Weather
Residents praised for opposing new houses (From Echo)
Get involved: send your pictures, video, news and views by texting ECHONEWS to 80360, or email us »
Residents praised for opposing new houses
2:40pm Wednesday 28th July 2010
CAMPAIGNING families who fought plans for hundreds of new homes have been praised by councillors and MPs for making their voices heard.
Developers wanted to build 330 homes at Christmas Tree Farm, in Hawkwell, and up to 326 homes at Coombes Farm, near Rochford.
Rochford District Council rejected both applications and the Government’s planning inspectorate dismissed them at appeals.
The decision was backed by Communities and Local Govern-ment Secretary Eric Pickles.
Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois said: “This shows local views do matter. I would like to congratulate the residents and Rochford Council for strong cases, which clearly had the right effect on the inspectors.
“Both of these applications were highly unpopular with residents.
“As someone who objected to these developments, I am pleased that after two public inquiries, the planning inspector recommended in favour of Rochford Council and residents.”
Developer David Wilson Homes wanted to build houses and a medical centre between Main Road, Rectory Road, and Clements Hall Way, Hawkwell.
It was opposed by residents because of its expected impact on traffic levels and wildlife.
Plans by developer Colonnade for the Coombes Farm site, which lies between Stambridge Road, Rocheway and Mill Lane, in Rochford, prompted the foundation of anti-development group, Residents Against Coombes Farm.
Keith Hudson, Rochford district councillor responsible for planning and transportation, welcomed the appeal decisions.
He said: “We could not have received better news.
“The council’s approach to limited development in appropriate and sustainable locations has been accepted by the Secretary of State, supporting this council’s rejection of inappropriate, ad hoc development in our green belt.
“It also demonstrates the Secre-tary, his officers and inspectors are listening and taking account of the wishes of local people.”
Vic Leach, chairman of Hawkwell Parish Council, said: “We are delighted the planning inspector came down on the side of common sense.”
More Southend stories
- Pioneering treatment for Southend Hospital's cancer patients
- Legal change could set arcades’ tills ringing
- Police report success in teen booze crackdown
- Southend Airport hotel given go ahead
- c2c rail line hailed as most punctual in the UK
- Child badly injured in traffic accident outside Shoebury school
- Gun range danger alerts for families
- New rescue boat is first for fire service
- Rocky Horror and Christopher Biggins ready to shock and roll
- Residents offered behind-the-scenes glimpse of work at Southend airport
Your Say YourEcho
GeezerC, Hullbridge says...
9:34pm Wed 28 Jul 10
Following your statement yesterday that the new development will go ahead on the identified Greenbelt land but in fewer numbers means that the rightful rejection of development in Hawkwell will now put more pressure on the development in Ashingdon, Rochford, Rawreth and Hullbridge.
You can expect an even more vociferous protest from the villagers of Hullbridge and Rawreth and the Conservative Cllrs of Hullbridge need to act in accordance with their electorates wishes or face being non re-elected.
Local Advertisers
Local Information
Enter your postcode, town or place name
ScrewedForAnother5years, Shoeburyness says...
2:45pm Wed 28 Jul 10