Coombes Farm makes the Independent

It comes to something when the Independent's satirist picks up the Coombes Farm story as an example of Eric Pickles' meddling - click on the title to see the reference in the penultimate paragraph. I'm not sure I like the hint of a derogatory reference to Essex folk or the Nimby branding, but it nevertheless supports my argument that our Secretary of State has acted like a dick.

Of course it is no laughing matter. Meeting some neighbours and fellow residents over the past few days, I've almost wanted to dip my head and avert my gaze. The fact the Coombes Farm Inspector's decision has effectively been cancelled, and we may be looking at yet another Inquiry is dismal enough information to swallow at any time of year, let alone in the week before Christmas. A Senior Councillor has explained that the High Court has technically quashed the appeal decision. The Secretary of State will now re-visit the submissions made by all parties and decide the best way to re-determine the planning application. I foresee this dragging on for some months yet, taking the time from when plans to build on Coombes Farm by Colonnade were first announced to nearly 2 years. I am reassured, though, that this is one planning application the Council and Residents are united against, however. And we will never give up.

Coombes Farm - Decision Quashed

The Planning Inspectorate will shortly decide whether a fresh Inquiry is required to decide the future of Coombes Farm. This follows the High Court's decision to quash the original decision due to it being found unsound, the culprit being the Secretary of State, and comments made regarding housing targets - see earlier posts. Clicking on the title will take you to the Evening Echo article.

Wish List for 2011 (updated)

Some quite dramatic changes, and some less so, could take place in the Rochford District in 2011, and this is a personal outline of some of these.

First and foremost, I want to see the uncertainty over the future of Coombes Farm removed forever. I remain hopeful that any legal challenges, if allowed to proceed, will not succeed.

By February 2011 the Council will have considered the planning application for 600 new homes at Hall Rd. The landscape as you drive into Rochford from the West could change forever and beautiful, high grade agricultural land will be permanently lost. Many will have seen the posters spaced along this stretch of road headlining these facts.

The planning application to redevelop Stambridge Mill is expected to be submitted in early 2011.

On a more positive note, I'm hopeful that the Roach Valley pathway will be improved in the Watts Lane stretch. At present high, ugly metal fencing protrudes unneccesarily towards the edge of the path, marking the permimeter of the Nevendon car salvage business. Cars tower into the sky, further degrading the environmental landscape. I understand, however, that Nevendon have agreed to remove the outer fencing shortly, which should offer some relief by the extra space created, plus the aesthetic improvement.

2010 was a sad year for pubs in Rochford with the closure of the New Ship and Old Ship, and The Kings Head and Rose and Crown being put up for sale.

The Old Ship has reopened as the Conservative Club, and work continues on the New Ship in East Street. Hopefully this will reopen in 2011 as a decent drinking and eating venue. I hope also for a good outcome for the Kings Head and Rose and Crown. These surely are opportunities to increase the choice and variety for both residents and visitors.

I hope we don't see the shops suffer in 2011. With "Sainsbury's Local" recently opening at the bottom of West Street this will surely put additional pressure on the wonderful Butchers, Bakers, Greengrocers and other retailers in the Square, and immediate streets around.

Rochford is such an attractive small town, and I strongly believe it wouldn't take much to get it on the tourist map. There isn't another town in South Essex which compares in terms of abundance of beautiful architectural gems of buildings.

Despite the dreadful economic climate there is no reason that 2011 cannot represent an overall, positive step forward for Rochford.

UPDATE 9th Feb 2011 - the Hall Rd planning application will not be discussed at the February planning committee (Development Control Committee), I don't know the reason for the delay.

Cala Homes back to Court in January - Colonnade watches closely

The difference a year makes, this photo was taken exactly one year ago! Some things don't change of course, and closure still awaits so far as the future of Coombes Farm is concerned.

As outlined in my earlier post regarding Eric Pickles' letter being taken as a material consideration in planning decisions, a High Court date has been set for 17th January 2011 for a second round of Hearings. One can only hope that the Judge is fed up with it all and throws the case out, however I suspect this is wishful and churlish thinking! This is all about House Builders securing the legal argument to push through developments in the current planning legislation vacuum that currently exists, the Tories' Localism Bill is unlikely to become law for another year. Colonnade will be watching closely as a decision on whether they are allowed a High Court hearing of their own will be announced shortly.

