What a coincidence that the proposal to sell land to the west of Markhams Chase in Lee Chapel North, Basildon, with outline planning approval for 46 homes was advertised a week after local elections.

This site encompasses a well-used sports and leisure centre, junior football pitch and open space, and therefore falls foul of numerous regulations.

Basildon Council adopted the National Playing Fields Association regulations in 1997, which confirm all but one area in the district now has a deficiency of open space as required by the six- acre rule.

Basildon district local plan 2001–2011 states “policy does not allow any loss of open space” and affirms that Lee Chapel North has the lowest area of open space in the district, which will increase to an outrageous 35 acres below standard.

Eight hundred residents signed a petition objecting to the loss of Markhams Chase, and even the council’s own consultation results conceded 83 per cent of residents objected to the proposal.

Government planning policy requires a robust assessment to demonstrate land is surplus to requirements and that the local community supports the proposal.

So much for democracy when it involves new town open space, pitches and facilities.

Dennis L Swaysland
Beauchamps Drive
Wickford