East Community Forum - 16th October

I attended the local Community Forum last night, in theory a great opportunity to put questions to representatives from both the local Council and Essex County Council.  Representatives were also available from the Police and Health Services.

Rochford Life has posted a summary of the meeting here;

http://www.rochfordlife.com/ForumOct12.html

I agree that it was a pity that there was such a poor attendance from the Public.  As an estimate, I reckon there were perhaps a dozen or so there at maximum.  I wonder how many people were actually aware the meeting was taking place?  Not everyone has the opportunity to regularly check the Council's website or read "Rochford Matters". That said, is also partly a case of public apathy?

Some of the questions raised, including by this writer, did indeed cover old ground.  Issues like youth nuisance in and around the Square, and the ongoing problem of traffic queuing to park in the Square blocking traffic, particularly buses, trying to pass through.

However, the reasons that questions like these are raised repeatedly are that the Council and other bodies are not properly responding to residents' concerns.  If issues are not addressed, the problems do not vanish.  So, as boring as it appeared to be for some of the members of the Form panel last night, people should keep holding the Council to account.  We pay our Council Tax and expect our reasonable concerns about local services to be listened to, and where possible, resolved.

Essex Highways had planned to reconfigure vehicle access to the Square so that entry and exit points were swapped around.  However, for a number of reasons, this appears to have been abandoned and any solution now lies years away for re-consideration as part of the "Rochford Area Action Plan".  At least this is what I was told by the Leader of the Council last night.  In the short term, the Council and the Police do not seem overly concerned about the frequent traffic chaos that occurs in the area.

And don't expect any resolution to the Youth nuisance any time soon either.  Because they are not committing any actual "crime" they will be allowed to congregate in as large a group as they wish, and to shout and swear as much as they like, causing grief to local residents and businesses alike.

That said, the Police did encourage anyone who felt a crime was being committed to contact them immediately.  A member of the Public complained that he and his neighbours had been regularly kept awake until the early hours by gangs congregating outside their properties.  Far more seriously than the usual shouting and screaming, he complained that urination in public, under age drinking, etc, was taking place.  It appeared, however, that this was the first time he had raised the issue with the Police.

Rochford Sorting Office - What's happening?

The Evening Echo recently reported that Rochford Delivery Office may close as the Post Office looks to save money by centralising operations at Short Street.  There is the potential jobs to be lost and the inconvenience caused by having to travel into Southend to pick up missed deliveries.  Whilst this isn't a "definite" yet, it does seem to be a genuine threat to a much cherised local service.  I am confident that the local community will fight this, however, and already some neighbours have designed some posters to raise awareness.

There is an opportunity to find out more about this, or any other local issue that concerns you, at the next Community Forum at 7pm on Tuesday, 16th October at The Hawthorn Centre, Rochford Hospital, Union Lane.  Follow this link for more info http://www.rochford.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/your_council/community_forums

Pay to park outside your home?

Living close to the centre of Rochford has many advantages, but one of the irritations for many residents - especially those without off street parking - is the challenge in finding a parking space.  Commuters, Purdeys Industrial Estate, office and shop workers all compete with residents for the few unrestricted parking spots that are within a walk of the station and centre.  It's not that there isn't parking available.  Both at the station and in Back Lane there always seem to be chargeable spaces available.  But I guess you can hardly blame people for trying to grab a freebie if it's available!  And the old argument that you don't own the road in front of your house still applies of course.  But it is definitely an increasing problem, and I have heard tales of residents almost coming to blows with owners of vehicles carelessly parking and blocking driveways, etc.

The Council is considering introducing some form of residents parking in the worst affected roads - including Rocheway.  50% or residents in the affected road have to support any such measures through responding to a Council Questionnaire which will be arriving shortly.  It's likely to include three options - no change, some form of residents permit, or, maybe a traffic order, for example restricting parking for an hour or more a day to deter those who are liable to leave their car for long periods.  It will be interesting to see how this proceeds.  Historically, Rochford has gone down the traffic order route but I understand a residents permit scheme is seriously on the agenda - if it garners enough support.  Of course there are pros and cons with all options - what happens with a residents scheme when family or relatives visit, etc - but a potential advantage for the Council in these cash stapped times would be the opportunity to make this a revenue earner.  Would, for example, a young family who constantly struggle to find a free parking space outside their home be willing to pay a relatively modest £2 or £3 monthly to have one fairly substantial source of stress removed.  I think the answer is obvious.

Coombes Farm saved in High Court ruling (updated)

It's over three years ago that residents and neighbours first came together to form a Group "Residents Against Coombes Expansion" but a High Court ruling on Friday, September 21st finally signalled the successful end to a long battle.

