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Search the Public Notice PortalCouncillors have voted to strip a string of controversial green belt housing sites from Rochford’s emerging Local Plan, including the highly disputed Dollyman’s Farm development and a vast area of countryside between Rochford and Southend.
At an extraordinary meeting on September 23, members approved the council’s Regulation 19 Local Plan, but only after agreeing to remove six strategic development allocations that had generated fierce opposition from residents, campaigners and politicians.
The sites taken out of the draft plan include Dollyman’s Farm near Wickford, Lubards Lodge Farm and Tithe Park in Great Wakering, land west of Wolsey Park, land east of Rochford and Ashingdon, and a large swathe of green belt land between Rochford and Southend.
The decision passed with 13 councillors voting in favour, none against and 19 abstaining.
Among those backing the changes was Councillor Daniel Efde, who said he could not support proposals that would see development spread across green belt land separating Rochford from Southend.
“I believe the consequences would be profound,” he said.
Cllr Efde warned large-scale development could fundamentally alter the character of nearby communities, particularly Great Wakering.
“Great Wakering risks being surrounded by development. We would effectively be trapped behind a wall of housing.
“Residents have made it clear to me that they want Great Wakering to remain its own identity, its own community and its own connection to Rochford district.”
The land south of Rochford has become one of the most contentious housing proposals in the district. Previously included in a failed bid for a new town, the site has attracted criticism from those who fear it would blur the boundaries between neighbouring communities and destroy an important stretch of countryside. The area has also been identified as part of wider discussions linked to Southend City Council’s emerging Local Plan and future housing needs.
Councillor Jo McPherson said the decision was about protecting land that, once developed, could never be recovered.
“One of the fundamental purposes of the green belt is to prevent neighbouring towns merging,” she said.
“There are decisions that once made can never be undone. Once the green belt is gone, it’s gone forever.”
Councillor Angela Sutton also supported removing the sites, including Dollyman’s Farm, one of the most controversial development proposals in south Essex.
Housebuilder Bloor Homes has separately submitted plans for up to 1,300 homes on the green belt site between Rawreth and Wickford, prompting strong objections from residents and local representatives.
Cllr Sutton said: “At Dollyman’s Farm where over 1,000 homes are proposed the water treatment works has zero capacity for growth. We are being told to treat our residents’ lives like a number on a spreadsheet.”
Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois has previously voiced opposition to the scheme.
He said: “Dollyman’s Farm is a completely unsuitable development site, which would represent unsustainable urban sprawl within the Green Belt, between Rayleigh and Wickford.
“My recent response to Basildon’s neighbouring Reg-19 Local Plan also pointed out, in detail, why the local sewage network cannot cope with over 1,000 houses there. It’s just a barmy proposal.”
Rochford Council will now amend the draft Local Plan before launching a six-week public consultation. The authority said consultation dates will be announced shortly, with existing planning policies remaining in force until a new Local Plan is formally adopted.
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