brentwood.gov.uk

I am writing to object about the recent proposal to build some 1,500 houses and traveller sites in West Horndon.

I have recently become a resident in West Horndon in June after purchasing my first property. Previously I resided in Romford, Havering. I moved from Romford as over the years i saw this town deteriorate drastically. The small village of West Horndon appealed due to its small village feel with close proximity to the railway.

There was no mention of these proposed plans within environmental searches before i purchased in June. If there was, I would have reconsidered.

I have noticed that since your proposal there has been a sudden spike in private properties being put up for sale, some by long-standing residents. Is it possible that their hand is being forced to vacate the village before their property loses value? The proposed traveller sites would almost certainly impact property prices. I certainly did not pay the West Horndon premium in June 2013 to suddenly hear that a legitimate traveller site will be allowed, which will have a negative impact to home owners in the village.

Question 1) why would you locate a traveller site in a village with good rail links to the city and other road networks.?

Question 2) would you want to buy a new home in a village or future state 'town' where there is a traveller site..? How will these 1,500 new homes be sold..? If they are not sold, will these then be additional social housing which will then drive down property prices and dilute the current upstanding and professional community.

Whilst I recognise that some new housing and new infrastructure would benefit the community and village. It is important to note that the shear scale of your proposed plan is too vast and West Horndon would lose its current identity.

I ask you to reconsider your proposed plans to provide the traveller sites.