Two days later on a wet and windy Sunday just a handful of us gathered at the entrance to Coombes Farm in Rocheway to pose for a "victory" photograph for Monday's "Evening Echo".

The Court rejected Cogent's  (the Developer behind Coombes Farm, formerly Colonnade) challenge to the Local Development Plan or Core Strategy.  Ruling in Rochford Council's favour, the Judge stated that sufficient work had been undertaken to compare the pros and cons of various sites put forward for consideration for development, this being Cogent's main contention.

The decision means that, aside from the eventual redevelopment of Stambridge Mill, future growth in Rochford will take place to the west of the district, sadly kicking off with 600 houses at Hall Road with further commercial development along Cherry Orchard Way in the pipeline.

In some ways it was a pyrrhic victory as the District has still sacrificed green belt, something Basildon/Billericay has avoided in their own Development Plan.

"Green Belt" trips off the tongue easily but I think it is fair to say that not all green belt is equal. Listening at the first Government Inquiry into the Developer's appeal against Rochford Council's refusal to allow development on Coombes Farm I heard an "Expert" representing Colonnade effectively describing the land as an eyesore.  The implication being that it was land that wouldn't be missed and could easily be sacrificed.  I readily admit that "Natural England" is unlikely to be troubled with a request for designation of "Land of Outstanding Beauty".

In fact, the "Expert" was right.  It isn't a particularly attractive site. Purdeys Industrial Estate is located along one border and the sight of towering, stacked cars awaiting breakage greets you as you the enter the field along with the various noises emanating from the cement works, refuse disposal site and various other heavy industrial businesses.  Then there is the abandoned Stambridge Mill.  Slowly rotting away, it awaits some form of residential redevelopment, eventually.  Ironically it is the definitive footpath that crosses the field that was the original "Mill Lane" ,the main pedestrian route for many of its workers.  These days the path remains intensively used and that is what the Campaign was largely about.


Of course no one really wants a sprawling housing estate on their doorstep where previously existed toiled farmland but the battle to save Coombes Farm was much more than small town "nimbyism".


Adjacent to the edge of the town, Coombes Farm provides a rural respite that is extremely popular with dog walkers, leisure walkers accessing the Roach Valley Way towards Stambridge and Paglesham, cyclists, metal detector enthusiasts, horses and their owners, and so on.  All manner of Bird and Wildlife lives on Coombes Farm, including Badger Setts which at one time we thought could offer the field protection. But, who knows, with the Government allowing their slaughter in some areas,  maybe a less certain future awaits.  It really is a feast for the senses and we would be the poorer without it.  Fortunately, and finally, that is a worry that for the forseeable future is removed.  Time, finally, to move on and consider Rochford's many other attributes...

Rochford - September 2012

This photo was taken a couple of days ago, a sunny afternoon and a tranquil, rural view overlooking what will be the 600 home Hall Road Estate.  The famous Rochford "chimney" is in the distance.  This could be the nostalgic "before" photo and maybe we'll publish an "after" in a year's time as it looks like Bellway Homes are undertaking preliminary work in the site in readiness for this landscape to be eternally destroyed.

There is still no news on when the High Court will rule following Cogent's (Coombes Farm) challenge to the Soundness of Rochford's Core Strategy.  I've spoken to a few people, including local Councillors and our local MP, Mark Francois and no one appears to know why it is taking so long, and all the time the Government appears to be shifting more and more to a position which may allow yet more of our Green Belt to be ripped up.

UPDATED 7th June: Stambridge Mill, Coombes Farm, Core Strategy update

I'm conscious that there hasn't been a post for a while. This Blog is definitely still live. In brief, the challenge to Rochford's Core Strategy by Cogent, the Developers behind the Coombes Farm scheme has now been heard at the High Court in Cardiff. The Judge has "reserved Judgment" which basically means he will consider the evidence presented and make a written Judgment in 6/7 weeks.  If the ruling goes against Rochford the ramifications could be significant, as Cogent will be encouraged to appeal the Council's decision to refuse the second attempt to build on Coombes Farm at a recent Development Committee.

The redevelopment of Stambridge Mill seemed to have stalled until a couple of weeks ago, when an application for the demolition of this historic and famous local structure was put to the Parish Council.  It seems the Diggers will be moving in shortly after all...

Southend Airport - first impressions

We took our first flight with Easyjet, from the new terminal at Southend Airport, over the Easter weekend. With one significant caveat, our overall experience was positive.