Rochford Spectacular 4th December 2010

The Parish Council should be congratulated for staging this event, a vast improvement on 2009. I'm sure there will be some out there who snigger at these small town christmas festivals, but despite just about every type of adverse weather you can imagine there was a good attendance and people seemed to be genuinely enjoying theirselves. They are of course also an opportunity for local businesses to earn some extra trade. I smiled at the queue of young ladies, average age 8, waiting outside the Take That (tribute) Trailer waiting for autographs. Shame on the young lady who spoilt the illusion by saying "they're not the real Take That, you know!" Maybe not this year, but if the momentum continues what about 2011? Just one moan, I noticed one of the sponsors was Colonnade LLP - the owners of Coombes Farm. Shame on you, Rochford Parish Council, for accepting their money... how much was it though???

Last of the snow (for now?)

Worst (or best?) snow since '86?

Paglesham cut off, trains heavily delayed, refuse collections services suspended. But from what I've seen people and Councils are doing their best to battle on. I saw workers valiantly clearing the snow yesterday in the Square, only to be thwarted by a further deluge. Some buses and trains were runnning (the photo was taken on my tramp over to Leigh), and most people did successfully get to work - shops, business, and services were mostly running. The exception were the schools, allowing the children to enjoy the results of another battle between man and nature, where the odds will always be stacked against us!

Coombes Farm and Eric Pickles Pickles' letter - Part 2

In my post of 10th November I wrote about Cala Homes' successful challenge to Eric Pickles decision to revoke regional house planning strategies. At the time, the Government response was that the High Court decision made little difference to its plans. The Localism Bill, to be guided through Parliament in 2011, would clear up any uncertainties and in the meantime the fact that this Law is due to be added to the Statute Book means that it can remain a "material consideration" by Councils when considering planning applications. Cala Homes' legal team is obviously intent on wiping Pickles' nonchalant smile off his face, as they're seeking to take him back to the High Court for a second time. Amongst other things, they are disputing the Government's statement that their intended legislation can be taken as a material consideration. As there is no Act of Parliament, yet, to replace existing legislation covering house building targets, Cala Homes wants a Judge to agree that planning decisons must be made on the basis of current legislation in place, ie the previous Government's housing targets, and no legal weight can attach to legislation that has not yet been passed. From where I sit, despite the fact I want Coombes Farm to be protected against any development and therefore want the Government to succeed in its aims, I foresee Eric Pickles' nose being rubbed in it once again. And, sadly, I can only think of one word to summarise the situation we now find ourselves in. Incompetence.

An opportunity for the Square?

A new Sainsbury's "Local" opens at the end of the month on the old BP Petrol site at the bottom of West Street. Given that the Co-operative (formerly Somerfield) has only been open a few years that will give Rochford two extra food outlets and will surely put pressure on the Spa in the Square and other retailers. However, some locals see this as a possible opportunity to remedy a past evil. The Spa's premises are architecturally completely out of keeping with the surrounding handsome Georgian and Victorian structures...

Coombes Farm & Eric Pickles' letter

Colonnade's application for judicial review against the Government's refusal to permit its development at Coombes Farm was given a minor fillip today. Another developer, Cala Homes, was in the High Court to hear Judgment on its own challenge to the legality of the Government's decison to unilaterally abolish regional strategies without putting a Bill before Parliament. This was also one of Colonnade's arguments in its Appeal. The Judge ruled that, indeed, Eric Pickles had acted unlawfully in taking this course which technically means that the previous Government's approach to planning remains in place. The Government is adamant that little changes. Its "Localism Bill" will begin its passage through the Commons at the end of this year with the aim of gaining Royal Assent in 2011. Soon, one way or another, Regional Strategies will be abolished and local Councils will decide how many houses can built, and where they can go.

But it is quite possible that if Eric Pickles had not issued his letter, directing Planning Authorities that Regional Strategies are revoked with immediate effect, and the same letter to be given material weight in decisions on planning matters, we would not be in this limbo period and, most importantly, Colonnade's plans would be no longer.

