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Search the Public Notice PortalPlans to build 142 homes on the site of a former Rayleigh garden centre are set for a major setback after planning officers recommended the development be refused.
Developers want to build homes, including 36 affordable properties, at Limehouse Nursery Industrial Park off Eastwood Road, the former home of Wyevale Garden Centre.
The proposal, submitted by Sinai Boat Ltd, would transform the largely commercial site into a residential development comprising a mix of one to four-bedroom homes.
However, Rochford Council planning officers have concluded the scheme represents inappropriate development in the green belt and should be rejected when it comes before councillors.
The site is currently home to a range of businesses including restaurants, construction firms and storage facilities, prompting concerns about the loss of valuable employment land.
Rochford district councillor Adrian Eves said residents were increasingly worried about the volume of housing proposed across the area and questioned whether commercial space should be sacrificed.
“It looks like it is a prime place for development, but it is one of those places that is used for commercial, and the area has demand for commercial as is evidenced by the amount of businesses there,” he said.
“Officers don’t recommend refusal without very good reasons, so they have realised that there are some serious problems with putting that number of houses at that site.”
The application has attracted 49 resident objections, with concerns raised over traffic congestion, access, parking, pressure on infrastructure, flooding, the impact on wildlife and the effect on neighbouring properties.
In planning documents, the developer argued the project would deliver much-needed housing and improve the appearance of a site that it claims detracts from the surrounding area.
A host of statutory consultees have also raised concerns.
NHS Mid and South Essex said the development could bring around 355 new residents to the area, increasing pressure on already stretched healthcare services. It has requested a contribution of more than £111,000 to help expand capacity at GP practices and other healthcare facilities.
The East of England Ambulance Service has requested almost £48,000 towards improvements at Southend Ambulance Hub and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, as well as provision for air ambulance landings.
Meanwhile, Rayleigh Town Council, Southend Airport, Essex Police, Essex and Suffolk Water, Natural England and several other organisations have raised objections or requested further information.
The application will now be decided by Rochford Council’s development committee, with planning officers recommending refusal.
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