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.

Baroque - Another new bar. Discussion

I'd be interested in comments on the prospect of another Bar opening next month.

You may have noticed the rapid transformation of the old car showroom at the bottom of West Street into "Baroque" a bar/club that surely will be targeting the younger generation who have have, up to now, generally headed straight into Southend or Leigh for their entertainment.

They plan to open before christmas and are interviewing for new staff on Thursday, 24th November.

Will the Bar enrich Rochford's night economy? Provide an alternative from the existing pubs? Or do you think it may spread Rochford's already strained spending power too thinly? Or if you have any other comments, it would be good to get a healthy debate going.

Southend Airport progress

Aerial photos taken a couple of months ago showing clearly the quick progress being made.

courtesy of "wannabe pilot" from aviation forum