That's because the Planning Inspector refused Colonnade for a number of reasons, most signifcantly due to the land being designated green belt. She made no reference to Eric Pickles' letter. That came with a supporting document, in addition to her own decision, from the Secretary of State. However, the two documents form the whole refusal, and it was enough for Colonnade's legal team to seize upon as one of the reasons for its appeal for Judicial Review. Cala Homes' Judgment in the High Court today sets a precedent for many Housebuilders across the country, including Colonnade.

If Eric had kept quiet it would probably be game over for Colonnade. We would not be here in this period of uncertainty. The Planning Inspector gave sound and robust reasons for refusing Colonnade, which should withstand any Judicial Review - if allowed (we won't know probably until 2011). So much for the new Government's proposals for planning issues! It hasn't helped Coombes Farm at all. In fact, quite the opposite as it's kept Colonnade's candle alight for a little while longer. Eric, this is not a good start. You were given poor legal advice and the result is an impression of incompetence.

Rochford - Matchbox and the Lesney Estate

Until the early 1980s Rochford was the main production site for Matchbox cars and similar metal toys. At its peak up to 2000 people were employed at the factory site where the Lesney Estate now exists. I believe Roche Avenue, which now leads directly on to the Estate was a dead end, and the main vehicle access was Leecon Way. The work was tedious and repetitive and required nimble fingers! Because of this, and a system of flexible working hours, many of the workers were working Mums. My Mother worked there in the lead up to Christmas to help pay for us demanding kids' presents! As a kid, growing up in the 1970s, I distinctly remember the London type buses which provided transport for staff in the Rayleigh and Southend areas. Whilst the work was mundane and the pay average I believe Lesney Products was a good, paternalistic, employer. Who would lay on such a travel to work scheme these days? Sadly such overheads probably sowed the seeds of Lesney's downfall and eventually the company, despite many efforts to retain a business in England, fell victim to the cheap labour, but good production techniques, being offered by China. Now only a road name reminds us of the past. There is much more information about Lesney, including attempts to provide better road access to the factory which were resisted by the Campaigners of the 1970s, on a website I've linked which can be accessed by clicking on the title to this post.

Late Autumn in Rochford

Just a few images from around Rochford on a beautiful sunny day.

Rochford Art Trail

Great to see local artists, businesses, and the Council coming together for the Rochford Art Trail which runs until the end of October. Click on the title for a link to details of venues, etc

Planning and green belt development in Rochford

We are in a genuine "quiet before the storm" period for new development in Rochford, but the largest and most controversial schemes have not gone away. Coombes Farm's potential developers have applied for judicial review against the Government's planning refusal a few months ago and it's likely it will be early 2011 before there is any further news, although another, separate, developer has taken it's case to the High Court and the outcome could have some bearing on the outcome for Coombes Farm. Cala Homes are trying to build new homes at Barton Farm in Winchester and yesterday went to the High Court to challenge the Government over its abolition of regional strategies, which included house building targets. Eric Pickles, in doing this, passed responsibility for setting numbers of new homes to local Councils. Not having a regional strategy to support them, Cala's plans were somewhat undermined and they are contesting that the Government acted illegally in abolishing Regional Strategies without an Act of Parliament being passed. The Government's reply is that existing legislation empowers them to "revocate" Regional Strategies. The High Court will consider the arguments and a Judgment will be issued in the near future. The QC representing Cala Homes was Peter Village who also acted for Colonnade and the Government's refusal to allow building at Coombes Farm included a reference to the abolition of regional strategies, hence the Judgment on Cala versus HM Government could set as a precedent for many other potential developments in England.

Inner London Group, the owners of Stambridge Mill, have finally submitted their planning application for redevelopment of the site. They will also shoulder the cost of repairs to flood defences in the vicinity but this will still be a controversial development, not least because the Mill, as forlorn and ravaged as it now remains, has been a landmark in the area for hundreds of years. Many people have fond memories of the site, indeed people were working there until the 1990s. Even now, many people enjoy the footpath leading past this vast hulk of a decayed building where birds and other wildlife have taken up residence, so quiet and peaceful compared to the industrial noise that once could be heard miles away.