Arriving an hour and a half before our flight, we bypassed the short queue at the ground floor check in desk as we'd printed off our boarding cards at home, and ascended to the first floor departures area. Clearing security in a couple of minutes we then descended back down to the ground floor departures lounge and that was where we experienced the weak link with the Airport. There wasn't sufficient space for the passengers awaiting to board the three flights due to depart. It seemed that the lounge area was a similar size to a single gate area at Stansted. In fact, it was so crowded that it wasn't worthwhile attempting to buy a coffee or newspaper at the new retail outlets. People had to push and negotiate an exit from the Stobart Duty Free Shop. I appreciate it was Easter weekend and one of the three flights was delayed which added to the volumes of people waiting but, for some, it was quite a claustrophobic and uncomfortable experience. On balance, however, I also have to bear in mind that it was the first week of operation and some of the Easyjet staff were obviously unfamilar with the Airport lay out and procedures. Queuing to board was a little chaotic, but isn't it always with the budget airlines, and I suspect our short departure delay was due to this. I'm sure as the staff become more familiar with their surroundings the situation will improve but it's obvious that there is no capacity for additional flights until, or if, more space is created.

The real bonus was on return. The plane landed and after a short taxi to the stand we were soon disembarking en route to the new passport control area. With 4 Immigration Officers working there were no delays and we were on our short journey home within 5 minutes of leaving the Aircraft. Excellent.

So, overall, generally positive but not, at present, an Airport you can comfortably pass hours if you arrive too early for your flight.

Latest Coombes Farm plans unanimously rejected

At the Development Committee last night, Cogent/Colonnades's latest attempt to develop land at Coombes Farm was unanimously rejected by Councillors. This is not the end of the matter, as Cogent is behind the legal challenge to the Council's core strategy which will be heard at a High Court hearing at the end of May. Interestingly, the Council was asked (by Cogent's legal team) to defer any decision of the planning application in view of the pending legal hearing. The Council refused to oblige.

No one knows how the High Court hearing will go but new policy guidance issued this week by the Government, the National Planning Policy Framework, appears to support the Council's position. Local Authorities should have a Development Plan in place (Rochford has) and new development should be both sustainable and environmentally sensitive. Situated under the flight path (which is likely to change in the near future, to the detriment of any new development at Coombes) and adjacent to the ever expanding Purdeys Industrial estate surely does not meet that criteria. This is before you even consider the traffic and green belt impacts.

So, good news for the protection of Coombes Farm but with an eye to the next stage of the legal proceedings...

Rochford's Green Belt remains under threat

Tucked away in the meetings and agendas schedule for Rochford Council is the unexcitingly titled "Local Development Framework Sub-Committee". The meeting will take place on Wednesday, 21st March 2012 at 7.30pm at The Civic Suite in Hockley Road, Rayleigh. The public are welcome to attend but, given the lack of publicity, I doubt many will.

The meeting is to discuss options for an early review of the core strategy - the development plan for the local area for the next 15 years. The same core strategy that was signed off by a Government Inspector in December 2011 and which should have protected the Council against rogue housing development schemes. It was supposed to give control to local planning officials regarding where housing will be located (including the highly controversial Hall Road 600 house "scheme").

However, what many people probably didn't realise, due to the delay in getting the core strategy finalised (due largely to Government bungling) it was already out of date by the time it was signed off. Accordingly, the Council has had to commit to an early review of its development plan to ensure it is still relevant and can, amongst other things, meet housing targets for the next 15 years.

One of the options on the table is to effectively start again with the core strategy. This would mean that areas that people thought would be protected against development would, again, have uncertainty as a new 4 year process reviewed everything that had previously been reviewed over the past 4 years! Even one of the least worst options include exploring whether areas already identified, eg Hall Road, could take more housing than already agreed. It's almost a case of death is no option, just a question of what form it will take.

The Council has been forced into a corner by a number of opponents. The Government in its dictate to force Councils to build more housing (so much for the pre-election promise to allow "Localism" to allow Councils more control over what happens on their doorstep) but also by housing developers who are sulking because their particular plan to destroy green belt has been refused. Here I am particularly referring to Cogent and its ongoing attempts to concrete over Coombes Farm. This includes their legal challenge to parts of the core strategy at a High Court hearing on the 31st May and 1st June in Cardiff.

I suspect, therefore, that the meeting on 21st March, whilst required as part of the sign off the core strategy last December, is also being quickly convened with a mind to matters due to take place in Wales.

This looks likely to run for some time yet. Lawyers, Solicitors, and Policymakers, and maybe house builders will all benefit. And we will all ultimately pay for their services, one way or another.

