Save Mount Bovers 350 green belt homes plans refusal

The proposal for the houses off Mount Bovers Lane, in Hawkwell, was unanimously voted for refusal by Rochford Council's development committee as more than 100 residents attended in support of a campaign against the plans.

A non-determination appeal was submitted by developer Taylor Wimpey in April, meaning a decision on the plans bypassed the committee and the final call lies with the Planning Inspectorate.

Members were still able to bring forward reasons for the plans to be refused, and they pulled together four main reasons ranging from the loss of green belt land to a lack of infrastructure.

Campaign group Save Mount Bovers, set up last year by former councillor Julie Gooding, has been raising funds over the past 12 months to pay for planning experts to advise on the process, including a 186-page report submitted last week.

Residents campaigning a year ago. (Image: Julie Gooding)

Mrs Gooding said she was delighted with the result of the meeting, and said the development is important for both local residents and the wider district.

Councillor Adrian Eves, who is on the development committee, said the reasons for refusal were strong.

The four points which the council voted to use as grounds for refusal included the impact on the Upper Roche Valley and the designation of the site as 'grey belt' - green belt land which can be reallocated for development.

The other reasons were around the lack of cycle routes, footpaths and other infrastructure, and that the installation of a suitable foul sewage system would not be possible.

Mrs Gooding said: "We are absolutely over the moon that we have got past this stage.

She said a concern raised by councillors at the meeting was over the cost of challenging the appeal, but added a lack of action now could have consequences for the thousands of homes set to come before the committee over the next few years.

"If we don't stand our ground on this one, it is setting a precedent for our district," she added.

Julie Gooding has been campaigning for more than a year against the development. (Image: Julie Gooding)

"We are not opposing homes, we are opposing unsustainable infrastructure-led failure, in the wrong places."

Mr Eves said: "Of all the major housing developments proposed for the district, I think the one that left the most questions was Mount Bovers.

"I went into the meeting with an open mind but I did have a lot of questions about the report, not least that it seemed to have a lack of local knowledge and input.

"We had to make sure we had all our ducks in a row and I think we have some good, strong reasons for refusal."

The inquiry will begin on September 15.