And what is happening along Hall Road? Bellway's plans to build 600 homes on green belt between Ironwell Lane and Hall Road are still very much alive, and under a planning agreement between the developer and Rochford Council a decison will need to be reached in early 2011. This, if it's allowed to proceed, will surely be the most major redevelopment in Rochford since the Hospital site? Apart from the assault on the environment it will not do wonders for the senses either. The green fields and attractive properties along Hall Road are a pleasing welcome to Rochford, a horrible ticky tacky estate of toy town houses will destroy the essential character of this part of Rochford and the scheme should be rejected outright.

We're seemingly bombarded with preaching about how we need new homes and that everywhere needs to take its share but I wonder if that's really true. People are under the misconception that we're running out of land in this country but that's simply not the case. Because of the density of house building, basically the majority of us are all tightly packed in together, 85% of the population lives on approximately 15% of the land. Take a drive up past Chelmsford, into Suffolk and Norfolk and you will see my point. South Essex has been appallingly over developed; it's highly urbanised and any relatively rural, historic, towns and villages - such as Rochford, should be protected from any further desecration.

Rochford Council are continuing with their plans to complete their core strategy, a further questionnaire has been sent out to households this week. They tell us by adopting a structured approach to planning and house building they can control where houses will go and how many. This way the Council will be protected against "rogue" developments such as Colonnade's obscene plans for Coombes Farm. But does Rochford need any large scale developments on green belt at all??? In my view it would save time, money, and bureaucracy to simply adopt a no development on green belt policy. If you share my views, I would urge you to respond to the Council's core strategy Questionnaire accordingly and then we can see whether our concerns are acted upon.

Stambridge Mill 1955

Found this old photo, approx 50 years old. No date set yet for planning application for Stambridge Mill's demolition and replacement with ticky tacky houses and flats.

Autumn walk across Coombes Farm and Stambridge

Those, like us, who live close to Coombes Farm are so fortunate to have green, open countryside on our doorstep. Which is exactly the way we want to keep it of course. Oddly, it's at this time of year, as winter approaches, that I appreciate it all the more. I suppose the frequency of sunny "walkable" days diminishes so you try to grab any opportunity that comes along. Today was such a day. A mild hangover to contend with, so what better cure than an invigorating and restorative walk across Coombes Farm, down Little Stambridge Hall Lane and across to the Royal Oak. It was so sunny and settled that we were able to sit outside the pub and enjoy a "hair of the dog" pint of Guinness. And then back, slightly different route, which (by sheer coincidence of course) brought us alongside The Cherry Tree. We had just enough loose change for one more drink before heading home across Coombes Farm. Our new friend, which we'd met on the way out, had been repatriated with his siblings by now but I guess he enjoyed the freedom while it lasted.

Stambridge Mill ancient photo

I came across this old photo, it must be over a hundred years old. Amazing how wide the Roach was then.

Coombes Farm to go to Judicial Review? UPDATE 15th September

Colonnade's last throw of the dice? Full info on campaign website (click on title of this post)

Now the application for 163 houses at Stambridge Mill has been submitted and, given the location is on brownfield and has Council support, is likely to get approval, the nightmare scenario of nearly 500 new homes in a small area moves another step to becoming reality.

But stepping back from a moment I have to remind myself what the judicial review process involves. It's not about questioning the decision the Planning Inspector made when refusing development at Coombes Farm, it's about the process she followed to get there.

Therefore if you accept that the decision was correct - basically, refusal due to there being no exceptional circumstances allowing re-classification of Coombes Farm as green belt - and it is only process that is found at be at fault then the judicial review is far from guaranteeing Colonnade, the developer, success.

It may be that the process has to be reviewed, but the same decision is reached.

It may be that this is indeed Colonnade's last throw of the dice and the Judge throws out their application for review.

It may of course be the first step towards Coombes Farm being concreted over but I remain optimistic, but frustrated and disappointed that Stambridge and Rochford residents, who have been united in their opposition to these plans, have to endure the agony of a further protracted period of uncertainty.

In the meantime the Council continues with its attempts to get its "core strategy" signed off by a Government Inspector, and other planning applications such as Stambridge Mill and Brays Lane will no doubt be shortly decided upon.

