as land and what financial return and long term employment will the development bring?
How does the council justify the carbon cost of demolition and rebuilding?
With the Government’s emphasis on public involvement in decision making, we are entitled to an explanation of the need for and implications of any regeneration proposals.
As a satisfied and proud resident of the area for over 40 years, I am worried that the compressing of services in the town centre will spoil the present freedom of movement and atmosphere.
R de Lemos
Sporhams
Basildon
...Basildon Council is stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Because of the Dale Farm fiasco, it could be responsible for Basildon becoming a stagnant town filled with high-rise blocks of flats, poor house prices and highly unsupportive of any new businesses.
That is, if option A of the core strategy goes ahead, instead of option B and C.
Some limited green belt release is essential if Basildon is to become a thriving town, with higher house prices and attracting new businesses.
To save face, the council has opted for option A which would mean businesses will be relocating out of Basildon, people living literally on top of each other in places that are likely to become rapidly run down and crime ridden.
House prices will drop and Basildon will be left behind while other more growth-orientated towns continue to thrive.
Henry Patterdale
The Chase
Horndon-on-the-Hill
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