Managing Rochford's retail offering

It's sadly unrealistic to have expected that Rochford would have escaped the effects of economic stagnation. Like many other shopping centres across the country, the scars of a downturn in retail spending are all too evident.

Walking along many of the empty and boarded up shop fronts of West Street can make you feel wistful of "better times" in years gone by, but some retailers have struggled to earn a living in Rochford for many years.

What's to be done?

Planning permission has recently been granted to convert one of the former shops in West Street back to residential use. Perhaps this is part of an acceptance that there are too many shops for modern day Rochford and the retail space needs to shrink? A smaller and leaner offering, more closely focused around the Square may give shopkeepers a better chance to trade profitably and may in the longer term attract more visitors. How so? Less empty units and a closer match between supply and demand may reduce the risk of every spare unit being replaced by yet another charity shop, and will create a more attractive and diverse shopping and leisure environment. Already we are seeing the growth of the food and dining scene in Rochford. A new Italian restaurant opens at the bottom of West Street shortly and plans appear to be afoot to see the Conservative Club ("The Old Ship") reopen as a restaurant shortly.

I don't want to be too downbeat however. Living in Rochford, you have the luxury of still being able to buy most of what you need, and more, on your doorstep. There is often a queue outside the independent Butchers. There are gift shops, two Bakers, several places to grab a cup of tea and a piece of cake, two supermarkets, Newsagents, Chemist, several Beauticians and Hair Dressers, a dry cleaners, a Jewellers, a shop catering for those keen "divers" out there, and numerous others. (I haven't even mentioned the many pubs - another post) So, if you're reading this and thinking about whether to pay a visit or not, let me reassure you, you will not be disappointed. I just want it to be even better than it already is!

In the meantime, I wonder if some imagination could be used with the empty shops. Could, for example, the Council and the Landlords get together and arrange for some form of local artwork to be displayed. It's a scheme that's working well in many another areas.

When I walk down West Street, I want to marvel at the beautiful, historic architecture, not feel sad about yet another boarded up or grilled window, shielding broken glass.

Coombes Farm 2 - The Answer's still No! (updated 20th February)

UPDATED 20th February: Brightly coloured posters and newsletters have now been delivered. Objection letters will be accepted right up to the day the application is discussed by the Council (regardless of what it says on the notice of planning application). No date has been set for this yet. It's unlikely to be for at least several weeks, especially so given the, separate, legal challenge to the Core Strategy will not be heard until 31st May.

Notifications of a new planning application for Coombes Farm have been delivered by Rochford District Council.

With minor amendments, it still represents the concreting over of Coombes Farm and I anticipate the strength of feeling against these plans will be undiminished.

You can make objections online and clicking on the title of this post will take you straight to the relevant page on the Council's website. You will need to enter reference 11/00781/OUT.

Colonnade have tried to disguise this as a different scheme - referring to it as "Land South of Stambridge Road" instead of Coombes Farm, and Colonnade have even changed their name - to Cogent. But it is the same scheme and the same Company. Surely they didn't think we would be so easily fooled?

The Council recently adopted their core strategy - their development plan for the area for the next 15 years and beyond. Whilst it did not detail specific, detailed locations for new housing, it did, generally, rule out East Rochford and Coombes Farm, with the notable exception of Stambridge Mill.

Therefore the only way Cogent/Colonnade stand any chance of progressing their plans is to mount a legal challenge to the Core Strategy, to try and find it unsound in the High Court. If they can undo the Core Strategy then they have a second chance to lay concrete at Coombes Farm. And that is exactly what they are attempting to do. The Court Hearing is scheduled to take place in Cardiff from 31st May to 1st June.

As my earlier post noted, in the nightmare scenario that they succeed, we lose not only the beautiful landscape at Hall Road but also Coombes Farm. We can't let that happen.

Whilst much of what happens in the next few months will be in the hands of High Court Judges, we can still show how passionately we feel about the prospect of losing a much loved and heavily used green open space, which of course is Green Belt land. We don't want our Councillors and other decision makers to think we've lost interest, we've given up, that it's something we don't care about anymore.

Posters and newsletters will be delivered over the next couple of weeks, and other publicity is planned. In the meantime, please make your objections - click on the title to this post. It will take just 2 minutes of your time.

Footnote: A photo shoot for the Echo to publicise the new Campaign was organised with less than 24 hours notice on Saturday, 28th. It wasn't possible to inform everyone, so apologies, but thank you to those who did turn out. A great example of the Community coming together that will make this campaign succeed.

This Blog will also be continually updated, and all constructive comments are welcome.