For Coombes Farm, perhaps the longer the application for Judicial Review takes, the better. Much time in the Planning Inquiry was devoted to affordable housing, or rather Rochford's lack of. This was presented by Colonnade as a strong reason for agreeing the development. If other developments come forward, in sites which are less controversial, which address the affordable and overall housing targets this may help to defend Coombes Farm if a further Court hearing has to take place.

The ifs and buts continue...

UPDATE 15th September

22nd October could be a key date for the Coombes Farm saga. A completely separate housebuilder, Cala Homes, has succeeded in obtaining a fast tracked judicial review hearing in respect of their plans to build a few thousand homes in Winchester. Their plans were refused partly because Eric Pickles wrote to Councils advising that they no longer were bound by the previous Government's house building targets. Whilst the Government plans to reinforce this with a new Act of Parliament probably in 2011 (the "localism bill")the issue at stake is whether Eric Pickles' letter can be given "material weight", ie can it be relied upon in a legal sense when planning decisions are made by Councils, Government Planning Inspectors, etc. The Government has sought legal advice and believes it can, but Cala Homes' legal advice is obviously different which is perhaps hardly surprising since they are represented by the same QC as Colonnade, Peter Village.

The relevance to Coombes Farm? Given the Inspector based her decison largely on green belt legislation you would think very little. However, as I've mentioned earlier in this post, the application for Judicial Review isn't about the decision it's about the process to get to the decision. In the Grounds for Appeal, Colonnade cite the Inspector's reference to Eric Pickles letter. They reckon the letter is unlawful and the Inspector should not have even referred to it in her decision making. If Colonnade are right, the Cala Homes Hearing will, if it succeeds, give them the precedent they need. But as I've stated at the beginning of this post they're still a long way away from getting the decison changed.

The New Ship

Work seems to be progressing, albeit slowly, to refurbish the New Ship and restore the facade to its original 19th century glory when there was a central front entrance, and none of the strips of timber along the edges. The plan is for it reopen as a pub with a restaurant on the first floor, surely a welcome addition to the food and drink offerings in central Rochford.

More controversially, however, are plans by the New Ship owners to build flats on the former car park adjoining the pub, Old Ship Lane and East Street. You can view the planning application by inputting 10/00412/FUL into the planning application database on the Council's wesbite (clicking on the the Title to this post, and you will then be able to post comments about the application, etc.)

It does seem odd for a new business trying to attract new custom to sacrifice valuable parking places in this way. It's also a conservation area, whilst there has been new build on the south side there has been no precedent on this, west, side. I guess the Council will consider this application at Development Control Committee in September so watch this space.

UPDATE 20th August - Council recommending refusal of application.

Stambridge Mill - UPDATE 15th September 2010

Work is taking place by the Environment Agency to shore up the sea defences at Stambridge Mill. At the same time, a formal planning application is due to be submitted shortly for approx 200 homes on this site. Whilst this will no doubt cause controversy, not least because of the added strain it will add to the ancient road system, something does need to happen at Stambridge Mill. The buildings are dilapidated and appear to be attracting vandalism. Whilst never exactly a beauty spot, there was something to appreciate in this post industrial landscape. Now it's just an eye sore. Inner London Group, who own the land, claim that they will invest in this river side location, improving public access and spending money to make it an atractive place for all to vist. I sincerely hope this is the case. A local resident told me she would like the area to become something akin to Battlesbridge. This is a wonderful idea, but harsh economic realities indicate this will not happen, though I wonder if it could be possible for the developers to set aside a couple of units for local artists or where antiques could be traded. I suspect any planning application will get an easier ride than Coombes Farm. After all the developers are contributing to essential sea defence work, and the land is not on green belt. But it should be possible to influence the final outcome...
UPDATE 19th August - Inner London Group are submitting an application for 163 units, a mix of flats and Exec houses. They plan to invest money in repairing the flood defences and generally upgrading the landscape for both future residents and visitors. My understanding is that the boundaries of the development will not stretch further than the existing site occupies but tbc - the full application is ready to view on the Council's website, which you can access by clicking on the title to this post and entering planning application reference 10/00553/FUL

UPDATE 15th September
It looks as though the EARLIEST this will be voted upon by Rochford Council is October and it may be later.

