brentwood.gov.uk

I would like to draw your attention to the need for Brentwood Council to amend the 'use' of Tesco's land, where Hopefield is based to 'recreation and tourism'. I would also like to see a guarantee that Tesco would not get planning permission to build anything on this site other than Hopefield's buildings.

What would be the best solution is if Tesco donates this site to Hopefield, this would create positive publicity about Tesco. Of course Hopefield are grateful Tesco has let them be on the land, however it would ruin everything if they were to abandon them now, in an era where too many animals are mistreated and neglected.

Hopefield is a special place for many reasons, it would be a travesty for them to be put in jeopardy. They have worked so hard over the years to make this a safe haven for so many animals, large and small (currently circa 400). It is also an educational venue, a community and somewhere people can have enjoy. It provides an essential service to the local community.

Hopefield provides something the council does not, in relation to the care of animals. Too many people nowadays either cannot afford to look after their animals properly, consciously mistreat them, abandon them and too many stray (domestic) animals are found homeless. In addition to this the amount of travellers that are now around who treat their animals disgracefully mean the intake of horses has increased dramatically.

People come to Hopefield not only to have fun but also to learn, arranged trips are welcomed and pony mornings and workshops take place. Hopefield teaches people to care for the animals and helps people understand exactly what they would experience should they commit to getting one. There are limited places within Brentwood that offer the combination of fun and education.

Hopefield provides employment opportunities to Brentwood both salaried (minimal salary) and voluntary. This keeps people who may otherwise be unemployed, active and focused. There are many people who have retired but like to keep fit and care for the animals. Both of these points lead to minimising the drain on the government.

A community has formed at Hopefield, we are not only there to help the animals but also each other. To strip this away would be completely unethical. At Hopefield you have people young and old forming genuine bonds, this is largely based on the shared love of the animals. A petition has been created and within one weekend over 5200 people signed the petition to get the land changed to recreation and tourism. I don't think anyone can believe the land is being considered for development.

Hopefield has helped put Brentwood on the map for the right reasons, caring for the welfare of animals and providing an enjoyable environment for all to attend. It is essential that planning does not allow for Hopefield to be negatively impacted. Brentwood Council should be encouraging Hopefield, their fundraising, animal welfare and education. People come from far and wide to visit Hopefield. Leona Lewis and a number of other celebrities have helped raise awareness of Hopefield and Brentwood.

In addition to the reasons why Hopefield should remain as is. As an employee of a Brentwood based company, there is no need to add more congestion, housing and pollution to Brentwood. There are all ready too many traffic jams and accidents leading to travel disruptions.

I truly hope that Tesco's and Brentwood Council do the right thing and allow Hopefield to permanently remain on this site. I cannot begin to comprehend the uproar that will happen if things do not end in that result. I am sure there would be a lot of negative publicity that neither Tesco nor Brentwood Council will want.

If Hopefield had to move off of this land I would expect Tesco to seriously consider funding other land for them to be moved too. However, this would of course be a logistical nightmare and would unsettle all of the animals, however it is better than the other outcome. In a world of violence and greed lets prove that compassion is still there.

Please let there be a happy ending and take the pressure off of all involved in Hopefield, they have enough stress as it is generating the funds to look after these animals.