Rochford Core Strategy Challenged - Coombes Farm 2

It is ironic that within a week of the Council agreeing to the 600 housing development at Hall Road, Cogent Land, the developer behind Coombes Farm has, at the last possible moment, notified the Council that it intends to instigate a legal challenge to the core strategy.

This, frankly, is the only route open to Cogent if they want to stand any chance of progressing their plans to concrete over Coombes Farm.

"RACE" the campaign group has been reformed and will undertake a new publicity campaign in the weeks ahead.

I feel it is also worth pointing out that if Cogent Land are successful in their legal challenge then the Council's justification to destroy Grade 1 agricultural land at Hall Road is completely undermined, plus we lose another large swathe of green belt land into the bargain (at Coombes Farm).

Click on the title of this post to link to the Council's announcement.

The Hall Road Development and its implications

photo of Hall Rd when it was known as "The Avenue"

In an extraordinary meeting on Wednesday, 18th January 2012 Councillors will consider proposals to build 600 houses on land North of Hall Road.

Planning Officers have recommended the proposals which are in outline form only, the specific details will follow.

The pressure is now on to meet a target of 1250 new homes over the next few years following the Council's adoption of its core strategy - its development plan for our area .

Hall Road was identified as an ideal site in the plan because of its proximity to the town centre and its existing facilities - and 600 homes would make a massive dent in its housing commitments.

But 600 homes equals approximately another 2,000 residents - that's a big burden for the roads, schools, health services, etc - quite apart from the fact that we're talking about attractive green belt land which will be lost forever.

The houses will range from large detached properties, which will front Hall Road - presumably to not provide too much of a stark contrast to the existing homes, to one bed flats which will be buried mostly in the middle of the new "estate" along with the 35% affordable home quota. The density of housing varies considerably - as low as 12 homes per hectare, up to 40.

There will be two access points which will involve the construction of at least one new roundabout.

Plenty of open spaces are planned, including a "buffer zone" between the back of existing properties in Oak Road and the new estate. A new primary school will also be built on the site.

But the new open spaces will surely be poor compensation for the "upgrading" works which are suggested for Ironwell Lane, at least the stretch that runs from the new estate to the junction with Ashingdon Road. The Developers are being asked to fund new lighting and the provision of an improved path that is less prone to flooding, particularly in the area close to the railway bridge. Another footpath which runs North to South from Ironwell Lane to Hall Road will also dramatically lose its rural vista.

The Developers have also been asked to fund improvement works at the following road juctions;

Ashingdon Road/Hall Rd/ Bradley Way mini roundabout - improvement at this site is obviously constrained by the railway bridge but Essex Highways believe a minor alteration to this key junction can maintain or improve traffic flow.

Bradley Way/South Street - Southend Road to be widened at this roundabout junction.

Cherry Orchard Way/ Eastwoodbury Lane - both lanes will be right turn approaching Eastwoodbury Lane from Rochford.

Eastwoodbury Lane/Nestuda Way - improvement to roundabout.

Sutton Road/Purdeys Industrial Estate - Bellway have been asked to make a £150k contribution to improvement works at this roundabout junction - which may involve the introduction of traffic signals.

I would reiterate that nothing has been finalised, the Councillors will no doubt exercise their right to speak up at the meeting. This is a public meeting and I anticipate that this will be a full house. I'm sure emotions will run high as this has to be the largest residential housing scheme in the area since the Hospital?

If you want to read the planning document in detail you can link to it by clicking on the title of this post, but be warned it runs to 100 pages.

Footnote: This outline planning application was agreed at the Council meeting by majority. Notably, the ward Councillors for central Rochford, Gill-Lucas, James Cottis, and Keith Gordon joined independents and opposition party Councillors in voting against the application. It has now been referred to the Government to determine whether they want to have an involvement or are happy for the Council to proceed. I also wouldn't be surprised if we haven't had the last from local residents who I understand are exploring legal options to appeal this decision.

Rochford on Sea

A christmas gift was this wonderful picture of "Rochford on Sea" taken approx 100 years ago (click on the image to enlarge). The location is recognizable, the river's edge to the east of the old Stambridge Mill. The river is far narrower today but many people still walk to the relative peace and quiet of "the beach".

A friend commented that it's quite likely that people may recognize their great grandparents in the photo?

The irony is that when this photo was taken, Purdeys Farm existed across the river, to be gradually replaced by the industrial estate fifty years later and there were obviously no planes flying overhead. These are some of the environmental issues that now face planning officials as they consider the demolition of the Mill and the housing scheme to replace it.