UPDATE 23rd October
Well it didn't go before the Council's Development Control Committee this month. I'll update as soon as I have a clearer idea of timing.

Rochford station rubbish - Update 5th August

I really don't want this blog to be a place for me to vent my spleen and act as evidence of me drifting into whingy miserable moany middle age. Perhaps it's too late for that! Anyhow, regardless, I will push on. What a mess Rochford station is, particularly the area of land adjacent to the west end of the Southend bound platform. Several times I've spotted rats there having a good munch. Anyhow, rather than simply moan about there is a terrific website where you can report problems such as this. It's called Fix My Street, and you can link to it by clicking the Title of this post. I'll let you know if it works!

UPDATE 5th August - Rochford District Council and National Express have both confirmed that Network Rail have responsibility for the land in question (I notice a mountain bike has been "left" there if anyone's interested) so I'll see if Network Rail will fulfill their responsibilities under the Environmental Protection Act, 1990!

UPDATE 8th October - I attended Rochford District Council's East Area Commitee meeting concerning the litter at Rochford, and recieved a lack lustre response. More successful has been my letters to Iain Coucher, Chief Executive of Network Rail. I have received a letter from Network Rail and a phone call confirming that a full scale litter clearance will take place, hopefully w/c 11th October 2010 or shortly thereafter.

The King's Head

What a shame to see yet another historic Rochford pub up for sale. The King's Head is yours for £275k ... freehold! The most recent owner tried hard to rid the pub of past problems, sometimes putting himself at risk in his efforts to bar troublesome punters. And in the past couple of years the pub became known as something of a music venue but sadly it appears the footfall numbers were not high enough. Certainly the pub has often seemed very quiet when I've walked past in the past year. And that's the point isn't it I guess, I walked past. Whilst recognizing the positive changes he was trying to bring about, and visiting once or twice, the offering wasn't sufficient to make me want to go back on a frequent basis.

Wouldn't it be great to have busy, friendly, thriving business back at The king's Head. Unless you like Indian or Chinese, the town centre could do with some more decent places to eat. Could this be an opportunity? I just hope Wetherspoon's doesn't buy it. Or, worse still, it just stands empty and forlorn for months and years ahead (although, I hasten to add, IT IS STILL TRADING.)

Coombes Farm

Yesterday we had some excellent news, we finally learnt plans to build on Coombes Farm have been turned down by the Government. I've been involved in a residents group, Residents Against Coombes Expansion, for the past 12 months, campaigning for this outcome. I got a call early Friday morning from one of the fellow campaigners, saying he'd received a copy of the Govt Inspector's decision in the post. Like a child waiting for the postman on his birthday I kept vigil at the front window anxiously waiting for my own copy to be delivered. After just a few minutes we couldn't contain our patience any longer (Julia, my partner, being equally ecstatic about the news) & she set off on her bike to raid the sorting office for our mail, and one item in particular!

24 hours later (and a sore head, owing to a few too many celebrating in the Cherry Tree) it still hasn't quite sunk in. There is a very small chance Colonnade, the Developer, may appeal to the High Court but I think it unlikely. They have 6 weeks to do so, so we're hopefully almost at the end of a very emotional rollercoaster of a year.

Overall coordinating the Residents Group has been an extremely rewarding experience. When we moved to our present address just over a year ago we didn't know anyone in the locality. So when we, within days of moving in, learnt about the Coombes Farm plans I was determined to do something about it but didn't quite know what, or where to start.

I started by writing a newsletter, highlighting what could be about to happen on our doorsteps and saying we could do something about it if we pulled together. Delivering this to many of the roads nearby I soon got some very positive feedback and within days the Residents Group was formed.

12 months has passed, during which time we've held residents meetings at Rochford Methodist Church, produced newsletters, managed the campaign website, arranged publicity, including a extremely successful and well attended photo shoot at the entrance to Coombes Farm on 13th March. We attended and presented at two planning meetings - the first in November 2009 when the plans were unanimously rejected Rochford District Council, and then in April 2010 when we participated in a gruelling 4 day Government Inquiry in Rayleigh.

One of the most pleasing and tangible results of our efforts has been the posters. At peak, I reckon 80% + of properties were displaying our brightly coloured "Save Coombes Farm" or "Fight The Appeal" sheets.

