Great Wakering 'eco village' petition hits 2,500 signatures

Plans are currently being drawn up for an “eco village”, featuring a new SEN school, GP surgery and shops, off Shoebury Road in Great Wakering.

The Friends Farm proposals have drawn the criticism of residents and campaigners who say the development would harm the area’s green belt and overwhelm the existing village.

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According to the petition, uploaded to Change.org and boasting 2,644 signatures, the development would “destroy protected green belt land, overload already stretched infrastructure and permanently change the character of Great Wakering, a village that values its open space, heritage, and community”.

“Green belt land exists to prevent urban sprawl and preserve the environment,” the petition states.

“We urge Rochford Council and all relevant planning authorities to reject this proposal and defend our green belt.”

School - The Omnia Foundation's proposed site would offer a range of learning and play spaces (Image: The Omnia Foundation) In addition to the construction of 360 new homes, the proposals would create spaces for 30 pupils at an on-site special school delivered by The Omnia Foundation in Rayleigh.

Public consultation materials from the developer state: “Friends Farm will deliver a high-quality development that people are proud of.

"From terraces, semi-detached and detached homes, these will be keeping with the local design character of Great Wakering."

Simon James Jones is a member of the residents’ group, Stop Overdevelopment of Great Wakering, and has wider concerns around the development of the area, which could also see 950 new homes off nearby Poynters Lane.

Rural - The development would transform the green site if plans are approved (Image: Google Maps) He said: “We want development that fits the needs and limits of the area, not schemes that erase the identity of the village for short-term gain.

“This isn’t just about opposing development — it’s about protecting our community, our safety, and the future character of Great Wakering."

A Rochford District Council spokesperson said: "Should a formal planning application be submitted, the Council will provide an opportunity for public consultation, during which residents may submit their views in writing.

"All representations received will be carefully considered alongside national and local planning policies before any decision is reached.

"In the meantime, residents are encouraged to engage with the developers during their current consultation period to ensure their perspectives are heard.”