A COUNCILLOR is urging Hawkwell residents to have their say on two major plans affecting their community.

Residents in Rochford district are currently being consulted about the Hockley Area Action Plan, which lays out options for the regeneration of Hockley town centre, and the joint area action plan, which affects the expansion of Southend Airport.

Rochford District Council has earmarked 330 new homes for green belt land to the south of Hawkwell under the Core Strategy proposals.

But any new houses and flats for central Hockley could take up a large part of this number.

Independent councillor John Mason said he is concerned people in Hawkwell may be unaware of how they may be affected by the plans. He said: “Their involvement in both plans is vital to decisions on the future of Hawkwell.

“There are two issues. The Eldon Way Industrial Estate could take up to 200 homes which would relieve the number earmarked for Hawkwell.

“Secondly, the expansion of the airport and the planned 7,500 new jobs there will generate more traffic from people going there to work.

“There is also the potential of freight movements to and from the airport.”

To make your views known on both plans or for more information, go to: www.rochford.gov.uk Call the council on 01702 318191 to comment on the Hockley plan, or call 01702 318165 on the airport plan.