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.

Coombes Farm 2 - New Application submitted (23rd December)

Iceni have slipped a fresh planning application in to concrete over Coombes Farm today, just as peoples' attentions are focused on more festive matters!

I haven't seen the full details yet, but I have to wonder what their game plan is.

The Core Strategy, Rochford's local development plan, was formally adopted by the Council last week and this should rule out any development at Coombes Farm for at least the next 15 years.

If Iceni wish to pursue their plans to concrete over Coombes Farm they will have to successfully challenge the Core Strategy in the High Court and they have until the 24th January 2012 to lodge an appeal.

However, at the same time, they have to follow the planning process which means the new application will be considered by Rochford's Planning Committee and will, in all likelihood, be refused. This, however, isn't likely to happen for at least a couple of months, passing the deadline to appeal against the Core Strategy.

I guess they may adopt an assault on two fronts and consider High Court action against the Core Strategy simultaneously to following the conventional planning route to try and urbanise Coombes Farm.

Basically, yet another long legal battle commences...

Cherry Tree remains the perfect destination

A year ago Rochford was covered in snow, and The Cherry Tree was the perfect refuge against the winter elements, the ideal destination for a superb meal in warm, historic and friendly surroundings. This year, no snow, but "The Cherry Tree" continues in much the same tradition under new owners Amanda and Dan.

That said, it was explained to me that plans to broaden The Cherry Tree's appeal are afoot. More to follow in this regard, but anyone who is looking for the quintessential English Inn serving extremely high quality food in a comfortable environment will find the answer here.

Click on the title for a copy of their Christmas menu. They also have an a la carte menu and a decent wine list and are now open all day.

Contact number is 01702 544426.

Musings December 2011

Rochford looks set to begin 2012 by building on its burgeoning reputation as South East Essex's new dining and drinking destination.

"Alessandro's" at 64/66 West Street (previously "Arthy's") has applied for a drinks licence and looks set to open as an Italian wine bar/restaurant in January. More details to follow.

In the past six months or so we've seen The Rose Garden Restaurant open above The Miley in Union Lane, followed a month ago by Rochford's first bistro pub, The Grey Goose, and the latest venture,"Baroques" at the bottom of West Street looks virtually ready to open.

This boost to Rochford's night economy will be welcome by many, although there will be concerns about whether there is enough "money to go round" and the impact on Rochford's more established boozers. Judging by the sudden increase in parked up cars along East Street near The Grey Goose, it seems people are driving in from the surrounding area, which can only be good news.

Finally, Coombes Farm or "Land South of Stambridge Road" is currently all quiet. As I write, no planning application has been submitted but when it is, activity will commence. It's obvious the strength of feeling towards this housing scheme remains as strong as before so Iceni can rest assured that Rochford is ready and prepared!

D-Day for Hall Road

Plans to build 600 houses on land adjacent to Hall Road and Oak Road will go before Council on 18th January 2012.

In addition to the new homes, Bellway Homes have included a new primary school, new cycle and footpaths and a public "open space" - whatever that means.

There will be two access points to the new estate, one involving the construction of a new roundabout along Hall Road.

This is a preferred development site and is included in the Council's recently Government sanctioned Development plan or "core strategy".

But the land is green belt, and coupled with the prospect of increased traffic congestion and the increased strain on local infrastructure, this will not be welcome news for many residents.

More details can be found on the Council's website, including how you can attend the Council meeting where this application will be decided. You can access this by clicking on the title of this post.

With "Christmas Tree Farm" in Hawkwell being decided just before christmas (see post below) and Hall Road just after, you have to wonder at the timing of two of the District's most significant, and substantial, new housing schemes - both on greenbelt - for many years.

Christmas Tree Farm's Last Christmas (Updated 7th & 16th December)

Plans to build an estate of 176 houses in Hawkwell on land near Rectory Road and Main Road will go before Council on 15th December (UPDATE: Planning Officers are recommending approval). A slightly larger scheme was rejected last year, but this area has been earmarked as a site for development in the Council's core strategy, despite it being designated green belt.

Click on title to read Officers' recommendation in full.

UPDATE: 16th December - Councillors refused the planning application, largely due to concerns over design including garden size. Expect to see a revised application in the new year.