brentwood.gov.uk

Although I am not keen on seeing my home village of West Horndon treble in size if the draft plan is taken forward in full, I am aware that new homes are needed and so fully appreciate Brentwood Council's thinking on how you have tried to address the issue. I do, however, think 1500 new homes is rather extreme.

My main concern is that the existing roads (Station Road/St Mary's Lane, Childerditch Lane and Thorndon Avenue) most likely to be affected and bear the brunt of increased traffic, are woefully incapable of doing so in their present state. Before any development takes place, it is imperative this aspect be addressed.

The same applies to ensuring sewerage and surface and domestic water drainage are properly catered for.

Other areas of concern are: (i) the effect of increased usage on the railway station - development of the station itself, additional car-parking (where would this be sited), increased train services (more frequent and longer trains?); (ii) healthcare provision - our doctors' surgery is currently a branch surgery; (iii) provision of green spaces and the retention of existing footpaths; (v) provision of homes suitable for elderly residents who wish to remain in the village but cannot, for whatever reason, remain in their present homes; (v) provision of childcare and schools (not of immediate interest to me, but will be to others).

The Plan refers to a possible circular bus route - we shall definitely need improved bus services; the current ones are very inadequate. At the moment, many of the workers at the present industrial sites arrive by train or walk if they live in the village. If the sites are moved as proposed to border the A127, then the workers shall have to drive there thereby increasing traffic and therefore pollution and noise etc. The bus route would have to be frequent, fit in with the train times, reliable and start early and finish late to ensure as many people as possible choose this option to travel to work.

Finally, the increased noise and traffic generated by building works even if only the industrial sites are developed shall cause major disruption to peoples' lives but even more so if the roads are not sorted out first.

One aspect of the Plan I cannot support is that of Traveller Pitches. I know the Council has to supply them by statute but the experience of people I know who live and work by such sites is that Travellers have no regard for the concerns of their non-Traveller neighbours. The examples of the Dale Farm sites (both legal and illegal) are what come to mind with their anti-social behaviour and real/perceived threat to safety and security of neighbouring properties.

Finally, although I am prepared to support the current draft plan, I would not support any further development of West Horndon as outlined in Appendix 2 as this would be a step too far.