At one stage we also put boards and posters up on street lights and pylons throughout the District, soon attracting the attention of the police! (I was also quite impressed that remarkably few got vandalised!) Threats of a substantial fine per poster displayed were sufficient to ensure that most were removed, though a number we happened to forget about and, on reflection, those ones were the responsibility of an unindentifiable third party.

I knew the posters were working when, one evening midway through the campaign, we were sitting in an Indian Restaurant in Rochford next to a couple vociferously moaning about the abundance of posters displayed across the town. "What chance do I have of selling my house with all these bloody posters everywhere!!" I hope that lady has now sold, and benefited from the added value of having preserved green belt on her doorstep.

But none of this would have worked if the strength of feeling from the Rochford and Stambridge community had not been there in the first place. I am proud to live amongst people who care so passionately about our beautiful semi rural neighbourhood. I have met many fantastic people I would not otherwise have done so, which also helps you to feel very much at home. And of course I am so very grateful for the support, which has taken many different forms - helping with leaflet deliveries, a verbal slap on the back, giving lifts to people so they could attend the planning meetings.

We've had 99.9% support all the way. As a sensitive chap, the somewhat negative and blatantly derogatory remarks from a few along the way did make an impact; it made us all more determined that we succeed. After all if you do nothing, nothing, generally, will happen, and I am convinced that we made a difference. After all it was the Residents Group that knew the area most intimately. This was made obvious when we joined Colonade and Rochford District Council on a site visit with the Inspector towards the end of the Inquiry - despite having maps in hand, neither Colonnade or the Council really knew where to walk or which paths to take!

And so, fingers crossed, Coombes Farm is protected for the forseeable future. Maybe we now need to look at how the path and environs can be better looked after. After all, the poo and the litter is still very much in place! I feel an open day litter pick could be the way forward !....

But many changes are taking place in sleepy Rochford. A planning application will shortly be submitted to redevelop Stambridge Mills - 200 houses, an application has just gone in for 150 houses in Brays Lane. A decision on that will be made in August. But the biggest potential fly in the ointment is proposals to blight Hall Road with 600 houses on prime, beautiful green belt. This is likely to be decided in early 2011. With the new Government's proposed changes to the planning regime it seems likely that District Councillors will assume greater powers as they could be the final arbiters of huge planning proposals, such as Hall Road. There are 39 District Councillors so I hope the lobbying has already begun !! More, no doubt, to follow.

Watts Lane Roach Valley Way

The two discarded mattresses at the Purdeys entrance have now been removed but despite a litter pick exercise there is still too much rubbish strewn along the path.

Hopefully a better advertised litter pick exercise later in the year will elicit a good turn out and address the issue.

I've heard that the ugly metal perimeter fencing on the Purdeys Ind Est boundary is going to be moved back a few feet. This has the potential to dramatically improve this pathway and restore it the beautiful, rural riverside walkway it once was. Watch this space.

Brays Lane - UPDATE 15th September 2010

A planning application has very recently been submitted for 150 houses in Brays Lane adjacent to King Edmund's School.

What I find so maddening is the Council MUST have known about this for some time, look at the date of some of the accompanying documents on the planning application (available to view on the Council's website, click on heading title to view) yet residents have only have the statutory minimum of 21 days to offer their comments.

The application was submitted at the end of July and will be voted upon by the Council at their Development Control Committee in SEPTEMBER. UPDATE - Application was pulled from September's deliberations, and provisionally submitted for October or November's. However, as it stands, there is now no certain date when this application will be decided.

Whilst this site has been listed in the Council's core strategy, I feel that many of the reasons Coombes Farm was refused, ie GREEN BELT, apply equally to Brays Lane.

In comparison to Coombes Farm, Christmas Tree Farm, and even the forthcoming application for Hall Road, opposition to Brays Lane seems minimal. If this is because the people of Ashingdon want these houses then so be it. If, however, because of the timing and lack of publicity, people are unaware of what is happening on their doorstep I urge people to get together,form a residents' group, speak to their local Councillors and attend the Development Control Committee in September at Civic Suite, Rayleigh, and let their feelings be known.

Introduction

This Blog is about Rochford, a small market town in Essex.